I'm not dead


Just a quick post to tell you that I am not Dead...

In the past 7 days I have been to 3 Twins games, Valleyfair, been the only pastor in the office, hung out with the family, prepared a sermon, worked on messages for a wedding and Big Sandy, and prepared a sermon for Sunday. Whew! I can't wait for Sunday afternoon!

In my "spare time" I did make up this promo picture for our Biker Sunday coming up in August. It started out as a joke, but I actually like it...

My new workout plan

Watch This video and get a sneak peak into my new workout plan.

Think it will work?

Do Hard Things


I just started reading a book called Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. They are twin 19 year olds who are challenging teenagers to "rebel against low expectations." I've made it through the first couple chapters and have to say that I am impressed.

Here are some early impressions:
1. The authors think highly of themselves (not necessarily cocky)
2. The authors are motivated and have great ideas
3. They think for themselves
4. They had solid parents who expected great things from them

I think that this book would be a great book for any teenager (or parent of one) to read. Teenagers are too often just tossed into a meaningless age grouping. Too old to be children, but not good enough to be an adult. The Harris' fight that stereotype. They want more to be expected of them, and of other young people their age. I think more people should think this way! (both teens and adults about teens)

Quote from the book:
In the chapters that follow, we want to show you that deep down you want to do hard things, and what's more, you can do hard things. What you'll discover is a whole new way of living your teen years and of living the rest of your life. God's Word and all of history demonstrates that we are far more capable than we think. This world is trying to trap you by tying its pathetic piece of twine around your ankle. We want to help you break the twine.
As I said, I've only read the first 3 chapters of the book. From what I have read, I am impressed. These are things that teenagers, and young people (like myself) need to hear. What's the best part about the book? It doesn't come from a 50 year old that has forgotten what its like to be a teenager. (no offense intended) It comes straight from two 19 year olds who have been Doing Hard Things for a while now.

Go check it out. Have you read it? I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.