Hopefully, this will encourage me to post more often.

I hope you had a good Christmas and a happy new year.

For me, I had allowed apathy toward spiritual things and some bitterness to take root in my heart and also some unforgiveness towards some people who hurt me. They were people I trusted which made it even harder. After a long dry spell in my life, I allowed God to come in to my bitter and broken heart. The first step for me was forgiveness. Forgiving those that hurt me, asking God’s forgiveness and finally forgiving myself. Then, it felt as if that wall between God and I was finally taken down and I was able to reconnect. I truly had a desire to change. God brought Philippians 2:13 to play in my life. It says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” After surrendering all my feelings to God I finally got the “want to” back in my life.

What I’ve found out is that connecting with God has helped me find true contentment, peace and joy in my life. I also realized that I needed to spend more time connecting with God than I was with the culture (including social media).

One way you can feel more connected to God is to figure out what helps you feel close to Him. For me, it’s praying out loud while I am driving in my car. I know it sounds crazy, but it does. For one of my friends, it singing worship songs, while he plays worship songs on his guitar. For someone else it might be listening to a good sermon, spending time in nature, being silent, etc. We are all different, so connect with God the way that works best for you.

This week I am in Orlando, Florida, for the 5th Annual Convention. We have had a great time of learning and fellowship. This year we have Len and Jason from Midnight Oil Productions and David Middlebook of the Church Law Group. These are some of the best minds in church media.

I am also excited that my friend Jeremy Tuel has been able to join us as our worship leader. He is a gifted musician and has done a great job. If you were at the Convention in 2007, you may remember him.

We have one day left. Please keep us in your prayers!

A week or so ago, I had the privilege of participating in the Frederick County Chamber of Commerece’s Social Media Conference. It was a great day of learning and networking. I really enjoyed sharing what I have learned with the other people there and getting to know some really cool new people.

In an effort to make my class the best experience I could, I set up a website to post notes and links. I thought I would share it here. The link is http://smc.outofthemud.org

When you join a BNI chapter, no one else from your “profession” can join. This means that I will have 30 other people working for me as a “sales team” Anytime they hear someone talking about needing a website or help with their site, they will proactively suggest that they call me. While my web design business isn’t my primary source of income, it is very helpful and since Kristie and I are trying to get out of debt as soon as possible, I see BNI as a good tool to grow my business.

I have to finish going through the interview process next week, and will hopefully be inducted shortly there after. I’ll let you know how things go.

Lots of stuff going on in life. I am working on a lot of new client and job related websites. I am also trying to put together a presentation to teach a couple sessions on Social Networking for the Frederick Chamber of Commerce. Our house is on the market, we are trying to sell ours, so we can buy a larger home as we are looking to become foster parents for the Frederick County Department of Social Services.

Speaking of social media, here is agreat video I found to help you get yourself set up to use Twitter! Do It Now! then follow me… http://www.twitter.com/skstarkiller

I think what I admire most about it is it’s humor and simplicity. Enjoy…