by brent on July 27, 2009
A few weeks ago I downloaded a new pinball app for my iPhone. As I started playing, here is what happened…
- Hit the pinball as hard as I could when it came to near the flappers and happened to luck into a really high score.
- After getting a low score the next go, I realized that hitting certain spots in a certain sequence increased your score dramatically.
- Started trying to strategically hit the pinball in the exact right spots to obtain the high score.
- Failed miserably. I realized that I was no pinball wizard.
- I quit playing pinball.
I can’t tell you how many times I have experienced this exact same sequence with new ministries, ventures, or projects. I luck into a little success, only to realize it was just a buzz of excitement, realize it is going to be hard, identify the strategy to success, realize executing the strategy is difficult, and I am tempted to quit.
As a believer, i must remember that Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Job, Paul, and Jesus did not quit. Jesus was the center of a large buzz of excitement at the start of his ministry. He was alone on the cross at the end of it.
If God has called you to do something. Don’t quit. Beg for grace to keep going.
by brent on June 10, 2009
Working with Bob Roberts means that you get nuggets of wisdom all the time.
A few years back I remember him saying, “Most people spend all their time and energy trying to find a way to get to the table of influence and power. Don’t worry about the table. Sweep the streets and do it with excellence. You will eventually be asked to come to the table.”
Bob’s advice has been true in my life. It turns out, it is also biblical.
Luke 19:17 - And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
It is can be difficult while you are sweeping the streets to not get distracted with all those around you are moving up to the table. Keep sweeping. Our Father, the the most influential person at the table, is looking down to and is eager to reward faithful workers in his kingdom.
[Image: thevortext]
by brent on December 17, 2008
Bobb Biehl has had a huge impact on the whole NorthWood staff, especially our pastor Bob Roberts. Bobb Biehl is known for his questions and Bob Roberts shares some of them on his blog.
These are great questions to ask yourself and others as 2008 ends and you look forward to 2009.
- What is it that God has called you to do?
- What is unique that you bring to the table?
- What is your single greatest strength?
- How are you organized to see the vision fulfilled?
- How is your team organized and who is your team?
- What three things would you do to give you a 50% increase in your area of work/ministry?
- Do you know why you do what you do?
- What are you most excited about?
- What is your biggest obstacle?
- What three changes in me would be most pleasing to God?
by brent on October 28, 2008
Seth Godin has a great new book out called Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us. If you have ever read any of Seth’s stuff, you know he is a great writer with killer ideas. I am a couple pages shy of finishing and have loved the book. I have an extra copy, so I thought I would share the love.
Tribes Overview
Seth descries a tribe as any group of people gathered together with a shared interest. There are millions of tribes in the world. The biggest question is, who is going to lead them?
It is quick and easy to read, but will motivate you to get up and lead those around you. This is not just a book for CEOs of large companies. Whether you lead a 10,000 person congregation, or you are leading the children in your house, you can benefit from this book.
How to Win a Free Copy of Tribes:
- Leave a comment on this post with a valid email address. You may shamelessly promote you blog, if you would like. Please one entry per person.
- I will cut off the comments at 2:30pm on Thursday October 30th.
- The winner will be chosen at random after the comments are closed on Thursday and I will contact them via email for a mailing address.
- If you have not already, you may also want to subscribe to this blog, via RSS or email. Subscribing is not required, but it would be a kind gesture!
- I will post the winner on Thursday to @ 3:00pm to find
Good Luck
by brent on September 16, 2008
If you are making a decision or setting priorities, this graphic is brilliant.
When I look back, every significant thing I have done was the result of setting my mind on the goal and doing it well. Those success also came because I did not spend my time doing something else.
Trying is a sure way to ensure mediocrity and or failure.
HT: Jon
by brent on August 4, 2008
This morning Avery was determined that I not leave the house without a sticker. It was her 2 year old way of saying, “I’m going to miss you daddy.”
Kids love stickers.
Adults love stickers too. Our stickers just tend to be more mature; thank you notes, buying lunches, and words of encouragement.
Make sure you are giving those you love and lead stickers…. Even if they are pink garage sale stickers that place your value at $.50
