Travis Johnson

Book Review: Slandering Jesus

"Slandering Jesus" is a great book by Dr. Erwin Lutzer.  Seemingly, it was written in response to some of the discussions following the DaVinci Code Book/Movie.

In this book, Dr. Lutzer lists and answers the six lies people tell about the man who said He was God.  They are:

1. Jesus' family tomb has been discovered.
2. Jesus was not crucified.
3. Judas did Jesus a favor.
4. Jesus was only a man.
5. Jesus had a dark secret.
6. Jesus is only one way among many.

Lutzer does an excellent job of fairly and effectively answering each question using historical data.  The thing that stood out most was how Lutzer framed up a motive behind many questions, especially those questions coming out of The Jesus Seminar and the strategically timed National Geographic exposes on the Gnostic Gospels.  How is it that we conveniently dispose of corroborated historical writings by multiple authors in the New and Old Testament Scriptures and embrace historically flawed writings and imaginative findings of people hostile to the message of Jesus and whose writings were not published until two hundred years after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?

Perhaps, one of the greatest responses to these 6 questions of who Jesus is can be found inscribed on the corner of a downtown Chicago block where D. L. Moody knelt and dedicated that city block, the same city block of the church where Erwin Lutzer pastors, to the training and sending of ministers of the Gospel of Jesus into the world.  Slandering Jesus is an excellent book that will cause you to better know the Jesus you love.

Book Review: 50 Reasons Why Jesus Came To Die

John Piper's book by the same title gives "50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to die."  Every reason is Scriptural, historical, and relevant.  The book could also be called "50 Compelling Reasons why You Should Follow Jesus."

It is logical in structure.  Piper gives two-page cases for each of the 50 arguments beginning with Scripture.  I found myself snacking on this book everywhere I went.  I couldn't put it down.  But, I also didn't have time to read it in one sitting.  The interruptions presented no challenge to reading the book since each reason was bite sized (just over 100 pages). 

It is an excellent read that I would highly recommend to every follower of Jesus and seeker of spiritual truth.

"The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz

I was unable to make it to my last coaching network session because Kelly is just too close to having our son...didn't feel comfortable enough to be 4 hours away and have her potentially going into labor.  I had a book review due of David Schwartz's book, "The Magic of Thinking Big."  So, I emailed it ahead and thought I'd go ahead and blog my takeaways here (pdf download).

More than it being a book on the power of positive thinking, it is a book on the power of positive action.  There are some great insights here and a great opportunity for me to re-focus on the basics of insulating myself from people, situations, thinking, and behavior that create consistently negative energy and situations. 

Pre-Order "Vintage Jesus"

I just pre-ordered Mark Driscoll's and Gerry Breshears' new book, "Vintage Jesus."  It won't be out until February 2008.  However, by pre-ordering, you get:

• 35% off
• a pdf manuscript months before it is published (this is why I pre-ordered)
• and an autographed copy (the only autographs I care for are on checks...guess I would take an autographed 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card but that's different).

I'm looking forward to the book.

"Cut to the Chase" by Stuart Levine

10 Takeaways from "Cut to the Chase."  I could have left more for you.  But, I'm trying to take Stuart's advice and get to the bottom line.  Here they are:

•    Cut the bull.  Eliminate the fluff and get to the point.
•    Compartmentalize your life so that work is not cheating home and home is not cheating work.  Then, be a zealot for both areas.
•    Multi-tasking is overrated. The energy wasted going between tasks kills.
•    Define your goals before engaging tasks.  The time seemingly wasted in preparation for a task will be recouped many times over by understanding your goals before you start projects.
•    Gather yourself early in the morning.  Take some time away from the noise.  Then explode off the blocks.  You’ll get more done than if you start out with a cluttered mind.
•    Be a master of your meetings.  Kill time wasters or they will kill you.
•    Be respectful of other people’s times, spaces, and agendas.  When you need to use someone’s time, prepare them accurately for how much time you need, then stick to it.  Telling someone you need 5 minutes and then taking 30 is incredibly rude and will create long term negatives for the person engaging in that behavior.
•    BE in touch with your weaknesses. Don’t obsess over them.  Play to your strengths.  Being unbalanced is ok as long as you know how to compensate for your weaknesses.
•    Experience renewal daily.  Know how to experience a vacation/Sabbath/time off.
•    When you hear about a problem the first time, pay attention.  If you hear it twice, act because it is a problem that needs to be handled.  If you hear it twice, it’s a trend.

Book Review: Ready for Anything

"Ready for Anything" by David Allen is the follow-up to "Getting Things Done."  I'm challenged in the field of organization.  Generally, I can mess up a garage, a desk, or a bedroom in minutes.  Yet, I thrive in minimalist environments.  So, both David Allen books worked for me.

I especially like Ready for Anything because it was 52 principles bulleted.  Like most books, there are a few too many pages, stories, illustrations.  I think I can tweak my preaching in the same way I can critique a good book.  Less is always more.

Of the 52 principles, the following stood out the most:

1. Cleaning up creates new directions.
4. Getting to where you're going requires knowing where you are.
8. Closing open loops creates energy.
10. Creativity shows up when there's space.
21. Perspective is the most valuable commodity on the planet.
25. Only one thing on your mind is "in the zone."
27. Stability on one levels opens creativity on another.
34. You can't win a game you haven't defined.
35. Whenever two or more are responsible for something, usually no one is.
41. Too controlled is out of control.
44. Your power is proportional to your ability to relax.
46. The longer your horizon, teh smoother your moves.
49. Small things done consistently, create major impact.
51. Its easier to move when you're in motion.

I'll leave you with my favorite line from in the book, "When you can see your target and identify with getting there, you quickly lose interest with how beaten, bloody, or muddy you are."

Also, check out what Drew Goodmanson had to say about both books here.

Book Review: Good to Great by Jim Collins

I just finished Good to Great by Jim Collins.  Here are my top 10 takeaways from the book:

 

1. "Personal Will" does not oppose humility. In fact, both are necessary to transition my church from being good to being great.
2. Acceptance of the brutal facts and an accurate assignment of blame and praise are keys to navigating from good to great.
3. If you don’t have the right people on the bus, the “what” of your mission won’t mean much. It all starts with surrounding yourself with the right people.
4. Before evaluating a potential hire for talent, evaluate him for character and work ethic.
5. Creating a culture of discipline and rigor starts at the top and requires consistent application of standards throughout the organization without bias.
6. When you know that you have a wrong person on the bus, let them go quickly. It is in the best interest of the church/organization and the person being released. It increases productivity, creativity, and morale when the wrong people on the bus leave.
7. Determination or faith that you will succeed knowing that significant obstacles will come is key to long-term success and survivability.
8. Focus specifically on your passion, what you do best, and the economics that drive your church.
9. Do not allow technology to drive what you do. But, find out how it fits with your ministry, the mission, and then leverage technology once you have a well thought out strategy. Don’t allow fear to motivate you to embrace technology before you understand it.
10. There is no silver built for success. Lasting success is built by the consistent pushing against “the flywheel.” It takes a while before you see the momentum you are looking for. But, in time and with persistence, the momentum will be so powerful, it will take on a life of its own.

BONUS: I learned I am excited to journey from good to great. I am anxious to discover my potential as a leader. I learned I’m ready to make the toughest decisions facing me to make the transition.

Book Review: Plastic Jesus

Plastic Jesus is a good conversational book written by self professed metrosexual, ex-football player, human sexuality professor, and teaching pastor, Eric Sandras.  The whole metrosexual/football fanatic seemed like a contradiction.  But, I'm dealing with it, especially since I enjoyed the book.

I've just recently finished "The Jesus of Suburbia," a similar book.  Like I've written before, I tend to binge on like topics until I can't take anymore.  Eric does a great job of cutting through the pretense of Christianity, the plastic facades and encourages followers of Jesus to abandon the manicured exteriors of suburban Christianity to embrace authenticity in relationship with Christ and others.

One of my favorite parts of Eric's book was his retelling of a ministry trip to a small village church in Brazil accessible only by boat.  This small church building was absolutely packed and this village was receiving the Gospel of Jesus.  At the height of of this spiritual rich moment, the crowd parted and a woman who was well known in the village approached the altar with her six year old son.  The boy was paralyzed on his left side.

Eric described how he was positive this boy would be healed.  As he prayed, it became obvious that the boy would not be healed.  Eric's faith had turned to doubt as he questioned how God could allow this woman and boy to be shattered this way.

