Mike McGarvey

The Beallwood Chronicles-Part 2: Late Night Visitor

2009-09-01T13:51:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks back I had just arrived home around 11:45 in the evening after a long day working for Teen Challenge, and topping it off with an 8-hour shift at the bucks (Starbucks). Exhausted, I stumbled in the front door of our home with to see my beautiful wife and was greeted enthusiastically by my over-rambunctious Siberian Husky named Moose. I grabbed a glass of cold water and sat at our Chili's booth to begin organizing some receipts from a recent business trip, after a few minutes of piling the tiny strips of register paper there was a knock at our front door. I glanced up to see who our visitor was just as Moose sprinted to the front door ferociously greet our late night guest.

In between growls and barks, I asked my sweaty friend the story of how he landed on my front stoop.

He explained to me how his van had broken down and he needed to call a tow truck to move it, but he was out of money. He shared that he was a pastor of a mission on the south side of town. Warily I asked to see credentials of some sort, which he produced. I did not have any cash so I offered to drive him to the gas station and I would grab him some money from the ATM.

The very next day, Candice was working at the neighborhood Starbucks when our Pastor friend showed up again, with the same story. Apparently he didn't recognize Candice until she untangled his web of lies. Realizing he had been caught, he said nothing more and sprinted out of the Starbucks.

I'm out $20 bucks, but the opportunity for Candice to expose our friend in his lies might make it worth it.

The Beallwood Chronicles, Part 1: Borderline at Best

2009-08-18T15:55:00.002-04:00

My wife Candice and I live in the Beallwood neighborhood of Columbus, GA. It’s not a bad neighborhood, but it does have its problems. The fact is, since moving into the neighborhood in April, we have experienced several “less than normal” situations each month- this is an attempt to capture and share those stories with the world (or the 2 people that read this):

In the morning on Saturday, August 15^th, I received a phone call at 8:45am from my beautiful wife, who was working at our neighborhood Starbucks, and needed my help. I rolled out of bed, threw on shorts and a shirt, and headed for the car. The warm sun had begun to evaporate the morning dew and the outdoor air swirled around me in a viscous, muggy, cloud. I walked down our freshly mowed lawn and hopped into the truck, already sweltering in the unforgiving Georgia heat. As the engine cranked I watched the neighborhood kids riding their bicycles down to the abandoned church next to my home in a daredevil attempt to awaken whatever lay inside the weathered doors of the dilapidated structure. As I pulled away the man across the street wiped his sweaty brow in a split second break from mowing down the scale-model Darien Jungle he had started growing earlier in the spring. The blazing white haze from the early morning sun drowned away the homes lining the street, until I reached the end and found shelter in the shade of a large poplar tree. At a slow roll, I glanced to the right and noticed a man of formidable size, dressed solely in white tube socks, urinating off of his front stoop. Now, I will be the first to admit, that we have one bathroom in our house and if my wife is occupying it early in the morning or late at night I have walked into the back yard to take care of business, but never mid-morning, never naked, and never on an active neighborhood street. We’ve seen some great things in our short time living in Beallwood, but it will be interesting to see if anything tops our daytime streaker.

20 Books that Changed America

2009-08-04T11:27:00.003-04:00

I've been searching for some different books to read lately in a continuous effort to broaden my perspective. I came across this list of the 20 books that changed America that I am going to work through. I've read a couple of them but I'm pumped about reading some of the literature that helped shape our nation. Here is the list:

Common Sense (1776) by Thomas Paine

A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792) by Mary Wollstonecraft

The Book of Mormon (1830)

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845) by

Frederick Douglass

The Communist Manifesto (1848) by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Leaves of Grass (1855) by Walt Whitman

The Interpretation of Dreams (1900) by Sigmund Freud

The Clansman (1905) by Thomas Dixon, Jr.

The Jungle (1906) by Upton Sinclair

The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money (1936) by John

Maynard Keynes

The Grapes of Wrath (1939) by John Steinbeck

Invisible Man (1952) by Ralph Ellison

Howl (1956) by Allen Ginsberg

Atlas Shrugged (1957) by Ayn Rand

Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson

The Feminine Mystique (1963) by Betty Friedan

The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965) by Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley

On Death and Dying (1969) by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

All the President’s Men (1974) by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein

Here's to all the Parents

2009-07-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

I only have these two boys for a couple of weeks. It’s minimal commitment, but it’s given me just a taste of what it’s like to be responsible for someone else and have them depend on me. This week I’ve had to resist the urge to just maintain, to become complacent. Let me explain.

Watching 2 boys similar in age, it is easy to turn everything into a competition. At times it’s been the only way I can get them to get things done. Whoever gets in the car the fastest with their seat-belts on gets a piece of candy. Whoever finishes their dinner is the winner. Whoever cleans up the best is the winner. Most of the time there doesn’t even need to be a prize, the title of winner is enough to feed the competitive male nature of attempting to be the best.

While making everything into competitions may get things done, it teaches them that if there isn’t something in it for them then it is not worth doing.

It’s only been two weeks and I’m fighting the urge to just get by and get things done rather than develop the boys into young men.

Here’s to keeping up the fight against complacency.

20 Questions on Steroids

2009-07-09T10:15:00.002-04:00

The past couple of weeks my brother-in-laws have been visiting, Angel is 7, Gabe is 5 and we’ve gotten to spend a lot of time together just the 3 of us. Just so you understand our situation, My sister and I grew up 2 years apart and 2500 miles from our nearest extended family, so I’ve spent very little time around children, and here I am, thrust into taking care of a 5 and 7 year old, its been fun. I’ve learned a lot about myself having these two guys around me all of the time. They are tremendous accountability in my words and actions and Gabe likes to repeat things. I’ve also learned that neither of them can keep secrets, like when I ask them not to tell Candice I gave them Taco Bell for lunch or let them have popsicles for breakfast. I’ve always considered myself a pretty easy going and patient person, but every day, about 1pm, when Angel reaches question number 4000, or when Gabe sneezes in my face, I fail the test. We’ve been working on developing good eating habits, (Which Tbell and popsicles may not seem like good eating habits but as long as they finish all of their food, we’re making progress). My harshest punishment was revoking snack time for not finishing breakfast, which was met with fierce opposition and the shedding of tears, but I didn’t cave.

Every once in awhile a series of questions will come along that I get pumped about, thinking “here is my chance to impart my wisdom (no commentary needed here) and help in the shaping of these young lives.” Here is a synopsis of our discourse I’d like to share with you:

It’s Monday afternoon, we’ve just taken lunch to our friend Brent who is laid up with a broken leg.

Angel: What does Brent do for a job?

Mike: He is a missionary with me at Teen Challenge.

Angel: What’s Teen Challenge?

Mike: It is a ministry that tells people about Jesus.

Gabe: I like Jesus.

Angel: Is God dead?

Mike: No, he is very much alive. He lives inside you and around you.

Angel: I thought he was in heaven.

Mike: He lives there too.

Angel: I thought only dead people can go to heaven.

Mike: ...

Mike: God can be alive and go there too.

Gabe: What does God eat?

Mike: ...

Having these boys has taught me that there are questions I have never thought of and that I’m pretty sure that I’ll make a terrible father, but I’m pretty pumped about trying someday and I have an awesome wife that is much better with kids than I am and going to make an incredible mother someday.

