Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. Benjamin Franklin

The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor. Hubert H. Humphrey

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. Jane Howard

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Burton Hillis

Are the stories that you are entertaining moving you closer to or further away from your desired objectives? They're yours to choose.

Anyone who ever did anything of significance had to take a risk. Why don't you take a risk today?

So you want to be a healthier person - smile more. What it doesn't do for you it will for others.

30 seconds to explain our organization: http://ping.fm/JKt9x - Does it make sense?

Are you getting caught up in the chaos of Christmas or maximizing moments with friends & family?

Who are your heroes and why? They might tell you something about yourself!

Abundant living means expressing gratitude to the people you appreciate. By the way, I really appreciate you!

The journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step - buy a plane ticket.

Have some fun today - don't take life or yourself too seriously. It will be over before you know it!

The greatest gifts I've ever received are friendship, kindness, acts of love & moments of joy & laughter. Why not give more of these this holiday season?!

If this were your last day on earth how would you want to be remembered? Your legacy starts today.

I was reading this morning that,"Fear is excitement without the breath." Fritz Perls - Thoughts?

I just created a personal 2011 year in review photo journal video. What a year! http://ping.fm/5LIQN

Wars and elections are both too big and too small to matter in the long run. The daily work - that goes on, it adds up. Barbara Kingsolver

Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." Robert Byrne

When you're down find someone you can encourage! It changes your whole outlook.

I keep hearing a common theme about the holidays, "It's stressing me out!" How about putting the stress on the Christ & not the masses.

What's love got to do with it?.... Well, just about everything!

If you want great friends find people who say great things about others - They're saying the same about you! (The opposite is true as well)

If you're happy and you know clap your hands. Even if you're not happy clap your hands. It helps.

I've been challenged to consider what contribution I want to make in the world; easy; creating value, promoting true freedom. What's yours?

Just met with some great minds interested in engaging corporate America in service learning & the global, "give back". Where do we start?!

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. W.T. Purkiser

I am officially Community Emergency Response Team Certified (CERT)! Hopefully the world is a little safer-

Why is it so hard for us to ask for help? Pride can kill us where humility brings peace.

The thought that I am what I am committed to intrigues me, but is it true?

Don't let being comfortable keep you from being who you were created to be!

Monday can be a fresh start or the beginning of a long week. Which will you choose?

Church was great; food and friends were great; football not so great; full day - great-full

I've come to realize that helping people overcome obstacles is what brings me the most joy in life. What obstacles are you facing?

Who ever said, "Good things come to those who wait"? Waiting never got anyone anywhere except when it depended on God.

It's Friday and I'm wondering where the week went? Of course the weekend is not a bad thing...

Your true-self wants enlightenment; your safe-self wants to survive. Which gets the most energy?

Any knucklehead can point out the problems. What we need are some good solutions.

Life's great stress reliever is realizing that there is very little over which I have control.

The best thing about Halloween is the chocolate and generally that isn't all that good.

Do not focus on appearances and external achievements while letting your inner life languish. G. Hendricks

When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters; one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. J.F.K.

Make the best of what is in our power, and take the rest as it naturally happens. Epictetus

Who you are becoming is much more important than who you are or where you've been. It's the only thing you can start changing today.

If the things that get done are the things that get rewarded then that explains why I'm not getting anything done!

Consider all that is good in the world and do your part to enhance it!

If we know that the power of appreciation yields huge returns, why is it so difficult to extend it to others?

Costa Rica Home Build

The opposite of pro-gress is clearly con-gress. Let's be praying for our leaders!

If you want to be a leader, be a reader, a learner & a servant of all.

It's the manure that helps us grow, but the process really stinks.

Living more fully in the present takes practice; invest in what and who is before you now & it will pay big dividends.

Remember, whatever you do, wherever you go, you are there. Healthy choices will make you feel better about that fact.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. ~World Health Organization, 1948

Today you can be a victim, a villain or a hero that saves everyone else. Why not simply commit to being the best you, you can be.

Today you can be a victim, a villain or a hero that rescues everybody else. Why not just commitment to be the best you, you can be?

Remember, there is no shortage of time. It's all a matter of how we choose to use it. Are you using your time for what matters most to you?

How am I making the world a better place? By allowing God to make the changes in me that I know better reflect His love for people.

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. Benjamin Franklin

What's the most important thing you have to do today to move you towards your dream and make sure you do that one thing.

I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful weekend...

Think of someone who's positively impacted your life... now tell them.

Don't let the enormity of your dreams or challenges paralyze you - take the first step because it will be the best thing you ever did!

So what do people think about Tom's Shoes branching out into sunglasses that support cataract surgery, eye medication and prescription glasses?

It's a beautiful Sunday morning. The only thing that would be better is if I bumped into you at church.

