the love list

Here's a rundown of a few friends that are doing things I'm proud of. So stinkin' proud that I had to share it with you. So, go check them out and share the love.

1. the bridge project: Josh, Laura, and Anna Grace LeRoy serving as a prophetic witness of personal holiness, racial harmony, and social healing in Asheboro's East Side. Read Josh's blog for insightful social commentary that alternates between side splitting, soul stirring and eye opening.

2. the coffecover: My friend Shauna Lott (I was her youth pastor in Indy) has invented a reusable coffee sleeve, a result of her entre-creativity and eco-sensibility. A good idea from a good heart.

3. creatives: Dustin AhKuoi has been one of my best friends since high school. He is seriously the single most talented person I know. You should start reading his blog. He recently wrote a series called 'generations of creatives' in which he remembers the family members that planted the seeds of art in him from an early age. My favorite is the one about his dad, Issy.

4. worship seminary: My friend and mentor JD Walt teaches on worship in a series of short youtube films. To really dig into this discussion, follow his blog FARMStrong.

5. redeem team: Raise your hand if you set your alarm for 2:30 AM to watch Team USA win the gold in basketball. Oh really? Just me? Well here is what you missed. Turned out to be a real test, but the world's greatest players came together as the world's greatest team. I love this game. Cue single tear.
(OK, so Kobe and LeBron aren't exactly my friends. But I'm still proud of them.)

planting

Planting: The latest City on a Hill video. Props to independent film-maker Justin Simmons.

08 / 08 / 08

Driving back home last night after a late work session with Justin, I start praying for Chapel Hill—the people and the town. Praying that Jesus will teach me how to live and love like He would. I decide to skip the shortcut, and drive the long way home, taking me down Franklin Street. Just a moment or two after making that decision, my phone buzzes.

Maybe it’s Sarah checking in. Or Jeremiah. I left him a rambling, "trying to be funny" voicemail earlier.

Instead, it’s my phone's calendar appointment reminder for an event labeled “08/08/08: Where are you? And what are you doing?”

Several months ago, probably somewhere back in early March, Sarah and I had no clue what we were going to do after seminary. We were searching, wrestling, wondering. In the throes of this confusion, I picked out 08/08/08 and wrote myself a note in the future. ‘By then, we will be somewhere, doing something,’ I thought. ‘Wonder what it will be.’

So, last night around midnight, my phone buzzes with a note from the past.

08 / 08 / 08: Where are you? And what are you doing?

The answer: Headed down Franklin Street. Praying for Chapel Hill.

Savannah / Charleston

We had a great vacation last week. LeRoy/Simmons excursion '08. This year there was a double destination: Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. Both very cool cities with thriving and artistic downtown areas. And dang good food.


Summer Love. Charleston.


Southern Seafood. Including the classic shrimp and grits.


Sarah's new friend, Paula Deen. Savannah.