Now I’m going to go build pinewood race cars with the boys.

God, let me always be willing to ask questions, even ridiculous ones.

Fierce

2009-07-08T23:40:00.003-04:00

Thanks to my friend, Kevin Davis, Candice and I picked up a version of the New Testament called The Voice, translated by artists, writers, and scholars connected with Chris Seay and the Ecclesia Bible Society, you should check it out. This morning, amidst the sound of my brother-in-laws, (5 and 7 years old) playing Deca Sports on the wii and spilling Apple Jacks on my dinner table from Chili's I read this story where Paul was recognized in Jerusalem by a group of Jews from Asia, there he was challenged as an enemy of Judiasm. A crowd of Jews descended upon him so swiftly and violently that it drew the attention of the Commandant of the Roman Guard in Jerusalem and the guards were forced to break up the crowd and arrest Paul for causing the uprising.

As he was being dragged away Paul asked the Commandant, to address the Jewish mob. The Commandant agreed, suprised by Paul's ability to speak Greek. There on the steps of the temple, in Aramaic, Paul shared the story of his life as a Pharasee and a persecutor of The Way and later his conversion with an angry mob of Jews in their own language. The story is exploding with irony and beauty in the incredible ability God has to empower imperfect people to captivate civilzations with the story of Christ's resurrection. Later on in the story God promises Paul that he will share his story in Rome like he has in Jerusalem.

All throughout the Book of Acts and into his letters, Paul seems to rub people the wrong way. Not just a few people. Crowds of people. Entire Cities. His standard greeting is, "I'm in prison again, so I'm sending a letter." Now, I don't desire Paul's unfailing ability to make people hate him, but I do appreciate his tell-it-like-it-is approach to the Gospel because too often I am guilty of tip-toeing around the message, hoping people will find their way to the Truth in the endless trail of bread crumbs I've left them. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Paul's very presence in a place pushes people closer toward Christ, Rob Bell describes these people as "fierce with reality." God, allow me to be fierce with reality.

Droughts and Monsoons

2009-07-08T23:29:00.002-04:00

Due to the public scourging I've recieved from my friend Grant and the challenges by my wife to find some creative outlets as I haven't produced any significant writing or work of art in the better part of 3 months, I thought I would begin posting again. I guess it is all part of the natural ebb and flow of life, droughts and monsoons. Anything on middle ground is rare form for me. However, a 1/4 of a year without any right-brained activity can't be good for anyone, so it's time to be intentional about changing the seasons. In the words of Mark Batterson, it's time to "play offense with my life", again. Here's to monsoons.

Tithe Rap

2009-03-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Funny Tithing video from 12StoneChurch. Enjoy.

Biggie Fries

2009-03-05T21:16:00.000-05:00

This one was hilarious.

Free E-Book

2009-02-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a great compilation e-book of a number of bloggers with experience in church leadership, planting and development. It is a great read from some creative thinkers. Check it out.

Recovery

2009-02-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you my friend Kevin's story of Recovery. It is a sobering and transparent story of weakness, failure, brokenness, grace, forgiveness and a new beginning. It is an account of a couple's decision to stay together, through the turmoil of sexual addiction. The fact is, simply, that we are all broken and in pursuit of a Holy God. The specifics of our brokenness may not be the same, but it is there, and Kevin's story should be a challenge to all of us to deal with the things hidden in our lives. Learn more about Kevin and Julie's story.

Tomorrow's Church: God the Father? Part 2

2009-02-07T10:05:00.001-05:00

I posted some thoughts from the Theology 1 Class I spoke at in Boston this week at Tomorrow's Church. I'd love to hear your thoughts on God the Father? Pt. 2.

Check out Part 1 also.

Beantown

2009-02-06T07:25:00.000-05:00

I spent the early part of this week in between Boston and New Hampshire, hanging out with students at Zion Bible College.

I had a great time connecting with some of the students and sharing with them about the things Teen Challenge was doing to meet the needs of people around the world. They were one of the most engaged group of college students I've met with, they were definitely involved in our conversations. There's something exciting about being around young leaders that want to be involved in something larger than themselves.

While at Zion I got to spend some time with 2 other guys from Teen Challenge, Jesse Owens, planted a church in Princeton, NJ and 10 years ago, at age 65, pioneered a new worldwide ministry called Global Renewal that is partnering with Teen Challenge International to train international Teen Challenge graduates. I also got to spend time with Don Wilkerson, who has dedicated the last 50 years of his life to ministering with Teen Challenge and has been foundational in Teen Challenge growing from the one center in Brooklyn to nearly 1,100 ministry centers in 82 nations. It was one of those times, especially as a young missionary, that you feel you don't belong. My 1 year of missions experience was laughable in comparison to their decades, but we had a great time investing in the future together.

We taught a 2 hour Spiritual Formation class, 2 chapels, a 6 hour seminar class, and another 2 hour Theology 1 class in just a day and a half. On a side note, I got to cross "Teaching a College Class" off of my list of life goals.

Obama-Me

2009-02-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

At the Obama-me website they will take an ordinary picture and "Obama it" to match his campaign posters. Regardless of political affiliation, you all should enjoy this one.

God the Father? on Tomorrow's Church

2009-01-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Just posted some thoughts yesterday at Tomorrow's Church on the submitting to the authority around you and how our relationship with our parents influences how we perceive our relationship with God after reading Donald Miller's book To Own a Dragon.

You can check it out at the Tomorrow's Church blog, join the discussion.

This video will change your life.

2009-01-29T18:00:00.002-05:00

This video is going to change your life: It's a tribute by my friend Judd and his dog, Snax, missing his wife, who has been in Orlando for the last week or so. Judd and Christy missionaries with Global Teen Challenge and oversea all of the video and media design for Teen Challenge centers around the world, but with the wife out of town, Judd had a lot of free time. You can follow Judd on Twitter here.

The Vegetarian Book Club

2009-01-29T10:10:00.009-05:00

My wife, Candice, and some of her friends have started reading some books together and posting their thoughts and discussions on Candice's blog, The Vegetarian Book Club, because the people involved in the discussion live all over the country, from Seattle to Georgia, they named it The Vegetarian Book Club because they don't meet together, instead they discuss their ideas and reflections on the blog. Get it? No Meet?

If you're interested in following along and joining in check out the blog and ask Candice which book they're beginning so you can join in!

Crazy Eyebrows

2009-01-28T17:06:00.002-05:00

Cadbury Eyebrows from Nils-Petter Lovgren on Vimeo.

Caught this video on the Ragamuffin Soul blog and felt obligated to repost it, had me laughing, and made me a little uncomfortable.

The House at Sugar Beach

2009-01-26T18:20:00.006-05:00

Just finished reading a memoir titled The House at Sugar Beach, by Helene Cooper-

Helene enjoyed the privilege of growing up a heiress in a wealthy Liberian family in a mansion on the Atlantic coast of west Africa. At 8 years old Helene's mother bought her a playmate from a local family named Eunice. Over the years the relationship that Helene and Eunice shared grew into sisterhood.

As unorganized war broke out in Liberia the family was separated. Wealthy families in Liberia were being targeted as political prisoners, family members and friends of the Cooper family were tried by the militant governments and executed. Helene's mother was raped by a group of soldiers in an effort to spare her 3 daughters of being robbed of their innocence. The following month, Helene, her mother, and her younger sister, left for the United States to flee the collapsing tyrannical government and the multitudes of warring rebel tribes. Eunice remained in Liberia to finish her last year of school.

