2026’s fist lift is in the books. Can I lift 2,000,000 pounds this year?
Do you need something to start your year that is beautiful and hope-filled? Nancy French talking about being a grandmother is just what the doctor ordered.
As we enter into a new year, what is one hope, one wish, and one dream that you have?
A hope is something bigger than yourself but something you can play a part in.A wish is something that you have no control over but you would love to see happen.
A dream is personal and something that you can work toward accomplishing.
My hope? That Christians would model the Beatitudes and fruit of the Spirit in every aspect of life.
My wish? That I am hosting a whole heap of Red Wings playoff games parties.
My dream? That I create content that helps people to #LoveWell.
How about you?
Watched: Avatar: Fire and Ash 🍿
E and I saw this yesterday and it was an absolute blast! I enjoyed the experience in 3D.
Currently reading: Revelation for Everyone by N.T. Wright 📚
Sharpening up my Revelation perspectives. Beginning in January 6, I will be teaching Revelation and renewing the Beyond Sunday School podcast. #HereWeGo
Year in books for 2025
Here are the books I finished reading in 2025.
It was great to finish the year with a good lift. Finishing strong!
One of the things that I have appreciated over the years is the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings. Vanderbilt University offers a means by which you can subscribe to them in your calendar.
It’s a great way to expose yourself to wide ranges of the Scripture each day.
Finished reading: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson 📚
Another really fun read from Sanderson. A very different take on the superhero genre meets a coming of age tale. I enjoyed it! On to the next…
Solid year in the gym!
Lives Hidden With Christ - Devoted
For the full sermon audio message click here: Lives Hidden With Christ - Devoted
We have come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Over these weeks, we’ve walked carefully through this small but theologically rich book, and now we arrive at its final exhortation. Today, our focus is Colossians 4:2–6. Beginning in verse 7, Paul turns to personal greetings, material we touched on in our introductory message, so here, at the close, we attend to the heart of his final instruction.
Paul writes:
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
(Colossians 4:2–6)
Finished reading: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson 📚 Now, I need to get onto the next one! My goodness, these are such fun books.
Today marks the Nativity of the Lord II on the liturgical calendar. Here are the readings…
Merry Christmas!
We are reminded today that the kingdom of God breaks into the world not by might but in meekness.
The powers of this world shattered by the cry of an infant in the arms of a mother watched over by a guardian father in obscurity.
I am grateful for last night and our Christmas Eve gathering. It was wonderful to simply sing and hear the lessons again.
Merry Christmas to you all!