Two are better than one... when one falls down, one can help the other up. Do you have people you can reach down or up to?

You can't give away what you don't have so let's strive for abundant measures of love, joy and peace!

It might be rainy outside but things are shining brightly on the inside!

Tony Campolo was on fire last night at Willow. Seems to me that following the red letters is a great idea.

It's the seemingly insignificant choices that we make from day to day that shape our future. How is the future looking for you?

The Global Leadership Summit was one of the best ever: Don't wait to get picked, pick yourself. Seth Godin

My friend Jeff Caliguire told me yesterday, attitude is not everything, competence & capital are a big help as well.

Countdown to the Global Leadership Summit! I hope to see you there.

It's always a good day to get out and serve someone!

Looking forward to the Community Life retreat this weekend.

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

A half-baked idea is okay as long as it's in the oven. Author Unknown

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide. Napoleon Bonaparte

Enneagram training was amazing - thank you Dr. Wagner and fellow classmates!

Walking out of the concert my friend commented that U2 sure has gotten political. Social justice can be construed as political but I think more than that it's being responsible.

Whoever wants to be a judge of human nature should study people's excuses. Hebbel

The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others. Author Unknown

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. Author Unknown

Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning? Coleman Cox

The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. Samuel Johnson

I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'. Henry Moore

A hug delights and warms and charms, that must be why God gave us arms. Author Unknown

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. George Moore

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, (spiritual) and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. World Health Organization, 1948

The past can't see you, but the future is listening. Terri Guillemets

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S. Eliot

This I know is true, the secret to success doesn't work unless you do.

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life. S.D. Gordon

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Good things might come to those who wait but real success happens for those who take action.

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success. Author Unknown

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him. William McGill

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. Dalai Lam

If perfect love casts out all fear, then that's what I'm striving for because I've been experiencing a bit of that lately.

Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect whether he chooses to be so or not. Nathaniel Hawthorne

'tis the season for fundraisers. How did I miss the boat?

Off to participate in seed packing for African families tonight.

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied. Arnold H. Glasgow

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. David Star Jordan

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. Raymond Hull

A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain. ~Arabian Proverb

You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it. Charles Buxton

Sunday, my Sabbath - church, amazing meal, nap and time with friends that are extended family - priceless.

Why I Moved to Chicago

Chicago:
Gabe Strom inspired me to write about why I moved to Chicago after I read his latest blog post. I have been living in St. Petersburg, FL for the past 7 years but after spending some extended time in Chicago upon my return from Uganda last summer I began to develop some very meaningful connections with people here.  Of course I've had a long-running relationship with Willow Creek Community Church (D.R. Teams Coordinator 2001-2003) and great friendships that grew out of my time with volunteers from Willow serving in the Dominican Republic.  Something began to stir in me.

Community Life:
A friend of mine then introduced me to Bill Barton, the director for an organization called Community Life. He was looking for someone to work as a Community Life Architect (CLA) in a largely Hispanic apartment complex on the border of Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows.  What is a CLA you ask?  Well, a CLA coordinates social activities that create community and connection for the residents.  They spearhead programs and offer resources that serve the needs of those within the community and most importantly they provide friendship, they are an advocate, a counselor and a mediator.   

I have a passion to help people discover, develop and employ their gifts, skills and resources in ways that will help eradicate every form of poverty throughout the world.   I love seeing people connected with one another in healthy ways; serving and learning from each another.  Up until now the focus of my passion for people and community development has been on the international front, but this new opportunity will help me to live out my passion each and every day.  Of course I will continue to serve international community through the work of INVISION GLOBAL NETWORK, but some of my time will be divided between the people we are serving throughout the world and those of Woodfield Crossing.

The question of the day... What is passion?

How many of us live a life like the Matrix? What if the real adventure started with a great awakening & then got better from there!?

If home is where the heart is, then my home is with all of you who have so warmly welcomed me to Chicago.

5 a.m. conference call with Philippians was tough even for this early bird. One worm,.... Check.

It's the beginning of a new week, new home (Wednesday), new neighbors, new routine and I must say, I'm a little nervous.

Tribulation, end times, and the wrath of God... Apply that to grace, redemption & loving your neighbor & we've got a great sermon.

We have to keep our feet on the ground when others want to put us on a pedestal. Bill Burnes

Science shows that love is like a drug, without it people disconnect or lash out. How about we feed the addiction.

Productivity doesn't mean much if it's at the expense of the relationships around us. People generally don't go to funerals of those they don't know.

Heavenly Guests

I recently was staying at the home of a missionary friend in Costa Rica and she said that she has a lot of guests come through her home but very few of them have exhibited the common courtesies that I had. Some of the offenses included helping themselves to whatever food she had in the house, using every day items like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, laundry detergent and not replacing them; not picking up after themselves, not offering to help with household chores or to do the dishes. For some reason people expected her to cook and clean for them and wait on them because she is a missionary after all. That's what missionaries do.