In the House at Sugar Beach, Helene Cooper tells of her stolen childhood, her life in America, her career as a journalist for The Wall Street Journal and her return to Liberia, Sugar Beach, and her reunion with Eunice in a disturbingly honest account of the nature of war in west Africa and the affects is has on the wealthy and the poor in her native country of Liberia.

The World Missions Summit

2009-01-21T18:34:00.008-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since Candice, I, and others from around the country arrived in Cincinnati alongside thousands of college students who wanted to hear about opportunities to get involved with ministry all over the world. We had a great representation for Teen Challenge there, with directors, staff members, students, and interns from all over the United States and Africa, Europe, and Latin America. We had incredible response from students in our seven breakout sessions and had a great time connecting with the students over meals while at the Summit. We had a lot of interest in people serving at Teen Challenge centers in the states and overseas on short and long term trips.

I was encouraged to see my generation of twentysomethings so eager to be involved in the things that are happening around the world. I was reminded how our generation lives in a time where the world is more connected than it has ever been with blogs, facebook, myspace, twitter, cell phones, text messaging, email, and skype; but none of that can replace the value of a very real, human, connection and that was evident in the energy of the people when we were all together, worshipping and connecting with one another.

High Adventure in Tibet

2009-01-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

High Adventure in Tibet by David V. Plymire has been one of the more captivating books I've read lately. The book tells the story of pioneer missionary Victor Plymire and his life reaching the people in Tibet. Constantly avoiding bands of outlaws, communist police, and angry mobs of monks, Victor and his family sought to love the Tibetans and share the message of Christ with them in that rugged environment. Victor even loses his wife and child to smallpox.

At one point the author, David V. Plymire even shares a testimonial from a reporter for Reader's Digest named Harrison Forman as he is disguised as a Tibetan sorcerer and they summon the King of Hell and his demons. The vivid description of the event from a skeptic is work reading alone. The book kept me engaged cover to cover which is difficult to do.

Looking to Tie the Knot at 107 Years Old

2009-01-12T12:39:00.006-05:00

I read this article on MSN today about a 107 year old chinese woman still on the lookout for a good man to be her husband. I respect the fact that this woman is almost 11 decades into life and still actively looking for someone who is going to respect her and treat her right. Here's to not quitting, even after a century on the prowl. Check out her story.

The Tipping Point

2009-01-11T15:01:00.004-05:00

I recently finished The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell; It was recommended to me by my friend Grant. The Tipping Point is 'a book about change' it is 'an examination of the social epidemics that surround us'. It reinforced some concepts I read about a couple of months earlier in Seth Godin's book, Purple Cow; (to see the Purple Cow review click here) However, Gladwell's book focused more on the nature of epidemics and how they spread. He offered a lot of real examples of seemingly minor events, some accidental and some intentional, that lead to ideas falling into the hands of the right individuals and groups to spark a type of grassroots, word of mouth, epidemic.

He begins The Tipping Point with observing how ideas, new technology, and diseases spread through a population. He touches on the sexually transmitted disease outbreaks that plagued Baltimore-the significant and rapid reduction of crime in New York City in the 1990's-and the rise and fall of the Airwalk shoe company.

Gladwell also discusses how human nature and the desire to be connected to one another personally plays into the spread of ideas. He defines three different types of people that help connect new ideas to the majority of the population through their expertise in a particular field, their circles on influence and their ability to communicate with the people around them.

Although somewhat lengthy at times I think The Tipping Point can fuel new approaches to spreading ideas, ministries, products and information. Learn more about Malcolm Gladwell and follow is blog. If you want to purchase The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell or Purple Cow by Seth Godin, click here or here.

Heather's Story

2009-01-09T19:00:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share about a friend of mine, Heather- She just left as a missionary for the Dominican Republic to help a women's Teen Challenge center there. Heather and I went to college together and while in college she asked me about opportunities to work with Teen Challenge in the Czech Republic (She likes Republics apparently)-

So, In the summer of 2007 Heather left everything familiar to her for the Czech Republic for 3 months to work with Teen Challenge. Since then she has graduated from college and come back to work through what Candice and I are doing with Teen Challenge Global Internships to go and serve in the Dominican Republic. I am looking forward to hearing about the lives that are going to be changed through our work in the Caribbean. Here is Heather's Story-

"One never realizes the impact of their growing up experience until they reflect back at an older and less biased age. Growing up as a military kid, I see now that the instability of picking up and moving every few years created a shaky ground of uncertainty. I did not know who I was because I always reinvented myself with each new pla

ce. Fitting in became a priority by my teen years, and I was willing to do anything to achieve this sense of security. Pair this with a shaky and neglected family life and you have a girl searching for a place in the world. This led to drug abuse and abusive relationships, compromise and depression.

By the age of 16, something needed to change. Secular rehabilitation failed, counseling failed, and my own half-hearted attempts at reform failed. However, God radically intervened, and I was placed in the Columbus Girls Teen Challenge Center in Alabama. There, I found a place in God's family, and my like has not been the same since.

The summer before my senior year, I had the incredible opportunity to serve at Teen Challenge in the Czech Republic for my school internship. Upon arriving, I quickly realized that the service I would do there would require complete dependence on God. I could not speak the language, and fumbled for my footing the first few weeks there, but the people embraced me, and most of all, God embraced me there.

With the help of an interpreter, named Renata, I taught material at the women's center where I stayed, loving the opportunity to help the women gain a firm foundation in the Bible and

their faith. I came to form a tight bond with all my sisters there, sharing meals and much laughter with them. I was able to be apart of the many ministries that they have there from the coffeehouse and street ministry team to the ministry to the gypsy children in downtown Prague. It was incredible to be God's vessel of love, and I learned the powerful simplicity of a smile and hug when it comes to ministry.

Truly it was a life changing and faith building experience. When it was time to come back to the states, I felt as though I would leave a part of my heart that would never be regained."

Now Heather is sharing that same love in the Dominican Republic with the women there. If you'd like to follow along on Heather's journey check it out here.

Setting the bar a little higher

2009-01-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

I enjoy reading, I really got forced into reading in college and it's been a habit I've tried to keep up with. However, more often than not, time tends to get in the way and I don't get to read as much as I'd like. Last year I averaged 4 books a month. This year I thought I would be more intentional and protective of my reading time and I challenged myself to read 12 books a month. Here are the first couple I've picked out; If you have any suggestions on books, let me know- I'll be posting reviews as I finish the books.

Teen Challenge (With Love) video

2009-01-07T11:00:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine, Judd Patterson, banged out this sweet video for us to debut at the World Missions Summit in Cincinnati. Judd is a "media" missionary with Global Teen Challenge and creates short films and videos for Teen Challenge centers and other ministries around the globe. I'll be sharing more about the "With Love Movement" over the next couple of weeks.

