Goodbye for now!

When I began this blog a couple of years ago, it was for one main purpose. I wanted to begin sharing with you the journey I was on in seeking God, leading ministry and life.

I think we have had some good times together. However, as I have been truly chasing God and what He would have for me, I have come full circle to what He had already given me.

I have a wonderful family, who loves me and whom I love dearly. I have a spectacular job that I come to appreciate more and more every day. Those are things I need to focus my energy on.

As I step away from ministry to focus on my family and my job, I think it would be best to step away from my blog. At least for a season. I will leave it up for "archival purposes", but aside from that, it will go dormant for a bit.

Until then, thanks for going on the journey with me and I will see ya on the other side!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Happy Birthday Jesus! Thank you for being our Savior! This one is for You!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Fusion to Fussing

A "new adventure" would probably be an understatement if I try and describe what it is like to be a part of a church plant. There is so many things going on and so much to be accomplished with so few resources. It is an adventure...and so much more!

One of the visions that God has called Equip to do, is to be a church that plants churches. Where you might ask? Where ever! It may be local, nationally, internationally. If God directs we will follow.

One of the most important steps (after hearing and following God, of course) is to develop a church planting program that includes the steps/processes we want to take in working with a new pastor in planting a church. This is where I come in.

I am extremely passionate about this. I am excited about being able to come along side of someone and help them prepare to plant a church as they follow God's calling. I also realize, that I have no knowledge or training, outside of the gifts God has given me. Therefore, I am on a mission. I am looking for books, websites, conferences, webinars, etc. that provide great information about establishing a spiritual successful church plant.

I am beginning to read books like, Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels, Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch by Nelson Searcy and Thomas Kerrick, Fusion: Turning First-Time Guests into Fully-Engaged Members of Your Church by Nelson Searcy.

I can fuss all day long about which books I should or shouldn't read, as we begin to focus on developing a program for planting churches. I am willing to beg, borrow and steal (with permission) from those who have done it right before me.

I am curious... what do you recommend? Any good books, websites, conferences, etc? Remember, we are a church plant, so money is no object...because we have none!

Speedy Twitter Summary

I was reviewing my twitter traffic from the last month and was wondering how I could share it with you. I didn't want to list out every twitter I have done. I didn't want to try and summarize 14o character messages.

In the end, I found the best solution. Enjoy my twitter summary of the tweets from the last month:

Thanks to Tweet Cloud for this cool tool!

Church Building

One of the tasks that has been laid at my feet has been the task of looking for a building. It is a very interesting process looking for a church building.

I have done my fair share of residential home shopping with a realtor, and I must say that looking for a church building is different.

I guess I wasn't really sure what to expect. Much like everything else about church business, it just works differently.

I hear great stories all the time of churches being given properties, or offering prices much less than market value, as low as $1, and seeing how God provides them the structure they need.

Of course, that hasn't happened yet for us. Although I am looking and praying, we still don't have a permanent facility. When will it happen? How will it happen? What miracles will God perform? I don't know...and frankly I don't care. I am excited to be in the process and look forward to what God is going to do!

By the Way, if you happen to own a large commercial building or church on the West side of Turlock, and are looking for a large write-off, give me a call!

Until then, God bless and be on the look at for a church building!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are a few things I am thankful for:

• My God, for accepting me and all my imperfections!
• My wife, yeah pretty much for the same reason!
• My wife, because I am lucky to have her!
• My son Jordan, he challenges me everyday to stay focused on my family.
• My son Austin, for having the same crazy personality I had at his age!
• My daughter Stormi, for trying to be the best daughter a Dad could ever have.
• My parents, for all they did for me growing up.
• My job, not only do I have one, but I am blessed to have a great one!
• My church, for challenging me and what I think 'church' should look like.
• My friends, this world just wouldn't be the same without them!
• My life, making the most of it, one day at a time!

What are you thankful for?

Holiday Wednesday

Since I am going to be gone for the Holidays I thought I would line up some fun stuff for the rest of the week. So, without further delay.... Enjoy!

Just in case you want to!

I experimented with my iphone this weekend. I recorded my message. It is not the greatest recording, as it was a room mic, however it was a fun project.

So if you are interested in listening to the message, you have a few options:

• Visit sermon.net/hickssound and listen online or download the message.
• Use the audio player below and listen online or download the message.

Enjoy!

Preacher man

Well, my day finally came. Yesterday, was my turn to preach at Equip. It had been some time since I last preached a sermon, probably 5 years, not sure.

I had forgotten just how much I enjoy preaching a sermon. I enjoy the preparation of the sermon the most. It is like a huge jump closer to God. I am studying in a way that is very different than my daily time with God, so it usually reveals something significant during the studying. Of course, I only preach every now and again, so I don't have any of the stress or burdens that our Pastor has, as he prepares a message for each week. I have the luxury of taking my time, weeks if I so choose, and really dig in deep.

It is for this reason that I am grateful for the times I get to preach, but also am content only doing it on occasion. There are some great men that God has blessed with the passion and commitment to preach weekly. I am not that person, right now anyways.

However, I do grow in appreciation for what they have to do, and each and every week I am very appreciative of what a Pastor goes through when he is delivering his message to us on a Sunday morning. So with that I say....

Thank you to all the Pastors that preach messages week in and week out. God has clearly given you a passion, and I am grateful that you are being obedient to your calling. I certainly appreciate you.

As for me, I think the message went well. Of course if you want to hear it for yourself, well you should have been there! Ha!...if you really want it, I can give you a CD of it. Just ask!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Thursday Thinkback

It has been a long time since I have done a good Thursday Thinkback. I thought with the impending preaching Sunday it would be a good time to do some thinking. So, enjoy my random thoughts:

• My friend Josh did a great job preaching on Sunday. I enjoyed hearing him speak.
• I had a blast working the Jeremy Camp concert on Sunday.
  
• I am still recovering from the Jeremy Camp concert on Sunday.
• I love the fact that there are so many leaders in our church who can preach a great message!
• I wonder how Sunday's message will go?
• Oh yeah, I forgot what I wrote here... it will be perfect!
• Little Sam Cotton will be leading worship Sunday. I love it when she leads worship!
• I love it when Marshawn leads worship.
• Oh wait, I just love worship, regardless of who is leading.
• I want to record my sermon on Sunday...oh wait there is an App for that!
• I am going to try out a new app Sunday to record my message. We will see!
• Oh did you here, the world is ending in 2012! Are you ready?
• Why is it that the Mayan's know stuff that God doesn't? Just saying....
• See ya Sunday!
  

