Unless you are still using a flip phone like a few people I may be related to; you likely have a smartphone and use its apps. An app is an application, one that likely has an icon on either your home screen or extended menu. Some apps are small software programs that run on your phone. Other apps are nothing more than a cute shortcut to a mobile site. Recently I was introduced to a relatively new app by accident. Late one night our new neighbor’s dog escaped. While we were helping him look for his dog, he introduced himself, handed me a piece of paper that had information about signing up for an app called Nextdoor. He briefly explained how it worked in his previous neighborhood in situations just like the one we were in. I had heard of Next door a couple of times previously and not paid it much mind. A few days past and I pulled out the now crumpled paper and decided to investigate a bit further. Next door is a social networking app that is all about your local community. Unlike Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or others it is an app that is developed for real relationships. To reach the application’s potential, once you sign up, you need to invite others to join. A caveat to that is you only can invite people that live in your local area, in your neighborhood. You can find the Nextdoor app in either your Google Play store on Android or the App Store for […]

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Father’s day is coming up once again. Many will scramble to find an ugly tie or a last minute card or some other Father’s Day gift. One that will end up buried in a drawer, closet or the bottom of the trash can on trash day. Perhaps a little legwork and insight will help pick the right gift for the type of father you have. I have compiled a list of father types and aligned them with perfect gifts to help remove all your angst and anxiety. I mean celebrating someone who no matter your age still intimidates you is bad enough am I right? No sense in making the gift process just as bad. 1.) All business all the time – What better a gift than one that will last him a lifetime. Saddleback Leather Company make the perfect accessory from wallet to briefcase and more that will last for generations to come. Hint: invest wisely as it could become yours one day. 2.) Forgetful father – as our parents age they begin to become more childlike. What better way to stimulate their mind and bring back childhood memories than a coloring book of classic cars or fishing lore created by Spry mind. 3.) Mission Minded – Many fathers are looking for more out of their life. They work hard for their money, but that is not always enough. As leaders of the family, they want to set an example for others to follow. How about a gift that goes further? Whether it be a ministry serving the […]

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Just over four months ago I would not have known anything about Haiti beyond what you read or might see on TV. After I asked a simple question at a fundraiser back in August and, in turn, received a challenging question that would end up changing my heart. An offer to have me travel to Haiti and see what the nonprofit was doing first hand. Little did I know as I write this I have been to the country twice now and had my heart shattered and slowly rebuilt. When anyone steps outside of their comfort zone they tend to never be able to go back like they used to be. Similar to when you pack for a trip or try to put something back in its original packaging, things just never are the same. As I revel in the Haiti honeymoon hangover of this past weekend’s trip I figured I would share some lessons learned from my latest mission trip shared with the Haitian people. Lessons that will leave me forever changed, longing to go back and willing to take you along the next time I go if you are so inclined. Lessons Learned from my Latest Mission Trip Joy is Real As Americans, real joy  seems to come few and far between. Sure there are some people who are overly happy that it is borderline annoying. Yet real joy still seems to be missing. We complain about the simple things in life, yet in Haiti, they are happy and joyful over the simplest […]

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