2010 taught me...

This last year was one of growth and challenge for me. This was good, b/c 2009 was a real tough year for me - more challenges, hard learning, less growth (at least on the outside)

Looking back here are some highlights from 2010.

FAMILY TRIP UP THE WEST COAST
What a beautiful drive we had up the coast - seeing Newport, LA, Santa Monica, San Francisco, The Redwoods, Coos Bay, Seattle, and finally landing in beautiful Vancouver, BC - all by car.
I am extremely grateful for this trip b/c I got to see the beauty of the coast, the uniqueness of each city, and the joy of doing it all with my amazing family.
Lesson: there's beauty all over the world

WHISTLER CHURCH PLANTING RETREAT
This was another highlight b/c it was a very encouraging time for both my wife and I - it inspired to move forward in our vision of reaching Montreal with the gospel, and imagine that it was our first trip without our kids in 9 years. This was a blessing provided by a wonderful group of churches we get to partner with in Canada (CCMBC)
Lesson: take time to get refueled with your wife

A VERY GENEROUS YEAR WITH THE WESTSIDE GATHERING
Our church stretched financially in many ways this year. We gave away 20% of our June offerings split b/w a local church plant and aid to the Ukraine; we added funds to our Ukraine portion to reach 5000$ for a rehab project for men coming out of drug addiction. We held a special anniversary offering towards a future growth fund - and 35,000$ was pledged and donated. With all that going on we continued to move forward with our own local ministry and mission budget as well other local compassion efforts. God has been very faithful and shown us we can't out give him.
Lesson: you can't out give God

MY KIDS HAVE ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN A FRENCH SCHOOL
In their 2nd year in the french system my kids are really absorbing the french language and moving forward within that context. I'm soooo proud of them.
Lesson: we are able to adapt with some help and encouragement

WE WERE FORCED TO MAKE BUDGET CHANGES
With the growing needs of our family Franca and I hit a hurdle with our financial commitments. The needs went up. This really forced us to some make decisions so we could stick with our priorities: give, save, spend. In the past it seemed seemed like we were hitting those priorities with less effort. But life demanded more = more spending = serious choices. Proved that you must review your budget every 6-12 months, especially with a growing family that needs to eat and grow!! We also had to review our heart so we could stay committed to our financial priorities. Of course this taught us how faithful God is when you keep him first.
Lesson: can't out give God & let your priorities rule your decisions

LEADERSHIP AS A TEAM IS BETTER
For the first time in 7 years I felt Westside has been able to make more decisions as a team. This year we've seen more involvement and team effort. I've seen in it many of our teams, but I've experienced it personally in our leadership team. This fall we made some important steps forward - bringing our core into the process as well - and I felt the decisions rested on broader shoulders than just mine. Very Thankful.
Lesson: Church is a team sport... so is life, it's more fun with others.

MY WIFE AND FAMILY NEED ME
This is not a prideful statement. I realized more this year that if I'm going to live and lead well for the long haul, and if I'm going to keep my family first than I had to prioritize them with more intentionality. This Fall I've attempted to curb my nights out on average to 2 (unless we choose otherwise as a family). I pray I'll be growing more into this in 2011. I'm not there yet, but am making progress!
Lesson: let your priorities guide your calendar & you minister to the people in your home 1st

SOME BOOKS THAT I ENJOYED, BUT ALSO IMPACTED ME
Untamed by Alan & Deborah Hirsh was a great reminder of serious discipleship
When Helping Hurts gave me a better perspective on how to act when trying to alleviate poverty
Fields of Gold by Andy Stanley was a quick and inspiring reminder of how wonderful generosity is, yet how intentional it needs to be.
And by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay was such a refreshing book that gave me better words and meaning for why the church both gathers and scatters - most importantly numbers (large or small) are not the best measurement of success.
Exponential by Dave and Jon Ferguson was a fun read, while giving me new inspiration to see myself and our church multiply into the future.
Finally, JONAH, yes the Bible book, took me by surprise and drew me into it's story and message. I taught it over 4 weeks at Westside in November, but it challenged me regarding God's grace as much or more than anyone who was listening.
Lesson: I am a recipient of grace, God has called me to be a dispenser of it too.