Things that are Excellent

A regular feature that celebrates “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

A Beard for a Baby

by Larry Hehn on June 1, 2013

If you’ve been hanging around Christian in the Rough over the past few weeks, no doubt you noticed I’m in the process of letting my beard grow.

Back in February I posted 5 reasons why, but I’m now pleased to announce an absolutely awesome sixth reason. Whether you are able to grow your own beard or not, you can join the fun and support a great cause in the process!

DJ and Courtney Hofmann are looking to realize their dream of adopting a baby from South Korea, and they have come up with a very creative way of raising funds – a Beard-a-thon!

I’m pleased to join more than 20 other men who have pledged to grow their beards from June 1 to December 1 in support of DJ and Courtney’s quest.

Here’s where we need your help.

International adoption costs thousands of dollars. I’m looking for at least 10 friends to help DJ and Courtney by pledging $10 per month for every month my beard grows. That comes to a $60 donation for the full six months.

If monthly sponsorship isn’t quite your thing, but you wish to make a one-time pledge, that’s ok too. Either way, just visit the Support a Beard page to make your donation.

Through showing support for your favorite bearded man, you can also help a couple achieve their dream of adopting a child from South Korea.

The whole idea kind of grows on you, doesn’t it?

On behalf of DJ and Courtney, thank you for your support! Stay tuned for monthly updates.

Find out more about DJ and Courtney Hofmann’s story or show support for your favorite beard.

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Things that are Excellent – Financial Peace University

by Larry Hehn on November 16, 2012

Imagine what it would be like to be debt free. For my wife and me, breaking free from our debt seemed an impossible dream. Until we were introduced to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.

Dave Ramsey’s program has already helped us pay off tens of thousands of dollars in debt. It has set us on the path to becoming debt free.

No, this is not an infomercial. This is not an affiliate marketing endorsement. I don’t have any ties with Dave Ramsey.

My wife and I have simply applied the Financial Peace University principles to our finances and seen amazing results. I want others to experience the same freedom.

About ten years ago, I went three straight years without full-time, permanent employment. We lived off credit cards and the charity of others, especially my parents. I dug a huge financial hole for our family.

To make things worse, my wife and I were on completely different pages when it came to money. She was what Dave Ramsey calls a “free spirit”. I went to bed every night with a knot in my stomach, wondering how we were going to pay for everything.

Thanks to Financial Peace University, we reached a mutual understanding of our finances and how we wanted to handle them.

The Financial Peace University program breaks down the changes you need to make into manageable, measurable baby steps. Biblical principles are used to support the ideas espoused in this program.

It isn’t always easy. It requires discipline and some lifestyle changes. But the results are well worth it. We have gone from barely treading water to dramatically reducing our debt every year. At last, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not an oncoming train!

As we become better stewards of our finances, not only has a lot of stress disappeared, but we have also experienced the joy of giving more to worthy causes, another principle of FPU.

It will be a while before we are debt free, but we are headed in the right direction. Thanks, Dave and Financial Peace University. You are excellent!

What would change in your life if you were debt free?

Things that are Excellent is a regular feature that celebrates “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). If you have a feature idea or a guest post that you would like to submit, let us know in the comments below or email your ideas to: excellent@larryhehn.com

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Things that are Excellent – I am Second

by Larry Hehn on November 2, 2012

I first encountered I am Second more than two years ago, when Anne Rice announced that she had just “quit being a Christian.” (Remember that?)

While researching a post, I discovered a video testimony of hers at the I am Second website. The format, the depth of the video, and the overall concept of the site drew me in.

Simple yet powerful, I am Second featured the video testimony of a broad range of people, all sharing their unique story from the seat of a modest, white chair.

A seed was planted.

Today I help direct the men’s ministry at my church. Every year we pray and choose a theme, a focus for our ministry year. Our theme for this year is “What’s Your Story?”

On the third Saturday of every month, the men of our church gather to share a breakfast, and to hear someone speak about an aspect of our year’s theme.

We’re just two months into our season, and I’m already very thankful for our theme and the blessing that it’s been.

