CRAZINESS

Wow, life has been really crazy lately. But, what can I say it has been a good kind of crazy. This past Monday I spoke at Broadview Baptist Church, those guys over there are incredible. I love their faithfulness to both global and local missions. Yesterday I spoke to the Kiwanis group, I love the fact that regardless of how young or old they are, they are truly activist on behalf of children. Tonight I will speak at one of my favorite places to speak at of all time Macedonian Church. Their pastor is amazing, and the people there truly have a heart for their community. As my life continues to move rapidly leading up to Stop The Violence, I pray you will help me out by spreading the word about the event. We are 17 days away! If you have facebook, twitter, myspace, email,text, will you please spread the word? I cant tell you how awesome the event is going to be, and a free concert with SHONLOCK, it just doesn't get any better....

ACTIVIST: NEW SERIES

Terrorism. Natural disasters. The environment. Homelessness. We cant solve all the world’s problems. However, we are commanded to love our neighbors. We are called to be ACTIVISTS. Join us as we ask the question, “what can we do to change our world?”

DISRUPTION

As life continues evolve many of us if we were to be honest get sucked into a complacent routine. We wake up at the same time, we eat at the same restaurants, order the same food, watch the same tv shows, drive the same way to work each day, and the cycle continues...As a result of our consistent routine boredom overshadows us and we begin to take our life for granted. We take our family, friends, our job, our freedom, and so many other blessings reigned down from God for granted....In recent days I have been strongly moved by a word that I believe will help not only myself but many others.....DISRUPTION....When we think about disruption usually the next word to shortly follow is DRAMA....but what about a positive spin on disruption...is it possible? I believe so...This past week I challenged our staff to disrupt their life and share about...Here is my disruption....

DISRUPTION
There are several things I did differently this week

I took different routes to work

I didn't watch one television show that I am use to watching

I was able to sign off on my second book I have been working on since January so it can be published in the next two weeks.

The flooring in my house is really really bad, so my wife and I went to check out new flooring at one of the local floorscapes places. We found some we loved but honestly all of them were out of price range. I couldn't believe how expensive it has become to replace flooring. With a new baby on the way, and all the preparations and needs that come with it, we just didn't see it being possible. As we continued to search we found flooring that I believed in my heart that I could install myself. That statement in itself is quite funny because I am totally not the handy man type. As a result of a couple of good friends, countless hours of chaos and hardship, we have part of the floor in place. I must admit, it has been chaos, and much harder than I anticipated, but the disruption has brought a great sense of joy in my life, because I actually get the beautiful opportunity to see something completed.

When is the last time you allowed disruption to come into your life and bring about positive results...

Live to Love.
C

KTAB STORY LAST NIGHT

KTAB is doing a fantastic job covering The Stop The Violence Movement, to check out the latest story go to bigcountryhomepage.com

In the last few weeks we have been sharing stories from Abilene crime victims leading up to an event next month called "Stop the Violence, Start the Love."

The proceeds from it go directly to the regional Crime Victims Crisis Center, an agency that helps victims of crime in their time of need.

This week we have the story of an Abilene woman who was a victim of crime herself, but now plans to fight back and help other is in the process.

Emily Hunter was just 14 years old when she watched her cousin's killers in an Albuquerque court room.

He was run over by drug dealers 10 years ago this month, and it's a time in her life that she now draws strength from as she helps others who are victims of violent crimes as a volunteer with the Crimes Victims Crisis Center.


It is people like her who provide help to people like Gina, who was burned by her ex-boyfriend.

Stop the Violence will be July 17th at the Abilene Civic Center.

During the event, Chief of Police Stan Standridge is scheduled to host an open forum.

KTAB TONIGHT

Check out KTAB tonight, Albert's story will be featured promoting Stop The Violence!

Live to Love.
C

check out this video

Geana's story was featured on KTAB

After five years, an Abilene women who was set of fire by her boyfriend is telling her story to the public. Gena McLendon will be sharing her story of survival with local victims of violence at an event to benefit the Crime Victims Crisis Center.

McLendon was set on fire by her ex-boyfriend in her North Abilene home, in front of her 6 year old son. Although years have passed, scars remain to remind her of her tragedy.

Yet, she does not want to forget her story; she wants to share it.


In 2005 she broke up with her boyfriend, who then took out his anger over the break up on Gena in an unimaginable way. He poured gas on her, and lit her on fire.

Her son was at home with her, she says all she could think while she was on fire was how to get her son out of the house.

Shannon Lopez was arrested in a South Abilene home a few hours later and also had burns from the incident. He is in prison and Gena now says she has a mission...to share her story and encourage other victims of violence.

She will be speaking at Stop the Violence 2010. More information can be found at startthelove.com.