I'm all about great organizations and great causes.  A friend of mine runs an awesome organization called I Won't Watch.  Their heart is to provide opportunities for people to combat the causes, and conditions of poverty around  the world sponsoring, water, shelter, education, and health initiatives through the sale of watches.

This black friday I Won't Watch is flipping the mind set of black friday by starting to think about the millions who live in poverty. This year they want to start by giving to those in need first and then to those who have plenty!

I Won't Watch is going to Flip Black Friday by asking you to make a donation first. When you make a donation they'll in turn provide you with one of their sweet watches! If you make a donation under $30 they'll ship you one of their Signature watches. I can tell you from experience... they're pretty awesome. If you go all out and donate over $30 they'll hook you up with their brand new Proper Watch and an extra interchangeable band. 
 
I'm not against Black Friday, but I'm all for giving on Black Friday instead of buying a bunch of stuff for myself!  This is a double bonus... I give and receive!  If you're interested in flipping Black Friday, go visit flipblackfriday.com!  With your help they're going to Flip Black Friday! It's less about the watch and more about the change. Make a decision this year on Black Friday to Stop Watching and Start Doing.

- Rick

We can easily get caught up in the stuff of Thanksgiving... Turkey, stuffing, football... and forget the incredible opportunity that today gives us (well... let's be honest... we have this opportunity everyday)... to give THANKS to God!  Praying that you would not forget to thank the giver of everything we have to be thankful for and that you and I would begin a constant lifestyle of giving Christ thanks in all things!

- Rick

I'm not the first person to create a blog... This actually isn't even my first blog that I've created (you can check out my previous blog at here)!  However, there comes a time when you must move on and start something new!  That time has now come for me.

I am starting my new blog here on my new site.  My goal is to spend time here each week discussing different things that I am learning in life and ministry... and just share some good videos I've see too!  As I leader, I know that God has called me to never stop learning.  I want to spend time sharing that with you and asking you to join the conversation.

My prayer and hope is that as I write on this blog that I will spend time it will serve as a two fold purpose:

1. Be relaxing and fun - Many of you know that ministry can be exhausting.  It is crucial to have an outlet that brings you rest and joy.  In the past, blogging has been both fun and enjoyable for me.  My hope is that I would rediscover that joy of blogging again.  So expect some things that are fun and make me laugh... so yes... there will be youtube videos.
2. Be impactful - One thing that I am convinced of is that God never stops speaking.  As God speaks, shows and teaches me different things, I am going to share them here.  This will not be a diary, but a place to impart the different things that God has taught me for the benefit of the body.

My prayer and hope is that you would join me on this new journey with me.  I hope you will find it fun and a place where  you are challenged to grow in your relationship with Christ.

Rick