Must See!! for any teacher, youth pastor, parent

This powerful little guy was the keynote speaker at Dallas ISD’s back to school convocation. Make no mistake – this is no ordinary 5th grader. His message, his delivery, his passion, his enthusiasm cannot be described in words. So incredibly powerful! I think we all need to take to heart his message especially as we try to impact the future generations.

Calling Card Update

I came across Calling Cards in the summer of 2003 as a means to help discover a full, natural potential in life.  It helps find out what type of work would you most enjoy. It’s not spiritual giftedness, values, or even passions; although, combined with those studies it provides a great framework for decision making. Basically it helps one determine what’s needed in the everyday to help them enjoy life to the fullest.

In 2003 my top calling card was: instructing people (supported by processing things, empowering others, bringing out potential, and building relationships).

In 2005 my top calling card was: analyzing information (supported by instructing people, building relationships, and bringing out potential)

In March of 2008 my top card was: bringing out potential (no supports this time)

This week my top card was again: bringing out potential (supported by empowering others, advancing ideas, instructing people, and building things)

What does all this mean? At the end of each day I will feel as though I accomplished something if I have brought out potential in someone or something. While my identity in life is not found in my title, job description, company name, praise from others–but from Christ; my fulfillment in each day comes from seeing others/concepts/organizations move along their journey. I must seek opportunities to do these things so that at the end of each day I feel fulfilled.

On a side note I think it’s great that God has continued to refine my calling card. Each time I go through this exercise He revels more of myself, who He created me to be, and how He wants to use me.  God chose this specific generation for me to live in, i’m uniquely created for His purpose in this moment.

Your Invited!

A friend was telling me today about his mission trip and working amoungst the homeless. An awesome thing occured by the end of the week. He and his youth were invited by one the homeless ladies to come to their neighborhood where they sleep each night. Further, she invited them to their church service under the bridge. When they showed, over 400 homeless men and women had gathered to worship God under the bridge. WOW.

The thing that stuck out the most to me was how this group was invited into the lives of someone completly different then them. Huge barriers were crossed for this to happen. I wonder if I am willing to invite others into my life in this manner, to join me where I am, with all my baggage and mess. I wonder if I’m willing to become transparent, authentic, and just me. I wonder who will come into my life and who will leave when I get to this point. Your Invited…want to come?

Monday Night, Date Night

Leslie went to her small group tonight, so it was a date night for Cadence and I. We enjoyed some nice outdoor Pittsburgh weather and then some play time before downing a few bottles of formula. Yep she’s growing and put down 2+ bottles (about 6oz) in over an hour. We watched some CNBC: I’m trying to balance out the Baby Einstein, Reality Shows, MMA, and with some real world knowledge. Then waited for Mommy. If you haven’t checked Cadence’s site in a while she’s posted some new pics.

Cadence Has Arrived

Wow!!! What a journey it’s been, and it’s just begun. Interesting aspect of life. Cadence came into the Mousa household at 1:51am Tuesday, after a long 19hours of labor. Mom is a rockstar! Cadenced weighed in at 6lbs 6oz and 19 1/2in long. The entire process was a blessing from God…I’ll post more about it later on, but right now all you want is the pictures.

Thanks for all the prayer! Make sure to check Cadence’s blog as well for a link to a growing photo album!

 

Help Needed

Cadence will be here soon, really soon, and she’s asking for some help in picking out her coming home music. Go to her site here and leave a comment with your sugestion. Get creative!

She’s coming!

Found out today that Cadence hasn’t quiet caught up with the growing curve she’s suppose to be on. She’s been small for a while but continued along her path. Today, we found out she’ll be joining us sooner than expected. The want to induce sometime next weekend! Wow…i’ll be a father in about 10 days. Any last minute advice is much appreciated!

Travel Blog

Leaving tomorrow for Unleash in SC. Sometime Thursday night will be driving to Charlotte, NC to make sure Tommy catches a plane for NYC. Then hanging around G-vegas for the weekend to attend some baby showers for Cadence. Sunday traveling back to the burgh. I’ll try to post some quick hits from the conference and travel as I find time.

Baby Registration

I really enjoyed our wedding registration, especially because of the gun and all the cool electronics/tools Leslie let me register for. Baby registration is a totally different game. You still get the gun, but wow it was stressful. It took over 6 hours on two different days, multiple Internet searches on product reviews and advice, and a lot of Tylenol. In the end it’s worth it…maybe. Cadence is already spoiled (especially the cool swing I’m asking for, it has a place for her iPod)

Daddy’s little girl!

So I haven’t officially announced the name of our new daughter on this site yet. Sorry! We are defiantly having a little girl, Cadence Olivia!!!

And I should give props out to Chase and Casey and their little boy whose going to be due around the same time.