Rusty Preacher

This Sunday I will be preaching a sermon for the first time in....well, let's just say it has been a while. I have had a few months to prepare, which has been really helpful. I have been able to do research and planning well before I needed to sit down and prepare the actual message.

This week, I have spent the last 2 nights working on my message. I have completed a first draft, and now can focus on revisions, tweaks, etc. However, no matter how much planning, I never go into Sunday feeling like it is perfect...or even close for that matter.

Yet, something unique happens come Sunday morning. I preach the perfect message for every person who comes to hear it. Of course, I am referring to the fact that it isn't me, but rather the Holy Spirit speaking through me. The truth is, and every one of you readers who is a speaker know, you can plan as much as you want but in the end it is the Holy Spirit who does the preaching, we just become the vessel He uses.

So, if you aren't doing anything on Sunday, come check it out. Regardless of what I do, you will here a perfect message!

Visit our website here to get times/directions. See ya Sunday!

Monday Recovery

Last night was a fun night.

I lead another great crew of people to help with the load-in/load-out of a concert in Modesto. I do this as a ministry for my friends at Celebration Concerts. I consider it a real honor to be able to serve them in this way.

Last night we had the Jeremy Camp tour come through town. The tour was Bebo Norman, Natalie Grant and Jeremy Camp.

This could have been a very stressful load-in. Since it was a Sunday, we could not get into the church until 1:30 PM. Thankfully, God provided an overwhelming number of people. We were able to get them loaded in, and sound checked right on time. We had a great concert, and had a fast load-out. I was able to release people about 40 minutes early! Yeah!

Unfortunately, it was still 1AM before I got home...and 7AM work day came way to early. I am exhausted and tired, worn out, and a little stressed. Yet, it was well worth it, and I would do it all over again!

If you would love to join my crew, let me know, and I will add you to my mailing list!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Listening for the Spirit

One of the things I didn't mention yesterday was a couple of great conversations I had this weekend. I wanted to take a moment and share this experience with you.

We had a new neighbor move in a few months back. "Bob" and his wife and kids had lost their business, house, have a ton of debt from that and with the economy he is struggling to find regular steady work.

He has been asking questions lately about God, Bible, and Jesus and general religious questions. However, we have not been able to have a good deep conversation about the topic. On Saturday night, things changed. My friend Josh and his family was over, as well as, "Bob" and his family.

While the wives went to get dinner, we began talking. I felt like it was a good opportunity to take the conversation a bit deeper, and we began discussing God. That led to a great 1 hour conversation about every aspect of a relationship with God. The fears, the unknowns, the doubts, etc. In the end, Josh and I had a chance to pray over him in the driveway, although he wasn't quite ready to make a commitment.

The next afternoon, while I was outside with the boys, "Bob" came over to thank me for the night before, for the conversation, the prayer and just being a friend. For the next conversation, I got to be a friend to my neighbor, we talked about life, religion, family, fears, etc. He still was not ready to make a decision, although I believe he is close, but the opportunity that Josh and I had to speak into his life was amazing.

This opportunity wouldn't have came about, if we weren't sensitive to listening for the Holy Spirit's prompting. The timing, topic, and discussion were the result of God's timing and the Spirit's prompting. I am grateful for being a part of that.

Are you listening for the Spirit's prompting?

Weekend Recovery

Well, I am sitting here this morning reflecting back over the weekend. I thought I would share with you a bit about our weekend and why it is so significant.

I woke up Saturday in a panic. I realized at 7:40 AM that I FORGOT to pick up the keys for the building that we rent to hold our church plant church services. I quickly realized that we are probably going to have a shortened service outside. I quickly began enlisting people to pray for a solution. By 12:00PM that day the issue had resolved. I remembered I knew some Lion's Club officers. They use the same building and have permanently issued keys. They loaned us the keys.

Second, after chasing around looking for keys, I cleaned the front yard (Autumn did a great job doing the back yard) and we got ready for Jordan's Birthday Party. What an amazing party. He had so many friends and family there to honor him. He felt VERY special. Fun was had by all.

That night we continued with some friends and got to play some games while the kids continued to play.

Sunday morning, we were up early and I was at the building (with keys) to open up by 7:30. We had a wonderful service, with our Children's Education Pastor preaching a great message. We were locked up, cleaned up and home by 11:30.

I spent a couple of hours doing personal finances and recovering from the cost of a birthday party. I then watched Fireproof with Autumn. That is an emotional movie...and I HAD seen it before.

I then took the boys outside for some bike riding and chalk writing. We had a fun afternoon. A great dinner from Autumn, and then finally some quiet computer time for me.

What a memorable and enjoyable weekend. How was yours?

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.

I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Elijah Offering Video from Elevation Church.

Hip Hop for Jesus

Yesterday I met with a young man from our church. He is in his early/mid 20's. He is a pretty unique young man.

He is a rapper, and he dresses the part. He is always dressed in brilliantly bright colors, plenty of bling, and style to go with it. He has the lingo. If you could hear this guy rap....man he has a gift. He is also a graduate of Teen challenge. He is currently living in a transition house trying to get back on his feet.

I have really felt like God wanted me to come along side him and disciple him as he starts this new life. We all know that when we disciple others, we are being discipled as well, right? At the same time I was feeling this, he had been wanting to put on a hip hop/rap outreach concert.

Yesterday, we got to finally meet together. The time was spent getting to know one another, and a bit of our pasts. The bulk of the time was spent brainstorming for the concert. Who would be a part of it, how would it look, sound and feel to the community we are trying to reach. When would we do it, where, etc. It was a great time and we accomplished a lot.

As I reflect back on that first meeting, there is one thing that really stands out to me. His passion. It was great to hear his passion to reach people and tell them about Jesus through his music. It was a genuine, excitable passion. A contagious passion.

For some reason, it seems that the longer we are Christians, we loose some of our passion...if we don't protect it. Why? many reasons.... but it does happen. It was great to see and hear his passion yesterday, because it stirred up my passion. It reminded me why I do what I do and why I want to be a part of reaching people who are lost.

