Since becoming a "parent" (still not quite sure I've adequately filled the role), I've noticed that good intentions no longer count for anything. In earlier years, I'd intend to improve on areas of my life--physically, spiritually, mentally. For days or weeks at a time, I'd do quite well at working out more, increasing prayer time, reading more books, etc. However, I'd eventually slide back into old ways and lose those good intentions.

Nowadays though, with a family to protect, intentions mean nothing. I can't simply want to read to Si each day, pray for him before bed each night, or give him enough affection. Wanting to do that will leave me with a life of regret after 5, 10, or 15 years.

So with my son becoming more alert and active each day, and with the the holiday season upon us, here's part of my wish list as a father, husband, and guy. May I do more than make these my wants. May I make them a list of "dones".

1. Advent approaches this week. When I was in the Episcopal Church, it was pretty easy to participate in Advent each year as it was a focal point of worship each week. As we celebrate the coming of Christ, I hope the Dowdys can celebrate and anticipate his coming each year, as opposed of the coming of wrapped goodies.

2. Speaking of Christmas, this is perhaps the most divisive time of the year for me. On the one hand I'm an absolute fanatic of Christmas music--listening to it from August til April each year. Additionally, I'm a big fan of Christmas lights and tasteful decorations. The arts around Christmas are a good metaphor that, to me, represents the life, light, and beauty that accompanied Christ to earth.

However, I absolutely abhor the commercialism that comes with the season thesedays. Faith and I have made small steps in celebrating and embracing Christmas while trying to resist the materialism that has forced it's way into the lives of so many. We need to do more though. Now it's not only for our sake but for Si's.

The Alternatives for Simple Living proves to be good starting ground. We used some of this faith community's ideas on weddings for our own ceremony. They also run a campaign each year around Christmas called "Whose Birthday Is it Anyway?" that speaks out against what we've done to ruin this holy day.

Here is ASL's 10 Tips for a Simpler More Meaningful Christmas

1. Plan ahead. Instead of going on auto-pilot the day after Thanksgiving, hold a family meeting to decide what the group really wants to do and who's going to do what.

2. If you need a symbol for giving (in addition to Jesus and the Three Wise Ones), learn about St. Nicholas. Santa Claus has been completely taken over by commerce.

3. Avoid debt. Refuse to be pressured by advertising to overspend.

4. Avoid stress. Give to yourself. Don't assume that things have to be the same way they've always been.

5. Draw names rather than everyone giving something to everyone else in your giving circle. Set a ceiling for each recipient. Give children ONE thing they really want, rather than so many gifts. If need be, pool funds.

6. Give appropriate gifts. Get to know the recipient. Give what they want to receive, not what you want to buy.

7. Give alternative gifts. Give 25% of what you spent last year to the needy... individuals or groups locally, nationally or internationally.
Buy crafts and clothing from developing countries at alternative gift markets, not from commercial importers, so that the artisans receive a fair price for their work.
Give of yourself, not just "stuff" - a coupon book for future services (such as baby-sitting or an "enchanted evening"); something baked, sewn, handmade, composed, etc.; or a family service project, such as working together at a soup kitchen.

8. Celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.

9. Put the gifts under the tree shortly before opening them. Then take turns opening them around the tree, not all at once, so that each gift can be admired and each giver thanked.

10. Make changes slowly but persistently. Don't try to change everything and everybody all at once. The resistance will make you feel defeated and lonely.



As my list grows, may my intentions turn into accomplishments.

Well we're just under 3 months until we're supposed to be leaving for Central Asia. We've been making progress in our preparation:

-We braved the needle and went to get our necessary shots...ouch!

-We were notified by our team that they had located a house for us to live in.

-Silas applied for his first passport.

-We've reached approximately 50% of our budget in support-raising.

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In the meantime, here's some recent pics of the family:

Life is racing these days, but I hope to be more regular with posts. In the meantime, here's some recent pics of Si.

(Currently 2 1/2 months and 16 lbs!)

The fam enjoying a hike in the mountains of Virginia.

One of our favorite Si pics.

This one has been appropriately named "Nerd Patrol".
Sheesh, talk about having something to blackmail wih in 15 years.