High Adventure in the American Midwest

2009-01-06T12:46:00.004-05:00

Just got back home last night from our 18 day road trip; we endured snow, ice, torrential downpours, freezing fog (?), regular fog, and the south and prevailed. It's nice to be sleeping in my own bed but Candice and I had a great time. We kicked off the trip visiting some great friends in Missouri, Justin and Rachel Chandler and Jack Wells as well as a few others. Then we took off to visit our family in friends in Colorado, we really enjoying sharing at Restoration Church for a few minutes. It's always fun making that pilgrimage back to the place I began this journey with Christ. We also got to spend some time with my parents and younger sister while we were in the Springs (Colorado Springs for people not from CO) and we got to catch up with Candice's family who drove up from Oklahoma for the holidays.

After Colorado we got to spend a night with my friend and college room mate Jamie in Kansas City before we took off to Cincinnati for the World Missions Summit. It was great to see Jamie again. After the Summit we headed up to Michigan to hang out with our good friends Kevin and Julie and their awesome kids, Micah and KK.

I'll be posting some pictures and thoughts from our trip over the next few days.

Adventus

2008-12-19T07:30:00.003-05:00

The month of December has always been very busy in my family, between three birthdays, one anniversary, and all of the other seasonal festivities it is easy to get bogged down. So, this year Candice and I decided to do an Advent calendar to slow things down at least once a day and celebrate the birth of Christ and look forward to his return.

We looked at all of the different options out there for Advent calendars. They have calendars where you put handmade wooden ornaments on a little tree for 24 days, or calendars where you open tiny doors and are greeted by small religious artwork or a daily Scripture. However, for us, the obvious choice in calendar was the one where little chocolate surprises lay hidden behind 24 miniature doors, and the fact that it was on sale at Starbucks combined with Candice's 30% employee discount made it a steal.

So, every day we get together and eat a little milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on the day, and discuss how we can better celebrate Christ and prepare for his return.

People have been finding ways to build anticipation for the birthday of Christ and his return for centuries. Over 150 years ago in Germany, children would use chalk to mark the 24 days with lines on the wall. Our methods have advanced since then but I think there is something respectable about the simplicity of the children's methods. They didn't need chocolates or artwork. They didn't need little doors or handmade wooden ornaments. Chalk was fine. Tally marks were the countdown method of choice-because it wasn't about the tiny tree. There was something bigger happening. They were celebrating Christ. They were preparing for His return.

I'm not advocating throwing out perfectly good chocolates, or that we need to use something to help build anticipation of the return of Christ. Simply, that we need to be sure we are building excitement for more than delicious chocolates. Whether it is hanging an ornament, drawing a chalk line, or eating a chocolate, the purpose is to slow down, to take a minute, celebrate Christ and share that time with the people around you. It's a look back at the New Testament principle of loving God and loving people.

The 100th

2008-12-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Here's to 100 posts and all the drafts that got cut from the team.

India has more honor kids than America has kids...

2008-12-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

Caught this video on my friend, Kevin's blog, via, Anne Jackson's blog both of which you should follow. There's a whole lot of blog love happening here, but the video will knock your socks off.

Heading to Tallahassee

2008-12-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

Driving to Tallahassee, Florida today, it's only three and a half hours but it seems like time is at a standstill. I enjoy road trips, the cotton fields and the cyprus and willow trees but I think the anticipation of heading home to Colorado for Christmas is making this week go by at a crawl. Still have a couple of days to go and looking forward to making some good holiday memories here in Georgia.

Soles for Souls

2008-12-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

Wanted to put another organization on the map; Soles for Souls. $5 Dollars will buy 2 pairs of shoes for children around the world. Check out their website and buy some shoes.

Tomorrow's Church

2008-12-09T12:30:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to put a discussion happening at Tomorrow's Church on the missional church model.

Tomorrow's Church is a collaboration of writers and thinkers, dreaming about what could be and what should be.

Follow along and join the discussion.

Blogging Hiatus

2008-12-09T12:09:00.001-05:00

Back from my blogging hiatus, it's been a couple weeks but the schedule has loosened up that I can get back to some writing.

Cotton Fields and The Dream of Equality

2008-11-21T07:53:00.007-05:00

I started thinking while I was driving through the cotton fields in southern Georgia the other day about how the cotton plant had been such an important piece of southern history and in ascension and abolishment of legalized slavery within the United States. A few days ago, my friend, Kevin Davis, posted about the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr. and the election of our first African American president. Although we still have more ground to cover in terms of equality and removing the seeds of racism from society,

we have come a long way.

Something I noticed during my drive is the aesthetics of the cotton plants in bloom. The vast seas of miniature white clouds looked like a fantasy land painted from the pages of The Chronicles of Narnia. Even as I left Georgia behind for the swamplands of Northern Florida the cotton had been carried by the wind and lined the side of the road much like the snow of my home state of Colorado. Just like the cotton lying on the side of the road, miles from the nearest field, the effects of slavery, and hate, are widespread.

Despite weariness from the long lasting battle to over come our countries foundational roots in the dehumanization of an entire race of people, we must accept our failures and

we must continue to move forward.

Vastly superior in power and scale are the ideals of love, reconciliation, and equality. Over the past centuries we have moved through periods of exponential development in the area of equality. From the early days of the Underground Railroad to the Harlem Renaissance and Luther's Dream,

we have made great strides. Let us continue.

Video Planning

2008-11-18T10:30:00.001-05:00

Going into a meeting with my friend, Judd Patterson, to brainstorm for a video concept for The World Missions Summit in Cincinnati the end of next month. We've put a lot of planning into the summit and we are looking forward to tie it all together with a creative video, I'll post it as soon as it is finished.

Pine Mountain and the Dowdell Loop

2008-11-12T11:36:00.014-05:00

Candice and I went camping this weekend in Pine Mountain, Ga. Something thats great about the south is comfortable weather in the fall and winter. My roommate from college, Charley Bean, came down from the Atlanta area with his fiancee, Mary, to spend a night with us. It was great to reconnect with them. On Saturday we all got up, had granola bars for breakfast, due to me buying the wrong type of fuel for our stove, and hiked the 5 mile Dowdell Loop in Roosevelt State Park. It was a great fall weekend with cool, crisp air and the color of the turning trees at the height of their vibrancy. Heres a couple of photos.

Cooking up some brats.

Charley.

The "Camp"site.

Chili Saturday Night, before we ran out of fuel for the stove.

Roosevelt State Park.

In Autumn.

4 Days until the Walk With Love 10k

2008-11-11T11:26:00.005-05:00

Just a couple more days until the Walk With Love 10k goes down. I'm excited about seeing people from all across the country getting involved globally. Communities of people in Colorado, Missouri, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, and Georgia will be partnering in a global initiative to turn the tide on addiction and see people's lives changed with love. It's not to late to get involved; if your interested in giving or organizing a 10k in your area, click here.

Missionary Friends

2008-11-06T17:00:00.001-05:00

Last night we had the opportunity to have dinner and coffee with some fellow missionary friends of ours, Judd and Christy Patterson. Judd and Christy are rethinking and revamping the church uses video and media. It was great to talk about some shared experiences we've had as missionaries. Judd was telling me about a life goal he has to write five screenplays; I can't wait to see that happen.

Weekend with ET

2008-11-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

This weekend we had the opportunity to spend some time at Evangel Temple in Columbus. It was our first opportunity to share the vision of what we are doing as missionaries around the world. E.T. has been great to Candice and I since we moved to Columbus in February. Pastor Rick Collins and his team have made us feel at home and made the transitions of moving a little easier. They have also bent over backwards to help us as we being our ministry here in Columbus. It was a good weekend. It's always good to spend some time getting to know more people in our home church.