Thank you, my friend, for reminding me what outreach is all about!

Oh...I get it!

Yesterday was a momentous day in the Hicks household. After many trials and tribulations, Austin has now joined the ranks of many others before him. He has climbed the mountain and reached the top...

Yes, Austin can now ride a bike!

Yesterday was the "Oh, I get it!" day for him.

We have been at this for 18 months. We have tried soft grassy hills at the park. We have tried stern forcefulness at home. I have ran beside him for--I don't know how many-- miles. I have attempted it many different ways. He has made good progress over the many months. Our last attempt, he actually was able to ride for great distances...as long as I was along side of him.

Yesterday started out like many others...he was frustrated, struggling and gave up. He told me he was going to go play with chalk. I told him "OK" but that I was disappointed he quit so easily, because I knew he was not a quitter.

After a few minutes (like 3) of playing with chalk, he came back to me. "Dad, I am ready to try again. This time I am not going to quit!" By the end of the afternoon, I could not get him off the bike. He could ride, start/stop, turn around. He was able to look around for cars, move out of the way. Needless to say, he asked if he could ride again the next day.

Although it took some pushing on my part, when he finally got it...he got it! It clicked and then his skills accelerated from there. I think our Christian walk can sometimes be the same way.

We become a Christian, we have great expectations. Sometimes we fall and it hurts. Sometimes we have success. I think we reach a point, though, where we finally get it. We understand what being a Christian really means. We understand what having a relationship with Jesus really involves.

Once we "Get it". Once we truly realized all that is involved in living a life for our Savior, then the best happens. We begin to grow. We begin to ride like the wind. We don't want to get off the bike. Our skills become refined, and we get better and better.

Can we still fall off? Sure. But the more and more we live our life for Christ and stay focused on Him, the harder it becomes AND when we do fall, we know how to get back on the bike!

Where are you in your bike riding journey?

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off. I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off. I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

God's Timing

I am reminded day after day just how perfect God's timing is. Yet, for some reason I never cease to be amazed when He does it again.

On Monday, I was reading in 2 Samuel 7, because of something I read on Steven Furtick's blog. As I read it, I was just amazed at King David's attitude when God told him that he couldn't build the temple. My prayer that day was based on that. "God, no matter what happens, I just want to be greatful for the opportunity".

Sure enough, that afternoon, I received some news at work that was a bit dishearting. It wasn't bad news, it just wasn't the news I was hoping for. However, thanks to God's amazing timing, I was able to work through it with the same prayer I had been repeating all day.

I think that no matter how long I am a Christian, and how long God directs my life, I will continue to be amazed each and every day with His timing. I better, because if I'm not I better check my heart!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I decided to share a great video Equip created for a service a few weeks back. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.
I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Wow!

Sometimes something crosses your pass that makes you go Wow! This is one of those cases.

Thank you to www.leadingsmart.com (Tim Stevens) for sharing this with us.

David Crowder*Band

This last Monday was a fun day for me. The David Crowder*Band was in Modesto. As many of you know I work with a great couple of guys at Celebration Concerts to help put on events in the Modesto area.

This concert was a bit different then most. Although from the stage you wouldn't know it, DC*B didn't bring a lot of stuff. They had a ton of instruments, etc. but very limited stage/lights/sound equipment. Why is this important? It effects directly how much stuff we had to unload!

Since the unloading of equipment was minimal, we actually got to spend a great deal of time with the band talking and hanging out. My friend Tom got to talk guitars with the guitar players. My friend Andy got to help B set up drums. Fun was had by all.

To top things off, my friend Jon comped Autumn for the concert, so she met me up there in mid afternoon. We went out to dinner and then sat together through the concert. For those of you who have worked a concert with me, you know I don't just "sit" at concerts I am working. However, at this moment, the time with Autumn meant way more to me. I am glad I did it.

No great point to be made today, other than to say DC*B is a great group of guys and I enjoyed hanging with them...but more importantly I enjoyed dating my wife. I think I will do more of that!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I decided to share a great video Equip created for a service a few weeks back. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Thursday Thinkback

Here are some random thoughts that typically pile up by Thursday as I prepare for the weekend:

• Thursday is the day I take the boys to Kajukenbo.
• We missed last week because of Jordan's Mouth Surgey.
• Thanks to all who prayed for Jordan. He is healing nicely.
• Apple rocks on customer service. Still amazed by the service I received.
• There is a lot going on at work that is distracting me. (Good stuff!)
• I love being part of a church planting team!
• I hate being a bi-vocational church planter...(don't we all!)
• I still haven't found a church building...that is bumming me out! Ok God, I am relying on you!
• Going to my mom's tomorrow to celebrate her birthday. I can't tell you how old she is though, so don't ask!
• I was thinking that I miss taking the boys to Kajukenbo about as much as they miss going!
• I have been ref'n on Saturdays. I have enjoyed the outdoor exercise.
• I just ate a piece of candy...I think it was 3 points!
• I have had a lot of busy weekends. I am looking forward to a nice quiet weekend. I think I am going to have to wait quiet awhile.
• I just realized I might be tired...but I am to busy to stop and find out!
• I have been dreaming alot lately about the great things God can do through Equip Church. I hope I get to see some of those things!
• David Crowder Band will be here on Monday October 12th. Anyone going?
• See ya at Church!

Great Experience

I wanted to take a moment and share with you a great experience I had. Now I know that many of you are already "Apple Believers", yet some of you are like me and still maintain our PC identity.

I must admit, my first computer was a mac, and because I was in business, I was forced to switch to PC. The main reason I have not switched back has been cost. The cost is substantial. However, with the advent of cloud computing and other web based apps, this cost differential is diminishing fast.

Autumn and I both have i-phones (yes I know we are trendy..deal!) and Friday AT&T joined the 21st century and added MMS to iPhones. I downloaded the carrier settings and updated my phone, and it worked great. Autumn not so lucky. It crashed. It died. It is over.

So began the recovery process. I followed all the various steps, ideas, methods on Apple' site and the Internet. No luck. The my worst fear set in. Call tech support!

So, I made an appointment with tech support (which is what you do with Apple) and I also made an appointment for the Apple store in Modesto for later that same day...just in case.

