I share things with my wife that I don't usually tell people. Recently, I mentioned to her that I was always a little disappointed in college, because I went to tons of fun birthday parties, but everybody was always home for the summer when my birthday rolled around.

Well, apparently she took this information to heart... she started planning a party for me, which happened yesterday. She invited my whole family, cleaned our house from top to bottom, and made my Mom's lasagna recipe for dinner (one of my favorites... and no small undertaking).

Not only did I have an awesome time enjoying my family, but I think I can say that my loot (i.e. gifts) this year were the best ever.

I got two books I really wanted:


The title "Sex God" probably gives you a funny look on your face, and makes you wonder exactly what effect too much Starbucks can have on a soul. But rest assured, it is not a modern version of the Kama Sutra, but a masterful exposition by one of my favorite Bible teachers, Rob Bell, about how everything in life -- including sex -- was designed by God to point us up to Him. Rob's last book, Velvit Elvis, fundamentally changed my life. I read it twice, and then bought the audio book off iTunes and listened to it some more. If this is the first time you've ever heard of Rob, then you also need to know about Nooma. 'Nough said



"Blue Like Jazz", by Donald Miller, is a book I have heard nothing but great things about, and I'm excited that I'm finally going to get to read it!





I started on 'Sex God' last night, and I'll probably finish it in a hurry, but "Soul Cravings", by Erwin McManus, would have been at the top of my list if I hadn't just bought a couple of weeks ago. I'm mentioning it because you need to pick it up too :-)



I also got some new jeans (much needed), and a pair of shoes that I've been lusting over for at least a year.

As if that weren't enough to make a boy very happy, Steph made me a framed scrapbook of sorts, with pictures and articles and memories from our whole first year together, and... oh yeah, she's taking me to New York this weekend.

Y'all... God is good and my wife is the best gift I ever got :0)

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

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