Hey Twitter, Facebook, and Blog friends in Ireland and the UK!

I have an idea. I’m going to be in Ireland in May and I’d love to meet up with you and pray for God to move across Western Europe.

On Thursday, May 26th at 3:30pm, let’s meet on the Hill of Slane at the old Slane Abbey in County Meath to meet each other in person and pray. The Hill of Slane is a place of significant Christian history as it was the place where Saint Patrick lit his early paschal fire to let the High King of Tara know that Christianity is coming to Ireland. The Hill is accessible by car and there is parking, even though the map looks a bit different. Just take the narrow Abbey View Road up the hill to the abbey. You can see it on Google Maps here. Switch to satellite view to see it better. What a great opportunity to cover Ireland in prayer just one day before the Slane music festival!

So what do you say? Are you up for it? You can RSVP in the comments and we’ll put it together. What an awesome chance to cry out to God in a beautiful setting and connect with friends we’ve never met!

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We have a tradition around our house.  We practice this tradition every Monday and it has changed us for the better.  Because of this tradition, there’s a greater sense of peace in our home, we’re a closer family, and we’ve learned some incredible things along the way.  When this tradition was first suggested to us by some friends of ours, I kind of shrugged it off.  But my wife persisted, and boy am I glad she did!

So what it this miracle tradition?

We call it Media Fast Monday.

On Mondays, the TV does not get turned on, the computer is only used for work and school, and video games are off limit.  It’s only for one day out of the week, but it makes a massive difference!

Here are a few of the benefits we’ve gained:

1. We get more reading in.  If you never seem to have time to read, you’d be surprised at how many books you can devour by simply spending one night a week with a book.  I could write an entire post about the difference reading makes, so dive in!

2. We spend quality time as a family.  Let’s be honest, time together around the TV set really isn’t quality time.  With the TV off, we play games together, work on art projects, and have fun interacting.  The kids don’t dread Media Fast Monday, they look forward to it!

3. Our marriage is stronger.  Again, time around the TV together really isn’t that quality, and good, quality one on one time usually leads to MORE one on one time with the spouse (if you catch my meaning).  Turning the TV off has made us better lovers :-).

4. Fasting Media has a detoxifying effect.  With the TV off, I tend to feel less anxious, the house is quieter, and having less stimulation helps to clear the brain and calibrate my thoughts.  I often do my best writing during a media fast.

I want to challenge you to give it a try for six weeks.  It may sound radical but it really is a small price to pay for the benefits you gain.  Don’t give in to the temptation to work late on Monday nights or preoccupy yourself with going out with friends or doing household maintenance projects.  Use the time to strengthen your family relationships, your mind, and your spirit.

Let me know what you think!  Do you think you’ll try it?  Do you do something similar?  Tell me about it!

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On Sunday mornings, my pastor has been going through a series called “My Favorite Things”.  I’ve really been enjoying it and thought I’d share some of my favorite things right here.  They’re in no particular order, just sort of shot-gunned on here.

Enjoy!

*****

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer.  My all time favorite nonfiction book.  (Yes, the Bible is my favorite book.)  I thought this would be a quick read based on the size but I ended up reading most of it on my knees and in tears.  It changed the way I thought about God and kindled a deeper passion for prayer.

I even wrote a series of blog posts containing prayers from the book.

*****

Ralph Vaughan Williams’ music.  I could listen to his music all day (and sometimes I do).  It’s incredibly peaceful/pastoral and has a way of conjuring up images of wind-swept fields and golden sunsets in my mind.

I really like to read while listening to Williams too.

Here’s one of his most famous pieces, The Lark Ascending.

*****

Luigi’s.  This little family owned restaurant in my hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin has the best pasta dishes anywhere!

My first real job was at Luigi’s.  I can still hear the old ladies yelling at me in Italian and me not understanding a word.

When I first moved away from home I would have dreams of being back at Luigi’s.  If you’re ever in Kenosha, check them out.

*****

Braveheart.  I don’t know what it is about this movie, but it makes me want to take up a cause, any cause, and fight to the bloody death for it.

There’s just something about the passionate fight for freedom that gets me.

This scene still stirs me after all these years.

*****

Fresh baked brownies.  As hard as I try to exercise restraint when these things come out of the oven, I just can’t resist.  My milk is poured and my hand is out.

I’ve been know to eat an entire row by myself before they’re completely cooled.

Brownies the next day?  Feh…

*****

Ireland.  Here’s a place that’s been stuck in my heart for years.  When I’m there, I feel at home.  When I’m not there, I wish I were.

God put this country on my heart several years ago and I’ve taken many trips there and made some wonderful friends.

You can find out more info about what I do there here.

*****

My boys.  I love my boys.  They make me laugh, they’re fun to be with, they’re creative, they’re really smart, and I just love them a whole lot!

People get surprised when I tell them I really don’t have any serious hobbies.  I figure I’ll have time for hobbies when my boys grow up and move out.  Until then, I just like to hang out with them.

*****

My insanely beautiful wife.  Easily my very best friend.  She’s pretty, smart, great with the kids, a wonderful worship leader, and a terrific cook.  She’s the total package when it comes to awesome wives and I love her tons.

We’ve been married over 18 years and it feels like we’re just getting started.

*****

The Healing Light/The Healing Rock.  These two internet radio stations play old Christian rock from the 80′s and 90′s.

It’s so much fun to listen to because it reminds me of some really good times when I was younger.

I know this one makes me look old.  I don’t care.  It’s one of my favorite things!

*****

Those are just a few of my favorite things (and people).  What are some of yours?

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