A Piano and A Little Boy

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.

Am I Making A Difference? Are You?

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 work there. Honored that God allows me to be a part of what He is doing there and burdened that I am not doing more. Please know that I am going to be sharing some practical ways you can help some kids eat and get in school. 


Walk out your front door. Look around your neighborhood. Are you making a difference for Christ in your neighbors' lives? I am asking God to give me His eyes to see my neighbors as He sees them. You and I live where we live on purpose. Make a difference there and begin doing it now.

On another note, MRI showed cartilage tear in the left knee with some other wear and tear in that area so surgery is scheduled for Monday, March 7th at 730a. Ready to get that taken care of and very confident in my doctor, Michael Pagnani. You can find more information about him here. 

Catch Up

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 bride. It was awesome just spending time with her. I am so incredibly blessed for sure.

I head to the orthopedic dr tomorrow to get the next word on these knees of mine. The left aches most of the time and has a weird pain on the medial side of the knee. The right one just seems to feel as though there is pressure behind the knee. Who knows. I guess I will know more tomorrow. Old age? Could be. Ready to get back out on the road so we need to figure these things out.

Happy Early Valentine's Day

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.

Landing on Your Feet

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 but is worth watching. He must be part cat is all I can say.

I Kneed Some Relief

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 to have this left knee checked out and see what we need to do to get back going again. Unfortunately the right knee is showing similar, though not near as bad, symptoms as the left knee. Not what I was really looking for in having additional knee pain.Ready to get this stuff taken care of and get back out on the road. I have been riding a stationary bike everyday for at least 45 min but sure do miss being out running. It would hurt way too much to get out and run. I will not do it.

The girls have been back at Union for almost a week and the house has grown quiet again. Love those two and miss them but so thankful they are right where they need to be for college. Sondra is amazing as usual and really enjoying her job as secretary to one of the principals at McGavock High School.

Super Bowl tomorrow. I am predicting that the Steelers win by 3. Honestly though I am good either way this one goes. Would love for it to be a good game.