How to get started–read this book!

If you’re looking to start anything this book is a great place to start.  Brian Tracy lays out the simple principle that everyday we should pick our hardest and most important task (the big ugly frog) and do it first (eat it).  Tracy lays out some very practical and strategic ways to start getting things done.  He is motivating, funny and helpful.  If you struggle with prioritizing tasks and putting off important items, then this book is for you.  Each short chapter lays out one of the 21 tips.  Tips like “Prepare thoroughly before you begin” seem basic, but his practical tips for desk preperation are valuable.  Several of the principles focus on motivating yourself to get started eating your frog for the day.  Overall a very quick read and immensely practical.

Leaders and Managers–this is also a great resource to equip your team.  Buy copies for everyone and discuss.  You could also have several copies on hand when this issue of prioritizing and procrastination come up.  Maybe, just buy one copy and pass it around.

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Shane and Shane video with Amazing John Piper quote

The fact that we’re saved by Grace and Grace alone never ceases to amaze me!

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Reflections on Lord of the Rings part 3/3

Salvation always comes at the last minute. My favorite line from the Two Towers was when Gandalf’s words echo in Aragorn’s head—“Look for me at dawn on the fourth day!” Helm’s Deep is almost over run, the battle is all but lost and hope has left all who are there. Théoden rides to ruin and women and children are cowered in fear. It is at this moment they ride forth and Gandalf’s words are heard. Shortly thereafter he is seen. Bright light surrounds him as he breaks upon the swarm of orcs. They held on until they could not, and then salvation came.

Are we giving up too early?

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Do you want to impress or influence?

I love this quote–it scares me and challenges me. Pass it on!

“You have to decide in life whether you want to influence people or impress them. You can impress people from a distance but you can only influence them up close. We desperately need authentic leaders today, who are real and vulnerable. Our greatest life messages actually come out of our weaknesses, not our strengths.” –R. Warren

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Excellent example of a video that casts vision

I ran across this video the other day.  I’m not sure who/what NURU is, but this video casts a compelling vision.  Why is vision so attractive?

How Nuru Works from Nuru International on Vimeo.

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Reflections on Lord of the Rings part 2/3

The lembas bread sustains them on the journey. The films try their best to capture this element, but still fall short. I remember reading the books and wanting to taste lembas bread. It was only years later I learned that lembas bread was a symbol of the Eucharist bread. Tolkien held different views on communion, but the idea is right on. Only Jesus, the true bread of life sustains us.
What is sustaining me today?

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This is like, um, really good and stuff.

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

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The old rugged cross

As I’m preparing to speak I had a chance to slip outside and enjoy this amazing day. A little trail led to this. “Lead me to the cross!”

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Reflections on Lord of the Rings Part 1/3

Evil always seems stronger. I think Jackson (the director) does an amazing job of capturing the essence of evil. It is bigger, stronger, uglier, more fierce, and overwhelming. Numerous times throughout the films there are moments where actual repulsion sets in. Evil is ugly, but intimidating. We see almost every character despair at some type of evil. Even Aragorn the king is frozen at the sight of the Barlrog in Moria. What is interesting is the way their response is captured. In the books you can’t see their expressions, but on film we see them flinch. They flinch, but proceed. Yes, this evil is huge, massive and beyond comprehension, but the path is clear.
Oh, and evil never triumphs.

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I’m friends with Elvis

No joke, I’m friends with Elvis.  Well, this plastic dude that looks like Elvis anyways.  This was taken at Gino’s East Pizza in the Chicagoland area.  My friend Chris Meirose invited me to join a group he had organized to go to the Story Conference.  The conference was amazing and the pizza was pretty good, too.  I’m really not sure what the deal with Elvis is, but I just couldn’t resist the picture. Thanks Chris!  [Visit Chris Meirose's blog -- http://mrclm.blogspot.com/ ]

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Friday Funny–stealing candy from kids

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Speaking Week

I spoke every weekend all summer long, but have had a bit of a break this fall.  I’m speaking at a church in Madison this weekend.  It happens to have three services.  In reflecting on my message prep I realized that I prepare differently when there are multiple services.  I have two different prep routines!  This shocked me, but made sense.

