Yesterday was a HUGE night in our Ace Hoops programming at Powderhorn Park. One of those nights we’ll remember for a while, and fortunately for us, for all the right reasons.

I suppose this tendency may not be too far from the norm, but a change in routine for these kids has historically proven disastrous.  And that’s no joke. I remember the first time we introduced dodgeball as a preprogramming activity to get the kids loose and running around, and the leaders time to figure out 5v5 teams (and an excuse to throw balls at kids again, just like the good old days!)

They hated it!!! (What middle school kid does not like pla

Continue reading …

Yesterday was a HUGE night in our Ace Hoops programming at Powderhorn Park. One of those nights we’ll remember for a while, and fortunately for us, for all the right reasons.

I suppose this tendency may not be too far from the norm, but a change in routine for these kids has historically proven disastrous.  And that’s no joke. I remember the first time we introduced dodgeball as a preprogramming activity to get the kids loose and running around, and the leaders time to figure out 5v5 teams (and an excuse to throw balls at kids again, just like the good old days!)

They hated it!!! (What middle school kid does not like pla

Continue reading …

Next Wednesday, I have been invited (thanks Isaiah!) to go to a fellowship luncheon hosted by Here’s Life Inner City—an organization whose purpose is to serve and mobilize the church to live out God’s heart for the poor, so all can grow in Christ and spiritually multiply. Check them out for yourselves at: www.hlictwincities.org, good stuff!

Oh, and did I mention Pastor Francis Chan is leading the forum. He’s one of my favorite authors, including Crazy Love—a book that I think ALL people NEED to read! So I’m excited, to say the least!!

One of the things that Ace Hoops desires to do—which so happens to also be a d

Continue reading …

Next Wednesday, I have been invited (thanks Isaiah!) to go to a fellowship luncheon hosted by Here’s Life Inner City—an organization whose purpose is to serve and mobilize the church to live out God’s heart for the poor, so all can grow in Christ and spiritually multiply. Check them out for yourselves at: www.hlictwincities.org, good stuff!

Oh, and did I mention Pastor Francis Chan is leading the forum. He’s one of my favorite authors, including Crazy Love—a book that I think ALL people NEED to read! So I’m excited, to say the least!!

One of the things that Ace Hoops desires to do—which so happens to also be a d

Continue reading …

Growing up, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the whole lecture about “needs” and “wants”….(And that’s not coming from just you, Mom!)

And it always came at the worst possible times too. Like when you’ve just gotten the JC Penny Christmas catalog and you’re looking through all the cool toys and are trying to make your sell to your parents. You’ve got your elevator speech prepared….you’re on cloud nine as you imagine how much better your life would be with your new Batman tent. You NEED it….

And then comes the devastating blow in the

Continue reading …

Growing up, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the whole lecture about “needs” and “wants”….(And that’s not coming from just you, Mom!)

And it always came at the worst possible times too. Like when you’ve just gotten the JC Penny Christmas catalog and you’re looking through all the cool toys and are trying to make your sell to your parents. You’ve got your elevator speech prepared….you’re on cloud nine as you imagine how much better your life would be with your new Batman tent. You NEED it….

And then comes the devastating blow in the

Continue reading …

I came across a picture from my childhood the other day that carries some significant, personal, value.

This is me dressed up as my all-time favorite, evil-slaying, conquering-the-world-with-one-swing-of-his-sword, hero: He-Man! Funny thing about this photo—this wasn’t Halloween. Or my birthday, or some special occasion—like “Hero Day” at my preschool—it was simply Monday. Maybe Tuesday….

I had He-Man EVERYTHING. He-Man underwear. He-Man action figures (including the villainous Skeletor). I watched He-Man cartoons and He-Man the movie. I lived to be He-Man.

It may not come in the form of He-Man underwear

Continue reading …

I came across a picture from my childhood the other day that carries some significant, personal, value.

This is me dressed up as my all-time favorite, evil-slaying, conquering-the-world-with-one-swing-of-his-sword, hero: He-Man! Funny thing about this photo—this wasn’t Halloween. Or my birthday, or some special occasion—like “Hero Day” at my preschool—it was simply Monday. Maybe Tuesday….

I had He-Man EVERYTHING. He-Man underwear. He-Man action figures (including the villainous Skeletor). I watched He-Man cartoons and He-Man the movie. I lived to be He-Man.

It may not come in the form of He-Man underwear

Continue reading …

It’s been officially over 10 full days of no soda pop (or energy drinks!!). And for me, that’s a win. I know, I know….“what a weak New Year’s Resolution” you’re thinking. Most of you are striving to be stronger husbands and wives, more devoted in your prayer life with God, shedding pounds or gaining lean muscle mass.

But for me, it’s a victory!

And I intentionally chose something small because I have grown sick and tired of failing. What begins as a weeklong self-esteem boost (I’m doing it, I’m really doing it!!), quickly turns into 350+ day reminder—

Continue reading …

It’s been officially over 10 full days of no soda pop (or energy drinks!!). And for me, that’s a win. I know, I know….“what a weak New Year’s Resolution” you’re thinking. Most of you are striving to be stronger husbands and wives, more devoted in your prayer life with God, shedding pounds or gaining lean muscle mass.

But for me, it’s a victory!

And I intentionally chose something small because I have grown sick and tired of failing. What begins as a weeklong self-esteem boost (I’m doing it, I’m really doing it!!), quickly turns into 350+ day reminder—

Continue reading …