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.)

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.

goodbye wilmore

We are packing things up and preparing to say goodbye to good ol' Wilmore in the next week and a half. It's funny how attached you can become to streets, buildings, wood trails, short little statues of John Wesley, and even gas stations (much love to clucker's). I am very grateful for this place, this time, and especially the people who have made this a rich experience for us. To all of our Wilmore friends: thanks and we love you. Peace.

"Goodbyes are hard. And you can't hug a city."
-Aram Mitchell