...Where we're going.

So 2009 has been here a few days, and its been pretty ok. Rather than make any resolutions, I thought we do some Dreams (the crazy stuff), Hopes (things that would be great) and Prayers (the things we're actively pursuing).

Dreams: 1. I'd like a million dollars. Not too much more, cuz taxes would kill us. It lets us pay off the house and car, and we can buy the brand name peanut butter for the kids. And maybe we could finish the fence at one time instead of over the decade.
2. The Gate would reach 500. That number, because if the average tithe is $1000, Wally and I could go full time as pastors. Plus, 500 legitimizes us in the eyes of the world as a success. And if we're kooky enough with 500 people, publishers will want a book, and I'd love to write one. And finish it.
3. One (or both) of the girls develop scholarship worthy abilities at the ages of 4 and 2 respectively. Then we don't have to worry about college. Which we wouldn't worry about at all if we got Dream #1 as well.

Hopes: 1. A healthy year. No major illness in the family due to pets or greasy food.
2. The time and money for a real family vacation. Nothing wrong with visiting family, but they don't live in the mountains, and I think our girls believe we made those rocky things up in an elaborate hoax involving various national publications and the Discovery Channel.
3. More snow in College Station. It was great back in December, but the snowman we made was really sub-par and whipped up rather hastily. We can do better. Maybe that is the girls' scholarship ticket...

Prayers: 1. For the Gate to have at least 25 regular attenders by this summer. We'd love to have some momentum going into the summer. Which if you're reading this, and love A&M and don't currently attend the Gate, you should. Commute or move, but you should soooo be with us. Especially those of you with family already here. Or Friends. Or a favorite restaurant.
2. To find a way to serve others better, both individually and as a part of the Gate. I really feel there is a need for us as followers of Jesus to seek out those in need and love them, serve them, or whatever.
3. To be generally better at everything. Yeah, I know, but I really think we out to be striving to be better at loving each other, being less selfish, doing the best we can in our profession, be better listeners, blah, blah, blah. In all seriousness, I think I'll find 2 or 3 things in my attitude or actions to really work on. Some of you may want to work on a few more than that. Pride. That's definitely one for me.

Have a great New Year!