Merry Christmas from the Jason Button Family

About this time last year, I entered into a discussion with Jason Janz about the possibility of directing book reviews for SharperIron. I was delighted to have been approached about this opportunity and considered it prayerfully. My workload and family responsibilities were already full. Ministry opportunities at church and in the community were steadily increasing, too. But like Jason J., I am a sucker for good books. I accepted the offer (or challenge) and have been greatly enriched by the experience.

Looking back over this past year, I am compelled to rejoice in that the Lord has brought me into company with a number of very fine individuals. The team of reviewers that has been assembled (about 20 people) has been a great delight to work with. I’ve enjoyed all the behind-the-scenes conversations with many of you. I’m also very thankful for everyone who has posted comments on the reviews and has given me feedback. All of this has been very helpful and encouraging.

On the family side of things, this year has been full of highlights. My wife, Tiffany, started off the year by producing some of the most spectacular gall stones. In June, she completed her first full year of teaching second-graders. This experience, although challenging, produced much fruit on many levels. She is now halfway through her second year and looking forward to the short holiday break and time spent with family. In August, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, and in September we went parasailing to celebrate her 30th birthday.
Our children, Caris (7) and Asa (5), are a continual joy to us. They are learning so much so fast. Caris is a voracious reader. She already has her own bookshelf with chapter books and is tearing through them all. This year Caris began piano lessons and is captivated by this new endeavor. She loves to try new songs and pick out tunes by ear. We are delighted that the Lord has blessed her with these talents. Caris has accepted Jesus as her Saviour, and we had the joy of witnessing her baptism this past October. I don’t know how to describe the pleasure I experienced in hearing her affirm her trust in Jesus and in watching her be baptized. The Lord is Good!

Asa is pure boy. He loves to ride his bike and run. We can hardly fatten him up for his constant running around. He loves school and is doing well. He’s very attentive and has even evidenced some sensitivity to the message of the Gospel. We are praying that the Lord will continue to draw him to Himself.

We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2008 for our family and for the ministry of SharperIron. We have lots of books to review, and more are being published every week, so we expect to stay very busy.

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Christ!

Jason, Tiffany, Caris, and Asa Button