Well, I feel compelled to share a few tips that might seem like common sense, but unfortunately slip many people's minds in the moment. The proverb that says, "Fish and company have at least one thing in common, they both start to stink after three days." For some, it might be more like one day! So, for anyone who enjoys visiting friends and family and are interested in always having an open door back into their home, I suggest the following few things:

Bring a gift:: Everyone enjoys gifts and even more, to be appreciated. A gift is a small token of appreciation. (Flowers, chocolate, dessert, wine, etc.) Note: If you bring something alcoholic first be sure that it's appropriate in the home of your host.
Be invisible: Whatever you do in the home of your host, try not to leave any evidence that you've been there unless it's something positive (like cleaning the sink or the toilet, replacing the toilet paper roll you just finished or dusting the room you're staying in.
Be sensitive: Your host may feel obligated to serve you but be aware of the fact they they have a life outside of serving you; things like work, household chores, errands, SLEEP!
Be a part of the solution: This is a delicate one but I've found that people usually appreciate when you offer to help around the house like doing the dishes, cleaning up the kitchen or dining room, vacuuming, washing towels and sheets (especially the day you leave). Sometimes asking is not enough. You have to take action. Very rarely has someone insisted that I not help.
Create value: This last trip, while talking with my friend, I realized that she could use some help with setting up a blog. She's a missionary in her 60's and wasn't all that familiar with the different ways she could share the stories of the people she was serving. This was a very little thing for me but meant a lot to her. So, listen to the needs of your host and you could possibly make a world of difference for them, whether it is something simple, like cooking them a meal or helping them start a project they've been putting off or perhaps it's just offering support and encouragement to them in a difficult situation.

The important thing to remember is that it's not about us. We have to learn to be gracious receivers as well as givers. There will be seasons and even moments for both. When we are aware of the needs of the people around us, even when it's on their turf we'll never wear out our welcome.

40 pages and 4 days of straight work has paid off - paper done... well, the first draft anyway... sigh....

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. Author Unknown

Monday, the beginning of a new week, new opportunities, fresh starts... but I still have to finish that paper - Lord, help me.

Friends should not be considered an accessory but a necessity for mutual support, growth and self awareness. Who are your friends?

Tierra Prometida

Click CC for Captions in English

The older I get the more I realize that life is better and things are a whole lot easier when I sharing it all with others.

The older I get the more I realize that life is a lot better and things are a lot easier when I'm sharing it all with others.

Back in Chicago - starting a new chapter. Hopefully I'll have an address by the end of the week.

Sitting in the airport after a long flight... It's hard to think about anything but bed.

Just as every night, filled with darkness dissipates with the morning light so is there is hope to be found when passing through the dark times of our lives.

Church, a place meant for healing and inspiration to live out our lives with increasing faith, not just check in.

In life, if you are not learning you are not growing and if you are not growing, you'll never reach the greatness intended for you.

A glorious day has very little to do with the weather and everything to do with perspective - of course being in Costa Rica helps.

Off to Costa Rica! Pictures soon to come.

So much to do & yet so little time might be true, but what do you say we at least get started -

Friends affirm the good and bring out the best in us; keep a fair distance from, "friends" who don't meet this criteria.

The problem with new beginnings & fresh starts is having to find new furnishings.

From 70 degrees to 7 - is this some kind of joke!

Survey: Which direction should the toilet paper come off the roll - down the back or over the front? Big debate with OCD friend -

A beautiful sunrise, a great cup of coffee and good friends help to put things into perspective.

Labels, why does everyone need one? We've become products of the lack of a personal identity & have forgotten that there never was or ever will be another me. Tim

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle. Bob Hope

They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body. Author Unknown

All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why. James Thurber

I used to love night best but the older I get the more treasures and hope and joy I find in mornings. Terri Guillemets

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. Victor Frankl

I'm not funny. What I am is brave. Lucille Ball

A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should. Author Unknown

Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. Vince Lombardi

How strange to use "You only live once" as an excuse to throw it away. Bill Copeland

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. Milton Berle

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. Harry Truman

You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present. Jan Glidewell

Walks. The body advances, while the mind flutters around it like a bird. Jules Renard

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. Henry Ford

There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs - jolted by every pebble in the road. Henry Ward Beecher

Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. Doug Larson

The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor. Hubert H. Humphrey

If you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes. The Houghton Line, Nov. 1965

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. David Star Jordan

You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need. Vernon Howard

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. Author Unknown

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. Benjamin Franklin

Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color. Author Unknown

The time is always right to do what is right. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A quiet Sunday morning - coffee on the porch, eagerly anticipating a glorious celebration with friends at church.

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. Walter Elliott

Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet. Roger Miller

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer

The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others. Author Unknown

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Author Unknown