Addictions

Tastes ebb and flow. It is amazing how I don't even recognize my itunes library from just a few short months ago.

Or my bookshelf.

Or my closet.

Sigh.

So with that thought in mind, current addictions are to be documented. They will no doubt be gone tomorrow.

1. I'm late to the party, but have recently discovered the beauty and functionality of these little wonders.

2. This pack seriously helped me battle the one nasty cold of the 2008-2009 winter.

3. I finally drank the Kool Aid and starting watching LOST, though I still don't understand it.

4. Seven for All Mankind started selling petite jeans. I own a pair and wear them to death. Death is required for the parting of these jeans, considering the price point. But worth every saved-up penny.

5. This bottle is the perfect size. It is with me nearly every day.

6. Jack's Mannequin. On repeat.

7. These have made lunch more enjoyable these days.

8. This song from Hillsong induces much jumping and dancing.

And just for kicks, why not go ahead and close out the post with the norm...

Favorite thing today: Believe the hype, it really is that good.

iwantanewmarriage.com

So NewSpring is beginning a new series on February 8 that will specifically look at marriages and the lies, challenges and attacks from the enemy on marriage today.

Here is the promo for the series. There may or may not be a familiar face in the video, but please look past the images and hear the words. And if you think about it, please pray that a wave of healing will pour through the marriages at NewSpring and beyond!


iWantANewMarriage.com Promo from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

And Adam Kring, producer of the piece is pure genius. Do I seriously get to work with such talented folks? Really....

More at www.iwantanewmarriage.com.

And look at that....

Oh hey , and guess who is editorializing for the New York Times?

My favorite line....

“Miles Davis never wasted a note, kid — or a word on a fool.”

“Jazz is about the moment you’re in. Being modern’s not about the future, it’s about the present.”

Favorite thing today: This is going to be amazing.

New on the horizon

Can. Not. Wait.



Favorite thing today: The more I listen to this song, the more I love it. And this video completely rocked my world.

Clean

I wrote this in January 2007 for my former employer as a website feature for the New Year. My prayer for all of you incredible friends as we roll into 2009....

Clean.

The word “new” is used a lot this time of year. The “new” sweater from grandparents is moved from under the tree to the closet with last year’s seldom worn apparel. Diet programs and gyms are advertising the promise of a “new” physique. A “new” calendar is on the wall and pledges to stick to a “new” budget are on our lips. Millions of us will make similar “new” claims.

But our culture depreciates newness much too quickly. Last year’s new sweater is now just 12 months old but seldom worn and unappreciated. The new computer under the tree? It has been out of date for months now, though just plugged in.

A search on an online biblical concordance found over 260 references to the word “new.” It is a favorite word of David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and countless others.

I like the word too.

There is limitless potential inherit in the new.

We are assured new life in Christ today, whether it is January 1st or May 25th. God’s promise is we can lay down our pride, flesh, cluttered minds, broken bodies and pick up new life.

It is a process. It is not easy. But it is true. And good. And hopeful.

A few nights ago I came in from running. I was hot; my clothes were nasty. When I stepped out of the shower, I did not put on my sweaty gear. I donned clean clothes. Why put on the old, when the new--the clean--was right at my wet feet?

“See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Isaiah 42:9 (NIV)

“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)

May God reveal to our hearts what parts of us need a touch of “new” this year. May we know what Jesus can peel and discard. And may we take His offer of new life in Him—washed, cleaned and covered with perfect blood.


Favorite thing today: Why did I wait until age 29 to read this book?! My favorite line so far "Boys are trying enough to human patience, goodness knows, but girls are infinitely more so." Amen!

Forward

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45

Yes, amen.

Jesus, please come. This is Your year. I believe You.

Welcome 2009.

Backwards

How do you do this?

How in the world does a person remember back to this time last year? It feels like a lifetime ago. In some ways it was.

Oh, 2008. You were good, bad, boring, exciting, unexpected, challenging, exhausting and encouraging. You were the best yet, as I hope I can say about your contemporary 2009.

There is value in perspective, so with this thought in mind, here is a look back at the highlights in my little life.

Because it is not cliche at all to do these sort of list, and no one else has tackled these on their blogs. No. No one.

1. Best Book - Divine Mentor without a doubt changed my life. (Did I mention this list was not cliche?) No hyperbole here. Life changing. It is simple, nothing largely complex, but neither am I. Please give it a shot. Please read. And let me know what you think.

2. Best movie - I join the ranks of Wall-E fans. I was a skeptic at first, but to tell a story with little to no dialogue is genius. Pure genius.

3. Best experience - The Sunday round at The Masters will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was a Ephesians 3:20 moment like none other.

4. Most unexpected moment - Best summed up here.

5. Best Music find - Brooke Fraser, without a doubt

6. Most surprising - The fact this blog even exists is pretty darn surprising to me. And the fact that I twitter. I never thought myself much of a twitterer.

7. Most precious - Natalie had her first child, Margaret. Mandy and Jenni added to their families. As did the Baxters, Parkers and I'm sure others I am leaving out right now. Your children all feel so much like family! It is so hard to believe they were born in 2008. In some ways, it feels like they have always been a part of our little friend family.

8. Best Truth - This verse revolutionized me. For the sake of Your name. For the sake of Your name.

9. Best of the Best - No contest. Thank you, Jesus!

And with this, adieu 2008!