Advent, Christmas Tree Decorating, Date Night

Today was the 2nd Sunday of Advent. My wife and son got to light the 2 Advent candles at church this morning. This Advent season seems to be moving at supersonic speed. But it is important to prepare for the coming of Christ.

Pastor Mike Riches from Tacoma, Washington gave a sermon on the power of words this morning. It was a good reminder that our words flow out of the condition of our heart. He also mentioned that in his church, they don't allow negative words about France. It would be great if all churches had this sensibility about the power of their words in blessing or cursing different nations.

We started decorating our Christmas tree today. We haven't decorated our own tree in 3 years, as we had the last 2 Chrismases in the U.S. It was quite an excavation job getting out the boxes of Christmas stuff. The kids decorated a little artificial tree that we put in their room. We'll attack the big tree tomorrow.

Thanks to Kathy, my wife and I got out for a date meal at our favorite local Thai restaurant. It was good to have this time apart to check in. It's pretty wild to think that we'll add a 3rd child soon.

I started reading the November/December 2005 edition of RELEVANT magazine that I picked up last week. I'll have to get a subscription, as my wife likes it and it will be a good resource into the mindset of 20 somethings.

One interesting article was Jason Boyett's 9 Things to Know Before You Hit 30. This is based on a book that he wrote titled Pocket Guide to Adulthood: 29 Things to Know Before You Hit 30 (Relevant Books). The 9 things are:

1. Life is so not about you.
2. Credit cards are dangerous.
3. Stuff will never satisfy.
4. Save now while you are young.
5. You probably should read more.
6. Pay attention to what you eat.
7. Stop comparing yourself to others.
8. Get used to saying "no."
9. Maintain close relationships.