In some kind of turning point in the way Eric would live, he broke from his pastoral persona and told the lady that he did not know why God did not heal the boy.  But, as "waves of love for the boy overwhelmed him," he said, "I do know that God loves you."  Eric goes on to share the story of this woman and boy and how the woman had felt nothing but abandonment in her life.  This woman left repeating over and over how amazed she was the God loved her.  While she experienced acceptance, Eric experienced doubt about who God was.

This experience sums up the contradictions of the faith in Jesus Christ that Eric has experienced and shares that the Bible has called us to live.  According to Plastic Jesus, faith in Christ is a commitment to a depth of experience with a God that has not been totally figured out and a rejection of compartmentalized, orderly, and success-oriented suburban Christianity.

I enjoyed it and would recommend it to just about anyone regardless of their spiritual location.

Velvet Elvis

I just closed Velvet Elvis.  It was worth the read.  I'm not going to do a whole review kind of thing but, I will say I very much enjoyed Rob Bell's story.  I mostly enjoyed hearing his personal struggle through faith and church leadership.  He's a great story teller.  I was captivated by his telling of Christ as Rabbi.  The controversial part?!  Doctrine.  His liberty with core doctrines is just that...his liberty with core doctrines.  They are true or they are not.  The only controversial thing was its existence in his book...not the ideas themselves.  They didn't have the weight they needed to really be controversial. Actually, they seemed kind of like straw men. 

I can't watch movies twice.  I can't read books twice.  I might be able to read this one again.  It was motivational.  I agree with Rob that the Christian faith needs to be repainted.  The repainting that it is in need of is not due to poor theology.  It is due to believers who choose not to follow, Christians who are self-consumed and selfish, and a church who quit trying to be covered by the dust from the sandals of Christ.

Books by Batterson and Ferguson

I just placed an order on Amazon for In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson and The Big Idea by Dave Ferguson.  3-5 day shipping.  I need to finish Experience the Message before they get here.

tagged: mark batterson - dave ferguson - max lenderman

Sun Tzu's "Art of War"

I just wrapped up Sun Tzu's "Art of War."  I am amazed that that something as complicated as the organization for battle can be explained with simplicity and in such a forumulaic fashion.  One of my favorite statements came from the Nine Situations:

The following are the principles to be observed by an 
invading force:  The further you penetrate into a 
country, the greater will be the solidarity of your 
troops, and thus the defenders will not prevail 
against you.

Fully apllicable in life, church, faith, family, business, and football-the best defense is a good offense.  Once headway has been made into enemy territory, it is best not to retreat for the purpose of consolidating gains.  Rather, it is preferable to continue advancing, winning, and succeeding.

tagged: sun tzu - "art of war"

DAILY LIT: An Awesome Find for Readers

I just discovered an awesome resource for readers.  I read Steve McCoy from time to time.  While there, I clicked over to Joe Thorn's blog.  They seem to be like the Batman and Robin of the SBC.  While at Joe Thorn's blog, I found a link to Daily Lit.

Daily Lit delivers daily bite sized portions of the Classics into your inbox.  I just finished part 1 of 7 parts of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."

tagged: classic books - daily lit - steve mccoy - joe thorn - reading club - coleridge

Favorite George Eliot quotes

It has been a while since I read a good fiction.  I've read Silas Marner before.  It was in the ship library and I couldn't pass it up.  "George Eliot" shares some super insightful words, as applicable today as ever before. Consider these excerpts:

"...the past becomes dreamy because its symbols have all vanished, and the present too is dreamy because it is linked with no memories."

Silas is relieved when Dolly leaves: "her simple view of life and its comforts, by which she had tried to cheer him, was only like a report of unknown objects, which his imagination could not fashion."

"As the child’s mind was growing into knowledge, his mind was growing into memory: as her life unfolded, his soul, long stupefied in a cold narrow prison, was unfolding too, and trembling gradually into full consciousness."

"Do we not wile away moments of inanity or fatigued waiting by repeating some trivial movement or sound, until the repetition has bred a want, which is incipient habit?"

"A man will tell you that he has worked in a mine for forty years unhurt by an accident as a reason why he should apprehend no danger, though the roof is beginning to sink..."

