When a Community Comes Together

When a Community Comes Together…

There’s something magical happening in my hometown. The entire town of Williamsburg is rallying behind our mission to bring outdoor pickleball courts to our community recreation center. This week, our list of supporters grew to 500, and donations are rolling in daily. Special pickleball shirts are flying off the shelves—people can’t get enough of them!

But pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. If you haven’t experienced it yet, come visit the Williamsburg Rec Center and see what all the excitement is about. The best time to meet new friends and jump into a game is on weekday mornings at the indoor courts. Due to the overwhelming success of the youth programs at the rec center, weekend play isn’t available right now—but that will change once the outdoor courts are built. And that happens as soon as we reach our fundraising goal!

If you’ve never played before, don’t worry—this community is full of people who would love to teach you. So come on out, be part of something special, and see for yourself why pickleball is bringing our town together.

Have a great day!

Jesus on the Big Screen: A Must-See Experience

Last Saturday, my wife and I watched The Chosen: The Last Supper, Part 1 in theaters. We plan to follow up with Parts 2 and 3 over the next two Saturdays while it’s still on the big screen for a limited time. In my opinion, this is one of the most powerful ways to understand what was happening in the final days before Jesus was crucified.

The best way I can summarize this incredible theatrical portrayal of Jesus and His followers is by paraphrasing Mary Magdalene’s words from Episode 2 of The Chosen’s first season:

“I was one way, and now I’m completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.”

There were about ten others in the theater with us—none with popcorn. This isn’t the kind of movie you watch while snacking. Director Dallas Jenkins masterfully captures the emotions of each character, including the adversaries who genuinely feared the threat Jesus posed to those living under Roman rule.

Do yourself a favor—go see Jesus on the big screen while you have the chance. But before you do, watch the first four seasons at home to truly connect with the characters. You won’t be disappointed.

For a sneak preview, check out the YouTube video below.

Have a great day!

Click here for the link.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Your race started the day you were born. How’s it going so far?

It’s hard to believe I’ve been on this track for nearly 65 years. I’ve learned that I do my best when I focus on my own progress—no matter how slow it may seem at times. The key is to find your rhythm and stick with it. Speed isn’t what matters most. What truly counts is that you keep moving forward.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about forward motion has to do with the baggage I carry. The more I let go, the easier it becomes to pick up the pace.

So keep going. Trust your rhythm. And remember—slow and steady wins the race.

Have a great day!

Why You Should Adopt a One Day at a Time Strategy

Feeling overwhelmed? Frozen by your to-do list? Struggling to get things done? If so, keep reading—I’ve discovered a simple yet powerful way to tackle endless tasks and impossible deadlines while keeping your sanity intact. The best part? Your friends and family will appreciate your newfound ability to manage your time, allowing you to be fully present without the weight of overwhelm.

First, set aside all the past attempts that didn’t go as planned. Silence that inner voice telling you your goals are impossible. Instead, shift your focus to one thing—today. Whenever your mind drifts toward future worries or looming responsibilities, gently bring it back to the present. This one day at a time strategy helps you break free from paralysis and eases the burden of anxieties tied to things that haven’t even happened yet.

Since today is Monday, let’s start fresh. Can you identify three things you do that waste time? If so, challenge yourself to eliminate them—just for today. Then, with the extra time you’ve reclaimed, decide how you’ll use it to move forward. Try this approach for the next 30 days, and I bet you’ll find yourself in a much better place than you are right now.

Are you in? Start today. Let’s take it one day at a time—and see where it leads.

Have a great day!

The Power of the Right Kind of Growth

 The Power of the Right Kind of Growth

In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, it’s easy to feel like we’re caught in a whirlwind of stress, pressure, and division. But what if we measured success, not by what we achieve, but by the kind of person we become? Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the true markers of a meaningful life aren’t wealth, status, or power—they are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t just ideals; they are the evidence of a life deeply rooted in something greater than ourselves.

Think about the people who have made the biggest impact on your life. Chances are, it wasn’t because they had the most money or the loudest voice, but because they embodied one or more of these qualities. A single act of kindness can restore hope, patience can heal relationships, and self-control can keep us from making choices we regret. In a culture that often glorifies instant gratification and self-interest, the fruit of the Spirit calls us to a different way of living—one that brings real, lasting fulfillment.

The best part? This kind of growth doesn’t come from striving or forcing it. Just like fruit grows naturally when a tree is healthy, these qualities develop in us when we focus on the right things—things like gratitude, compassion, and seeking wisdom beyond our own understanding. The more we nurture these in our daily lives, the more we become people who leave a legacy of love, peace, and goodness in a world that desperately needs it.

So here’s my challenge for you today—choose one “fruit” to focus on. Maybe it’s patience with a difficult coworker, kindness toward a stranger, or self-control in a moment of frustration. Small steps lead to big transformation. Which one will you start with?

Have a great day.

Two Dates in One Day Today

Today marks the first Saturday in a trilogy of special weekends with my wife, and we’re kicking things off with not just one, but two dates in a single day.

Part I takes us to the movies for the premiere of The Chosen Season 5. There’s something truly powerful about seeing Jesus on the big screen, experiencing His story in a way that brings it to life in a whole new way.

Later in the evening, we’ll be supporting our local theater, directed by a talented guy named Milligan. This will be our third time watching him and his team in action, and we’re looking forward to another great performance.

The day starts early with some cardio tennis drills at 8 AM, setting the tone with energy and movement. After that, I’ll be stopping by my house of worship for a special ceremony, where I’ll have the chance to meet our new top leader. We’re especially grateful that the new bishop has already approved our remodeling efforts in Williamsburg—construction will begin soon!

Wishing you a Super Saturday! Have a fantastic day.

How Are You Doing With Those Rest Breaks?

Most people don’t think about rest breaks until they’re already exhausted. If that’s you, you’re not alone—but you’re also doing yourself a disservice. I know because I’ve been guilty of this too. When my plate is overflowing, I cave in and skip my breaks. Before I know it, I’m slipping—whether it’s in focus, energy, or even motivation. The same thing happens when I sacrifice sleep to chase my goals. If you’re struggling to meet your goals, this might be the hidden culprit.

The solution? Rest before you get tired—and do it consistently.

Yesterday, I did something unusual at my day job. I asked my boss if I could leave four hours early. I wasn’t exhausted. I simply wanted to rest. When he said yes, my spirit soared. What a relief! My usual routine includes 15-minute breaks every two hours, but a four-hour break? That felt like a mini-vacation. It made me realize this might be the missing ingredient in my busy life.

Be cautious around people who claim they’re too busy for a vacation. The truth? They’re often just not organized enough to get things done, so they cheat themselves out of rest—making the problem even worse. Left unchecked, this cycle can go on for years.

Moving forward, I’m making rest a priority. How about you? Are you taking your breaks?

Have a great day!