2011 Where Have You Gone

As we near the end of another year , thought I would just put down some highlights that come from my personal reflection on the year. As cliched as it is to say , where did the time go ?

Two things that happened in 2011 that were major highlights for me , were 2 events that I really did not think I would see perhaps in my lifetime. The first was back in March , when I traveled to Moncton , New Brunswick to see my all time favorite  artist , Steven Curtis Chapman. Truly thinking he would never venture close to my neck of the woods , needless to say I was pumped. It was a great concert . Front row tickets thanks to my oldest son . Truly something I will never forget.

The second thing coming just a couple of months after in June was watching the Boston Bruins defeat the Vancouver Canucks in 7 games to hoist the Stanley cup . As any one can tell you , if one is a hockey fan , you live and die as your team goes . It was an amazing run that included 3 seven game series , a thrilling defeat of the Bruins arch nemesis , Montreal in overtime in the 7th game and defeating the Canucks on their home ice to hold the holy grail of hockey.  The house was a rocking that night .

So how could it get better than that you ask ? Simple , it has been 4 years now that my wife has been cancer free. In the grand scheme of things , that is the most important thing in my life , to have my wife whom I treasure , still in my life . For that I thank God for His grace and mercy . To go through life with someone who has been your constant friend and companion through these 27 years has been a true blessing . Best decision I ever made was going on that date my sister set up ( thanks Sis ) .

My sons are now young men . My oldest is in his third year of University . Hard to really fathom that within less than 2 years he will be hopefully making his mark within the business world . My youngest is still searching to figure out what road to travel on . I see in him amazing gifts to write and just pray that he will find the confidence and courage to pursue his dreams. I'm truly proud of them and the men they are becoming.

The year itself had many ups and downs but through it all , God was faithful even when I wasn't . His grace and mercy are truly amazing . So as this year closes and a new one begins here a few of my favorite things from 2011.

Music : Downhere - At The Alter of Love
             Jason Gray - A Way to See in The Dark
             Steven Curtis Chapman - Re : Creation
             Aaron Shust - This is What We Believe
             Josh Wilson - See You
             Matt Redman - 10000 Reasons
             Matt Mahar - The Love in Between
             Phil Wickham - Response

New Christmas Albums played the most for 2011 : David Crowder - Oh For Joy , The Getty's - Joy and Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas

Movies : Didn't see very many this year but Thor , Captain America and Rise of the Planet of the Apes were all good . Still looking forward to seeing MI4 , War Horse and Sherlock Holmes.

Books : Michael Horton - The Christian Faith : Systematic Theology  for Pilgrims on the Way

Fav Website/Blog : Tim Challies

On a final note I'm truly thankful for my family both blood and Church. May 2012 be one full of God's grace and I pray that He will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth . Nuff said.