New Year - New You?

Another year has come and gone. We survived the Black Friday onslaught of ads screaming at us that we absolutely needed more, more, and more. We survived the ensuing weeks of ads and emails reminding us of the ever-waning number of shopping days until Christmas. I'm currently in the process of surviving the hordes of emails letting me know that if I didn't get what I really wanted, they have the solution.

Consequently, in a day or so (if it hasn't already started) we'll be barraged with emails and ads for fitness, healthy eating, gym memberships. "New Year, New You!" they'll promise us.

But as a nation we're suffering from more than just a physical health and fitness problem - we're plagued by spiritual unhealthiness.

Thankful for What?

Every week when I visit our local juvenile detention center for Bible Study, I'm reminded just how dark and sinful our world is. Every time I think I've seen or heard everything, I'll hear a young person's story that rips my heart out. Talking to a couple of kids this week and hearing their life stories and current situations just underscored the reminder that the Gospel is desperately needed. By the way, I should mention that we never ask or press for why they are there. Any time we hear details it's because we've gotten to know them on a personal one-on-one basis and they volunteer those details. Sometimes, I wish they wouldn't. It boggles my mind what teenagers are being exposed to and getting involved in.

This week we talked about being thankful. We looked at six things anyone can and should be thankful for, no matter your life situation: