Think. Be. Do.

Had you asked me in January the two people I’d like to meet (in person) most (who are living today), outside of Donald Trump or Bill Gates, I probably would have said Erwin McManus and Rob Bell. If you are unfamiliar with either, both are exceptionally gifted pastors who share in a style that bypasses “religion” and cuts to the root of the true mission of Jesus.

A few weeks ago I posted a note about having the opportunity to meet and have dinner with Erwin McManus. I’ve followed Erwin’s teaching for some time and have resonated well with his perspective, leadership and vision. It was a highlight to spend a few hours with him as we talked about a variety of things over a great meal with friends.

I was pretty excited about that but then the email came. A note popped up that Rob Bell was filming his next NOOMA series (short videos) here in Jacksonville, FL during the week of March 12th. Long story short… I signed up to help as an “extra” on the set and ended up being asked to help as a “production assistant” rather than an “extra.” I did and it was amazing. So much fun, so many great people. The filming started at 6am every day. Some days we shot on a beach, some days at an old diner, some days at a sound stage. It was a great experience but to top it off (and complete my wish list)…. I was able to spend some time chatting with Rob Bell on set. It was a great opportunity to chat. We talked about a variety of things from where he sees the future of the church going, NOMMA’s, how he handles “fame,” his new book, life, etc. He was very polite and exactly what I thought he’d be like in person.

After meeting both Erwin and Rob and now having some time to sit and reflect on the interactions we had… a thought keeps coming to my mind. Authentic. That’s it. Neither Rob nor Erwin appear to be caught up in the spotlight. Neither one seem to really care about all the bells and whistles. What they do care about is making a difference that brings people into a relationship with Jesus. The don’t just talk their game, they play it.

Click Here for a Few More Photos from the NOOMA Filming

Visit NOOMA.com and pick up copies today. Each film is short (maybe 10 minutes) but extremely powerful. I know they have impacted my life, the lives of many others I know, and many others around the world.

Read more about Erwin McManus here.

I haven’t posted in a while. Been slammed busy planning for a large public seminar event on April 27th. It’s called “The Positive Energy Conference.” We’re expecting over 1000 people to attend from all over for a day filled with activities. We’ll kick off the morning with a live seminar from Jon Gordon. Jon will hit the stage at 9am and we’ll end around noon. He’ll be sharing strategies on how to build a positive, engaged, enthusiastic team… along with other lessons from his new book “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy.”

Were doing some pretty unique things for a conference like this. Not only will the first part of the day be “seminar” style but the second half of the day is being setup to create an impact in the local community. Seminar attendees will be given the option to sign up for one of several volunteer initiatives where we will dispatch groups of people out to “roll up their sleeves” and give back by making a difference. Our goal is that the seminar will provide them with the tools and strategies to energize their lives and careers and that the community impact event will allow them to unite and make a difference.

We also decided that rather than charging a premium rate for tickets that we would make the tickets affordable to all (just $25 each) with 100% of ticket proceeds going to two local 501c3 charities that support youth focused programs.

The logistics behind planning and organizing an event like this are pretty massive but I love every minute of it. Check it out at www.PositiveEnergyConference.com.

Kids amaze me. I have two girls, ages 3 & 6 (almost 4 & 7). They keep me grounded. They remind me to smile, to laugh and be silly, to go outside and play, or become “the tickle monster” and chase them through the house. On occasion they also bring out my 80’s free-style breakdancin moves when they egg me on to do “the worm” across the floor… yes, that’s by their own request and NO… I’m not posting picture anytime soon.

My kids teach me much more than I will probably ever teach them and today was no substitute.

Below is a copy of a note my 6 year old wrote tonight. I thought she was in bed but then she came out with a HUGE smile on her face and a notepad. When I asked her what it was that she was smiling about she said, “Here Dad, read this.” I’ll type out her words (exactly as she wrote them) below just in case you can’t read the picture image:

By Kayla Decker
I love the love that comes from God. he has mitty power. I love the towns and I love the people who ceep cleaning and no weaping. I love my Mom. I love my Dad. I love my sister. We all are diffrent in are own speciall way. The lords of god and the lord of heven I love the things he has given.

It’s in moments like this that I am truly thankful for all that I have been given. Not only am I amazed that my 6 year old daughter wrote this but I am inspired by the simplicity of the truth and the lesson that she has reminded me of today. In her innocent words… “The lord of god and the lord of heven I love the things he has given.”

Recently Jon Gordon, author - biz partner - friend, and I hosted a live 1-hour teleseminar with around 1000 people who registered from all around the globe. It was a fun night sharing tips from Jon’s new book “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy.” Take a listen here. You can listen online now or download an MP3 recording. Technology continues to amaze me. It opens up a whole new opportunity to reach people in ways we have only yet to tap.

BRONTOPHOBIA? Sounds like someone who is afraid of being squashed by an 18 ton prehistoric dinosaur. My first thought was “Fred Flintstone” but it’s a real fear…. the fear of thunder and lightening.

Fear has always been a curious thing to me. Why do we always seem to fear things we mostly have no reason to fear? We fear the things we can’t control as if we were meant to control them. Is fear the spark that shows us when we are relying too much on ourselves and not enough on God to see us through?

I believe so.

Fear separates us from God’ purpose for our lives. Fear distracts, it clouds, and it works to keep us in mediocrity versus the chance at brilliance we all were made for. Fear can help us come out fighting or it can send us to the shadows in retreat. Choosing faith over fear makes God happy.