In Theory: Biggest memories of the 2000s

But there are many more quiet, personal experiences that affected my life in a more dramatic way. I have enjoyed another decade of marriage to my wonderful, faithful wife, Peggy. My daughter has advanced from pre-school to high school, my son to middle school and both are in or near the teen years (a truly memorable parenting experience).

I have served Christ the entire decade with the loving people of Valley Baptist Church by his grace and provision.

Solomon searched for meaning in life, or true prosperity, in the vast earthly resources God gave him. He was the absolute ruler of Israel, immensely wealthy and wise in an unparalleled way. He invested and built and grew and indulged in every earthly way possible. Yet his conclusion was “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3).

Solomon found no real prosperity through earthly gain when his life disregarded a personal, intimate relationship with God.

Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these [earthly] things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Solomon finally concluded: “When all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

The crowds asked Jesus what works God required of them. Jesus responded: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29).

Personal prosperity is realized only through a personal relationship with God. And Jesus reminds us all: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

THE REV. JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church in Burbank

I cannot believe the first decade of the 21st century is coming to a close.

My belief is to live our lives, not perfectly, but to contemplate what we can do to be history makers. What legacy can we leave behind?

The most memorable experiences I have had in the first 10 years of the 2000s are in regard to raising my children to serve God.

My service to the Lord changed from individual to mentoring when I had children. I decided to integrate being a mom who served, to also demonstrating to them how to serve, modeling it, making it enjoyable and part of who they are.