Christmas

About this time last year, I entered into a discussion with Jason Janz about the possibility of directing book reviews for SharperIron. I was delighted to have been approached about this opportunity and considered it prayerfully. My workload and family responsibilities were already full. Ministry opportunities at church and in the community were steadily increasing, too. But like Jason J., I am a sucker for good books. I accepted the offer (or challenge) and have been greatly enriched by the experience.

Dear SharperIron Friends,
By way of introduction to who we are: we finished work at Bob Jones University in May 2005 and moved to Omaha, NE, to be lay helpers at Good Shepherd Baptist Church (where Becky’s dad is pastor). Mike found work as a title analyst for American Title; Becky worked for TD Ameritrade until our first daughter, Felicity, was born in June 2006; she has since been a homemaker. Becky’s training is in German and English education; Mike’s in Bible and church history; Mike intends eventually to pursue apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Ten years. My wife and I have been married ten years. I have been on staff at Red Rocks Baptist Church for ten years. A decade has passed. Wow. When a virus attacked my heart muscle several years back, my wife framed my EKG and engraved the words of Psalm 90:12 on the bottom: “Lord, teach me to number my days.” Spending time in Coronary ICU makes anyone number his days. The rest of the verse encourages us to apply our hearts to wisdom. The pursuit of wisdom should entail looking at our days to see if we are truly redeeming the time.

Merry Christmas to every SI reader from Les Heinze. My prayer is that you will have a wonderfully prosperous New Year as you grow in grace.

Wow! Can it possibly be time for another holiday letter already? Well, the Lord has been so gracious to our family again this year. For the first time in three years, our son Jason has not had to be hospitalized for his breathing problems acquired as a premature baby. Praise God! Where Jacob had to work for 14 years to acquire the love of his life, I was able to celebrate 14 years with mine this summer! Praise God!

Dear SI,

My name is Ryan McCammack, and I will be making my first contribution to the world of ShaperIron in the near future. I’m looking forward to it; I think. It’s a little unnerving after reading the voluminous material that flows from Dr. Bauder’s pen. Wow! He’s a well-thought-out fellow.

The apostle Paul was under arrest, being transported to Rome by a military guard. Along the way, his ship put in at the Lycian port of Myra, where the Roman centurion found a different ship that was sailing to Italy (Acts 27:5-6). The book of Acts does not tell how long Paul was in Myra between ships.

My name is Mathew Sims, and I am married to a wonderful wife and faithful friend, LeAnn Sims. We were married in May 2005 in Greenville, SC. She has been patient with me so far, and God has been gracious in teaching us many things about each other and, most of all, about Him.

by John C. Whitcomb, Th.D

Like most parents, Kim and I cherish the memories of the births of each of our children. When we celebrate their birthdays, we tell them about some of the circumstances surrounding their entrance into the world. When Daniel was born, there was an ice storm. All of our children were born near the times of church services. I could go on and on. Our birthday celebrations would be incomplete if we spent all of our time remembering their entrance into the world and neglected to celebrate where they are presently in life.