Six months ago, I wrote a post stating that I wanted to get my hands dirty.

(Interesting to note that I also wrote posts about other big hairy audacious goals like getting married and having kids. And unfortunately I’ve got nothing to report in either area. NOTHING.)

In the post I said,

It is easy for me to dream of changing the world from the comfort of my living room couch but I lately I have felt called to do more. I want to go to the ends of the earth. And I want to get my hands a little dirty.

And I referenced a quote by Jimmy Carter,

My faith demands -this is not optional-my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

So for the last six months, I have been more intentional about finding time to serve. Serve by doing whatever, wherever, whenever.

I have sought out opportunities to pitch in locally. I have become a ‘”lunch buddy” to the-cutest-kindergartner-ever through Preston Taylor Ministries and taken advantage of a handful of serving opportunities at Cross Point.

I even investigated a few opportunities to serve internationally but nothing really was coming together, that is, until last week.

Last week Shaun Groves reached out about the possibility of me joining him, Keely Scott and a team of bloggers in Guatemala in September. Without a moment’s hesitation, I agreed.

This was the opportunity I had been waiting for, the opportunity I had been praying about, the opportunity to get more intimately involved with an organization I am passionate about. My faith was demanding that I say yes. My faith was demanding that I go.

But between you and me, I am more than a little shocked that He is enlisting my help, that He is entrusting me with this opportunity.

Acutely aware of my insecurities and fear, I find myself running to Him for strength. And in a moment of clarity come to realize that this trip is not just about what He can do through me. This trip is also about what He will do in me.

Would you be willing to pray for me, for our team? Pray that over the next few months God would begin to prepare our hearts and our minds for the trip?

And bloggers, would you be willing to help spread the word by adding a little Compassion Bloggers banner to your site? Details here.

Have you ever met someone who was a brilliant storyteller? Someone who at the mere mention of “once upon a time” transported you into an epic adventure? Someone who introduced characters so real that you couldn’t help but imagine yourself walking in their shoes?

I have. And when I am in the presence of a great storyteller, I find myself spellbound. Simply spellbound.

Storytelling is a powerful gift. A gift that should be cultivated. A gift that should be cultivated for the Church. That is why I am so excited about Story, an event created by creative genius, “dragon slayer” and author Ben Arment.

Story is an intimate conference for the creative class in ministry on September 23-24, 2010 at Park Community Church in downtown Chicago. Created with the sole purpose of fueling the church’s artists, writers, and producers in communicating the greatest story ever told. Some of the best creative practitioners in both ministry and the marketplace, from filmmakers and authors to actors and musicians, will share about their craft.

For more information about this incredible event and to register, visit www.storychicago.com.

Would you like to be a better storyteller?

This just might be your chance…

These days most of my vacations are described one of two ways… as an “exciting adventure” or as some “quality time with friends and family.”

You know the kind? The kind where you set out each morning prepared to conquer the day? The kind where you see how many people, places, and things you can stuff in before time elapses and you suddenly find yourself transported back to the real world? The kind where post-vacation you have to drag yourself out of bed because you are more exhausted than before you left? The kind where the only feasible way to recover from your vacation is another vacation?

But after my crazy Spring, I knew that I needed to try something different. I knew I needed to find a way to put “relaxing” back into my vacation. (more…)

Decided that today instead of normal “Follow Friday” tweets that I’d hook you up with some of the incredible people I encountered this week so you can get connected with them. Each of these folks played a part in making my time at Catalyst West (#catwest) incredible. Incredible.

@sarahmarkley and @cmarkley -  At the suggestion of a friend, I sought Sarah out at Blissdom. Still a practical stranger I somehow convinced her to bail on the last session and join me and a few friends for dinner. I discovered that I loved her heart. When I decided about a month ago to try to pull off Catalyst West, Sarah direct messaged me and said “you are staying with us, right?” I took them up on their generous offer and I’m so glad I did. I love the Markleys. Love the Markleys. Hard to believe I didn’t know them a couple of months ago and now I consider them great friends.

Sarah’s blog: http://www.sarahmarkley.com

Chad’s blog: http://www.chadmarkley.com

@lvhanson – I started following LV when he ventured to Kenya with the Compassion bloggers earlier this year. I loved his posts and his heart for the children of Africa. And I was just a little envious of how wonderfully he uses his gifts of communication and connection. But it wasn’t until I sat down with LV last night that I realized that he has an uncanny ability to get straight to the core of someone by asking just the right questions. Plus, LV is from Dallas and an alum of the University of Colorado, what’s not to like?

LV’s blog: http://www.catalystspace.com/catablog/

@keelymarie and @flowerdust – Keely and Anne are incredibly gifted artists. Keely’s photography and Anne’s beautiful prose allow me to be transported on all their adventures.  I loved the time I got to spend with them in Orange County. And I love even more that they are permanent fixtures in Tennessee.

Keely’s blog: http://www.keelymariescott.com/

Anne’s blog: http://www.flowerdust.net/

@biancajuarez – Bianca’s smile will light up a room. She is beautiful inside and out. I could tell within minutes of talking with her that she’d rather skip all the pleasantries and get right down to business. My kind of girl.

Bianca’s blog: http://www.inthenameoflove.org/

@kylezimmerman – One of my concerns about going to Catalyst West was that without the Cross Point staff on hand, I wouldn’t have anyone to make fun of me. (And I am the sick kind of person who enjoys being made fun of.) So glad that I met Kyle Zimmerman so he could step right in to the rigorous role of calling attention to the stupid things I say and do. I appreciate more than Kyle’s sense of humor. I appreciate the way he invests in people. I didn’t have to be at Mariner’s long to know that he is well-loved and well-respected.

