pics of the week

Four teeth pulled


My son Dakota had four teeth pulled. I feared it would be a horrible experience where he put dentists on the same list as the devil and people who steal your bike. But he did great!
His comment: "I guess I'll be #1 on the tooth chart in my class!"

Meet Jackie


Jackie is my new administrative assistant. She loves coffee. (A resume line that was to her benefit.) Although she swears she typically drinks coffee out of her Starbucks travel mug, today she came in carrying the Little Orphan Annie thermos full of coffee. Her husband is one of those auction treasure hunters.

Investing in the future

Today and Friday I gather with 70 community stakeholders for youth and children in East Central Illinois. It will be two days of inspiration and brainstorming of how were can collaborate and build coalitions to improve the future for the next generation.

These are the movers and shakers who truly have the power to impact lives. It's exciting to be a part of it. Looking for incredible ideas to make a positive difference in people's lives.

I can't wait to see how our vision for the Family Room can be shaped and impacted because of gatherings like these.

related links:
http://rayofhope.ning.com/
http://regionalalliance4youth.org/
http://www.lumpkinfoundation.org/

Need some decor

My office is a bit stale on the walls. I need something.
And then I found this online...



I'm thinking I need to find me some of these book shelves.

What cool office decor do you have?

Easter: All For You

Who needs this message?
What co-worker needs to hear the powerful story of forgiveness and mercy?
What prodigal family member needs to know they are loved by God?
Who are you going to personally invite?
Who will you bring?

Who will you invest in?

Easter @ First Assembly
Sunday, April 12 @9:30

The Blog slow-down

I hate that my blogging has slowed down.
I tried to ask myself why. Here's what I've come up with:

1. I'm in a very busy stage of work right now.
2. I have tons of GREAT stuff to share, but none of it is public right now. We're in a season of planning. But soon...very soon, we'll spill it.
   
3. Twitter. 140 characters several times throughout the day has replaced some of the need to blog.

I. Will. Overcome.

Back in the saddle

Since my last post...

>>I got my macbook pro back. The Illini Apple Center replaced my keyboard. It shorted out because of water damage. All is good!

>>Week three of the Wild Goose Chase left people KNOWING that God can do the impossible. No more assuming the status quo. No more assuming small stuff. No more assuming that we are suck. Now we're believing that God will provide the supernatural solution.

>>I had an incredible board meeting full of vision and future planning.

>>Joy and I cleaned the garage!

Wet Mac Update

The MacBook Pro has now been handed over to an authorized Apple service tech to see what he can do. I'll find out more on Wednesday.

Best Case Scenario: Dry up some water and residue underneath the keyboard.
Next Best Option: Replace keyboard.
Third Option: We don't want to talk about that right now.

wet

I'm drying my laptop because some water got in it, and now the keyboard isn't working.



I heard:
A. let it sit for two weeks
B. seal it in a contain with rice for 24-48 hours.
C. take it apart and dry indivual parts
D. Put a fan on it.
E. Take it to the Apple Store to see if it can be fixed

Any other suggestions?

Snuggie = bad gift addictions

Ever since I bought my aunt a Snuggie for Christmas through Harriet Carter, I now get their super awesome catalog of JUNK.



The hair cutting umbrella is "Essential"


Stick a watering can up you nose if you have a cold.


Lose weight by wearing a ring that will turn green in three days.


See AND Eliminate all those urine stains from your mattress.


Only 294 Days Until Christmas!!!

What do you want for Christmas?

the 1814 project: update

Last week in Honduras was amazing.

In less than 48 hours in San Jeronimo, Honduras, we were able to meet several key leaders and rally together the support and coalition needed to bring about transformation in the small Honduran community.

The lead transformation team will be Pastor Olman from a local church in San Jeronimo, One Hope (formerly Book of Hope International) and First Assembly in Mattoon. The Partnership coalition will consist of San Jeronimo school principals, teachers, the mayor, community leaders, other faith leaders, and some special help from our new friend who is a Peace Corps Volunteer working in the community. (Shout out to Dora!)

From time to time I'll introduce you to people in the community. I'll share their pics, a brief bio, and a few prayer requests. I want you, my online friends, to join me in praying for the leaders of San Jeronimo, Honduras.

I would love for you to join me on this journey as we make a huge difference in one little community in Central America. (Who knows, maybe you'll actually go there someday with us and see it in person.) Who doesn't want to make generational differences in an entire community?

Meet Pastor Olman and His family

Pastor Olman with his wife, Karen, and two sons, Alexi and Estephen.

For more information, go to www.the1814project.com