Voting is inspiring

2008-11-04T12:28:00.005-05:00

Candice and I just finished voting. Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, today's election has been over 200 years in the making. There is something inspiring about that. Today, there is a feeling of being a part of something bigger. Something historical.

The future is something to be optimistic about. Regardless of who wins and which party succeeds in your local elections, tomorrow is something to be excited about.

I'm sitting at Starbucks enjoying my free coffee for voting and thinking about the fiasco of the campaigns over the last 6 weeks. Still, regardless of what happens today, I am pumped.

The timeless bouncy house

2008-10-31T18:00:00.003-04:00

Tonight, Candice and I are working at the kid's harvest missions festival at our home church here in Columbus. I'm pretty excited about hanging out with some kiddos and if I get the chance it's on with the bouncy house. It's a classic. I love seeing the whole church involved globally, from the kids up. It gets them thinking big, young.

Advent Conspiracy

2008-10-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

I caught this video on my friend Kevin's blog and had to check it out. Take a look at Advent Conspiracy and Rethinking Christmas.

Suicide Jumper

2008-10-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

Here is another great video by ImprovEverywhere.

October Newsletter

2008-10-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

Just finished printing and addressing our October newsletter, I'm excited about this one, its going to spread some more information about our Walk With Love event the middle of November. Also signed up for a twitter account this week, still debating on whether I'm going to use it or not. I'm not sure if another online social networking thing crosses the line into ridiculous. Facebook and this blog may be enough.

The Audacity of Hope

2008-10-24T11:00:00.001-04:00

With elections just around the corner and my indecisiveness on who to vote for I thought I would read through The Audacity of Hope by Senator Barack Obama. The title is initially what made me want to read the book and it started off very idealistic, which I liked. A little romanticism never hurt anyone. I enjoyed the positive outlook on the future of politics and his efforts to bring something new to Washington. After the first couple chapters there was a period of frustration with the current and past republican and democratic administrations that Obama expressed with the reader. However, it gave me a little more insight on to his stances on some big issues for me and shed a little light on who he was as a person. I've still got some homework to do and his book didn't secure my vote, but all in all it was a good read and gave me a little more insight.

Inside the Miami Drug Cartel

2008-10-23T20:00:00.000-04:00

Starting reading Inside the Miami Drug Cartel this morning; It was recommended to me by my friend Judd. I'm about halfway through the book and it is pretty good. I am looking forward to finishing it up. I like books that are easy to read, that keep me engaged. Manuel Baerga's story is gripping to say the least, he goes into detail about his involvement in drug rings in Puerto Rico, Miami and New York City. Particularly moving is his account of his arrest and incarceration in Baltimore. His honesty and openness on how his selfishness, secrecy and his time in prison affects him and his wife and little girl. Manuel is now the executive director for Teen Challenge of Maryland. To read his story and learn a little more about the impact Teen Challenge has around the world check out Inside the Miami Drug Cartel.

Spontaneous date

2008-10-20T18:32:00.001-04:00

Got my shift covered tonight @ the bucks. Going to spend some time with Candice and have a little date, as soon as she gets out of her yoga class. Sometimes spontaneity is welcomed.

Discovery and Liberation; part 1

2008-10-20T12:36:00.009-04:00

I shared a bit last night at The Door here in Columbus, GA. Here is a little bit (part 1) on what I spoke about.

In the spring of 1945 a man sat beaten and naked in his prison cell in the heart of Nazi controlled Germany. At one time a distinguished pastor, theologian, and professor; He was now imprisoned for paying for thousands of Jews to escape the Axis grip. He had traded his life for theirs and had been a leader in the underground Nazi resistance. With the rise of the sun he would be executed by hanging. Hitler had reserved a special hanging for Dietrich Bonhoeffer and other members of the Nazi resistance. Their backs would be pierced with meat hooks and they would be hoisted from their shoulder blades to nooses made of piano wire where they would slowly suffocate. It is said that the victims would writhe and convulse for the near half hour it took for the execution to complete.

Dietrich had decided at a young age that he wanted to be a theologian and eventually a pastor. His life took him from the African American Church movements in Harlem to pastoring in England and Germany before becoming a professor at an underground school of theology in Berlin, where he would discover who God had designed him to be. He would become the catalyst that would cause a movement of churches to oppose Nazi Germany and help turn the tide on the war and save countless lives. Bonhoeffer along with several others started the Confessing Church movement that vehemently opposed the Nazi regime.

Prior to being hanged on April 9th, 1945, just three weeks before the liberation of Berlin, Bonhoeffer said, "Jesus does not promise that when we bless our enemies and do good to them that they will not despise us and persecute us. They certainly will. But not even that can hurt us or overcome us, so long as we pray for them. For if we pray for them, we are taking their distress and poverty, guilt and perdition upon ourselves, and pleading to God for them."

PSD Tuts

2008-10-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Wanted to put a great tool I use on the map. I do a lot of design in photoshop and PSD Tuts has taught me most of what I know; check it out if you are interested in learning a little more about design. Also, check out my friend Matt Nestor's blog for some more tips.

Wicked:Review

2008-10-16T15:52:00.005-04:00

We got back from Wicked around 2:15 am, but it was well worth it. It is the best Broadway show I've seen. The setting of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta with their "Arabian Nights" theme made the show even more enjoyable and we had great seats about 20 rows back from the stage in the center section. If you have a chance I'd recommend seeing this one. You can find the 2008, 2009 list of cities for the national tour here. The great performance by the players, incredible set design, and the theatrical lighting and effects will make for one amazing evening.

Safari Party

2008-10-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

For the past week Candice and I have been working with our church home, The Door, to put together a community costume party at the end of October for people connect with each other and raise awareness about needs and projects going on around the world. We've put together an outstanding Safari Party to raise money for some work going on at an AIDS/HIV orphanage run by Teen Challenge of Swaziland, Africa. Love to see people connecting with each other and partying with a purpose. I'm going to be an alligator. Pictures will be up following the event, you won't want to miss them.

Wicked

2008-10-15T15:30:00.002-04:00

Taking Candice to see Wicked tonight at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. We missed the show both times we were in New York this year so I'm pretty excited to be able to catch it so close to home. I'm pretty sure she is more excited than when we got married, and I'm kind of a sucker for plays and musicals. Cat's out of the bag.

1 Month Away

2008-10-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

Our first annual Walk With Love 10k is only a month away. Candice and I have been busy getting everything together to join some friends in getting a little exercise and raising some support. Things are getting underway for the event here in Columbus and I found out last night that some incredible friends of ours, Kevin and Julie, are having t-shirts made for their 10k in Michigan. Ridiculous. Exciting.

4x4 Down For the Count

2008-10-13T12:45:00.002-04:00

Sitting at Rivertown Ford waiting to hear the diagnosis for my vehicle. This weekend our truck started having some problems caused by something wrong with the 4 wheel drive. Frustrating, but I'm confident they can fix the problem for me. Maybe, I should of been a mechanic.

