One of the true joys of this time of year for us is to look back at they year that is now passing and be reminded of all that God has done in our lives and all the people he made part of that. Because of our crazy lives we get to connect with hundreds, if not thousands of people, through visits, travel, phone calls and email.
So for all of them and for all who frequent this blog, Sara and I recorded a special Lifestream Podcast to share our greetings with you. )You can listen to it simply by clicking on the link, or right-click on the link if you want to download it to your computer or mp3 player.)
This year we journeyed as far as Germany and Switzerland and to the Carolinas for the first time. Wherever we go we are always blessed by the people Jesus has linked us to by my writings. We admire the courage of those who are living to their convictions and passions, rather than just settling for religious obligations or rituals. I know how difficult it is, especially in the early years, but also how rewarding the journey of following Jesus with abandon and connecting with others he gives you.
My heart and prayer for those of you who frequent this blog, is taken right from Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians:
Merry Christmas to you all. May these days and the year ahead be filled with the increasing reality of his presence and may he surprise you with simple joys and laughter all along the journey. Here are a couple of our joys. I couldn’t resist the chance to share them with you again. They are such a joy and wonder in our lives.
And may you and Sara and your precious family continue to be granted the power and ability to grasp the dimensions of Love, Himself.
Immanuel.
Kelly
And may you and Sara and your precious family continue to be granted the power and ability to grasp the dimensions of Love, Himself.
Immanuel.
Kelly
Wayne and Sara,
Father has used your ministry more than anything else this past year, to transform my thinking about ministry and church. But better than that, you’ve helped me to grow deeper in my understanding of living loved and living free! Free from fear and guilt. Free to let go of my agenda and embrace God’s. Free even to fail, in need be. Free from judging success by the outcome.
We started a non-profit, counseling and small group ministry last January. In March we read The Shack and He Loves Me. Then we started listening to all your CD’s. Your teaching has shaped a lot of what we do and how we go about things. We are learning to just come along side people and help them sort out their relationship with God. But in the process, He is setting us free more and more to love without any strings attached, without an agenda.
I hope one day to meet you face to face. I feel as though I have known you for a long time. God richly bless your coming and going and keep you resting in His affection.
Living loved,
Renee
We love you guys! Have a great Christmas! What a joy you are to us!
Amy and David
Wayne and Sara,
Father has used your ministry more than anything else this past year, to transform my thinking about ministry and church. But better than that, you’ve helped me to grow deeper in my understanding of living loved and living free! Free from fear and guilt. Free to let go of my agenda and embrace God’s. Free even to fail, in need be. Free from judging success by the outcome.
We started a non-profit, counseling and small group ministry last January. In March we read The Shack and He Loves Me. Then we started listening to all your CD’s. Your teaching has shaped a lot of what we do and how we go about things. We are learning to just come along side people and help them sort out their relationship with God. But in the process, He is setting us free more and more to love without any strings attached, without an agenda.
I hope one day to meet you face to face. I feel as though I have known you for a long time. God richly bless your coming and going and keep you resting in His affection.
Living loved,
Renee
We love you guys! Have a great Christmas! What a joy you are to us!
Amy and David
Merry Christmas, Wayne & Sara!
Like others, since stumbling upon the Jake book mentioned in someone’s blog two years ago, I’ve been launched on an incredible journey that I’m sharing with more and more friends with each passing day. Your writings, podcasts, links and recommendations, and the connections I’ve made flowing out from that are deeply impacting my life, and the lives of others as I’ve been able to pass them on.
There are a number of folks on several continents that have been drawn into the circle of your friends
… and I’m glad to have been able to be a part of it!
Wayne,
Jamie and I are so thankful for your your heart and freedom. It has been a means of Papa giving us both hope.
My daughter ( a sophomore. in HS) listens to your podcasts on the bus to school in the morning. It has led to some great conversations in our family!
Merry Christmas!
Chad
Merry Christmas, Wayne & Sara!
Like others, since stumbling upon the Jake book mentioned in someone’s blog two years ago, I’ve been launched on an incredible journey that I’m sharing with more and more friends with each passing day. Your writings, podcasts, links and recommendations, and the connections I’ve made flowing out from that are deeply impacting my life, and the lives of others as I’ve been able to pass them on.
There are a number of folks on several continents that have been drawn into the circle of your friends
… and I’m glad to have been able to be a part of it!
Wayne,
Jamie and I are so thankful for your your heart and freedom. It has been a means of Papa giving us both hope.
My daughter ( a sophomore. in HS) listens to your podcasts on the bus to school in the morning. It has led to some great conversations in our family!
Merry Christmas!
Chad
Merry Christmas,
Wayne what beautiful grandchildren you have. Enjoy the break with your family,even if it isn’t white…
Merry Christmas,
Wayne what beautiful grandchildren you have. Enjoy the break with your family,even if it isn’t white…
Quoting Sara / pod cast, “Help me see where I am not living in your love”.
Quoting Wayne / pod cast, “Learning to live loved”
This has been a consistent message that you have not deviated from.
Thank you both.
ps. I am thick so keep it coming.
ps. ps. I’m not kidding, thanks again.
Best always
Leonard
Quoting Sara / pod cast, “Help me see where I am not living in your love”.
Quoting Wayne / pod cast, “Learning to live loved”
This has been a consistent message that you have not deviated from.
Thank you both.
ps. I am thick so keep it coming.
ps. ps. I’m not kidding, thanks again.
Best always
Leonard
Merry belated Christmas and a Happy New Year!! The prayers of myself and my family and those of us here in Duluth are with you and yours, we are so thankful for your friendship and encouragement!
Don’t have time to say much, but I just read this blogpost at my friend Jeremy Meyers’ blog, and I thought you would appreciate it. It reminded me so much of the BBQ scene from the Jake Book!! I hope it encourages you the way it did me. 🙂
http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2008/12/04/new-york-church-planting/
Merry belated Christmas and a Happy New Year!! The prayers of myself and my family and those of us here in Duluth are with you and yours, we are so thankful for your friendship and encouragement!
Don’t have time to say much, but I just read this blogpost at my friend Jeremy Meyers’ blog, and I thought you would appreciate it. It reminded me so much of the BBQ scene from the Jake Book!! I hope it encourages you the way it did me. 🙂
http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2008/12/04/new-york-church-planting/
Happy Holiday Season to you Wayne and Sara ~
I can’t begin to express how deeply our lives have been impacted by your writings over the last year. We’ve only been out of church since Easter 2007. It seems a long time to me, but not very much time compared to most people I’ve come into contact with who are on this journey.
I am deeply grateful for all you have shared through your books/podcasts/articles. They have helped me so much as I seek His Way. I am so far removed from all that is familiar to me in religious terms, but I don’t feel alone. Jesus is my Companion and the Holy Spirit my Guide as I have been compelled down this unknown path into uncertain territory. But I am not afraid, for He is with me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have shared. My husband and I will never be the same.
In Him,
Sherri
Happy Holiday Season to you Wayne and Sara ~
I can’t begin to express how deeply our lives have been impacted by your writings over the last year. We’ve only been out of church since Easter 2007. It seems a long time to me, but not very much time compared to most people I’ve come into contact with who are on this journey.
I am deeply grateful for all you have shared through your books/podcasts/articles. They have helped me so much as I seek His Way. I am so far removed from all that is familiar to me in religious terms, but I don’t feel alone. Jesus is my Companion and the Holy Spirit my Guide as I have been compelled down this unknown path into uncertain territory. But I am not afraid, for He is with me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have shared. My husband and I will never be the same.
In Him,
Sherri