We are a few minutes from leaving for Indianapolis to spend New Year’s with my side of the family. I’m looking forward to seeing my brother from North Carolina as well as my parents and my older brother and his family. And I’m hoping that the lake effect snow that is predicted for our area won’t be a problem as we return home Friday night!

I want to wish all of you a blessed New Year and trust that all of us will continue pursuing God and becoming more like Jesus in 2010. I know I have a long ways to go, but with the Spirit’s help, I pray that the image of Christ will be increasingly reflected in my life.  As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:11, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

Tim

On Christmas Day, Gloria, Josh and I went to the theater and saw Invictus. It is the true story of Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiating a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The title of the movie, Invictus, is Latin for ‘unconquered’ and is the title of a poem that Nelson Mandela used during his 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island to maintain his faith and courage.

I don’t claim any authority as a movie critic, but I give this movie five stars and I urge you to see it if you haven’t. The Christian virtues of forgiveness, service and endurance drip from the screen. I was so impressed with the movie that I plan to purchase a book about Mandela’s life later this week with some of my Christmas money and the week the movie comes out on DVD I will buy it.

If any of you have seen the movie, I would love to get your impression of it and if any of you have read a book on Mandela’s life that you can recommend let me know.

Tim

Today marks Winder Solstice, the day with the shortest amount of sunlight and the start of winter. I decided to drive north to my woods this morning to usher in winter and to take a quiet walk. What a enjoyable walk it was. I got some good exercise trudging through the snow, I saw incredible beauty in nature and I had a meaningful time with God. I can’t honestly say that I look forward to the winder months with all the snow, cold temperatures, short days and high heating bills, but on this first day of winter, I have to say that I got off to a great start to winter.  I hope you have a moment today to appreciate the beauty of the shortest day of the year. It is a day that our Lord has made, so take a moment to rejoice and be glad in it…if for no other reason than now the days will begin to get longer!

Tim

Last night Gloria and I met some friends for dinner and then went to see The Blindside. It’s the story of Michael Oher, an homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. I highly recommend the movie, but the highlight of the night was not the movie but the chance to spend time with good friends. We caught up on what’s happening in each of our lives, we gave each other simple Christmas gifts and we simply shared a few hours together and I didn’t have to talk ’shop’, if you know what I mean. I was reminded of Gordon MacDonald’s statement in his book, A Resilient Life where he wrote, “Friendships may be the most important treasure one will ever possess this side of heaven.” Based on last night, I agree.

Tim

My wife and I have lived in Elkhart for 20 years and our son graduated from Concord High School, so it is with some embarrassment that I tell you that yesterday was the first time Gloria and I experienced The Christmas Spectacular. For years we have heard how excellent the performance is that is put on by the Concord Music Department; now we can say that ourselves; it is simply spectacular!

We were impressed with the quality of the musical and vocal talent, the technical support, the variety of costumes and the incredible visuals. But most impressive to us was the clear way in which the true meaning of Christmas was presented. We left encouraged, refreshed and proud of Concord High School for helping us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world.

If you have never been to The Christmas Spectacular at Concord High School, don’t wait 20 years like we did to see it! Make a note on your 2010 calendar to buy the tickets and experience this amazing performace at Concord High School.

Tim