Technorati Tags: George Eliot - Silas Marner - quotes - emerging church

Back to the Real World

I'm back.  Six days of rest and relaxation were just what he doctor ordered.  We took Carnival's Imagination to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.  We ate more than I would care to talk about, slept in daily, caught some rays, took in some shows, re-enacted the bow scene from Titanic (Kelly), swam with stingrays, climbed Dunn's River Falls, went sockless to a formal dinner (me), and read.  It was fantastic.

Being with Kelly apart from phones, internet, work schedules, and the girls (though we greatly missed them) was really a blessing.  She's a godly babe who has an eye for me.  I really am the most blessed man on the planet.

I also finished off a couple books, Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer and David Putnam and Silas Marner by George Eliot.  Thanks to all for the great book recommendations.  I'll be picking some of those up soon. 

Here are a few pictures from the trip.  I know you won't enjoy them like I did.  But, at least its not a slide show of all the vacation pics at Aunt Edna's house.  Peace.

I need some book recommendations

I am on my way out the door.  I'll be gone until Saturday.  No computer.  No phone.  I will be polishing off the last of all of my books with the exception of "Breakout Churches" by Thom Ranier.

I need to reload.  Tom Sterbens got me thinking I need to read "The Present Future."  I now have to read "Exemplary Husband" by Stuart Scott due to the whole toilet seat issue (I'm still representing...toilet seat war is still in full battle). 

So, let me hear from you.  What are some must reads you would recommend?  I'm all ears.  Let me know so that when I come back, I can make a good amazon purchase.

Geneology of My "One Book Meme"

Rich Tatum put together the "Geneology of the One Book Meme".  Check it out.  Its a response to this.  Pretty cool.  Quickly, this is the history of the meme (most recent at the top):

• Travis Johnson
• Dan Ohlerking
• Ben Abu Saada
• Rich Kirkpatrick
• Mark Waltz
• Tim Stevens
• Perry Noble
• Bob Franquiz
• Michael Foster
• Drew Goodmanson
• Steve McCoy
• Garrett Craw
• John Barach
• Steven Wedgeworth
• Barbara Harvey
• Alastair Roberts
• Benjamin Myers

Tagged by Dan Ohlerking

I've been tagged by Smooth Daddy Dan Ohlerking from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge regarding books I've read.  He also tagged Matt Fry, Dino Rizzo, Robert Pooley, and Carole Turner. 

I'll answer, give his site some prime, top page real estate on travisjohnson.net and, then tag 5 others, giving them some link action like Smooth Daddy Ohlerking did for me, and see what kind of books they are reading in the process.  Here are my responses:

1. One book that changed your life:  Without a doubt- the Bible.  Most books I read simply support THE Book!  Aside from the Bible, a book that changed my daily behaviors was "The Millionaire Next Door."  The book showed how that the profile of a typical millionaire was that he skimped on consumables and splurged on items that grew with value.  Super spiritual answer, no?!


2. One book that you've read more than once: "10 Apples Up on Top" by Dr. Seuss I loved it as a kid and read it to Kourtney a couple times a week. 


3. One book that you'd want on a desert island:  Bhutan - it would make a great shelter.


4. One book that made you laugh:  "Confessions of a Reformission Rev" by Mark Driscoll.  Simply an honest book by a big shot pastor.  I love the fact that he's real and doesn't paint a ridiculously fluffy picture of the Church.  His passion for mission and the Scriptures is inspiring.


5. One book that made you cry:  "God Smuggler" by Brother Andrew.  I read it in the 8th grade.  It is one of the most humbling and inspirational books I've ever read.


6. One book that you wish had been written:  The Travis Johnson story.  I'd like to know how it turns out.  I know that I will finish faithful.  I've settled that question between God and me.  But, I'd like to know who I meet, what great things happen in the lives of people I love, and if I get to go to the next College National Championship Bowl Game that the Hurricanes will dominate.


7. One book you wish had never been written: Maybe the Bible.  The fact that it has been written means that man fell in the Garden and no longer walks with God like we did in the beginning.  I am thankful that the Bible has been written because it gives us a way back to God where we can know God as we are known.


8. One book you are currently reading:  Experience the Message by Max Lenderman, Small is the New Big by Seth Godin, and Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer and David Putnam.


9. One book you've been meaning to read: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman.

With all that said, I now officially tag: David Russell, Troy Gramling, Rich Tatum, Barbara Sanders, and John Smulo (honorary "tagee"=Kevin Fisher from Miami Vineyard...brother, hook up that blog, dog.)

