It’s hard to believe that it is the last day of 2010. There has been so much that has happened in the last 364 days; some of it has been hard and a lot of it has been good. All is all, this has been one of the greatest years in my life for sure! As I look back on 2010, I wanted to chronicle my year in a ‘best of’ blog post. So, here are my personal best of for this past year:
Best day of 2010: September 30th
This is an easy call for me. The best day by far, not even close, no debate was September 30th! On this date Kelly and I welcome our daughter, Avery, into the world. She was beautiful, perfect, and has brought so much joy to our life. I’m so grateful for her. She now weighs about 13lbs and is one ‘healthy’ girl. She’s starting to interact more, sleep more, and smile more; all of which make her more and more fun.
Best Ministry Moment of 2010: Chapel Kick-off
This isn’t a hard one either. The best moment for me in ministry this year was June 13th when we moved theWELL into the chapel. We had a team of about 20 students who helped dream up the move, plan the logistics of it, and make it happen. We prayed that God would bring 200 college students which we thought was an audacious goal. But, He blew us away! There were 250+ people who showed up for the night. It was fun night and a significant moment for my faith to see God move in a significant way.
Best Scholastic Moment of 2010: Preaching Award/Finishing MDIV
One of the best things that happened in 2010 is that I finally finished my MDIV! What I started in 2002, I finally completed. For this reason alone, this will forever be a year that I look back on with fondness! Not only that, but at my graduation I received a ‘surprise award. I had no idea they even gave the award until they started to describe it and announce it. I got the preaching award from Bethel Seminary for my class. I was selected by the professors there, many of whom I have immense respect for. I was truly honored!
Favorite Christian Book of 2010: The Prodigal God 
There was really no book that challenged and shaped me more than The Prodigal God. There are no authors or strategic thinkers who I have more respect for than Tim Keller. He is brilliant. He really got me thinking about the heart of the gospel and the true heart of the Father. I think this book is a must read for anyone who has been raised in the church and feels like the might be inoculated to the greatness of the gospel.This is a quick and easy read.
Favorite non-Christian Book of 2010: Where Men Win Glory
If you have never read a book by Jon Krakauer, do yourself a favor and pick this book up. It’s the story of Pat Tillman – how he served his country in Afghanistan, was killed in friendly fire, how the story was covered up by the government, and the way that the truth finally came out. But, Krakauer does so much more than simply tell that story, he goes back and researches how the ‘conflict’ in Afghanistan actually started and the different dynamics that are still at work there today. It was brilliant and enthralling. I couldn’t put it down.
Favorite album of 2010: Mumford & Sons Sign No More
Such a great album! The music is unique and the lyrics are intriging. In the second half of the year this band completely exploded. But before that happened, Charles Stoicu introduced them to me. So, I owe this one to him. I have heard from a bunch of friends who have seen them live that they put on a great show too. Hopefully I’ll get to see them in 2011.
Favorite Movie of 2010: Inception
Kelly and I see about 2 movies in the theater per year. Lame, I know, but we have 2 kids now and it turns out that was one of the first things to go. That’s fine with me because in my opinion there have been very few creative movies worth seeing. Sorry, but I’m not going to pay $12 to see Batman 7. It just doesn’t interest me a whole lot. Which brings me to my pick for 2010. inception was creative, it was a good story, it was well acted, and it didn’t feel the need to solve every question at the end of the movie. I love a film that has the guts to leave a few things hanging. Inception was great and my head is still spinning a little bit from it!
Alright, so there are my favorites of 2010. I’d love to hear what yours are too. Hope this past year was great and I hope that you too look forward to 2011 with great anticipation!