Sunday came, they called right on time. Unfortunately Ed could not fix my iPhone, however, he did teach me a lot of tricks and short cuts that are hard to find elsewhere. Ed was a guy who knew the iPhone. That is what he did...and he did it well. So we both agreed I should go to the Apple store. So I went.

I had a 3:30 appointment. I arrived at 3:10. I checked in. I was seen at 3:15. Phone confirmed dead at 3:16. New phone issued at 3:21. Driving out of the parking lot at 3:28.

Apple...when it comes to customer service...you do it right! Not only did your staff speak a language I can understand, but they actually knew what they were talking about. They actually understood what I was wanting and handled it accordingly. Thank you!

I am now sold on Apple. The next time I need a computer, I will seriously consider the switch to a Macbook. The added cost is totally worth it for the level of support I got!

So, to make this a "spiritual" thing...which I don't have to but will. Compare the service I received from Apple to the service we provide to those that visit our church. How do we match up?

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Man, You've Changed!

Well, I finally finished it. The hard work is over!

What am I talking about? Well, yesterday morning, I finished my SHAPE profile for the third time. The last time I did it was in 2006...just 3 years ago.

So, being the Planner/Producer that I am, I pulled out my profile from 3 years ago and began comparing. My spiritual gifts and my spiritual pathways didn't change much.

My growth markers and my heart has changed. It has changed a lot. It was really interesting to read about what was on my heart 3 years ago, versus what was on my heart today. Of course, it makes sense that the ministries I am doing at the time are reflected most in my answers; that is where my heart is at the time. In reading the differences and seeing where my heart was vs. where my heart is today was exciting.

Did that mean my heart was in the wrong place before? Does it mean that I wasn't where I should be. Not necessarily. The fact is, if everything had been identical that would have scared me. That would have meant I wasn't growing or maturing. The fact that there is change is a good thing.

How about you? Have you changed? Are you the same today as you were 3 years ago? I sure hope not!

Most exciting part....looking forward to where we will be 3 years from now! See ya then!

Recovery

This is my oldest son, Jordan. He is 9 years old.

Yesterday, he had gum graft surgery done in his mouth. He is now home on the couch recovering. He did great yesterday. He handled himself very well, and "took it like a man"!

I am very proud of him.

As a result, he is being treated like a king right now. He has 4 people waiting on him hand and foot. Which I am not sure what exactly that means, because he didn't have anything done to his hands or feet...but that's another story.

Nonetheless, there is nothing like a sickness, health issue, surgery, or any other thing that has a healing or recovery period to bring a family together. We love to be able to care for one another during a difficult time. We have all been on the giving end and the receiving end of our family care center. Regardless of which side you are on, you definitely feel loved!

I love my family and am glad I get to be apart of it. Get well soon, Jordan! I am proud of you.

Play it safe!

I wrote a twitter last week, some of you caught it. I thought I would take a few minutes and elaborate on it. Something that I have learned through joining Equip Church is this:

If you want to get Satan to leave you alone....play life safe!

It seems that ever since we stepped out in faith, in response to God's calling, we have been under constant attack from the enemy. When it isn't family health, it is financial stuff like a broken washing machine, or little words of doubt in my mind. Just as we move pass one attack and survive, here comes another.

Now, since I know some of you are wondering. For each of us, what "playing it safe" looks like will be different. What you need to do is look at what God is calling you to do vs. what you feel comfortable doing. For some, playing it safe is church hopping so you never have to connect and serve with a family. For others it might be a pew sitter and slipping out early every Sunday, for others it may be staying somewhere if God is calling you elsewhere...missions, full time church staff, or in my case volunteering with a church plant.

The fact is, God is calling us to follow him. For many years, I did that half-hearted. I kinda did, but also kinda did what felt safe. As a result Satan did not see me as a threat and left me alone. He may be thinking the same of you. However, once you start following God's calling for your life, Satan will become concerned...and I assure you he will come a knocking!

Let me leave you with this: Are you where God is calling you to be? If not, let me encourage you to find out what/where that is and do it! No matter the attacks, God will get you through! Trust me...I am in it right now!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Great Ham Sandwich

Today, I was home alone for lunch, so I decided to make a ham sandwich. It wasn't anything spectacular, or made any different then last time. Yet, for some reason today's ham sandwich was extra delicious.

Was it the fact that I toasted the bread a bit longer? Was it the second slice of cheese? Did I put a bit more mayonnaise then usual? Perhaps it was a little extra ham? Maybe it was the type of ham?

I am not really sure. It could have been the whole package, all I know is that it was one great sandwich!

While I was enjoying this great sandwich I got to thinking about the church. What is it that makes a good service into a great service? Is it the music? Is it the preaching? Is it the greeters? Is it the hearts of the people?

Aside from the almighty God doing his thing, do you know what ingredients are making your services great? More importantly, are you thinking about it? If you are not, I know the people visiting your church are!

Sit back and take a look at a good service and great service. What is different between them? If you figure that out, you will have one delicious ham sandwich!

What a weekend!

I thought I would quickly give you an update on our life. We had a really busy weekend, which I imagine is a sign of things to come now that we are part of a church plant.

So briefly, here is how we spent our weekend:

• Friday Night - 3 hour meeting with Hazenbergs to receive Equip Leadership Training. After all, we are late to the party!


• Saturday Morning - Jordan's belt test in Oakdale - (Yes, he passed with flying colors...he is now a yellow belt)


• Saturday Afternoon- Lunch/Swimming at my Dad's for his birthday.


• Saturday Evening - Dinner/Games with some new friends. Love building relationships!


• Sunday AM - Set-up church, have church, tear down church (So that's what they mean when they say portable church is hectic!)


• Sunday Lunch - Invited a family (of 6) to our house for lunch and hanging out. (Still Love building relationships!)


• Sunday Afternoon - Men's BBQ and planning meeting. (Big hamburgers! Yum!)


• Sunday Evening - Back to Hazenbergs for membership class training.

That pretty much sums up my weekend. Oh yeah, I even slipped in a 45 min nap on Sunday. I am not sure how, but I did. So, that is our new life for awhile. I am sure it will slow down here and there, but since I start ref'n soccer this Saturday, I will have plenty of stuff to fill my week!

