#LiveFully

Kreativ Blogger Awards: 8 Great Blogs that Can Help You #LiveFully

Evan Forester — October 5, 2012

A few months ago I was given a Kreativ Blogger Award Nomination because of this site. This is as close to winning an Oscar as I’ll ever get, so I am quite honored. Now, just to be clear…this isn’t something that’s voted on, this is one where EVERYONE is a winner! It’s a great way to recognize and spread blogging love.

Here’s what nominees do:

Thank the person who nominated you
Share a list of seven things about yourself.
Nominate seven favorite blogs/bloggers for recognition.

Pretty simple, and pretty cool too. Because now you’ll get to learn about 8 great blogs around the web that I believe can help you #LiveFully. Continue Reading…

In #stories

Justin Bieber’s Mom Shares Her Secret on Finding Life Satisfaction

Brian Burchik — October 3, 2012

If you have been alive the last few years, then you’ve at least heard of Justin Bieber. This pop singer is the most famous 18 year old on the planet, and one of the richest as well, with a net worth well over 100 million dollars.

But more impressive than his career and bank account is the character and maturity Justin has displayed through his acceleration into stardom. It’s said “behind every great man stands a great woman.”

Behind this pop icon stands his mother, Pattie Mallette. She’s not tall in stature (just 4 feet 8 inches) but as a woman and mother she’s making a giant impact.

In the new book Nowhere but Up Pattie shares her spiritual journey out of depression (which included a failed suicide attempt) and into an authentic relationship with Jesus. This changed everything in her life.

This recent interview with Access Hollywood includes how her relationship with God began as well as how it changed her perspective on sexuality and relationships.

While we might be tempted to think having a rich and famous son brings life fulfillment, this incredible woman is proof that the full life can only through relationship with Christ. Although her depression happened before Justin’s fame, even today, she still clings to her ultimate hope of Jesus.

Keep shining for God Pattie, your life and story is making a huge difference and advancing God’s Kingdom! #LiveFully

Follow her on Twitter: @PattieMallette
Check out her book on Amazon: Nowhere but Up

In #culture

#Interview: David Wenzel

Brian Burchik — October 1, 2012

David Wenzel lives and works in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today, he’s an Idea Architect for his content development firm RobinHood Ink. He’s also one of 6 contributors for the new book “Inciting Incidents” by Moody Publishing Company.

In 2009, David was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, yet he continues to fight on with a faith in a God who heals. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged by his thoughts on faith, suffering, and the Millennial generation.

#LF: How has your diagnosis changed your own relationships with God and others.

I must say that I thought the hardest part would be the beginning after the diagnosis and then my relationships would unfold in a much more simple and beautiful way. They didn’t. The first few months I was surrounded by a lot of love. Things were simple. And later on the relationships got complicated.

At first, even the opportunity of another day really excited me. But right now, it’s different. I suppose that after the excitement / trauma / immediate actions take place, it all washes away and you realize that it all boils down to you and God, with a little help from whatever honest community you have allowed around you. Continue Reading…

In #stories

Five Funny Videos Under Fifteen Seconds

Evan Forester — September 28, 2012

Here at #LiveFully, we believe that you should #LaughFully. While these videos may not be precisely 15 seconds, they are all worth your time. Laughter is essential to the full life, so laugh it up:

Attack of the tiny lizard:

Technology Can Be Frightening:

In #culture

What Steve Jobs Teaches Us About Living Fully

Evan Forester — September 26, 2012

Steve Jobs had some amazing quotes. This one in particular sticks out to me:

I want to put a ding in the universe -Steve Jobs

“I want to put a ding in the universe.” So simple, yet so profound.

There are two reasons I love this quote:

1) It is a truly remarkable dream. A ding in the universe is a pretty big dent on Earth. Jobs set high goals for himself, and invited others to join him.

2) He actually did it. Putting a ding in the universe was more than just an inspirational quote for him, it was a way of life. He actually worked hard and persevered for years to leave his mark. Most of the time, I think we settle and just leave our dreams in the distance as, well, dreams.