Road Trip '08

2008-10-11T11:45:00.000-04:00

Candice and I have been thinking about road-tripping during Christmas to visit some family and friends, then hit up The World Missions Summit. It's a beast of 3,715 miles. A road trip would be fun but we'd lose about 60 hours to driving time.

week:END:

2008-10-10T17:29:00.007-04:00

Just wrapped up a busy week of preparing print publications and confirming speakers for our Teen Challenge breakout sessions at The World Missions Summit. This week I've gotten to correspond with some great people that are doing life in extraordinary ways with people all over the planet. I certainly feel out of my league. Got a lot of design work on my plate but things are coming together smoothly for the Summit. I'll post the publication designs as I co
mplete them. Now it's off to work at Starbucks.

Writing 101

2008-10-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I met with my new friend and mentor, Dave Batty. Dave has been working for Teen Challenge for the past 40 years and is an avid writer. He has written various articles, books, and discipleship courses that are being used in countries all over the world. Dave and I met to discuss my interest in writing sometime in the future, he gave some great insight and tips from his many years of experience. I am looking forward to spending some more time with Dave and absorbing more from him. I am excited about getting started writing; look for posts in the future.

The Office

2008-10-09T17:45:00.001-04:00

All new episode of the office tonight, I'm pumped about it. You don't want to miss this.

Bucket List pt. 2

2008-10-09T11:00:00.001-04:00

Added some more goals to my bucket list this week. You can see the original post here. But here are some more things I'd like to accomplish someday.

Scuba dive off of Capetown, South Africa.
Go Hang Gliding.
Learn to fly a Helicopter.
Spend 3 months in Europe with Candice.
Visit the village Hernhut.
Visit the original Starbucks.
Sail from San Francisco to Honolulu.
Be financially independent by age 60.
Give away 50% of my income.
Plant a Church.
Teach a College Class.
Take a least 1 mission trip per year.
Start a missions-funding business/organization.

Welcome to BAMA?

2008-10-08T17:31:00.003-04:00

It's official, I got my Alabama driver's license today so that I could register to vote. It's an enormous sacrifice that I've made for the future of this nation.

I'm not sold that it was worth it.

It's not that big of a deal but worth mentioning nonetheless.

The World Mission Summit

2008-10-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

The World Missions Summit is fast approaching and things are falling into place for the event to go off smoothly. I am pumped about getting Teen Challenge on the radar at the event and seeing college students getting involved with ministry all around the world. It's great to be a part of an event that coincides directly with what Candice and I are doing as missionaries.

Settling the Debate

2008-10-07T15:15:00.005-04:00

Sitting at Starbucks thinking about the debate tonight. I hear they are taking questions from the public; I'd hate to be the guy that has to screen those questions. Hopefully I can catch some of the debate on my breaks at the bucks tonight. Maybe tonight will help settle the debate on who I'm voting for, we'll see.

Thats a lot of zeros

2008-10-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

Regardless of how you feel about the bailout; comics are always funny, I came across a couple I liked this weekend regarding the $7,000,000,000 bailout.

You can read more here.

Celebrating a Century

2008-10-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

Had a chance to visit Harvest Faith Community Church yesterday with Pastor Brad Carpenter for the Church of the Nazarene's 100th Anniversary. It was a great time full of celebration of the past and vision for the future. On Sunday, October 5th churches spanning 24 time zones celebrated a rich history of missions and community involvement. It was awesome to be a part of a global celebration.

The Gloves Come Off

2008-10-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

"Sen. John McCain and his Republican allies are readying a newly aggressive assault on Sen. Barack Obama's character, believing that to win in November they must shift the conversation back to questions about the Democrat's judgment, honesty and personal associations."

It's too bad the issues and policies that are going to change current situations aren't the center of attention in the Presidential campaigns. Classic politics.

You can read the rest of the article here.

Bringing back the Classics

2008-10-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

2 of the things I use my cell phone for the most are checking the time and the calculator feature. Fortunately our friends at Casio solved the problem for us years ago. I'm bringing back the classic calculator watch, for $24.99. Fight the jealousy setting in. Now we just need cell phone and texting capabilities and I can ditch the Blackjack.

Lessons from Lewis

2008-10-03T15:45:00.001-04:00

I've been broadening my reading scope as of late to continue to learn and absorb new information. Last night I sat down and read some excerpts from a number of C.S. Lewis' most popular writings. Something that I've always enjoyed about C.S. Lewis is his honesty. If you've every come across A Grief Observed, Mere Christianity or The Screwtape Letters you will immediately recognize what I'm talking about.

Something about his honesty gives us permission as a reader to question. To doubt. And to discover and render our own conclusions on life, theology, and relationships. He is merely offering his perspective, as influenced by his life experiences and circumstances and then opening those perspectives up for discussion. Those relationships in life that offer the same type of honesty and openness; that allow for real connectivity, offer the of opportunity to doubt, question, conclude and discuss with friends are what building community is all about. I think that is one reason the small group movement has been so successful in today's churches, is the need for real connection and relationship.

Something about relationships like this, in my mind, begin to fulfill the commission to love people and love God.

Adventures of the Mid-South pt.3

2008-10-03T13:16:00.001-04:00

Here are the last pictures of our trip. We visited the World of Coke in Atlanta, GA. A great stop for anyone, was a lot of fun, and we got to try Coke products from all over the world. The stuff from Africa was easily the most disgusting beverages I've ever tasted.

The house Candice's grandpa grew up in.

Some lip creature from Coke world getting fresh.

Adventures of the Mid-South pt.2

2008-10-02T20:04:00.008-04:00

Finally loaded some pictures from our trip to Tennessee this weekend. It was a great trip, we had a lot of fun with Candice's grandparents. These are at Cherokee National Forest near Cleveland, TN.

Adventures of the Mid-South pt.1

2008-09-30T08:55:00.002-04:00

Candice and I just got back from Tennessee yesterday afternoon. We spent the weekend near the Ocoee River and Cherokee National Forest. We had a great time meeting some of Candice's relatives for the first time. It is interesting how a simple break of pace can provide new energy. Got to visit the kayaking and canoeing site for the 1996 Olympics which was pretty cool. There was some intense white water rapids on the Ocoee River. Looks more exciting than the lake kayaking I've been doing. Also, I ate more country food than I've every had in my life, lots of fresh vegetables.

JUNK

2008-09-23T15:41:00.003-04:00

Read about these guys a couple of weeks ago on msn.com. They sailed from California to Hawaii on a raft made of junk in an effort to raise awareness about waste and pollution. It is an awesome adventure with a cause. Read their story here.

It's like Summer in a Bowl

2008-09-22T12:44:00.011-04:00

I'm pretty excited about today being the first day of Fall. It's my favorite season; To celebrate Candice and I are heading to Tennessee with some family for a long weekend. The last couple of weeks have been chaotic and stressful with things going on in life and work. It will be good to have some time away.

Friday night I helped Candice hold her first coffee tasting seminar at Starbucks here in town. It was a great event, we had nearly 50 people packed into the Starbucks, incredible music from our friends at Gorilla Guitars, and Candice killed it with a great event. Also, I got to auction off some photographs, altogether we raised $500 for the Columbus Children's Miracle Network. It was a great way to see people in the community connect with each other, and that's what it's all about. Here are some photos.

Walk With Love 10k

2008-09-17T13:54:00.003-04:00

The Walk With Love 10k is our annual mission awareness event; Get involved, check updates and learn more here.

