Community...

It's the last day of 2008 and I'm having some final reflections before the beginning of a new year. To say the least, 2009 will prove to be eventful, exciting, and full of change. I thought I would add some thoughts on community this time.

The community I'm talking about is the one when a group of people decide to pursue life together. I guess that is why like blogging and twittering so much. It gives you a snapshot into people lives even though they may live far away. It must be similar to someone's diary, only public. =0) It's been incredible to follow some of the greatest leaders around and experience life with them. I can't wait to see what God will do throughout 2009. Let's pursue life like never before. I don't think any of us should settle for second best. Especially when you have the community it takes to see things we have never seen before.

Family...

So... Yesterday I decided to be completely unplugged and spend time with the family. This was more than my immediate family, it included lots of extended family members. It's something that I should do more often.

I have often listened to others agree that each of us need a break from technology. It seems strange that it has become such a part of everyday life. Whether it be blogging, twittering, or even facebook, they are all time consuming! They take away from the opportunities to spend quality time with the ones you love (border line mushy). Sometimes it's vital to push it all away and just focus on what matters most...family!!!!

Don't forget to unplug sometime this holiday season and spend some QT with someone you love!

Self-Worth...

It's been an amazing few days as God continues to challenge my thinking in so many areas. I can't imagine my life without the constant interruptions that He provides.

Today's thought is pretty simple. I was challenged with the idea of self-worth. Where does it come from and why? Do I have value because of what I accomplish? Some would say yes. However, is there something so much more that we are missing.

I know for myself, I often evaluate my day according to what tasks I have completed and how many of those items were checked off my list. I'm pretty sure that's not the place God wants me to find my value or self-worth. I guess it goes back to the beginning when God looked at Adam and said he was going to have to work for a living (paraphrased). I can't imagine what that moment must have been like.

Since then we have had such a skewed understanding of where our value comes from. The reality is, there's neither enough that we can do, nor enough that we could have that would equal value. Truth is, our value comes just being ourselves, you know, the person God created you to be. God enjoys the simple interactions! He looks at us and would say we are all priceless!!

The Merging of Two Generations...

Recently I was challenged by someone regarding the vast differences in the culture today as compared to 10-20 years ago. Today we tvo whatever we want to watch, then watch it at our convenience. I know this will date me, but I remember the days when we had a black and white TV and I was my dads remote control. Talk about crazy!?!

I honestly feel like it's a mantle that I carry. The mantle of bridging two generations that are nothing alike. It's impossible to understand each other because their lifestyles are COMPLETELY different. Let me mention just a few: CEO vs. Team styles of leadership, lecture vs. image driven presentations, and even overhead transparencies (which were advanced for their time) vs. multi-projector/screens. Come on now, today we are using high definition video camera compared to the 8mm films that no one could afford. How do we merge these two cultures?

It's in the picture...one exists because of the other. It's amazing to see the product that comes from the merging of generations. I wish young leaders would give more honor to those who have paved the way for them. Likewise, I wish some older leaders would be open and willing to try new methods. It speaks to the leadership principle that I mentioned a few blogs ago. If you want to build something that lasts, you have to be willing to change what you build. We can't expect something to last forever without allowing it to evolve.

What's the answer? I feel honored to have the opportunity to try and help the merging of two generations...

What should I do?...

Christmas is right around the corner and I'm trying to decide what to do.

Curiosity is getting the best of me. How many out there are going to go "unplugged" for Christmas day. That means no net, twitter, blogs, or anything else. I mean how I do find out what everyone is getting? I don't know what I should do.

So, take a minute and respond through twitter (direct message if you choose) or comment on this blog. You can even email if you should choose. What will you be doing?

What should I do?...

Timeless...

I thought I would add some more thoughts regarding the subject a few days ago. The blog was about being "on the journey together". There's been quite a bit rush through my mind over the last couple weeks. Mostly, an inner voice calling out to me to spend my time doing the things that are timeless. For example, the investment made in people is timeless. Regardless of distance, can people really be separated? I know I am on the brink of being mushy and thank God, that's not my personality. Think about it though, there's not enough miles to separate people who care for one another. I find myself wanting to be a part of that culture. The culture where people come first. A culture where I keep my mind on the eternal and not the temporary. Oh well, just thoughts...I guess!?!

I'll end by saying I want to be a part of something much bigger than myself. Part of something that brings life and not death. Spending my energy on what is timeless...

