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We live in Northville, Michigan in a place 60% of the size of our place in Arizona. It is nice and it is plenty. I continue to enjoy Bosch and working with its people. The job is a good fit.

Cynthia is working hard to fully engage in Michigan life. She is trying to restart her tutoring business. She hangs with the Northville newcomers group, does Jazzercise, helps with English as a second language, goes to our health club frequently, and is going semi-pro in mah jongg (she won $3 this week). She is signed up for many things. Restarting in a new place requires work.

She follows me around the world, leaves the comfort of her home in Arizona for me, and finds and creates good wherever she goes….and this good is all focused on people. None are considered strangers to Cynthia. My great friend and love. What a blessing she is to me.

Luke, Evan, Jeff, Doug, Stan, Ryan and I went to Argentina in March. It is a trip I have wanted to take for many years. Jeff  and Doug, who are pastors, ended up publicly speaking at some of the spots we visited. A highlight for me was when my son, Luke and my son-in-law, Evan spoke to the high school students in Villa Pehuenia in Patagonia. I am very proud of my sons. See my last post, “We Went” for pictures and a recap.

We miss our family and friends in the south but we are heading to Texas over Thanksgiving for full immersion in family. We plan to see just about everyone in our extended family. Can’t wait.

We have two new grandchildren, the elegant Hadley Joy Prothro born to Evan and Julie on 7/3/2011:

 

Hadley reaching for her great grandfather

and the mighty Ezekiel Ryan Taylor born to Luke and Meg on 2/7/2011…and Colin is now 4 1/2 yrs old. These little ones make us melt…Meanwhile, Julie and Meg, their mommies, seem to just handle this child-raising stuff intuitively while staying bright-spirited and beautiful.

Right to Left: Ezekiel, Luke and Colin

Grace is a pithy word, exploding with meaning and depth.I have been thinking about a phrase describing grace used by Eugene Peterson in his Bible version, “The Message”: “…..this aggressive forgiveness we call grace.” Aggressive Forgiveness. What does that look like? I’m sure I don’t really grasp it, but here is a start.

God orchestrates one grand invasion of aggressive forgiveness on earth. He does not wait for us to determine a solution to our impossible dilemma. He does not wait for us to make the first move. His great mercy and love compels Him to initiate.

Leading the charge is a little baby with blood to shed. A sky full of angels announce His arrival to shepherds in a field: “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” About 33 years later the mission was completed. Now God says, “would you like to be forgiven? I have it all worked out”.

Some accept His provision of forgiveness. Some refuse. Some don’t acknowledge Him or His existence. He leaves His offer open to them.

Aggressive Forgiveness indeed…but there is much more to grace. So I defer the rest of this pondering about grace to you. Grace to you.

It's cold

Cynthia and I give thanks to God and wish you a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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