Martin Smith of Delirious? fame is at the height of his vintage Bono/U2 channeling ability on his project from 2017, Army of Bones.

I flipping love it.

My wife, Amber, has flown to Texas to be with her family as they grieve the loss of her Nana and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

I enjoyed helping Amber pack (I am a bit obsessed with packing) and was especially pleased that she opted to borrow one of my light backpacks and go carry-on only instead of checking a heavy bag. I like to feel like I’m helping her in this difficult process in some way.

I’ll miss her tomorrow at church; it’s never the same without her. I know she was so looking forward to the Epiphany party we have planned. That won’t be the same without her either.

The kids really miss her already. I let them all stay sleep in the same room since they asked and it seemed liked a comforting idea to them. Jensen gladly made a comfy pallet on the floor to sleep in between his sisters’ beds.

I taped a list of stuff to the door not to forget in the morning rush to church: bakery-bought cakes (they will be great, but I will miss Amber’s French-style King’s Cakes…plus I know she loves to make them) my guitar (helping with the music tomorrow), my backpack (with the music I need) and laptop (just in case).

And the kids, of course.

Book: Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by Chris Marchand » It happened: the book is funded! — Kickstarter

GREAT news. I am excited to be a part of this project.

Great morning out on the mountain today for my first Grand Canyon trip training hike. I’ve done this hike many times before, but a 10 lbs pack (plus a liter and a half of water/coffee) definitely made a difference. Overall it went really well, and this seems like a good starting level…will do this hike one more time next week before upping the distance.

Google Photos album including GPS maps and fitness data

Ann (I called her Nana as if she was one of my own grandparents) was one of the kindest, most caring, patient and loving people I have met. When I married her granddaughter Amber, she welcomed me into the family in the most beautiful way. I always felt at home and loved and accepted with her. We had many lovely conversations about Jesus. I will miss her.

Here we are on our wedding day with Nana and Papa Joe.

Obituary for Patricia “Ann” Morris

Funeral services for Patricia “Ann” Morris, 77, of Edgewood, are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Monday, January 7, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Edgewood. Burial will be held at 2:30 PM, after services at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. Services are under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.

Patricia Ann Thompson was born June 17, 1941, in Dallas, TX, to Wesley Bert and Bessie Loraine Davis Thompson. She was raised in Dallas and graduated from Samuel High School. Ann married Roy D. “Joe” Morris on May 4, 1996, in Dallas and they made their home in the Edgewood community in 1999. She loved Jesus with all her heart, she was a wonderful homemaker, and was also employed as a receptionist for Perot Systems and Edgewood High School. Ann was a member of the First Baptist Church in Edgewood and also taught Sunday school classes and Awanas. She was a fabulous cook and loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Bessie Thompson

Ann is survived by her husband, Roy D. “Joe” Morris of Kaufman; daughter, Kristy Falk and husband Duane of Paris; son, Chuck Smith and wife DeeAnna of Dallas; daughter, Susan Dunham and husband Jeff of Edgewood; step-son, Russell Morris of Kaufman; sister, Geraldine Gardner and husband Gerry of Gainesville; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM, Sunday, January 6, 2019, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Memorials may be made to: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the International Mission Board. www.imb.org/lottie-mo…

Does blogging count as journaling? 🤔

My favorite part of today was sitting down at my home desk with coffee, Bible, and prayer book…and then having my six year old daughter ask to join me for devotions.

We did all of Morning Prayer from the Daily Office together, me reading the minister parts and Selah reading the parts for the people.

We both loved reading the Scriptures and praying together, I think.

Couldn’t ask for a better start to the day.

📧 Published the first edition of my new newsletter. I don’t know what I’m doing.

My word for 2019 is health.

I want to be healthy in mind, body, spirit. I intend to get a doctor and dentist this year.

I want a healthier marriage than ever with my lovely Amber. I intend to facilitate more dates.

I want to have healthy relationships with my children. I intend to take care to be especially present with each of them.

I want to be a healthy priest and church leader. I intend read more deeply and take my limits more seriously.

I want be a healthy, well-rounded musician. I intend to learn some blues scales.

I want to be a healthy, consistent writer. I intend to write daily.