Random Thoughts Pt. 2...

I'm not sure why I'm doing this again, but I thought I would offer some more random thoughts. I didn't received any feedback regarding small towns, so maybe if I mention some thoughts on leadership, I'll get A response. =0) By the way, the picture has nothing to do with the blog. I just thought my back yard looked scenic this morning. You can't really see the snow falling, but it was beautiful!

Okay, back to some random thoughts about leadership:

1. There's four factors in keeping a vibrant relationship with God (I'm sure there's more, but these are my four). They would include reading His Word, praying, community with each other, and serving Him with each other.

2. When considering the different angles and voices we speak from. I think it is more important to speak from a voice of selflessness, than a voice that HAS to be heard.

3. I always have to keep in perspective that I impact the non-christians view of God.

4. Helping people experience God is just as important, if not more important, than the context of God.

5. This one is for the control freaks out there. The only thing we can control in a given situation is ourselves.

6. For us to build something that lasts, we always have to be willing to change what we build. We have the tendency to think something should last longer than it does.

7. There's three true statements about momentum: we have it, we're losing it, or we've lost it.

8. We have to train ourselves to be future thinkers. It's vital we don't always evaluate things through the lens of the past.

9. Relevance is being close to the issue at hand.

10. It doesn't take a leader to kill something that's failing; it DOES, however, take a leader to change and turn around something that is not working.

These are from a variety of lessons I have attained from other leaders, as well as some of my own.

I would be interested in push back and comments on these as well!

Random Thoughts...

I've had a friend of mine write blogs which are quite often labeled "Random Thoughts". So, I thought I would share a few of my own. I would have photoshopped the picture and put my face in it if I had more time. These are for small towns...

Well, here I go:

1. When a machine breaks at the drycleaners, it means you won't get your clothes back for at least two weeks!

2. People find it productive to advertise on the local gas station sign.

3. When local businessmen go on vacation, it's mentioned in the newspaper. That way people know when they can eat there again. =0)

4. If your grass is higher than 4 inches, the police can come write you a citation.

5. People gather for local delicacies...rocky mountain oysters.

6. People you don't know show up at your door, come in, and seem to never leave.

7. The highlight of shopping in town is the local Walmart.

8. People gather at the town square on Friday's during football season to eat porkchop sandwiches. (local fundraiser) They ARE good!!

9. The local theater has two screens to show movies. Of course the second one is a big screen TV.

10. Last, but not least, even though you purchase your home, you don't own it for 20 years. You are always referred to as living in the previous owners house. I live in the Luttman's house...=0)

All these are hilarious, but COMPLETELY true. I'm interested in some of your comments.

On the Journey Together...

As I sit here typing, I find myself feeling extremely blessed. Although I realize I haven't written much in the last week besides tweets on twitter, I have not been lost to reflect and begin to count my many blessings that God has provided. Even though I could begin to give name to each of them, I have decided to give attention to a thought, rather than a specific blessing.

I've always considered life to be journey. In fact I look at my relationship with God much the same way. When I begin to look at my blessings in this context, I begin to realize just how rich a life that I have been granted. What has made my life rich has not been possessions. It's been the wide variety of people that God has given me favor to experience life with. It still amazes me how a song or a smell can bring back the most vivid of memories. The memories experienced but for a moment, however, will last in my mind and heart for a lifetime.

If you're reading this, it could be very possible that some of my memories include you. I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for making my life rich! In the myriad of thoughts that quickly pass by, I don't want to forget what has made my life special. What has made my journey special is the people I've been able to share it with.

So, if you happen across this blog, take a moment to appreciate each of your blessings. I know that God's greatest blessing often come in the strangest of packages. Yet, I think that is what makes them so spectacular! Thank you Lord for my Journey and the many friends that I have shared it with!!!

It about being "on the journey together"!

Traveling again...

Today is one of my last trips for the 2008 year. Traveling has certainly become part of the common day in and day out activities. At least I get to bring my wonderful wife with me this time.

I am off to Columbus, OH for convention and camp planning. I will have the opportunity to connect with other directors from across the United States to hear and discuss what is working best.

I have to come to understand that effectiveness is usually connected to one's willingness to listen to other people and their experience. Wouldn't we all be better people if we could learn more from listening than having to experience it for ourselves. I pray I am able to walk away with tons of ideas of how to connect students better to God's plan for their lives.

Crazy, but I'm traveling again...