2016: Reminiscing on Past Moments of an Incredible Year

With 2016 drawing to a close, I thought this a prime opportunity to reflect on the past, the present, and our future on Willow Creek;  A year of incredible decisions coming to a close - and a year of bright, promising opportunities is about to open.

Pure Happiness...on Willow Creek during a campaign photo session, Summer 2016.

This past summer, my husband again had the opportunity to run for our state legislature. Many of you may recall that we tried for our Kansas House seat two years ago.  Although my husband displayed valiant effort, we came up short.  Coming away somewhat disappointed, we trusted that God's plan is NEVER wrong.  The loss proved to be bittersweet - so much hard work, time, and dedication was put into the race, but losing also meant more time at home for Adam, and time our children who were [then] 6, 4, & 2 .  We knew that someday  that door would open again - providing an opportunity for Adam and our family to follow what we have felt was a calling to lead, serve, and help others.

On Memorial Day Monday, 2016 we got word that our current representative was going to run for our senate seat, thus vacating the one we had run for two years ago.  What came next was the hardest, easiest, part of the entire summer.  Although we had said we would try again when the opportunity was there, were we ready?  This wasn't just an easy "Yes, we'll run" decision...It was the kind of tough, challenging, decisions that we all stew over - you know, the type of decision that "WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING."  The type of decision, you don't just make without going through the "pros" and "cons", the what-ifs, the budget, and prayer...yes, lots and LOTS of prayer.  Thankfully, we had been thinking about it more and more, knowing that if the time came - we would probably have less time to decide than we did two years prior.

With the filing deadline just two days away, we felt confident in our decision.  Thankfully, our experience two years ago was full of lessons learned.  We already had a campaign website, signs, a better strategy, and two years more of personal connections with other legislators, constituents, and many others statewide. On June 1st, my husband drove to Topeka and filed for office the morning of the deadline.  Our summer was filled with parades, meetings, not to mention summer camp, our son's first year of 4-H, and many travel plans already set.

Somehow, with God's help, and our new-learned patience, we survived a very challenging primary election and found ourselves staring the November General election in the face.  Adam won his General Election with one of the year's widest margins in Kansas.  The next few weeks found us making preparations for Christmas, and enjoying our last few weeks at home together, before sending Adam to Topeka.

Please stay tuned... I've been asked by my dear friend and sister Kelly Whiteman Snipes to write a submission for Old Blue Silo.  I can't wait to share our experiences with you as we continue to reflect on the present and future on Willow Creek!