You Can Do This:

You can achieve your dream, whatever it may be. Maybe you just want to put a ding in your small hometown, that is still a noble and worthwhile goal. But it will take hard work and perseverance.

A major part of our vision is impacting culture/the world/the universe. Making a difference is essential to living the full life.

First, you have to identify your dream and sphere of influence.
Secondly, you have to go after it with everything you’ve got.

How do you want to make a ding in the universe?

*Image from WeKnowMemes

In #defined apple, change, difference, ding, goals, quotes, Steve Jobs, universe

#Story: Peace of Thread

Brian Burchik — September 24, 2012

They say that no one in today’s world watches videos that are over 2 minutes. That’s not true (i.e. Kony 2012- 30 minutes long and over 92 million views), and I am going to highly encourage you to check out today’s featured story (that’s only 9 minutes). Take time to hear the story of Peace of Thread, I assure you it’s worth it.

My wife Erin, along with teams of committed students and adults, have spent the last several years investing in Clarkston, Georgia, which is home to refugee families from all over the world. At one point it literally contained the most diverse square mile in America.

Peace of Thread is a stunning fruit of these efforts. As a local, not-for-profit organization, Peace of Thread empowers women who have come to the United States seeking refuge from war, persecution & poverty to make a new life for themselves and their families.

You can connect with Peace of Thread on Facebook. Even better, check out their hand-made, high quality and one-of-a-kind accessories in the Peace of Thread Store.

In #stories

#LiveFully #Music: The Avett Brothers

Evan Forester — September 19, 2012

I love the Avett Brothers.

It’s true. They may not be considered “pop sensations,” but their music is incredible, their lyrics are fantastic, and they’ve developed quite a following. They recently released a brand new album, The Carpenter, and I suggest you check it out (or any of their albums for that matter).

Perhaps the main reason I love these guys is they are great examples of what it means to #LiveFully. Here’s why… Continue Reading…

In #culture

The First #LiveFully eBook!

Evan Forester — September 17, 2012

Over the last couple weeks, we’ve slowly rolled out our new eBook. We sent it, free, to all of our subscribers first. Then we mentioned it briefly in a post and added a square about it on the right sidebar. Now, it is time to announce it with a megaphone! (imagine an echo effect here)

Here are 10 great reasons why you should get your hands on a copy of it:

1) It is short and meant to be read in one sitting. Later, you can impress your friends and family by telling them you read an entire book in one day.

2) While it may be short, it targets a central and core theological issue. It’s short, but it’s deep. Continue Reading…

In #Updates

Does God Actually Owe You Anything?

Evan Forester — September 14, 2012

As people, we often believe God owes us something. We go to church, do a couple of good deeds, and then expect God to return the favor.

In high school, I had a friend who was convinced he won poker because he “went to church.” Another friend of mine once explained that because of his faithfulness to God and purity, he would land a really awesome wife. Every time I am running late to something spiritual (like a discipleship group I’m leading) and a catch a red light, I get annoyed with God. “Come on! I’m trying to be spiritual here. Throw me some help.”

I recently read a parable (Luke 17:7-10 if you’re interested) that discussed how we think God owes us something for our “service” to Him. Essentially, Jesus calls it foolish when we think God is indebted to us. And there are good reasons for this. Continue Reading…

In #defined blessing, God, Luke, parable

“The New Normal” on T.V. and in Church

Brian Burchik — September 11, 2012

Last night was the sneak peak of the new NBC sitcom “The New Normal,” and tonight will be the premier. Created by the same makers of Glee, this show portrays a relationally diverse family setting, with different generations, personalities, and sexual orientations.

I watched the sneak peak, where “abnormal is the new normal” and “normal is starting over.”

The title is bold, and over the fall the series will certainly attempt to shape and define what constitutes “normal” in the family unit today. Personally I don’t think T.V. is the best place to look for that, but regardless this show will influence people’s perspectives with a level of impact soon to be determined. Continue Reading…

In #culture