The Advantage of Average Book

It's been almost 10 years since I posted on this blog lol... 

Anyway, here is the news in my world...

Well friends, I have a little announcement to make. It's actually kind of funny to even say these words, but... I wrote a book! It's now available on Amazon. You can get paperback, hardcover, kindle, and audiobook. 

Here's how it happened. Over five years ago, I got off social media. Which means, I had a little time to think. I spent random time in the mornings and evenings writing down my thoughts. I went on a couple writing retreats with some friends. And, out came a book. 

What is the book about? That's hard to summarize. But my friend James Pusey helped edit and bring the book to life. He wrote a little blurb on the back of the book that you can read. 

It's an average book for average people. If you're an average person who thinks, "Not bad. I think I might've liked it." then leave a review on Amazon. They tell me that's what the algorithms like to see.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Tweets I haven't posted

Sitting in airport means vacation (and social media hiatus) is over, so here are some of the thoughts I haven't tweeted this past week...

1. Cave & Light book (Thanks Doug!) has reignited my love for philosophy. Socrates is right, the unexamined life is not worth living. 

2. Donald miller's post was ridiculous. Epitome of this generation's "spiritual but not religious" false dichotomy (ie. lie) The worlds greatest lie is one letter away from the truth

3. American obsessions are obvious & sickening in their excess: sugar, sex, body image, comfort, money, pleasure... But with thankfulness to our Creator & moderation these are beautiful 

4. Mark: what is the one thing you need to have a laser focus on at home & work? You constantly need to re-focus on why you're here. Life is too short to wander thru it

5. Taking the time to talk to & thank every Military Vet I see is always worth it. They are wearing their uniform/hat/etc bc they are proud. So am I. 91 y/o WW2 Navy vet Robert Nut told me he could never understand why Jesus had to die. A 15 min convo can change someone's eternity

6. My 3 stores: Plato's Closet, Pacsun, Zumiez

7. Florida sun is healing 

8. Vacations will never seem practical but are always worth it

9. The 3 days in the van w the Veritas directors was worth it for 1000 reasons. Every minute was spent talking about the passion we all share: Jesus and his church. We're more unified than ever

10. On 12-18-99 I told Leatha in front of God & a few hundred people "You are my most treasured gift from God." I've never been more sure of this, and this, too, is grace

What? A blog post?! Getting old does that...

36 today. (Jeff honored my b-day with this t-shirt...)

I think I'm okay with aging. The older I get, it seems to take less and less to get an adrenaline rush. But now it's a whole new set of stimuli that that gets me jacked... NPR, not roller coasters, dark coffee, not Mountain Dew, Maple trees in fall, not the toy section at Christmas. And on it goes.

But I also know that with age, the (ironically named) beast, called Apathy, is pounding louder and louder on the door of my heart.

My greatest fear in life is not losing my adrenaline, but losing my passion, which is why I read Asa's story every year on November 5th.

We are on a staff day away (first Monday of every month). I randomly passed out Old Testament scripture for our staff to read and reflect on. There are untold treasures in the OT, and life giving instruction that I never want us to lose sight of (1 Cor. 10:1-13).

What Scripture should I get, but 2 Chronicles 14-16 (Asa's story...)?

So I'm sitting here at this coffee shop in Cedar Rapids, and here's my conversation with God.

"But Lord, I already read this passage earlier this morning..."
Yes, Mark, read it again. There's more life for you there

The life lesson handed down to me from Asa seems to be best summarized, "...the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chron 16:9

And so this November 5th, I really have one question for myself, "Is my heart fully committed to Jesus today?"

A prayer...

"Jesus, I never want to the most exciting days to be behind me. I never want to be talking about when I used to trust you, or when I used to depend on you to move mountains, or used to read, memorize, study, and delight in your word. When I used to fast and how much I used to pray. Today, Lord Jesus, you have my heart, my life, my all. Lead me not into the temptation of opening the door to Apathy, depending on my 401k, or equity, or comfortable church, or success, or entertainment... Find me still jumping off cliffs expecting you to catch me, praying for mountains to move, and your kingdom to come on earth, as it is in heaven. For the sake of Jesus and his glory, may I see more of you in year 36 than ever before! Amen."

New Anthem Video... Love it!!!

I'm so proud of the team back in Ames who keeps the fire of worship blazing hotter than ever. Keep it up friends! SDG.

Arant #6 has arrived!

Savannah Pearl Arant, 8lbs 5oz. was born at 7:47pm yesterday (May 25, 2012) at the University of Iowa Hospital.

Leatha and the baby are doing great. She started having cramps during our connection group, and about 24 hours later, out came Savannah. 

Here is a picture of Ava with her new sister. Most people would put the blame (or credit, however you look at it) on me, but the circumstances make me think it had more to do with Ava's fervent prayers for a sister over the last 6 years. We liked "Savannah" for a number of reasons. One being that it had Ava's name in it. "Pearl" reminds us of the gift that was given in a difficult season of life, and one that God used to bring joy and restoration.

Here's a verse from Savannah's birthday Psalm "Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (Ps. 25:4-5) 

To God be the glory for this new life He has given!

Backstage Prep for Adoleo

Jeff caught me helping with setup. I was a big help... staying out of the way