Do you have a story to tell?

As you are working on your Love List, there's going to come a time that you will begin to craft the story of how this list came into existence.  Here's a GREAT model to follow...

Nancy Duarte's talk at TEDx East from Duarte Design on Vimeo.

How's the Love List coming?

Chip Crane is the leader I mentioned in my last post who's story prompted me to begin writing my Love List.  I asked him to share his Love List and how the list came into existence...


I was in a hotel room in San Fran on a Sunday afternoon. I was in a leadership position with good income, meaning I was "comfortable" by material standards. However, I wanted my life to be used to make a SIGNIFICANT impact on others both inside and outside of my sphere of influence, so I prayed. 


"God, what did you build me for? Give me my purpose. Show me Your heart." He then had me write my love list, then my gifts/talents, then see if my life experiences supported that and finally if that would be of value to the world. Of course all these aligned.


My love list was:
1. Outdoor activities (climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc.)
2. Leading others
3. Teaching
4. There are more, but the top 3 are just that - the top three.


MY gifts/talents and experience supported each of those. In that I had been doing the outdoor activities for 20+ years, I had lead others for 19+ years and I had been teaching college courses for years (continuing education to be specific). As well I had received some of the worlds best leadership training (see the http://www.highestgols.com/index_files/About_us.htm for details.)
As I looked over this list and considered all the resources and training I had received, the idea of an outdoor leadership school was the next step.


Thanks Chip!


Keep working on that list! Life is too short to watch others live in their "sweet spot."

Love List

I recently had lunch with a gentleman for the purposes of hearing the story of his "Low Profit" start-up.  Part of his story involves his response to something he read in "Wild at Heart"  by John Ortberg. Out of what he read, he was compelled to pull out a pad of paper and a pen and begin making a list of all the things he loved and loved to do.  This list was the catalyst to his new start-up, an outdoor leadership experience.


What stuck with me the most was this concept of a "Love List." Sitting down and writing out a list of the things you love to do and then begin to ask the Lord to lead you to or open up the opportunity to do all of those things in a way that honors Him and quite possibly will allow you to support your life and/or family.


So, what does your Love List look like?  (I'm still working on mine.  Will post here soon.)  I'd love to see your list! Please post in the comment section.

Too Good Not to Share!

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." 


W. H. Murray

Are you "smoking what you're selling?"

My friend, Jay Hardwick shared this on his blog (jayhardwick.com) and I felt compelled to do the same.  It's a mystery to me who actually pays attention to my ramblings and I suspect that many are random viewers.  That being said, I have to believe this is for someone...maybe you.


I was struck by Jesus' emphasis on "believing" as I recently worked through the book of John with the S.O.A.P. method (previous post.) Take a look.  It's time to know and show what you believe.


Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

Grabbing the Handles

A good friend of mine, Brent Crowe (http://www.brentcrowe.com) shared this recently...


If you're looking for ways to connect with your teenager or any teenager, here are three "handles" you need to use:



1) Evolution is the norm.  In other words, change is the only constant in their lives.

2) Entertainment is their medium.  Put another way: they are very visual.  They need a visual hook on which they can hang all of the information they receive.

3) Experience in their community.  They long for connection more than answers.



Good stuff!

Don't Wait to be a Hero!

My SOAP verse for John 6...

Dwayne Morris - SOAP John 6 from First Baptist North Spartanburg on Vimeo.

SOAP Bible Study Method

Here's something I've been a part of creating...Give it a try!

S.O.A.P. Training Session from First Baptist North Spartanburg on Vimeo.

The Love Test

Valentines Day 2011


How's your love tank? By that, I mean, how are you doing on pouring love into others?  Here's a "test" based on 1 Corinthians 13.





Love is patient...Do you give in too easily?
Love is kind...Do you care more for others than yourself?
Love does not envy...Do you want what you can't have?
Love does not boast...Do you strut when you know you're right?
Love is not proud...Do you get a little over-confident?
Love does not dishonor others...Do you force your opinion onto others?
Love is not self-seeking...Do you have a "Me first!" attitude?
Love is not easily angered...Do you fly off the handle too quickly?
Love keeps no record of wrongs...Do you keep score of the sins of others?
Love does not delight in evil...Do you revel when others grovel?
Love rejoices with the truth...Do you take pleasure in having truth?
Love always protects...Do you put up with anything?
Love always trusts...Do you trust God always?
Love always hopes...Do you look for the best in others?
Love always perseveres...Do you look back or do you look ahead?
Love never fails...are you committed to the end?