Who's in Your Social Network?

Online social networking is just a normal part of life for most teens, but many discover too late that uncritical participation can lead to distorted relationships and even stunted personal character.  Pam Stenzel, internationally known motivational speaker who is an abstinence advocate and youth expert that speaks to over 500,000 youth each year, says, “We are immerse in a society driven by technology…From the time you get up in the morning to the minute you fall asleep at night, you are bombarded with media.” But, Stenzel poses the question, “What do you choose to watch/listen to?” The statistics for how much time our youth are spending on social networking and modern media is alarming. On average, the number of hours of media consumed per day is 7.5 hours. When “multitasking” is included, the number jumps to 10 hours and 45 minutes!

In her new book, Who’s In Your Social Network? (Regal, January 2012), Stenzel addresses the need to reevaluate what type of media we are allowing ourselves to be exposed to, and ask ourselves the question, “Is this helping me to glorify God, or am I just trying to be part of the “in crowd.” She also reminds us that our time is precious, and while social networking in and of itself, isn’t bad, we need to be careful to use it in moderation and to make sure there is a good balance in our lives. Her hope for this book is that it bring healing to your past and help raise awareness for the future; to no longer see the media as something to fear or question, but rather feel empowered to make healthy choices and used media for your benefit and HIS glory.

Who’s In Your Social Network? will identify and discuss the following issues:

• Online bullying
• Sexting and Pornography
• Who we should and shouldn’t invite into our social network?
• Video gaming—when fantasy turns to reality
• How to make sure we use modern media in a way that glorifies God

To listen to my conversation with Pam click here.  To hear my previous interview with her click here.

Be Exceptional at One Big Thing

One of my favorite movies is City Slickers.  The following scene made the biggest impact on me:



Olympic athlete's pursue one purpose; they know what they are born to do - win the gold!  Author, speaker and filmmaker Phil Cooke calls that purpose, "One Big Thing."

Phil helps you discover what you were meant to do with your life; how to identify what your one big thing is in his latest book, One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do.  He shows how to discover the one thing that can change the world, along with the steps you need to help you along.

For everyone who's been pulled in different directions, born with multiple abilities, or just wondered what to do with their lives, Phil offers answers. And if your purpose isn't clear he suggest starting by answering these questions:

• What comes easy for you?
• What do you love?
• What drives you crazy?
• What do you want to leave behind?

"This isn't about productivity," he says. "What's the one single step that will start you on the journey to making your dream happen? Whatever it is, it's time to take it. Make it small, make it ugly, make it rough - just take it."

To listen to my conversation with Phil about his book click here.

Phil Cooke has been a change agent for millions of people all over the world (including me!) through his work in television and media.  He lectures throughout the country and has spent the past 30 years advising many of the world's largest organizations.  He has appeared on MSNBC, CNBC, CNN and FOX News.  You can read his blog on change, culture, and media at www.philcooke.com.

Jamie Nieto - Olympian and Actor

I had the privilege of interviewing Jamie Nieto, an actor, 2-time Olympian, and professional track and field athlete. But most of all he is a follower of Jesus Christ.  Jamie is competing in London games in the high jump (which he qualified on Sunday) but at the same time sharing his faith with athletes from around the world. To listen to our conversation click here or scroll down to the player.

He is also in the movie Jerusalem Countdown that stars Davis A.R. White, Jaci Velasquez, Randy Travis, Stacy Keach and Lee Majors.  The movie was adapted from a novel by John Hagee of the same title, and highlights the reality of an inevitable conflict between Israel and Islam.

Story Synopsis
With Middle East in turmoil, Israel's preeminent ally is thrust into an impending war, America is now the target as the battle for Jerusalem begins.  Nuclear weapons are smuggled into America and Senior FBI agent, Shane Daughtry (White) is faced with the impossible task of finding them before they are detonated.

The clock is ticking and the only people who can help are a washed up arms dealer (Majors), a converted Mossad agent (Keach) and a by-the-book- CIA agent (Travis).  Nuclear holocaust on American soil threatens global stability and the impending destruction of the world is coming to fruition in this film of international terror and suspense.  Jerusalem Countdown is a "24-ish" nail-biter that will have you on the edge of your seat.  A "can't miss" movie now available on DVD from Pure Flix Entertainment.

I AM Changes Who i am

In John's Gospel he shares the personality and power of Jesus through His miracles and the "I AM" statements.  When we have a better understanding of those seven I AM statements coupled with His miracles, we understand Christ more and our lives are never the same.


Gregg Matte, pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church in Texas, has released a new book, I AM Changes Who i am, and in this work he reaffirms the idea that ultimately, "Who Jesus is changes who I am, what Jesus does changes what I am to do."

The I AM statements Gregg covers are:

• I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48, 51)
• I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12)
• I AM the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)
• I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)
• I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
• I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
• I AM the True Vine (John 15:1)

To listen to my conversation with Gregg Matte please click here or scroll down.