The Power of Invitation

I was born and raised in Springfield, MO. When I lived in Springfield I was an outgoing, energetic, and extroverted kid. I was a class clown that loved making people laugh and I was friends with just about every single one of my classmates. I was just your typical happy-go-lucky kid. All in all, I … Continue reading The Power of Invitation →

The Happiness Project

"In some ways life is a happiness project. This project is full of paradoxes. For example, it may seem like it is about you, but it's actually more about what you can do for other people. It turns out that bringing happiness to others increases your chances of being happy, while seeking happiness for yourself … Continue reading The Happiness Project →

All I Want for Christmas is…

Like just about every other kid growing up I thought Christmas was the absolute best. More toys than I knew what to do with. Two weeks off of school. Food on food on food. Festive music always playing in the house. What wasn't there to love? Christmas truly was a month long experience, making it … Continue reading All I Want for Christmas is… →

May the Force Be With You

A long time ago in a town not that far away... ...a little boy discovered a vast new universe. He learned about Jedis, the Force, the Empire, wookies, ewoks, Stormtroopers, the dark side, and the rebellion. He was completely enthralled by it and wished more than anything that this universe and all its inhabitants were … Continue reading May the Force Be With You →

Community

This past weekend my youth group had our yearly fall retreat and I had an opportunity to give a talk about something I'm truly passionate about - community. I've used this blog to talk about some of the communities I've been a part of and explain why they've been so important to me. I want … Continue reading Community →

Allin’s Diner

Seriously, he's writing about a diner? Has he completely run out of things to talk about? Yes, I am seriously going to talk about a diner. And not just any diner - Allin's Diner. ..... When I started this blog I admitted that I wasn't exactly sure what it would consist of or what … Continue reading Allin’s Diner →

North

I recently read a book called "North." It was written by an accomplished ultramarathon runner, Scott Jurek, as he detailed his attempt to break the speed record for the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,000+ mile trail that runs from Georgia all the way to Maine, going through the Smoky Mountains and the … Continue reading North →

Pursuit of Happiness

It's been a couple months since my last blog post - and what a strange couple months it's been. It's been a time marked by a lot of confusion, frustration, uncertainty, and at times, clarity and excitement. I've found myself in a position where I've had to face some unexpected realities and encountered situations that … Continue reading Pursuit of Happiness →

Quarter Life Crisis

25 That's how old I turned last week. That means I'm now firmly planted in my mid-twenties. It also means I'm going to go through the inevitable quarter life crisis. I'm only joking (sort of). But as is the case with every birthday you can't help but reflect on the last year of your life. … Continue reading Quarter Life Crisis →

Uncle Drew and Lily Elizabeth

I've held many different titles in my life. I've been a classmate, teammate, roommate, core member, coworker, and friend. Professionally I've been a counselor, coordinator, and director. I'm a son, brother, nephew, grandson, and cousin. But I take pride in nothing more than being an uncle. I was finally able to call myself an uncle … Continue reading Uncle Drew and Lily Elizabeth →