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My Lead Reads ... What's in My Kindle.

Our family has been in a season of transition this summer and one area that has suffered as a result of being in continual packing and getting my house ready for sale mode is my self leading practices -- in particular my reading efforts.  Reading daily is a part of my Life Plan replenishmnet cycle and is necessary for me to keep my thinking sharp and my mind active to be able to resource myself and others whom I lead and influence.

As we settle in our new life in Fort Collins I am eager to get back into this practice of reading daily.  On the right column "What's In My Kindle" is the books I have or will be downloading to read during the last four months of 2012. 

Some have asked me how I come with my list. Here is some ways I go about putting my list together.  And I highly prod you to have a pipeline of books ready to read so once you finish one book you don't meander trying to figure out what's next, but rather having the next one ready to go!

• The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) this two day leadership training event usually produces a couple of books that catches my attention because either one of the speakers references the book or it is a book the speaker has wrote. John Ortberg's Who Is This Man ... is an example of such a book.
• There are some people I simply read whatever they write such is the case with Jon Gordon -- his fast reading, yet highly impacting books -- gives me a great boost of leadership energy.  His latest book is The Positive Dog.  In addition Peter Drucker also in this category of trying to read whatever he has written hence Innovation and Entrepreneurship being on the list.
• By recommendation by a friend and/or colleague.  In this case Dennis Anderson, whom I work with at Crossroads, suggested N.T. Wright's How God Became King.
• Interest in the subject matter.  Such is the case with Cynthia Montgomery's The Strategist.  Strategic is one of my core strengths -- so anything on this topic will catch my attention.
• The rest usually comes from me browsing a bookstore's store leadership and management section.  Why do I go to a bookstore still when I download all my books.  The main reason is that if you search Amazon by topic you get literally tens of thousands of listings.  In addition it is still easier to pick up a hard copy to scan the table of contents and read a few pages, though for reading an entire book -- Kindle is the way to go for me.

I hope this will prod you to come up with your own book list.  I am still open to a couple of suggestions so please let me know what you are reading.

READING IS LEADING

I know there are different ways to learn, however for me reading is one of the best means.  So as we wrap up 2011 and move forward into 2012 -- I have laid out my first several reads for the new year.  This is one of the best ways for me to keep on track in my self-leading efforts.

I can feel the difference when I do not regularly seed my mind with good brain food.

So in the column on my right: What's In My Kindle I have laid out the several books I plan to read this year.

Simply put "READING IS LEADING!"

What are you reading as you enter this new year?

The Land Between -- GLS Weekend Extra

Still wanting more from what you experienced this GLS weekend?

Here are some additon learnings from Jeff Manion .. enjoy!

 

Also for more information on book "The Land Between" available at the Daily Journey Counter this weekend,  check this out below:

 

The Land Between -- "GLS Weekend" @Journey

2011will mark the 8th year that Journey Community Church will serve as the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) host site in the San Diego area.  Annually this world-class leadership training event impacts hundreds of leaders in our community and tens of thousands globally.  For three years now we have designated a weekend to feature an actual GLS message given at a previous event to give our church a sampling of what an incredible event the GLS is.

This weekend, May 27 & 29, is our GLS weekend featuring one of the highest rated sessions from last year's conference.  It is the message "The Land Between" by Jeff Manion senior teaching pastor at Ada Bible Church.  The message is also the topic of a book by the same title that we will have available after each of our services at the Daily Journey counter. 

Here is a sample of what you will experience this weekend.

 

In addtion Journey members will be able to sign up for the 2011 GLS at an incredible host site rate after services also at the Daily Journey counter. 

You will not want to miss this weekend!

What Makes a Good Book?

What makes a good book? 

Though there are many determing factors that you can mention, for me, what makes a good book is whether it gets me and others talking. Not just thinking, but talking where what is being read compels me to share my learnings or its content with others.

An arena of life that I spend a good portion of my time is in a local church.  And here are five books that I and friends and colleagues of mine have read that have lead to some great discussion about the church and what it means to be a Christ follower.  I hope you will be prodded to read one or all of these books.

