Good-bye 2007

So as I sit here in the last waining hours of 2007, I'm thinking about the past year.  The plain-as-day good stuff like a new nephew, blossoming friendships, a new place to live, visiting the Grand Canyon, new marriages and teaching a Bible study.  Then there was the good stuff that was not so easy to label.  I have a friend whose friendship has challenged me.  I watched another friend get married. I find it increasingly difficult to hang out with my married friends (but I know they have a ton more responsibility that I do).  And my wife is still somewhere out there.

And I'm also thinking about the year ahead.  If you know me, or you've read this blog for any extended period of time, you know my motto.  2008 is a year full of promise. 366 days of potential and opportunities.  I don't know what the year will hold, but I certainly know that God has something great planned.  He's always up to something.  As always, I hope to travel extensively.  I plan to fast on a monthly basis.  Whatever I end up doing, I hope to live this year to the fullest.  And ya know why?

The Best Is Yet To Come!!

Photo Update

Check out the update below on the status of one of those proofs from earlier this month. Things are coming along quite nicely. Look for a February opening.

setting the stage

As I was doing my devos last night, I had a mini-revelation.  Of all the people in the world to announce the birth of Christ, the angels came to the shepherds.  They were the  "blue-collar" worker of the day, if you will.  How appropriate that the Son of God, who would later call tax collectors and fishermen his friends, had his birth announced to shepherds.  The government officials didn't get any official notice, nor did the Pharisees.  How very interesting.....

Have a blessed Christmas!

It's the most awful time of the year.....

to be sick. I came down with something about a week ago, and it's been beating me up pretty good. And the fact that Christmas is in a few days, makes it hurt that much more. But I've been thinking.....

Why is it that two of the most commercial holidays center around a Christian holy day? I was wondering to myself when our holy days got hijacked. Interestingly enough, I was thinking these things to myself while I was sitting in traffic. And wondering how it all got started....

Dear Old Man Winter

Dear Old Man Winter:

Hi!  Come on in.  I want to let you know upfront that I don't much care for you.  But I know you were put here for a reason.  And it makes the skiers happy.  So I should be happy for them.  And I suppose I am.  But I don't much care for having to leave my warm house in the morning to sit in a cold car.  And I don't much care for the ice and snow you like to have around.

But I would be remiss though if I didn't mention that your presence holds a silver lining.  The days are going to start to get longer and Spring will be here shortly.  And that makes ME happy.

So I hope you enjoy your stay.  But don't get comfortable.

Cheers!
MTG

Prince Caspian Trailer

Proof #3

Cheese. Look at all the tasty cheeses* that I'm using for my macaroni and cheese! Cheeses represented include: Colby, Sharp Cheddar, Mild Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere. Hooray for Cheese!!

*The cheese in the deli bag is actually Munchee cheese and it was not used in the mac and cheese. But it makes for a killer grilled cheese sandwich along with some pepper jack.

The best thing about winter..

Is when you get to travel to warmer parts of the country knowing that it's much colder in your hometown.  Today in Charlotte it was 79 degrees.  Of course it's not even winter yet and I do eventually have to go home, but it's so temporarily delightful (bear with me, I'm reveling in the moment).

Proof #2

Chick-fil-A. In Mechanicsburg!!!

Proof #1

As promised, this begins my photo tour of proof that God not only exists, but that he loves us. Below is a picture of my dinner from Saturday night. It's penne in Vodka Sauce with garlic bread, from Carmine's.



And here's desert (a berry tart), from La Bella Ferrara.



Please note that I ate this food in the comfort of my living room, but it came from New York City.

Have you used a major bank credit card overseas in the past 10 years?

If so, check out this link.  I just got a form in the mail today about it.  Makes me wonder if I was overcharged, and if so, how much.

Also, look for lots of photos over the next several posts.  It should be fun.

The best Christmas Gift Ever

Sunday School answers aside, what do you think would be the best Christmas gift that you could receive?

 

Also, today is D-Day.  Check out this link to hear some old radio broadcasts from this day in 1941.

Sin Has No Power Over You

As I've been leading my small group study, I've been using Romans 6 as the cornerstone of the study. Much in the same way that Leviticus laid out the law for the Children of Israel in the Old Testament, I believe that Romans 6 lays out how Christians should live their lives. Specifically, dead to sin and alive to Christ.

I wanted to post these few verses as an encouragment for you. If you've been saved, you have to understand that your debts have been paid and sin no longer carries any authority in your life. But it is our responsibility to walk in righteousness and truth.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6.11-14

It's snowing.

Just thought you'd like to know.

This one's for the guys

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