The Way

There are some commercials that come along that just speak volumes. I am a firm believer that more good comes from encouragement than criticism, although, to be honest, I am many times too quick to criticize and way to slow in encouraging. Check out this video and see if you do not leave just a little more encouraged to encourage others.

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.   Mother Teresa  I do not think I used this quote from Mother Teresa just because I returned from India this past month, but it probably did influence me using it. Many of the pictures of people that are in my mind, at times excite me and others break my heart. It is so exciting to see so many in India that I had met four years prior, who have grown leaps and bounds. So many new believers who are fully engaged in ministry and in leadership. Existing believers who have grown and matured in their faith and are leading others to do the same. It was so exciting! In other areas of our work there, poverty still exists at alarming rates. So many pictures of Slumdog Millionaire type people who are great people who need a great Savior and very basically, food. While some of the work in India seems overwhelming, it is so encouraging to see God doing a great work through His people. I am honored and burdened to be a part of the wo...

Sondra and I had a great weekend celebrating just being at home and Valentine's Day. Shelbi and Mark came home on Friday and we rented Despicable Me which is a fun movie that we all enjoyed. On Saturday we headed to the Y for my daily bike ride and Sondra got on the treadmill. My knee is still not good so no running for me for over two weeks. That is a long time for an addicted runner for sure. Panera is one of our favorite spots and we headed over there after the Y to just eat a bagel, drink coffee, and just sit and talk. One of my favorite times of the week and with the travel I have been doing, it was the first time in a few weeks we have had the opportunity. Saturday during the day I kicked back and watched a bunch of college basketball games. I love the game and it was nice to watch some really good games and also I switched back and forth from many games and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament. What a beautiful golf course. Saturday night was Carrabba's with my ...

If you know anything about comedian Tim Hawkins, you know the guy is clean and very funny. You will love this video on his take on Valentine's.

I have recently been thinking about what it takes to land on your feet in circumstances that just seem to jump up and knock you crazy. We all know people who are facing some extremely difficult life situations - I have some good friends who are struggling with a cancer diagnosis; families struggling with relationships; unemployment; jobs that are challenging to say the least; and the list goes on and on. To be perfectly honest, I think there are many things that hit us where we cannot land on our feet in the short-term and I am beginning to think that is ok. It is okay to grieve; it is okay to question; it is okay to feel pain and struggle; but it is also okay to be assured that "he who began a good work in you, will see it to completion." Quit trying to rush through a process that may take some time. By the same token, be careful not to lay down and wallow in a situation forever. I saw this video and thought it pretty amazing. This guy landing on his feet is not the norm...

Okay, so this was not a banner week for me knee wise but it sure has been a good week ministry wise. I was in the office Monday-Wednesday and then Weds evening through Sat mid-day was in Chattanooga for Southeast Conclave. It is a very well done event for youth leaders across the Southeast US and is a good time to connect with youth leaders. I led a breakout on Discipling Your Own and the thrust of the conference was to encourage youth leaders to minister and take care of their own families. I tried to make it really practical and share some highs and lows of some things we have done as a family. They tried to record the breakout but it messed up and unfortunately did not record. I spent about 45 min after the conference talking with parents and encouraging them. What a privilege and honor to share with them and hear their stories. So many are doing a great job and just need assurance to keep it up. I am home for about a week and a half coming up and I am scheduling an appointment ...