Friends

I returned to Chicago last night after being gone for about ten days. First thing this morning, I met with a good friend to catch up on our church, our community, and our lives.

I feel blessed to have friends in my life to share life with. Thanks Deshaun.

What importance to friendships have for you?

Micro-lending

Kiva is an organization that partners to allow people from all over the world to lend small amounts of money to potential entreprenuers across the globe. It partners people and empowers people to work instead of just giving to charity. I love it.

The idea is that the borrower will actually pay back the loan and the money can be lent out again to another person.

Do you have any unique ideas to empower people rather than just giving money to charity?

Helping Africa

This is a company that I learned about at the Leadership Summit. Good African Coffee. They believe that the key to supporting Africa is not aid. They believe that economic empowerment through trade will lift Africa economically.

Do you think that aid can be detrimental to the long term growth of people or nations?

Whirlwind

The last month has been a whirlwind of different events.

July 30 - Aug. 1, I was involved in the Legacy Disciplemaking Conference at Moody Bible Institute.
August 6 and 7, I was at Willow Creek Community Church for the annual Leadership Summit.
August 9-14, I was a camp counselor at Urban Camp at Camp Timberlee.

So many things have happened in these weeks. I was blessed to spend the last few days with my wife and kids. We went on a canoe trip, went to a huge flea market, played Putt-Putt, played games, and made memories. I love family time.

I am looking forward to sorting out my thoughts from the last few weeks and getting back to a routine.

Leadership

Heard this quote today at the Leadership Summit at Willow Creek: "Good leadership is making change seem more exciting than standing pat."

I like that, but it can be challenging to accomplish.

What are ideas that people have about making change more exciting?

52 Zoos in 52 weeks

This video is of friends of ours Gabe and Marla Taviano from Columbus, OH. The just finished visiting 52 Zoos in a year. What a creative plan to spend time together as a family.

Look for Marla's book coming out about this family adventure.

You can find out more at marlataviano.com

I hope this encourages you to be creative about spending time and making lasting memories with your family.

Here it is again

For all who think that racial profiling is a thing of the past, here it is again.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., renowned author and Harvard professor, was arrested in his home for suspected burgularly. Story here

It is sad to think that even a well known, 59 year old black man has to deal with profiling by the police. The next thing we will be reading in the newspaper is that Barack Obama was arrested for being in the White House.

What a sad commentary on the state of our country. I know that racial profiling happens every day on the west side of Chicago where I live. Young men being stopped and harassed for the crime of walking down the street while young and black. This is an everyday occurance in long forgotten neighborhoods like ours. But to hear about profiling in Cambridge of all places is even more discouraging.

What will it take for people to see everyone as a part of the same human race?

Why do police so easily get away with this type of treatment of those that they are to "serve and protect"?

PURSUE PRO-AM

Yesterday was the first annual PURSUE PRO-AM. The weather was great. People had a wonderful time. Paula Faris came to help out. Here husband John's team won 2nd place in the event. Many people left with prizes. And we were able to raise some money to help our students go to college.

I am thankful for all who helped out to make this event a reality. Time to start planning for next year.

Fountain of youth?

This water might just be it.

Still in love

A few weeks ago, I spent a few days in historic Galena,IL with my wife Lisa. She wanted to try a bed & breakfast to celebrate her birthday and we were not disappointed. We chose the historic Stillman Inn. The mansion was beautiful, the location was ideal, and the service was impeccable. Our inkeeper, Dave, was a delightful Christian man who spent time talking to us about our lives, about his life, and about the sights to see in the area.

We had a great time away from the hustle of the city and enjoyed the time with just the two of us. If you are looking for a romantic get-a-away, I would suggest the Stillman Inn in Galena without reservation.

Has anyone else tried a bed and breakfast? What did you like and dislike?

Husbands, have you taken time to romance your wife lately?