1) Favorite video on Laughter:

2) Favorite Landfill Harmonic

3) Favorite New book trailer: 

4) Favorite Tour of Saturn:

5) Favorite Book Cover (which is completely biased):

During church the other day our pastor introduced us to something called the “Principle of Inescapable influence.” I found it fascinating and worth sharing with you all.

The principle:

“Whatever rules your heart will exercise inescapable influence over your life and behavior, dramatically affecting the lives of those closest to you.”

This means that whatever is most important in your life, or anything you value before God, will ultimately become a stumbling block for you and the people closest to you. The Bible is full of examples of this.

Historical examples:

King Saul, for instance, made his Kingdom and his dynasty the most important thing in his life. His idol drove him to reject God, attempt to kill David several times, kill hundreds of priests, and ultimately resulted in the death of his three sons and himself.

Another Saul in the Bible, the man who would eventually become the apostle Paul, put his religion above everything else. He dedicated himself to the law, was one of the greatest students of Judaism  on his way to becoming a “pharisee of pharisees.” As a result, he arrested, tortured, and had people killed because they believed in Jesus.

But the Principle does not need to have a negative effect. If God rules your heart, than it will have an inescapable influence on the lives of those closest to you as well. In one of the most dramatic heart changes in history, Saul of Tarsus came to know Jesus. From that day forward, the Love of Christ ruled his heart.

The people he loved in his life like Timothy and Barnabas were enabled to do great things. He planted churches all over the world and had brothers and sisters in Christ. Perhaps no one, outside of Jesus himself, has had such a positive impact on the church as Paul.

Modern Examples:

The Principle, of course, still applies today. While we might like to think our beliefs and our cravings and our passions are personal and will only affect us, this simply is not true.

For instance, I have often heard that pornography is a very private sin and doesn’t really hurt anyone. And yet, there are hundreds of thousands of families that have been destroyed because of a porn addiction. It devastates your spouse and leaves children with broken hearts. A 2004 study indicated that 56% of divorces cited pornography as one of the causes. In the past decade, it has only gotten easier to find it and watch it. If it rules your heart, it will negatively affect those closest to you.

It’s easy to see how a bad thing ruling your heart can have a negative effect on those around you, but what about good things? What if your spouse or children rule your heart instead of God? Will that have a negative effect?

CS Lewis explains the results best, “When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God and instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.”

Living Fully:

If you want to live fully, you must put “first things first.” When God rules your heart above all others, your capacity to love those closest to you will only grow. Instead of slowly becoming corrupted and falling further away from the truth, you will grow in producing the fruits of the spirit.

So what rules your heart? If it isn’t God, then repent and turn to Him! Not only will that bless your life, but it will also bless the lives of those you care about most.

The Photo Contest results are in! Thanks to everyone who submitted, we loved going through all the photos and selecting our Fave Five. But only part of the work is done! You will need to vote for the final winner, so make sure you make your voice heard! Whoever receives the most votes will receive a $50 Amazon giftcard. Voting will take place here on #LiveFully and last until 11:59pm on June 24 (Eastern USA time) and we will announce the winner on June 25. The #LiveFully team will select a runner-up to win a #LiveFully t-shirt.

The following five pictures are our finalists, but you can see every picture that entered the contest in the gallery below. Simply click on any photo in this page and you will see an enlarged version with the description and photographer’s name.

1) Nolan McClure “Open Seas”

This is the passage a boat must cross to get get out into open seas from a port in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  “A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for” – John Shedd.

2) Mary Claire Stewart “Wonder”

Living fully is to use your imagination to see wonder in the world around you, so that the ordinary and mundane becomes spectacular.

3) Heana Park “Narnia”

Inspired by Narnia, create your own Narnia.

4) Davy “Sunset”

A gorgeous sunset in Sarasota, FL encourages me to continue living for today!

5) Gabe Gomez “Superman”

I chose this picture because it reminds me of superman (my favorite superhero). And, it’s my brother doing something awesome/ something I couldn’t do.

You’ve seen the top five, now it is time for you to vote! If you can’t vote in your email, then click here to choose your favorite. After voting, why not share this page with others so they can vote too? Don’t forget to check the rest of the great entries. It was way too hard to pick the top five, but we’ve done our best!

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This picture captures my daughter in her “happy place”. We are at the lake and she was jumping off the dock. She and her friends will do this a couple of hundred times in one weekend. They come up with so many fun games and poses they can entertain themselves for hours! I took this picture from underneath the doc sitting on the boat. It’s a great view to watch these girls “unleash their imagination”!

This picture was taken after a very tough hike in Ireland, in which I got lost. This cross showed me not only that I had found some sort of civilization, but reminded me of God’s beauty and protection over me.

I absolutely love taking candid shots, and it’s extremely tough to capture a good moment. I took this in Portugal right before I rode in one of the sleds. So, it not only captures the men in a real moment, but also a memory for me.

My eye has always been drawn to shots with some object or plant in the foreground of the shot, with a beautiful view in the background. This is one of my favorite pictures of that kind of shot. And the Croatian writing adds a great local flavor.

