aaron conrad (dot) com

On a Saturday in April, my wife and I sat at a little cafe just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.  For the second year in a row, we were in Nashville to take part in the Country Music Half Marathon. For the second time in as many years we talked about how we left a small part of our hearts there. It was a perfect day with temperatures in the 80′s and a gentle breeze. As we sat on the outdoor patio, we talked and maybe even dreamed about what life would be like…in Nashville. We agreed to pray for open doors.

Fast forward to today. Out of respect for a process that continues to take place and in order to be sensitive to all involved, I need to leave out specific details here. That being said, on Saturday, we will board a flight bound for Nashville, Tennessee. On the other end of that flight will be discussions and a process of getting to know some people that will be instrumental in either opening or closing doors to Nashville for my entire family. Simply put, if the doors remain open, we will walk through them…all the way to Nashville. If, at any point, the doors close, we will trust Gods timing and plan and continue to live, serve and grow in Columbus, Ohio.

I have a feeling this post will come as a shock to some, but not to many. Our prayers for open doors have been what one friend called “the worst kept secret”. I will say the opportunity we are flying down to discuss is wonderful. I will also say that to even be in a position to have this opportunity is ALL GOD. I have nothing to do with the events which have led us to this trip. All I know to do is continue to walk through the doors He has clearly opened. Leaving the safe, the known, the same would never be easy. However when you trace Gods hand, you can’t miss His fingerprints. When you align the opportunity with our hearts, there is no doubt a match.

Nothing is known. But soon and very soon we will know. If the answer is “no”, I am a man that is so humbled and honored to even have been given the opportunity. No regrets. Chasing a dream, seeing Gods hand, growing in my walk with Him and meeting some incredible people is nothing to be ashamed of. While I have my hopes and dreams as to outcomes and potential, I trust God. I place my full future, and that of my family, in His very capable hands.

We will board a flight Saturday with Arms Wide Open. Soon and very soon, we’ll have an idea of Gods plan and future for us.

Stay tuned……

If you’ve been around the blog long enough you know I love books and I love my kids. So when my friends at Booksneeze  offered ”It Couldn’t Just Happen” for review, I have to jump at the chance. I couldn’t wait for it to arrive so my 10 year old could begin reading it. He is very much a “thinker” and likes to educate himself on why things work the way they do. This book is great for that and so much more.

“It Couldn’t Just Happen” is Broken down into 5 key parts.

Part One: Earth in Our Universe

Part Two: How Life Began

Part Three: Evidence from Living Things

Part Four: Humanity in God’s Nature

Part Five: The Book That Didn’t Just Happen

Within each part of the book are several chapters dedicated to each important topic. Each chapter also closes with a “Just For Fun” segment to give the reader some things to test and think about regarding what they just read. The chapters are filled with fascinating facts, activities and pictures to help outline the fact that these things don’t “just happen”. It is an excellent read for children and parents together. It will uncover questions and prompt discussion as you wrestle with the facts. Excellent resource for family reading and devotions.

My 10 year old loved “It Couldn’t Just Happen” and your children will too. Add it to your list of back-to-school shopping. You’ll be glad you did.

I give “It Couldn’t Just Happen” a 4 out of 5

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

I have to imagine this is one of the biggest fears of every parent. As a parent of three children, I cannot begin to imagine what I would do if something tragic happened to any one of them. Especially if I was behind the wheel with them when it did….

(Columbus – Ohio) November 14, 2004. While riding home with his father Kevin, Alex Malarkey was involved in a terrible automobile accident. Specifically:

Alex was presumed dead at the scene of the accident, and first responders considered calling a coroner. He survived but suffered traumatic injury to his brain and an internal decapitation. His skull was almost completely detached from his spinal column. Alex’s parents were told that injuries involving this extent of spinal alignment virtually always result in death. If Alex were to survive, he would be a quadriplegic, never breathe independently, swallow food, or speak.

Continue Reading…

I am way behind on some book reviews so I am going to get all caught up on the next few posts. First off is “Primal” by Mark Batterson. I am sad to admit this, but this is the first book by Mark Batterson which I have read. I have always heard great things and actually own the book “Wild Goose Chase“. I just never got around to reading it.

I was drawn to this book immediately. I like Batterson’s ability to tell a story. He pulls you directly into personal experiences of either himself or others as you read the book. The central focus on this book is Mark 12:30 which instructs us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” If you’re like me, you have probably read that scripture devotionally but never really spent time meditating on what it really means.

In “Primal”, Mark Batterson challenges the reader to love God in more meaningful and deep ways. Specific detail is given to loving God with all your heart (compassion), soul (wonder), mind (curiosity), and strength (energy) through what Batterson refers to as  love to the fourth power. He does this through stories from both his personal life and those of others.

“Primal” is a pretty quick read and worth the time you’ll invest doing so. It will challenge you to reconsider these important words and commands in new and fresh ways.

I give “Primal” a 4 out of 5. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Multnomah Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”