I had the opportunity to connect with Cindy Fiala who is the Children’s pastor at SageBrush Community Church. Two hours seemed like a few minutes.  She is a sharp thinker, passionate, and obviously . . .a leader.

She had a list of questions that we plowed through. Last night when I was reflecting on our time, several thoughts came to my head.

1. The power of a Great Question:  How many times have you met with someone and you thought to yourself: "Really?! That is all. Nothing deeper. Nothing more substantial. Ask me anything . . .you sought me out." Cindy, she came with great questions . . .great insight . . . which lead to 2 hours feeling like minutes.
2. You never arrive:  I left feeling (not because of anything Cindy said) like, "Wow . . .we have a lot to still do."   Great questions . . . lead to self (personal – leadership – ministry) reflection.  Many of Cindy’s questions forced me to slow down and reflect.
3. Passion is Contagious: There are people that leave you feeling like you can conquer the world and others that suck the life out of you.  Cindy was one of those people that caused me to leave my office . . .in a very stressful ministry season . .. and I felt rejuvenated.  Those people . . .leaders need to have in their relational sphere.

If you are ever in Albuquerque New Mexico . . .make sure you drop by SageBrush.  It is a church that is impacting their community for Christ in a major way.

Oh . . .if you ever have an opportunity to "pick someone’s brain" . . .come prepared with great questions. The conversation . . .for all involved . . .will be life giving.)

Today is Kiara’s (my almost 6 year old . . .going on 16) Gotcha Day. Gotcah day, simply, is the day that we Celebrate her adoption.  I think about the past 5 years .  . . what an amazing journey it has been. Here are some ramblings from a thankful dad.

1. The Gift of Life . . .there is nothing more precious.
2. You think you have life figured out, God always has a better path.
3. There is no greater "JOY" (and frustration) then your kids.
4. Adoption . . . I  encourage it! Foster Care . . . I HIGHLY encourage it.  There are millions of children right here in the great USA that have no home!

The last rambling . . .I had a good friend of mine once said to me: "Chris, you will love Kiara differently than your biological child. Not greater, just differently."

You know . . .he is right.  My love for Kiara . . .is different. It is hard to explain . . . and I won’t attempt to try . . . but I am amazed daily by the gift of life.