The Way Worship is Experienced

In Breaking the Missional Code, Ed Stezer and David Putnam discuss the conflict between "Seeker Sensitive" and "Believer Hostile" (and vice versa).  Its an interesting discussion and no doubt an issue I have personally struggled through.  During that discussion, they point out 13 questions that churches wanting to break the missional code of their community are asking themselves.  Here they are:

1. Is the setting inviting and familiar?
2. Are those attending and participating familiar with the music?
3. Can those attending and participating relate to the communication style of the teacher/preacher?
4. Is the Bible being taught in a way that the people can experience and grasp the message?
5. Is the language used understandable and true to Biblical content?
6. Is the way in which the people are invited to participate in the truth clear and engaging?
7. Is the environment safe for those in process?
8. Is there enough tension created to move people forward in faith?
9. Does the creativity used connect to those attending and participating?
10. Is Jesus clearly lifted up in the worship experience?  Is worship God-centered?
11. Is the Gospel clearly presented?
12. Are people given a clear opportunity to respond?
13. Are they invited to participate in community on a regular basis?

The questions are fairly basic.  But from these questions, we can critique what kind of environment we are creating and dig deeper into our ministry strategy, creating meaningful environments for God and man to intersect.  I really appreciate Stetzer's emphasis that people are being discipled prior to conversion...some times, not converting until after they have cultivated a significant faith outlook.

With that in mind, it is ever more important to challenge, create tension/friction, and opportunities to serve for everyone-Christ follower as well as the not-yet-committed.  As that journey is enoyed, we must maintain our focus that the Church does not exist for the believer.  The responsibility for individuals to grow in faith does not rest in the hands of anyone but the individual.  The responsibility to build up, encourage, and reach out lies in the hands of every Christ follower.

Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Reading

1. You'll read a book a week if you read a chapter in the morning and a chapter at night.
2. Leave a book in your car to kill time when you are waiting for people.
3. Keep a book in the bathroom.
4. Go to work a little early and down a couple chapters before the day gets busy.  You'll avoid traffic and grow in knowledge.
5. Instead of sitting in front of the TV all night, steal away for a few minutes of a relaxing read.
6. Download books and listen when you run, walk, or workout on your iPod.
7. Publish what you read and scan what others (like Bob, John, and Chris) are reading or what Dave and Tony are writing to keep your interest peaked and your horizons new.
8. Put down books that are boring.  Don't burn yourself out trying to read through a book that does not captivate you.
9. Review or excerpt books you read from time to time.  You'll spare people from wasting money on a lame book and help people to make a good investment on an exceptional book.
10. Keep a journal for your "to do" lists, big ideas, and thoughts.  Among those notes, record the nuggets you got from each book.  Then, loan out or give away the books you've finished.

Seth Godin Skypecast and "Small is the New Big"

I pre-ordered Seth Godin's new book, "Small is the New Big" about two months ago.  I got the email that it shipped from Amazon today at 4:02 pm (along with "Experience the Message : How Experiential Marketing is Changing the Brand World" by Max Lenderman).  For this reason, I love FedEx Ground trucks!

With the release of Seth's new book (we are on a first name basis, you know), he is doing a Skypecast interview led by TypePad's General Manager, Michael Sippey on Tuesday, August 22 at 2:00 PM (PDT). 

I like the little Skypecast spiff and releases to fire up some buzz over his book, which is basically a collection of 184 really great ideas-mostly from his blog.  It gets me (a blogger) to bang away at my keyboard like a zombie, trying to be one of the first to brag about the book.

In a perfect world, the good Dr. Godin would give me some link love for telling everyone that I need the Fed Ex truck to deliver his book to me ASAP. 

Technorati Tag: Seth Godin - Small is the New Big - Skypecast - Max Lenderman

10 Things Smart Start-ups Know

"The Big Moo" is not my favorite book ever by far.  But, it has some really bright spots with great nuggets worth picking up. Excepted from pg. 63 without explanation:

"10 Things Smart Start-ups Know"

1. Failure is an option.
2. Bravery is contagious.
3. Invent the market.
4. Customers are last (and first).
5. Rule books are dispensable.
6. Lose the slackers.
7. Grind coffee, not people.
8. Test for Kool-aid (don't believe your own hype).
9. Always on.
10. Fire the CEO.