Hope your weekend was less eventful!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Top 100

Well, the list of the Top 100 Church blogs came out last Friday. I surely expected to see my name on the list, but alas, no such luck! Maybe next year!
(Note- that is humor, I would never expect my name on the list, I can't believe you actually thought I was serious.)

Nonetheless, if you are a blog reader or love to read, check out the list of who most people are reading. I quickly spotted 10 or more that I have in my reader...and a few I am going to add.

Do you spot anyone you follow?

Check out the list here: Church Relevance.com

Lunch Meeting

This last Tuesday I had a very interesting and uplifting lunch. I met a guy for lunch that comes from a denominational background, far different from what I am used to.

We were able to talk for almost 3 hours over lunch. During which time we talked about quite a few things. One of those things was what we believe and why.

As we were discussing many topics, such as, gifts of the Spirit, "Once saved always saved", and other "controversial" theological topics, I began to realize something about my walk. A lot of what I believed, was not based on my own understanding, but rather my indoctrination by the first churches I attended as a Christian.

Before you get concerned that I drank the kool-aide and will be shaving my head...oops half way there already! I didn't suddenly change who I am and what I believe. However, I am truly questioning why I believe what I believe. Let me explain.

I am not questioning fundamental Christianity. I definitely believe in Jesus and what he did for me on the cross. I am referring to those beliefs that differ between denominations, and even church to church. Does God still perform miracles today? Are there gifts of the Spirit today? Once saved, always saved or can you loose your salvation? These are all questions (and many more) that I have answers for. I am simply asking myself, now, where did these answers come from? Will I change what I believe? Maybe...Maybe not? However, it has prompted me to study those things for myself.

Let me encourage you to do the same. What do you believe? Why? I certainly am not telling you to question your Pastor or church leadership. However, as Christians, I think it is our obligation (and no one else) to study for ourselves to develop the beliefs that we are going to follow.

Crack open that Bible!

Birthday Thoughts

Well, yesterday I celebrated my birthday. Nothing special, no milestone. A whopping 38 years old. Not even half a century yet.

I have been reflecting about it most of today and just wanted to share some random thoughts about it:

• I received more "Happy Birthdays" this year then ever...because of Facebook.
• The more birthdays I have, the less I want to celebrate them.
• The more birthdays I have, the more tired I feel.
• The more birthdays I have, the more I realize how little I know.
• The more birthdays I have, the faster time flies.
• More than ever, I wish I had followed my dreams and not "played it safe".
• I am grateful for the wonderful friends I have in my life.
• I spend way to much time twittering. (The social media not body)
• I have a wonderful family!

Here's to at least another 38!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Introductions

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Autumn and I have left New Life to join a church plant. I wanted to take a few minutes and introduce you to our new church.

We have joined the ranks of Equip Church of Turlock. The church is pastored by Greg and Sandy Hazenberg. We are excited to have joined the ranks of some great, Godly, people.

Let me introduce you to this great team:

Far Left, Greg and Sandy Hazenberg (Senior Pastor)

Middle Left, Loraine Swart (Archivist)

Middle Right, Josh and Monica Kemper (Youth Pastor)

Far Right, Dick and Mary Prichard (Christian Education Director, Assimilation Director)

Recently, Sandy mentioned here, Equip was blessed with the addition of Dan and Audra Coburn and family. They will be working to develop the Worship Ministries.

Autumn and I have no clue exactly where we fit in to the Equip puzzle. We are excited with what God is doing at Equip and can't wait to begin serving the team. As Autumn and I begin to move forward, and growing with the team, I am sure there will be a lot more posts about what God is doing at Equip.

For now, though, you have met the team that we honored to join. Say "Hi" the next time you see them!

A Great Line

As I mentioned here on Monday, I have been spending a lot of time focusing on prayer lately. This has been a good thing, as prayer has always been an area of struggle in my life. I have never been a "prayer warrior".

Recently, I began reading a book called Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. The leadership of Equip Church is reading through this book together. In it,there was a line that keeps coming back to me day after day. It goes like this:

Why would He [God] send anyone there [Heaven] who doesn't long for Him passionately here on Earth?

Now, let's not read into the quote, or tear it apart doctrinally. I simply want the meaning of that to sink in for a minute. Re-read it again. As I read it, I basically heard "We live our life here on Earth, never longing to talk to or be with God, but yet when we get to Heaven we expect Him to let us in because of that "one time" when we "accepted" Christ in our heart.

Let me make it clear, I am not questioning your spirituality, or the realism of your relationship with Christ. As I reflected on that statement, I sat back and realized just how selfish our walk with God can be. We portion God off so He only has access to what we want to give Him, but yet we expect Him to do so much in our lives.

This statement pours into my heart everyday as I think about the relationship I thought I had with Christ; that I realize just how selfish my relationship really was. I truly want to seek God, passionately, and spend time with Him everyday, for no other reason than to just be with Him. I pray that I reach that point where God can't wait for me to get to Heaven, because we spent so much time together, passionately, here on Earth.

How about you?

Special Video Night

Every now in then I come across a video that I believe is worthy of sharing. This is one of those videos. I wish that we Americans who complain and whine about what our government does had half the drive to stand up for what is right like this gentleman. Enjoy!

Praying

Well, this last week of vacation has been great. We had a wonderful time camping, and it wasn't even crowded (advantage of homeschooling, we can go after kids are back in school).

I took a number of naps. That is always a good thing. I got to do a lot of "firsts" with my boys on this vacation. First baseball game (Sac Rivercats), first hike, etc.

One of the things I got to spend a lot of time doing was praying. Most of you who know me know that I am not a "prayer warrior". This has always been the area of my walk I struggle with the most. I certainly believe in the power and value of prayer, it is just something I have always struggled with giving it the priority it deserves.

However, with all the changes going on in our lives, and the steps of faith we had to take, I find myself in a new and unique position. I have no idea what I am doing. I cannot lean on my own understanding. The result? I need God.

This has been a great, yet scary, experience. As I prayed through so much over the last week, it was amazing to see what God was able to speak to me about. I started reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire over the weekend. Which is a book about...well, Prayer. It has been a very refreshing and apropos read at this stage in my life.

