That being said, here is a list (as well as links to check out) my favorite reads so far from 2010:

• “Put Your Dream To The Test” by John Maxwell – an absolute must for anyone considering pursuing a dream, passion, calling, etc.  Will give you great guidance and insight into developing that dream and determining if it should be followed.
• “Too Busy Not To Pray” by Bill Hybles – somewhat of an oldie but still a goodie.  A short, easy read with some good thoughts that changed the way I pray.
• “Developing The Leader Within You” by John Maxwell – another Maxwell great with one leadership principle after another.  Buy this book, don’t borrow it, because you will want it as a source later.
• “Getting Things Done” by David Allen – A non-Christian book given to me at church planting school that at times is a little repetitive and common sense, but has helped me develop a better way for setting up projects and using my calendar.
• “Speaking My Mind” by Tony Campolo – Tony is one of the only people I know who I agree with on most religious AND political issues.  Whether you like him or not, Tony is very intelligent and will challenge the way you think about today’s issues.
• “A Comedian’s Guide To Theology” by Thor Ramsey – Thor is a Christian comedian who has written with a perfect balance of humor and insight.  This book really did make me laugh a lot as well a present some theological basics in a way I wish most pastors could.

What have you been reading?  I’m still working on my list of 30 books for next year, so what suggestions do you have?

My wife and I had some really good and necessary conversations about our future this past weekend.  Before such conversations have been somewhat heated but this weekend we were able to be honest and blunt and I think we both feel like we are working together towards the same things in relation to family, living, and work.

I found out last week that a friend of mine from High School has redeveloped his passion for music.  This excites me because I consider the guy to be one of the best musicians I have ever heard play live and was sad when for years he neglected his talent.

I have been invited back to do another interview on the Shirley Thomas internet radio show on Wednesday, August 25^th at 10pm.  You can listen to the show anytime online though.

Also this week I met and got to spend some time with Justin Deweese, lead pastor at Awaken Church in Hixson, Tennessee.  Justin is a church planter and is an awesome guy.  I’m excited because I feel like he and I could become good friends and be a support to each other as we both do ministry in the Chattanooga area.

I have been reading in Ecclesiastes and it is causing me to have a “what’s the point?” kind of outlook on things.  I think this is good (for a time) because it helps you rid yourself of all the flaky stuff that gets in our lives.

What’s going on with you?

Last night I had the privilege of doing an interview on the Shirley Thomas internet radio show.  You can listen to the interview by clicking this link and finding the August 9th episode.  The show was mainly to promote my book, Repentance and Recovery, and be able to share the thoughts and ideas behind it.  It was in some ways difficult for me because I was to present myself and my book as the ‘best thing ever’ so others would be interested.  I tend to be more of a thoughtful, sometimes quieter type and self-promotion is not something I am very comfortable with.  I mean, I felt guilty even sending out a twitter message announcing I would be on the show.

While answering one of the questions though, I expressed my heart, in that my motivation for even writing the book and now sharing it is that my story has connected with people.  When I was going through a time of repentance, I was very open and vulnerable with others about how I was feeling.  And that seemed to connect with people.  I came to realize that every day I walk among people who are burdened by guilt, shame, and condemnation.  Whether that burden was placed on them by their families, the church, or themselves, it still holds them back and causes them to see themselves as second class.  For a while I felt that way and it took God moving in my life to deliver me from that.

For that reason, it hurts me to see others living with more guilt on them than God would ever want them to carry.  Realizing my message is one of being set free and returning to God allows me to be bold in promoting it.  The traditionalist side of me pushes back when I think about desiring to share my message with many, but I have weighed my intentions and acknowledge that my desire is to see people experience freedom and acceptance in Christ and that in sharing that message I hope to be greatly used by God.  I don’t think either of those things are wrong.  As a matter of fact, I believe they may be what God wants as well.

I hope you will be faithful and obedient in sharing your story, your struggles, and your wisdom in pointing others to God.