3 Types of People in a Growing Organization

Excerpted from "Confessions of a Reformission Rev," there are three types of people (only two have long-term futures with said organization) found in all growing organizations as told to Mark Driscoll by John Phelps:

1. People on the rise who show an uncanny ability to grow with the organization and become vital leaders.
2. People who attach themselves to people on the rise as valuable assistants. 
3. People who neither rise or attach to anyone rising, and they cannot keep up with the growing demands of the organization.  These people will either slow down the whole organization or will be released.

This is in reference to growth and leadership.  My prayer for myself and my team is that we learn how to rise and learn how to attach ourselves and support the momentum of others.  Additionally, we should pray that when we become an encumbrance to the growth and vitality of the ministry, we have a soft enough heart to change or to find a place where we are not diminishing or endangering vision and mission.

They Say I'm Extreme

Mooooooving right along through my latest Seth Godin read, I'm bored and invigorated simulataneously.  Some of the abbreviated chapters are nothing more than beef knuckle.  But, I've come across some Filet Mignon that has seriously resonated with my heart.  Consider the "They" to be the change resistors who value stagnation and safety above missionality.  Check out this excepert from the Big Moo (p. 34-36):

They say I'm extreme.
I say I'm a realist.

They say, "We can't handle this much change."
I say, "Your job and career are in jeopardy; what other options do you have?"

They say "we need an initiative."
I say, "We need a dream. And dreamers."

They say, "effective governance is important."
I say, "bold, brash boards that are representative of the market served- more than a token woman or two and an empty seat for the forth coming Hispanic" - are an imperative. Now.

They say, "We need more steady, loyal employees."
I say, "We need more 'freaks' who routinely tell those in charge to take a flying leap...before its too late"

They say, "We like people who, with steely determination, say, 'I can make it better.'"
I say, "I love people who, with a maniacal gleam in their eye, perhaps even a giggle, say, 'I can turn the world upside down.  Watch me!'"

They say, Sure, we need change"
I say we need revolution now.

They say, "Conglomerate and imitate!"
I say, Create and innovate!"

They say, "improve and maintain."
I say, "Destroy and reimagine."

They say, "Happy balance."
I say, "Creative tension."

They say, "Peace brother."
I say, "Bruise my feelings, flatten my ego, Save my job."

They say they want recruits with "spotless records."
I say, "The spots are what matter most."

Seth Godin on Organizational Courage

"Wanting growth and attaining growth, though, are two different things.  Most organizations are paralyzed, stuck in a rut, staring at a growth paradox.  On one hand, they understand all the good things that will come with growth.  On the other, they're afraid, petrified that growth means change, change means risk, and risk could mean death.  No one wants to screw up and ruin a good thing, so the organization just sits there, motionless.

The growth paradox in endemic, affecting non-profits, big companies, start-ups, and even individuals.  It continues to frustrate millions of employees (and investors).

How can we get you to embrace the idea of the purple cow?  How can we help you to uunderstand that your quest for the big moo-for the game changing innovation-is the main reason (no, not the main reason, the only reason) you went to work today?

There isn't a logical, proven, steb-by-step formula you can follow.  Instead, there's a chaotic path through the woods, a path that includes side routes encompassing customer service, unconventional dedication, unparalleled leadership, and daring to dream.  Is this path worth staying on? Only if you want to grow.  Only if you're tired of being a cog in a dehumanizing machine.  Only if you are willing to embrace the quest for the big moo."

(from preface of The Big Moo)

"The Big Moo" by the Group of 33

I just got The Big Moo from Amazon.  It was waiting for me! to come home.  I opened the cover and was greeted by this:

WHO YOU ARE IS WHAT YOU DO
You are not a cog.
You are not an assistant or an administrator.
You are not a gofer or a middle manager, either.
No, you're creative.  A valuable asset to your family and your community.  A person who can make a difference to an organization.
You are capable of having an impact, leaving a legacy, creating things that are outstanding.
You are not ordinary.
In fact, you are remarkable.
Now, hurry.  Don't let yourself (and the rest of us) down.

The Big Moo Revooooooows:

Church Marketing Sucks  Blog Critics  Work Happy  Hello World  Tech Crunch  Sharilyn Horne