Archives For Being Me

About a year ago I was in Nashville for the Country Music Half Marathon. We arrived a day early so we stopped by Thomas Nelson Publishing to see some dear friends that work there. Through the course of our conversation, my friend Dave said “Have you ever heard of I Am Second“. I raised my wrist to show him the bracelet I wear and said “you mean these guys”. I then told him that I would be wearing an “I Am Second” shirt the next day while I ran 13.1 miles across Nashville. He then went on to tell me that Thomas Nelson would soon be publishing their book. I could not wait!

For a few years now I have watched this series of videos gain momentum and become a full blown movement of change. I haven’t just stood on the sidelines to applaud this movement, I’ve become committed to it. It’s more than wearing a bracelet or a shirt. It’s reviewing the materials with my son. It’s introducing the study to our Men’s Life Group at Rock City Church. It’s being prepared to share with anyone and everyone that asks what it means. The web site is the perfect place to point those that want to know more. Now there is a resource to go even further and I’m thrilled to have a copy of it.

I Am Second is a book that is filled with the testimonies of people we see every day in the media, on ESPN, in music, politics and on the news. They are stories of success, failure, searching, loss, hope and restoration. They are edgy. They are raw. They are real. The stories are yours and mine. I would submit that at some point in this incredible book you will find a common place to something you have or are struggling with. It will remind you that you are not alone. We all fall short. We all struggle.

But there is hope.

We are second. Christ is first. In this book you will read story after story of those that have discovered this truth and are living it. It’s not a prosperity gospel. It’s stories of the struggle. It’s a collection of unbelievable “behind the scenes” truth in the lives of people you and I think have it all. The truth is that they do “have it all”, but it’s not in fame, fortune or success. It’s in realizing that they are second and Christ is first. He is the hope. He is the answer. I applaud Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender for following a passion, starting a movement and sharing these stories. I HIGHLY recommend it.

I give “I Am Second” a 5 out of 5. 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pressing Pause…

January 9, 2012 — Leave a comment

2012 WILL be, without a doubt, a year of changes. For this guy at least. I have seen many of these changes coming down the tracks for awhile now. Some of the biggest changes have yet to arrive, but should start to fall in place in the next few weeks. Like dominos, they will all begin to fall and effect other things. I know this sounds cryptic, but it’s all good. If 2011 taught me anything, it was patience and contentment in whatever God has planned. I am 100% sincere in those words as I type them. If you know me at all, you know those lessons did not come easily.

Another thing I have felt is a need to press pause from the social media scene for a bit. I need a break. It’s no ones fault as you are as involved or uninvolved as you choose to be in the social media world. I’ve chosen to be active and I think, maybe, I’ve had enough. I need to step away for awhile. I need to appreciate the beauty of social media and stop being annoyed by others use of it. It has gotten to the point where reading the twitter feed and Facebook stream have actually gotten under my skin. Rather than be judgmental, or leave comments that will set off brush fires, I can choose to just logout. It really is that simple.

This site is still going to be here as I have reviews that need to be done and I am beyond thankful for the many opportunities this blog provides to do so. In other places, other sites, you will probably see less and less of me for awhile. The significant changes that are coming will most likely impact my “online time” as well. The web is a fascinating place that makes the world very small. Our connectivity is incredible. I cherish that and will continue to keep those lines of communication open. Thanks for reading, supporting and following the journey. Check back every now and again for reviews and such. Have a blessed and Happy 2012.

Pressing Pause…

January 9, 2012 — 4 Comments

2012 WILL be, without a doubt, a year of changes. For this guy at least. I have seen many of these changes coming down the tracks for awhile now. Some of the biggest changes have yet to arrive, but should start to fall in place in the next few weeks. Like dominos, they will all begin to fall and effect other things. I know this sounds cryptic, but it’s all good. If 2011 taught me anything, it was patience and contentment in whatever God has planned. I am 100% sincere in those words as I type them. If you know me at all, you know those lessons did not come easily.

Another thing I have felt is a need to press pause from the social media scene for a bit. I need a break. It’s no ones fault as you are as involved or uninvolved as you choose to be in the social media world. I’ve chosen to be active and I think, maybe, I’ve had enough. I need to step away for awhile. I need to appreciate the beauty of social media and stop being annoyed by others use of it. It has gotten to the point where reading the twitter feed and Facebook stream have actually gotten under my skin. Rather than be judgmental, or leave comments that will set off brush fires, I can choose to just logout. It really is that simple.

This site is still going to be here as I have reviews that need to be done and I am beyond thankful for the many opportunities this blog provides to do so. In other places, other sites, you will probably see less and less of me for awhile. The significant changes that are coming will most likely impact my “online time” as well. The web is a fascinating place that makes the world very small. Our connectivity is incredible. I cherish that and will continue to keep those lines of communication open. Thanks for reading, supporting and following the journey. Check back every now and again for reviews and such. Have a blessed and Happy 2012.

Your Influence

January 6, 2012 — Leave a comment

Tonight my 8 year old will compete in the first of many gymnastics meets this winter. She’s a level 5 gymnast now so it continues to get tougher. I am already amazed by what she is able to achieve in this delicate sport. Amazed. However, she is nervous. REALLY NERVOUS. My wife and I have been doing our best to calm the fears and allow her to soak in the moment while “trusting her training”. What else can you tell an 8 year old that has all of the ability but fear could be her biggest opponent?

This morning I opened my Uncommon Life Daily Challenge devotional book by Tony Dungy and wouldn’t you know the answer was right there on the page. It’s so good I thought I would post for you all as well. Fear or nerves getting the best of you? Check this out…

Continue Reading…

Your Influence

January 6, 2012 — 6 Comments

Tonight my 8 year old will compete in the first of many gymnastics meets this winter. She’s a level 5 gymnast now so it continues to get tougher. I am already amazed by what she is able to achieve in this delicate sport. Amazed. However, she is nervous. REALLY NERVOUS. My wife and I have been doing our best to calm the fears and allow her to soak in the moment while “trusting her training”. What else can you tell an 8 year old that has all of the ability but fear could be her biggest opponent?

This morning I opened my Uncommon Life Daily Challenge devotional book by Tony Dungy and wouldn’t you know the answer was right there on the page. It’s so good I thought I would post for you all as well. Fear or nerves getting the best of you? Check this out…

Continue Reading…