1. The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons 
2. Untamed by Alan Hirsch  
3. Generous Justice by Timothy Keller 
4. Radical by David Platt 
5. Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I believe it has done so for the following reasons ...

• The timeliness of its content -- it has implications for the world we are living in now.
• Accessibility -- people can engage in its content regardless of the prior knowledge to subject matter.
• It gets you think because as it challenges your current point of view.

"My First 11 in 2011" -- Reading List

Like a lot of people I am setting goals for this new year.  One of the most fundamental ones to me is putting together a reading list to help me in my self-leading efforts.  Listed below is the first 11 books that I will be reading in 2011 and a brief commentary on why I am choosing to read them.  I have downloaded most of them to my Kindle 2.  Links to respective books are in the column on the right.

I would love to hear about what you reading.  Please tell me what you are reading by commenting.

1. Think Twice: Harnessing the Power of Counterintuition by Michael J. Mauboussin (A book that caught my attention as a result of my Monday Morning Routine.)
2. Buy-In: Saving Your Good Idea from Getting Shot Down by John Kotter (One of the most insightful thinkers on change.)
3. Chief Culture Officer: How to Create a Living, Breathing Corporation by Grant McCracken (Another book that caught my attention as a resutl of my Monday Morning Routine.)
   
4. Open Leadership: How Social Technology Can Transform the Way You Lead by Charlene Li (Social Networking is not going away, the more we are up on it the better we can leverage it in our leading.)
5. Talk Less, Say More: Three Habits to Influence Others and Make Things Happen by Connie Dieken (A skill set that I can always use some learning in.)
6. Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper  (His key thought that reading is thinking really resonates with me.)
7. Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just by Timothy Keller (Keller is one of my favorite author, I simply read whateve he writes.)
8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Just curious about this book series that seems to be gaining popularity.)
9. Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction by Eugene H. Peterson (Our worship pastor Jason Denison referenced this book in our leaders meeting and got my attention)
10. Winning on Purpose: How To Organize Congregations to Succeed in Their Mission by William Easum (This is a work related read for a project I am currently working on.)
11. Well Being by Tom Rath (Rath's work through the Gallup Organization I find very insightful.)
12. The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn't Exist by Craig Groeschel (I know that I said 11, but there are just too many good books so I added one more.  One of the best innovative leaders in the church and I read everything he writes.)

I will also revisiting these two books that I have previously read:

In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (I have given to this too most of my leaders to read)

Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight (Our leadership team is reading it)

MONVEE is Coming to Journey

MONVEE is coming to Journey!

Todd Tolson, shared a couple a weeks ago at a weekend service, one of his responsibilities as our discipleship pastor is to look for innovative and fresh ways to help us connect with God.

Last year he submitted an application for Journey Community Church to be a beta-church and over the past 7 months we have been rolling out MONVEE in its beta form in the life of our church primarily through our staff and leadership. 

To under-gird the philosophy behind the tool we have showed parts of the MONVEE simulcast (that took place earlier in the year ) in 4 gatherings with anywhere from 15 to 70 in attendance that featured teaching from the likes of John Ortberg, Dallas Wilard and MONVEE co-founder Mark Bankord and Eric Parks to name a few

The feedback has been incredibly positive! 

The assessment has been spot on! 

In addition there have been quite a few surprises where people discovered new things about themselves and uncovered areas of struggle where change and growth are needed.  We purposely had participants be from all stages of life, young and old, married, single, divorced to get a good sampling of feedback.

Now that MONVEE is out of its beta-phase we are excited to offer MONVEE to Journey, to anyone who has a passion to grow in their relationship with God & others; those with an entrepreneurial spirit; and or those who want to be an early adopter in the future of spiritual formation.

So what is MONVEE?  That is what you will discover at the MONVEE gathering on Sunday July 11.  To register go to Guest Services this weekend or e-mail your name, e-mail and mobile number to [email protected].   A flier like this one will be in the church program this weekend.

In addition John Ortberg's newest book "The Me I Want to Be"  (available in our bookstore was written in conjunction with MONVEE and is a great resource to get a better grasp on the importance of hand-crafted spiritual growth.  Those who attend the MONVEE gathering will be able to purchase this book at special price.  

