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“It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.”

Daniel 4:2-3

Sometimes it takes losing everything to get a realistic perspective on what is truly important.

King Nebuchadnezzar had it all, and he knew it. Even though he had been warned in a dream from God of his sins, he did not change. And when he boasted of his own power and his own majesty, God took everything away. For seven years he was estranged – estranged from his kingdom and estranged from his own sanity.

But when Nebuchadnezzar finally honored and glorified God, his sanity returned, and he was restored as king. But this was a new king, one who recognized that everything we have comes from God.

Are you thankful for what you have been given by God, or do you boast in your own strength? Nebuchadnezzar is a reminder of the sovereign nature of God to act in our lives as He will.

I have spent the last several mornings sitting in the living room rather than in my typical spot in the family room. Partly this is because of the fireplace, partly this is because one of the sick people in the house tend to be sleeping in the family room recliner.

For whatever reason, being there has made me more reflective. Much of our family life during the early years of the house (before the family room addition) occurred in the living room. Fireplace, television, toys…they all had their place. These days it is a room few of us visit. So that makes it the perfect place to stop, reflect and rest.

One of the first things we did when we bought our house 20 years ago was install a fireplace. With our home located in a very rural area, it was a decision based on function as well as appearance. During those times we have lost power, we can heat the house and cook meals.

But this morning? I am just enjoying sitting next to the fire.

While I read a lot in preparation for teaching our intern classes, I wanted to be more intentional in my personal reading. So, here are the books I plan to read in January 2022.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

I don’t particularly like big cities (to be fair, I don’t particularly dislike them). I prefer open spaces and grass and unobstructed views. But I do like early mornings in the city. There is a sense of awakening, of a place shaking off slumber to engage (embrace may be too much to hope for) the day. I will be headed out on my own little walk to awaken with the city here in a few minutes and begin to engage this last.day of 2021. And to find some breakfast tacos!

As best as I can recall, this is my 32nd winter student conference. Most of these have been the South Central Chi Alpha SALT conferences. These are three day events with some great teaching and preaching, worship, community and so much more. For many of those years I brought university students and saw lives changed. Now I bring interns preparing for a life lived on mission and see God reveal the impact potential for their life. Not everyone wants to spend time with 2000 university students and staff being challenged to be the Church in a lost world, but it is a great place to be.