Yesterday marked the Two year mark for me in Los Angeles – my most recent adventure in life. Over the past few weeks I’ve been spending a fair amount of time thinking about the community I’m a part of, the church I go to and the work I’m doing. On each of those areas I thought I’d share what I’m thankful for and what I’m blessed with.
From Human Trafficking to Those Experiencing Homelessness
I moved to LA with a desire to lend my talents by impacting the awareness and education side of human slavery. The past two years I’ve had an opportunity to work with multiple different organizations that are looking to change the global landscape. And in the last year and a half the issue of poverty and homelessness has become such an important issue to me. Consistent inspiring stories from Andy Bales and Mark Horvath of people on the street and the efforts of those to fill the gaps in complex housing systems. The common ground with both issues is how complex they are and how many intelligent people are working on these issues – the best part is that there’s room for you too! Please let me encourage you to get involved with either one and make it local – influence your network!
My Family
What a year! The older I get, the more I appreciate these relationships. Cute kids, hilarious people and great conversation – it doesn’t get any better. Recently we’ve had a lot of very real communication and I’m super excited about where that’s leading. I love you all!
He’s a great friend, not afraid to disagree with me and tell me what’s going on and he’s also an incredible problem solver. Professionally, he gets work done and leads an amazing team that I’ve yet to be able to stump. Personally, Tim has been a great guy to kick me in the ribs and encourage me to greater things. Thank you Tim!
Chronicle Project – Dave Mahanes and Brent Gudgel
Without these two guys my life would be much less. I got to be next to them as they launched Deidox – a 2 year journey realized and now impacting thousands of people. From “Portnoy Bombs” to trips to San Diego and getting to hear about what they’re working on.
So excited for what happens this week. I feel really privileged to be near Gregg Helvey as he goes through this process. His film is up for Best Short in the Academy Awards and I’ve never rootd so hard for a film. If you haven’t see it – check it out! Or host a home screening and buy the movie direct from Gregg at www.KaviTheMovie.com
June started with Barbecues and September started with regular meetings. We’re just 4 weeks away from officially launching and it’s been a great pleasure to be a part of.
The guy is just plain genius! He’s a writer that I’m dying to share some of his work with you very soon. Derek’s a great guy, an easy collaborator and we keep great pace on bad movies, nerd trivia and what’s happening around town.
All in all, I feel so blessed to have connected with so many and there are no signs of it slowing anytime soon. HUSSAH!
If you like this post you might also dig – My first Year in LA
This week I found out that I hadn’t updated my bio in 3 years.
This was totally unacceptable on several different levels because:
- My life has changed (as I’m sure yours has)
- I don’t feel the same way about bio’s approach – the tone was all wrong.
- It was the party line of 3rd party bios.
- It relied heavily on trying to impress the reader with accomplishments.
- It may have genuine at the time but that time has since passed.
- It didn’t draw a line between what I do and who I am. (We are not our work)
So, check out your bio. Is it representing you the way you want?
Today’s coverage for the Apple Release
I got a delivery of some goods in the mail yesterday and I’m looking forward to digging in. I get a fair amount of music for The Drop and that really makes my heart smile but yesterday I got some books. I’d been watching the mailbox for about a week waiting for Mark Batterson’s Wild Goose Chase . I know it sounds a little out of place for a guy like me but here’s the deal.
6 months ago when I debated making the move across the country and Mark Batterson’s first book (In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day) was recommended to me not just once but 3 or 4 times in the course of a couple of weeks. I read it on the plane out here and I’ve come back to it a few times during my time in L.A.
Now on a personal note, Mark is the pastor and friend of my brother Joe and he’s got nothing but nice things to say about Mark, I like that. In addition I’ve been hearing about the process from some of the other crew in the office at National Community Church in my travels over the last 6 months and it’s all been good. So I got the book and I’m looking forward to reading it but here’s the best part – I’ve got one for you too
The Books title is Wild Goose Chase, Why? I’m glad you asked, “Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’” I think this calls into question the whole “Old wives tale” thing – maybe there was more to that. You can pick up the book at Amazon.com or check out the site for the book here
The publishers sent me two and sharing is a good thing.. interested in a free book? OK.. then leave in the comments -here on or facebook- why you want the book, what’s your wild goose chase? It doesn’t have to be spiritual or even super deep, just honest. Give it a shot.