There are days. There are moments. There are times when you just feel overwhelmed. There are times when no matter how many cutbacks you’ve made, no matter how many pennies you’ve pinched, there just isn’t enough check for the … Continue reading I’m Overwhelmed
14 years ago today I looked into the eyes of my first born child. I rejoiced in God blessing us with a son. I could not believe that we were now parents. I didn’t get an instruction manual or a … Continue reading 14 Years Ago
Three weeks ago I sat through an all day training about panic bars. Exciting stuff. Riveting. Edge-of-your-seat kind of excitement. What, you don’t believe me? Okay, so it wasn’t that exciting. Let’s be honest, it was panic bars. How … Continue reading In a Blink
Oops we did it again!! Last Thanksgiving we had an idea and now it’s annual event. I started receiving emails for all of the local races so I thought I better start spreading the word that we will indeed host our second annual Free Family Turkey Trot this year. Despite the cold weather, last year was a success and great time for all. Here’s a quick look at some of the fun!
We’ll finalize details in the coming weeks, but I wanted to get the word out as early as possible before you decide to make those payments to another race. We will also again accept canned food donations if you feel led. It’s not a requirement. For all of the latest details, keep an eye on our official facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/FreeFamilyTurkeyTrot
There are a lot of things that have molded and shaped me over the years. Some good and some not so good. Be that as it may, I was thinking this week about how there are a lot of great books I’ve read over the years that have come to define who I am. The Bible is obviously one of those and in a class all by itself. I put some thought in to what the 10 books that really shaped me were. If you haven’t read some of them, I highly recommend giving each one some attention. Each one molded, changed and shaped me in a different way. So let’s get started.
Not long ago, I had a pretty good run in Leadership with a Fortune 500 company. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been in a “Wall Street driven” organization but it’s a tad stressful. Especailly at the end of a quarter. … Continue reading Headwinds
Last night a recieved notice that I had been challenged to a “Nice Bucket Challenge” by a facebook friend. I was immediately charged to get this done today. The video below is our journey and some glimpses of what took place. I challege ANYONE that reads this to accept the challenge too. Find someone in need. Deliver something to a hospital. Surprise a neighbor. You have 24 hours. Go. Do. #LoveDoes #BeBrave. Now the results of those I challenged are starting to come back. First off, Russell Hawkins and his family created some Nice Buckets and distributed them to those … Continue reading Nice Bucket Challenge
For the last several nights, I have watched as the images of tension in the city of Ferguson played out on my screen. For days I have tried to come to some understanding. The truth is I can’t begin to … Continue reading Forgive us Ferguson
Here we are again. Where did the summer go? Maybe you’re getting ready to send your first born off to school. You might be sending your oldest to college. Maybe you homeschool and you’re ramping up for another year. Wherever this post finds you, I thought I might share the 6 things that I firmly believe my kids need before they start school. These 6 things are part of that “hill I will die on” I often refer to. I know each child and home is different, so take these for what they are worth. Here we go…. 1. R-E-S-P-E-C-T … Continue reading 6 Things My Kids Need For School
I need your help. In some ways I hope this helps us both. You see, I’ve got this little race run on the calendar on Sunday, August 24th. Somehow I let my friend talk me out of running retirement to join him for a quarter marathon. Thanks to a host of physical issues and limitations, running is no joy for me. I honestly hate it. I get caught up in comparing what I could once do with what I can no longer do and I get incredibly frustrated. I’m what you would call a wee bit “competitive.” As I was out … Continue reading Praying for Two One Six Point Five
My kids love birthday celebrations at the house. Especially our youngest (aka Princess 2.0). Throughout the day yesterday I was instructed that I “couldn’t go in the loft” and I “wasn’t allowed in the dining room.” Since I was running out of places in the house to go, I ended up in my office. Princess 2.0 would later come in, head down, tears streaming down her face. All I heard in between deep breaths and sniffles was “daddy…I tried to make a basketball…and it fell apart.” At this point, she handed me a broken beaded iron ornament….and she broke down. … Continue reading Broken and Beautiful
