Experimenting with blogging since 2003, I got into a regular writing rhythm beginning in 2005. Every year I've tried to sit down and reflect upon my previous year. Here's my complete archive:

2012 was filled with lots of travel: back-to-back trips to Arizona, back-to-back trips to Chicago, Philly Monkees concert, etc. Amber and I finally felt settled into our new house and discovered a new home with the Converge tribe. I had a BLAST speaking at a number of churches, dedicating a handful of kiddo's at Life, and officiating a summer wedding that was flawless except during the closing pronouncement of Man and Wife when I said the absolute wrong names (that was AWESOME.).

But if I had to nail 2012 down into three top moments, they would be these:

1) Hands-down the adoption of Ainsleigh Grace.

When we received the phone call on Leap Day, the world became a blur of activity. We've learned a TON about African-American culture over the past year and our eyes have been opened to a whole new world. She has brought so much joy into our lives. Ainsleigh is quite simply the bounciest. baby. ever. And happiest. Such a privilege to be her daddy.

2) We founded a new church in Michigan.

I just want to see people come to Christ. That's my agenda. Life Church Michigan is the outlet for that passion (we tacked "Michigan" on the end because we dream of launching multiple campuses in the years ahead to saturate the region).

Weekly services will launch this year, but 2012 was about building a Launch Team with a strong vision and solid DNA. Our first Informational Meeting was nearly a year ago in Caro with Preview Services in Saginaw during the Fall. God continues to blow us away with new friends, partnerships, and a number of exciting opportunities as we head into the new year.

3) Flippin' MICKY DOLENZ tweeted my blog to his followers.
Yes, that made my top three moments of the year!! In case you don't understand, I've been a Micky Dolenz/Monkees Freak since the 1980's. To know that he not only read this blog but thought it tweetable (see pic left) absolutely made my year.

Looking ahead, 2013 is shaping up to be the Best. Year. EVER.

We have some exciting plans in the works for Life Church. Wish I could spill the beans, but then there would be beans everywhere, and we can't have that.

My first book on leveraging the rules of comedy in leadership will also be publishing nationally later this year along with a free new podcast for leaders. I have a couple of speaking engagements coming up in the early part of this year. And our family hopes to begin the adoption process AGAIN in 2013!

Thanks for being along for the journey. I'd love to connect with you on twitter, the facebook, and instagram.

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