Almost Isn’t Good Enough

During Christmas break I took the time to read Wayne Elsey’s new book “Almost Isn’t Good Enough.” Wayne is the Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls a highly successful non-profit organization that exists to distribute shoes to people in need all around the world.

I have to say that I have had the privilege of meeting Wayne and was just as impressed with him as I was his new book. He’s the kind of person that inspires and challenges you to go further and dream bigger. If you are comfortable with the status quo of life in general then you probably don’t want to meet Wayne or read this book because he has a way of stretching you.

Wayne is what I like to call the “real deal.” He lives what he believes and with great passion. His new book is straight forward, challenging, and practical. I believe it’s a must read for those in the non-profit world as well as leaders in general. Wayne is a proven leader and gives refreshing insight into the success he has found in the non-profit world.

“Anyone and everyone has the opportunity to do something in life that matters and makes a difference in the lives of others” states Elsey.

One hundred percent of all book proceeds will benefit Soles4Souls. With the purchase of each book at least 10 pairs of shoes will be delivered to someone in need and you can even pick where your shoes go - very cool! You can visit the following site to learn more; GiveShoes.org/kicks

I love learning from people like Wayne Elsey and am thankful for the hope he continues to bring into the lives of those in need through a pair of shoes. I hope you will read his book and I hope you will join him on his crusade to put shoes on the 300 million people around the world that live without them. I for one believe he can do it.

I love Creativity!

I love creativity.

Well, here’s a video from North Point Community Church’s iBand that brings the creativity and cutting edge technology from Apple together with some of the most creative Christ followers on the planet.

Thank you Andy Stanley for creating a culture of creativity among the people you pastor!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s a recipe for one of my favorite soups. I first tried Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden and loved it. So, after a bit of research and some trial and error I came up with a recipe I really like - and my girls love it as well!

I always double this recipe so that we can have leftovers. This is one dish that seems to taste even better the next day.

1/3 cup butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb. of chicken -(I use an entire bag of chicken breast- boil then cut into chunks)
1/3 cup flour
1 to 2 carrots - cut into thin strips or shredded
1/4 onion shredded - I like to use a sweet onion
1/2 bag frozen spinach
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream or half and half
3 chicken bullion cubes
Cracked pepper to taste
one bag of Gnocchi - I usually find these at Kroger & Target

I start by boiling my chicken so that it can cool enough to be cut into strips.

I then prepare the onions, carrots, celery (you can also add mushrooms if you like). I blanch them in two cups of water in a separate pot. Add salt, pepper, and bullion cubes.

In my large soup pot I met the butter - add the garlic and sautee - add the chicken making sure it is coated in the butter. Then add the flour and mix well until the flour is cooked into the chicken (be careful not to let anything stick to the bottom of your pot at this point). Next, add the heavy cream and milk -stirring frequently. After this warms well, I add the gnocchi, the blanched vegetables, and the spinach. Sometimes I will add water at the end if I’m wanting to stretch the soup.

We serve with garlic bread sticks.

Change is in the air!

That’s right, big changes are in store for the Wilson family! Mainly, my job responsibilities are changing. In July, I completed my work with the Go10Walk campaign and just before it completed I accepted a staff position with an established NGO (Non-Government Organization). I will be working as the State Side Administrator. This position will allow our family to remain in Nashville, TN - something we had been praying about for many months.

As a result of my new position, this blog will be going away within the next 5 to 7 days. I will establish a new blog which you can find out about on my facebook and twitter pages soon. Thank you for your prayers and support over the past several years. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and hope you will join me in impacting lives around the world!