What do you look like on the balance beam?

2011-04-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

I came across this yesterday and was moved by it!

Stop living among the majority, and live by The Spirit that is within' you. For years I have hugged the balance beam of my faith, but God is revealing to me that there is so much more out there for me to handle. If you are living by how The Spirit is calling you, you will never hug the balance beam of faith. You will perform wonderfully, giving all the glory to the final Judge!

Yet Another thing I will Miss

2011-04-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

Four more days until I get back to working the 8-5! One of the things I will miss is watching certain shows in the morning. I don't get to watch them every morning but since I am home today I am soaking them all in. Before I go any further the shows I watch are in the morning, they are not apart of the afternoon smut know as day time soap operas.

The first show I will miss watching is Ellen. That lady is a riot and has a great show! I mean seriously, she has put together an amazing team of creativity and generosity. In our area it is on at 10am and we do not have a DVR so I will miss my weekly fix of the Ellen Degeneres show! I will admit I have been brought to laughter and tears all in the same show. Ellen if you ever read this...Great work! I mean even though you never pulled my name as a winner or read my sappy stories I sent you on occasion, you still have an amazing show.

The next show is The Cosby Show reruns. This is just pure pleasure b/c I remember watching these as a family when I was younger. You see parenting done differently, you see family done differently, you really see a whole other world on TV even though it wasn't that long ago. Now of course I can always watch these shows online but I probably won't. The Cosby Show is something you really never seek out to watch, but when you are flipping and see it on your reaction is normally, "Sweet! The Cosby Show is on!"

So with that I leave you with one of the best Cost Show clips of all time.

Last Week before Work

2011-04-19T13:47:00.000-04:00

After 18 months of not having a paying job I will go back to work. I am excited about how God will move me through this process of getting back into a corporate mentality. Over the next few days I am just going to post some of the things I will no longer be able to do and will truly miss. I will say that this unemployment experience has been one of stress and great growth at the same time!

One thing I will definitely miss is my walk to go pick up Olivia from school. We had developed a system that provided her some independence and security all at the same time. We found a bench half way that turned out to be a great meeting place. I will miss watching her walk up and knowing instantly if she had a good or bad day (body language speaks volumes).

Here we are on our way to go get Olivia. Charleigh & Paden love to tag along b/c sometimes I treat them to a snack at the gas station. They pick up on that stuff pretty quick! This will be greatly missed, I will miss being around my children all the time.

What do you use for Inspiration?

2011-04-15T09:43:00.000-04:00

I love being creative! I wish I could have a job where I could sit around with a group of creative geniuses and just think crazy crap up! I'm sure it's out there, I just need to apply myself and find it...or create it!

One thing that I have learned is that in order to constantly think creative I have to constantly be changing where I get my inspiration from. Yesterday I was working on my stuff for Sunday morning and was dry. I didn't know where God wanted me to take the story of where Jesus calms the storm.

I was in a Mumford & Sons mood so I started them up, put on my headphones and just drowned myself in their amazing noise. Music is very powerful but one thing I have learned is that it always needs to be changing.

Couple of other tips I have picked up along the way.
1. Patience pays off! Don't try to rush creativity, you will hate the outcome and so will everyone else.
2. When trying to be creative don't hang out with hater! Hang out with encourager's. Come to think of it, you shouldn't hang out with haters anyway.
3. Creativity does not work in your time constraints. I guess this goes along with #1, but just pointing out that you should always be ready for that "ah hah" moment! Even on the crapper, it happens.
4. Go play. If you are not feeling anything go play. This is easy if you have kids, b/c you can just get down on the floor with them and let their creative lifestyle work through you. When I say play I mean actually getting out and doing something, not turning on the xbox and playing some homeboy that lives in Iowa on COD.

Well that was fun. Let me know what you use for inspiration?

Boys VS. Girls

2011-04-13T14:37:00.000-04:00

Boys & Girls, so different but yet so similar. Enjoy

Hollywood Parenting has Changed

2011-04-12T00:06:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how much the view of parenting has changed in the last 20 years in Hollywood. Minus the humor in this clip you can understand love.

I love my children, and it is my calling to nurture them into loving creations. There are a couple things here to point out. You can see Claires anger, anger b/c she thought her daughter was in a fire. So the worry brought on anger, when she found out the whole story.

This has happened once with me with Olivia when she was 5. We were living in Florence (where the next phase of Crossroads multi-site is going to happen) in a cul-da-sac that had a bunch of kids. I was at work and Olivia asked Mandy if she could go 2 doors down to play with a friend. No problem there, so of course she is allowed. A couple hours pass and Mandy goes to get Olivia to tell her dinner is ready. She goes to the neighbors house only to find out that Olivia was not there playing and had not seen her.

When I received that phone call from Mandy everything around me stopped. I left work mid email, told my boss what was going on and out the door I went. Mandy had called the authorities and they were there withing 5 minutes helping calm Mandy and then they started knocking on doors. I don't recall the drive home, b/c the only thing I cared about was finding my daughter. As soon as I turned onto our street I got the call that they had found her a few more houses down at another friends house that we didn't know about.

For 45 minutes only one person mattered, and when she was found a huge sense of relief overcame all of us. I remember picking her up, eyes watering up, making her promise to never, NEVER (anger) do that again. I can totally relate to this clip b/c I experienced it.

The second part is something you will never see on television anymore. The bit where Claire stated that before they go to bed they are going to figure out what to do with Vanessa. Now that is parenting! Todays culture they would of just been happy that she was home and been done with it, b/c the conflict is over. They didn't care how late it was, how tired they were, they realized that parenting their children is more important than rest.

I love that Claire uses the term "we" here. In todays culture each parent would of blamed the other and told them to fix it. That is one way to parent, but it is the lazy way. It's loaded with a bunch of BS that will cause your children to run as far away from you as they can, when they can.

Our job as parents is harder today than ever before. Everything around my three children is telling them to strive for independence, but in our little 2 bedroom apartment we are showing them love, sharing, unity. We are showing them family, the way God intended. We're not perfect everyday, or any day for that matter, but when our kids go to bed at night...they know they are truly loved.

Are You Listening?

2011-04-11T09:03:00.000-04:00

This is a powerful video from Granger Community Church. Very powerful, artistic interpretation of prayer.

"Like a kid that grows up and starts talking with his dad, instead of at him"

Prayer from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

Changed Emotions

2011-04-08T22:36:00.000-04:00

Before having children my emotions were pretty much in check, but as my kids get older I am realizing that certain scenes in certain movies can leave me a total wreck. Been known to cry at touching life insurance commercials. The other day we were at the library checking out some movies and I came across Little Giants. A great movie of small un-athletic kids coming together to beat the Cowboys. I have watched this movie hundreds of times, but never as a father. Toward the end of the movie there is a touching scene where "Johnny" runs to his father who is always traveling on business. Here is the clip:

He sees his father and does the unthinkable and scores a touchdown. Being a father now I saw that movie with new eyes. Eyes that represent the father and how I will always love when my kids come and run into my arms. Last week Olivia who is 7 asked me to carry her out to the car late at night. It was a late night and I was tired but I loved that my oldest daughter still wanted me to hold her, and I made sure I took my good ole time getting her out to the van that night. My children have rocked my emotions, but I see more clearly.

Spoiled Idiots

2011-04-08T20:48:00.002-04:00

Are we raising our kids to be spoiled idiots?

This video was played at church a couple weeks ago and it keeps popping into my head. After this week taking Olivia & Paden up to my hometown I started to think, am I raising spoiled idiots? Of course I am not calling my children idiots, just using the phrase he used in the video.

Here's the deal! Everything is getting faster & more accessible and our ability to have patience is lacking. I struggle with this myself! I hate waiting in traffic, in grocery lines, at banks...point blank I hate waiting. We live in a now world and it is changing our personal being. My first cell phone was almost the size of a brick. It had a 20 minute battery life and was so expensive to use that I was only a loud to use it on emergencies. Now my ~~cell phone~~ smartphone can do everything from order my coffee, to saving the world from a massive attack of zombies.

Our world is becoming selfish and I hate to see what it will be like when my kids are older. Already my 7 year old wants a smart phone to text her friends, but none of her friends have phones so not sure how that will work. I want to lead my family in a way that practices patience and humility. Patience brings forth appreciation for everything around you.

Where would you go?

2011-04-01T08:33:00.002-04:00

Imagine the freedom! Strapping 20+ balloons to your torso and then just going where the wind takes you. Where would you go?

Things used in 2010

2010-03-03T09:22:00.002-05:00

So as I stated before we are trying our best to buy everything used this year! I know there are things that we will not be able to, but so far we are doing quite well. It has actually been a lot easier than I expected it to be.

Here is a list of what we have bought used so far this year

Kenmore Washer & Dryer. Our washer was leaking pretty bad and we had budgeted a set amount for a gently used washer. Well on Craigslist we found a set newer than ours for less then what we had budgeted for just the washer. So not only did we come in below our budget. I can now try to sell the dryer to get a little more back!

Clothes. We always went to the Thrift stores and Goodwills. Normally it was just to find gems in the rough, now it is our first stop. I mean who isn't going to pass up a $2 pair of Calvin Klein jeans. Plus is a bonus to have a wife that can sew! Underwear and stuff like that we will not be purchasing used.

Used DVD's. If you haven't heard of Blockbusters used DVD's then you have been living under a rock. Mandy went and picked up a couple of movies the other day and bought 3 movies for what one would of cost at Wal-Mart.

Cell Phone. I had been wanting a new cell phone. One where I was able to access the internet and be more mobile. I had the phone I wanted and just waited. I set my budget and just began looking around. I put a post on Craigslist on what I wanted and actually put what I wanted to pay $50 less than what I had budgeted. That way there was room to work if someone had one! Well after a couple days, I had a bite on the phone I wanted and he sold it to me for what I was asking! It is white instead of black, but other than that it works great! He had just purchased it but then decided to go with an Iphone!

TV.- Our TV went out last week and if it would of happened years ago I would of went right out and bought a brand new TV. After all, you can't live without television right? Wrong! We went for a couple of days and Mandy's dad said we could have the one in the basement b/c no one uses it. Cost-Free!

You see if you take your time with purchases there is always someone wanting to get rid of something or like I have always said...there is always someone wanting to make a deal! Again, the reason we are doing this is for two reasons:

1. To be better stewards of our money that God is blessing us with.
2. If we are buying used then there is less production cost and less production waste from the Manufacturer. We as consumers only see the final project. We don't see the waste involved in making the product or the amount of energy spent to make the product.

Just a little something the Moreharts are doing to make a difference!

How to stand out when you've been out of the game?

2010-02-25T12:11:00.002-05:00

How to stand out when you've been out of the game?

That is a question I keep asking myself as I am pursuing and applying at more Ministries! The crazy thing is, I don't know... I know when I was looking a couple years ago I made sure that I had a blog site set aside just for me to talk about my accomplishments in Ministry as well as some fun and quirky facts about me and my family. I was pretty much selling myself b/c I felt I was in dire need to be in the Ministry.

As I look at different churches I am seeing more dynamic churches out there really going at it! That is so exciting to me as I read about their history and where they are going. Also as I am applying for positions I am also aware that I am possibly a needle in a hay stack. My resume is going up against someone that is currently in a paid ministry position. I mean come on....I already have gray hair coming in, but I'm still hip...

So as I send out my resume I am thinking of what are some things I can do to stand out from all of the other resumes that these churches are receiving...as I was thinking I came up with a Top 10 things I should not do when sending my resume to try and stand out.

10. Send pictures of me on the beach
-would definitely stand out...but not an appealing view
9. Send a virus that shuts down their computer
-I remember him...he cost me $125 in repairs
8. Show them my tramp stamp tattoo...
-just kidding, I don't have one.
7. Tell them that I think the NT is way overrated
6. Use a size 25 font on all emails
5. Send my resume and then call them 25 times a day to make sure they received it
-Did you get it yet?, Just checking to see if you got it?
4. Tell them how I grew up on the playgrounds of West Philly, got into a little scuffle one day and my Mom got scared. So she sent me to live with my Aunt and Uncle in Bel Air.
3. Go Green! Yeah that was my idea!
2. Will this get in the way of me becoming the Next American Idol?
1. Deep down I'm a die hard Hells Angel.