A Personal Invitation to THE GREEN ROOM from event host Eric Bramlett

One of the aspects of the Green Room that I am looking forward to is the humor that will be interjected by one of the event hosts Eric Bramlett.  Eric is one of the authors of the book The Big Idea and serves as the Creative Arts pastor at Community Christian Church.

Here is a personal inviiation from Eric to the Green Room.

Eric Bramlett Invites Your to the Green Room from Rod Kaya on Vimeo.

Walks in will be accepted.  Journey Community Church attendees take advantage of a special host rate.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Forgotten God

I was privileged to get an advanced copy of Francis Chan’s Forgotten God Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of The Holy Spirit    available – Tuesday Sept. 1.

In this book Francis offers a solution to the at times lifelessness that characterizes those who call themselves Christians and the lack of potency and relevancy that can plague churches.  The solution being … acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and then yielding to His promptings.   Now as simple as this sounds and it should be.  Chan addresses some of the reasons intentional or unintentional that we tend to complicate things by ignoring the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.  What gives this book its conviction is the fact that this is something Francis is wresting with for himself and the life of his church.

In addition what I found helpful in this book is how he addresses two of the extreme responses to the Holy Spirit and shares the positives and negatives that these positions presents, but more importantly how we need to look beyond our understandings of these extremes and focus on the Holy Spirits working in our personal lives.  

There is a real ease to way the book is written.  I read the book in one sitting when I received it.  Yet at the same time do not mistake Chan’s conversational approach to his writing to be lacking in challenging thoughts and ideas.  For throughout the book there are considerations where we need to take time to mull over because of the incredible implications for our lives.  

Here are some thoughts from Forgotten God Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of The Holy Spirit that I hope will prod you to read it.

“The flip side of fearing God won’t show up is fearing that He will.  What if God does show up but then asks you to go to somewhere or do something, something that’s uncomfortable?  For many people, fearing that God will ask them to go in a difficult, undesirable direction outweighs the fear that God will ignore them.”

“The truth is that the Spirit of the living God is guaranteed to ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn’t normally want or choose to do.  The Spirit will lead you to the way of the cross, as He lead Jesus to the cross, and that definitely is not a safe or pretty or comfortable place to be.”

“When it comes down to it, many of us don’t want to be led by the Holy Spirit.  Or, more fundamentally, many of us don’t want to be lead by anyone other than ourselves.”

A Prayerful Reading List

We will start a five-week series this weekend (Aug. 7 & 9) simply called "Prayer." I have found that when engaging any weekend/worship series that my learning experience is enhanced when supported by additional content.  Specifically I am speaking of books on the subject matter and when dealing with subject of prayer there is more than enough material.  If anything we might need help to narrow down the search.  So here is my list of books that I will reading during this series and some of the best books on prayer I have read in the past.

To be read during the next month to enhance my learning during the Prayer series.

• The Only Necessary Thing by Henri Nouwen
• Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference  by Philip Yancey
• Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Our Life by Sarah Young

I do not want to overwhelm you with a long a list so here are some of favorite on the subject with a one sentence commentary.

• To Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels -- most books on prayer are written by those with a contemplative pathway -- here is a great book written by one with an activistic/bias for action pathway.
• The Papa Prayer: The Prayer You've Never Prayed by Larry Crabb -- anything Larry Crabb writes on he brings an honest fresh perspective too -- this one did it for me regarding prayer.
• Hearing God  by Dallas Willard -- this was possibly the most helpful book on the part of prayer we tend to neglect the most -- listening.
• The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds -- his writing on prayer were fundamental in my growth process when I firt became a Christian.
• Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen -- I just read this last month and though a not a book specifically on prayer his few chapters on prayer are some of the best thoughts on the subject matter.
• The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence -- a classic on understanding what it means to live in God's presence moment by moment.

So I hope this helps.  Please tell me by commenting  any books on prayer that you have read in the past that was really helpful or books you will be reading during the series.

From Eternity to Here

Looking for a great summer read -- you might want to check out From Eternity to Here.

