Kristen and I are grateful for the greatest gift that the Lord has bestowed upon us (and everyone else) -- his Son and the possibility that we can be something greater than we could ever have been without Him. The year is coming to a close and it would not be a new year for me without making a quick post here to simply say that in addition to these, I am utterly grateful for you, who you have been to me, and the symbol you are in my life -- wherever you are today. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. These days, I am busy plotting, scheming, and dreaming, listening to the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, and getting ready for our family to birth two doctorates in less than 18 months.

Congratulations to our new President Elect, Barack Obama. You have my prayers, respect, and support.

All is well. My arm is recovering and the school year has started. I am working on my aforementioned projects and am about two months from drafts. My outline is growing each day. I need your assistance as this year continues. My school could use your help. If you are so inclined, please donate at www.donlugorenaissance.org. Thanks!

Coming through the summer with my head up was nothing short of God's free gift of grace: something I could not have worked toward myself. Given that so much of it started on the negative side for me, beginning with Bob Townsend's, my mentor's, death, and with the accident on June 13th, from which I still have a casted arm, much of this summer has brought to my heart nothing less than a sense of triumph. Holding this feeling within my heart, I remember how weak it is -- I am reminded that only He gives me the strength that is truly required to navigate the landscape of my time here on this earth. I recall broken times long ago when nothing seemed like it would ever work out: sitting at the bottom of a hole that I could never get out on my own. He came down and rescued me. Today, I consider the love of my life next to which I wake every day, the wealth of family given to me, and the seeds of work finally growing around us -- seeing that so much is left to be done, but with the knowledge that my life is already won. Much love. Check back soon. (August 14, 2008)