Kyle’s blog: http://kylezimmerman.net/

@ryanoquinn – Ryan O’Quinn makes me laugh, a lot. Just go here to see why. And I love the work he does for Compassion. Great guy.

Ryan’s blog: http://ryanoquinn.blogspot.com/

@b_rewster – Stephen Brewster is the real deal. He’s one of the best encouragers I’ve met. Over the last few months, he has done several little things to encourage me along the way. I so appreciate that about him. It’s hard to believe that yesterday was the first time we had met in real life, as I already have enormous respect for him.

Stephen’s blog: http://stephenbrewster.me/

@pastormark - Mark Driscoll is the pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Yesterday he shared some of the most powerful words I have heard in a long time. He spoke truth with the correct doses of transparency and humor.

Mark’s blog: http://theresurgence.com/md_blog

Who is one person that you have discovered lately that I should be following? What do you find engaging about them?

When I asked for questions you’d like to see my answer on my blog, several people wanted to know what my favorite restaurants Nashville restaurants are.

If you know anything about me, you probably know that I love eating out. Seriously love eating out.

I guess it is something about the experience of sitting down with people you love and having the freedom to relax, share, and enjoy some incredible food and drink. Well…it does my heart good.

So without further adeu, my favorite Nashville restuarants:

12 South Tap Room - In my book, “The Tap Room” has the best patio in Nashville. And they have great sandwiches, salads, tacos, and a diverse selection of beers on tap. Something about this spot just feels like Nashville to me. You always count on great people watching with at diverse cross-section of regulars. hipsters and families with small kids alike. 2318 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204 (615) 463-7552

The City House – Located in German Town, City House is my favorite restaurant in Nashville these days. A former art studio—with exposed brick walls, wood accents and an open and bustling kitchen—features the most incredible pizzas I have eaten this side of the Atlantic. Oh, and don’t forget to explore their cocktail menu – full of interesting and refreshing combinations like “The Bandit.” City House is famous for their “Sunday Supper” which I have never tried but plan to soon.  1222 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208-2714 (615) 736-5838 (more…)

I have always loved that Lyle Lovett song.

See I was born and raised in Texas
And it means so much to me
Though my girl comes from down in Georgia
We were up in Tennessee

And as we were driving down the highway
She asked me baby what’s so great
How come you’re always going on
About your Lone Star State

I said that’s right you’re not from Texas
That’s right you’re not from Texas
That’s right you’re not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Because it is so true. People who aren’t from Texas just don’t get it. (Some of them want to get it. But most of the time they just don’t.)

There is something truly special about the beautiful Lone Star State.

Last week I got to go home and enjoy the best Texas has to offer…delicious Mexican food, extraordinary Spring weather, beautiful horses, glorious wildflowers, proudly weird Austin, and some extra-friendly folks. The trip was like food for my soul.

Thought I’d share a few of my favorite pictures from the trip! (more…)

To say I was raised among avid travelers is an understatement.

Everyone in my family was born with a major case of wanderlust and a passport in hand.

As a case in point, my nieces (the youngest of which is two) are about to make their second international trip. (I know, my sister, brother-in-law, and his parents are very, very brave souls.)

So as an “avid traveler” and our official planner, my father begins investigating where we should go any time a holiday approaches. No holiday is too short (President’s Day, 4th of July, New Year’s), or too sacred (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving), for us to stay home.

This Thanksgiving I’m heading with Mom, Dad, “Honey” (my grandma), and the Wilburs (family friends) to California. Pebble Beach to be exact. I leave a week from today and return the following Monday. I can’t wait. Turkey, stuffing, sand, and surf…what could be better?

It is not your traditional Thanksgiving but I am thankful any way. And isn’t that what it is all about?

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?

Oh, and please let me know if you have been to Pebble Beach and have suggestions on things to do and places to eat.

Before I moved to Nashville, I lived in one of the most underrated cities in the South. Yes, Birmingham, Alabama, is seriously underrated.

After I graduated from college, I was back home in Dallas and I was pretty miserable. (After spending my college years in Boulder, I found “Big D” to be a little large and flashy.) I’ll spare you the long-and-very-random story, but in the midst of this “miserable” time I had the opportunity to drop-in on a friend in Birmingham for a weekend get-away. And immediately I feel in love with the city, with the food, and with the people. After each trip, I returned home bursting with excitement, ready to quit my job, pack up all my junk, and move. (more…)

I went into Catalyst with some incredibly high expectations. And I did not leave disappointed. I left exhausted, like every ounce of me (body, soul and mind) was stretched to the absolute limit, but not the slightest bit disappointed. Brad Lomenick and his team have certainly figured out how to produce a WOW event.

As you can imagine, I need some time (like a year) to process everything I experienced, but here are some quick highlights:

• Hanging out with friends, new and old at Brad Ruggles’ Bloggers Meetup. The event was a wonderful testament to how powerful social media in building community.
• Hearing some strong and passionate Christian voices like Matt Chandler, Reggie Joiner, Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey, Louie Giglio, and Priscilla Shirer. Each left their “mark” on me.
• Worshiping with 13,000 believers. One of the most moving moments of the entire conference was when Todd Fields led us in his beautiful rendition of It is Well.
• Spending time with my boss, Michael Hyatt, and his daughter, Megan, and the entire Cross Point Church staff. I am so blessed to have all these people in my life and I am thankful for every moment that they invest in me.
• Watching a grown man in a leotard dive (or more accurately perform a belly flop) from 35 foot high platform into a baby pool. Don’t take my word for it, you can watch it here.

And some quick pictures:

More details about Catalyst ’09 aka #cat09 to come. I promise.

If you attended, what were some of your highlights?