Remember the Decade

Looking back at history can be fun and amusing. There are things we remember that were big hits and were big flops. There were things that made us look good at the time, but after reflection of family photos, we realized we were dead wrong (this would include the obsession with a fanny pack). So, with this in mind, here are few of the top things that were out in the past decade:

* Airports and the days when you didn't have to get undressed to fly the friendly sky's
* Apps - There is now an "App" for anything
* Blogs - there are more than 100 million blogs in cyberspace
* Book Clubs - another Oprah idea redeveloped
* Cable TV and the 24 hour news programs
* Cell Phones - from a bag and antenna to an iPhone
* Chefs and the Food Network
* Crocs - the plastic shoes that debuted in 2002
* Facebook - social networking
* Going Green - from light bulbs to cars and grocery bags
* Google
* GPS - no one can drive without a British lady barking orders
* HGTV/DIY
* Instant Gratification - get what you want when you want decade
* iPods
* Life Coaches - there is a coach for everything
* Organic Products
* Reality TV - please bring back a good sitcom
* Starbucks on every corner
* Texting - r u still rding this? Hope u r
* TV Flat Screens - where have the big box TVs gone?
* Twitter
* Uggs - those bulky fuzzy boots that people even where in LA
* Wii - video gaming at its best (who remembers Atari 2600)
* You Tube - it's all out there in video format

What will come in the next decade?

18

We now have 3 adults and one minor living in our home. Today, Tyler turned 18 years old. Happy Birthday to Tyler!

Reflecting back on these years comes with a lot of memories. Teaching him to ride his first bike, coaching him in baseball and basketball, moving him overseas for several years, enrolling him in multiple different schools, teaching him to drive my car, watching him go on his first date / homecomings, and being accepted into a college of his choice. And watching him grow from a little boy to a pretty good size man.

But most of all, I am thankful for who he is. The decisions he makes and the sensitivity he has for others and the respect he has for himself - all stemming from a relationship with a living God.

Thankful for the Opportunity

I've just moved into 1 Corinthians for my daily reading. While I was waiting for some car upkeep this morning, I decided to get started reading. And was hit with the thought of being "thankful for the opportunity."

You see, most of us strive to be wise, be smart, educate ourselves, and do well. While I am one who fits that category and does not negate the idea of bettering ourselves, I am still humble with the opportunity (ies) I have been given.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 packs a big punch. I can not give you all the nuggets that hit me today, but will offer a few.

The first thing is a reminder of God's sense of humor! Whether you believe it or not, God is funny. I simply laughed at myself while reading that even God's weakness is stronger than what man can offer and that the foolishness of God is still smarter and wiser than man. If you need an example, visit Dubai now. It's a man made pleasure playground, but now is sitting on the brinks of ruin. God even warns us that man's wisdom will come to pass.

The second thing is the fact that God gives us opportunities despite our flaws in wisdom and power. Verses 26-30 reminds me that I am really not wise by worldly standards. Sure I have some degrees behind my name, but I am far from others. That I am not or have not been in powerful positions. While most of my jobs have been fun and placed me all over the world, I still had little say so. And the fact that I was not of noble birth. Although, I am a product of a good Christian mother and father. Despite missing the worlds mark, God has given me opportunities that I could have never achieved without His placing me in them.

And finally, I was reminded that my hope as a believer in Christ is my daily power, wisdom, and insight to all my needs and desires. That those who are not of the Christ life spend their time mocking Jesus, fighting for Christianity to go away, and slapping Christians in the face for a "soft" belief or "intolerable" belief. But, if the character of God is true; and I believe it is, it is those people who are foolish.

As you reflect over the past year and search for the next one, remind yourself where the source of your life comes from - Jesus Christ. Verse 30 says "He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boasts in the Lord." Be thankful for the opportunities that God has given you and the unknown ones ahead.

The Ultimate Christmas Song

Click the title and enjoy this great performance of the 12 Days of Christmas. It's talent no doubt!

The Adoration of the Magi

This is one the most beautiful pieces of art located in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC (my opinion as of last month). It is entitled, The Adoration of the Magi and was painted by Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi around 1440. As part of an Italian exhibit of paintings rendering the life of Christ and others, there was no question to me that this stood out from them all.

This painting is colorful, it glows, and it draws you to the center from any angle. But more importantly to me is the detail of the painting. Notice the streets are packed with people like you and me, waiting to experience the true meaning of Christmas (yes even they stood in lines). It includes the wealthy of the day and the poor of the day. People are worshiping in a variety of ways, and I would guess some are even questioning others while waiting to see this baby boy lying in a manger. Seeing this painting a few weeks ago was a good reminder to me of why we celebrate Christmas. Outside of the museum that day was a freshly packed ice rink with hundreds of people, Santa Clause signs and Christmas Trees adorned the National Mall. But, this picture, with all its glow and simplicity spoke volumes to those passing by that, in fact, a Savior had been born and the people of the day were experiencing it. Whether it was those present in the inn, the artists of the 1400's, or you and I today, a Savior has been and his name is Christ the Lord.....

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus Christ

¹In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. ¹⁰And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

¹⁵When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." ¹⁶And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Merry Christmas !

Santa's Got a New Ride

There are many sites to see regarding Christmas in downtown Richmond, Va. From the tacky Christmas lights tour to the decorated doors on Monument Avenue, there is a lot going on.

Yesterday, Kelly, Brendan, and myself headed to Monument Avenue in the afternoon to look at the decorated doors. It really is neat to see the number of people out with their cameras taking photos of these historical homes and the giant wreaths with colored ornaments hanging from them (one lady even asked Kelly if she was a decorator getting ideas - ha ha).

While blocking traffic and looking out of our car window, in the corner view of my eye, I spotted Santa. It was Santa and his 1960's prestige Cadillac with a bow on top and presents inside. The expression from Brendan's mouth was enough to scare any reindeer away. So, I cut through a round a bout in the middle of the street while spinning tires in the slushy snow just to get up close to see Santa and his new ride. And it was a Christmas treat. May be a close second to cousin Eddie pulling up the driveway in his RV to visit the Griswald's.

The afternoon drive - by ended with a great Starbucks drink and utter amazement of Santa sitting in a Caddy located in historical downtown Richmond with homes decorated in "class."

Mason Nation

After twelve years of parenting a child through local public schools, international schools, and private schools, my oldest son Tyler will be continuing his education following his senior year. He will be joining the fan crazed "Mason Nation" (you remember the basketball team who rocked the Final Four) of George Mason University.

Like many other parents who have children in college, I too look forward to wearing my $40,000 t-shirt and hat that proudly displays my indebtedness to a new institution of higher learning.