An annual Christmas tradition originating from Community 360 (Desert Ministries in the beginning) was presented once again in December. The musical numbers and a recitation showcased from the The Salvation Army KROC Center in SE Omaha. Community 360 serves many seniors and their care providers in this area, and the event is held for all of them to enjoy. A number of area care centers brought vans of folks who for some this is all the Christmas they were going to experience. Not only has Santa disappeared from their imagination (Mr. & Mrs. Claus greeted them none the less), their daily life has little to envision either.
With a close family member having spent the past year in a care facility, I have a new understanding of what it can be like. When visiting there it was always amazing to see how a smile, a kind word, or even just an acknowledgement a person existed could have such an uplifting impact on their demeanor. On occasion I would walk to the dining area during meal times, go to the keyboard and play some old hymns, seasonal songs or tunes they knew and requested (when I could remember them or find the music). The serving staff and residents seemed to find some additional spice for their spirit that day.
And so the lights dimmed, the stage was lit, the music played and the snow fell (yes, inside) as Christmas once again rang out for our elders. While the audience waited for their return transportation, Kyle Knapp and John Rogers entertained with their guitars and vocals in the seating area. I met someone during that time I hadn’t seen for a number of years, and although she no longer remembered who I was, I hope she was blessed and encouraged in a celebration of her Saviour’s birth.

Early this month a collage of musicians and speakers were assembled in continued solidarity for our National Monuments and Parks. Kyle Knapp organized the evening as an extension of a concert held in Cleveland, OH by our friend Jon Guggenheim. Other events were held around the country on this same weekend. Jon has been one of many, many people concerned about the move on the part of some government persons from the highest level down to state and local officials who are seeking to at least reduce the size or minimize some of our National Monuments. In June I joined Jon on the last leg of a video/interview gathering trip in multiple states documenting a few of the parks and monuments in those states (story here). The editing is ongoing and when finished will be one more voice in raising the banner to inform and alert us to what we have in these public lands, and what is at stake if we lose them. There are certainly varied interests, concerns and rationales pertaining to these areas, but one thing we should all be united in is that fact that we have only one chance to preserve these areas for us and future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Wise thought should be exercised in their use and care, which hopefully will result in not abusing these resources. Once gone, they can never be fully restored – if at all.

At initial read, this title may not seem to have anything to do with a recording studio – but there really is a connection.
Yesterday I was honored to witness an event I’d never seen before first hand. It was an adoption, well two adoptions actually. Yesterday as a part of National Adoption Day, a client and friend of mine and his wife were awarded two children to be their own – part of their family in every sense. It was quite a celebration with children’s activities and displays by various child and family services, and then culminating in proceedings before a judge which made the transition official. The kids exited the courtroom with new identities and belonging, and the parents with additional family members.
One of the joys as a business person over the years is becoming involved in the lives of my clients. There’s been lots of beginnings, endings, and journeys along the way. Although having destination is essential, my friend reminded me yesterday that while en route to those destinations we should always focus on the journey. My congratulations to this family for their joy and eagerness to take on this new part of their journey with its responsibilities and privileges, and the opportunities they are affording these young lives. I am reminded of another adoption made available to each of us from the Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus, whose birth we will soon celebrate. But let’s first take special time this week to be thankful for the many blessings we each have – foremost of which is relationships and family, while being mindful of those around us (near and far) that may not have or feel those same blessings.