You read that correctly. With pressure from my wife, of all people, we bit the bullet and purchased a Wii this weekend and have joined the gaming cult that is taking the world by storm. The decision was tough as I debated the new PS3 or even the Xbox 360, but in the end the interactive game console won out.
Why the Wii? I almost didn’t go this route simply due to the fact that the Wii doesn’t play DVD’s. Neva, my wife, and I have had several conversations about turning the TV off in the evenings and spending time together as a family. The goal was to unplug from mindless TV watching and do something interactive and fun as a family on a regular basis. The plan is once homework and dinner are done we head down to the basement and have a little friendly family competition on Wii Sports and Wii Play. Let’s not forget Guitar Hero!
So we broke it in over Labor Day weekend and had a blast. Christian and I had a blast laughing at Neva (who is a worship leader at our church and well versed in singing, guitar, and piano) as she couldn’t figure out the timing of the guitar on Guitar Hero and was the cause for several failed songs. Christian also edged her out in bowling by 2 points but he couldn’t stand the likes of me. Although, he owned both of us at Tennis.
A great weekend with great memories and promises of many more family nights to come! I want to be careful to not over-spiritualize buying a video game unit, but I don’t want to under-estimate the value of spending quality time as a family laughing and playing together either.
Hey Youth Leaders,
Many of you know from attending our conferences and being familiar with Dare 2 Share that we have a great partnership with interlinc. They stand alone as the music and media resource for you, Youth Leaders. They are offering a one-time FREE download of the latest YLO Book. Dare 2 Share wanted to make sure that you had the opportunity to take advantage of this no-strings attached offer. Did I mention it’s totally FREE?!?!?! Check out the download.
Here’s to reaching teenagers with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we work togther: Dare 2 Share, Youth Leader and interlinc!
Several weeks ago I was at a Seminar hosted by Jeffrey Gitomer, a Sales Guru, as well as Brad Sugars, CEO of ActionCOACH International. One of the random tips that has stuck with me was something Brad Sugars mentioned, “Read a book a week.” It wasn’t the first time I had heard that piece of advice but it made me stop and think that I needed to amp up my book reading. That being said, here is a list of the books that I am currently reading through or have recently read. Hopefully you will be inspired to read something as well and please, feel free to recommend any good books you have read recently (topic doesn’t matter too much to me as I enjoy reading just about anything!).
READING:
The Moody Handbook of Theology – So I asked my boss Greg to point me in the right direction of an intro to systematic theology book. He handed me this 650 page book and laughed at me. 
Coach Your Champions – I am actually diving into this book tonight as several of us at Dare 2 Share are reading this book as a professional development effort. It’s geared toward working with major donors, but no doubtedly will provide great insights into customer service and empowering others.
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team – I have always admired Patrick Lencioni for his insights into leadership and team building. This book has risen to the top of my favorite business books.
Books of the Bible – Psalms, Philemon, and Acts.
RECENTLY READ:
First, Break all the Rules – Just like 5 Dysfunctions has become one of my favorite business books, this may be the greatest leadership book I have ever read.
Ministry Mutiny – A book that Greg Stier wrote a few years ago, every time I read it I am inspired to jump back into full time Youth Ministry. If you are in Youth Ministry, this book is a must read.
21 Laws of Leadership – Maxwell knocks it out the park with this book on leadership. It has been foundational in building up and training me to be the best leader that I can be. If you know a college student who is getting ready to enter the work force, this book will give them a leading edge.
Book of the Bible – Luke
ABOUT TO READ:
Good to Great
Loyalty Rules
Books of the Bible – Acts
I was watching the movie, Saving Private Ryan, late last night as I was falling to sleep. I was stoked to watch it as this movie falls into a special movie category I have proclaimed as EPIC! The movie was everything I remembered it being until the closing moments of the film at which point in time I was jolted out of my half sleep. Tom Hanks, who was unbelieveable in this flick, makes the following climatic statment: “Earn this!”
As the movie returns to modern day and you see Matt Damon’s character hovering of this character’s tombstone, he is pondering his life and asking the question, “Have I earned this?” What a crappy way to live your life! I get the sacrifice that was made in order to save Private Ryan’s life, but how depressing would it be to live your life in the shadow of a question like that.
My thoughts immediately raced to the cross of Christ and how He has never said, “Earn this!” Rather He has said, “Here’s this!” While I want to live a life that honors Christ and is in obedient to His commands, the moment my motivation becomes earning His gift of salvation I foresake the free gift of grace that He has offered.
I still think Saving Private Ryan is an EPIC film and I certainly don’t rely on Hollywood to provide the foundation of my theology and worldview. However, it made me think and ponder how great our God is and how vast His love for us will always be!