So what would you recommend to do to stand out?

Everything used in 2010

2010-02-08T21:55:00.002-05:00

I read a book late last year that has totally changed how I view the world I live in. It was Everyday Justice by Julie Lawson. I highly recommend it and if you don't want to buy it b/c you are cutting back you can borrow mine! I was interested in this book b/c it shared with me things that I am doing that are supporting things like slave labor and company waste from products that I have purchased.

In case you haven't figured it out yet Justice issues are a passion of mine and I am disgusted at how even though we don't think we are contributing to what goes on in another country, the fact is...we are! The truth is I can't buy everything that supports fair trade or that is green, and I think a lot of people feel the same way. Why do it? I can't afford to live like that. In Julie's book she reassures us that as long as we are making small steps then we are making a difference. One big drastic step I took was to make sure that every coffee I buy is fair trade. I had to stop going to my local coffee shop b/c they told me that their coffee is not purchased under fair trade. Will the coffee shop go under b/c I am not there anymore? Highly unlikely, but I feel better that I am not contributing to a company that does not want to pay their farmers a fair wage for the coffee they purchase.

The main point of this post is to not share with you fair trade but to share with you that in our house we have decided that no matter what we purchase in 2010 we will look to used product first. Not only does it save money in the long run but it causes for less production from the manufacturers. Somebody is always selling something that is "like new" or "gently used", but for some reason we think we always want new. Of course there will possibly be things that come our way that we will need to purchase brand new and we are aware of that, but for 2010 our major focus will be to look at used first and go from there.

The crazy thing is that we as consumers only see the final project. We don't see the waste that goes into making the product or the labor involved in making it. So if we don't support that environment then why would we continue to buy new? Yes we're still buying the same product but we are buying one that has already been checked off in the corporate world. Plus we are saving money along the way. That is a huge perk.

Michael...How are you managing?

2010-02-08T21:01:00.002-05:00

I have been getting that a lot. People have been asking over and over again how we are possibly managing to live on just a fraction of our income. So in this short post I decided to share some of our philosophy with anyone that needs it. Over the last four months of unemployment I have had a chance to be online more just reading peoples stories and its not secret. People are hurting, and I would be right there with them if we did not take control of our lifestyle early on in 2009.

The first thing we did was simplify. We just started leading simple lives. We got rid of careless spending and stupid bills. Stupid Bills that we hated to write every month (cable, internet). We also simplified by getting rid of stuff. When we got rid of our cable package there was no sense in keeping our flat panel HD TV so we sold it on Craigslist. Craigslist is a beautiful thing. So when we were simplifying we were actually making money to help us out.

Of course we are not fully where we want to be on Simplifying the Morehart household. We are looking at getting rid of our 2nd car. I would take public transportation everywhere if I could but with going across the river to Cincinnati a few times a week it would take hours upon hours to get to my final destination.

So what can you get rid of to simplify your life?

Another thing we did was downsize! We are renters and right now in our lives we are totally fine with it. For years we thought we needed a house. We have to be "mature adults" and buy property. The fact is that mentality is totally wrong. It's just more stuff..Yes there are great tax benefits and yes someday we would enjoy having a house but we are not letting it control our lives anymore. We were living in a three bedroom town home and paying close to $800 a month to be in one of the worst school districts in Northern KY. So we got drastic! We decided to invest more in our childrens future by downsizing where we lived. We packed up and moved into a two bedroom apartment so our children could be in one of the better schools in the state of Kentucky. Yes that means our three children are in the same bedroom, and you know what? THEY LOVE IT! Of course they are only 6,4, & 2 so they love being around each right now. Of course all of this could change, but this is what is helping us at this point in our lives. That move to downsize allowed us to better our childrens education as well as save us $200 a month on rent. I wasn't crazy about the mood at first but really felt like it was something we just had to do. Not know that 3 months later I would be out of a job.

That extra $200 bucks has definitely come in handy. So you might be thinking...Well I can't do that b/c I own a house! UHHH...it's just a house. My question to you is...Is it really a home if your mortgage payment is killing you to pay every month? The truth is if things would of went our way back in Feb of 09 we would of had "our house" and we would of been paying a crazy mortgage to have "our house". But it wouldn't of been our house to long b/c we would of been foreclosed on b/c I wouldn't of been able to make the payments after losing my job.

Mandy and I have our dream house in mind, and someday we know that God will bless us with a great opportunity to have a house. Until that day comes we are extremely happy with where we are.

Along with those, we also just stopped crazy spending. This was the hardest part b/c those $4 lattes and $8 books add up. I was going to a coffeeshop on a regular basis to get a coffee that I could of easily made at home! I got the skills!!! I would also buy quite a bit of books at Borders and it was starting to hurt the bank. So I started going to this building called a library where you can just borrow the books for a while for free. Its a pretty novel concept and I think will take off. I had that mentality that I had to own the book so that I could write in them. Then it occurred to me, if I just stopped writing in them then I really don't need to keep them around. So now if I need to write something down from a book I got from the library I just write it down in a journal. It's pretty simple!

What crazy spending habits can you get rid of?

The final step I had to make was I had to stop letting money control me. Money is a great thing, but it can also be a very evil thing. I loved to spend, I loved to buy things and that had to stop. I not only had to stop letting money control me, but I had to control what money I had.

God saw us through all of our financial burdens and we had to learn every step the hard way. We had withholding's b/c we couldn't pay the debts that we had already accumulated. All of that is behind us now and we are totally seeing God being our provider through all of this. He has shown me that if we are smart with what He has given us then He will bless us through that!

My approach on life and success have changed so much over the last 4 months and it has been a message that God has been trying to teach me for years. My ramblings are not to gloat but that maybe it might help you realize that petty stuff and cool gadgets are not important to God and they really shouldn't be that important to us.

One of my favorites!

2009-12-14T12:41:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite times of the year is the Christmas time. Even though it brings out a lot of selfish people to the stores that feel that they are more important than everyone else, I still love this time of year....snow or no snow!!!

Here are a few reasons as to why I love this time of year.

1. I love the lights! I enjoy turning off most of the lights in the house and have just the Christmas tree light up the place. Our $10 Christmas tree that we bought 6 years ago has gone a long way!

2. I love the functions that bring people together! I read a long time ago that the worst invention that does not allow neighbors to connect anymore has been the automatic garage door. People can live next to each other for years w/out knowing anyone around them. Last night we were able to head out to light up Ft. Mitchell and just connect with other people that live within our community.

3. Traditions. Whether it be when we visit and with whom we visit, I love traditions! One tradition that we are starting this year is that for every toy that our children get, they are to get rid of an old toy. This will be hard but it does two things. 1. It keeps our toys at a minimum and they don't take over the house. 2. It expresses that the fact that they need to give. Kids can be greedy and just think of themselves, some adults to. I want my children to learn that no matter what we have, we can always give!

So it's been a month already!

2009-11-05T15:51:00.001-05:00

Well so it has been over a month since I have lost my job and I have had 5,902 people ask me, "What are you going to do next?" Over the last 4 weeks I have been thinking and praying on what the next step is going to be for me. I had a little personal brainstorming session last week and pretty much came up with four passions that are driving my life right now. Below is my passion chart that I made up! It is quite simple to say the least, just like I like it!

The fact is, I went to school to follow a passion of mine and Students are still at the core of my heart. I love the fact that I am responsible for the IDK(7th Grage Jr high guys) bunch at Crossroads. I enjoy that with me losing my job it has opened up doors to where I can be apart of meetings that I wouldn't normally be apart of.

Another passion of mine that has bloomed over the last year has been gaining more knowledge, and bringing awareness to Justice Issues. This flame was brought to my heart when I was asked to participate in the Unbound Movement. This has hit me closer to home really, in the realization that the things that I buy on a daily basis might be supporting under paid labor in a separate country! If you have seen any of my posts of facebook or through my twitter account you have seen that I want everyone to know about these issues!

My third passion is Community. I love connecting with people and love the feeling when I meet knew people and hear their story. God has designed us to interact with one another so implementing more of that into my life is something that I have pushed for. Over the last couple of years I have done some extended reading on those that aren't involved in a local church community, and what extent they go to to find a local community! It is pretty impressive!

Of course I cannot forget about my family, even if I tried (HIOOOO). I have loved being able to spend so much time with my family over the past month. Being able to be more involved in their lives and schoolwork has been a huge blessing, even though I don't have a job right now! Jobs will come and go, but I only have one shot at being the best dd I can be to my kids! Combining the three above has allowed me to strengthen on being a better parent as well as a better Husband.

So why 4 passions? Who knows!!! My goal is to find my next career in one of those areas. I want to be excited about my next job and find purpose in my work week! Something I haven't had in a while! I am praying that I don't have to find another job just to have the benefit of a great paycheck! That is what I am praying for specifically...

Right now I am in the waiting period!

What are you going to do now?

2009-10-08T13:04:00.002-04:00

That is the question that I keep getting! "Mike, what are you going to do now?" In all reality my only response so far is..."Well I'm not sure..."

It has officially been a week since I was let go from a place in all retrospect I was not happy for or suited for. The crazy thing is...when I was let go this huge amount of stress left my body. It was amazing. I remember calling Mandy on the way home to let her know that I was coming home early, and she was fine with it. She told me the other day that she is glad I don't work there anymore. So am I! I am not on edge about everything. I am spending some much quality time with my family that I am loving every second of it. Will I always get to do that? No, but I am taking advantage of the fact that I can pick up my girls from school and go share a smoothie.

So my answer I guess is this...Im not really sure what I will do now but I do know this...I am going to make the best of my time off and take hold of every opportunity I can to spend it with my family. You will not see me moping around in hopes that people will feel pity on me! You will see me at church getting my learn on as much as I can. You will not see me becoming lazy and never leaving the couch. You will however see me waiting in line at 2:45 to pick up Olivia from school.

Even though I am in dire need to find a job I am not going to be desperate! I will not seek after a job that will provide me with empty happiness through the means of a paycheck. I had that already. So what do I want? Well its simple...I want to be able to use my talents that God has blessed me with to make an impact! To work for a company that values who I am, and not only who I am but who my family is! I think I deserve that don't you? I will not settle for nothing short of the best on this next job b/c my family deserves me to be the best at what I can do!

Of course with all of that will come shameless plugs on me wanting employment and quite possibly you having to read them, and that's ok!

I have to go pick up Charleigh from preschool so we will finish this later!

I'm coming back

2009-09-19T11:46:00.003-04:00

Lately I have been wanting to get back into posting. So in the next month this blog is going to be taking on a new design....a new motive...and hopefully a new outcome. Instead of just posting about stupid and pointless stuff about me (that is what facebook is for). I will be posting about topics that are dear to my heart.

So keep an eye out as I redesign this madness..

43 hits last week

2009-07-08T09:24:00.001-04:00

So I noticed that I had received 43 hits last week on my blog even though I haven't posted anything since March.

So should I keep this updated more?

Developing their own faith!

2009-03-16T23:09:00.004-04:00

Over the past couple months I have been helping out with the Junior High at Crossroads. If anyone knows anything about where my nitch is, it is with Jr High students. I mean where else can you have a conversation about farting, circumcision, and Jesus all in one sentence? And that was them leading the discussion. I asked them a question in our POD group this past Sunday and today is Monday and I am still thinking about it.

I asked them, "If you parents woke you up Sunday morning to tell you they were done going to church and you don't have to go anymore...would you still go?" Pretty simple question right? As most of them stated the great lengths they would go to make sure they were at church every Sunday there were a few that had no response. The point I was trying to make was the issue of making your relationship with Christ your own.

When I was in Ministry one of my values was that I had a short while to impact the rest of a students life. I just had a few years and then they were going to pack up, move out of their parents house, and venture out into what we called "the real world". I could never prepare them more than to show them that they needed to develop their own relationship with Christ.

There are 2 kids of students at church:Those that want to be there, and those that don't want to be there. The students that don't want to be there are in essence experiencing God through their parents, so of course when they move out of their parents place then they feel they don't need to take that relationship with them.