When I’m preparing for just one service my preparation stops at outline form.  I spend just as much time praying and preparing, but I never get to manuscript.  When I’m preaching the same message at multiple services I almost alway finish some form of manuscript.  I spend less time verbally running through it and more time writing.  One seems more flexible, but the other seems more precise.  I think I’ll begin to experiment with the opposite routine in future settings.  I’ll keep you posted.

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This song reminds me of my Mom

My mom passed away in September, and Recently I’ve been drawn to the song “Kite” by U2.  My mom wasn’t exactly a huge U2 fan, but something about the words captured me.  As I listened it was as if she was speaking directly to me through the words:

“Something is about to give
I can feel it coming
I think I know what it is
I’m not afraid to die
I’m not afraid to live
And when I’m flat on my back
I hope to feel like I did

My mom was ready to die.  She had face serious health issues for years.  She told anyone who would listen about her relationship with Jesus Christ.  She knew she was going to heaven based on what Jesus did on the cross, not her own merits.  But her passing has still been a struggle.  I obviously don’t need a mom to whipe my nose anymore, but here encouragement and support will be missed.  The song continues:

“I want you to know
That you don’t need me anymore
I want you to know
You don’t need anyone
Or anything at all”

Those lines always get me.  I sure feel like I need my mom.  Really, you had to go?  Why?  Why now?

And then it continues:

“Who’s to say where the wind will take you?

Who’s to say what it is will break you?
I don’t know, which way the wind will blow

Who’s to know when the time has come around?
Don’t want to see you cry
I know that kiss is not goodbye”

My mother always said, “If it is my time to go then it is my time to go.”  And she knew that this life was not the end.  This isn’t good bye.  I mourn her loss, but I rejoice at her glorification. (Romans 8:28-30)

As I looked up the song I found that Bono wrote it after the death of his father.  If you’ve never heard the song, I’ve included a youtube clip below:

“Who’s to say where the wind will take you?
Who’s to say what it is will break you?
I don’t know, where the wind will blow

Who’s to know when the time has come around?
I don’t want to see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye”

No, this is not goodbye.

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Personal Update–Great News!

Since many of you were aware of my recent hospital stay, I thought I’d give an update:

Great News!  I was released today and my symptoms are almost gone.  Read the cool God story below.

On Friday night I started feeling sick. I was sick Saturday and Sunday (but I still managed to preach on Sunday morning). Monday, as my illness subsided, I began experiencing strange sensations in my arms and legs. They continued on Tuesday so I made an appointment with a doctor. On Wednesday, we sent out a request for our prayer team to pray and several other prayer channels were notified. During my appointment, my doctor consulted with a neurologist, and I was admitted to the UW hospital immediately. My symptoms led them to believe I might be facing a very serious neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre. With some, but not all tests completed, my neurologist handed us some information about the disease which indicated we should prepare for a long recovery, possible permanent disability, paralysis or death. Later that evening, the doctor was feeling that this was my ailment.

But as hundreds of people were praying, my symptoms began disappearing. Thursday morning, all of my tests came back clear and my symptoms had nearly vanished. Both doctors were mystified and I was released late this afternoon.

Needless to say, we continue to believe in the power of prayer. Thank you to everyone who prayed. Please take a moment to pray for God’s continued protection and earnestly pray that God would establish His church here in Madison.

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Every Monday. . .

Every Monday I review a small laminated card with several questions on it.  I have punched holes in the top so that it fits in my Franklin-Covey Planner.  When I get to Monday the questions are there waiting for me.  The questions were printed on a card for me while I was on staff at Eagle Brook Church.  The questions were taken from Bill Hybel’s Leadership summit message on Self-Leadership.  Take a minute to ask these questions of yourself today:

• Is my calling sure?
• Is my vision clear?
• Is my passion hot?
• Is my character submitted to Christ?
• Is my pride subdued?
• Are my fears at bay?
• Are interior issues undermining my leadership?
• Are my ears open to the Spriit’s whisper?
• Is my pace sustainable?
• Are my gifts developing?
• Is my heart for God increasing?
• Is my capacity for loving deepening?

So feel free to make your own card and begin to ask yourself these critical self-leadership questions.  Happy Monday!

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Waiting for the sound in the balsam trees.