My father-in-law was recently at the house and popped his head in my office. He said “so, are you ready for Monday?” I sat there going through my mental calendar and couldn’t come up with what significance Monday had. I finally had to ask “what’s Monday?” He then reminded me that Monday is a day on the calendar that I age one more year. He asked if I had a post ready to go to impart wisdom I’ve gained in my many years. Nope. I was glad he reminded me what Monday was because I needed to renew my drivers … Continue reading What You Believe…
I was making my weekly commute to Indianapolis this week and hit a milestone of sorts. Somewhere around Dayton, my odometer hit 110,000 miles. One hundred and ten THOUSAND miles. Wow. I’m always looking for a way to make the time go by so I spent the next 2 hours thinking about the story all of those miles could tell. If they could speak, what would they say? What memories to they have? I know they can’t speak, but it didn’t stop me from thinking about where all those miles have taken me. Some of the earliest miles came on … Continue reading If These Miles Could Speak
A few years ago there was a song called “The Blessing” by an artist named John Waller. He didn’t have a huge career but he put out several good songs in a short period of time. “The Blessing” was one of the best songs he released. It was a powerful reminder that we have a choice each day. Because blessings and curses are choices Will we build up? Tear down? The moment of truth is now! So why in the world am I bringing this up now and why in the world did I use an image from Christmas Vacation? … Continue reading To Be A Blessing
Sometimes the greatest moments happen when the iPod is on shuffle and a song speaks to you. While I was running recently, a song by the band Lifehouse came on called “Whatever It Takes.” For some reason there’s a line in that song that captures my attention every time. It simply says: Don’t hide the broken parts that I need to see… For the next few miles, I kept marinating that lyric. I know what it meant in the context of the song, but what did it really mean to me? Why does it jump out at me each time I hear … Continue reading The Broken Parts
We arrived home safely last night after a week in the Outer Banks. In case you missed it, I covered why this trip was important (HERE). I also gave a mid-week update of some of the not-so-brilliant moments (HERE). It was an incredible week on so many levels. I once again was reminded who I am on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (AKA – Gods Country). My wife is a runner and I jog at a pace just a tick above walking so we typically map our various mileage routes when we arrive in OBX. One route we mapped … Continue reading Knots In Your Rope
We’ve had an incredible week here in The Outer Banks. Because social media can paint a picture, I find it very important to keep it real. I guess I felt led tonight to share some of the “behind the scenes” … Continue reading Keeping It Real – Vacation Outtakes
Where’s your place? Where do you go to find rest, peace and clear your head? Do you have a place like that? I do. Beyond my love of that team from Chapel Hill, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are as close to perfect as I’ve found. It’s there that everything seems to make sense. It’s there that the pace slows enough to catch your breath and take an inventory of all that has happened. It’s there that I dream big dreams, pray big prayers and cast big visions. This all might seem a bit over the top, but Chase Rice … Continue reading Why Next Week Matters
Maybe I’ve taken this #BeBrave thing a bit too far. Maybe I’ve let the influence of my good friend Ryan inspire me. Whatever the reason, tomorrow morning we are officially cutting the cord. No more cable. I can’t believe I’m saying that. I literally just had the thought that for the first time since I was in college, I won’t have cable tv. That statement is sad, crazy, stupid and awesome….all at once. Some of you reading this may have seen the light many years ago and if you did, congratulations. Seriously. I’ve never been accused of being the smartest guy … Continue reading We’re Cuttin’ The Cord
