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04.24.08How We Roll at Weddings
Yes, I married WAY out of my league. 
I have a rad wife.
04.18.08When Kids Attack
A little weekend fun with the kids. Make sure you’re volume is turned on and listen all the way to the end.
The lesson learned: Do not withhold candy from your children or you will die.
Not any more.
03.20.08Ain’t No Party Like a Carty
My daughter, Regan, and I have a tradition when we go on dates. We call it a “carty” which is a car party. That’s when we roll all the windows down, crank the radio up, and do a jig in the car. Tonight, after some meaningful conversation and silliness at Starbucks, we had a “carty” to some old-school Coolio.
Good times.
This is why I take my daughter on dates- to set the bar really, really, really high. And right now, the bar with my daughter is “cartying” like a rock star, laughing a lot, and having meaningful conversations about puppies, kindergarten, and Wa Wa Wubzy. She’s one goofy girl. I have no idea where she gets it.
I love being a dad. More specifically, I love being Regan and Reece’s dad.
02.25.08Leadership
Leaders lead regardless of a job title or position. I’ve seen this time and time again in my time in business, the military, and in ministry. Some of the top leaders in my life don’t have any authority over my life- but they do have a lot of influence in my life.
Authority can make you in charge- but influence makes you a leader.
The key for any organization, whether business, military, or church, is for the influencer’s to be the one’s with authority.
Authority + Influence = Maximized Leadership
(I’m sure John Maxwell said this somewhere).
One thing I’ve discovered about leadership is this: Most of us, if not all of us, have leadership potential.
Disagree with that statement? So did I. I used to think only a select few had leadership abilities- but I’ve learned that’s not completely true.
The moment I became a dad, I became a leader. Every parent is a leader! Some are just better than others. That doesn’t mean that you have to be a parent to be a leader but it does prove that leaders aren’t just born- they’re developed.
My hope is to continually grow into a better leader. To develop other leaders- not just a following. To inspire people to see beyond what is- and live out what could be. To not just influence people by my words- but also my example.
For me, the best lab to develop as a leader is in the petri dish called home. As I grow, my hope is that my influence will pour out into the rest of my life.
02.22.08My Son’s New Alias
My 10-year-old son, Reece, told his teacher yesterday that he wants to now be referred to as ULTIMATUM.
Definition: a final proposition, condition, or demand; especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action
That might be the baddest name on the planet. Perhaps he’ll be a professional wrestler or an ultimate fighter someday. Even better, he might be the next Chuck Norris.
I’m so proud.
02.20.08HOME
Nothing sweeter than being greeted at the airport by your bride, your son, your daughter, and your puppy.
I’m home at last. I had a great time in Atlanta but there’s no one I’d rather be with right now than my family. We’re getting ready to watch American Idol and snuggle up.
I love it!!!
02.16.08I Love to Travel, But
I’m sitting in the airport waiting to board my flight to Atlanta. Just 15 minutes ago, I kissed my wife and my kids goodbye. I will see them in a few days but I already miss them. I’ve got this strange blend of excitement for my trip and a tug on my heart for my family.
I love to travel, but being away from those I love really sucks. I never get used to it and honestly, I hope I never will.
Am I the only one who feels like this?
02.07.08Living Missionally
This weekend, my parents return to Liberia on a mission trip bringing with them hope and help. I love the glean in their eyes as they talk about all they plan to accomplish and the people they hope to impact. They’re on a mission to love.
The truth is, this is how my parents live. Missionally. They are the epitome of salt and light.
In the last several years, they both went back to school to become EMT’s. Their reasoning? To serve. On most weekends, they drive several hours away to work as EMT’s on a Native American reservation. They are salt and light.
During the week, my dad works his normal job running a carpet installation business. As he is on his hands and knees laying carpet, he often prays for the people in the home or business in which he’s working. He is salt and light.
My mom is training to run in a half-marathon. She will come and grab my son and ask him to ride his bike with her while she runs. All the while, building memories with her grandson. She is salt and light.
They are bringing salt and light to Liberia. They aren’t going there to change the culture, they’re going there to bring the love of Christ. It’s cool. They’ve already busted out their special Liberian clothes that were given to them on their last trip there. My dad can’t wait to play some of the native instruments when he gets there. They will also work hard there to begin something that will last long after they leave. All the while with big smiles on their faces and lots of love in their hearts.
As parents, they’ve set a great example for me. I didn’t grow up thinking that missionaries are people that just went to Liberia. I grew up believing all Christians are missionaries. Whether we’re in Liberia, South Dakota, China, or Georgia. Whether at church, at the store, at a game, at work, at school, or at home. We are missionaries wherever we are.
As we begin this journey of planting a church in Rapid City, I want to remember the example of my parents. To be salt and light. To serve and bring love. To not condemn culture but use it to point people to Jesus. To live missionally.
After all, that’s our marching orders.