There’s something so powerful about hearing someone’s testimony, how Jesus has worked and continues to work in their life. It’s liberating to discover that you are not alone in your struggles, your doubts, your fears.

A couple of the guys from our church family have spoken already, and more will be speaking over the next few months. But we also share a video testimony from I am Second at each breakfast. Why?

Because they enlighten. They encourage. They resonate.

“Those who are featured on the site (called ‘Seconds’) graciously lend their names and stories to be shared so that others might be inspired to find the same freedom and sense of purpose they have found in Jesus. While some of the ‘Seconds’ may be well-known for their jobs or achievements, others are just local believers who transparently tell of overcoming struggles through Jesus.” – from the I am Second website, ‘Who We Are’

More than just a collection of videos, I am Second is, as it says, ”a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others.” Excellent!

For more information, visit iamsecond.com.

Whose testimony has had a positive effect on your life?

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Things that are Excellent: Kid President

by Larry Hehn on October 20, 2012

As a Canadian, I haven’t been as absorbed in the presidential race as most of my friends south of the border. However, today I discovered a candidate who would definitely garner my vote.

If you haven’t heard of him yet, allow me to introduce you to Kid President.

The first thing that struck me about this charming young man is how much he reminds me of my old friend Ian. I didn’t know Ian as a kid, but I bet he was just like Kid President. Ian has that rare combination of humor, charm and integrity that make him instantly lovable.

Kid President oozes charisma, plus he has some sound wisdom to share as well. Just a couple of my favorite Kid President quotes:

“It’s everybody’s duty to give the world a reason to dance.”

“If it doesn’t make the world better – don’t do it.”

But don’t just take my word for it. Check out this video – Kid President’s Guide To Being A Party:

I wonder if this is what Jesus was talking about when he said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) Kid President, you are a breath of fresh air.

I may be Canadian, but you still have my vote!

How can you “be more awesome”?

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Things that are Excellent – Black Sheep HDFC

by Larry Hehn on October 17, 2012

Black Sheep Motorcycle Ministry “If Satan rode into town he’d be on a Harley. But so would Jesus.” – billboard ad for Harley-Davidson

Pastor Marty Edwards’ Heritage Softail had a flat tire, so he called his local Harley-Davidson dealership to come and pick it up for repair.

The dealership sent young Michael Butters with a truck to pick up the bike. As the two men rode back to the dealership, Marty felt led to speak to Michael about Jesus. However, he shied away and didn’t bring it up.

One week later, Michael was killed on his way in to work when his motorcycle was hit by a truck.

News of Michael’s untimely death shook Marty, and caused him to consider the importance of that missed conversation. He went to the dealership and asked if there was anything he could do.

Owner Rich Quaid opened up the dealership to Marty, who spoke and prayed with the employees. Those conversations marked the birth of a ministry.

Pastor Marty (aka ‘Slow Dog’) and some of his friends from church (The Lamb’s Fellowship) started riding together. Since they were often teased about being the “black sheep” of The Lamb’s Fellowship, the name stuck.

While there are many Christian motorcyle ministries out there, Black Sheep is unique in that it is focused on H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) members. After all, Harley riders are a unique breed who tend to keep to themselves. Who better to speak into their lives than fellow riders?

In the words of Slow Dog himself, “After 30 years of ministry in the local church, Christ has called me to rally the tens of thousands of Harley riders whose lives have been committed to Christ, to organize and strategically reach out to other riders with the Good News and compassion of Jesus Christ.”

From its humble beginnings in Southern California in 1999, Black Sheep: Harley-Davidsons for Christ has grown to include chapters in 27 states and five countries.

Black Sheep HDFC’s mission – “To introduce Jesus Christ to the world of motorcycle riders, for the purpose of making more and better disciples through the ministry of the local church.” – is (you guessed it!) excellent.

And to think that it all started with a flat tire…

I don’t own a Harley. Yet. But when I do, I want to be a Black Sheep.

If you could choose any Harley, which would you ride? (my pick is the Night Rod Special!)

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