I have no great spiritual point to make, or guidance to provide. I simply wanted to share what God is doing in me right now; because, well, I think it is really exciting. If you haven't been there and experienced it, let me encourage you to do so...right now!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Twitter according to Tim

I read a blog post from Tim Stevens a couple of weeks ago that he wrote on things he had learned about Twitter. You can read his post here.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most was his point that we should turn twitter off occasionally. Of course, I read into that further and thought that we should be turning off all social media occasionally. Twitter, Facebook, email, texting, and any other currently cool connection tools available.

As I reflected on that I began questioning whether I had control of my "twitter" issues. Could I turn it off? Would I turn it off? Can I stop anytime I want? Does it interfer with my family? The reality is, I am not sure...but it is most likely undercontrol, right?. Tim makes a great point, "Like anything, you can become addicted."

I am on vacation all this week, and unless I have cell coverage at the lake, I most likely will not be checking my mail, facebook, or twitter. The real question that comes in to play: If I have cell service, can I put my phone down?

By the time you read this post, you will know the answer to this question, if you follow me in any form. So, let me challenge you. If there is doubt whether or not you are out of control....it is probably too late. Take a break. Turn it off. If you are like me, you probably have already overloaded your brain with leadership stuff that you won't be able to process any more anyways!

See ya next week!

Nothing speedier than the DMV

Did that title catch your attention?

How many of us can remember back when registering your car meant spending a couple of hours at the DMV in line to spend 5-10 minutes at a window with someone who wants to be there less than you do? Does that ring any bells?

Last week I had to re-register my Jeep. The DMV has become a refreshing example of efficiency. The entire process took less than 3 minutes. That's right...3 minutes from the time I opened the website to the time I printed my receipt. I did this all from my desk at a time that was convenient to me.

In addition, if you have to actually visit the DMV, you can make an appointment online, walk in to a seperate window to check-in, and usually within minutes been standing at a window, with someone who is actually not stressed-out anymore, and actually wants to help you.

As I was thinking about how the DMV has embraced technology to reach people, I wondered why so many churches don't. There are some great examples of churches that use technology to reach people. Whether videos, internet, lights/sound, and the list goes on, it doesn't matter. There are some amazing examples. Yet, those are the minority. Perry Noble has said many times that "NewSpring will do anything, short of sin, to reach people for Christ".

I realize that for many that may be offensive. I really don't care. The fact is, we do need to do whatever we can to find people. If that means capitalizing on technology, than I think we should.

Ok, my ranting is over. I guess I just have a lot of extra energy that I didn't waste at the DMV!

See ya next week!

5 Things!

I am on vacation. I am camping with the family and having a wonderful time. This last Friday was the last day in the office and I was amazed and what transpired and how much I got done. It always seems, that on the last day before a vacation, I manage to get all those little pesky tasks done, that I had been putting off forever!

I am one of those people who likes to return from vacation with nothing left from before. It makes sure that I don't think about it while on vacation and that way I have no idea what to expect when I return to work, thus my vacation "high" lasts a little bit longer.

So with those thoughts in mind...

Here is my top 5 things NOT to do on the

last day of work before a vacation:

5. Do not schedule any meetings for the first day back to the office.
4. Do not leave your cell phone number on your voicemail for people to call "if this is an emergency".
3. Do not expect a going away party before you leave. (They will do that while your gone.)
2. Do not leave a half cup of coffee on your desk.
1. Do not let your boss see how hard your working to wrap up loose ends. That will become the new standard!

See ya next week!

Vacation Time

Howdy everyone!

I am on vacation! That is right. We are on our annual camping trip! This year we went to Pinecrest Lake. 5 days of camping, hiking and hanging with the family.

This trip could not have come at a better time. There is a lot going on in our lives right now, so this will give us a chance to catch our breaths as we prepare for the next stage of our lives. In case you missed everything that is going on, you can read about it here and here.

So, sit back and enjoy some posts this week while I relax and take some naps.

See ya soon!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Changes Part Deux!

Since we are already on the discussion of change yesterday. I thought I would continue with more today. If you didn't read yesterday's post, I would check it out here!

We decided since that change was significant enough in our lives (insert sarcastic laughter here), we decided to add to it.

We are now the proud parents of a 17 year old teenage daughter. Most of you know Stormi and how much she has been a part of our lives. We have been grateful for the time God has given us with her over the years. As of recent, she has continued her "inappropriate" ways. This resulted in her father asking for us to give him a hand in coming up with something new to try and help her to succeed in life.

After much discussion with her dad, we all agreed that the best thing for Stormi would be to get her into a new environment, particularly one that Stormi feels loved in, and one that her dad feels safe with.

So, we have spent the last week, rearranging rooms, moving the boys back into one room and preparing her space, meeting with her school. It has been crazy.

So, in addition to all the prayer needs I posted here yesterday. Please be praying for us as we instantly became parents of a teenage daughter!

Aaaaaarrrrghhhhhhhh! OK, I feel better now.

Changes

Well, the time has come to share with you the changes that are going on in our life. I really can’t comprehend everything that has gone on over the last year. Therefore, I am not going to start trying to explain it to you now.

I am simply going to share with you what has happened. Give me a few months to truly comprehend it all, and I am sure I will be back to share the long prayerful process that took place.

After a long process of seeking God, and I mean a long process, we have felt God call us to join a church plant here in Turlock, and as a result we are transitioning from New Life.

My reason for sharing this now is to make a few clarifications for those of you wondering. First and foremost, the reason for leaving is a result of God’s calling on our lives to join the church plant. The reality is, the process took longer than it probably should, because we truly love New Life, and had a really hard time letting go. Second, this was a very long process that required a great deal of prayer, seeking advice, and more prayer. This is not a decision anyone should ever make quickly. It was definitely not a decision we made quickly.

Please be praying for us as we step out in to this new path God has us on. We love our New Life family and will miss you very much! (Of course, we are still at the same house, so stop in and say ‘Hi’). Finally, keep checking back with my blog, as I will begin sharing about our new adventure. Sometime this fall, once Autumn and I have had a chance to truly see what God has done through this, I am sure I will come back and share the process with you.

Lastly, and most important: Thank you very much to Pastor Dave for all he did in our lives. You Rock Pastor Dave!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

What is normal?

This year my busy season has lasted exceptionally long. My normal busy season is April to July. However, this year it started getting busy by the end of January and just this week has started to slow down.

