The new year has come and it feels like only yesterday that I was writing my 2014 year in review. Wow, where has the year gone? Since my last year in review a lot has happened on Heartstone Journey and in my own life. There is so much I could share, but here are some highlights:

• Asked the amazing Proverbs 31 woman that God brought into my life to marry me…and she said “yes”!
• My daughter graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I’m very proud of her!
• My son is rock’n his sophomore year at UNH and landed a Technology Consultant gig in the UNH IT Department. Proud of him too!
• Kicked off the year sailing 50+ feet into the air off a ski jump on an inner tube!
• Had a long overdue summer family reunion party on my dad’s side of the family. During my dad’s visit, we celebrated our German heritage with an authentic German dinner at the Bavaria Restaurant in Hooksett, NH. Also had a chance to take him to see the horse farm where my daughter is the manager and a trainer!
• Was honored to be one of the group leaders for a 10 week series our Men’s Ministry group spearheaded at our church called, “Stepping Up”. I was encouraged to see 80+ men decide to take this journey with us to step up into Biblical manhood.
• My book Heartstone continues to open doors to radio and other great ministry opportunities such as speaking on “In It Together” (90.7 FM WLMW, Manchester, NH) on Voice America live international radio.
• Being a big medieval fan, finally got to experience King Richard’s Faire for the first time!
• Being a HUGE 80’s rock fan…saw the Scorpions for the first time in concert. Also saw Florida Georgia Line, my first country concert.
• Unplugged for a much needed getaway at Old Orchard Beach with family!
• Discovered that I have an apple tree growing in my yard and what about that blood red moon?
• Of course saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens!
• Added Security Officer and Board Finance Committee Secretary to my professional portfolio.

Here are the top four Heartstone Journey posts by category for 2015. It is always pretty cool to see which posts resonated with people the most throughout the year. Was your favorite post listed? If not, which was your favorite?

Life

• Life Is A Beautiful Struggle
• Why The Story Of Louie Zamperini Should Have Been Titled ‘Broken’
• How Becoming A Grandfather Gave Me A ‘Do Over’
• What Mary Poppins Can Teach Us About Life’s Disappointments

Faith

• 7 Things We Can Learn From Joseph When Our Life Sucks
• What Does Walter Mitty And A Fire Pit Have To Do With Finishing Strong?
• How Miserable Christians Can Get “Life” Back In Their Lives
• Are You A Christian Or A Disciple?

Journal

• Mirror Mirror On The Wall
• 3 Life Lessons From A Falling Leaf
• The Shocking Truth Of Settling For Less Than God’s Best
• Every Young Woman’s Battle

Leadership

• 4 Characteristics Of Authentic Manhood
• What The Movie Gladiator Can Teach Us About Ourselves!
• Why We Need More Sheepdogs And Less Hashtags!
• How To Become A Navy Seal Without Joining The Military

Community

• My Top 10 Quotes From Andrew Murray
• Men, It’s Time To Take A Stand Against Pornography!
• How I Organized My Life For Maximum Efficiency
• What Most Millionaires and the Apostle Paul Have in Common

Here is a view of some of the big trends and events of 2015 from the social sphere:

Google

Facebook

https://vimeo.com/148313339

…and here is Twitter’s Year in Review!

Now that you’ve spent some time navigating through highlights hand picked from the major social networks, I wanted to share some thoughts that I encourage you to take with you into the new year.

The themes in the “year in review” videos are very real and very sobering. I don’t think there’s any doubt that the culture in this country has dramatically shifted as we continue to embrace an immoral, sinful, godless worldview that rejects Jesus. Christianity is under siege with relentless bombardment from every aspect of society; the halls of government, the media and the education system — to name a few. The very idea of a public expression of the Christian faith stimulates an unprecedented anger and rage from people.

The tough reality is that we are living in a culture that continues to rapidly shift from God’s design to a post modern culture worldly design. In the midst of this shift, whats left of humanity continues to be wounded, twisted, smashed and shattered. I doubt I have to convince you of this. The brokenness of this world is constantly on display all around us and yes, even within us. We are living every day in the consequences of this broken world, but God is still in control and at work in the midst of the madness.

There is a lot to be afraid of in our unstable, volatile world today. It seems that at every turn, we hear about another horrific tragedy happening in our world. It can cause us to be terrified. John Eldredge shares that the Story we live in is one of beauty and intimacy and adventure, a Story of danger and loss and heroism and betrayal — but you were created for such a time as this. Be strong. Be courageous. Lean into Jesus and keep pressing on in this ever growing God-less culture. Followers of Jesus Christ, Daniel did it and so can you!

“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done marvelous things!”—Joel 2:21

As 2016 comes into focus, think about effecting change through the power of your choices. Will you live in fear? Will you be strong and courageous? What are you going to live for? Who are you going to live for? People have slipped into a mind numbing apathy and have lost sense of the power of their choices and the ripple effect they can have on the atmosphere around them. Everything we do impacts the world around us and everything we do in life echoes in eternity!

For me…I am going to choose joy over fear. I am choosing to be strong and courageous. I am choosing to live for the renewal of everything by the hope that I have in Jesus Christ! Will you bend to the values of this world culture or will you MANUP?