Old Photographs

2008-09-09T16:20:00.003-04:00

Spent part of today going through some old photographs I've taken in the past. It has brought back a lot of memories. The people I've done shoots with have a story and the things I've captured have a story. It all reminded me of the impact those places and people have had on me. I am going to hang some of them for a silent auction for the Children's Miracle Network next week, I am really happy to be involved. I hope people can see their story in these old photographs.

I hope they inspire people to be active parts in their own story.

Dreaming about the future is an important part of life, just as important as being active in the present. Find something local to get involved with. Find something global to get involved with.

Day 2

2008-09-09T16:07:00.003-04:00

Worked some more on the web page stuff and the Walk With Love 10k stuff we are hoping to kickoff later this week. I am really excited about that stuff, I can't wait to show it to you. Also, been moving forward in Wild Goose Chase and took some time today work work a little more on my bucket list. I'll share a little more from that as it develops!

So far it's been a great week of personal reflection and dreaming, as well as working on a few big projects. I'm excited about it all. One goal I've set for myself today is to find someone to mentor me in my writing. Hopefully I will feel ready to start on my book early next year, but I think I need a little more time for development, but I'm going to be aggressive about working toward that goal.

Wrote a couple of thank you notes to some supporters today also, Candice and I are blessed to have so many great friends supporting us as missionaries.

Dream. Day 1 Down

2008-09-08T17:46:00.003-04:00

Had a great time today, Candice and I got up and headed to the bucks to work on our missionary web page we are hoping to launch by the end of the week. Then we spent some time wrapping up our planning for our Walk With Love event. I'm pumped about sharing both the web page and the Walk With Love 10k, both are going to be a great way to connect people. Also, just finished watching "Drug Testing" from Season 2 of The Office in preparation for Season 5 starting this month. Now I start my shift at the bucks, it's a good day.

Dream.

2008-09-07T21:39:00.003-04:00

I am looking forward to this week; I am taking some time to refocus, dream, and plan. We have some big things going down this fall and winter so I thought it would be great to get some personal strategic planning in before it all kicks off.

I am also looking forward to doing some photography. A hobby of mine that I took a bit of a hiatus from since we've lived in Georgia. Some of my prints are going up at a silent auction next week for the Columbus Children's Miracle Network and it motivated me to start some new work. I am looking forward to reconnecting with an old hobby. It will be a good opportunity to showcase some of my work in a new environment and raise a little money for the children.

Walk With Love

2008-09-07T15:20:00.000-04:00

Details coming soon.

Vegetarian Book Club

2008-09-06T10:34:00.004-04:00

If you're into reading there is a great blog book club my wife Candice is starting with a group of friends. They are reading A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier, one of the best books I read last year. You can visit the blog here. Feel free to join in, it is a great way to connect with new people via the web; you can find the book at your public library also, if you visit the Vegetarian Book Club you'll understand the name.

Adventure is Pricey

2008-09-03T21:59:00.003-04:00

I started reading Mark Batterson's new book, Wild Goose Chase. The first to chapters have been a great challenge to me to continue "play offense with my life"; To continue to seek adventure in my life and relationship with God. While I was reading I couldn't help but to be reminded of the cost of following the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, one of the darkest points of the Protestant Reformation was the persecution of Christians by other Christians.

There was a group of people called the Anabaptists. The Anabaptists were Christ followers during the early period of the reformation; during the time of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli. They believed that infant baptism was invalid; Baptism was a representation of the faith of the believer and they baptized each other by immersion.

For that belief they were persecuted to the point of death by other believers of their time. They were drowned by immersion and many other cruelties saved for "heretics".

We've all heard it before, but the cost of adventure can be steep.

The Anabaptist were willing to risk their lives to follow their call. The story of the Anabaptists is a story of adventure.

Mentoring

2008-08-31T22:46:00.002-04:00

Last week I asked a guy I work with at Teen Challenge to meet once in awhile in a mentoring relationship. After a few conversations I've had with some friends I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with someone that is a couple steps ahead of me in ministry and in life. This is going to be a great opportunity for me to dialogue with someone with someone with more experience than me; an opportunity to share some ideas and be invested into, I am pumped about the meeting next week.

She has a way with Words

2008-08-31T22:34:00.003-04:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have found myself in various impromptu Scrabble competitions. Candice and I have been avid scrabblers for the last couple of months which has equipped us for these short notice events. Last night however, I scored an all time low with a few friends. 72 points. I know. It's embarrassing and unfortunately I lost to words like "Ai" and "Er", yeah they are words, check your Scrabble Dictionary.

The Human Race

2008-08-31T16:39:00.003-04:00

Today, Candice and I participated in Nike+'s The Human Race 10k. We had a good time doing it together and got to raise some great money for the Lance Armstrong foundation and The UN Refugee agency. Candice's 75 year old grandpa also completed the 10k with us, he's a role model for staying active. We participated as a part of team Starbucks. It was a lot of fun and good exercise.

Making the Connection

2008-08-29T17:04:00.004-04:00

Posted a new blog at Tomorrow's Church. To go directly to the article Community: The Human Connection click here. Tomorrow's Church is an open discussion on ideas that connect the church with me and you. Join the discussion.

A brief history of me. (pt. 2)

2008-08-28T12:57:00.003-04:00

- I've been hit by a car, twice.

- I've fallen out of a moving car.

- I've been attacked by house cats, twice. I still have scars.

- I've never broken a bone.

- I learned to ski in third grade.

- I fought in a full contact mixed martial arts tournament in third grade.

I brief history of me.

2008-08-27T21:22:00.002-04:00

I was inspired by a few fellow blogger friends of mine, Chris Smith and Kevin Davis, to share a little bit about myself.

- I was born in Panama.

- I've been to the Czech Republic 3 times.

- I've lived in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, and Georgia.

- Hip Hop culture fascinates me.

- My wife and I met in High School.

I'm Officeless.

2008-08-27T21:16:00.003-04:00

Not really, they are finishing the construction on our office building this month. I am real excited ,however, I got the boot for the next couple weeks. Working from home though, I'm pumped about saving some gas money on the commute.

Rechargeable Batteries

2008-08-22T22:24:00.002-04:00

Got to spend the day with Candice today, with my hours at The Bucks and moving forward with the missions work we have not had much time together lately. It was good to get some time to hang out, I worked evenings and she worked mornings all last week so we saw each other right before bed for 5 days, but today we slept in until about 9 then I got up and made some blueberry pancakes. Which are amazing by the way. (add a tablespoon of brown sugar to your blueberry pancakes) Then we watched Friends well into the afternoon (a favorite past time of ours), afterwards we took a drive into town and looked at some houses, we won't be ready to buy for awhile but we want to know what we like and don't like and it is kind of fun. We grabbed some Starbucks and headed home and I cooked up some cajun steaks and shrimp and we watched another movie together, Shakespeare in Love. Great day to recharge our relationship and talk about the future.

Everyone has a Story

2008-08-21T17:05:00.006-04:00

Rosa Loves is one of my favorite community projects. They are 4 people that use their skills in design and marketing to create great tee shirts for a cause. They pick different projects and use the shirts to raise money, once the goal is reached they discontinue the shirt. Be involved in real people reaching out to real needs. It's great to see different gifts being used to effect others.

How can you use your gifts to meet a need?