There are many reasons for this, but that is not important.

The fact is, I saw this day coming. I have looked forward to it for a very long time. The point where I would be able to sigh and then relax. It is just at that time when you start to relax that kids do their best job at destroying that dream.

This past week, our "daughter" got herself into some trouble. Nonetheless, what I thought was going to be a very quiet week, has become a very crazy week. Yet, for some reason, when dealing with our kids, no matter how much stress they cause, it is way easier to deal with then even the slightest work stress.

Why do you think that is? Is it because we choose to have kids, and so we are stuck with it, where as our job is a choice? Or is it as simple as parental love abounds all?

Thoughts?

All I know, is I am still happy to be out of this busy season and am not the least bit bothered by the kiddo issues!

Willow Creek Leadership Summit (Day 2) Thoughts

Here are some thoughts, highlights from today's sessions:

• 9:07 AM: hickssound Dave Gibbons, Thinking Forward:


• 9:07 AM: hickssound Who is my neighbor? Someone like me?


• 9:08 AM: hickssound Who is a third culture leader?


• 9:09 AM: hickssound Adaptation....painful adaptation.


• 9:10 AM: hickssound The third culture leader is focused on the fringe...the misfits.


• 9:11 AM: hickssound The masses typically don't lead us...the fringe does, the misfits.


• 9:13 AM: hickssound What hold us back from loving on the fringes?


• 9:14 AM: hickssound It is our metrics. The third culture leader has a different set of metrics.


• 9:15 AM: hickssound Failure is success to God!


• 9:16 AM: hickssound Our Failure is our platform to the world. It is how we can connect to this generation.


• 9:16 AM: hickssound Our failures and weaknesses, are a gift from God so that we can reach this world.


• 9:17 AM: hickssound The most important thing when assessing someone's gifts/skills is their story.


• 9:18 AM: hickssound Weakness guides us more than strengths.


• 9:19 AM: hickssound Relationships trump Vision!


• 9:21 AM: hickssound Is it really what happens inside the building that's important...or is it what happens outside the building that matters most.


• 9:23 AM: hickssound 70% leadership development/ 30% weekend programming/sermon prep/etc.


• 9:23 AM: hickssound Best results are life on life, not through a 5 class program.


• 9:24 AM: hickssound Design/Space Shifts


• 9:25 AM: hickssound The third culture leader believes obedience is more important that passion.


• 9:25 AM: hickssound 4 Acts of Obedience:


• 9:26 AM: hickssound 1. Deeper Collaboration


• 9:26 AM: hickssound 2. Communal Living


• 9:26 AM: hickssound 3. Prayer


• 9:27 AM: hickssound 4. Radical sacrificial love for the outsiders.


• 9:33 AM: hickssound Andrew Rugasira, Thinking Forward: Aid vs. Trade:


• 9:35 AM: hickssound When you hear "Africa" what comes to mind: poverty, AIDS, disease, genocide?


• 9:36 AM: hickssound Andrew's perspective: opportunity, entrepreneurs,


• 9:42 AM: hickssound Candid talk...important when you don't have much money to go with your vision.


• 9:42 AM: hickssound Candid talk provides the integrity that people need.


• 9:48 AM: hickssound 1970 - 2000, Africa has received 400 billion dollars in aid money, but the economy growth has not grown with the aid money.


• 9:49 AM: hickssound Aid money undermines accountability.


• 9:50 AM: hickssound There is way to much time spent reporting on the aid money then actually taking action in the region. (Tanzania wrote 2400 donor reports, and had 1000 meetings with donors in 2008)


• 9:50 AM: hickssound What is the impact of our compassion?


• 9:51 AM: hickssound Stop thinking of Africa as a place needing help, but rather see Africa as a country of consumers, innovators, etc.


• 9:52 AM: hickssound The local people have lost hope in themselves, because they only see support coming from outside the country, and don't believe they can be self sufficient.


• 9:57 AM: hickssound Much like Dave said early, we need to be rethinking our metrics when determining the role of Africa in the world market.


• 9:59 AM: hickssound Wess Stafford, Leveraging Your Past:


• 10:05 AM: hickssound Leadership is a gift...given by the people willing to follow you each and every day.


• 10:07 AM: hickssound People are not going to care what you know, until they know why you care.


• 10:24 AM: hickssound As I sit and listen to Wess share his story, I realize that God has designed all of our failures/stories/experiences of our life to develop our "Story". This is the story that we use to reach others. That allows us to connect with people on a personal level. If we choose to use it. Will you choose to use it?


• 10:25 AM: hickssound What is your cause? What makes you lead? Does it bring you to tears? Tears of sorrow or tears of joy?


• 10:27 AM: hickssound We have worth because of who gives us worth, and not what we do!


• 10:30 AM: hickssound Foregiveness does not mean that you forget. However, you can never forget what you can't forgive.


• 10:33 AM: hickssound Wess clearly has great compassion for what he is doing. I think that if more of us were fueled by that kind of passion, the success the "church" could have would be God-amazing.


• 11:42 AM: hickssound Leadership is a journey. We each have to take our own path and get there in our own way.


• 11:42 AM: hickssound There are people who can help us on our journey; friends, mentors, teachers, etc.


• 11:43 AM: hickssound Teachers of leadership can teach you to be a leader. They can make you aware of leadership concepts.


• 11:44 AM: hickssound Some are born leaders, others are given the foundation. Either way you have to get better and you can get better.


• 11:45 AM: hickssound The best way to learn leadership is to be out doing leadership along side of continual learning.


• 11:46 AM: hickssound "Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader" - President Harry Truman.


• 11:47 AM: hickssound It is easy, as a leader, to confuse motion with progress.


• 11:47 AM: hickssound The best leaders are constantly looking at feedback to determine progress.


• 11:48 AM: hickssound One of the easiest things to do is to fool yourself.


• 11:49 AM: hickssound It is very essential to take time to reflect on the activities at hand.


• 11:50 AM: hickssound Go fishing.....!


• 11:53 AM: hickssound Someone who can look further back, can see further forward - Churchill


• 11:54 AM: hickssound Is it possible to be such a "decent" person, that you can't be a leader. No. It is hard to find "decent" people, and they can make great leaders.


