Mark Overstreet

From the lists of statistics compiled, here’s a look at the president’s first year in office.

7,949.09—Dow Jones Industrial Average close on Jan. 20, 2009.

10,609.65—Dow Jones Industrial Average close on Jan. 15, 2010.

13 million—Number of people 16 and older unemployed as of January 2009.

14.7 million—Number of people 16 and older unemployed as of December 2009.

7.7 percent—Unemployment rate January 2009

10.0 percent—Unemployment rate December 2009

$787 billion—Cost of economic stimulus approved by Congress.

$10.6 trillion—Outstanding public debt Jan. 20, 2009.

$12.3 trillion—Outstanding public debt Jan. 14, 2009.

$296.4 billion—Federal spending from the financial crisis bailout fund before Jan. 20, 2009.

$173 billion—Federal spending from the financial crisis bailout fund after Jan. 20, 2009.

$165 billion—Amount of bailout funds repaid by banks and automakers.

139—Bank failures between Jan. 20, 2009, and Jan. 14, 2010.

274,399—Number of properties that received forclosure-related notices in January 2009.

349,519—Number of properties that received forclosure-related notices in December 2009.

34,400—U.S. troops in Afghanistan in January 2009.

70,000—U.S. troops inAfghanistan as of Jan. 12, 2010.

319—U.S. military deaths inAfghanistan from January 2009 through Jan. 15, 2010.

139,500—U.S. troops in Iraqin January 2009.

111,000—U.S. troops in Iraq as of Jan. 12, 2010.

152—U.S. military deaths in Iraq from January 2009 through Jan. 15, 2010.

539—Appointments to top federal policy positions submitted to theSenate

352—Appointments confirmed by the Senate.

180—Appointments in top policy positions carried over from the Bush administration.

12—Formal news conferences.

21—Foreign countries visited.

29—States visited.

10—Visits to Camp David.

2—Vacations.

Read the article.

He created all of it by a word. As you consider what this year has brought and the coming year will bring, watch this video and marvel at the work science has accomplished in compiling what we know of this cosmos God created and cares for deeply.

Watch this video and rest well tonight knowing the One who set the stars in space with a word, and who holds their path in His hands–He knows your every trial, your joys, and feels your pain with great sympathy. And, best of all, He wants you to worship Him, believe Him, and trust Him. Enjoy.

The Known Universe

“Patrick Hughes plays so that we might hear the music of opportunity and the sound of potential.” This story moved my family to tears as we watched this University of Louisville, KY, student whose father marches with him in the band. Watch it and enjoy.

(HT: DMB)

I prefer these in the 13 or 16 layer variety. I will have both waiting on us upon arrival to Georgia. All things in moderation, of course.

Layer Cakes as Southern-Style Stacks of Tradition.

(HT: RAM)

With the influence and magnitude of sexuality in our culture, you’d think with all of that “out in the open,” Christian parents would have an easier conversation with their children, or at least before they’re heading over to the church to get married (don’t laugh: I actually have a friend whose father gave him “the talk” on the ride over to his marriage ceremony). With conservative conversation, and the right amount of preparation, you can have age-appropriate discussion about the subject with your child.

Why not? In this alarming article, researchers report that more than 40% of children engaged in sexual activity before hearing a peep from their parents. That is a frightening statistic.

Fathers, you are commanded to care and love your family, leading them through the Word, through the world.

I recently traveled with my son on his mantrip, and we talked through the gamut of the “talk” on sexuality.

It wasn’t awkward; it wasn’t difficult.

I have suggested for years that sex and sexuality are the last unreformed doctrines left from the Reformation. It is time for pastors and parents to teach more and talk more about what God has made beautiful. I will post more details on the subject later, but for now, remember, God made your children to understand the subject of sex. As a loving Father, He created them in his image, for his glory, and for their joy.

Good post this morning in the Wash Times:

HAGELIN: Created in the image of God – Washington Times.

You probably think plastic surgery is reserved for the rich and famous. Well, think again, aesthetic surgeries are dominated by regular folks, just like you and me.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), about 1/3 of cosmetic surgery procedures are performed for people who make less than $30,000 a year.

About 70% of it is consumed by people who make less than $60,000 a year.

The dominant demographic?

• women (90%)
• White (80%)
• Middle-aged (Between 35-55 years old)

What does this say about society, the American conscience, and about the pulpits called to cast light into the land?

How do you deal with the ethics of plastics?

Watch this Video and see for yourself.

For much of the church’s history, congregational worship has been an intergenerational experience. Until relatively recently, children have been welcomed into worship and exposed to the elements central to the mission of the church. In fact, it could be argued that children are central to the mission and manifestation of the church (Mark 10:14).

In recent years, social progress has moved children into classrooms, nurseries, and their own worship services.  While they are in the church, they have been segregated.

How does that affect discipleship in the church, and in the family? What affect does their separation have on community? What unintended consequences could be reaped from this segregation?

Read this article and consider:

Interesting OP-Ed on age segregation in church and its challenges.

I really like this spirit of this article, which argues LeBron should mimic the ‘97 return of Steve Jobs, and take the league minimum for a salary(which happens to be just over $1 million), and then perhaps even give that to charity.  Professional basketball needs a little more creative edge. Someone should double-dog dare him.