You’ve seen the bumper sticker below on cars everywhere, right? A mix of science, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism – all blended together in one happy rectangle. The problem? It’s a lie. People really believe that is possible? I guess so. They seem to be the same kind of people who hang out in the tree-hugging, war-bashing, extreme liberal camps (as far as I can tell). Just jump over and check out the rest of the stickers on Peacermonger.org, and I’m sure it will be obvious.

So why write about this? Because when I read the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, the God I follow makes it clear that we can attempt to get along for the moment – but one day this bumper sticker will prove to be a myth. Obviously I’m not suggesting that war is a tremendous thing, or that we should be angry about so much division. This is a free nation, but you have to call a spade a spade. Just seems to me that one can’t be free if he joins forces with everyone? Does this confuse you as much as me?

A quick break from tech / creative blog topics! It’s not Valentine’s Day. I’m not trying to dig myself out of a whole. I don’t have any gift ideas that I am waiting for my wife to buy me, hoping this blog post nudges her to do something I’ve been waiting for. I just wanted to write about something I’ve needed to write for a while (or should have even sooner).

My wife, Marla Taviano (www.marlataviano.com), is a gift. It continues to amaze me how God brings people into my life at the right moment, to help with things I am struggling with, working on, etc. Those people are great additions to life, but God’s given me one person to go through it all with. And He knew what I’d be going through, knowing that Marla would sure be up for going through it with me. I really appreciate how it doesn’t take a lot to make her day. Today she was thrilled to return to a zoo, while we’re visiting her pregnant sister here in South Carolina, and feed another giraffe (after that being a common task while visiting 52 Zoos in 52 Weeks). I’m just thankful I can be a part of making as many of her days as possible.

I was talking to her yesterday, and told her that I enjoy the fact that she is as ambitious as they come. No task is too small for her to take on. She’s a mother of three daughters, but that (the full-time “job” that really is) doesn’t stop her from: taking on the NaNoWriMo challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel in the month of November, speaking at multiple venues on multiple women’s topics in consecutive days, finalizing a proposal for her fifth published book, playing games with the girls, talking to me as I take on new things, praying and caring for friends and family both offline (in person) and online (through email / blogs), and so on.

Many ask her (and others of course) how she accomplishes what she does. It’s because she loves today, and lives for tomorrow. And God’s given her a purpose for each new day. Obviously I’m not asking for your thoughts on this one, but I do hope that you know that I respect my wife quite a bit and love her more tonight than ever. Thanks Marla – you are loved!

As a response to my previous post on “Leadership as a disservice”, I thought I would try to make my thoughts a bit more clear today. Everyone wants to be a leader, or at least think they are capable of it, right? Some even are blessed with the role of being a leader (over ministries, organizations, etc.) but haven’t taken the time to even think of what it requires before jumping into it. While at a few conferences this month and studying other ministries, it just seems to me that there are so many leaders out there that think they’re above and beyond being considered “one of us”.

A group of us were studying John 21:15-17 online the other night, while trying to understand how we can serve others better ourselves. If you read it closely, you’ll see that Simon thought Jesus knew that he loved him. He had been doing all of the leading he thought was required of him. While he thought he was leading people, Jesus made it clear that a love for Him consists of feeding his sheep. Feeding sheep seems like it suggests much more than just guiding them.

Seems like so many leaders jump ahead of the flock that they’re leading. They see Jesus giving them responsibility as a shepherd, and forgetting that they’re really just another sheep in the flock that might be able to help the others. Jesus is the only shepherd worth following. You might call this ridiculous, or suggest that I don’t respect authority. When I look for a leader, I look for someone that’s willing to stoop down a little bit. Maybe even give up some of their “prominent opportunities” and take on a role of service like their flock every now and then. Should a true leader continue to practice acts of service even while leading? Is it a disservice to lead without showing you are just as willing to follow? Do we spend too much time finding someone to pattern our life after, when Jesus is sufficient?

Hope you enjoy walking through my big date with our youngest daughter Nina in the video below. We’ve had quite a few of the times together, but it was nice today to be able to capture some of the highlights. It’s my prayer that fathers-to-be or new fathers learn the same lesson I learned 6 years ago. Date your daughters while they’re young. They’ll sure feel special, loved, and will know what to expect in the years that aren’t too far ahead. What are some memories like this of yours, as a parent or child?

God has a great thing going with Digital Disciples. It’s been almost too much to handle alongside of my daily web / graphic design services to be honest. And that’s where I stand today. I feel compelled to put as much time and effort as I can into making the network / local gatherings the best I can for the Lord. But on the other hand, I have to put my best time into serving clients and paying bills. Being in the bill-paying mindset can take its toll and even be unhealthy at times. Challenges like that sure make us learn, even if they are uncomfortable! But I’m not one to tell God that He shouldn’t have me here at the moment.

God knows what’s best, but I also know that He can use great people (like yourselves) to assist me as I move forward. There are now four cities where local gatherings are taking place on a monthly basis. We now have a weekly chat at 9pm EST on Thursdays (add me or visit here then). And even though winter isn’t here quite yet, I can feel the snowball getting larger and moving more quickly as time progresses!

I’m going to record a video for you in the next few days that sums all of this up, but I’ve never been here before. My friend Chad and I met today for lunch, and he hinted that this is what we get for being pioneers! I don’t have the money to pull this off. Whether that comes from sponsors, donors, grants, etc…….I have no clue. Who helps me figure this out? Do you have thoughts or answers that might help me?