When all had ended last evening, Tiffany and I talked through the gratefulness we have for being at BVBC. The relationships we have had the opportunity to form and solidify over the past year have been amazing, and we both feel truly blessed to be in OP. Several images stand out from last night. Smiles all around. Laughter heard throughout. Old friendship shared, and new friendships being built. A picture of Derrick in star glasses on the big screen. How can it get any better? Three moments bring it home for our family.

1)Tiffany allowed Tirin to build and carry her own plate last night. Being a 5-year old and trying to gingerly walk with a full plate, she tipped and spilled it. Within 5 seconds Julie Chastain was right there, telling Tirin it was ok, and that the 3-second rule was definitely in effect (though she did get Tirin fresh food). WOW! While I missed that moment, Tiffany welled up when sharing it with me, as she did the same. Moment One: Julie's care for Tirin.

2)Another Tirin story. We allowed her to go to the table and get her own dessert. While I watched her the whole time, Mike Bailey helped Tirin select her items, and escorted her back to the table (carrying one of the two plates she filled for she and Ethan). Another WOW! Moment Two: Mike Bailey watching out for my little girl.

3)Towards the end, Ethan went on an adventure with Evan Schmidt in the storage room adjacent to the choir room. When I noticed he had slipped away, I asked Tiffany, and another friend quickly mentioned he had went into the choir room. Upon entering, Kirk Chastain said that Ethan was in the storage closet with Evan on an adventure. And yet another example of someone caring for our kids. Moment Three: Kirk and other men watching out for my son.

Blue Valley Baptist Church: A Place For You. Phrases that fit even more for the Rays last night: Blue Valley Baptist Church: a church FAMILY (and I mean, family--brothers and sisters in Christ) who genuinely care for each other, from the biggest to the smallest, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. BVBC: A place where God is at work, and His love is evidenced by the love people have for each another (I believe that is a verse somewhere...oh yes: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples: by your love for one another." John 13:34-35)

What a joy to be a part of what God is doing. There has been so much to be thankful for in the last year, that we feel we have experienced "Thanksgiving" nearly every day. We trust your day, week, and holiday are special, filled with His love and life. Thank-you for all that you are and do. We love you church family!