Nothing inspires me more than sitting by a beautiful stream.

A weekend at the lake is the perfect place to sit and write, or draw, or create.

This is the passage a boat must cross to get get out into open seas from a port in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for” – John Shedd.

This picture was taken as the sun was setting on lake Oconee. When my family and I go to the lake, we always consider it as our getaway time to rest. One of the biggest parts of living fully, I believe, is to remember to spend some time simply resting. It’s amazing how much easier it is talk with God when there’s no distractions. God himself rested after he was done with creation, and it’s possible that, as the sun was setting the seventh day, it looked a little like this.

Living fully is to use your imagination to see wonder in the world around you, so that the ordinary and mundane becomes spectacular.

This image captured a moment in time when I realized that “living fully” can only be attained through complete surrender to God. Awesome.

Living fully means loving fully: like Maddi is loving on this refugee girl in Clarkston, GA with Generation Salaam outreach ministry.

I chose this picture because the joy of the photo is evident. A grandpa and granddaughter laughing on a bench near a farmer’s market is my idea of unleashing your imagination. The granddaughter tells simple stories, her imagination has been unleashed as her grandfather’s attention is fully on her. Simple, yet meaningful, memorable, and imaginative.

Creativity and art are my passion. This rustic chandelier, hanging from a tree, sparks a flame of imagination in my heart. When I see antique or vintage material such as this, my creative spirit runs wild with ideas and inspiration. This is what truly unleashes imaginative ideas for me.

Ever since I was young, I have loved flowers. I was always imagining their them and drawing them, loving every moment. My imagination runs wild when I see the beauty and splendor of a flower. This flower, a Fox Glove, reminds me of the creativity and imagination of our great God and the simple gifts He has given us!

After an incredible week in Memphis, Riley and I cherish the time we have together in the beauty of The Lord by the river!

The desire to travel the world embarks your mind on an adventure to create places and people beyond the branches. (pun intended)

Inspired by Narnia, create your own Narnia.

The smiles of people inspire me to capture such simple joy.

Just dug a three foot whole to bury myself at my favorite place in the world. Top it off with a kiss? Yes please!

Caught in an everlasting love with my best friend!

A gorgeous sunset in Sarasota, FL encourages me to continue living for today!

I included this picture because it almost looks like it can be in a national geographic magazine. Not to mention the rain in the rock puddle looks pretty darn cool. #GloryToGod

This picture (without editing) was chosen because it goes to show that team work makes the dream work. Even when you miss the high 5.

I chose this picture because it reminds me of superman (my favorite superhero). And, it’s my brother doing something awesome/ something I couldn’t do.

“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

What do you think? Are we too easily pleased? Or do we desire all the fullness that God has to offer us?

*Don’t forget to enter our photo contest!!!

1) Favorite use of legos: Jesus walks on water

2) Favorite interview: Bono – Grace over Karma

3) Favorite movie trailer: The Desolation of Smaug

4) Favorite (honest) movie trailer: Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

5) Favorite image: Sea is for cookie

Sea is for Cookie

We love celebrating followers of Jesus that are creatively impacting the world. Today we highlight three young men that have been doing just that, all before finishing high school.

These guys are compelled by their relationship with Jesus to offer their talents and gifts to the world. They are doing the hard work of creating art, growing in their craft, and starting companies. They are artists and entrepreneurs, and they aren’t waiting around for the “real world” to pursue their God-given dreams.

They inspire and challenge me, and I hope their example will inspire you too. Whether you’re 16 or 60, it’s never too late to get serious about following your God-given dream.

PRESTON ATTEBERY
My name is Preston Attebery. For me, my passion for graphic design started when I was in elementary school playing around with shapes in Microsoft Word. I eventually graduated to Adobe Illustrator while doing a summer internship in England a few years ago. Not long after that, I began using Instagram as a platform to share my designs. This led to freelance designing for several companies, where I actually started making money doing what I love.

I soon made enough money to kickstarter my new t-shirt brand, Indien Apparel. I noticed a real need in our culture for acceptance and approval, and I wanted to create a brand that everyone could be a part of. No matter who you are, your race, or your religion, Indien Apparel is something anyone can take part of.

KYLE SKLENAR

Hey, I’m Kyle Sklenar and I just graduated from high school. I have a heart for telling stories and a desire to see the film industry changed for the better. In the fall of 2011, I made a video for a friend that was highly recognized by a few major corporations. After seeing my work take off, I really understood that this is where the Lord wants me. He gave me a set of skills for a reason, so I need to pursue it, whatever the outcome.

Since then, I have started a production company, though I just do business under my own name (because it was too stressful to find a good company name). I now do everything from music videos to weddings to corporate interviews. If you would like to know more about me and what I do, you can go to my website.

MICHAEL SHAW

My name is Michael Shaw, I’m a recent high school graduate, and I’ve always loved stories. This passion fueled my desire to write a book. At first I just thought it’d be cool to write an intriguing novel. But after the general idea for the plot was in my head, my book “Jack in the Box” was no longer just a story to enjoy, but a message I wanted to be heard. It became a manifestation of what God has taught me through others: the value of life, and the necessity of virtue.

