2020 was a different year, I am sure you can all agree.  My 2020 started on a good note; I just began my tenure at a new job – my dream job to date – and the future was bright for me.  This was especially important as the end of my previously believed dream job ended in a way I had not planned.  But the reality was that its demise was the springboard for many great things!  We moved back to Texas to be with family, I found my true dream job, and things were looking great!  Then COVID-19 hit and I think we were all sent into a different (tail) spin.  Our search for a house to purchase went on hold, we (just like most of you) moved to working remotely and staying at home except for essential activities, we began wearing masks and being professional hand washers (the new norm), and we witnessed the world begin to record COVID cases and deaths beyond anything we could have imagined.  This post is not about politics per se, but we all know the political climate remained, or even increased, in its polarization.  While we were fortunate to avoid contracting COVID in our household, things seemed to be put into freeze mode or at least a world of isolation or separation to a large degree. Non-COVID related events also tainted our year; my brother-in-law passed away much too soon, Zack was in a very serious accident, and family members lost their jobs.

Now, looking back over the many months of these changes, I’m here to attest that they weren’t all bad.  Deana transitioned to a new job – perhaps HER dream job! – we used our limited interactions to draw family even closer, we were able to purchase a lovely home after COVID limitations opened up a bit, new jobs were found, and we created new customs for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Sophia obtained her driver’s license and a new car, Zack got a much bigger (and safer) vehicle, and I got the Jeep Wrangler Sahara Limited I’ve always wanted.  (I love you, Lava!)  If I were to take the time to list all the things I’m grateful for, this blog would be way too long!  So, my main message for today is that things can absolutely suck, but don’t stop in that muck and focus solely on its residue in your life!  Good things may be hidden right now, but they are sure to be right around the corner, waiting to surprise you.  I also send huge amounts of good thoughts and prayers to those who have valiantly been serving our communities as we continue to fight the pandemic.  I also lift up those who have been impacted by this horrible virus.

Now, onto 2021!  I have many plans for this year!  Some include personal items, such as obtaining my Agile Certification, helping to produce a covers CD for my daughter Kirstie, learning how to play the banjo, and reading 50 books.  But I also have plans for this blog and my overall goal of expanding my focus on people of faith within the LGBTQ+ community.  For the past several weeks, I’ve been forming a roadmap for those efforts, including this blog, my related Facebook Group, attempt to establish a better connection with my daughter’s existing stream community, and building potential community activities with local agencies.  In relation to this blog, here are some of my plans:

• Short term
  • Establish a theme for each month and post at least weeklyProvide usable information for LGBTQ+ or our allies in relation to the month’s them
    • Links to agencies, how to get help, resources, etc.
    Provide educational references for those who don’t understand or acknowledge LGBTQ+ of faithShare any community activities, online, or stream events that may have been scheduledHave an open online discussion monthlyProbably share boring updates about me 😊
• Longer Term
  • Publishing a book, one chapter per month, in additional to theme blog posts!
  • Develop a monthly podcast or vlog to augment our interaction
  • More details to come soon

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This blog is not just for me, but for you as well.  PLEASE reach out, share comments, or email me with questions, ideas, feedback, or information you think would benefit others! 

With that said, I do want to point out that a big part of this blog’s success will be if you subscribe – don’t miss any posts!

Look, I know you all have busy lives and probably don’t need another “feed” to deal with!  But I am committed to partnering with you to add our collective voices to the busy world AND provide resources to you as much as possible.  And, to remind you that you’re not alone!  And I will never, ever share your information!

I hope you all had a blessed holiday!