Dear praying friends,

Here in Berlin we are enjoying the time between the years - a relaxed, fairly low-key time after Christmas and before the New Year. The city is emptier (meaning it is easier to find a parking place!) and we have arranged our work schedule to make these days very low-key.

I am researching for what might eventually turn into a book - time will tell! Right now, my research has me looking at Renaissance art and the artists who made those pieces. If you have a favorite Renaissance artist, or some favorite works - can you let me know what they are? I would love to look at them as well!

I recently learned about a late Gothic artist who was painting at the time of the Renaissance. His name is Lorenzo Monaco. One of the things that is fascinating about him is that he was in the region of Italy (near Florence) where many of the Renaissance artists were breaking away from the Gothic style, yet he continued to steadily paint in the Gothic style - illuminating manuscripts, painting frescos, and producing paintings very spiritual in their nature (as one might expect from a monk.)

As we are at the time of year when we begin thinking about the year to come, I find myself wrestling with trying to determine in what areas I want to change as culture changes and in what ways I want to be counter-cultural.

Thanks for praying for us. Here are some requests for this week:

1. I have not been sleeping really well. I am not sure why, but would love to have some nights of good sleep before we are into the New Year!
2. Elissa and I were out this afternoon and she started to have some problems with a visual aura - usually a sign that a migraine is about to set in. Can you pray that she has a very fast recovery?
3. Pray for our team - several people are still traveling or will be traveling in the coming days!

Thank you for all your prayers. We pray for you, as well, so feel free to send any requests you have!

Blessings,

mike