Off to a good start

Goodness. It has definitely been a while since I last stopped to put my thoughts into the blogosphere. I suppose the traditional reflection upon the year we just put into the books would be in order.

Many would probably characterize 2008 as a bad year. A year that had lots of awful memories. The residential market has plummeted. Gas was over $4 a gallon. The stock market spiraled. For many people, this past year was not good at all. People I know have been laid off. Others are concerned that their jobs will be lost. It is looking kinda bad.

I have the luxury of not feeling the brunt of such a rough situation. Somehow, I don't believe this is a time to sit back and hope for the best. It is a time in which many are desperate for answers. They are wondering why their "Secret" is no longer their ticket to heaven. They are starting to realize that perhaps there is more to life than making tons of money and having it all. I believe it is time to become more educated on the word of God and more in tune with my beliefs so that I might be a witness to others who find themselves falling into darkness and looking for a way out.

This past year, I discovered that there really is no such thing as luck. I have spent a good deal of my life believing that despite being born on Friday the 13th I have been very lucky. I learned that all that I have and all that I am has been given to me by God. And this past year, I have been very blessed.

I got a new job at a brand new bank that does not have any bad real estate loans, actually wants to make loans and was formed on Christian principles. I actually go to Bible study every Tuesday with 4 to 5 of my co-workers in the bank offices. The bank I was at is in severe financial trouble and will most likely be shut down by the federal reserve and sold to another bank. If I had to guess, my job would have been lost if I was still at that bank. I thank the Lord nearly every day for putting me in my new job.

My friend who had lymphoma is now almost 100% back to normal. He starts going back to work full time next week. Our friendship has continued to grow and I am very thankful that I was allowed to be a part of his life this past year. I don't thank the Lord enough for my good friend and I am looking forward to sharing another year with him and his family.

My parents made it possible for my family to spend a wonderful week in Branson and Springfield. My family grew a lot during that week and I believe some of our dreams were re-invigorated and our principles and values were reinforced. I was also reminded of the wonderful power and majesty of the Lord and was in awe of his creations.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with my wife in creating a discipleship program at our church. We both learned so many things about ourselves and each other. New talents were discovered, our confidence grew and our desire to serve the Lord grew as well. I am beginning to have a firmer understanding of my beliefs and what God wants from me in this world. I hope to spend this next year doing what I believe God wants me to do.

I will have to admit that at times I start to think about luck a little bit. I start thinking I am so lucky to have the wonderful wife and wonderful daughters that I have. I thank God every day for my family. God has blessed me with two incredible little girls who make me laugh and learn every day. The times we have spent together this past year have truly been blessings.

I have to say, though, one of the biggest blessings in my life is my unbelievable physique. Ok, just kidding. It is actually my wife, Amy. She has taught me so many things this past year. She has inspired me to become more involved and to think deeper about what God expects from me. Unfortunately, I have probably pushed her to her limits of sanity one too many times. I am starting to think this Men from Mars Women from Venus thing is for real. Through my wife's encouragement, knowledge and patience, I have become a better man and a better father this past year. I hope that I have become a better husband.

So here we go. Another year. Will it be another minuscule advance towards some point in the future or will it be the final days or minutes before the return of our King? I can't wait to find out.

Luke 24:13-16 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.