Welcome to 2009

We rang in the new year at the Durbin family by putting the kids to bed at 9pm, and watching House episodes online until midnight. I believe Eric rolled over (had been asleep and snoring) kissed me and said, "happy new year baby"--then rolled back over and went back to sleep!! We are definitely the lively bunch eh?! Party like its 2009! Ah, Prince...(formally known as, the sign we couldn't ever explain...) we miss the 80's!

As I reflect on the year, and how life has evolved in the Durbin family -- All I can say really is, "Praise God, we are loved." We have been through several transitions these last couple of years, and we have found that our true friends still love and care for us. They still pray with us, they still cry with us and they share our joys with us. True friends are rare in ministry -- but, I can honestly say, we have some of the best people, with the largest hearts for our friends. You all know who you are -- and I say Thank you.

My goals this year are purely relational in context. They are interpersonal in perspective. I have in many years past been a friend to many -- usually with an agenda. Not a bad agenda...one with a kingdom goal in mind usually...(can't say always), but with expectations. One could argue reasonably that they were "results oriented friendships". This is probably one of the hazards of ministry leadership. The "if you...then I will" not unconditional but conditional love. I am not convinced that this is true friendship. Now, I did love all of them. Cared for all of them and they usually knew it -- but they also knew I had expectations, and high ones at that - and some often felt that they wouldn't ever measure up. Thus, this year my goals are not numerical, can't really be measured by any metrical system or quantitative means...but purely in meaningful blessings that probably won't be noticed by me until I reach heaven - and my Lord looks in my eyes and says "well done, my good and faithful servant." -- So what are they??? Let's list them...(I LOVE Lists!)

1. Reach out to people I do not know in a meaningful way. At least one a week. (oops..numerical..can't seem to get away from measurable goals! ugh!)

2. Deepen and enrich the new relationships I currently have in my life.

3. Communicate love and genuine concern for friends I have had throughout my life.

4. Love my family (ugh, all of them) and communicate this in an effective way.

5. Hug and kiss my kids every day and tell them I love them.

6. Communicate affectionately, in my husband's love language, how much I am in love with him and how that love grows each passing minute by showing him how much I respect his leadership, his Daddy's heart and his ability to provide for our family through his passions and spiritual giftings.

OK -- now they are in print. Accountability begins. I will update you on how things are going...you as my readers and followers are probably my friends as well -- so, you are my best audience and accountability! I love and care for you! (oops...the agenda again...not bribing you to say I am doing well!!!!! I promise!)

I hope you enjoy reading. I love writing!