• 11:58 AM: hickssound People who can laugh together, can do a lot of other things together, pray, etc.


• 11:59 AM: hickssound Mentors are very important in life.


• 12:02 PM: hickssound You can entrust to the point of detachment from your role as a leader. That is not a good thing.


• 12:03 PM: hickssound The American people are a very forgiving people, if you are straight with them!


• 12:06 PM: hickssound We are all flawed, the growth and maturity comes when we learn how to deal with our flaws.


• 12:10 PM: hickssound We should be more forgiving and less evasive in our leaders private lives, and recognize they are flawed humans like us.


• 12:16 PM: hickssound Speakers/Communication: Who the speaker is, is as important as what the speaker says.


• 12:26 PM: hickssound Personal habits of leaders: Strong self discipline, physically fit (leadership is physically demanding), building time in the day to reflect, build time in the day to spend time with those you cherish and those that cherish you, and realize you cannot do everything in 1 day.


• 12:31 PM: hickssound "When I enter a church I hope that it is a place where I can find inner-peace, where I can learn something, provide good anchors for my life."


• 12:32 PM: hickssound A good spiritual foundation in your leadership will help you to find your moral compass.


• 12:32 PM: hickssound Great anchors in life: faith, family and friends.


• 2:12 PM: hickssound Chip and Dan Heath, Switch:


• 2:18 PM: hickssound If you are trying to minimize change in your life, then don't get married or have kids.....now that is a funny but true statement.


• 2:18 PM: hickssound Change is filled with conflict.


• 2:19 PM: hickssound There is a constant battle in change.


• 2:21 PM: hickssound The elephant and the rider metaphor is pretty amazing. The rider is the do'er/energizer (changer) and they are trying to direct the path of the elephant, which is the status quo....It is a big task for the rider to change/direct the path of the elephant....


• 2:23 PM: hickssound When working through change, stop looking at what is not working, and start studying what is working, and figure out how to duplicate that in the areas that are not working.


• 2:25 PM: hickssound For now, ignore the failing and mediocre and seek out the bright spots. Study those bright spots and learn how to use that in the rest of your areas.


• 2:29 PM: hickssound "Big problems are rarely solved with big solutions. Typically it is solved with many small solutions. The bigger the problem the smaller the solutions."


• 2:30 PM: hickssound Which basically means, shrink the change into small controlled and measurable change.


• 2:32 PM: hickssound Chip used the example of Minor County in South Dakota, and how the high school students developed small steps to raise tax revenue to poor back into the community.


• 2:32 PM: hickssound It is completely turned over the community, and was done with just small change.


• 2:34 PM: hickssound Application: With this down turn of the economy and the fear of how we can make these big changes to keep up with the economy. The reality is to think small. Start making small changes today, and the change will slowly evolve to where you need to be.


• 2:35 PM: hickssound If you are feeling overwhelmed and demoralized when thinking about the change, you have missed the moving of the elephant. However, if you start thinking of small things to get started, and you start to get excited about the change, then you are on the right track and should move forward.


• 2:39 PM: hickssound When we fail, when our ministries are failing, are we looking that as a time of insight or as a time of failure (hell!)? In order to get from the initial hope to the final confidence, you must pass through the valley of insight where you have a chance to grow and learn.


• 2:40 PM: hickssound Growth mindset - With work, I can become better at....


• 2:40 PM: hickssound ....and built into that thought is a "tolerance for failure".


• 2:41 PM: hickssound Failure is a necessity for change.


• 2:41 PM: hickssound Failure is not something to be avoided, but possibly "an early warning sign for success."


• 2:43 PM: hickssound We need to empower people that it is ok to fail, if they are trying.


• 2:44 PM: hickssound We have a habit of looking at the people and not at the situation.


• 2:47 PM: hickssound A gift of good leaders is to evaluate the situation and create situations that allow people to succed, and not focus on the people or a people problem.


• 3:02 PM: hickssound Bono, The Church...Three Years Later:


• 3:12 PM: hickssound 50% reduction in malaria deaths in 3 years. That is God-sized crazy!


• 3:12 PM: hickssound 41 million bed nets distributed.


• 3:12 PM: hickssound "The church has woke up and is making a difference...and we are winning" - Bono


• 3:17 PM: hickssound "A mark of spiritual maturity is when someone begins to release their resources for the kingdom of God" - Pastor Merritt


• 3:21 PM: hickssound "A mark of spiritual maturity is when someone begins to release their resources for the kingdom of God" - Pastor Merritt


• 3:26 PM: hickssound If the story from the church in whittier, ca didn't make you cry, then you definitely have no emotions.


• 3:27 PM: hickssound "We have stopped becoming a place to serve ourselves....but why did it take a rock star to do it?" - Wittier Church


• 3:31 PM: hickssound "What is really hard to take is a 'lifeless ceremony' which is the case in a lot of churches." - Bono


• 3:34 PM: hickssound If you can do it, or if your church can do it, get a copy of this summit. Use it and watch it with your whole leadership team. It will make a difference in your organization!


• 3:38 PM: hickssound "The church tends to find the decisive things that separates the church from others and trumpets those. That is not grace. Grace is when you find the things in common." - Bono


• 3:48 PM: hickssound Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, An Interview with Tony Blair:


• 4:25 PM: hickssound "I felt like a very normal person in a very abnormal position"


• 4:26 PM: hickssound "Conventional wisdom can sometimes just be the comfortable thing to do...and sometimes the comfortable thing to do is the wrong thing to do"


• 4:29 PM: hickssound "If you really think this is the right way to go for your organization, then it is your job to stand for it and communicate that to the group"


• 4:37 PM: hickssound Strategic objectives should be based on principles.


• 4:39 PM: hickssound In a crisis, you have to take the facts, evaluate them very critical and then speak to them and the emotions that the "people" are feeling.


• 4:40 PM: hickssound "As a leader when you are accumulating pain and disappointment, you must look at the blessings that you have received"


• 4:42 PM: hickssound "Leadership is a blessing, a gift you have been given to help others, and no matter how difficult or painful, you are important. Without the leader nothing gets done. The joy and blessings of what gets done makes all the pain worthwhile."


• 4:43 PM: hickssound "There are things that you have to take a stand on, not yield on. You must be prepared to walk away if you are being pressured to compromise on these things."