The 2000’s were a definitive decade.

The decade was birthed in the fear that omnipotent computers somehow failed to realize that their internal clocks would be unable to switch over to a New Millennium and would cause complete and utter destruction to our technologically based society because of this lack of foresight. After months of stocking up on canned foods and bottled water, the world awoke on January 1st, 2000 to see that their fears were unfounded; and breathed a collective sigh of relief that society would not be thrown into the dark ages. And life returned to normal – for a while.

There did, however, seem to be global disappointment as people began to realize that the New Millennium did not bring with it ‘flying cars,’ ‘moon cities,’ and ‘robot housekeepers.’

But that doesn’t mean that the previous decade didn’t bring with it many new and interesting challenges, discoveries, technological advancements, and cultural breakthroughs:

SEPTEMBER 11th

THE definitive event of the 2000’s was, without question, the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. This horrific event will forever be seared into the consciousness of the American people who woke up that fateful morning to see the world changing in front of their eyes.

That day has caused a rollercoaster of emotional, political, and societal ups and downs ever since. The nation was united in mourning and resolve; the nation became divided as it began to look within its own borders for sources of terrorism seeded from overseas; wars began and many of our young men were sent abroad who would never again come home, our nation agreed and disagreed on the validity of these wars, and security was tightened up in ways never seen before in everything from sporting events to air travel.

This is the 1st in a series of 5 articles to be posted this week.

Anthony Trask is blessed with an incredible wife and two awesome kids. He currently co-pastors Fellowship Church in NE Salem. You can listen to his weekly messages at www.fellowshipsalem.com or read his blog at www.anthonytrask.com.

Lately there seems to be numerous Facebook invites for seemingly pointless events. Normally it’s not a problem. We mark our reply and move on. But when it’s the same individual sending them over and over, we think it’s quite frustrating.

Don’t get us wrong, we love our Facebook (and Twitter) friends. But here’s our dilemma: Do we keep them as a friend and put up with all their annoying invites, DMs (same could apply to those pesky Twitter DMs) or do we “un-friend” them?

Some would say we’re not portraying Jesus if we un-friend these inviting monsters. Others might say “kick ‘em to the curb.” What would you say?

Acne, puberty, obnoxiously tall bangs, and those ever-so-awkward “Do you like me? Check Yes or No” letters.

Oh, the joys of teenage years.

Here’s our question: If given a second chance, would you take it all back? Would you dare to relive your teen years and all those past glories?

We need your short or long answers – some of which will go in the upcoming Mar/Apr 2010 issue of Rethink Monthly.

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psalm 102:17

Less than 24 hours ago, the worst earthquake in over 200 years struck just outside Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, and scaled at 7.0 in magnitude.

The Haitian president, René Préval, said that the toll was “unimaginable” and estimated that thousands had been killed and leaving more than an esitmated 3 million people affected by the quake.

President Obama responded with a message: “We will be resolute in our response, and I pledge to the people of Haiti that you will have a friend and partner in the United States of America today and going forward. May God bless the people of Haiti and those working on their behalf.”

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We set off to interview Peter Rodger, world-renowned photographer and director of the new documentary Oh My God. An interesting look at the question “What is God?” Take a seat and listen as Peter explains his vision for the film and shares interesting insights you won’t get anywhere else.

To find out more about Peter and his new film, Oh My God, check out the website at www.omgmovie.com.

We also invite you to the opening of the film in Portland, Oregon on Friday, December 11th at the Fox Tower 10. After the 7:10pm showing, Rethink will host an opwn interfaith discussion based on the question, What is God? Join us. For more information on the theater and to order tickets, click here.

[audio=http://rethinkmonthly.com/podcasts/OMG.mp3]