Sorry for the blog-absence. I’m trying to get back into a good rhythm of posting regular, but a lot has happened over the last four weeks, keeping me busy and keeping me from posting; namely:
1. I got engaged! On the evening of the last time I posted (November 22nd), Carolyn and I celebrated our one year anniversary (a few days early), and after dinner in Georgetown and a waterfront walk, I popped the question, and she said yes! (Yes, that was it; that’s my abridged version of how it happened!) There isn’t really an adequate way of describing the evening–exciting, fun, emotional, and so much more–but thanks to all of you who’ve already sent your well-wishes and congratulations. 
2. Advent happened. As you may know, Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for everyone, and especially for pastors. This Advent, we decided to experiment with things at The District Church, so this month I coordinated a prayer service, will be preaching twice (possibly three times), and leading worship on Christmas Eve — which is a little busier than normal! We also kicked off our annual Advent offering, which we take up every December above and beyond our normal giving, and this year everything that’s raised will go toward church planting in DC and serving at-risk children through organizations such as DC127, Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, Latin American Youth Center, and more. See the trailer for our Advent offering below, and if you feel led to do so, you can give here.
3. I got sick. After getting (and, I thought, getting rid of) a cold early in November, I picked up a cough around Thanksgiving time and have been trying to shake it ever since. I know a lot of people who are ill right now, so prayers for all of us sickies would be much appreciated.
As I said, I’ll try to post more regularly, but in the meantime, I wish you peace and grace this Advent season.