SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

Year in Review (Top 9 Posts of 2014)

Over the past year I have taken my readers through a varied journey. We have year in reviewtraveled from middle earth, to the gridiron and beyond. I have shared stories with the homeless, both pets and people. We have set goals, shared tips and grown together through the year. It is my honor to share this year in review with you.

As the New year closes in I wanted to share some highlights of 2014. These are a handful of 90+ posts from the past year. Of these posts they have been read in over 80 countries from around the world. Thousands of readers like you have encouraged me over the past year to continue to write.

First and foremost ‘Thank You’ to each and every one of you, without you there would be no year in review.

Here are the top nine posts determined by count of readers like you. I look forward to continuing to serve and share with you in 2015.

1. Dreams Fail when we Procrastinate: 

ProcrastinateDreams fail when we procrastinate and wait for the right time to come to decide. Failed again, yep that’s right that really good deal that would change everything, well you missed it. Dragged my feet thinking I would do it tomorrow, yet tomorrow is here and the deal is gone. As dreamer I think the saying goes “if you build they will come”, not just because you thought about it will it happen. read more

 

2. Why Men are Leaving Church

menareleavingChurch leaders everywhere are scrambling to understand why the men are leaving Church and not coming back. Historically men have led the church, fed the church and filled the church. As Church attendance across the nation declines and some churches are having to shutter their doors. One trend has become true, the men that once attended are not returning, new men are not coming back. Men are leaving the Church and the Church seems surprised. read more 

 

3. New Release The Carpenter (A Book Review) 

Carpenter_GratitudeBest selling author Jon Gordon returns with his latest book The Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All that is bound to inspired readers and audiences around the world.  Jon has been a consultant for  numerous NFL, NBA, MLB coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits.  He has nine previous books many of which are best sellers and his tenth book The Carpenter is sure to follow in the same path. read more

 

4. Nine Ways to Not Suck as a Husband

nineIn order to put things into perspective, nine years ago today I was still a mess of a man. That day I married my best friend who in turn has attempted to clean the mess she married. Over the past nine years I have spent repairing the damage of the years prior to becoming a husband. My wife unknowingly has taught me lessons on being a man, better yet being a better man and husband that I thought I would share. read more

 

5. Why Animal Shelters are not what people think

medium_288765135There has been a great deal of publicity and opinion lately on the overpopulation problem in our animal shelters. Every city especially in the Southeast seem to have a never-ending struggle to stay under the kill zone. Hundreds of rescue organizations work day and night just to keep the animals out of the shelters. read more

 

 

6. Becoming a Leader by Living Second

large_5808948945Becoming a Leader by Living Second takes the faithful following and serving of others first…Many of us think that in order to be a leader we must also carry a title. Titles in fact mean very little in the business world as they no longer garnish you with guaranteed respect or esteem they once may have. We all know someone in our life that carries a title of manager or lead yet could not find their way out of a wet paper sack. read more

 

7. 21 Ways to Fill Your Wife’s Bank(Not what you think)

wifeAs a man, scratch that as a married man there are certain challenges every married man faces. We put on fronts and behave like  young adolescents at times in order to maintain appearances.  Appearances that we believe only we can see our true identity. read more

 

 

8. Lessons from When the Game Stands Tall

WTGST_wp_standardTeaching that there is more to life than just the game, When the Game Stands Tall is a true inspirational movie.  As like many football or even sports related movies they come with a little dose of predictability.  This is one that although that may be the case it is also thoroughly enjoyable for the whole family (rated PG). read more

 

 

9. Deciding to Follow and Became a Rhett’Neck

536As a music aficionado I am particular as to the concerts that I choose to attend and usually will try to get VIP, early access seats when possible as I don’t enjoy long lines and they tend to make the event more memorable. So was the case this weekend as I had procured VIP meet and greet early access tickets to see The Rhett Walker Band in concert.  I had tickets for both myself and my wife and we had planned to attend.  Apparently there were some different decisions being made as my bride fell ill and was unable to attend.  Out of the kindness of her heart and against the resistance of mine she convinced me to attend the show on my own. read more

 

With over 90 posts this year it is difficult to choose a favorite. I have my own and hope you have yours as well. None of these posts would exist in this year in review without you. Sincerely I would like to thank each and every one of my readers for reading, commenting and inspiring. I look forward to sharing even more with each of you in 2015.

Its been a humbling experience being included in your weekly readings. If you have not subscribed yet I invite you to do so. Looking forward to sharing and serving in 2015 and beyond.

About Charles Johnston

Charles is a Christian, husband and father of fur-kids who shares his walk with others in hopes to help other's along the way.

8 Replies

  1. Variety of topics and all posts are looking great. I will try to go throw most of them. It is really hard to distinguish between different posts as a writer as I believe each post is important and part of our life like family. It is nice that you have shared 90 posts over the year. It is big achievement. I wish you an Happy new year and look forward to hearing from you in 2015 and beyond. God Willing.

    1. Thank you very much for the compliments and for taking the time to read other post. I wish you and yours a Happy New year as well!

  2. Congratulations on a great year of blogging. I too had trouble picking favourites from my blog – each post meant something. Good luck in 2015. I look forward to reading more.

    1. Thank you for the kind words, I think it would be difficult to pick a favorite (my favorites might not be yours) so I went by statistics instead. Thanks for stopping by ..Happy 2015 to you and yours!

  3. Wonderful year of blogging for you! My heartiest congratulations and here’s hoping you enjoy a productive and happy new year!

    1. Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you as well.

  4. All the best to you and hope 2015 brings as much success as 2014. Your posts are certainly varied and interesting…keep it up.

    1. Thanks I appreciate you stopping by and taking a look. All the best to you in the new year.