The other day I had lunch with a few other people and heard one of the most interesting statements. I immediately put it in my mental “keeper” file. The point of the discussion isn’t all that important, but what one of the people said was. In making an analogy about dating, she simply said “it’s like being single. You’re either single for a reason, or you’re single for a season.“ Wow. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard that before but I had not. Thankfully (and honestly by Gods grace alone), I’m not single anymore. But if we applied that logic to … Continue reading A Reason or a Season
When I kicked off 2014, I challenged myself and this blog to #BeBrave. It’s amazing how time and the busyness of life can take our goals and change the order of things. It’s not that I have not continued to make being brave my focus, it just hasn’t always been my “go to” strategy. I’ve said it many times but I’m never sure who really reads the words I put on the web. I’ve never been a stat watcher and I don’t do this for “hits” or to break any records. I am always blessed to hear that someone found … Continue reading You’re The Inspiration
In June of 2012, I wrote a post called “Losing My Soul.” I wrote that post sitting in a cubicle and letting the world see into what I was feeling. It was one of the more open and honest moments in this blog. After a 5 year run as the Director of a program that was literally an idea drawn up on a napkin by my then CEO, I was moved to some other projects. A new CEO no longer found the program I ran necessary to the organization (he didn’t like the other CEO) and to his credit, wanted … Continue reading Nothing is wasted
Roughly 6 weeks ago I received an email from the spouse of a guy I met on the internet. That is a sentence that sounds creepy but really isn’t. In order to clarify and not start a bunch of rumors, here is how all of this unfolded. About 5 years ago there was a documentary made called “Lord Save Us From Your Followers.” Somehow through this blog, I was given the opportunity to preview the film. They sent me a DVD and it was a game changer. I wanted everyone I know to see the film too. So I started … Continue reading A Guy I Met On The Internet
I have spent the last few days really thinking over the much publicized Letter of Apology from Mark Driscoll to his church. If you haven’t read it yet, go ahead and click that link and come back when you’re done. It’s a good read and worth your time. This post will still be here when you get back. Look, I’m not here to judge Mark Driscoll or rail on his apology (past, present or future). I don’t know Mark Driscoll. I’ve never had the privilege (and I do mean privilege) of meeting the man. I can’t throw stones or judgements … Continue reading Lessons From Driscoll’s Apology
So since the start of the year, I’ve been preaching that everyone should #BeBrave. I really do want that to be the theme for so many people this year. Step into the unknown. Try new things. Be courageous. Tonights post is to share that I am actually taking my own medicine. I’m practicing what I’m preaching. I wanted you all to know that I’m not just sitting on the sideline and cheering for you (although I AM cheering for each of you). This is a challenge for me too. In 2014 I want to be brave. If you know me, … Continue reading My Own Medicine
I covered this in an earlier post, but Princess 1.0 left her first sports love just before the summer started. Pushed to the decision (we actually made it for her), she was faced with finding new things to try and learn. She had never played an organized sport. Outside of gymnastics, she had never been on a team. No soccer. No volleyball. No softball. No other sport that required her to learn the rules, the skills and compete as a team vs. another team. So why share this now? Because my middle child has taught me how to be brave. … Continue reading Teach Me To Be Brave
Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” –Deuteronomy 34:4 Most people I know have that list of people they want to talk to and questions they will ask when we get to Heaven. Somewhere on my many lists of lists, there is a simple question I have for Moses. It goes like this…”Dude, what was it like to hear those words?” … Continue reading To Hear The Words
This morning as we were all getting ready for work and school, I heard a small voice calling from the kitchen downstairs. The little voice sounded concerned but not panicked. I figured it was important but not life threatening. As a parent, it doesn’t take long to start to distinguish the level, pitch and tone of the voice of your child relative to the level of emergency. This was about a 5 on a scale of 10. My youngest (Princess 2.0) simply said – “Uh dad….we have a problem.” It wasn’t a Tom Hanks level “Houston, we have a problem” … Continue reading He Will Fix It.
