#10: Springles Retreat
April in Deep Creek was chilly—not only outside, but inside too. The cold stares that we and another couple got from thirty-seven single adults literally made me shudder. These “Christians” were not very love-filled, and it was obvious. I mean, just because the retreat was billed as an event where every single would be paired off with a “spouse” didn’t give them the right to be evil. Turns out the weekend-long exercise of “marriage” was a lot of fun for everybody and a great object lesson. We’re still trying to find ways to top that one. For most, only real marriages will do the trick.
#9: Chasing Oprah
My good buddy, Greg, came to visit back in the spring, and I happily played chauffer/tour guide to NYC. He, Cam and I drove down a cross street on the backside of Radio City Music Hall, when we were halted by a security barricade. The billionairess, in the flesh, was making her way through the cheering crowd, signing autographs en route to an awaiting black suburban—the one ten feet in front of me. They must have thought my SUV was part of her entourage, because they moved the barricade only seconds after she hopped in. I don’t know what came over me?!? Before I knew it I was in hot pursuit through Midtown Manhattan—all the way to her hotel. Crazy, but oh my, to call this “fun” is such an understatement. Check it out here.
#8: Thanksgiving
Spending turkey day in Florida is becoming a tradition for us—especially after this year. My sister’s family along with our dear friends, the Greens and the Maynards, had a similar idea. Backyard swimming in November and hanging out with Mickey made for a great vacation. But sharing a feast with eighteen of your family and close friends is something for which I was truly thankful.
#7: COEBA
The 19th Annual Conference on Evangelizing Black America is always an exciting gathering at our church. This year’s COEBA was most memorable perhaps because it almost didn’t happen. Violent thunderstorms caused unprecedented power outages during the hot summer weekend prior. Temperatures approached 110°. It was unlike anything we had seen here. But thankfully, the power came back on in time. The Conference was electrified, literally and figuratively. Topped it off with an overnight in NYC with my new brother, Andrew Garcia, and his wife Kayla. An amazing week!
#6: MM
The Miracle Mansion Project remains my great passion. It was 2006 when the idea came about, and each year it has moved closer to fruition. With a new site that is ten times larger at a fraction of the cost per acre, the growth of this Project in 2012 is mind-blowing. Huge financial blessings and an opportunity to connect with some very capable people made this an unforgettable year. And we’ve only just begun.
Those who know me know that “I just love people.” (Inside joke). Truth is I love to be surrounded by people I love. Who doesn’t? I traveled less in 2012 than in years past, but it was a year when people I don’t see often came to see me (ok, us). I can’t think of too many things better than that. Sondrew was here twice—in the summer and at Christmas. Just seems right when he’s here. Bsanti came and spent a crazy five-day weekend with his pops. Can’t wait for that permanent move☺. So loved having OMY here—was like old times, with long, late, deep, couch convos. And Diana blew in from the windy city just to remind me how much I miss her. Visits, wonderful. Goodbyes, not so much.
#4: Easter
These Sundays are usually special—wait, isn’t “usually special” an oxymoron? Anyway, Easter 2012 topped them all. My brother preached an incredible sermon on the Cross entitled, “The Man In the Middle.” The 45-minute invitation that followed brought a host of people down the aisle for salvation. It was one the greatest services I had ever experienced. We left with a poignant reminder of God’s grace through Jesus’ sacrifice. Still gives me chills. Matt, Lana and Maddie Cretzman—our sweet friends—were there too. A day like that made it that much easier just to love on them.
#3: MM Production
This wasn’t the first time we brought the Miracle Mansion Play to stage, but it was the first time on this scale. A two-story set with the structure of a small house. Trap doors. Falling demons. A mechanical lift. This was a major undertaking for us. Truth be told, it was hugely successful in every way. God blessed it beyond our expectations. Yet, I said to myself, “Never again.” When I learned that my niece, Zoe, trusted Christ as a result, I knew that it was worth it all. But still, never again. Not until the real MM is built.
#2: Cam
When our kids were born we looked forward to shopping for baby clothes, having fun at the playground and birthday parties. On the flip side, I envisioned the day when they would graduate from college, tie the knot and have children of their own. What I never anticipated was the moment at which the transition from child to adult would unfold before my eyes. That happened in 2012. He’s only 17 (still not sure how I used “only” and “17” in the same sentence), but Cameron became, at least to me, a man last year. We talk about so much. His heart is tender for God and for others. He is talented beyond comprehension. And though he still kisses me goodnight, I am acutely aware that he’s not a little boy anymore. I have mixed emotions—the lion’s share of them being pride and gratitude. Let’s hope Casey won’t become a “woman” for at least another ten years. She’s only 15.
#1 Granddaddy
I have many, many memories of Lynn Baldwin—from the time he helped me find the kid who stole my Big Wheel to the road trip we took to Cincinnati. He was a larger than life presence, not physically, yet in practically every other way. Holding his hand during the final hours of his life was surreal. Not sad, just surreal. I felt proud. Blessed. Special. I tried to recall every memory. Prayed for a possible miracle. Thought about Grandmommy. Marveled at how good he looked at 102 and on his deathbed. Wondered if I had his long-life genes. It was a remarkable day. The coolest day. The apex of 2012 for me.
All in all I’m thankful for these and for millions of other occurrences last year. Many I prefer to forget--but whether over mountains or through valleys, God brought me through. Just like He does every year.