Of course the student that wants to be at church are not any different if they don't experience Christ on their own. If they just believe b/c their parents believe and never seek out their own relationship then once they get out into the "real world" they will more than likely fall away.

I guess what I have been pondering is-I am a parent now and what would I do when Olivia gets older and she decides that she just doesn't want to go to church anymore. Would I force her to go to church? I honestly don't know how I would ever answer that, but I can tell you this. I am allowing her...even though she is only 5...I am allowing her to already start to develop her own relationship with Christ. Of course I am not alone in this as dozens of people around here are doing the same thing. I want my daughter to question her faith, I want her to ask the Why's? And the What For's?

I don't want any of my children to worship God just b/c I worship God. I want my Children to worship God b/c they realize that He loves them more than their father ever could.

The diagram above is simple. The first represents all of those students that I know that are living their Christian life (if that is what you want to call it) through their parents or guardian. So pretty much they don't know God without their Parents, when they see God they see their Parents. The second, or bottom represents those that are actively seeking more and more in their relationship with Christ. Those are the students/individuals that are making a difference not only in their own lives, but in the lives around you.

One thing I have always done was not tell students exactly what they have to believe...b/c I wanted them to find it on their own. The last thing a teenager wants to hear is a bunch of rules...rules suck. God's love is not about rules and regulations, its about a relationship.

Is MOREfromtheHART.com done?

2009-01-31T12:17:00.002-05:00

A question I have been pondering over the last month. Am I done with this blogging realm? With more and more friends connecting through the likes of Facebook it does seem irrelevant to blog! I mean it sure is a lot quicker to hop on facebook and say "Michael is-feeling like he wants a Snuggie" than to get on here and go into great detail as to why I think the Snuggie is one of the funniest things ever created. Especially in the Infomercial where the phone rings and the lady gets pissed and has to remove part of her blanket to answer the phone. That takes a lot of effort and a lot of body heat is lossed in that transition. But anyway...

Previously I would have time during my day to sit down for 15 minutes and post something witty or spiritual for my 3 readers but lately I just haven't had the time. They have tightened down at work and the last thing I wanted was for one of my many bosses to walk buy and see me on blogger rather than on the phone trying to sell the latest. Plus it was always easier to post first thing in the morning at the Coffeeshop in between customers. Now that I don't work there anymore I don't have that luxury.

I probably will never get rid of the domain name b/c if I ever wanted it again I would have to probably buy it from one of those companies that buy domain names that don't get renewed in hopes that they will buy it from them at a higher price. Wow, that was a long sentence! You get the idea.

As for posting, it has taken a backseat. I have broken off into sales and trying to generate business while being apart of the Economic Crisis. It has required me to arrive early to work, work through lunch sometimes, and to stay a little later in hopes of getting that customer that is looking to save in this recession. Percistance does pay off, so they say!

I'm still around and if you are reading this and not my friend on facebook, it would be wise to add me as I will be updating that more often.

My Passion is still there

2009-01-07T22:24:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday at CSM(Crossroads Student Movement) I got to do what I love doing best...Teaching students. Mainly teaching students life lessons. It was great to connect with them again. Now I have been volunteering for about a year now but a lot of my time has been invested in meetings for an upcoming gathering, or just behind the scenes making sure everything goes as planned.

It was so awesome to just sit down with a group of 7th grades and read the book of James and to hear them actually tell me what they think James meant when he wrote:

"Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in the distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

I think a lot of adults don't give 7th graders enough credit and ability to think on their own, but their answers were terrific.

So what do you think he meant?

2008 Rewind

2009-01-03T20:59:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share with you some of my favorite posts of 2008 here at morefromthehart.com

We Moved! But it looks like we might be moving again b/c we are on the house search!!!
I break down Prayer.
I turned $1 into $100.
I posted my book I wrote in 5th grade. Still researching on the possibilities of getting it published!
My little buddy turned 1, and Olivia Graduated School.
I quit my job at the Coffee Shop!

Of course I didn't do anything extraordinarily amazing this year but I did have fun, and I am looking forward to 2009. More so than 2008. I also noticed that my 2008 blog count was about 50 posts lighter than previous years. My Bad!

Develop the Discipline

2009-01-03T20:47:00.002-05:00

Every year I come up with crazy resolutions that I break on a regular basis. In 2008 I wanted to lose weight, read 12 books, read through the Bible again, etc. Well lets just say I really didn't hold true to my 2008 resolutions.

So around Christmas I started praying that God reveal to me where I need work and boy was I shocked.

Discipline, I lack discipline...in my physical life, in my spiritual life...discipline is something I have never been strong with. God showed me the reason that I am not losing weight, the reason I am not stretching myself in the word, and the reason that our family is just freaking crazy sometimes is b/c of lack of Discipline.

My theme for 2009 is for me to Develop the Discipline in my life. Everything I study and read throughout this year will be to better my discipline in my life!

A passion!

2008-12-22T12:20:00.002-05:00

THIS is why we are doing THIS.

Keep at it or you lose it

2008-12-20T21:53:00.002-05:00

Normally the worst round of golf I play is my first round of the year. I am rusty and it takes a couple rounds to get my swing back. Why is that? Mainly b/c I haven't swung a club in 3-4 months so I need to get back into the "swing" of things.

At work they have come to realize that if I am not constantly learning or training that I lose information. That is why we have small product trainings 1-2 times a week. They know that if the product stays fresh in my mind that I will relay that to my customers. So if I keep learning about it over and over again, I am less likely to forget!

Now the same is with picking up the Word of God, better known as The Bible, The Good Book, The Message...whatever you want to call it. I have realized lately that I am not as sharp with the scriptures as I use to be. There are some small OT stories that I am a little shakey on now just b/c of the fact that I am not constantly training. Yes training!

The minister of our church said a few months ago that he gets up at 6am every morning to read his bible b/c "I" (the congregation) is worth it. Now he wasn't gloating or bragging but he was merely pointing out that he needs to stay fresh in the Word b/c we are counting on him to direct us.

Get in the word b/c your Wife is counting on you to lead this family
Get in the word b/c your kids are looking up to you
Get in the word b/c people at work are asking you questions and your not as sharp as you use to me
Get int he word b/c HE is worth it & HE is amazing

Family Man

2008-12-20T21:39:00.001-05:00

I am a family man, but I still have so much to learn. I love being a family man. It's one of the best titles I have ever been given!

"Family Man" from Trevor Little on Vimeo.

In times of Tragedy

2008-12-18T23:32:00.002-05:00

Many of you already know about the tragedy that happened at Crossroads Community Church. If not read it here. I am not going to go into extensive details on the whats, the hows, and the feelings through all of this b/c it has already been said.

Crossroads is my community and has been our home church for almost 2 years now. When tragedy strikes our community we all feel the affects b/c there is nothing but love shown through out. Gods love will be shown through all of the tears and all of the questions.

Now is not a time to be "religious". Now is a time to be a family, and to lift each other up!

Is there life on Mars?

2008-12-18T00:29:00.001-05:00

Who cares, I'm still around! I have a lot to share and I hope I can do so in my down time next week.

Peace and Love

Working in a positive environment

2008-12-09T21:09:00.002-05:00

Do you love your job? Good, you can stop reading now! With people being let go left and right with todays economy it has caused Manager, CFO, CEO, BMW's to be a little more harsher in the work environment. The company I currently work for has not taken drastic measures in cutbacks yet but they are talking about. One thing I have noticed is that with all that is going on, there sure is a lot more yelling as well as a lot more closed door meetings. So if you work for a company where everyone is on edge here are a few things you can do to lighten the mood, after all it just might save your job.

1. Do your job! Does it really have to be said? Yes! I can't believe all the people that complain when they get forced to do their job. The day they hired you should of been a hint that they wanted you to work.
2. Go above and beyond! To many of us walk around with this chip on our shoulder titled, "its not in my job description." Trust me, in times such as this...everyone is watching everyone, and the little things you do to help out your company get noticed.
3. Give High-5's! Honestly, have you ever met someone that turns down a High-5? Once you utter those great words, "High-5 up top!?" A smile is surely to enter their face. Plus its always fun to watch the little ones jump, or try to!
4. If someone does something for you, thank them! If someone gave you a lead, thank them! If someone held the door open for you, thank them. And if someone blesses you with the Lord Almight after you sneeze, for goodness sakes thank them!
5. Keep your lunch to an hour. That is what you are granted, not an hour and fifteen. Just an hour. It is your time, I would recommend not sitting at your desk for lunch. Get up, and get away from your work area for 60 minutes. You will come back refreshed and ready to go for 4 more hours. Also if you do have your lunch right at your desk, don't brag about it. No one likes a suck up!

I work in an environment where encouragement is not given out nearly as much as it should be. These tough economical times are only as rough as you make them, and there are plenty of things we can do in our office that will lighten the mood and set a good example for others to follow.

How long should I grow the beard?

2008-12-02T22:47:00.001-05:00

You tell me!

Thankful

2008-11-30T20:29:00.003-05:00

Well I hope that all of you had a terrific Thanksgiving. I personally love this holiday b/c it allows us to get out of town for a few days. It is also awesome b/c during my 4 days off I have no set schedule. I don't have to be anywhere in a hurry, and that makes me happy. So I thought I would be cheesy and express to you what I am thankful for.

1. My wife! I am extremely thankful for her heart. She is way better than I ever deserve and I don't give her enough credit. She does any amazing job with our kids. She makes our house a home, no matter where it is. She takes care of all of the little things in life. She goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone she comes in contact with is taken care of. Plus the sex is amazing!!!

2. I love my Children, I really do! I make sure I tell them daily. I love being around them. I love watching Olivia get smarter and smarter every day she comes home from school. I love watching Charleigh get stronger and more independent each day. I love how Paden is all boy, he loves beating up his sisters, teasing his sisters, and I think it is great. I was in the bathroom this morning and all of my kids were in the girls room, and there was so much laughter coming from their room I just stood there and smiled. My kids are so different, but yet so similiar.

3. My church! I love it, can't say enough about it. I love how I get challenged every freaking time I walk through that building. I love how my wife enjoys being there, and that my kids love to be a part of Kids Club. (Eads you do a great Job!) I love the fact that they aren't stuck in a rut and that they are willing to do whatever it takes to reach someone for Christ. Yes, anything short of sinning. Yes we drink beer, no we don't smoke pot (that is illegal).

4. My friendships. I am so grateful at the fact that I have friends that genuinely care about me. I don't have friends that hang out with me just b/c I am rich and sexy, and that means a lot to me. It shows me that they care about me, my family, and my relationship with Christ.

Here are a few other things that I am thankful for that don't require much explanation: Socks, Easy car repairs, Expresso Machines, Scrubs is back on ABC in January, my health, our future house, velcro, RSS feeds, small groups, wifi, safe travels, great meals, warm beds, etc, etc, etc.

Planning Ahead

2008-11-09T22:18:00.001-05:00

Well as I had mentioned already I am leaving behind the coffee business. As I was planning my final date I realized I needed to be proactive b/c my latte consumption could become rather expensive. So here is what I did...

At my work we sell different products per say that have different rewards. One company developed a point system and after a while you can redeem said points for anything you want. Well a couple weeks ago the gentleman I work for pulled up his screen and told me that he had 49,000 points and said he didn't want anything so I could get whatever I want. I was very grateful and looked at the list for 2 days going back-n-forth on a few different items.

I decided to redeem the points for something that I would probably never buy for myself or for our house, but would greatly appreciate. So I decided to go with an Espresso/Coffee Maker by Krups and I have loved it. Now I just need to share my barista expertise with Mandy...A little example of the fun I have been having is below.

ahhhhhhhhhhhh

Holy Crap-How True

2008-11-09T10:01:00.003-05:00

I actually saw this linked to someone else's facebook and had to click on it b/c I am actually at Starbucks right now getting caught up on things. Its a video titled, "What if Starbucks Marketed like the Church"

How True?

The Countdown begins

2008-11-09T09:22:00.003-05:00

For the last 2 years I have been up at 6am to open up the Brewberry Coffee Co. in Ft Mitchell, KY. There have been times were I have enjoyed it and then there have been times were I did not want to get out of bed that early...