I was reading in 1 Chronicles 14 the other day.  In verse 10 David inquieres of the LORD, “Shall I go up?” and the LORD replies, “Go up and I will give them into your hand.”  David wins in dramatic fashion.  Later David inquires for a different situation and the LORD replies:

“You shall not go up after them;  go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees.  And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God as gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.”

We moved to Madison and had a child.  Right now it seems that we’re doing a lot of waiting on the LORD.  We know what God has called us to do, we’re pretty sure of where, but still we’re waiting.  I’m not really a “waiter”– I’m more of a “doer.”  So, right now I’m waiting for the sound of marching  in the tops of the balsam trees. If you have a minute–pray.

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Is your passion in the garbage?

I was sorting through some church marketing materials and threw most of it away. When I came back later I saw this flyer with “passion” on it just sitting in the garbage. Passion is crucial and if you have lost it, you need to find it! My passion level is high but so is the difficulty level. The more challenging the task–the more passion is needed. Do a quick heart check; what’s your passion level? Passion flows from the Spirit. Are you in that flow?

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Thought provoking 3 minutes

I think this video captures the central issue that the church is wrestling though these days.  Your thoughts?

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Lord . . .

. . . forgive me for small prayers.

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12 years of Franklin

I recently realized that I’ve been using Franklin planners for over 12 years. I’ve tried electronic versions, but keep coming back to the paper verion (classic size). This system keeps me organized and I highly recomend it. You need a system, and this is one of the best.

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Quotes–Part 3

Just a few more quotes that have gotten me thinking over the past little bit:

“No one knows how bad he is until he has tried to be good.  There is a silly idea about that good people don’t know what temptation means.”  –C.S. Lewis

“Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow–wait and see what happens.” –Proverbs

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”  –Thomas Edison

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.” –Proverbs

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Joking with Scripture

Sometimes I joke with scripture.  Not in a sacreligious way, but in a way that uses a verse in a witty way.  One common “joke” I’ve used in the past is to quote Jesus’ response to Peter–”Get behind me, Satan!”–when someone is tempting me with sweets or some other small thing.  It fits.  Jesus used it to rebuke Peter, and I humorously use it to get out of eating sweets.  This is all fine and good.  However, today I was reading throug Mark and the rest of Jesus’ comment really hit home with me.

31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

It wasn’t that Peter was “tempting” Jesus to forsake the cross.  Jesus rebuked him and compared him to the devil for having the wrong mindset!  I often fall into the trap of thinking of sin as specific actions, but here Jesus rebukes quite harshly for the wrong mindset.  It made me take inventory of how I’ve been thinking.  Am I setting my mind on the things of God? or on the things of man?  Interestingly, the more I set my mind on one, the more the other fades away.

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Quotes–Part 2

Here are a few more quotes that have gotten my thinkbuds salivating lately:

“He who knows all the answers most likely misunderstood the questions.”–Unknown

“The world is not interested in the storms you encountered, but whether you brought in the ship.”  –Journal of True Education

“A light supper, a good night’s sleep, and a fine morning have often made a hero of the same man, who, by indigestion, a restless night, and a rainy morning would have proved a coward.”  –Lord Chesterfield

“The only difference between a rut and a grave is their dimensions.” –Ellen Glasgow

“You can always tell when you are on the road of righteousness–it’s uphill.”  –Ernest Blevins

“The easiest way to find more time to do all the things you want to do is to turn off the television.”  –O.A. Battista

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Quotes I’ve been thinking about recently-part 1

Just some quotes that have been making me think lately.  No order, just randomness!!

“Idealism increases in direct proportion to one’s distance from the problem.” -John Galsworthy

“The more humble a man is before God, the more he will be exalted; the more humble he is before man, the more he will get rode roughshod.”  –Josh Billings

“A friend is a person who goes around saying nice things about you behind your back.”–Unknown

“It is harder to ask a sensible question than to supply a sensible answer.” –Persian Proverb

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Friday Funny–Kids book turned into Blockbuster Movie

There is a very popular children’s book titled, “Everyone Poops.”  It helps children who are potty training learn about going to the bathroom.  I just found out they’re turning it into a Hollywood Blockbuster.  Here is the trailer:

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