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.”

So what in the world could that video possibly have to do with the new book by Mark and Grace Driscoll called “Real Marriage – The Truth About Sex, Friendship & Life Together“? In order to understand the book, in order to understand my review, you need to understand Mark Driscoll. If you don’t understand Mark Driscoll, you will most likely be shocked by the honest, open and edgy discussions within this book. So let’s start there. Let’s understand a little bit about Mark Driscoll:

1. He is growing several churches in the most unchurched city in the United States. (Seattle)

2. He is relevant in the area in which he ministers.

3. He reaches the twenty something crowd that is immersed in a world that has little shock value anymore.

4. His language is strong, but his theology and doctrine are even stronger

5. He has caused controversy in the past and will cause it again.

So why the talking points? Why go through all of this before I ever once talk about this book? Because it’s important. This isn’t a Max Lucado/Billy Graham (of which I love both) book on marriage. This isn’t a book that softly touches on the issues of sex for example. It’s Mark and Grace Driscoll and it’s “going there” on topics that need to be discussed. Some will hate the book. Others will appreciate it for it’s honest approach. I, for one, am a member of the second group. I appreciate the honesty. I appreciate the candor and the uninhibited nature with which they share what needs to be shared.

Much like the video above, “Real Marriage” isn’t just Mark Driscoll being Mark Driscoll. It’s honest truth backed by theological foundation and truth. Could someone have said it differently? Sure. Would some people rather read it written in a different context? Sure. Yet there are many (myself included) that believe we need this kind of truth. The world in which we live surrounds us by images far stronger and language far more graphic. This book, like Driscoll’s preaching is being relevant to the culture with which we live. Simple as that. There is so much good in this book that you need to see past what might offend or not sit well with you. You need to understand the broader audience. For that reason, I am recommending “Real Marriage”.

I give Real Marriage a 4 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.”

Tis the season… With the Super Bowl just a few short weeks away, I have an opportunity for those interested to possibly win some cash while sponsoring the Hilliard Red Baron’s baseball team. Because I’m not really smart enough to understand how this whole thing works, see the link below for the full details of how it’s going to run. This much I know, it’s $20 to get a square and you have a chance to win $200 each quarter. Not a bad return on your investment.

All of the proceeds of this fundraiser go directly to your Back-to-Back Big League Champion Hilliard Red Barons baseball team. We love our Red Barons and cannot wait for another exciting summer of baseball. Click the link below to download the full description of the contest and EMAIL ME if you are interested in signing up. Thanks in advance for supporting the Red Barons and especially Number 50.

Super Bowl Squares FundRaiser Official Details

Hilarious!

Yesterday morning we were promised some big news at Rock City Church. We eagerly anticipated what we would hear when we arrived. We were not disappointed. As the service came to an end, Pastor Chad announced what is being called “One For One”. As you can see from the image above, the details are simple but the impact both locally and globally are HUGE. For every single person that walks through the doors of Rock City Church, they will donate one dollar to a local or global need. If you know the heartbeat of Rock City you know that they will stand by their promise. Amazing.

A few other things that make this even more remarkable….

1. The One For One promise will take place BEFORE the budget of the church. In other words, this will not impact the 20% already marked for global and local missions for Rock City. This is IN ADDITION TO that 20%.

2. The actual percentage of the budget given to local and global missions in 2011 was 30%. Did you get that? 30% of every dollar that Rock City received in 2011 went to a local and global person and project in need. We are impacting our community and reaching the world.

3. Rock City is currently in the middle of a remarkable season of growth. Though they just launched in April of 2011, the average weekend attendance is nearing 500 per Sunday. That’s $500 every Sunday that will be given to a local or global need. The first check is already being generated for a ministry called “Crack House Ministries” and our hope is that the total given will be somewhere near $2000.

Throughout the day yesterday, I could not help but feel so blessed to call Rock City Church home. The vision and execution of something that is not about us and more about reaching this community and the world is just awesome. When you visit Rock City, know that your visit mattered on so many levels. If nothing else, your presence contributed to the One For One campaign. I will continue to share stories throughout 2012 about the impact of One for One.

So who’s coming with us on Sunday?

Every person.

Every week.

In age of movies with billion dollar budgets, it is nice to see a movie that is simplistic yet carries a great message. The acting wasn’t all that bad and the story is worth seeing. My kids (10, 8 and 6) all really enjoyed it. They quickly anticipated where the film was headed and enjoyed it’s resolution in the end. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quality family film. Here’s a clip for the film:

You can also find “A Mile In His Shoes” on the web at the links below:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

DOVE FOUNDATION REVIEW

“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.”

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.

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…

Have you thought about all the events that led up to this moment in your life – why you’re here, how you’ve been shaped, what caused you to read this book or seek God’s plans for your life? Have you wondered how much of it is accidental or random and how much is designed?

I believe God knew exactly where you would be right now and exactly what you would be like. He knew about your passions and gifts and the platform you would have. In fact, I believe He was very purposeful in designing your life. He made you to be uniquely significant and to have an eternal impact on the world around you.

Let that sink in. How would you live differently if you really believed that God had intentionally designed you to impact others? What steps of faith would you take if you knew He had already planned them? What would you attempt if you were fully convinced He was backing you? Would you set out to accomplish big things in your community? Would you go to local schools with a sense of mission? What impossible problems would suddenly seem possible to deal with? The fact is that when you believe  you were designed for a purpose, you will live with a purpose.

I realize we all have some areas we can improve, and just because we believe God designed us doesn’t mean we know what for. But God is gracious. He knows we’ll fall short, and He knows that finding His will for our lives will be a process. We’ll make mistakes along the way. Grace isn’t an excuse to give less than our best, but it is reassuring to know that God doesn’t pressure us to be perfect. When we fall, we can get up, dust ourselves off, and keep moving toward the goal. Whatever our past, God has future plans for us. And those plans are good.

Don’t be afraid to try big things that fit with God’s purposes. No problem is too big for Him to solve, whether it’s in the lives of people around us, on a national or global scale, or anything in between. That means no problem is too big for us to attempt to solve in His strength. We were designed for such purposes. 

Uncommon Key – God was very intentional about your design, your opportunities and your purpose. Thank Him and look for ways to use what He has given you in the best way possible.

-Tony Dungy (Uncommon Life Daily Challenge)

So…. what do you think? It would seem the answer to what you tell an 8 year old before her gymnastics meet is right there in black and white (the bold words were placed that way by me for key emphasis). You can bet when she gets home I’ll sit down with her and read this to her too. Then she’ll go do specifically what God created her to do tonight.

You can too…..

Several thoughts here….

1. Wasn’t this kid in the movie “Teen Wolf”?

2. How exactly did he make this team in the first place?

3. If you thought he was big, check out the dude that checked in for him.

4. How many times did we need to see the replays? It was like the Theisman video.

5. I’m pretty sure I saw Coach K there recruiting this kid. Look close. He’s there.

6. All kidding aside. If this school has any backbone, they will at least suspended him from the team until he learns to move his feet and play defense. Especially now that it’s gone viral and most of the world has seen it.