The following bloggers have posted reviews or Q & A with Frank Viola on his bestselling book FROM ETERNITY TO HERE today. You may order the book at a discount at http://www.frometernitytohere.org/ – it’s also on audio book. Free discussion guide, sample chapters, interviews, and a free audio of the first chapter are available on that site also.

Jay Becker - http://www.jaybecker.org/
2nd Cup of Coffee - http://www.2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/
Igniting Hearts - Kimber Britner - http://www.ignitinghearts.blogspot.com/
Randi Jo Rooks - http://seedsinmyheart.blogspot.com/
Klappyanne - www.xanga.com/klappyanne
A Beautiful Mess - http://blnorth1105.blogspot.com/
The Blakes on a Mission - http://www.theblakesthailand.blogspot.com/
CrossPointe: The Church at Bevo - http://churchatbevo.blogspot.com/
Karyn - http://tiger-kar.blogspot.com/
Daveingland - http://www.daveingland.com/
Barefoot Preacher - http://thebarefootpreacher.blogspot.com/
Eric Powell - http://www.encounterhelena.org/
Crazy Love for God - crazyloveforgod.blogspot.com
Amazima Ministries - oatsvallteam.blogspot.com
Down to Write Honest - http://downwritehonest.com/
Every Day Angels - http://www.weareeverydayangels.com/
Words by Jud Kossum - http://judkossum.blogspot.com/
Ephesians Five – http://ephesiansonefive.blogspot.com/
Reconnect with God – http://www.reconnectwithgod.org/
Nolan Bobbitt Website - http://www.nolanbobbitt.com/
Mark D - http://deadmanstravelog.blogspot.com/
FaithEngineer - http://www.faithengineer.com/
Michael Bayne - http://www.michaelbayne.net/
Encounter Church Helena Blog - encounterhelena.org
Thoughts B4 Conviction N2 Action - tsharrison..blogspot.com
Edevotion - http://www.e-devotion.blogspot.com/
Eric Jaffe - http://www.ericjaffe.org/
Seeking After - http://seekingafter.blogspot.com/
Borrowed Light - http://fbcnewlondon.blogspot.com/
 

Now/here Spells Nowhere

I am currently reading Ruthless Trust by Brennan.  This morning as I was reading through chapter 11 "The Geography of Nowhere" this thought was presented that represents one of my greatest struggles.  Maybe you can relate and hope this will also encourage you to read this book.

"Now/here spells nowhere. To be fully present to whoever or whatever is immediately before us is to pitch a tent in the wilderness of Nowhere.   It is an act of radical trust -- trust that God can be encountered at no other time and in in no other place than the present moment.  Being fully present in the now is perhaps the premiere skill of the spiritual life.

More often than not, I do not hear the music of what is happening now because my mind ricochets between the past and the future." p. 150

A Bit of Self-Leadership Advice

Close to 15 years ago, a now university president, shared this bit of self-leadership advice:  Once a week he would go to his local bookseller to glance at the newest leadership book titles.  This is a practice that I have owned in recent years and has proved to be invaluable in my self-leading efforts. 

So every Monday I check out our local Barnes and Noble and take about 15 minutes to glance and titles.  Some times I jot down 1 or 2 titles sometimes more that may become future reads.  Here are the book titles I took note of today.

The Reason for God

As we head into week 2 of our series Dialogue this weekend's subject deals with the differences of the world religions.  Now this a subject matter that much has been written on and one message on this subject matter can cover the subject in only from a broader perspective -- this would be true of all the subjects that we will cover in this series. 

Therefore we are encouraging those who are attending this series to pick up the book the The Reason for God by Timothy Keller.  This book will serve as a great resource on the subject matters covered during our series as well as being a great resource that serves to underscore some of thinking that went into the formation of the series Dialogue.

The first chapter of the book "There Can't Be Just One True Religion" fits perfectly with this weekend's message.  Chapter two of the book, "How Could a Good God Allow Suffering" looks at next weekend's message topic.

Our bookstore has copies -- I hope you will be prodded to pick it up.

Marriage Book Recommendation: "Sex God"

So I am kind of late to the party on the reading of Sex God by Rob Bell.  It is already in a paperback edition and he has since written another book “Jesus Wants to Save Christians.”

I have heard Rob speak on several occasions, including at our church (the first church that he spoke at since he began Mars Hill), conferences and I thoroughly enjoyed his first book Velvet Elvis – not to mention his Noomas.

Rob brings a fresh voice to many Biblical themes and life subject matters and in Sex God he addresses “sex.”  I was pleasantly surprised by this read.  The title itself is a mystery of what and where the subject matter of this book would go.

I finished this book in just a couple of sittings and here is my initial thoughts on this book … if I had to refer an engaged-couple to a book that might be helpful to them in the new season they will be entering into -- it would be this one.   This book lends a fresh look at an understanding of sex and marriage that would be very beneficial because it lends to a lot of healthy conversation and dialogue about the mentioned subject matter without it being a book exclusively on the subject matter.

Now I know there are lot more conventional books dealing with the subject of marriage directly that are helpful and I hope couples would read those type of books as well, but at this point if someone were to ask me if I knew of good book on marriage – Sex God is what I would recommend.

I Had Been Served by "A Fred!"

Yesterday on the flight back home I read “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn.  The book shares insights and learnings that Sanborn experienced first hand on how to live extraordinarily in seemingly ordinary life through the service he received from his mailman Fred.  Hence the title “The Fred Factor.”  Sanborn lays out some great principles that are gleaned from Fred’s life in how to serve others.  He goes on to mention that he has even used the name “Fred” as an adjective to describe those who provide extraordinary service. 

When I completed the book I realized that just a few hours earlier I had been served by  “a Fred.”  His name was Stuart, who was the ticket agent from United who had assisted my family.  The more I thought about it the more his service stood out.  Here is what made his service so extraordinary!

First, he was empathetic.  He must have noticed the struggle my wife and I were having transporting four pieces of luggage, 7 carry-ons & two children (5 & 2 respectively – nuff said) to the counter.   As a result of his observation he serviced us quickly.

Second, he put me at ease.  He told me to take my time and Stuart actually looked through my paper work for me to find the appropriate documents to expedite the check in process  (Matters were complicated a bit for though the four of us were all on the same flight – we were booked on two different reservations -- too much to explain why). 

Third, he provided help that I had not received before!  Because of the two different reservations –he got on a second self-check in machine and had my wife and daughter checked in.   In addition he noticed that one of the pieces of luggage did not have an identity tag so he took the liberty to fill out one for us.   Also he noticed that our luggage was already on a cart so instead of making us take them off he came from around the counter to place the tags on.  (At this airport you need to take your luggage to a different place after you get your tags)These little things were unbelievably helpful.

Often I hear horror stories from friends and colleagues about the service they received from an airlines employee.  I too have had my share negative experiences.  However in this case Stuart made what could have been a frantic and stressful experience a very peaceful one.

I hope through my experience you will be prodded to read The Fred Factor."

A Few Thoughts on "Crazy Love"

I just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and for me it was the most spiritually convicting book I have read in some time.  Chapter four alone --  "Profile of the Lukewarm" really challenged my faith and caused to me to do some serious soul assessment.  It is interesting to note that as challenged as I was by the content that was speaking to me, the flow of the book moves rather quickly.

The book is also filled with many other challenging statements throughout.  Here are a few that I hope will prod you to read it.

"The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing that God treasures us." p. 61

"God's definition of what matters is pretty straightforward.  He measures our lives by how we love." p. 93

"When we love, we're free!  We don't have to worry about a burdensome load of commands, because when we are loving, we can't sin." p. 102

"We try to set our lives up so everything will be fine even if God doesn't come through."  p. 168

"Most of use 'I'm waiting for God to reveal His calling on my life' as a means of avoiding action.  Did you hear God calling you to sit in front of the television yesterday?"  p. 169

The Purpose of Christmas

I just finished reading a book that I believe can serve us well this Christmas season -- The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren.  This book which is a quick read (it may take a little over an hour to finish if you read it in one sitting) is a very accessible book  that makes for a great gift for those in our lives who are spiritually seeking. 

For those who know Jesus Christ in a personal way and celebrate Christmas as the birth of Christ this book presents some simple truths about the season that is always beneficial to be reminded of.  I know how easy it is for me to get caught up in the flurry of the season and I need to be re-envisioned that this season is about the Prince of Peace.

Here is an excerpt from the book I hope you will be prodded to read it.

"God's Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique.  First, it is the most expensive gift you'll ever receive.  It's priceless.  Jesus paid for it with his life.  Second, it's the only gift you'll ever receive that will last forever.  Finally, it is an extremely practical gift -- one you'll use every day for the rest of your life." p. 8

A Sense of Urgency

I just finished reading John Kotter's A Sense of Urgency.  Kotter who many consider to be the foremost thinker on leadership change management does a great job in addressing how critical having a "clear sense of urgency" is necessary to initiating change and sustaining of climate of change.

Here are few insights and thoughts by Kotter that I hope will prod you to read this book.

"... urgency is becoming increasingly important because change is shifting from episodic to continuous." p. xi.

"True urgency focuses on critical issues, not agendas overstuffed with the important and the trivial.  True urgency is driven by a deep determination to win, not anxiety about losing." p. 6

"When people have a true sense of urgency, they think that action on critical issues is needed now, not eventually, not when it fits easily into a schedule.  Now means making real progress every single day." p.7

"Urgent behavior is not driven by a belief that all is well or that everything is a mess but, instead, that the world contains great opportunities and great hazards." p. 8

"Complacency is pervasive, in part because it simply is not seen ..." p. 9

Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands

One of my goals during the months of October and November in an attempt to Self Lead well was to read a collection of books on that list was Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands by Nancy Ortberg.  I read this book in just three sittings and it is probably one of the best leadership books I have read in quite some time.  Nancy Ortberg also released another great read earlier this year LOOKING FOR GOD.

Nancy brings fresh leadership insights that can be applied in any setting and it is full of great leadership bursts that can definitely fuel your efforts.  This will definitely be a book I will have our teams read and I hope you will be prodded to read it as well.  Here are just a few of the great quotes from the book.

"Leadership is the hope that we can change the things that need to be changed and create what we cannot now imagine." p.7

"Great leaders think about vision -- a lot.  But the problem is that most of us are thinkinga bout it more than we are talking about it." p. 17

"Defining moments are only as significant as the lifestyles they produce."  p. 82

"Probably about eleven times out of ten. the answer to your most burning leadership issue is to have the conversation."  p. 106

"Good leadership is about developing a rhythm of life, not an equation." p. 127

"Leaders need impatience. Living with a sense of urgency is part of our wiring;  it's also a very appropriate response to both creating momentum and reacting to a hurt and damaged world."  p. 166

A Question that Can Stump Almost Any Leader

Much had been made about Governor Sarah Palin's interview with Katie Couric in view of her struggling to give an articulate answer to the question "What did you read before you were tapped to be John McCain's running mate to keep up with world events?" 

In later interviews Governor Palin would give some explanation to how and why she answered the questions the way she did in that interview and gave, what some would say, the answer they were hoping she would have given in the interview with Couric.

As I began to think why it was such struggle to answer a seemingly simple question, I realized the question is a lot harder than you think. 

I have asked a similar type question of some very gifted leaders, some who have even authored books themselves and on almost every occasion there is a difficulty or pause in giving an answer.  The question that stumps almost any leader is, "What books have you been reading of late?" and I follow-up with "Just name two or three."  Now after a few minutes, now mind you this is very non-threatening casual situation, they come up with two or three books. 

In my own experience when asked that question, I struggle as well and it is usually little while after being asked the question I say to myself "I should have said ..."

So why is it hard?  Is it because we are not reading and need to search for and/ or come up with an answer?

No, I would say the opposite is true.  It is  because for those who read a lot -- it is a hard question where you have navigate in your mind through all the material you have been and are currently reading.  And it takes a few moments to process that information.

On the other hand If I only read three books in my life it would be easy to answer that question.  I would just say Moby Dick, Of Mice and Men and the Purpose Driven LIfe -- you get the picture.

So maybe when we or others struggle with that type of it is not an indicator or ignorance, but rather of intelligence.

