When I saw the book title Kill the Spider, I knew this was an author I wanted to talk to. 

I got the chance to meet author, speaker, former worship leader Carlos Whittaker at Catalyst Atlanta a few weeks ago. His passion for God and leading people to God's truths is palpable. I enjoyed every minute of our conversation.

Apparently Carlos's family is famous for a viral video of his kids singing "Single Ladies"—and the tears that were involved! It's cute. He used to led worship at Andy Stanley’s Buckhead Church, one of North Point Ministries’ six campuses. He released albums. And he once had the opportunity to lead worship at the White House for President Barack Obama on Easter. 

But then his life took a turn. After leaving worship ministry to focus on writing and speaking, there were some hidden parts of his spiritual life that he hadn't addressed. His fall and his climb back is the story he shares in his new book. I got to talk with him about finding true freedom and being a leader onstage and off. 

So grateful that a publication I recently learned about, Faithfully Magazine, published my interview with Carlos. They discuss topics and perspectives that everyone, especially followers of Christ, needs to read. I became an instant fan of their writing, their topics, and their candid look at faith. 

Me and Amena at the Catalyst conference

Hey friends. I had the chance to guest post on a friend's blog this week, so I want to send you over there to read it. 

I became friends with author Jacqueline Holness in my magazine editor days. She was a monthly columnist for The Lookout, discussing Christians and Culture. Jackie has a blog After the Altar Call where she posts reviews of media, interviews with celebrities, and conversations about culture. When I visited ATL recently, I got to see her again in person—what a blessing! Jackie graciously allowed me to share my interview with Amena Brown with her readers.

At Catalyst Atlanta a few weeks ago, I got to meet Amena Brown, spoken word artist and author of a new book, How to Fix a Broken Record. She felt like a friend after two minutes of conversation. We talked and laughed about truth in art, the broken records our country needs to address, and friends you can snot in front of! So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

In conclusion, your assignments are: Read my guest post. Read Jackie's stuff. Read more about Amena Brown. Read it all and enjoy!

“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run." —Forrest Gump

As a child of the '80s, in elementary school we were part of the D.A.R.E. program. If you don't know (now you know), the Drug Abuse Resistance Education involved police officers visiting schools each week for several months, presenting a curriculum designed for us to Just Say No. 

One of the activities our D.A.R.E. officer invited us to do (I guess as an alternative to drugs?) was join him and some teachers after school in a running group. I generally liked trying new sports, so I thought why not. I got into running, did a 5K with my dad, and went on to run jr. high track. But by high school, I'd moved past that interest. 

Fast forward two decades later. Living smack dab on the path of Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon, we watch gobs of runners traverse our city's hills. My husband gets inspired to try it out. I think he's crazy but cheer him on.

Next our daughter gets inspired by Dad. In first grade she wants to join the running club at her school. I sign her up. Yet a parent has to run with young ones. No problem because of the aforementioned marathoner in our household. Except work gets busy, and he can't make it. Who ends up running? ME!

So I blame my child for my resurgence in the running world. But running at a kiddo's pace wasn't too bad. I worked myself back up to huff and puff along a 5K race with her. (Thanks again to the Flying Pig weekend in our city. It gets everyone excited!)

My competitive nature then pushes me to try more. Looking for a new exercise outlet, I gave myself a goal and signed up for the inaugural Queen Bee Half Marathon in 2014, again right in our neighborhood. And I survived! 

So I've kept running. Some longer, some shorter races. Even through a collapsed lung and subsequent surgery, I eventually got back out and kept running.

Coming soon on November 4 I'll tackle my fourth half marathon. It's in Indianapolis, so at least it's flatter than Cincinnati. I wasn't sure if I was ready to tackle another, but the training has kept me moving, given me a goal. I've learned a few things on my runs:

• I can survive running in 30ish-degree temps. It just takes guts and the right clothes (and Athleta makes some cute, warm options).
• I sweat more than I used to. Is that an age thing? Sorry, TMI!
• I run better to podcasts than music. Give me a good host and a compelling story, and the miles fly by. I've learned about so many topics this way.
• I love my city. Putting steps to pavement helps me appreciate different nuances of it, finding nooks and crannies that you can't see when driving by.
• God made a beautiful world. I'm thankful he's given me the opportunity and ability to be out in it.  

Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash