Thanksgiving, baby poop and balling with Toby Mac.

There’s nothing like being in the story of Jesus.

Nothing. Go all in. Seriously, do it. Risk. Trust. Wait. Suffer. You’ll never regret it. Ever.

This has been an incredible year for my family and I and we like many of you, have so much to be thankful for. Here are a few of the biggest highlights...

* The baby: (by the way, if you missed the video announcement, check it here)

I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever anticipated something so much. I literally cannot, cannot wait to meet this baby. I don’t know if I go a day without picturing that little dread head African American (literally i.e Me = African, Ashley = American) trotting around. I even look forward to changing poop diapers, that's how excited I am.

Love my wife more than I ever have. Want her more than I ever have. BFF. And my daughter, well, she’s growing fast but she still loves daily hugs and kisses from dad so I'm thankful for that.

Jesus, you’re too much! Thank you for these wonderful gifts.

* My Job:

I know everyone that works in a church would probably say this but in all sincerity, I’m convinced I work with one of the best teams in the world.

Even a lamp would want to be a part of this team if you came to one staff meeting.

I never thought I could laugh so much at work while being stretched further than I ever imagined. LOVE MY JOB AND CHURCH and love the young adult community God is raising through SOMA.

* The tour:

Not gonna lie I was freaking a little bit about this one (tour with Toby Mac & Jamie Grace) cause you just never know how people will be.

Long story shorter, Toby, his band and Jamie Grace were the nicest people in the world but more importantly, they all really love Jesus.

I had an absolute blast serving the Kingdom of God with them and if you haven’t heard, I got to play basketball with Toby Mac.

I know its hard for some of you to believe (cause I’m black and obviously so athletic) but I don’t play basketball. I’ve never played more than a full game before this tour. I’m terrible.

But when I asked face-book if I should accept Toby’s invite to play basketball with his band, my wife and all my face-book friends voted yes so I did.

And what do you know? I was like Michael Jordan out there. Check out the video!

(by the way, if you haven't already, please connect with me on face-book) 

* You:

I mean this. Thank you. I would have given up on this blog a long time ago were it not for your constant readership, engagement in comments and consistent encouragements. Talked to a guy who works with authors for a living and he said he was blown away by what's happening on this blog.

That's NOT a testament to me. There are lots of great content on the internet. What blew him away was the community on here. You. Thank you so much for reading, commenting and sharing. You guys are the best. Please leave a comment today so I can personally thank you.

Jesus is so, so good to me and I'm thankful because I don't deserve anything on this list. I don't always act like that but when I'm back to my senses, I know I don't deserve any of it. All because of his grace.

I'm guessing you've got some blessings you don't deserve either so let's hear it.

2 questions for today:

1. What are you thankful for?
2. If you could play basketball with anyone, who would you pick? (feel free to compliment my awesome skills too if you want. Haha)