THANKSGIVING

I love Thanksgiving Day and once again we celebrated God's goodness, with our family, extended family and many friends - some old, some new - more than 70 in all. Delicious food, kid's laughter, board games, conversations, Lions losing...again, deserts, coffee, basketball game, and just hanging out with folks we love.

Overwhelmed and thankful!

THE BEAUTIFUL FIGHT

Author, Gary Thomas' most recent book has been released. It's title: The Beautiful Fight. This book offers some great insights on spiritual formation - two words used often in the church-world, but not always with a clear or compelling definition. Gary helps us understand that our faith can transcend the ordinary and routine as we embrace a much higher calling. A faith that moves from a focus on avoiding sin, to a transforming holiness empowered by the Holy Spirit, that helps us see the world and then react and engage just as Christ has called us to.

I personally encourage you to take some time to read this book.

LIONS or LAMBS?

Last week, I had the opportunity to take in my first NFL game in Phoenix, AZ. The Lions were riding high with a 6-2 record and everyone thought this game would allow them to pad their record and continue the discussion that they are for real.

Well, the Lions played miserably and lost the game. They lost it on offense, defense, special teams, and passion. My son-in-law, Eric, and I had the opportunity to sitting directly behind a couple of rabid Cardinal fans. After the first Cardinal score, one of these young guys turned to me, moved about a foot away from my face, and did a Howard Dean impression....AAAWWWWHHHHHWWWRRRRRGGGGEEE###@@@...Needless to say, it was a painful experience and I'm holding the Lions responsible for it.

Isn't it interesting what happens when our expectations are not met? We may go to someone's home for a visit, or go to a musical, a restaurant, or even a ballgame, and have certain expectations for how that experience will be positive or negative. Sometimes those expectations are met, and sometimes my expectations were way too lofty.

Here's the results (Up and/or Down)on my expectations after last weekend:

-Northwest Airlines = Up
-Phoenix traffic = Down
-NASCAR = Down
-Lions Football = Down
-Cardinal Fans = Down
-Tailgating experience before the game = Up
-University of Phoenix Stadium = Up
-Spending time with Eric = Up
-Golf = Up

That's 5 up and 4 down....the up's win.

PAIL LINE

You've seen the drum line...well, here's the "pail line" in Chicago. These guys were amazing and performed outside of the Chicago Art Museum. Often, the best entertainment in a big city is on the street!