I put this as a blog, too, but thought I might share here, too.

Part of what makes this season so special to me is that people give pause, if only for a moment or in singing a song, to think about God, and the bigger things that matter in life. I love sharing cards and thoughts with my friends and family, and I realize every day that none of us or our bonds would exist without Scott. This is his site, his board, and meant to be, as he told Frankie and E this fall, his “blessing”. Scott, because I don't have the opportunity to call or send you a card, I take these times to let you know the difference you make in my life. I told you in 2006 that if I spent every day from then until I died thanking you, it still would not be enough, and that is still true, and the same feeling can be multiplied in a million other lives you have changed and healed. Your life is as much testament as your music to what real faith, real life, real love, real forgiveness, and real joy are! Like you so movingly express, I have been knocked down to the floor physically, emotionally, and spiritually over and over, sometimes day after day, of my life, sometimes by my own failings and actions, sometimes by others. Not all consequences are based on our own choices; some are forced upon us. Getting up from the floor can take moments, hours, months, years, or more but the important thing, the victory is that we get up, we move on, learn, and appreciate our blessings as we hope to help others. Every time you write, perform, and share your life journey you help, lift, and help others to heal, and there is NO ONE BUT YOU who gives and performs and shares himself with such honesty and grace! It was such pure joy to be part of this year, and celebrate with you as the true “desires of your heart” came to fruition for you, Jaclyn, and all your family! Bless you both for allowing me to give back to you in just the tiniest way—I always will cherish those moments. Full Circle is yet another gift that means so much to me. Never have you taken us on a more personal journey of your heart and soul, and you have never sung better or with more passion! Every song is a treasure, and I still listen to the whole thing through, because I can’t stop at one or two songs—it feels incomplete. TIME, ON MY SLEEVE, and GOOD FIGHT especially hug my heart and spirit, though, and whenever I am battling my body and refusing to let my Cerebral Palsy or other issues win, your “fight ons” make me feel like I can do anything! You are my noble warrior!

I chose the verse 1 Peter 2:9 on my Christmas cards this year because it speaks of how Jesus called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I have always loved that image, and that is what you also do through your life and art. So many times, it is still me, God, and you in the dark as I work through, as we all must, but your songs and spirit call us to the light, to God, and the better plan He has! Life is so much about making heaven out of hell, not because our battles or situations change, but because we change and allow God to change us!

Your life is a portrait of the blessing of the loaves, and we should all hope to be such an image. First, God TAKES us just how and wherever we are. He BLESSES us with His indwelling spirit, then He BREAKS us—that is a long process, and it hurts, but it is the only way He can GIVE the “bread” of our lives to others!

Scott, you have lived this out in your heart and life, and given yourself to so many of us! I pray you, Jaclyn, and all your family celebrate every joy of Christmas with all those you cherish, Laugh, live, and celebrate the beautiful, silly moments that stay forever, and reflect on a wonderful year of affirmation, and look forward to the blessing of a new year and a new child!

BLESSINGS at CHRITMAS and ALWAYS!

Tresa