It started out as a full time job after I lost my job in the insurance business and then it went to part time b/c my schedule at Bluestar allowed me to work a couple of hours in the morning. This will be my last week working at The Brewberry as my hours at my full time job will be changing and I won't be able to handle both.

So what does this mean for me:

I will get to see my family more in the morning
I will be able to stay up later b/c I won't have to get up as early
I won't be wore out by the time I get to my full time job b/c I was already up for 4 hours.
With my schedule change at work I will get home 1 hour earlier...

So what will I miss

The free coffee of course
The tips, that pretty much paid for my lunches throughout the week
The conversations with the customers

So Thursday will be my last day and I am so looking forward to it.

Is it to Early for this?

2008-11-06T07:42:00.000-05:00

I'm just wondering...

More More More

2008-11-05T21:20:00.002-05:00

One of these days life will slow down and I will be able to post again....just need to find the time to get around to it.

I have about 18 ideas floating around in my head but not the time to get them down, but when I do...LOOK OUT...

Until then...brb

Brainstorming....New Toy

2008-10-28T08:02:00.002-04:00

I have to share my new program with you b/c it is so un(freakin)believable. It is MindManger by MindJet. I originally saw this posted a while back on Scott Hodge's site and have been using it religiously for a month now. Now I really can't use this in my current job, but I am using it like crazy in my involvment with CSM.

Of course I have the mac version b/c that is really the only way to go! I love it b/c its puts the capabilities of brainstorming right onto your computer...no need for a whiteboard, no need for post-it notes, no need for pads and pads of paper.

Give it a shot..you won't be disappointed!

My Devotional Time

2008-10-28T07:20:00.003-04:00

Thought I would briefly share with you my current devotional read....ha!

Sorry, but this is so freakin funny b/c it is a real book. One of the things I enjoy checking out on Amazon.com are the reviews...and needless to say there are some reviews of this book...brace yourself.

From Aaron:
For years, I struggled with meager coolness until I read this book. Now with my new-found knowledge and my "I am awesome" shirt, all the ladies want to get with me. It may look like they're just laughing and pointing, but I know that they truly find me irresistible. Since I've modeled my hair and clothes from the book cover, everyone thinks I'm Zack from Saved by the Bell. It just doesn't get anymore awesome than that. Oh yeah.

From BadAndy:
I've been practicing awesome for 3 years since I first read this book. After practicing for so long, I didn't become awesome until I finally found the perfectly diverse group of friends to hang out with me as I taught my awesomeness to them. Thank you devotionals for teens!

From Joe:
When I was a senior in high school, I was the big man on campus. I was worshiped by the students and faculty alike and the campus female population openly lusted after me. I truly was cool, there was no denying that. I would say, quite humbly, that perhaps I was the coolest person in the universe.

I easily gained admission into the college of my choice and looked forward to beginning a reign of coolness on yet another campus. I was in for quite a suprise, however, when I actually reached my university. It seemed that to be successful and popular in college, it wasn't enough to simply be cool. Even the epic level of coolness I had achieved failed to raise a eyebrow from the most mundane college students.

You see, I am very concerned with the way other people think and talk about me so I immediately searched Amazon.com for some sort of devotional book that may help me in my situation. Thankfully, "Anybody Can Be Cool-- But Awesome Takes Practice" was the number one search result. I promptly purchased it and eagerly awaited its arrival.

Simply put, this book changed my life. With Lorraine's guidance, I was able to elevate myself above coolness and into awesomeness. At the moment, I am only a sophomore, but I already have achieved Vice Big Man on Campus status. So, next year, when the current BMoC graduates I will be the first Junior classman in the history of my prestigious college to be the Big Man on Campus. Of course if something were to happen to the current BMoC, my duty as Vice Big Man on Campus require that I step into the role of Big Man on Campus. In that event I would become the first Sophomore Big Man on Campus in the history of the world.

What are you waiting for? Order right now and you will also receive If the Devil "Made" me do it, you blew it! (But it doesn't need to happen again)

Leadership

2008-10-23T07:42:00.003-04:00

"Leaders can't be afraid to make mistakes"

This is a quote that the CEO of my company said in an interview a while back, and for once I finally agree with him. Mistakes are critical in a growing process...Nothing great has ever been accomplished on the first try. If you are making mistakes it merely means that you are trying.

So if you are walking around afraid to try something new...something exciting b/c you are afraid it might not work...maybe you should put fear aside and give it a try.

You never know how you might change the world...you have to not let mistakes put you down.

Love what you do?

2008-10-22T07:34:00.002-04:00

Do you love what you do? No, seriously do you love what you do for a living? There are a lot of people in this world that are miserable about their life b/c they feel they can't do what they love for a living..

I was out to lunch w/ a coworker the other day and we were talking about this topic and he said

"If you can find something you love doing and can make a living at it, that is F'n(censored for you) awesome."

So let me ask you my gentle reader...If you love what you do, what do you do to keep the love alive in what you do?

BSC lookout

2008-10-22T07:04:00.002-04:00

I am monitoring the BSC Poll as the Buckeyes have made it into the top 10 once again. A lot can happen over the next 2 weeks and could honestly put the Buckeyes closer to the #2 position. After all that is all you need to get into the BCS Championship.

Of course if THE buckeyes can't get past Penn State this Saturday then there goes all of our hope and I won't have to worry about updating this and this will be the only post.

This week we have Texas vs. Oklahoma St., which I feel will pretty much be an offensive back-n-forth match b/c no team in the Big 12 really cares about Defense.

Georgia is facing off w/ LSU which could be a great game but if LSU wins big they might jump ahead of us b/c I know the voters are going to make it very hard for the Buckeyes to march right back to the top.

I would like to see over the next few weeks THE Buckeyes move up a couple more spots. It can happen.

What does your blog say about you.

2008-10-18T11:50:00.000-04:00

Reading the Bible

2008-10-15T07:12:00.002-04:00

So last night after putting the girls to bed I went to the bedroom to "slip into something a little more comfortable" and on my way downstairs I peeked in on the girls. I saw Olivia with her little Pink Bible open as if she was reading it from the night light in the hallway.

Now she can't read yet, even though she is able to pick out words now and learning to read. The thing is, she knew it was the Bible and wanted to read it.

Imagine if we approached in the sense that we "wanted" to read it. Even if it is from the light of a night light in the hallway.

I love my family!

Picture Time

2008-10-14T07:38:00.006-04:00

I was trying to think of something fun and exciting to post and was drawing a blank so I thought I would update you with some overdue family fun pics.

I came across this pic when I was uploading other ones. The girls love playing with the camera, and I love it b/c I find great pics like this

I can't believe I never posted a pic of Olivia and her first day of School

I love this pic, this is Mandy and Olivia right before she is about to go into her classroom

And then of course I can't forget about my little man.

Maybe I will come up with something enlightening to post later, but no matter what I post I think you would much rather see pics of 3 beautiful children. I just realized that Olivia is in every pic except the last...I'm gonna find a great pic of Charleigh and post it. BRB.

Now Complete!

Monday Blues

2008-10-06T07:24:00.003-04:00

Mondays are normally my downer day b/c I spend all day Sunday doing what I love to only go to work on Monday doing what pays the bills....

ho hum!

Well I think I should make this a fun post anyway so that you don't feel like you have wasted your time here listening to my song-n-dance!(long sentence)

I bring you...TECHNO VIKING!

Sunday Reflect on it!

2008-10-05T16:26:00.002-04:00

Here is what I am thinking/processing right now

I'm digging the new Nickelback song, "Gotta be Somebody." Great lyrics, I've been a sap for great lyrics lately. "Nobody wants to do it on their own"
I love the possibilities of THIS video! We might be pursuing something like this in the Cincy/NKY area.
I am thinking that I need to start posting more, but sometimes I don't know what to post. So let me ask you. What do you want more of? More posts about family (pics, stories, etc.) or, Do you want more posts that require reflection (spiritual, journey, etc) Let me know and I will try harder.
Fall weather came last week and I freakin' loved it. Of course it will jump back up into the 80's this week for a bit but it was nice to get a good idea of fall again.
I love my church! I know I have stated this over and over again, but I really do. I have some great post ideas for later on this week.
God is teaching me more and more about being humble and accepting.
By the time I get to sit down for the 11:45 service I have had about 3 cups of coffee and I always have to tinkle (we say tinkle in our house) about halfway through the service.

That's it for now. I have a Youth Leader meeting to attend!

A View of the Skyline

2008-10-05T15:28:00.003-04:00

I have lived in Northern Kentucky now for a little over 3 years and one of the drives I always enjoyed was the drive into Cincinnati. I remember when I was in the 8th grade we lived in Cincinnati for a while and I remember the excitement I would feel as we would be on I-75 heading back across the river. My anticipation would be the Cincinnati Skyline. I always thought it was so glamorous, Especially at night around Christmas time.

Well after seeing it so many times the excitement has died down. Until today! I was driving to church this morning and I passed a car from Georgia. I had just happened to pass them as we came around the cut in the hill and the skyline of Cincinnati just appears. They were all pointing in awe of this great city and the massiveness and beauty of the skyline. They had that look that I did when I was in the 8th grade and my anticipation of seeing this gorgeous view.

As I was driving the rest of the way to church it occurred to me. There are a lot of people that view their walk with Christ just like they view the Cincinnati Skyline. At one point we were excited and in anticipation of what God was going to do, or was doing in our lives. We were pumped, it gave us goose bumps to think of the Love we had for Him.

But then one day it just became mundane. We maybe feel that God really isn't pursuing us like He use to, maybe He doesn't care anymore. Or maybe we feel like we have heard it all before, seen it all, done it all, blah blah blah. God can't teach me anything else!

The truth is we need to be like the car from Georgia every time we come in contact with Christ b/c He is always bringing something new and exciting to us. The Cincinnati Skyline never left! It just didn't hide itself from me for a couple of years as I drove by it every week! I saw it, but I wasn't getting excited about the view.

Jesus has always been there! He isn't hiding from us! I pray you see something new today in your relationship with Christ.

How to get a free $50 Gas Card

2008-09-29T10:14:00.002-04:00

This is just if you are in the Cincinnati area, sorry.

Tom Gill Chevrolet, in Florence, KY, is running a promotion right now that if you test drive any car they will give you a $50 Speedway Gas Card. No strings attached. So last Thursday I tried it out, here is what I did.

1. I went to Tom Gill Chevrolet's website. You will have a pop up right away asking if you are there for the $50 gas card, follow those links. If not click on the specials in the upper left hand corner.

2. I filled out the info so that someone could get in touch with me to set up a time to go and test drive a car. Make sure you print off the form and take it with you, you have to turn that in to get the gas card.

3. Someone from Tom Gill will contact you the next day to set up a time for you to come and check out a car and go for a test drive. I made sure I did this on my lunch break so I wasn't stuck there for hours on end listening to sales pitch after sales pitch.

4. I went there this past Thursday and talked to a sales assoc. on what I was looking for and they actually bring the cars to you. Its good b/c you don't have to walk around, but again it sucked for me b/c I am very much a visual person and don't like to wait around while they figure out what car I might like. Oh well!

5. I ended test driving a Pontiac G6, not a bad car but I have never been a big fan of the Pontiac. I drove it around and as it got close to my lunch being over I asked for his business card (b/c you don't want to lead on that you are just there for the gas card) and while walking in I showed him the certificate for the free gas card.

6. The gas card has to be given to you by a Sales Manager. He just made sure that my sales assoc took good care of me and answered all of my questions. I stated that I liked what I saw but have to get back to work and I have his card and will be in touch.

Of course I would love to be in the market for a new car but for now I will be content with my 1988 Buick Century.

Sacred Marriage

2008-09-27T22:46:00.002-04:00

I'm normally not one to be big on quoting a lot of the books I am reading. After all I feel you are probably reading enough as is and don't need other great lines or quotes thrown at you. Well with that being said I was reading in Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas and came across this the other day and I think it is something we all need to hear.