Check out Rosa Loves. Be involved.

Small Town, Ridiculous Library

2008-08-20T13:20:00.004-04:00

I picked up my first public library card last week. There were a few reasons for it.

I'm not in college anymore and Columbus State won't let me use their library.

I'm starting to do a lot more reading and I can't afford to buy every book I want to read right now and with the library, if I like the book I can keep it and they just charge me for it, right?

I'm starting to read on more diverse topics in more areas of study in preparation for a personal writing season coming up soon.

I had heard fables about the Columbus library being a Wonder of the Modern World and a classified World Heritage Site. (actually, someone just told me it was really big and I don't think it's a world heritage site, but if your interested in what is click on the link.)

And that have The Office seasons on DVD (what?), yeah at the library.

Anyway, this week I am reading up on some business marketing and development.

Checked out Purple Cow and Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin. Really enjoying them so far.

I am also planning on reading Pour your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz and The Great Good Place by Ray Oldenburg.

Don't know where your library is? Find it here.

My Ability to be Remarkable is in Question

2008-08-20T10:06:00.006-04:00

Finished the Purple Cow last night at work (on my break). I'd rate it as one of the top 10 books I've read this year. Lets say number 7. It challenged me even beyond it's business marketing topic to make an intentional effort at being remarkable in my personal life as well as in my career. It helped me focus on identifying needs within my sphere of influence and developing innovative and creative ideas to meet those needs. Not just to meet those needs, but to meet them in extraordinary ways that are going to cause others to talk about it and become involved themselves. Some things most of us already know but it's good to hear it again and to read about implementing those ideas in the marketplace.

I want to encourage you to check out what else Seth Godin is up to, you can check out his blog here or his website here.

Purple Cow

2008-08-14T10:34:00.003-04:00

I'm in the midst of this book I got yesterday called Purple Cow by Seth Godin. It is really challenging some of my ideas on marketing and exposure. We've got a great idea on people getting involved with the ministry of Teen Challenge.

But it's not just an idea anymore. It is happening. Teen Challenge Global Internships is designed to meet a need. With 200 million drug users worldwide and 43 nations asking Teen Challenge to come and help with the drug epidemic, we're going to need help. Exposing people to the ministry of Teen Challenge is going to help meet that need. God is going to use those avenues to call people who love people to serve around the world.

We have a man on his way to Ireland to work with Teen Challenge there.

Two more young women heading to the Dominican Republic to being a women's center there.

And a team of young people heading to Swaziland Africa to work with Teen Challenge there.

The ball is beginning to roll and we haven't really told anyone about it yet.

I can't wait to see what happens.

Godin's book is challenging the way we've been thinking about spreading the word of the Teen Challenge Global Internships.

I am excited about finishing it. It's a challenge to be remarkable. To raise the bar.

Join the Discussion

2008-08-12T14:11:00.002-04:00

A few friends of mine, and some people I don't know have joined in on a conversation about church, community, church planting, and loving people. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns, comments, etc. Learn more about different ideas and movements.

click here. or here.

Marine boy

2008-08-11T12:58:00.003-04:00

Saturday night South Korea won their first ever Olympic Gold Metal in a Swimming event. Park Tae-Hwan won the 400m freestyle event the same event that he was disqualified from in Athens in 2004 for falling off of the starting blocks at 14 years old.

They said he was in the bathroom sobbing after the false start.

Its a real story of a kid who turned his humiliation on the global stage into a gold medal, the first for his country in Olympic swimming history.

Awesome. I hope he continues to do well.

Man Down

2008-08-07T22:23:00.002-04:00

I lost a piece of a toe tonight playing soccer, all of the skin on the bottom of the big guy on the right got ripped off. I think I need better shoes. Looks like he'll be out of commission for awhile.

Sunday Mornings Too Long?

2008-08-07T17:09:00.002-04:00

One of the stories in history that I am particularly fond of is the story of the Moravians. They were young followers of Jesus who agreed with John Huss' teachings. They lived together in the village Hernhut in Germany on the property of a wealthy supporter and reformer named Count Zinzendorf. When they arrived in Hernhut they began praying one night and didn't stop for nearly 125 years. Their prayer meeting lasted generations. One and a quarter century.

I have to wonder what kind of ridiculous, raw, experience had to happen for normal people to pray for that long.

I get frustrated when Sunday morning services last over 90 minutes.

I'm missing something.

What happens when people have an experience like that? 125 years? The Moravians would sell themselves into slavery in order to get to other countries to connect with people. To share a message. I'd like to think I'd be willing to become a slave, but I'm not so sure.

Imagine the camaraderie that comes out of that kind of experience. 125 years together. You, your friends, your social network, your blogosphere, all connecting with each other and with God. Sounds like an important aspect of community to me.

Last year I had the opportunity to go with a team of friends to the Czech Republic. To prepare for the trip we decided that we wanted to spend some more time together. After reading about the Moravians in Red Moon Rising, we decided that praying together would be a great way to do that. So in Feb. 2007 started praying together. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

180 hours total.

Time is valuable.

Then we left. Together.

We were closer than brothers. We met new people everyday and loved them.

I stood in Old Town Square in Prague, staring that the statue of John Huss. He was burned at the stake for what he believed. I'd stood there before, twice. Gazing at the teal-tarnished memorial. But this time it was a defining moment in my life; I had become a part of a ridiculous, raw, active community and this moment had been years in the making.

We should be a part of something bigger.

Soaking

2008-08-05T12:42:00.003-04:00

The last few weeks have been pretty chaotic for Candice and I, so I took this morning off so we could spend some time together. It is really the first chance in a couple of weeks we've had just to spend together and do nothing. We slept in a little bit, then got up and went for a 3 mile walk through the woods. When we got back we started making lunch together. It's almost ready.

It has been good to take some time and refocus together. Sometimes I get so busy that I miss the big picture. If you've been feeling stressed, busy, or just going through some big changes, take some time and soak in the big idea. Soaking takes time. Reconnect with God and each other.

A Photo Documentary of the Deep South

2008-08-03T13:31:00.005-04:00

I thought you might like that.

Welcome to Ravenden, Arkansas. There is not a whole lot of other words to describe this. If you are having trouble picturing the size of the bird, that is a full size flagpole behind it. It's a behemoth.

The bed of a truck, in the bed of a truck. There is also a hood and a muffler in the truck. I thought it was pretty cool and a little dangerous.

Branson: Over-exaggerated mediocracy, I like that.

2008-08-01T18:18:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have dinner and reconnect with my first pastors, Larry and Kelly Mederich in Branson, MO. The land of extravagant signs for everyday places. We had a great time talking about the past and looking toward the future. They are doing a great church plant in Wisconsin which I am particularly excited about because church-planting gets me pumped.

This morning I woke up early and hopped back on the road to Branson, MO. If you have ever been to Branson you know how interesting it is. I had the opportunity to share about Global Internships and The World Mission Summit with Teen Challenge leaders from across the country. It was a humbling and exciting experience. They were excited about us moving forward and getting involved with Colleges and Universities and participating in the Chi Alpha World Missions Summit. I am stoked about college students being exposed to the ministry of Teen Challenge and watching what happens.

Tomorrow morning I am heading back to Columbus, GA. I had a great time in Springfield but I am looking forward to going home and spending some time with Candice.