I don’t know about you all, but I am just about done with this Polar Vortex noise. The sub zero temperature “High” for the day and the barrage of snow is just draining. This is coming from a guy that grew up in Cleveland! This morning I was reminded that spring is coming. No, really, it is coming. This current struggle will only last for a season. Before you know it the temperatures will rise and we will be off on vacations and summer fun. So what’s the bridge between now and then? Here’s a quick suggestion: Write down 10 … Continue reading Surviving the Polar Vortex
This is my third installment in the random reflections from the new film “Lone Survivor” but it might be the most important one. If I’m 100% honest, this is something I know nothing about. One of the main reasons I know nothing about this is because it’s not a part of our culture. Or is it? Or should it be? I’m speaking of the Pashtun code of Pashtunwali. I am no expert or even versed in this code. The shortest answer I can give you is that it is a code of honor. If you really want to know all … Continue reading Lone Survivor – Gulab’s Act of Honor
Today I am continuing my random reflections from the new film “Lone Survivor.” By now you’ve probably either seen the film or the trailers. At a critical moment in the story, the four Navy SEALs must decide what to do with the goat herders that have stumbled upon them. Release them and they will soon be surrounded. If they kill them, they are not following the Rules of Engagement. As the four debate and weigh their options, one gives the argument that more than anything else, he cares about his brother Navy SEALs. Standing on that mountain with everything hanging … Continue reading Lone Survivor – I Care About You
After seeing “Lone Survivor” on Sunday, I have decided to do a series of posts with my random thoughts from the film. There’s just too much there to wrap up in one review. There is so much that was rich and powerful and important. There are so many lessons about bravery and sacrifice and brotherhood. If you want my review, I give it a 5 out of 5. My only disclaimer is that there are a truck load of “F-Bombs.” I mean every other word, hour and a half worth of “F-Bombs.” War isn’t pretty and the language isn’t either. … Continue reading Ready To Punch That Time Card
I went to put a sweatshirt on the other day and did what I do 50% of the time that I go into our closet. I flipped the light switch, looked into the dark closet, reached over my head and tapped on the florescent light above the door three times. Soon the entire closet was filled with light where once there was darkness. It’s quirky, but it’s ours. Our shower head drips if you don’t hold it in the 12 o’clock position for 10 seconds after the shower. Our garage door doesn’t go down automatically in cold temperatures. You have … Continue reading Ours
Last night as the snow fell, I climbed into bed for a good nights rest. From our room upstairs, I heard my text notification in my office downstairs. Given that the hour was late, I figured I better give it a quick glance. When I read the words in the image in this post, it stung. The text was from a former co-worker that has become a close friend. I hurt for him. I’m mad for him. We’re 9 days in to a new year. We’re 9 days in to fresh starts and new beginnings. This is not what I … Continue reading Getting Let Go
Kendall Marshall is probably not a household name in many places. Around our house, he certainly is. He’s one of “the boys” heroes and is who he likes to emulate when he’s passing the rock (ball). We’ve watched his career from the day he stepped on the campus of The University of North Carolina. It hasn’t been without its ups and downs. He has had his share of critics and adversity. I think there’s something we can all learn from Kendall Marshall. Believe it or not, this is not a sports related post. Stick with me…. “He’s too slow” “He … Continue reading When They Say You Can’t
Several years ago I was a new college grad with a steady job who thought he had it all. Maybe I should say that I thought I could buy it all. I was wracking up debt faster than the income … Continue reading Tough Love in a Dealership
When I Leave The Room By Natalie Grant from the CD “Hurricane” Good night Looks like we made it through the day The moon sighs And I know that we’re okay Sleep tight I love to watch you drift away I would come with you but on my knees I’ll stay Good night Five little fingers holding mine Take flight Into your dreams and lullabies There’s nothing more that I can do But just fall more in love with you And ask the angel armies to stand by When I leave the room I’m gonna fail you I already have … Continue reading When I Leave The Room
This is normally a week when many people set goals. Some make resolutions. Others just flip the pages on the calendar and don’t think twice about it. No matter which camp you fall in, I have one request for anyone that would read this. To steal the words of Sara Bareilles…. I want to see you be brave. That’s it. To each one that would read this, that might mean something different. You know your situation, just as I know what those words mean to me. In 2013 I witnessed so many that were brave. The wife that is suddenly … Continue reading I Want To See You Be Brave