ID: The True

I just finished reading Mark Batterson's ID: The True You and as with two of his other two books that I have read In A Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day & Wild Goose Chase  I found myself very challenged with fresh insight in living life with God. This book happens to be an older release published before his other two works mentioned. 

Again found myself being very challenged by some very poignant quotes that I hope will begin to do a stirring in you and hopefully prod you to read this book.

"The significance of uniqueness is this: no one else can worship God like you." p. 17

"Don't miss this:  no one has behavioral problems.  We have desire problems.  We desire the wrong thing too much and the right thing too little."  p.41

"Life is a process of self-discovery.  We aren't human beings.  We are human becomings. I'm not who I was.  And I'm not who I will be." p.57

"Comparison always results in oe of two extremes -- pride or jealousy.  And neither one is healthy or holy." p. 108

"The One who knows you the best loves you the most.  That's something you can base your identity on!" p. 122

"Faith is a process of unlearning your fears." p. 129

"We tend to think of our prayer requests as having different degrees of difficulty.  But with God, there is no big or small, easy or difficult, possible or impossible.  To the infinite, all finites are equal." p. 140

New Moleskine Journal

Today I found a new Moleskine Journal -- two actually.  It may be hard to tell by the picture but they are both blue.  The first time I have seen them in this color and the one on the right is the smallest I have seen yet  at  2 1/2 x 4 inches.  They both were sold in a two-pack with one being a classic blue color and the other navy blue.  For those who know me, you know  I use these journals exclusively and it is something I give away as a gift often.

Wild Goose Chase

For me the two most catalytic books spiritually that I have read this year have been "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" and "Wild Goose Chase" both by Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington DC.  I forget where I read this earlier this year, but someone mentioned that Mark Batterson would be the next great writer of our time in the area of spiritual life and after reading a couple of his books I believe I understand why that statement was made.  

When I got his newest book (Wild Goose Chase) a couple of days ago I read it in two sittings, much like I did his previous work. 

I cannot wait to read another of his books -- an older publication "ID: The True You"  which is my next read.

For now here are a few quotes from his book and I hope it will prod you to read it:

"We start dying when we have nothing worth living for.  And we really don't start living until we find something worth dying for."  p. 16

"Prayer makes us spiritually fertile." p. 26

"... where you are geographically affects where you are spiritually ... change of place + change of pace = change of perspective."  p. 50

"When we learn how and forget why, we start going through the motions spiritually." p.58

"The smartest people in the world are the people who know most.  The smartest people are the people who know how much they don't know. Or to put it another way, the smartest people are the people who make the fewest assumptions."  p.75

"Faith is not logical. But it isn't illogical either. Faith is theological."  p. 79

"Nothing is as freeing as confessed sin.  Nothing is as isolating as a guilty secret." p. 111

How Starbucks Saved My Life

On several occasions and in different bookstores,  I have come across How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill and now that it is in paperback I finally picked up a copy the other day.  I thought it would make for a great break from some intense leadership and ministry related reading I have been doing of late.

I could not  have been more pleased by how this book chronicling the life of 63 year old Michael Gates Gill rediscovering himself and re-building his life through working at Starbucks.  I was moved in so many ways and found myself relearning and re-examining so many of life's truths through his life.  Without giving away the story here are some of my take-away themes that I found in Michael's story.

• It is never to late to start all over again.
  
• We reap what we sow.
• Brokenness is the pathway to blessings.
• True significance in life is found in serving others and giving yourself away.
• It is not the job we have, but the quality of work that we do that matters most.
  
• There is dignity in hard work.
  
• What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul in the process.
• Be willing to learn from anybody --even those who are younger and seemingly less experienced.
• It is freeing not to care what others think.
• Worldly riches are fleeting.
• Relationships -- family and friends are truly what matters most.
• Community -- we all need it.
• Do not dismiss seemingly small interactions, they can have a powerful effect in other's lives.
• We have a lot to learn from those who are different from us.

I definitely hope you will be prodded to read this book.

Why Men Should Read "Gifted to Lead" by Nancy Beach

Last week on a trip to Chicago for the Leadership Summit Debrief in a couple of sittings I read Gifted to Lead -- The Art of Leading as a Woman in the Church by Nancy Beach.  By the title of the book alone you can tell who the audience that this book is focusing on.

