Leadership Summit reflection

Spending a few moments this morning reflecting on my experience of the Leadership Summit. I wouldn't call this one the best one ever (I've only attended 3) but it had some good stuff. Bill Hybel's last session at first glance didn't strike me, yet this morning as I am reflecting on the summit, I do think he had some of the most practical things to say. His talk was on how to stay inspired so you can inspire others. Instead of re-writing all of them here I will just point you to Dave Ferguson's blog who wrote them all down. Good stuff.

3 I need to pay attention to:
1. Pay attention to health - have let that slip since running the marathon last year.
2. Be around exceptionally inspiring people - this may come through books or intentionally seeking someone out who is inspiring.
3. Pay attention to work environment - Kinda let my office get stacked up and messy. That's very de-motivating to me...so this afternoon I organize and clean.

The most inspiring moment above all though was seeing the story of Patrick Henry Hughes. A gifted musician who was born without eyes and the ability to walk. It was discovered as early as 5 years old that he could had natural ability to play the piano. Now he is in college at the University of Louisville. He actually is in the marching band there where his dad wheels him around during practices and performances. To be able to make all the practices his dad works a graveyard shift at UPS. What an inspiring dad! I love this quote by Patrick:

"I was born blind and not able to walk, big deal! God has given me gifts that I can use."

Leadership Summit Day 1

Attended a great leadership conference today. Highlight for me was from author Marcus Buckingham (btw, a very funny guy even though you can't tell from his "magnum" pose.). I've read his Now, Discover Your Strengths. Key thought: Even though we are taught and ingrained with the idea that when it comes to our strengths and weaknesses we should play to our weaknesses, that is, focus our energy on our weaknesses to improve them, by focusing the majority of our energy our strengths we will be much more effective. Here's some myths and truths he presented:

Myth 1: As you grow, your personality changes.
TRUTH: As you grow, you become more of who you already are.

Myth 2: You'll grow most in the areas of your weaknesses.
TRUTH: You'll grow most in the areas of your strengths.

Myth 3: A great team member puts aside his strengths and does whatever it takes for the team.
TRUTH: A great team member volunteers his strengths most of the time.

I was challenged when I read the book, but am inspired to do more from listening to him. His follow up book, Go put your strengths to work is in my reading queue now for sure.

Changing hearts

I was reminded today that God is in the business of changing hearts...even hearts of pagan Kings. I was reading Ezra 7 and read about how God made King Artaxerxes, grandson to Esther (which also makes him grandson to Xerxes, shown to the right from the movie 300), favorable towards Ezra and the Israelites. They were essentially still in captivity but he basically gave him permission to return to Jerusalem to teach God's Word to the people there and stocked him up with all the stuff he would need including sacrifices for worship and gold. It just made me think that if God can change the heart of a pagan king, he can change the heart of anyone for His purposes. This is encouraging because Suncrest is involved in an initiative where we could really use the favor of town and city leaders. So that is what I am praying for...that he would change hearts to make them favorable towards us.

Third Place!

Ethan and Daisy participated in the Illinois Kid Golf Foundation (formerly Hook a Kid on Golf) Saturday. It was a skills challenge. Daisy participated in the S.N.A.G. competition which is a starter program for kids. Not sure if she will take to it like Ethan, but she had fun. And we were stoked to see Ethan get third. They competed at Rose Hill Farms in Sugar Grove. A fairly prestigious golf course which will host the 2009 Solheim. Got to see Peter Longo as well. He is a well known trick golf shot artist although this was the first I had heard of him. He was good.

Great Times in Indy

We had a great time in Indy. Great conversation with Ron of Mission Indy and a great time having some fun. The first pick is at Great Times. 2nd pic is the bladder buster Sheila picked up at a gas station. Now that is super size.

An official welcome to the blogging world

This is the official welcome to the blogging world for fellow Suncresters Greg, Tim and Lynn. Greg of course is the lead pastor of Suncrest. Tim is a college student at Lincoln Christian College and currently doing an internship in southern illinois. Lynn is a saint and vital volunteer at Suncrest. Great to have you guys commenting in cyberspace.

Ministries that get it

I have been blessed to connect with a few ministries that really get it. Get what you say? Get what it means to be Jesus in the world. One of those ministries is Mission Indy. This is a great ministry that is doing so much good for God. The good they are doing for Inner City Indy and those who participate in their weeks is unmeasurable. Essentially what they do is bring in Jr. High and Sr. High students from around the nation to spend a week working hard in the inner city and worshiping God. The other side of the ministry is that they have become a connector to the ministries in Indy. In an area where a lot of churches have abandoned the Urban environment for the comfort of the Suburbs, several churches and ministries are sticking it out and doing their best at reaching people. Mission Indy has been a catalyst for great things even starting an Urban Institute for mission minded leaders to learn about ministry in the urban environment.

I'm headed down there the next two days to connect with the director and my friend Michael to glean from the director how he built this ministry.