Much as I enjoy all the positive feedback regarding the “life-charged life” theme of this blog, I can’t ignore how the number of “hits” grows exponentially when I slip back into my “newspaper columnist” mode and throw in a little social commentary.

Yesterday’s post about the “Chick-Fil-A“ controversy made my statistics light up like the 4th of July! Consequently – and as the reader “feedback” that really counts is the answer to the question, “Do you still visit my blog?” – I plan to write Op-Ed style commentary at least once a week. Consider yourself warned!

GAMES: There’s a lot I want to write about the Olympic Games, but that’s not going to pop up until Monday. Today, however (and while scores of people are still viewing my Friday posting), I’m simply putting up this note of gratitude.

Here it is: I love my life, and I am so grateful to be in this position, where each day rolls around like a new, fresh, gift.

• God’s presence in it all is luminous, and vital.
• I am married to the most awesome woman in the world – Rebekah – and we have been blessed with this continually growing family who are a constant source of joy.
• My work is challenging and rewarding.
• And the community of faith where we are nurtured and encouraged is vibrant and alive.

There’s more, of course, but I simply wanted to sound off this sincere note of thanksgiving – DEREK

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)