After a rather long layoff, I am returning to the world of my blog. Apologies to anybody who has checked in on this thing only to find out that it was still Easter week!! Work has been a bit crazy of recent, and plans on the weekends have tied me down, as well. The good news is I promise to do my best and keep the updates coming. I started this thing for a reason...that reason doesn't get accomplished without the commitment from me.
A little bit about what has been going on...
My 28th birthday was last week on Memorial Day. Despite my attempts against it, I got a couple of really cool gifts that have me pumped. First, Melissa's parents got me a new Bible. I had mentioned to Melissa that I was thinking of getting one, and leave it to her to note that and remember it when it counted. Par the course for that girl! And I am grateful, because now I have a new study Bible. You can find the Amazon page for my new Bible here. It seems to have a wealth of information, including maps, timelines, numerous notes (nearly every verse seems to have a note), as well as "symbol" notes that identify a certain emphasis (Seedling - providing personal application and promoting growth; Trowel - providing archaeological insight to the verse and culture; Character - providing insight into a person or group of people as it relates to the text). It's a nice leather bound Bible, and it came with a complimentary name engraving! Thanks, Gene and Rhodonna!
Additionally, I got a Barnes and Noble gift card - which is always an excellent gift - from David and Melody. I used that to get two books: Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture and Mere Christianity. The one-year study book looks great! As noted on the webpage, it is broken up into five parts per week, with one man (or set of men) being studied each week. I am hoping that this study will really challenge me to evaluate what kind of Biblical legacy I am leaving as a man of God. I pray it will open my eyes to the kind of man God truly wants me to be, and that I will not resist Him as He continues to mold and sculpt my heart into one that truly lives for His word and love. I am looking forward to starting my one-year trip with the great Biblical men of history in just a few minutes...and along the way, I am looking forward to finally reading the iconic writing of C.S. Lewis. Thanks, David and Melody!
I don't wanna leave anybody out...so I will quickly note that I recieved a couple of Bass Pro gift cards (from Tiffany and from David and Cathy), a Small Faces record (Tyler and Ashley), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (from Michael and Jessica - excellent movie!), a Performance Bicycle gift card (Bob and Lynn), a Best Buy gift card (which turned into a Jars of Clay CD from Micah, Nancy, and McKenna), an ticket to an 11-1 Ranger's loss to the Yankees (from Brett...gee, thanks), a certificate for a frame for my college diploma (from Melissa...yeah, I've never gotten it framed), and a subscription to Texas Monthly magazine and the standard birthday funds (from my parents). A tremendous thank you to everybody that made my 28th a great event...even though the big NASCAR race got cancelled (don't worry...there was less than a 2% chance that my driver was going to win anyways!).
I'll try to update more tomorrow sometime...until then, goodnight and God bless!
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ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you've already been putting birthday gifts to good use, and I'm excited that you like your new Bible so much. Maybe we can go this weekend and get your name branded on it.
ReplyDeleteI know you worked hard to have everything ready for the birthday celebration, and it all turned out great. It was a lot of fun, and the food was wonderful! I love you!
Michael, glad to see your enthusiasm for writing on your blog has returned!!! I, being one of "the girls", (I assume!!!) will look forward to reading your posts and following your thoughts and adventures! Again, it was a great birthday party at your house and we were so thrilled to get to celebrate with you! Lynn
ReplyDeleteMichael, we had a wonderful time at your birthday party! You can really cook up some barbecue. I always enjoy reading your thoughts on spiritual growth and development and am delighted you have already used your Barnes and Noble gift card. Melody
ReplyDeleteMichael, I am so glad that you are pleased with the Bible that Gene and I gave you. Hope you were able to get it engraved with your name. I am so excited that you have such an interest in spiritual growth and pray that God will lead you and give you your hearts desire. We also had a wonderful time at your birthday party. What an great idea to entertain others on your birthday. The food was marvelous (I ate too much)and you were a very gracious host. Thank Brett for opening up his home to such a large crowd. What a way to break it in. Have a safe and happy trip to Austin this weekend. Love, Rhodonna
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