Conference Highlights

Last week, I attended Gerald Brook's North Texas Leadership Conference. This is a great conference that is inexpensive and gives you a ton of resources. You can get information about next year's conference at www.growingothers.com

Top 3 Takeaways

In the 1950s and 60s, Pastors only need 6 skills to do their jobs.
Today, Pastors need 27 different skills to do their jobs.

"If your stage time exceeds your prayer time, then you will become a problem some time." - Gerald Brooks

"Patience with God is called faith. Patience with people is called love. Impatience is arrogance." - Dale Bronner

So, who would you want more than Romo?

I had a conversation with a friend today about the Dallas Cowboys. The thought we discussed was "Who would you want more than Romo?"

There are only a handful of quarterbacks in the league that I would want starting over Romo right now....not necessarily in this order.

1. Peyton Manning
2. Tom Brady
3. Drew Brees
4. Eli Manning
5. Philip Rivers

Other guys like Ben Roethlisberger and Jay Cutler deserve a mention...Carson Palmer maybe....the fact is that I cannot name 10 QBs that I would rather have starting for the Cowboys.

I guess this puts things in perspective.

Life is Good

I'm reading Philippians this week for my devotional time. Perspective and Attitude are an amazing combination. Paul makes a powerful statement in the following scripture.

Philippians 4:12 (NIV) "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

No matter what is happening in life, we can be content. For me, right now life is good. I am in a situation where my family is healthy and we have everything we need.

When life is difficult, we can still be content. It's all about having the right attitude and the proper persepective. Paul had the right attitude....he was content in all situations. He had the proper perspective.

Philippians 1:21-25 (NIV) "21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith."

He knew why he was here and what God had called him to do.

How content are you?

Don't Underestimate God

I'm studying through Ephesians this week. As I was reading a few minutes ago, this powerful scripture jumped off the page and I thought about how we sometimes underestimate God's ability.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think"

God is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. He wants to accomplish this work through us. By our lack of faith, we limit what God can do. We underestimate what He can accomplish through us. So, ask for greater things....think/dream bigger dreams.....God can accomplish His work through you.

Freedom To Serve

I have been reading Galatians this week in my devotional time. This scripture jumped off the page and I've been meditating on it this week.

Galatians 5:13 (NLT) "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

We are called to a life of serving one another. Think about it!

Growing or Dying

My friend, Dennis Land, used to say you are either "growing or dying." In the last couple of weeks, I have been challenged by several different things that I have either seen, read or heard regarding personal growth. As followers of Christ, we are either growing or we are dying. As leaders, we are either growing or we are dying.

So, I've recommitted myself to the personal growth process.

Scott Wilson challenged leaders to personal growth during the Nines Conference. He tells how that he challenged his staff to read 35 books and listen to 102 leadership lessons in a period of a year. The video of Scott's talk is below.

I personally have committed myself to doing that in the next year. I'm already ahead by having sat through 8 different leadership lessons since making that commitment. Currently, I am reading Jeanne Mayo's Book Thriving Youth Groups and rereading John C. Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Also, for my personal Bible Study time, I am reading and studying Galatians.



What Books are you reading? Whose leadership teaching are you listening to?

Open Mouth....Insert Foot

O.K., I'm writing this only because I feel extremely guilty. Last night, during a leadership meeting, I unmercifully gave a Steelers fan a hard time about the loss to "Da Bears."

Unfortunately, Romo did not back up my trash talk with a win. Instead, I am going to have to choke down some crow. :/

The moral of the story......

Proverbs 16:18 (NLT) "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."