"As I've grown older, I've learned to treasure a genuine spiritual authenticity that is marked in large part by a person's relationships more than by his or her so-called "accomplishments." There's a pastor at my church, Jim Murphy, who use to be a plumber before he was asked to join the pastoral staff. Though he has taken courses on occasion at a seminary, he doesn't have an advanced degree. He's a thoughtful man with a passionate heart for missions. For over a decade, he has faithfully filled his position as an associate pastor. Because there are other pastors in administrative positions, Jim isn't even "number two" in the hierarchy of what is a relatively large church. In short, he wouldn't make anyone's almanac of 'distinguished national Christian leaders.'
But he may be one of the most godly men I know. I was particularly moved when I heard Jim's wife say, 'Jim is a saint. He really is.' Jim wasn't present when Peggy said this. And though Peggy may not even remember saying it, with these seven words she preached one of the most challenging sermons I've ever heard. I'm still trying to live up to Jim's example. Would my wife say, 'Gary is a saint. He really is'? Could she?
I don't think so.
So men ask yourself a question: 'Do I respect my wife?' If prayer has been a problem are for you, this could be the first place to look for some answers to why you've been having difficulties. And then follow this thought with another question you can ask your wife: 'Am I considerate of you?' Allow her, even encourage her, to be honest. Let her tell you what it feels like when her son hears you say, 'That's just like a woman for you!' and then notices a sharper tone in her son's voice the next time he speaks to her. Allow her to open up about how she feels during her monthly cycle when she wants to slow down a little, maybe sleep a little more, and be pampered, but the man she married to is concerned only with whether dinner will be served on time. If you want to be really bold, ask her how considerate you are when you're making love.
If you want to grow toward God, you must build a strong prayer life. If you're married, to attain a stronger prayer life you must learn to respect your souce and be considerate."
Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas-pg . 78-79

This was an eye opener to me b/c I have caught myself talking to my wife in a harsh tone to later hear my own children talking to her in the exact same tone. That is not respecting my wife.

Where have I been?

2008-09-27T22:13:00.002-04:00

Things have been 100% on the go go go here for me...so here is a run down of what I am messing with right now.

This song right HERE, is rocking my life right now. I know to many people that can relate to this. I think the powerful thing is to not just accept Christ, but to realize that no matter what you are going through...He is there to take care of you. "It feels like chaos, but I still believe" That my friend is a powerful lyric!

In April of 2009 something spectacular is going to happen in Cincinnati! If you are a youth leader and checking out this post, keep the first weekend open. Trust me you will not want to regret it. I am so pumped up about this and you will be too. I will update all of you in a couple of weeks.

I love my wife! I really do!!! She is so amazing and I am so lucky to have her to be my companion for the rest of my life. So many people are just drawn to her and she is so amazing when talking to them and helping them get through hard times. I love how the people she works with look up to her for a source of reason, and the people she worships with look up to her as a source of spiritual & marital guidance. She is to good to me!

My job is really frustrated me right now! Its not really a job that brings me satisfaction but in about a year I know I can be making some serious cash! But that is not my passion, to make serious cash. My passion is to lead people into a connecting relationship with Jesus Christ. Of course I don't need to be paid to do that, but it would be sweet.

My Fathers group started back up last week and I already slept through the 2nd Friday. We meet at Crossroads every Friday at 6am. I went the first weekend and I didn't know how much I missed meeting until we started back up. I really like the group of guys, just a bunch of real guys admitting they are screw ups going through life and really needs some help on being a better husband and a better father. I love it!

Going The Distance

2008-09-23T07:47:00.002-04:00

My theme song for my training is The Distance by Cake...it came on when I was in the car the other day and just started jamming. I listen to that song about 4-5 times through out the day to get me focused on me getting in shape. Plus its just a cool song!

I will not be hugging any turns, but I am plotting my course. Here it is being performed live! Sidenote: Every time I watch a musician live it makes me miss playing my guitar(which I donated to Africa).

When I finish the fans will get up and get out of town!!!

I am going the distance! Of course here is the actual video. If an elephant tries to give me water I...well not sure what I would do.

30 Rock clip

2008-09-22T07:46:00.002-04:00

Well I finally finished watching all of The Sopranos and was let in shock at how the show ended. I mean honestly, who closes out a series by just going to a black screen???

Anyway I started getting caught up on 30 Rock through hulu.com and this clip below had me cracking up.

Cheap Date:101

2008-09-21T15:33:00.003-04:00

Our internet at home has been off and on since the wind blasts from hurricane Ike so my posts have been absent. Plus work was crazy last week and I try not to post at work b/c the CEO has a nice shot right into my cubicle every time he steps out of his office.

Anyway Mandy and I had been in dire need of a date night. With being short on money and family not able to watch the kids, we improvised! Of course you have to somewhat plan ahead for this, but here is how we ended up having a free date night w/out leaving the house.

1. I downloaded a movie while at work and then saved it on a memory stick to take home. One that we had been wanting to see was Run, Fat Boy, Run...I thought very fitting for the fact that I am venturing into the running realm. It was a good movie.

2. Mandy pretty much had the kids all ready for bed by the time I got home, so all I had to do was sing a song, give them kisses, and wish them good night.

3. I then ate a quick dinner while Mandy finished putting Paden to sleep. I dare not intervene b/c Paden will see me and get all excited and not want to sleep. So I stayed out, even though I missed seeing my little boy.

4. I pulled out the memory stick, which is also a pen so I feel like I am 007 when I unscrew it and pull out the USB memory stick. Cue theme music...

It was really fun to stay at home and just watch a movie on the mac and snuggle up next to each other. So date nights really don't always have to be out on the town! They can be at home, but not all the time. Guys sometimes we do have to wine & dine our wives...

5K

2008-09-15T18:09:00.002-04:00

CUE ROCKY THEME MUSIC!

I have decided to run in a 5K on November 22nd here in Northern Kentucky. I was talking to a friend of mine who completed a Triathlon this past weekend and I stated that I would love to have the drive to do that.

His reply was simple. Pick a date and let that be your focus, and tell people about it b/c they will keep you accountable. So today I am telling you...my internet people!

I have a little over 2 months to get in the best shape I can to compete & complete in the 3.2 mile venture. Now I know some of you could complete 3.2 miles in your loafers...but I'm not you.

I am 257 lbs of pure Morehart. This past Saturday I went to the gym to see how long I could go on a treadmill before I felt like I was just going to pass out and die...Of course I always think I know my limits. It took me a little under 30 minutes to complete just 2 miles. I could of completed the 3.2 miles but after 30 minutes I realized there were other workouts I wanted to do before I had to get the children.

I felt really good about my 30 minutes, which consisted of walking and jogging. I can only get better from here right?

Why am I doing this?
1. Simple...I need to get into shape...well better shape that is.
2. When I told my wife that I was going to do this, she just laughed at me. So I am also doing this to prove to her...the mother of my children, that I can and I will do this.

I will keep you all updated with my progress through out the next couple of months as I begin to train(yes train for a 5k) and change my bad habits.

Pray for me....this will be monumental for me!

Why some Christians suck!

2008-09-08T21:27:00.002-04:00

I can't stand being around most Christians. It's not a given, if you asked me about it I would tell you just the same. The thing that sucks is that I use to be one of "those" type of Christians that I can't stand being around anymore. Years ago I was sheltered pretty much solely around Christians and I thought pretty good. I was the minister, I was lifted high. Now, if I had my choice of hanging out with a group of Christians and going to a cookout with a bunch of people far from Christ...You better believe I'm going to that cook out. Why? Because that is what I am called to do.

It's pretty simple, I can't stand being around the high-n-mighty Christian personality. Now don't get me wrong I love my Savior more than anything in this world but the one thing that I have come to realize is that I am not better than anyone.

There are some of you that need to hear this and there are some that are already nodding your head in agreement. When did it get to the point where we fetl that we need to pre-judge everyone in this entire world without getting to know them? When did we decide that responsibility fell on our shoulders?

We all know John 3:16...it has been translated into almost every language imaginable, and I would love to hear it in that tribal language where they click while they talk...anyway. We all know that verse, but have we ever bothered to keep reading? Have we ever thought for one split second that it doesn't just stop there?

John 3:17
"For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD THROUGH HIM" (CAPS LOCK ADDED BY ME)

If the Son of Man was not sent here to condemn us then where to we get off in thinking we can? Seriously people God has called us to be THE CHURCH, and we suck at it. We can't look at someone as a lost child of God, but rather we look at her as a girl struggling with who she is and how much better we are. Most Christians are always judging those around them, and that pisses me off!

We can't look at someone and their struggles and relate, we have to criticize and chime in on our self help crap. Sorry people but God did not call us to FIX the world with our advice, he is calling us to be the church and to share our relationship with Jesus Christ with EVERYONE....EVERYONE.

We are no better than the broken and the battered.

The girl that doesn't have a place to stay b/c her boyfriend would beat her...she needs to hear about Jesus.

The guy that can't get off the bottle and has 4 DUI's...he needs to hear about Jesus.

The couple that is living together and has a son and they aren't bound by the love of marriage...they need to hear about Jesus.

We can't win people to Jesus by pointing a finger in their face telling them how they need to live their lives and what they are doing wrong. We need to have our arms open wide exposing ourselves to them, ready to wrap our arms aroud them telling them..."You know I don't have all the answers, but I know someone who does and he will never leave you. He will be there when you feel alone, he will be there when you are hurting, he will be there."

It's time to wake up people and to start being the Church. Stop condemning this world that God has called us to save. Stop thinking you have all the answers to every problem out there, and just start listening to someone and their struggles.

Thoughts on the Browns

2008-09-08T14:13:00.002-04:00

Well I thought about how I wanted to debrief my thoughts on what is titled as "The Browns Season Opener" against the Dallas Cowboys.

I figured why bother? After all the Browns didn't bother showing up to play!

Plus Terry Pluto did a pretty good job of summing up the game right HERE.

Monday Morning Mind Dump

2008-09-08T07:26:00.002-04:00

The Buckeyes have won the last two of their games and I have yet to see a single one...pretty upset about that.
The Browns showed me yesterday that their defense is still going to be lacking this year. Would of been nice if B. Edwards could catch a pass the outcome would of been different.
I played in a great golf scramble Saturday, you gotta love it when everything is free. Followed up by an amazing steak dinner.
Had a great meeting at church yesterday and can't wait to tell you all about it....shhhhh, soon though.
I love it when people bring up their church values and their status as a Christian when they are about 3-4 beers in. They are so open to discussion at that point. I had a great conversation with a golf buddy during the steak dinner festivities.
No matter what happens or has happened in your life, your Savior will never leave you. Never-just thought somebody could use that today! I find that rather comforting sometimes.
Jesus is my friend, he'll get you if he can...LINK HERE!
I'm almost done watching The Soprano's online, I think when I am done I might start up on The Office...everyone keeps talking about it.
Hero's starts back up again on September 22nd, and I can't wait!

ARRRRR

2008-09-04T08:11:00.003-04:00

I saw an earring laying on the table the other day and was messing around to see if I could still wear an earring. It has been about 5 years since I wore any...to my surprise it went right in with no problems at all....

Here I am doing my Pirate pose....ARRRRRR

What are you doing to reach me?

2008-09-03T21:37:00.003-04:00

A site I love checking out is Church Relevance. Yesterday I went to the site to copy a link to send to a buddy I saw this image above and was approached with a simple question, "What are you doing to reach me?" I thought it was brilliant! It caught me off guard but then it got me thinking about that simple question, "Mike what are you doing to reach people?"

We all know someone that we can put in the image above. There are people out there looking for something, longing to connect with someone, with something. There are people out there wanting to love something and someone that they are not familiar with.

It is our job to do all we can to reach them...That is what we were left with. Jesus started it, and passed it on to us to do our part.

"What are you doing to reach them?"
Are you doing anything or hoping the church will do it all, don't wait for the church...go and be the church.

Peasants had it better

2008-09-02T07:52:00.002-04:00

I saw this in the paper and was completely amused by it so I thought I would share it with you all.

Work It: Peasants had it better

"When family rights advocate and author John De Graff started doing some research, he found that medieval European peasants had more vacation time than modern American office workers. With the number of religious holidays peasants took off, it adds up to about two more weeks than modern workers enjoy."

I have always heard that the Europeans kick our butts in vacation time aloud off. I know in the company I work for I received nothing my first year but then after that I was given 5 vacation days and 5 sick days. I am making certain that I use all of them b/c there are just some days where my family is more deserving of my time then my employer.

