Wow, I seem to have completely fallen off the blogging train! I’ve got some serious catching up to do. I thought I’d jump back in with some completely random thoughts (I think others have called it a “mind dump”)... here goes:

• With today’s historic inauguration, I’ve been thinking about Paul’s instructions to Timothy - “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (I Tim. 2:1-2). Need some help getting started? Check out these pastoral prayers here, here, and here.

• I finished up Mark Driscoll’s, Death By Love a couple of weeks ago. In a word: awesome! I particularly appreciated his chapter on ‘Unlimited Limited Atonement.’ In fact, I shared a quote from that chapter in this past Sunday’s message. After quoting II Timothy 2:23-25, Driscoll wrote, “When Jesus-loving people wrestle with issues like this, our attitude must be one of hearing each other rather than of winning debate points, and our goal must be finding God’s truth by working together toward it rather than protecting personal beliefs.” Amen, amen and amen!

• Most important of all, I had a hot date last night! Laurie and I had dinner together at the Olive Garden in Roanoke, followed by a Roanoke Symphony Orchestra concert. Both events were creative Christmas gifts (an “instant-date-package”) from our three children. Sarah, Emily and Robert – thank you! Your Mom and I had a terrific evening together!