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All things Catalyst Conference - Rob Bell

Rob Bell always makes me think.  First started following him by watching his short-films under the NOOMA heading.  Even though I don't agree with all of his viewpoints, I learn lots from him.  Here are a few quotes I jotted down - hope to have them accurate: 

• The crowd thins when you talk about controversial issues. 
• When we are forced to choose between the cross and the flag, we should choose the cross.
• Jesus' work was grounded in the things He saw His Father do. (John 5)
• When you die, God will not say, "Why weren't you more like Moses?"  He will say, "Why weren't you more like yourself?"

Here's a short preview video Bell & his group NOOMA produced - Enjoy: 

All things Catalyst - Chuck Swindoll

 
This year's Catalyst Lifetime Achievement Award went to Chuck Swindoll, a tremendous pastor/leader who brings solid application based on biblical teachings.  He's got a ton of wisdom and shared 10 realistic outcomes in leadership (again, I hope my notes do Mr. Swindoll justice here)...

1. It's lonely to lead.  (The tougher the decision, the more more lonely it gets.)
2. It's dangerous to succeed.
3. It's hardest at home.
4. It's essential to be real & stay real.
5. It's painful to obey.
6. Brokenness & failure are necessary.
7. Attitude is more important than actions.
8. Integrity eclipses your image. (The best things you do are not upfront.)
9. God's way is better than your way. (Our own capability is our biggest problem)
10. Christ likeness begins and ends with humility.

What a challenge!  But man, I was really glad to learn & experience such real practical guidance.

All things Catalyst Conference - Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey spoke on the theory of momentum at Catalyst 09.  Some of his thoughts below:

• When you have momentum, you look better than you are.
• Momentum is created - it's not random.
• Focused intensity over time, multiplied by God = Unstoppable momentum.
• Focus is lost for two reasons: 1) Fear 2) Greed
• Pour intensity into things that matter.
• "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Cor 9:24
• "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" Eccl 9:10

This is good stuff - I really want to do better here.  I usually have so much going, I don't focus with intensity.  Any ideas or helpful tips are welcomed!

All things Catalyst Conference - Malcolm Gladwell

Hadn't heard Malcolm Gladwell speak before, but was glad I did at Catalyst...He is a talented thinker.  He spoke about a large downfall in recent times for many leaders - Overconfidence.  Here are a few quotes (again, sorry for the paraphrase & hope it does Mr. Gladwell justice) I thought were insightful:

• MisCalibration happens when the so called "experts" get overconfident due to a large amount of knowledge.  (This was very interesting to me...Sometimes, you can have too much information - Faith goes a long way!)
• Incompetence only irritates, but overconfidence is plain scary.
• In times of crisis, we think we need daring & bold decision making - but what we really need is humility.
• Overconfident people but themselves off from the opinions of others.

I'll be reading more of Gladwell here and I'm gonna get this book soon too.

All things Catalyst Conference - Best Moment 2009

The video below is a little lengthy - I know.  But, if you have time or perhaps you should make time to watch one of the best moments I've experienced at Catalyst.  Also, check out this site dedicated to promoting initiatives to help the 143 million orphans across the world. 

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

All things Catalyst Conference - Andy Stanley

As usual, Andy Stanley took the stage first at Catalyst.  I always learn lots from Andy's biblically based, practical teachings.  This time was no different.  Here's a few of his thoughts (I apologize for paraphrase, and hope I do Andy justice here - my notes are in scribbled format) regarding "Making a Mark" in this world..

• What man is a man who does not leave the world better?  Our world is better because a leader felt a burden and leaned His/Her leadership gift into the community.
• You won't recognize your greatest opportunity when its happening - It will be long after you've left it.
• Joshua, a 110 year old leader, recaps & closes his life by stating..."As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15
• God has not come to be a part of your story.  He has come to see if you want to play a part in His story.
• "God takes full responsibility for the life wholly devoted to him." - A quote from Andy's father, Dr. Charles Stanley
• Get yourself in a position of settling "who you are for," then don't be worried about "who's for or against you."
• Let God have maximum access to your leadership.
• Living to make my mark is too small a thing to give my life to...Instead I should perfectly position myself for God to leave his mark through me.
• God, make your mark through me.  

FYI - I had a very cool & personal experience @ lunch with Andy as you can see here in a prior post.

What would you die for?

Recently visited a civil war hospital & solider cemetery in the mid-south.  As I walked by over a 1000 headstones a myriad of thoughts & feelings overcame me ...sadness, courage, victory/defeat, inspiration, fear, struggle, & the fleeting nature of time.  But, the overwhelming question I left with was...What cause are you willing to die for? 

Can we as a generation get beyond ourselves for a brief moment & even fathom the thought? 

I was glad I went.  Timely perspective of the immediacy & the intentionality for the cause in which we should live.  

Get Caught

Hampton Inn is solid.  Clean, simple, fairly affordable, incredible beds, ideal locations, flat screen TV's, hot breakfast with good coffee, & friendly service.  I especially like their new marketing concept "Catch Me at My Best." It properly motivates the employees & gives folks like me a chance to share how they "brightened my day."  After filling out a comment card, they even have a "Caught" box to insert the comment cards. Clever.

In business, isn't essential to be "Caught" often?  Especially in this climate.  The difference between making a transaction & not being successful is not only in structuring creative deals...It's also in service, service, service.  "Catch Me at Me Best." AhhHaa! 

Of more importance, our faith walk should also be one that allows people to catch us at our best.  Especially towards those outside a relationship with Jesus.  Not that we're perfect, cause we're not, but that we would do good to be "caught" walking wisely, making the most of oppopportunity & time, not judging others, to be well thought of, to make good choices, & guard our integrity & moral authority. (1 Cor 5:12, Col 4:5, I Thess 4:12, I Tim 3:7)  In doing so, we put ourselves in  position to share with others the absolute best thing that will ever happen to them. 

Freedom

Been reading a book on WWII.  Last night caused me to look further with amazement into the Bataan Death March.  What a devastating sacrifice.  Thank you to all those who serve America to keep us free.  Happy 4th yall.

Thanks.