I’m not a resolution guy. I don’t make a list of things that I’ll end up breaking. It’s not that there are a few things that couldn’t stand to get my act together on, or lose, or quit. I’ve just never been one to make resolutions. This year will be different. In many ways, this is a wave that has been building throughout 2013 and is crashing to the shore in 2014. You ready? Here it is…. In 2014, I resolve to make the name of Jesus famous. That’s it. I’m not joining a gym or some 12 step program … Continue reading My New Year Resolution
Here it is, the final days before Christmas. Is your shopping done yet? Have you been stumped what to get that person or persons on your list? Don’t know what to get for that person that has everything? Well, I’ve got a recommendation that will cost you very little but could not only save lives, but make them better. I was approached this week by my friends at BuzzPlant to spread the word about an organization called “Filter of Hope.” When I watched the video below, I could not get over the staggering statistics: 4000 children will die today by … Continue reading Last Minute Gift Idea – Filter of Hope
You’ve probably heard the story. Maybe, like me, you thought it was urban legend or just some nice story that gets retold this time of year. Well, I can confirm that this story is absolutely true. I’ve confirmed it at Snopes.com as well as this article from 2005 in the New York Times. If you’re not familiar with the Christmas Truce of 1914, here’s the story in a nutshell: Yet on Dec. 24, much of the Western Front fell silent as ordinary soldiers made temporary peace with the enemy. This was the remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914. It’s estimated that about … Continue reading Let’s Find a Better Way
What a game tonight for the 7th grade Hilliard Wildcats. The Boy has been working so hard in and out of practice. The first two games of the season, he came off of the bench as the 6th man. He worked his way into the starting lineup for the last 4 games. Because he plays the “4 or 5” position, he doesn’t get many touches or opportunities to shoot. He’s never complained. He’s just gone out and worked hard. He’s played defense, set screens and rebounded. He’s done whatever the coach asked him to do. Tonight, they fought a very … Continue reading What a Game!
It is no breaking news that I love me some music. It fills my office, car, home and ear buds. I get a little stir crazy in silence so music fills the gap. It is therapy on a long run. It’s a companion on a long drive. It fans the flame of my inner thought process. I love me some music and 2013 was a big year for music. While I have some constants that are my favorite artists (Eric Church), my iPod is a wide variety of music and genres. I also have three children under the age of … Continue reading Song O the Year 2013
Tis the season. Each year about this time, we start to receive Christmas cards from friends and family across the United States. Some send a card. Others send a newsletter with updates on what is happening with their family. All … Continue reading Why You Won’t Get Our Christmas Card
Holidays can be really hard. For many this is a season of lights, presents and parties. For many others, this season brings a heaviness and void that can’t be filled. I fall in that second group. Christmas in our home was my moms super bowl. If you ever spent Christmas Eve at 83 Woodrow in Bedford, Ohio, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Many that will read this were in our home to celebrate. Many probably also left our home that night with a handmade parting gift from the tree. Most years it was an angel of some kind. … Continue reading Going Home for Christmas
Most years, I approach the end of December looking so forward to the big “end of year” recaps. I like the Top 40 countdowns, the sports moments, and all of it. Even our social media sites like facebook and wordpress are kind enough to provide your top “moments” from the year. In years past, I have spent December recapping some of the top posts from the year that was. For some reason this year, I just don’t have the desire to do that. I told my wife tonight that I didn’t want to do a recap of 2013 and yet … Continue reading The Year In Review
5 years ago, a close friend of mine had a vision. It was a vision she had already experienced in Nashville, Tennessee. Now she wanted to see this vision happen in Columbus, Ohio. She followed her heart and over the last four years, hundreds of men, women and children have had presents on Christmas morning to unwrap. Each present was purchased with money from someone in the family. Each present picked out specifically for each family member. Friends…welcome to “THE MANGER“. The vision of THE MANGER is that adults that are going through a tough time financially will still be … Continue reading A Vision and A Manger
A couple of years ago I was on a volunteer leadership team with a couple of other men. Over the course of our monthly meetings, we became like brothers. Together we would make decisions and pray for one another. Time, circumstances and other things would soon cause that leadership team to transition to other members. Although our time on that team came to an end, I look so fondly on that season and opportunity to link arms with those other men. The friendship remains. Over the past several months, one of the men from that group and I have been … Continue reading Friends with no equal
Saturday was the day the kids have had circled on their calendar for a few weeks now. Our youngest (Princess 2.0) has been reminding me for days that she could not wait until Saturday. No sooner had we put all … Continue reading Simply Be My Child
