CLOSING OUT 2008

Well, the year is almost over. I never thought it would end - not that it's been bad, by any means. 2008 gave my wife and I our first child and has allowed us to step into a new dream. But, I am ready for 2009. A lot has gone into preparing for this coming year and it's time to get on with it!

Selina and I decided to spend our last day of 2008 at Rock City with Gannon, taking in the Enchanted Lights. It was cold, but a great little getaway... and yes, I'm wearing a Georgia Bulldogs toboggan in the picture - NOT because I'm a fan, merely because it was a gift from my father-in-law and is my son's monogram... although, I did have some guy at Rock City tell me I would be going to heaven for wearing that hat - an interesting theology.

At any rate, having now returning from Rock City, we are settling in for the night with a hot chocolate and old reruns of the Twilight Zone. To be honest, we may end up sleeping in the new year - parenting will do that to you.

But, tomorrow brings a new day and a new year - and oh, what a year it shall be!

IF YOU HATE CHURCH: SERIES PREVIEW

The first 5 weeks of The Net Church will be devoted to unpacking some of the issues raised through the survey responses we received at ifyouhatechurch.com. The following is a 2-minute preview of the series. This preview will also be playing at Rave Motion Pictures before each movie for the first two weeks in January.

40 Days

Forty Days is a significant period of time in scripture…

Moses spent 40 Days on Mount Sinai.
When Noah was on the ark, it rained for 40 Days.
It took 40 Days to embalm a body in ancient Egypt.
Caleb explored the Promised Land for 40 Days.
For 40 Days Jesus fasted and was tempted.

In 40 Days The Net Church begins…
and I am believing that this 40 Days will be significant, as well.

JOB

Last night, I thought I was dying. A few days ago, I began noticing what appeared to be bug bites all over my body. They were small and a mere nuisance. Then yesterday, my hands began to swell and itch. But, last night is when it came to a head. My arms were itching while I laid in bed. It finally reached a feverish point, so I jumped out of bed and went to the mirror. That's when I noticed that both arms were covered in hives.

I went to our faithful 24-hour Wal-Mart to retrieve some meds - but, I couldn't apply them fast enough. By the time I returned the hives had spread to my back and legs. I was completely covered. I was a modern day Job and began to wonder if there was a discussion going on between God and Satan over just how faithful of a servant I was. While I wasn't ready to curse God, I gotta admit, I wanted to curse everything else!

Thankfully by morning the hives had subsided. Today my skin has been tender, but nothing like it was. I pray tonight I get a good night's sleep.

If this is a test, rest assured, I'm not going anywhere. In 44 days we launch The Net - and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

7 YEARS

Today the wife and I are in North Georgia - tucked away in a cozy cabin watching the first snow fall. The occasion - 7 years of marriage.

They say something happens at 7 years... you're supposed to get some kind of an itch... wanting more, something different, someone different. Can't say 7 years has had that effect on me. Sorry world.

In fact, to be perfectly honest - every year has gotten better. We are becoming more understanding and more gracious, which goes a long way. My tip for the day.

Now, I must turn off the computer, heat up the jacuzzi, and stoke the fire... my lady awaits.