Becoming A Blog Community

I posted a new blog post over at the PDYM Blog today…Go check it out there!
Here’s an excerpt from the article:

There are thousands of youth workers in the virtual world who have a lot to say and a lot to contribute. However the average post on this blog attracts 2 or 3 comments. I personally want to hear from you. We may start a topic, but the point of a blog is to provoke conversation and idea sharing. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

The Sweater Poll

Fall is here. That means cold mornings throughout most of the country. So, I’m just wondering, have you brought out your sweaters yet? I’m just curious because in the south, God’s country, it’s cold in the mornings, in the mid to upper 70’s in the afternoon, and then cool in the evenings. Yesterday on my way home I noticed a guy sitting in the car next to me at the red light wearing a thick, winter style sweater. I had my window down because it was hot! I think some people feel a little cold and dive right into their winter clothes, so how about you? Fill out the poll below to let us know!

[polldaddy poll=1033622]

Thanks for Participating!

Bloggers 08 Gathering

I seriously look fat in this picture. Am I this fat? Dang.

I finally got to meet the famous Brad Ruggles. He assembled a Bloggers Meetup for the Catalyst attendees. I think I was the only one there who was not at Catalyst, but when you get this many bloggers from around the country assembled in one city, its a night that you cannot turn down. I’ve attached some thumbnails of random pictures I took throughout the night, click on the picture 2 times to enlarge it to its full size (and I’ll be working on editing some of these pictures with the bad red eyes).

Here are some links to some of the bloggers who were there, I did not get to meet everyone and I still have to find the blogs of the new bloggers I did meet:

Brad RugglesLisa RugglesPete WilsonPat RowlandJenni CatronTerrace CrawfordAarron DininnyNic BurlesonZak White – And others (I can’t find them all right now)

Conversations with a 5 Year Old (Part 5)

…about his hearts sin condition. Straight from a 5 year old’s mind and heart to his lips. (This conversation took place at MeMaw’s house)

Gavin: MeMaw!

MeMaw: What Gavin?

Gavin: (With hand placed over chest) I hate this sin in my heart

MeMaW: You hate the sin in your heart?

Gavin: Yes, how do I get rid of it?

MeMaw: You have to ask Jesus to get rid of it for you

MeMaw: How did you know about the sin in your heart?

Gavin: From 3D (Our children’s program at church for K-5th Grade)

As a parent I am excited to hear my son acknowledging the ‘sin in his heart‘ and even more his desire to get rid of it and to get it out of his heart…at the age of 5. I am reminded of what Proverbs 22:6 says about teaching our children the right things at a young age so they will stick with it at an older age. That is my daily prayer for my children…that they stay on the right path when Mom and Dad are not around.

I believe education, both secular and spiritually start at home, however I understand that we cannot expect to be the only voice in our children’s lives. That is why I am so thankful for the other voices in my children’s lives, such as 3D at TCAG, my mom-in-law, “Mr. Shane,” and many others who have taken a vested interest in my family. I appreciate my pastor pushing our children’s teams to provide environments that are second to none for the children in our church and the children in our community that have yet to be reached. Just a thought…don’t go at this parenting thing alone!

Other Conversations with a 5 Year Old Posts: Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4

Join the Conversation: Any interesting conversations around your house recently?

The Ronald Reagan Library

After my airline ticket was purchased for the Gathering my uncle moved from L.A. back to Atlanta, so I got stuck in California for a couple of extra days alone. My friend Tom suggested that I go check out the Reagan Library, so I did. Reagan was my President. He was in office from the time I was born until I was 8 years old, and what a great President he was. I was blown away by this place, it is not ultra exciting as it is a museum of sorts, but the videos, the pictures, the letters, and the audio of Reagan playing throughout the building are awesome! The historical items they have on display are very cool. I got to see the very x-ray taken when Reagan was shot. I walked away thinking to myself three thoughts: #1 Reagan was a great leader, #2 Reagan loved his wife, and #3 Reagan loved this country…even if it was at the expense of losing popularity in the world. If you ever get an opportunity…go see it! Semi Valley is beautiful and when you look out at the land surrounding the library, it helps put into perspective how BIG God is and how small we are.

One final personal note. Neither one of our Presidential candidates could stand toe to toe with Reagan. I know McCain likes to say he is a foot soldier in Reagan’s army, but Reagan would probably disagree. On the other hand, if you are an Obama supporter, Reagan would eat your candidate for lunch and still need dessert. The words of Reagan echoing through this Library are powerful, and I could not help but to think how much trouble we will be in if Obama is elected. I will do a post in the coming days about a great story I heard from one of the videos that I watched at the Library, its powerful. Until then, check out the photos below. They are not the greatest as they are from my cell phone camera (Nicki would not let me take her camera). If you click the photo for a second time it will expand into a larger photo.