another Crook on the way

My sabbatical travels take me first to Mississippi. That's certainly intentional planning. For you see, my nephew Kaleb will greet this world in early January. And, if all goes as planned, I will be there to greet him on that day. The actual due date is January 13; but every time I talk to my family, they tell me they'll be shocked if he doesn't arrive before the end of this year. I'd love to share a birthday with him on January 5. We shall see. We will already share the name Thomas (my first, his middle) Regardless of when he arrives, please join me in praying for a healthy delivery for mom (Jill) and Kaleb. And OF COURSE you'll see pictures right here, right away!

So what is this all about?

I plan to accomplish four goals while away during this time:

1. Reconnect with many who significantly influenced my musical journey and simply say thank you.

2. Study with several choral conductors and church musicians I respect and admire.

3. Vision for the next ten years--for my personal life and for the music ministry of St. Andrew

4. Rest--'nuf said.

The countdown is underway

Why didn't someone tell me how difficult and time consuming it would be to actually plan this sabbatical? Wow, there are so many things to cover...and in the middle of it all is this little thing called Christmas. Anyway...I figured I should go ahead and set up the blog and start sharing the URL with friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.