A few months ago, a dear friend gifted me a book called “Dream Small.” Is “gifted” really a word, btw? I know it’s the rage and all … but when did we start using this as a verb???

I digress. Now where was I?

Ah yes, “Dream Small.” An intriguing title, to be sure.

Kind of unorthodox, too. I mean, haven’t we all been taught that “if your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough.” Or am I the only one reading Mark Batterson books? Aren’t we, after all, supposed to setting BIG hairy audacious God-sized goals? Exceedingly, abundantly, far above all we can ask or think type stuff … Immeasurably More, I believe is what they call it.

So, in light of all that, a title like “Dream Small” does seem a bit provocative.

It is hard to believe that I have been on staff for a year already. It feels like it was just last month that Pastor Robin and I were talking about her upcoming retirement and the church leadership was looking for her successor. As we would talk about the leadership team’s search for the next person, little did I know that God had plans for me to step into that role.

I enjoy designing artwork and creating T-shirts for people. So, when I was asked by someone to make a shirt for them with their son’s baseball team logo on it, I jumped at the opportunity. The brand, color, style, and size of the shirt he wanted was very specific. I knew it would be difficult to find this exact shirt at a local retail clothing store.

I am just coming out of the Easter season and still filled with so much joy from all the celebrations that I was privileged to participate in. Easter Jam was Amazing! The children and families that attended and participated in an epic celebration as we proclaimed, “Jesus is Alive.

Finally, warm “ish” weather has arrived as much as it can in Buffalo! All my life, I have been notorious for barefoot walks as soon as the warm weather hits. This spring has not been any different.

The guy telling me the story always carried a $100 bill in his wallet, that no one knew about, even though he always used his credit card for purchases. The money was there “just in case.”

I have a quote on my desk that reads “Originality is the art of concealing your source” which was penned by Benjamin Franklin. When I begin a new design, I often go to sources that inspire me. I take an idea someone else had, put a spin on it, and make it my own. So, the concept of “borrowing” someone else’s idea has been around for a long, long time.

In January, I started rereading The One Year Bible. The last couple weeks I have been in Deuteronomy and Joshua. I am reminded again of how obstinate and stubborn the people of Israel were year after year. As I read Moses telling the people ALL the blessings God has for them if they would just follow Him, and all the curses if they don’t, I found myself feeling frustrated that they kept choosing to walk away from God even though they had so much to lose.

Pam and I always enjoy returning to the Holy Land. Each trip we lead is spiritually refreshing, a chance to be reminded once again about the reality of our faith. Riding on a boat on the Sea of Galilee, my imagination transports me back to a day when a storm was tossing a boat like ours back and forth. Jesus speaks some words, and the wind and waves die down and all is at peace. And I think, Jesus was here.

In August of 2022, Bryan and I had the privilege of visiting Newport, Rhode Island with Maestro Tours. We toured the Gilded Age (1877-1896) Mansions, such as The Breakers and The Marble House. Opulent wealth and luxurious furnishings were on display everywhere we looked. And, interesting that the owners spent less than two months a year in residence at their, what they referred to as, “Summer Cottages.”