My advice to you if you are not taking vacation...TAKE ONE. Even if you don't have a family, even if you don't have a place to go. TAKE TIME OFF. You need to recharge. You need to regroup. You need time to step away. You will notice if you step away from your job for a few days or a few weeks, you will come back with new fresh eyes and you will see things you never would of if you never take any time off.

More importantly if you have a family, get your butt out of the office and take advantage of your paid time off. I am so shocked at the number of people that don't take advantage of that short time their employer gives them. I personally never had many family vacations growing up, so I am making sure that if I have the time to use...I am using it.

By the way...Saturdays & Sundays do not count as Vacations.

Monday Night Mind Dump

2008-09-01T22:29:00.002-04:00

-I really, really, really missed going to our church. It had been 3 weeks and we sure did miss CR.
-I am stoked about the new vision of the Student Ministries and where it is going, so stoked.
-Two more weeks and I am done working at the coffeeshop!!! That makes me freakin' happy.
-CR did a rendition of this song, and it blew me away.
-The Buckeyes won Saturday!!! 1 down 13 to go. Bring on USC
-I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and after talking I thought to myself, "why are so many ministers so damn lazy these days." I think some are taking advantage of their status and longevity in their church and not doing everything they can to reach lost people.
-My clothes are getting so old that they are starting to tear from being worn so much. I need to invest more into Steve & Barry's.
-Charleigh is almost potty trained! YAHHHH! That means less of an investment on freakin' diapers.
-I watched Shrek 2 about 45 times this weekend. The kids couldn't get enough of it, and I didn't mind.
-Be the church! Just thought someone could use that today.

Well Mandy just put in Sweet Home Alabama and that is my cue to go to bed.

A ring on my finger

2008-08-30T22:54:00.003-04:00

While we were visiting Elevation church a couple weeks ago we, among thousands other, were given a challenge. A challenge that involved a black rubbery ring. It was a simple challenge really, but hard to accomplish by some. We were to write names of people that we would start praying about, and hopefully get them to start going to church. It might sound cheesy to some but it was awesome to see all the people come forward to slam their cards down as a sign that they are willing to jump in.

I wrote down 5 people, I won't give their names b/c I know some read this blog, but they all come from different backgrounds. Two of the five I am just praying that they can reconnect with Christ! To not only reconnect but to get excited about what Jesus has done for them. One of the other five is someone that I have just gotten to know over the last few months. He is a great guy, would do anything for you, but needs to get into that personal relationship with Christ.

The other two is a young family just like us that I have been trying to get to go to church with us but when they can go we are out of town, and so on. They ask exciting questions at times but it will take a lot of prayer. These are my five.

Now Mandy had a different list, and the great thing is that one of the gals on her list is going to church with us tomorrow. I'm just praying she doesn't make up some BS excuse that she can't go.

I read a great post last week titled Bob! Who is the Bob in your life?

I wear this ring every day, just the opposite hand of the hand that carry's the vow I made to my wife. It reminds me that I am always in contact with someone that I need to be reaching out to.

Praying is a start, but initiating the conversation is the key.

Running...

2008-08-30T22:36:00.003-04:00

This whole week I felt as if I was running around like a mad man. Mandy just got over a double middle ear infection, and Olivia got a case of Conjunctivitis that was brought on when Charleigh threw a shoe at her...odd isn't it.

So this past week was crazy and there has been a lot going on...I will update you all hopefully tomorrow.

Pointless Post

2008-08-25T21:18:00.003-04:00

Well just saw that it had been a while since I had posted anything and thought I would do a pointless post to entertain all 5 of you...So here are some odd things you would never know about me if I didn't tell you.

I always count when I go up and down steps. Typical morning for me coming downstairs(1,2,3,4,5,6,7....1,2,3,4,5,6)
Every time I pump gas I always try to have a Perfect Pump. Example HERE
I would wear Crocs every day if I could
I find myself through out the day singing childrens tunes and I don't mind. "Wonder Pets, wonder pets....we're on our way..."
I'm always game for watching any of the Shrek movies. I crack up every time.
I get emotional when I hear stories or watch movies about daddies and their children
One of my favorite phrases is, "nom, nom, nom, nom, nom."

See...Pointless
Goodnight

Links

2008-08-19T07:42:00.002-04:00

I added about 6 new links over on the right------->
Arrow to help in case you forgot what way to look. Most of the links I put up there are from quality bloggers that I always look forward to when they post. Check them out. Those of you on the RSS feed you have to take that little bit of energy and click on something to get to see the links.

Let me know if there are any blogs out there that are just rockin' your socks off right now. Always looking for a good read

A Visit to Elevation

2008-08-18T22:51:00.004-04:00

I consider myself a church junkie. I love hearing what God is doing throughout the world, but more than that I love to hear what churches are doing to impact their communities. One church I have been following for over a year now is Elevation Church down in Charlotte, NC. They meet at 2 locations (3 starting this weekend) and use the gift of technology to reach thousands of people.

One of the things that drew me to Elevation was the astounding growth they were having, pretty much every church planter in the country wanted to know what they were doing. I mean honestly, 2 1/2 year old church having 6+ services at 2 different locations (3 starting this weekend). That is amazing growth, and I think some ministers would think about giving their first born for that type of growth. Ministers are crazy like that.(Count the sound guy twice). I mean why wouldn't you want to get excited about a church that has baptized over 1000 people in 2 weeks! That is awesome.

Anyway, since we were in the area(5 hours away) I wanted to just check out Elevation with my own eyes. I wanted to make sure I went to the right places so I contact Larry Brey their connections Pastor to have him help me with what would be the best location for someone that didn't have a clue. He went above and beyond not only telling me what location would be the best but he also set us up with a hotel close to the High School and directions to everything. It was a relief to just have all that taken care of.

We arrived and when I visit a church I always have a hard time parking in the first time visitors parking b/c I feel that those are mainly for local people who are searching. So why would I waste a perfectly good spot just to have closer parking? Anyway that is just me.

We were greated with greatness where people walked us through everything. Elevation does a great job in transitioning a high school into the looks of a relevant church. They had a great check in service for our children, pretty much like what we are use to at Crossroads. It seemed like their childrens programs were set up pretty similar to what our kids were use to as well with a large group time and then breaking back up into classrooms for a more intimate time.

As we were getting ready for the service we were filed in and didn't really have an option on where to sit. You pretty much got filed in b/c every seat was crucial. Not your typical save 3 seats for Aunt Betty, Cousin Donny, and Billy. You get in and then the ushers pretty much fill it in like a puzzle. Very well organized.

The worship was excited and extremely powerful. Words cannot describe what they did, I could try but I would just butcher it. Lets just say it had a lot to do with the baptism's they witnessed over the last 2 weeks.

Steven Furtick is an amazing communicator in my opinion. I would highly recommend subscribing to their podcast or if you have the time just sit down and watch the messages on elevationchurch.org. If you watch it you feel more of his energy.

My personal opinion about Elevation is GREATNESS. Greatness in the aspect of doing the best they can with their abilities to share the Word of God. Elevation is doing something amazing in Charlotte, and it is so amazing that you know God is involved. If you are a church planter or thinking of being apart of a church plant, you might want to take part in their backstage:elevation. A set up they have to where you can get a good idea from start to finish on how Elevation sets up. Just another way as they are trying to be a great resource.

I was going to take my camera to snap some photos of my Sunday but reconsidered. I just wanted to be apart of the experience.

August 12th

2008-08-18T22:04:00.003-04:00

Tuesday while we were at the beach we celebrated Charleighs 3rd Birthday. I was hoping to actually do it on the beach but with the wind and sand and windy sand we decided to keep it indoor. The last thing I want is to have sand in my ice cream!

Charleigh has been our calm after the storm(Olivia)! Her and her sister are night and day in their personalities. Olivia loves the lime light, while Charleigh could care less.

For some of Charleighs history go HERE.

She has been progressing rather well in her therapy as they are just still concentrating on strengthening the left side of her body. We still take her to the chiropractor every other week to keep her body inline and growing properly. Of course I feel every toddler should go to the chiropractor atleast once a month b/c of all the tumbles and spills they do early on in life. Just to get things inline, but thats another post at another time.

We feel this will be an ongoing problem until she can start to develop more of her muscles on the left side of her body. She is extremely smart and picks up on so many of the little details that we as parents don't realize.

It's crazy that my favorite 3 year old is now 3 years old.
Happy Birthday stinker butts (not that you can read)

August 9th, 2002

2008-08-18T21:36:00.002-04:00

I have missed a lot of posts over the last week so I am catching up slowly. One of the posts I forgot was to share with everyone that Saturday August 9th Mandy and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Most couples would rather go out for a nice quiet dinner on their anniversary, but not the Moreharts. We decided to drive 12 hours to the beach!

We have been through quite a bit of transitions in the last 6 years, some would think we had been married for 10+ years, but negative, 6 years for us. Normally couples are thinking about starting their family 6 years after marriage, but not us. We are thinking our family is done and with Charleigh almost potty trained, that is one less behind I have to wipe.

Here are some stats from the last 6 years.
We have moved 7 times
We've had 3 children (Olivia, Charleigh, & Paden)
I've had 7 jobs
We've been through 4 vehicles, 3 TV's, & 2 DVD Players

Mandy is the best thing that has ever happened to me (minus 100% cotton tagless t's). She puts up with my wittiness, my occasional selfishness, and my spurts of anger. She sees bigger things for me than I do! She is my biggest encourager! She is my prayer warrior!

Mandy even though you hardly ever read this blog (I guess you get enough of me already) you are the love of my life today and forever.

A Great Week

2008-08-16T21:17:00.005-04:00

Well I am officially heading home from our vacation down in Topsail, NC. I have been reading some posts online but tried to stay away from posting just b/c so much is going on right now and will update you all on everything later. My blog will throw up all over your screen!!!

Anyway here are a couple of pics from vacation just to tickle your fancy.

Since we are in North Carolina I decided to swing through Charlotte, NC so I could check out this church.

Look for more posts later this week on what all has been going on this past week. Plus there will be tons of picture updates on facebook. Get it!

On Vacation

2008-08-08T13:23:00.002-04:00

In less than 6 hours I will be on Vacation and getting read to head down to the beaches of North Carolina. We are going to Top Sail, NC which is about 45 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. A quiet place to relax, is what I am told.

I am so pumped b/c the last vacation I went on was when Olivia was 6 months old.

I am hoping for a little bit of Wi-Fi connectivity while I am there b/c this time off will allow me to work on a couple other projects I have been brewing over, but just haven't had time to work on.

You all have fun...

b/c I will be

Have a great day!

2008-08-07T08:26:00.003-04:00

Most of you know I get up before the sun 3 days a week to open up a local coffeeshop. I deal w/ a lot of customers and some of them have become regular jokes here on the morefromthehart.com.

Well I always tell my customers to "Have a great day!" I get a lot of responses, most of them are shooting the same advice back to me which I kindly thank them for.

But I have been getting a response lately that just drives me insane. It is when someone responds with, "OK!" I mean seriously...who reply's to have a great day w/ just saying ok?

OK! Is that like "OK, I was going to have a crappy day until you told me otherwise!"

Is that like "OK, if I have to."
I mean who knows maybe I just saved someone from having the worst day of their life b/c they always do what their told, but still the reply "ok" just isn't the best reply.

Honestly(I love saying that...its like a whole bunch of stupid wrapped up into one word...say it with attitude) In all of the responses you can come up with you come up with, "OK."

Here are some suggestions if you find yourself in that situation.

"Thanks, you too!"
"Muchas Gracias Senior"
"I will try my best, you do the same!"
"Dang skippity I will, you do the same little feller"
"Fo shizzle my nizzle"

Now those are just a few that I would recommend if you are stumped out in public when someone suggests to you to, "Have a great day."

Now get out there America(and the one guy from Uganda that found me) and make me proud

So readers if someone suggest to you to have a great day, do not reply with ok. You will leave them wondering

In a Holding Pattern

2008-08-05T22:10:00.003-04:00

Lately I have been feeling like my life is like I am sitting on a plane and just waiting to take off. But we are not the next plane, we are in a full like of planes that are just waiting to take off.

