"Suit up and show up." It's a charge I often give to the students and student-athletes whom I work with each day. While on the front end, I use it to motivate the individual to personal respect and preparedness, it might just be what's on the unspoken side that holds the real power. What I'm driving at is the power of community…

The smartphone, electronic device or laptop many of you are utilizing to read this post came from humble beginnings. Believe it or not, there was a day when technology wasn't at our fingertips or small enough to fit inside our pockets.  What is now the world's most valuable brand started inside a plain old garage in the suburbs of Los Altos, California…

At my house, we are deep in the throes of toddlerhood. In just two weeks, we will have a one, two, AND three-year-old under our roof! Toddler excitement and emotions are real, constant, and ever-changing…

As a new dad, I think our son Ivey Brooks is incredible in every way, but to say He would be the greatest in heaven is a little bold, even for me. I mean, the greatest implies that there is something they do better than anyone else, and children (as well as parents) are learning life by trial and error. However, I think our adult brains forget the power a childlike approach has in relationships…

The words of Christ found in The Sermon on the Mount were a revolutionary rallying cry that confronted the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of the day. Jesus’ message set the tone for all that would come afterwards…

Once the air got crisp and the leaves began to change color, my elementary school held a fall festival. There was music, games, rides, and a wealth of food. Yet, for competitive kids like myself, taking home the ribbon as the winner of the three-legged race was the creme de la creme…

Reading through Colossians 1:3-14, it is evident how deeply Paul cared for the people of Colossae. Paul was in prison for teaching about Jesus, and Epaphras, a co-worker, came to visit and update Paul on how things were going. After hearing about the people of Colossae, Paul wrote a letter to encourage and challenge the people there…

It seems to be a contradiction to consider that gentleness carries more power than roughness. But one of the most powerful attributes of a human being is gentleness…

In a speech to students at St. Louis University in 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King made an alarming appeal to his audience. 

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools,” he said…

For some reason, these verses always bring me back to high school sports. I’m not sure if it was something to do with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) or if I had a coach who taught something similar, but I remember hearing these words and knowing they were meant to be followed…

My brother-in-law surprised our family for Christmas and built us a backyard deck. I don't know who was more excited - my wife or Meg, our mini-golden doodle puppy. To celebrate his work, we spent an enjoyable night on the deck around the firepit. Like most puppies, Meg wanted to join in on the festivities and be part of the party…

My oldest daughter attended her first homecoming dance last year. When she came down the stairs in her dress, I had to do a double-take. Where did my little girl go? It seems like only yesterday she attempted to take her first steps. I remember that day…

One of the most common misconceptions when we start a relationship with Jesus is that life will be easier. But inevitably, we face adversity or encounter weaknesses. Then, an important decision must be made: do we keep going or get out? Unfortunately, some people walk away from their relationship with Jesus due to their unmet expectations…

You can find everything on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. These sites have brought the swap meet to the World Wide Web. From used cars and golf clubs to kitchen appliances and designer clothes, your typical fare is well represented…

Having two young daughters and no family in town makes carving out a consistent date night with my wife tricky. Sometimes it feels like I serve as my daughters' Uber driver who whisks them to and from social events, after-school programs, youth groups, and sports practice. Jenn (my wife) is also a nurse who works the night shift, which only adds to the scheduling chaos…

There is a desire in all of us to make a difference in this broken world we call home. This world's issues seem to multiply daily, making those of us who want to make a difference feel overwhelmed…

Anytime there is a special occasion like celebrating a birthday, an impressive report card, or some other moment, Madison, my oldest daughter, requests that we go to the Olive Garden…

I was a 3-year-old when I experienced the big change that occurs from Christmas Eve to Christmas morning. As I went to bed, I took one last look at our mostly empty living room. Lying in bed, my heart raced, and my mind wandered. My overflowing excitement made it almost impossible to sleep. Then, somehow the next morning…

For a good “rags-to-riches” story, it is not necessary to delve into Horatio Alger novels or watch Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness. Look no further than the story of the Virgin Mary…

During this holiday season, many families will gather together and read the Christmas story. Sadly, we've grown so familiar with this piece of Scripture that the oddity included within its contents often gets lost. Think about it for a moment. Angels suddenly start appearing. There is a speechless priest named Zechariah who can't utter a word until his elderly wife Elizabeth gives birth to a baby…