As I reflected back on 2009 for RWTB it was our biggest year in history, yet on a personal level it was a year of loss.

I lost my location (in 2008) and had to find a better on for my students.

I lost my job, as it was eliminated, after 20+ years.

I lost the North Bend RWTB location as Eliss Hall was no longer able to run it.

I lost most of my retirement in the stock market crash.

I lost a good friend and Black Belt as Ed French passed away

And on Christmas Day I lost my only brother who passed away from cancer. He was only 67 years old.

On the other end I tried to count my blessings:  I lost over 30 pounds- which was a good loss.

I took over the Valley and Elkhorn RWTB branches.

I now have 3 jobs 2 full time and 1 part time.

I’m blessed with great Black Belts and students.

We’re blessed to be surviving and growing in the second worst economy in history.

I’m blessed with  two wonderful daughters, and a fantastic soulmate in my wife Lori.

One thing that I haven’t lost is my faith in God. It’s an easy to forget that he is still in control and all things good or bad happen for a reason. The rain falls on the just and unjust- and at least with Jesus as our Lord and Savior we have an umbrella of righteousness over our heads.

During these seas of trouble I hold firm to these scriptures:

Jehovah Jira- The Lord will provide.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Greater is he who is in me than he that is in the world.

If God be for us who can stand against us.

A warrior is sometimes a child who must lean upon and be lifted up to continue- to rise when he falls. To stand tall after his feet are knocked out from underneath him.

Our Holy Father will raise our arms when they are too weary; to take us from the dregs of defeat and once again soar like eagles.

Jesus lifts me up- gives me strength and guidance.

I was able to see my brother one last time and he told me that he had just been baptized. He passed away the next day. Death is swallowed up in victory because we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Everyone in my immediate family is now gone. My Mom, my Dad, my sister, and now my brother are at home with the Lord. What and who do I have left? I have my heavenly father, and my wife, and Lexi and Amber and all my Black Belts and students. I am Truly Blessed that I Have my RWTB Family. May God bless each and every one of you in the year 2010. It’s going to be a great year; I have nothing else to lose but everything to gain.

All my Love to you,

 –J.R.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31