Monday, August 23, 2010

Home


I needed to pass some time in the airport this weekend and decided to make a video of all the things I miss about home. If you like the song in the background, it's because David Dunn is singing it. You can find more of Dave's music on iTunes and also on myspace at www.myspace.com/daviddunn.

Love you guys!


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

40 Days of Giving: Days 38-40

Day 38: On this day I took one of the coolest high school seniors this side of the Mississippi, Esteban Peralta, to Planet Hollywood for lunch. After we grubbed, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon at one of the Disney water parks. It is such a blessing to be able to be a part of Esteban's life. If you are not currently investing in the next generation, I would STRONGLY encourage you to do so. Not only does it bless the individual that you are spending time with, but it is guaranteed to bless you in more ways than you can possibly imagine.

There are several different ways you can meet students that would adore spending time with you:

*Volunteer at your church's student ministry.
*Contact your local YoungLife staffer and serve with them at the high school nearest you.
*Work with an organization such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, and they will parter you with a child in need of a positive role model and mentor. You can check out Big Brothers Big Sisters at www.bbbs.org

Day 39: My job took me to Boston for the NASCAR race in New Hampshire. As soon as I landed, I made my way to Fenway Park and had an absolute blast seeing first hand the history in that place. I spent some time at the Yawkey Way store across the street from the stadium and loaded up on souvenirs for my best friend back home, Mike Williams.

Day 40: My next door neighbor, Shelly Gates, and my good friend, James Rish, started a ministry a few months ago focusing on the needs of Orlando's homeless community. In an effort to support what God is doing through them, I gave them some cash to empower and encourage them to chase after what God has put on their hearts. The money was used to feed several hungry mouths, as well as turning on the electricity for our friends Rick and Lenny who recently were given a free apartment.

These last 40 days have done something to me that I can't find words to adequately explain. This experience has opened my eyes to the fact that God not only calls us, but equips us to give... and give generously.

Please don't walk away from this thinking that money is the only way you can change the world. Each and every one of you have been given specific gifts and passions that God yearns for you to use to expand His kingdom, regardless of your income.

We're not here long...so leave a footprint.

James


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

40 Days of Giving: Days 33-37

Day 33: I had the opportunity to treat one of my best friends, Ryan Eber, to some Buffalo Wild Wings. Love that place....and I love that dude.

Day 34: I gave $80 to an organization called Water4, which paid for an entire water well that will provide clean water to a community for years to come. This amazing non-profit puts water wells in rural parts of the world using parts and materials that can be found in nearby areas. This is beautiful because it allows the community to maintain the well long after the organization has placed it there. If you are interested in supporting what Christ is doing through Water4, please check out their website at www.water4.org.

Day 35: After house church, I took Ryan and Jenn to Denny's...good times were had by all.

Day 36: A few weeks ago I blogged about a book called "The Treasure Principle". At the end of the blog I offered to ship a copy of the book to anyone who wanted to be stretched in the area of generosity. Thanks to my roommate Matt and his multiple copies of the book, I sent the book to Megan in Ft. Worth. I hope God is using the book to radically shape you, Megan!

Day 37: On this day I went to dinner with my roommate, Danny. He is a great singer/songwriter and you can check out his music at www.dannyleggett.com.