#WORLDADOPTIONDAY is Nov 9

You are invited to join us in celebrating #WorldAdoptionDay this year. It is a day to globally celebrate families created through adoption and all those who are touched by adoption.

For the past 4 years, people around the world have put a smiley face on their hand and posted it on social media with #WorldAdoptionDay.

We’ve seen people participate from multiple countries, host events all around the world, and influencers like Ellen DeGeneres, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson Jr, Shonda Rhimes, Connie Britton and more participate.

I’d like to personally invite you to join us this year! Draw a smiley face on your hand and post a selfie on your social media account with #WorldAdoptionDay.

It’s easy, kind of fun and a great way to support a growing movement of celebrate the beauty of adoption. So, grab your sharpie and plan to post your smiley hand for #WorldAdoptionDay.

TOMS One Day Without Shoes

Today is TOMS One Day Without Shoes. My daughter, along with other students at Clinton-Massie High School, are participating in this event by going without shoes to raise awareness of children lacking access to education and good health. TOMS was started with the idea that for each pair of TOMS purchased, a pair of shoes would be given to a child in need.

One of the unique opportunities our students have today is to be as globally connected as they are. When I was in high school, the awareness of global issues was not nearly as prevalent as it is today. One Day Without Shoes is one opportunity for students to engage in making a difference in the lives of people they will most likely never meet.

One side benefit for students is that (hopefully) it makes them more grateful for the opportunities we do have. My decision this morning was not if I had shoes to wear, but what pair of shoes I would put on.

Great job to the students of Clinton-Massie and students all across the US who are participating today.

See You At The Pole 2012

Since 1990, when See You At The Pole began, students have gathered at school flag poles to pray for each other, their schools and our country. This year saw more students gather together to pray.

We encouraged our students to get to school early and pray with whoever showed up. I’ve heard reports from all three of our schools (East Clinton, Clinton-Massie and Wilmington) and each school had a prayer time. The East Clinton group had to battle the rain, but had 30+ people meet. Clinton-Massie had a similar number and Wilmington had around a dozen or more.

It’s a big step for some to gather in front of the school and I’m proud of our students and adults who took advantage of the opportunity.

See You At The Pole, while primarily a junior high and high school event, has trickled down to the elementary level. I received this picture from one of our local elementary schools who took part in SYATP. Way to go teachers and students!

Passion 2012 Live Stream

I’ve been on the live stream of Passion 2012 today as kind of the background for my day.  Passion is a gathering of literally thousands of college students at the Georgia Dome.  Not sure how many people are actually there, but the place looks packed.

Been able to listen to Chris Tomlin, David Crowder and Matt Redman lead worship and heard bits and hear Francis Chan, Beth Moore and John Piper read scripture.

One of the coolest parts was the “How Great is our God World Edition” performed live during session four.  Pretty cool.

You can watch previous session on the Passion 2012 website.  Would be a cool place to be.