Finishing this book has given me confidence for what God can do in the future. One thing I’ve gleaned from this project is to be someone who pursues goals. I wanted to write a book, and so I just did it. I didn’t sit back and say “

I’m just a high-schooler.” I started writing it and finished what I started. Now I believe this mindset will be crucial to keep in the future.

1) Favorite way to change a tire: Sidewalk Skiing (this is insane!)

2) Favorite article: How to discourage Artists in the Church

3) Favorite “Flop” in NBA playoffs (or ever): 

4) Favorite TED talk: “Let’s Raise Kids to be Entrepreneurs”

5) Favorite new book trailer: “Chivalry” by Zach Hunter

A few weeks ago the company I work for announced some changes. About 700 employees work in our local office, and by the end of the month 50-70 of them would lose their jobs.

We learned about the cuts around 9:00 AM, but my team did not find out how it would directly affect us personally until 1:00pm.

Over the next four hours, several of my co-workers were understandably nervous and worried about their future. I also had random surges of doubt, but for the most part I handled it pretty well. I was asked why I didn’t seem worried, and the initial answer I gave was something like this:

“I’ve done my best over the past year, and now there is nothing I can do to change their decision. Worrying won’t change a thing, and I actually believe that God will take care of me.”

Upon deeper reflection, however, I have recognized three key reasons I wasn’t too worried. I believe these three things are universal for all Jesus followers, and I hope they’ll help you when you face trouble.

1) I know and believe the promises of God’s Word: 

Scripture is full of God’s promises, and they are all for the good of those who love Him. He even promises to use the pain in our life for good! When it came right down to it, I genuiunely believe the promises and commands about worry found in Matthew 6:25-36 and Romans 8:13-39 (and many of the Psalms as well!)

Here are a couple snippets, but I strongly urge you to click the above links and read them in full:

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I think we often forget how true the Bible really is. When we actually believe the Word, however, when it truly fills our lives, we won’t have a reason to worry. We can trust that God is in control, and ultimately He will provide and meet our needs – not necessarily our temporal wants, but our eternal needs.

Why do I confidently believe the Bible? It is not blind faith, I am far too logical for that. There are several reasons I believe the Bible, but perhaps the biggest one, however, is that I read it often. The more I read it, the more it makes sense, the more inspiring I find it, and the more I become convinced that I am reading the Word of God. A great preventative measure to worry, then, is to read the Bible often.

2) I remember God’s provision in my life

I can honestly say God has always provided for us over the years. Make no mistake, it hasn’t always been easy or done in the way I planned. Eight days before our wedding, for instance, I learned that I had lost my new job before I even started. For the first four months of being married, I had zero income.

It wasn’t easy for me, I felt rather guilty and inadequate as a “provider” for my family. But through the event, I learned to persevere and trust the Lord. And in the end, I found a job that I loved and was significantly closer to home.

There was never a day where we went hungry or wondered how we would pay our crazy high summer power bills. There was frustration and even tears, but God provided through various ways and we grew closer to Him and each other through that experience.

We saw Him provide in an incredible ways again when we moved to New Zealand. We were stunned by the generosity of His people and amazed at how quickly we found jobs. None of this was because of our own doing, but clearly the work of God.

So when my company announced restructuring and job losses, I knew that even if I lost my job, God would still provide for us.

3) I know the right soundtrack:

I haven’t heard this song in a couple years, but all morning “Your Love Never Fails” played in my head. Music is special, it stays with us for years and the words of good music penetrate our hearts like nothing else.

For this reason, it is important that at least some of the music we listen to is rich in the Biblical promises of God. I don’t mean we should just listen to Christian music, in fact some “Christian” music is actually rather weak theologically, but we do need to fill our hearts with excellent music.

Because when times get tough, the songs that we sing can bring us an incredible amount of comfort. As fun as Gangnam Style can be, a stirring rendition of “It is Well With My Soul” will do far better things for our heart than anything by Psy.

Closing Thoughts:

By the end of the day, I learned my job was safe. It was a relief, but even if I had lost my job I believe things would have been OK. God is still in control, and nothing surprises Him. He loves us, He provides for us, and He is our Father.

When you actually believe that, worry becomes much less natural.

Where have you seen God provide in your life? How do you handle worry?

If you are going to live the most full life, there are practical things to be done. Here’s one…

 Remind yourself that you’re small everyday.

 This might sound self-defeating, but it’s not at all. Being small doesn’t mean insignificant, it just means living in the reality that you are one tiny part of a much greater whole.

So how do you remind yourself that you’re small? Continue Reading…

1) Favorite Karaoke: Pumpcast News (I’m a karaoke snob, but this is awesome)

2) Favorite Parents: These 24 people (the first is below…)

3) Favorite Experiment: Capuchin monkeys reject unequal pay

4) Favorite Beard: This guy

5) Favorite Car Chase: Ducks fly together