Nick enjoying the sites in Omaha, the day before his HIPEC surgery.

This weekend, a close friend of ours received a depressing diagnosis and others that we've only recently met have heard of recurrences. On the forefront of my mind is the fragility of our existence here on this earth. Our hearts go out to our dear friends and all that have to deal with this dreadful disease. As this year starts off on an even more reflective note than per usual, I am reminded just how precious and short this life can be. Each and every day matters more than you'd think.

So, this year, I am setting an intention. I have designated a quote as my mantra for every day of this year. It's always been one of my favorites, but to keep it on the forefront of my mind I wrote it out and pasted it above my goals on the wall in my office. This year holds some amazing and some hard things in store for us, but God will turn it into a year filled with His glory all the same. I know that no matter what happens - this is going to be a great year, a great life... I can just feel it in my bones.

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future..." -Mark Batterson