Happy Thanksgiving

I always look forward to this time of year. On the one hand I like to eat, so I enjoy all of the food. On the other, I get such great joy from spending time with my family and friends. Each year during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season I'm amazed at how much my immediate and extended family changes. Having had my fifth child this past year, I continue to realize the great privilege and responsibility I have as a parent. I also remember both of my grandfathers and my father who have passed on in years past. I'm thankful for the happy memories I have of each of these men who helped to shape my life. Continuing with the thought of being thankful, here are the top 5 things I'm thankful for this year.

• God's grace and patience with me as I strive to grow in my relationship with him.
• My beautiful wife.
• My 5 children
• A home to keep me warm as the weather turns cold.
• My coworkers, who make my job a pleasure each day.

May God richly bless each of you on this Thanksgiving day!

My Favorite Author: Paul L. Maier

Should you find yourself with free time this Thanksgiving & Christmas season, I suggest you pick up a book by my favorite author. Dr. Paul L. Maier, PhD, is the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He has written both fiction and non-fiction. Some of my favorites are:

• A Skeleton in God's Closet
• More Than a Skeleton
  
• Pontius Pilate
• Eusebius The Church History

You can see a more complete list of his works here. If you ever have the opportunity to hear him speak, make the time. I jump at the chance every time he's in town. Happy reading!