January Prayer
Bit by bit my Christmas decorations are being put away.
I love to let it linger.
Once I left them up until Valentines day.
This year, people are starting to tell me I should hang little red envelopes (Ang Bao for Chinese New Year) on my fake evergreen branches. Maybe I’ll go get the box to put away my tree.
No. Not until I send this email.
This year Chinese New Year falls early (29th Jan), so in Chinatown at midnight on December 25, Christmas Reds and Greens were being replaced with a “Year of the Dog” theme with Reds and Golds.
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After the rush of the World of Narnia, Grandparents visit, and 2 kids’ birthdays, January has rolled into the middle of the month pretty quietly. It has been a good time for reflecting and planning. If you haven’t taken time to reflect on what 2005 brought for you check out some questions to get you started at my blog. http://spicetolife.blogspot.com.
The middle of the month we’re on a roll again with ministry, boys back in school, a bit of travel, and some guests. But we’re still having time to take in the view, and spend time listening quietly to the Holy Spirit. There are plenty of events on the calendar, but I want to continue to grow in my faith. I want to see more miracles happen this year! What Oh Lord are your plans for us? What do you desire to do in and through us in 2006?
Here’s some details for those who pray for specifics:
3, 11, 24, 25 – Lord rule and reign in the meetings and lives of Jim’s Focusing Leaders Networks, their success as leaders is only by your spirit of power, love and self discipline.
5 – CRM Singapore board 1/2 day vision retreat. Jim enjoys his new role as their president and is getting great coaching from a CEO on leading boards.

9-10 Tyler has a sleepover w/5 Singaporean pals. Praying still for a good influence on these boys.
11 – Back to school. (Thank you Lord that they are excited about this!)
12 – Tyler turns 13! Lookout! We have a teenager in the house. I’m still so thankful for those of you who prayed with us through long years of infertility and shared in the joy with us when God gave us this son. He is a delight.
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12-16 Thank you Lord for a truly fun visit with Biola University President Clyde Cook and his wife Anna Belle.
13 Had a great gathering of Biola Alumni who live in Singapore. Over 25 were able to come for an dessert with the Cooks, and that was only half the list!
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16-19 Lord, Bless Jim’s time in Malaysia with 300 Singapore pastors for an annual national prayer summit. Give him opportunities to be a blessing to many there and give him clearer vision of your direction for him while he draws near to you at this summit.
18 Kim has a planning meeting for a Creative Parenting Toolbox a 2 hour workshop to be hosted by a local church in February. They are expecting up to 200 parents to sign up!
19, 23, 30 A new group of artists has started to meet with Kimberly weekly. Thank you Lord for the favor you’ve given me among some artists here. Thank you for their eagerness to get to know me better and let me help them learn how to draw near to you, follow you and grow in grace and character. Thank you for what you’ve been doing in my life to help me know you better and love them more. http://spicetolife.blogspot.com
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19 The Drama Club with 3-8th graders from International Community School resumes. There are so many things I could do with them. I need direction from the Lord on what would be the best way to impart creativity and confidence in this great group of kids. As well as how we can use their enthusiasm and new skills as a ministry to others. http://ourtheatrecompany.blogspot.com
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20, 27 Five Stars meet on Friday afternoons now. We had a great time reflecting on last year and praying over 2006 New Year’s Resolutions (our 3rd year!). They still relish the trust, sharing and encouragement to grow in faith. Last week we met at the new apartment of one of the girls who will be married this May. We prayed through each of the rooms of the house asking God’s blessing and joy to fill their home. Sweet. Over the holidays Joni’s husband Trevor was here from Perth to play with his former band UBlues. So sweet to be able to keep in touch with and keep encouraging friends even when they’ve left Singapore. We plan to do some “marriage mentoring” over the phone a couple of times this year to help them continue to build a strong foundation in their marriage.
20-21 CRM New Zealand Director of CRM visits.
25-Feb 2 My parents visit for Chinese New Year Jan 29-31, biggest holiday of the year. Our plan is to enjoy each other and just do life together for a week. School has a 3 day holiday and music lessons are cancelled. Lord, thank you so much for supportive and loving parents who are able to visit us here. I pray that out extended family will be a blessing to our mentoring networks & other friends that week. Lead us in how to wisely spend our short week together.
As always, we are grateful for your support and partnership with us in living for the King on this side of the world,