But to think this book is only written with benefits to women would be a mistake.  So from a male's perspective -- here are some reasons and there are many, why men should read this book.

1. Simply it is a great leadership book.  The principles shared in this book are applicable to any leader regardless of gender.

2. The ethos of its author.  I am humbled to be able to call Nancy a mentor and friend.  She is the real deal. And the learnings presented in this book are leadership extractions taken from over 30 years of serving in the trenches of the local church as a staff person and volunteer.

3. There are leadership insights that only women possess or that women are naturally better at that males need to tap into.

4. It will help us to better understand, lead and equip the women we serve with.  And in the case with my church and probably yours there are more women serving then men. 

5. The humor and insight found in the section "Stuff Males Never Deal With" (p.77-81).

I hope you will be prodded to read this great leadership book.

Most Applicable Axioms for Me

I just finished reading the first book on my Fall reading list Axiom by Bill Hybels.  In this book Hybels brings over 30 years of leadership experience through 76 axioms (leadership proverbs).  Many of these sayings I have heard in various conference and messages settings, however compiling them in one to four page learning bursts made for a very invigorating read and very clear application points in my life.  Here are the most applicable axioms for me with why it spoke to me underneath.   I hope you will be prodded to read it.

"Take a Flyer."
Guilty of not initiating and doing enough.

"Pay Attention to Greetings and Goodbyes"
How I start and conclude a meeting I lead is critical to the meeting's overall success.

"Did We Do Any Learning?"
A great way to approach of conversation when you need confront some after a failed initiative. 

"Never Beat the Sheep."
If I am not getting the participation and buy-in that I am hoping for -- it is me not them.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi Isn't For Hire."
Reminder that I need to taking being mentored seriously and that I do not have to know the person personally to be helped by them.

"Read All You Can"
Though I am pretty good at this discipline -- a reminder always helps.

"Excellence Honors God and Inspires People"
Where have I let excellence slip and where have we have gotten sloppy?

The Joseph Challenge

This weekend we start a new series on the Old Testament character Joseph. 

Author & Pastor John Ortberg has stated in one of his books, "more important than going through the Bible is getting the Bible through you."

Therefore I would like to present a challenge to you that starting on Friday Sept. 5 and concluding on Friday Oct. 5 that you would join me in reading Genesis chapters 37-50 at a pace of 2 chapters every day during the next 30 days.  Genesis 37-50 chronicles Joseph's story and would be a great way to have his story being immersed in your life as we learn about him in our weekend services during this same time period.  Essentially you would be reading about his life weekly and will get through at least for times if you follow the pacing I suggested.

I hope you will join me in this challenge.

In addition another great help that I am using to enhance my learning experience during this series is reading a book on the life of Joseph by Chuck Swindoll.  To order the book click here.

Fall 2008 Reading List

Labor Day, being the unofficial first day of Fall, I worked on my Fall reading list (the full list is in the right column).  I cannot overstate how important this practice has become in my self-leading efforts.  I have purchased most of the titles already however, there is definite room for this list to change or additions to be made as the season unfolds.

What will you be reading this season? Please let me know.

One Day All Children...

In February of this year when I heard that Wendy Kopp would be speaking at the Leadership I was so intrigued by the her story that I began doing some research on her life and the organization she founded Teach For America and I could not wait to hear her session.

The interview that Bill Hybels did with her did not disappoint, and it further stirred my curiosity in this incredible leader.  I ordered her book "One Day, All Children..." and as soon as I got it -- I read it in just a few hours and have been talking to friends about it ever since.

If you are looking for a read that will challenge your leadership, expand your vision & inspire you to think big -- "One Day, All Children..." is the book for you. 

Here are few quotes from the book:

"That Teach for America came to be in spite of my naivete is testament to the fact tat together idealism and determination can make bold ideas happen." p. xii

"For years, whenever I was asked how I had accomplished this feat, I would reply that there was nothing magical about it.  I simply developed a plan and moved forward step by step." p. 47

"What keeps me going is my outrage at the inequities that persist in our country." p. 190

I hope you will be prodded to read it.