I've been getting this question lately, so I figured I'd answer it here so I don't have to write it multiple times.  I don't consider myself a monster reader.  I have friends who read 2-3 times as much as I do, so I've got a long way to go.   But here's how I read as much as I do:   1. I set a reading goal every year – People are capable of much more than they realize.  Last year I set a goal to read 100 books and I did.  This year I'm planning to read 200 books … Read More

If you've ever wished there was a book that spoke opening and plainly about how to create safeguards in your life so we don't ever have a moral failure, Hedges is it.   Jerry Jenkins (of Left Behind fame) wrote a fantastic book about how to create hedges that keep us from falling.  This book caused me to rethink the safeguards I have and recommit myself to them.   Falling into sin doesn't only hurt us.  It hurts everyone around us as well.  That's why I loved this book and highly recommend it. Hedges is a book that every church … Read More

It's a new year and that means a lot of people are going to be "checking out" church for the first time.  The question is, "Are you ready for them?"   If you're looking to gain some insight and learn some new skills for keeping first time guests and helping them take next steps in their faith, then I want to invite you to the Fusion seminar I'm leading in Orlando on February 22 from 9AM-Noon.  What will you learn? How about:  – The principles to help you create an inviting environment for first-time guests  – How to ''wow'' first-time … Read More

I am a huge fan of David Allen.  His book "Getting Things Done" completely changed how I manage my workflow and organize my life.  I own the book and the audio (just cause I'm a freak like that) and refer to the  book regularly.   Needless to say, when I saw he had written a new book, I didn't even open it.  I just grabbed it and bought it.  I read "Making it all Work" in one sitting and it was really good. In some ways, it's a commentary on Getting Things Done.  In other ways, it expounds on the … Read More

– Just checked by blog and realized I haven't posted since last Sunday.. whoops!  – Today was great!  Great turnout. The church was really into the message – I felt great about the message.  Could be be my best this year 🙂 – Still not 100% with my voice, but we got through it.   – Band was on today!  The Fuel series has been a great one to kick the year off.  2 Timothy is a great book to teach.  It's what our church needed right now.   – We changed our office schedule this week. We're all in … Read More

I've been light on the blogging for many reasons that I will talk about later, but one of the things I've been doing this week is reviewing 2008. Personally, 2008 was one of my best years yet.   I believe what causes next year to be better than the last is to take time to review what transpired over the last 12 months.  God has been so good to me and I don't want to be ungrateful by forgetting or not taking the time to reflect on His goodness and grace in my life.  I set 22 major goals in … Read More

I read the executive summary of Great Employees Only and decide since the summary was so good, I should buy the book. I’m glad I did. This was a really good book and an interesting view of leadership. Dauten’s premise is that employers should spend 90% of their time hiring, 10% de-hiring and 0% managing. The idea is, when you hire stars you don’t have to manage them. You simply have to let them loose. I tend to agree, unless you’re hiring a diamond in the rough of course. The book is 48 short chapters (which you know I love) … Read More

I’m writing from my vacation just to say that we all need breaks. I’m having a great time with my wife and my daughter. I’ve taken a nap every day I’ve been gone. It feels good 🙂 I have been doing some writing as I’m trying to finish writing my next book. I should be done by Thanksgiving. More details on that later. Also, I’ve read some good books while on vacation. I’ll post some reviews next week. I’m looking forward to teaching this weekend on the subject of trusting God. I’m going to be talking about how to navigate … Read More

We’re headed back to the World Series! What an amazing series! Everyone’s asleep in my house, but I’m jumping up and down, fist pumping, and celebrating silently 🙂 Best birthday present ever!!!!!!!!!!

Because when I quiet my mind, this is what I hear… “We’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship Zooming through the sky… Little Einsteins Climb aboard, get ready to explore There’s so much to find, Little Einsteins. We’re going on a mission, start the countdown 5, 4, 3,2,1 Everyone to rocket, rev it up now RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR We’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship Zooming through the sky, Little Einsteins Climb aboard, get ready to explore There’s so much to find, Little Einsteins Come On – Let’s Go – Little Einsteins We need you, Little … Read More