I am really humbled by the fact that I have the amazing privilege to be able to learn from God's word and then share it with others. I taught today at Hope on 2 Timothy 1:7. It says:For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.I spent the entire time today unpacking this one incredibly powerful scripture. The truth found here has genuinely changed me on the inside. I shared some really personal things today that I've never shared publicly. Even though it's tough to be transparent in front of crowds of people, I want people to see that God is...

I just had a really random/motivating thought as the NBA playoffs are going on right now: I am 29 years old. Technically I am in the prime of my athletic potential.I need to hit a treadmill. At least take a walk.

Max and Mary had their first official baseball game today. Max went 1-2 with a bases loaded single. Mary went 2-2 (her first hits ever), but forgot to run to first base both times. She eventually got there with some encouragement :-)So much fun to be at this stage of life now with our family. I'm helping coach the team, Dara has the fold-up chairs and Jack tries to run on the field all the time. Simply awesome!

A couple came up to me tonight and handed me $121. Such a precise number. They said that God put it on their heart to give every last dollar they had on them. $121.This is such an amazing example of obedience. This is also the way that God provides for people like Dara and I. As long as people are open and willing to respond to God when he leads them, his plans and purposes can be accomplished.I have begged God at times to just let me go out and get a job to provide for my family. All along, he reminds me that I am not the one that provides for my family - HE IS. Over and over again, I feel...

One last quick update on our May miracle for you. I got a call from my friend that is investing generously into our family this week. His contribution has pushed our grand total to $1,400 given to our salary in the last four days!Four days ago we were around $1,000 short of our paycheck for May. Praise God! Now we start believing for April :-)Thanks to all who have given, we couldn't do this without you!God always provides. Always.

I spent the morning walking around Charlotte and praying over our city. I try to make this a part of my weekly routine. I love putting my iPod on, listening to worship songs and simply praying for the people, my friends, our church and whatever else is on my heart at the moment as I walk.The thought hit me today as I was walking around: Prayer is counterintuitive. The fact is that I have a ton to get done today. Worship night tonight at 7pm. Preaching on Sunday. Emails to answer. Meeting at 10:30am with another pastor in town. Lots of stuff going on. However, I have found over and over again...

We are hosting our first Night of Worship tonight at the Branch Christian Academy in North Charlotte at 7pm. Click here for directions if you are local and want to come join us!

My good friend William Jonathan asked me the other day what I was reading that helps me develop in life and leadership. Here is a variety of things that I like to read consistently to keep me sharp:THE BIBLE (This helps the most. I use the New Living Translation.)MAGAZINES- Fast Company (business magazine on new trends in business/new ideas/business leaders)- Relevant Magazine (God. Life. Progressive Culture.)- Inc. (Entrepreneur magazine) BLOGS (I subscribe to these blogs and get them via email)- Guy Kawasaki (marketing guru)- Seth Godin (marketing guru)- Brad Lomenick (top dog at...

Just got another $300 in today for our fundraising! This means - again - that God has provided every need that we have for the next month.God gets all the praise! We do this for him. He uses amazing people all over the country to keep the dream alive. We can go buy more diapers and formula now. He ALWAYS provides. Always. Praise God!

So great to come home today to see our babies! It was awesome being away with Dara for a few days, but it's so nice to get back home to the chaos and madness of our home. This is our life. Craziness and all. I wouldn't trade it for the world.