One of our very own, Jami Montagnino, is in Italy right now trying out for the Italian Women’s National Basketball Team. She has made the first big cut, and is working hard to make the final team of 12 women. This girl has so much heart and has passionate dreams to be used by God! Check out these pics she sent my way, and this testimony about the Second Mile…

“I actually finished [The Second Mile] on my first week of training camp with this team. One part specifically stuck out in my mind… my only real hindrance with the game of basketball is in between my ears. It was actually your chapter on Humility that brought something to the front of my mind and really helped out with how I view myself as a player and in some ways as a person. What I got out of it was that our confidence in what we can and cannot do should not have to do with what we ourselves are capable of. I should always have confidence in myself because my opportunities and my strength thankfully come from a much larger source. It’s helped it be a little easier for me to KNOW that I’m a good player and a great shooter because I’m in this situation for a huge reason that I don’t fully understand yet. And I know that I’m supposed to be apart of something bigger than I’m capable of, and He wants me to be my absolute best possible. I know it’s weird, but your chapter on Humility helped me with my confidence. God’s funny sometimes.”

It’s truly been an amazing week–I feel so blessed it’s not even fair!

When I look at all the people God has placed in my life–my incredible family, some ridiculously funny friends, an awesome church–I’m so grateful. The words “Thank you, God” seem so small it’s embarrassing stacked up to the size of His goodness poured out on me.

Sunday marked a milestone for Rachel and me–we celebrated 12 years of marriage! After chasing her for 4 years, I finally convinced her to say “Yes” at the tender age of 19 (a fact Alexa reminds me of often). I still can’t believe Rachel’s dad let me marry her that young…Alexa won’t be allowed to date until she’s 35!!!

With the help of some family and friends, Rachel and I rolled to New Orleans to spend a beautiful evening by ourselves without kids–which kinda felt weird at first. As we rehearsed our remarkable 12-year journey together, I asked Rachel an important question: “Babe, in all the years we’ve been together, have you ever once thought about divorce?” She thought for a moment and responded, “Divorce? No. Murder…Yes!”

You gotta love what 12 years can do!!!!

Today Trevor turns 1 year old. We are rockin’ his first birthday in Nashville with Chuck E. Cheese and Friends! There is nothing that I love more than seeing this boy grow up. He is looking more handsome every day-just like his dad. Actually, I very much aware that my kids are so gorgeous because of their beautiful mom! I am extremely blessed.

I had a cool opportunity today. It was the 1st time I have ever reported to an NFL Training Camp. The coaching staff of the Tennessee Titans asked me to show some of my skills to inspire their players for this upcoming season. It was kind of embarrassing having the biggest biceps in the locker room. Ha Ha!

Actually, Kevin let me tag along as the Titans started training camp today. It was a day full of agility runs and bench press tests. The team looks strong and Kevin was impressive; 37 years old, 278 lbs with 16.7 percent body fat, 7 reps of 315 and 2 300 yard shuttles in under 60 seconds each!! Go Titans!

This was a defining weekend for our church. Close to 1000 Kingdom Builders came out to for a breakfast event that was inspiring and faith-building. Chris Caine delivered an incredible message as she challenged the house to keep sacrificing & continue believing God. Probably my favorite part of the morning was the tour of the 127,000 sq ft HPC arena. It was amazing to see progress of this facility—all for His glory!

Weekend services were powerful, the altars were packed, 12,000 Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers were given out, and gallons of Cane’s special sauce and Sweet Tea were consumed!

After 48 full-on hours of serving we were wiped out and ready for a little down time. Sunday evening, The Haman Five headed to Nashville to hang out with some of our closest friends the Mawaes. I am looking forward to soaking up some time with my family and some great friends.