I feel like my life is just in a holding pattern and I find myself using it as an excuse a lot of times. In my career I am just waiting for "that" promotion that "they" keep telling me about. Lately I am finding myself that I am holding back on a lot of things just waiting for that to happen.

But what if it never happens? What if I find myself not progressing anywhere in my current career and I have wasted all of this time just waiting. God is teaching me through my readings and also through lessons I am learning is this...

"Mike, what are you waiting for? I have given you more than you need!"

I can give excuse after excuse but they all don't matter...b/c the fact is God has given me all I need to live my life & to not put things off b/c of my job status or b/c I am waiting for something better. What if that better never comes? Or what if that better is right now and I don't see it b/c I am "waiting"?

I hate to look back and see all that I have missed over the last 6 months all b/c I was just waiting for something better to happen. I have come to the realization that I need to live my life for the good that it represents & not how I expect it to be.

I was finding myself just sitting around waiting, anticipating for something that I had no clue would come! I think a lot of times we as Christians find ourselves wanting to live a certain way and get upset when Gods plan doesn't always fit "our" plan...

In all reality the last thing I want to happen is to be waiting around for something to happen and then to look back and realize I spent most of my life just waiting...waiting for the bigger and the better thing that never happened. I want to live! I want to grasp every step my son takes. I want to see Charleigh beat this Pare natal stroke and conquer amazing things. I want to see Olivia take her gift of leadership and conquer her fears.

Now all of this can be done but they won't be as sure of themselves if their father is unsure of himself, if their father is just sitting around waiting for something better...and not grasping the greatnesss God has already provided him.

God is working every day through our lives and we tend to shun away from it if we do not feel it fits our mold.

From this day forward I will not look back and say, "I wish I would of..."

722 no more

2008-07-31T07:27:00.003-04:00

One of the exciting ministries that I always enjoyed following was the 722 ministry from Northpoint Community Church, down in Georgia. I had their first two worship CD's and tried to learn all of the songs to implement them into the Student Ministry. I would listen to their messages and just study their technique's and deliveries. The one thing I am finding is that great leadership goes right along side a great ministry. You can't have one without the other.

To have the exciting leadership to start & maintain a ministry like 722 would be extraordinary. Thousands of churches would love to have a program with the draw 722 had week in and week out. To have a great leadership team to lead that ministry is one thing, but then to have that same leadership to realize they don't need to do 722 anymore.

WOW! I was floored by the video I watched (link below)... To see a church with the leadership that says, "We don't need to do this anymore." To have something as strong as 722 and then to come to the realization that there is not a need for it anymore b/c it is being saturated into other ministries at Northpoint.

I think that is a sign of exciting and great leadership that is lead truly by God, and not by the satisfaction of a growing ministry.

(LINK HERE)

Be Blessed

2008-07-29T23:14:00.003-04:00

There are about 5 different things I want to post on here, maybe I will have time to work on them later this week. This song is just rockin' my world lately.

Make sure you catch the 2nd video that goes into the background of the song. Very moving!

Now take some time to watch this.

2008 Olympics

2008-07-28T14:43:00.002-04:00

My personal opinion.

I have a feeling the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing is going to be one of the worst Olympics as far as ratings go.

Just not feeling the Olympics this year, and normally I am one to be glued to the TV for a few weeks while watching people: Run, Walk, Jump, Shoot, Punch, Fence, Dance, Swing, Yell, Flip, Hit, Kick, Splash, etc.

Anyone else feeling the same or am I the only one?

Two Firsts in One Day

2008-07-23T22:11:00.002-04:00

Today was a great day b/c I experienced Two Firsts in One Day...

1. I finally went to a Cincinnati Reds game in their new Stadium. It was a great time especially when you are given 2 free tickets and you have a whole afternoon off to enjoy some time to relax.

It was a great game with Adam Dunn hitting the Reds 1st Grand Slam of the year. I now know to get a bite to eat before I ever go to a game b/c $4 for a hot dog is pretty outragous! It was great to catch up with an old friend and to not have to worry about work.

The best was the game was over by 3:00 and I didn't even think about wanting to go back to work. I'm sure I will pay for it tomorrow.

2. I finally rode on public transportation in the Cincinnati/Northern KY area! I decided to stay parked right in Covington, KY and just take the TANK across the river so I don't have to mess with parking by the Stadium.

You could tell I was clueless when I hopped onto the bus b/c I was asking a bunch of questions before getting on. My biggest fear has always been that I would hop on a bus and I would end up 2 cities over from where I need to be. So I was set, I knew I needed to hop on the Southbank Shuttle, and I know it will be the Southbank Shuttle b/c it is plastered all over it.

So what shows up? Just a regular TANK bus! What do I do? Do I get on and maybe end up back out in Florence? So I ask...

"Is this the Southbank Shuttle?" (not noticing the flashing REDS DESTINATION on the front)
"I'm taking you to the reds game!"
"But is this the Southbank Shuttle?" (I realize I'm stupid and hop on)

I then want to make sure I pay correctly and I know the cost is $1.25. So I have one of those new dollar coins and 1 quarter. I hold up the dollar coin and before I put it into the machine I ask.

"Do you take these?"
After getting the look of death, I pay and then sit down. Within 5 minutes I am a block away from the Stadium.

Funny thing was on the way back the bus was pretty full. As we pull up to our stop the front door opens but the back does not! The guy is just standing there waiting for the door to automatically open, not reading the sign right in front of him stating that he must gently push the door open. After 5.3 seconds of waiting behind him, I state.."You have to push the door open."

psshfff, Rookies!

I did see a homeless guy holding a sign that said:"Homeless & Horny: Need money for pot & beer."

Taste From Belgium

2008-07-21T21:54:00.002-04:00

I was pleased when I opened up my email the other day and read the Taste From Belgium Newsletter. They pretty much just tell you if they are going anywhere new to share with local people the goodness of an Authentic Belgium Waffle.

Well the reason I was excited was b/c they are now out by me on Saturday Morning at the Boone County Farmers Market right off of RT 18. I fell in love with these waffles one day when Mandy and I headed down to the Findlay Market to get some fresh meats and produce.

If you pick one up, just get them plain. They are delicious all alone by themselves. They are all over the Tri-State, so I would recommend subscribing to their e-mail newsletter to know if they might be coming to a coffee shop or farmers market near you.

This is not your typical waffle. It is authentic

UnChristian

2008-07-20T21:14:00.003-04:00

I've been slowly, and I mean slowly, working through UnChristian by David Kinnaman @ Gabe Lyons. I wish I had more time to read it b/c when I do I just want more and more. Truthfully, this book floored me. I am about 40 pages from finishing but it has opened up my eyes to how segregated we try to make ourselves as Christians.

At the end of each chapter there would be different experts from pastors, writers, public speakers, etc. That would add their thoughts on the topic of that chapter. Such as homosexuality, Politics, & Hipocritical. I read this part by Margaret Feinberg and it really stuck with me through out the entire book. Here is what she shared.

"We're labeled hypocritical because we are. I know I'm a hypocrite, and I'm not sorry for it. I have this thing called sin, which is like a disease-or atleast it gives me a lot of dis-ease--woven into the fabric of my being. I didn't ask for it; I don't want it. More often than not, the sin manifests itself in the form of self-destruction behavior. So if I look a little inconsistent on the outside, you can only imagine what is going on inside!

As for dealing with the perception, I think we've got to get honest with ourselves and others and admit not just to the hypocrisy but to the fact that we need help. I know in my own life, I've opened myself up to friends (even when it stings) pointing out my hypocrisy. Slowly, it's helping, but I have a long way to go.

A recent entry from my blog reads:
I thought that becoming a follower of Jesus would help me kick the sin habit, providing the inoculation I needed, but in some ways the symptoms just grew worse. I realized how much I was infected and how it was affecting my attitude, my relationships, my life. So the truth is that I'm fighting. I'm fighting sin with everything I've got. Some days I fare better than others. Odds are that if you're calling me a hypocrite, then you caught me on one of my worst days.

I am sorry, I'm sorry that I let you down and disappointed you. But the truth is that I'm not giving up or letting go. I've encountered a God who promises that the battle ends in victory-life instead of death. So call me crazy-but I'm holding on to that promise. I'm also trying to uphold the standards God has set. They're pretty high, and some days I just find myself laying on the ground, staring at the ceiling. But then I feel an urge, an enemy, to get up and fight once again.

I could use your help. The next time you see me behaving like a hypocrite, pull me aside and gently let me know. I'd appreciate it."

UnChristian pg. 63

How true are those words? How amazing!!!!

He keeps his hat on...TAAAA DAAAA

2008-07-15T11:44:00.004-04:00

This is one of the best pranks I have seen in a long time. Couple things I realized.

1. The dude from Revenge of the Nerds is laughing in the background
2. He keeps his hat on!

No use crying over spilt milk!!!
Flip Flop...more like Flip Fall on your Face!

My Monday Night Sit Down Post

2008-07-14T22:58:00.002-04:00

How's that for a long title. Here are some things rocking the Morehart life right now.

26 more days until I am on the beach in North Carolina for an entire week. I'm pumped b/c I will get to finally check out THIS CHURCH.
Wondering if the Cincinnati local news will have as much hype during Senator McCains speech on Wednesday, as they had tonight when Obama spoke during the NAACP conference.
I love being apart of the Student Ministries at church but I keep wanting more. They put me in charge of something and I tell them to give me more, more, more. I want to help with planning, I want to go on trips, I want to throw stuff at Junior Highers and watch them scream like little 3rd graders. OK, maybe not the last part.
I would love to have a scooter that I could drive back and forth to work, but I am afraid that I will get blown off the freaking road with the crazy drivers around here.

I guess that isn't much...maybe I am just too tired to think

A case of the Gimmies

2008-07-14T22:29:00.002-04:00

I was reading my girls a book before bedtime tonight and the on going theme was that the children had a case of "The Gimmies" With my girls I am very familiar with them having a case of the gimmies. They want, and then they want some more, and after that...they want some more. Sometimes they come across as always wanting more, more, more and what they have is never good enough.

I remember one time I was sitting outside with my girls and we were having a freezer pop, you know the cheap ones where you get like 225 for a buck! Well, anyway we were outside and right as we all finished our freezer pops the ice cream truck started coming down the street. All of a sudden the freezer pop wasn't good enough they wanted something from the ice cream truck. You would of thought I ran over the family dog (if we have one) the way my girls reacted right after they had their sugar flavored water.

I think that is one of the biggest problems people my age face! I am guilty of it to, we all get a case of the Gimmies. I have this! But I want this!....My biggest weakness in my case of the gimmies is with electronics.

I have a regular I-Pod, but I want an I-Pod Touch
I have a 25" tube TV, but I want my LCD Flat TV panel back
I have a Nokia Cell, but I want the new I-Phone

Of course there is nothing wrong with having all the new gadgets if you can afford them, but I would project that 75% of the people that have them can't afford them. When I find myself with a case of the gimmies I have to stop and put the whole picture into view. Be happy with what I have and what works, b/c I know if I am obedient now...it will be much easier later.

Where O' Where!

2008-07-11T18:12:00.002-04:00

Yes I am still around and kicking. Its just has been hard for me to set aside time to post this week. It it kind of hard for me to post during the day b/c my computer screen shows right into the CEO's office and I don't think that would be good for him to see me blogging instead of selling.(Actually I am posting this at work right now...don't tell...shhhh)

Mandy started her new job this week serving at a new Restaurant in Northern, KY. It is a pretty snazzy restaurant that we would never be able to afford, so why not work there. With her working I normally have to grab the kids after work and normally don't get to sit down until after 10PM...very tired.

Here are some brief thoughts that would of probably been full posts earlier this week.

I really need to get Air Conditioning in my car.
Work= Suck
What do you do when your best customer is also your most annoying customer?
Again...It's Espresso....not Expresso
Olivia said the other day, "Daddy I was not put here for you to tickle me!"
Paden says, "ouch" now when he bumps his head or hurts himself. So cute...him saying ouch..not that he is getting hurt
Why do all the boys in our neighborhood want to play with my 2 girls? STAY AWAY for 20 more years!

Post Dump

2008-07-07T10:48:00.002-04:00

I had 3 days off of work and it was excellent. Although quite busy b/c Mandy's oldest brother and his family were in town, it was great to spend time with my family.

God is teaching me everyday something new about my life, through Olivia.
Wipeout is one of my new favorite shows. You have to catch it.
Still trying to figure out if my current career is where I need to be right now.
Note to self: If you ever feel like stealing a church trailer? Don't steal from this guy.
I was so excited when I went to church yesterday and saw that we were participating in the ONE PRAYER series. Really looking forward to this!
There is no greater feeling then walking in the front door and having your children running for you in joy that you are home.
Some companies have the dumbest hold music...

Back to work I guess!

Conferences

2008-07-03T08:18:00.002-04:00

I have seen a huge influx of church conferences over the years and wonder sometimes if it is getting to out of hand. It seems as if there is a conference for every good thing going on out there. Some organization figures something new out and then they have a conference to bring hundreds of people in to tell them about it.

So let me ask you...What do you think about the church conferences these days?
Please take the poll on my homepage.
(RSS feed readers you will have to click, sorry)

Something You need to read

2008-07-02T22:15:00.001-04:00

I think THIS is something that everyone needs to stop and read right now.

(PERRY NOBLE)

It is pretty good.

The Big 32

2008-06-29T15:13:00.001-04:00

Turned the big 32 today.
All gifts still being accepted.

5 days ago

2008-06-27T20:26:00.002-04:00

Well I have gone 5 days without posting(which I have done plenty of times), but the kicker was I went 5 days without even checking any other blogs. I read a lot of blogs throughout the day and what I had been doing is just taking this time to reflect on me...and my family.

Truth be told I was hoping to spend more time in prayer(but I didn't). I was hoping to spend more time in the Word(but I didn't). It's not that I am lazy, I just do quite a bit to keep my family afloat. Here is a taste of my daily schedule.

6am-up
6:30am-open coffeeshop
9am-head home to get ready for work(have to do this b/c my car died)
10-7-Work
7pm-eat a luke warm dinner and spend time with family
9pm-put the kids to bed. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how tired they are.
11pm-in bed to do all again tomorrow

So during this week I concentrated on my job. I need to invest in what I have! Next month I will have been there for 18 months. This has been the longest job I have ever had. Most of my other jobs have lasted a year-some by design, and some not. Some would look at that statement and think of me as a failure. 32 year old male and his longest full time job has only been 18 months! If that is how you feel and just judge by that one statement, I know a church in NKY where you will fit right in.

Fact is, last week I was in a rut and didn't know what I wanted. You see I'm not designed to sit in a cubicle and talk on a headset all day, and even though it is what I do. It is just a small chapter in my life. What is important is not my selfish ambitions in life! Its my wife that has given up so much to join me on this journey. It is my 3 kids that really didn't have a choice on whether or not they wanted to join the Morehart family, but they are the best 3 kids in the entire freakin world.

You know I didn't read a blog all week and I didn't even miss it. So I think I am going to cut back tremendously on my blog reading. Maybe I will stick to reading them once or twice a week rather than daily. I know I will definitely be cutting out some of my blogs b/c some are pointless.

Blog Sabbatical

2008-06-22T21:32:00.003-04:00

I am officially on a Blog Sabbatical. I just need time to get away and think about the Moreharts for a while. During this Sabbatical I will not be posting blogs and I will not be reading any blog posts during this time.

How long will it last? Who knows...
What is the Point? Simple, I am extremely happy in my life but I am not content. I see a bigger picture in our lives and I am stepping away from this for a while. During this time I will attempt to reflect on the exciting plans God has for the Moreharts, in hopes that He will reveal them to me. I can honestly say "Lord, I don't know what you have in store for me...but I am here, listening."

This could take days, weeks, or even months...but I will be Patient and listen.

This might not make sense to some and that is okay.

What can you do for me? Pray, pray, pray....Pray that God reveals His plans for us!

32 right around the corner

2008-06-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

With me turning 32 right around the corner, now accepting gifts, I thought I would come up with 32 things I still want to do in my life. Now these are 32 things I have yet to do, I'm not like some people that put things on their checklist that they already did so they can check it off. Come on People

1. Golf In all 50 states-But I have said that before
2. Return to full time Ministry
3. Be apart of a church plant!
4. Write a Children's book, or any book for that matter.
5. Build my wife her dream house (old barn)
6. Visit Ireland/Scotland
7. Watch the sun rise on the east coast and then watch it set on the west coast in the same day
8. Play Pebble Beach
9. Record a CD
10. Become fluent in a foreign language
11. Travel to the holy lands
12. Track my heritage to its roots...where ever that may be
13. Learn HTML
14. Take my family on a vacation where.."The Sky is the limit."
15. Have my very own Buckeye Room
16. Watch Ohio State VS. Michigan @ The Shoe
17. Watch the Browns win the Superbowl (It will happen)
18. Own a Motorcycle (hopefully soon) Then go on a trip eventually
19. Be an extra in a movie
20. Go on a Cruise (Caribbean, Alaskan, etc)
21. Watch my Children be far more successful than I can ever become
22. Break a World Record (come on there are enough of them)
23. Be apart of something bigger than I could ever imagine
24. Nascar driving school
25. Hot Air Balloon ride with my wife...not THESE GUYS.
26. Invent something...anything
27. RV across America
28. Australia
29. Go back to school...maybe
3o. Rebuild a Mid 80's Jeep Grand Wagoneer
31. Become a man that acts on Prayer first and then reacts later
32. Always do my best at being the best husband and father I can be for mandy and the 3 precious little Moreharts.

Now some of these are quite random...but some have more of a lasting impact than others. I'll let you decide which ones those might be.

Picture Update

2008-06-18T07:06:00.005-04:00

A while back we were asked at church if we would be willing to let them photograph our children b/c they were redoing all of their literature. Of course we agreed b/c we know how darling our children are and how photogenic Olivia is. The bonus for our time(well Mandy's time) was that we were able to keep the pictures. Below are some of the pics...Enjoy! I did. For more pictures go HERE.

Capture Cincinnati '08

2008-06-17T21:32:00.002-04:00

Well I saw in the Paper that Capture Cincinnati was back for 2008 so I decided to send in a few pics to see what people may think. You can check out my link HERE, tell me what you think. Heck why your at it just set up an account and vote.

For those that don't know the concept behind capture Cincinnati...they allow anyone from around Cincinnati to submit pictures over a period of time and then people vote for them. When all is said and done some will get picked to be placed in a Capture Cincinnati book of pictures, and then there will be more on a CD that will accompany the book.

I don't have the best equipment in the world to take pictures, but I do know a good shot when I see one.

New Look

2008-06-13T13:18:00.004-04:00

I have been messing with the look of my site for a few days and I think I have finally come to grasp with something that I feel is pleasing to the eye. I designed a new header, I want to work on an html that will allow my header to keep changing. I know it can be done, I just really hate working with htms.

Next I need to work on my links. I just have them bulked up and a lot not on there. So I need to put them into their different categories and then add what I need to add.

Am I missing anything else?

NOTED-Pic added above for those that just check out my stuff through RSS feed.

5 Years ago Today

2008-06-13T12:39:00.004-04:00

5 years ago today this little girl entered my life and it has never been the same since. Happy Birthday Olivia Jane...You truly are the Star.

Blogger VS. Wordpress

2008-06-12T10:42:00.002-04:00

I have been debating over the past few months if I should make the change from Blogger to Wordpress, and I am still stumped on the issue.

I see a lot of great sites out there and then I see that they are run on wordpress and wonder if it is even worth transferring everything over?

So I ask you my 3 readers..

1. What do you prefer gentle reader?

2. If you made the transition, was it hard?

3. If train 1 leaves Chicago at 1:00 PM on its way to Los Angeles going 55 mph, and if train 2 leaves NYC at 11:oo AM going 75 mph on its way to Los Angeles. What train will pass the Worlds Largest Ball of Stamps?

Lesson in Obedience

2008-06-11T07:42:00.003-04:00

"But sometimes I don't want to obey!"

That is what I heard coming out of Olivia's room yesterday morning as Mandy was talking to her about something that had happened earlier. I came home from the coffee shop with Olivia on her bed waiting for Mommy to deal with her. She had not been listening to what Mandy was telling her and just kind of doing what she wanted to do. So she was not obeying.

One thing we try to instill in all of our children is obedience. I am a firm believer in allowing my children to ask "why" and "how" as much as they want. But when I ask them to do something, I want them to exercise obedience first and then come back to me if they still want to know about the "why" and "how".

There are 2 things that normally happen when Olivia does not obey her parents.
1. It makes her parents really upset- We don't want to raise our children up to not respect those in authority. I've dealt with those kids and they require a lot of patience. When our child does not think she "needs" to listen to her parents it upsets us b/c we are doing what is best for them...and it normally leads to #2
2. She normally ends up getting hurt- Now I am not talking about leading to a spanking (even though we are firm believers in spanking the heiners) but what I am referring to is normally when Olivia decides not to obey she normally ends up hurting herself or hurting someone around her.

As I was thinking about Olivia and her actions it resembles to much my walk with my God. To many times I have caught myself saying, "You know what God sometimes I just don't want to obey!" "I'm tired of following these rules you have for me!"

Normally when that would happen 2 things would happen.
1. I upset my Father in Heaven b/c it is very clear how he feels about obedience. Over and over again in the Old Testament we see where God is telling his people that they need to "obey" his command. HERE, HERE, & HERE.

2. Also I am normally the one that gets hurt in the end. When I am not obedient to my Father I am the one that struggles I am the one in trouble. When I am not obedient I feel like David did in Psalm 32!

God wants us to obey Him b/c He knows. He knows how vulnerable we are and wants to protect us. I learn this every day when my daughter thinks she is big enough to take care of herself, but who does she come running to when she gets hurt or realizes what she did was wrong? Her father! Made the connection yet? Good.

Motivating Monday

2008-06-09T15:47:00.003-04:00

I'm having a hard time getting motivated today, anyone else? Maybe these will help. If not they are still funny.

How do you refill?

2008-06-08T16:10:00.002-04:00

That is the question I ponder as i finish up the last bit of my latte from Starbucks, yes Starbucks. I'm up at Crossroads all day b/c I had a great lunch with a good friend of mine and instead of going home to just come back up here I am here all day. (Is that a run on sentence?)

I have seen that the readers of this blog has grown quite a bit lately. I'm glad someone reads my posts, but even if you didn't I would still type them b/c I live in America.

Anyway...How do you refill? What are some things that you do in life when you find yourself riding on E, or when you go to pick up your latte and realize it is nothing but water with a little bit of milk. (yuck)

With me it really depends on what is draining me. If work has me pushed to the limit then I refill by being around my family. Now if my family has me on my last nerve then I will refill by just being by myself for a bit. I think it is important to know in life what it takes to rejuvenate your soul! If not then you will crash and crash hard. No one can tell us how to refill, but they can tell us TO refill. Heed that advice. Refill that tank. Your family deserves it, your Father deserves it.

So let me ask you...How do you refill?

Link Dump

2008-06-08T15:37:00.003-04:00

I have been reading a lot of great blogs lately and I want to share them with you. Some of them will make you laugh and others will kick you where it hurts the most.

Is THIS even real(Seth Godin)

7 ways to be effective PART 1, PART 2(Perry Noble)

Get your Free Starbucks HERE (Money Saving Methods)

Risking it ALL(Chris Elrod)

I know this is by the same guy as above but if you are a father you have to read THIS. WARNING: You might cry.

What are you learning about leadership RIGHT NOW(Scott Hodge-be sure to read the comments)

That is enough quality reading for now. If there is a blog that you can't get enough of that you think I should be reading please drop me a link. I love checking out new blogs.

Interesting Searches

2008-06-05T12:27:00.004-04:00

At work I have yahoo as my start up page and today I scrolled down to the bottom and saw this Pulse on "What Yahoo is into"

Must be a slow day at Yahoo Corp.
I tell you what though they need to make room for Schulers Bakery in Springfield, OH

photo credit: rcoss

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