Big Is The New Small

Do You Appreciate Me? is one of those questions that many people ask inside their head, but often times don’t verbally communicate.  This is true in marriages, friendships, professional working relationships, sports… the list goes on and on.  I believe this is a question that runs through the minds of volunteers as well; those who are volunteering their time to (blank) cause. 

Do You Appreciate Me?

I want to specifically speak to that question as it relates to the people volunteering in churches around the country.  Tonight we are having our once a year volunteer appreciation party at all of the LifeChurh.tv Campuses, called the “Big Show” and it will be off the hook.  Each campus will uniquely make their event happen; however the central theme for this year is HERO.  We love to appreciate our volunteers, they are our Heroes and Jesus is our incomparable Hero.  My buddy Scott Rodgers has been heading up the “Big Show” this year and has done a great job.

We clearly understand that our volunteers are serving because they believe in the mission… To Lead People To Become Fully Devoted Followers of Christ.  Volunteers are not serving to be appreciated; however they need to know that what they do matters and that they are appreciated.  Let’s talk through some things we do and can do to appreciate our volunteers: handwritten notes, saying “Thank You,” taking them to lunch, remembering events (b-days, anniv.), keeping them in the-know, making their recommendations happen, big events, a phone call, allowing them to lead, spending time, recognition, atta-boys…  There is a great book called “1001 Ways To Reward Employees” that I used when working in corrections; it has some good ideas.

I would love to hear from those of you who are on staff at a church, volunteer at a church, are thinking about volunteering at a church, have never volunteered at a church… I want to hear from everyone. 

• In your opinion what makes you or others who volunteer feel most appreciated?
• What are some unique volunteer appreciation methods or events that you have been a part of?
• Am I just blowing smoke… do people really ask the question “Do You Appreciate Me?”

For those of you who serve for the cause of Christ… Thank You!

I would like for everyone (Including RSS Readers) to share One Christian Artist/Group and One Song they sing and as a bonus for those that listen to secular music, you can also share One Secular Artist/Group and One Song. (Wow you get two!) 

It can be a song that you really like, your favorite song, a new song that’s speaking to you, something playing in your car, something you heard on the radio, something that you heard at a friends house, a song you liked from church this past weekend, a song with a resonating story, a new tune you just downloaded… or just simply One Artist/Group… One Song that you would like to share.

We had a really good response last time, so jump in!  I will go first!

Yesterday I decided to leave the office a little early so that my wife and I could surprise the boys by taking them to see Madagascar 2.  You know we had to get there before 6:00 to get the big $3.50 matinee movie discount.  I told the boys that we were going to a furniture store (their least favorite place) nonetheless when we got to the movies they were pleasantly surprised.

I don’t know if I am the only one out there who does the following: remembers themes within the movie and takes notes of quotes that catch there attention, applies circumstances to life, applies nuances to leadership… but that’s me.  The one quote that made it to my iPhone from Madagascar 2 was in reference to  Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller) was talking to his buddy Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock).  Marty was hanging with a big herd of Zebras and Alex was telling Marty that he was different than the other zebras and unique; here is the quote “These guys are all white with black stripes and you are black with white stripes.”  A theme that made it to my iPhone “Just because you are a King/The man over there, doesnt’ mean that you will be the King/The Man over here and vise versa.  Maximize your strengths!”  Alex was able to Transcend The Isms

Life is about perspective: cup half empty or half full, white with black stripes or black with white stripes, gray hair=good or gray hair=bad, this season sucks or necessary pruning season… perception can become reality. 

Quick Madagascar 2 Review: Wife said it was cute; the boys said it was cool, funny, tight and awesome; I said it was worth the money, a little love story, had some relative leadership/king application and it was funny.  Funny Quote from Motto-Motto “Girl you so huge!”

I Like To Move It Move It, I Like To Move It Move It, I Like To Move It Move, Ya Like To (MOVE IT!)  That song was in my head all last night, so I figured it needed to be in yours all day today!

• Do you take notes or remember themes, nuances… while watching a movie? 
• Share your thoughts on Madagascar 2!

For quite some time I have been thinking about putting these random thoughts that go through my head into a readable form, we like to call a book.  I am writing this book because: I said I was, It’s a personal goal, I have something to say, I have some stories to share, I have some unique experiences…  The book will be some of what you read here at BigIsTheNewSmall with more life, more journey, more leadership thoughts, more stories, more musings etc. (Prison, Politics & Pulpit)   

Who knows how far I am from having it completely written; however I have landed on a title for now, which is ”Transcend The Isms’.”  If you want to read my original post “Transcend The Isms’“ click here.    I have been thinking through and others have recommended some random sub-titles… some are good, some are bad and some are ugly.   Read through the sub-titles below and let me know if any work for you.  Please make your own recommendations as well (I’m not creative, You are!).  Here we go:

• What the Heck Is An Ism’?
• Crushing The Freakin’ Box
• A Different Kind Of Leader
• I Don’t Want To Be Like Mike
• Don’t Drink The Kool Aid
• Settling For Second Sucks
• I Don’t Want To Be Like You
• Mediocrity Sucks
• Don’t Be The Company Guy
• It’s Time For An Upgrade
• Don’t Read This Book
• Living Leading To A Slightly Different Beat

Again, share your thoughts and make your recommendations.  If I end up going with the subtitle that you recommend, I’m sure I will hook you up with something in the book, a mention, a blurb, a “what people are saying” thingy…  Thanks for your help!  Transcend The Isms’

The other day I was talking with some of the pastors on my team whom had just finished lunch with a group of pastors.  They had informed me that they were talking about me at lunch… “I’m all about people talking about me, it just depends on what they were saying.”  They shared bits and pieces of their conversation; however there was one thing they shared that stuck in my head.  They said “We talked about the fact that you are extremely loyal, but you are not “The Company Guy”!” 

This got me thinking about why you shouldn’t be “The Company Guy” and who “The Company Guy” really is. 

The Company Guy Is Worried More About…: 

• the company than the mission
• whether their boss thinks their doing a good job than simply doing a great job
• whether people think they are a good leader than being a great leader
• looking busy than developing systems so they don’t have to work as hard
• that next rung on the company ladder than making sure their footing is good on the current ladder rung
• playing it safe than getting outside the box breaking the freakin’ box
• a $5 more an hour raise than bringing $10 more an hour worth of value
• not offending anyone in the company than saying what needs to be said
• drumming to the company beat than embracing a slightly different beat
• making the company look good than ensuring that the people around them are healthy
• LOOKING/DOING THAN BEING

Don’t be “The Company Guy… “  Transcend The Isms “Do You, It’s a statement not a question!”

Are you, or do you know some Company Guys/Gals?  Share Your Thoughts!

10 Reasons To Twitter or maybe this post should be titled: “Some Of The Reasons I Twitter.”

1. It is absolutely the easiest/least time consuming social network to use & signing-up is easy as 123. 
2. Keep It Simple Stupid Philosophy: post a statement, comment, link, pic… in 140 characters or less.
3. You can drive people to new posts or information on your blog or website. (Immediate Info. Sharing)
4. You can choose to be an active participant or just and active observer.  (Instant Community)
5. You get to be in the know about the happenings of your friends, family and others in the Twitterworld.
6. Twitter is the new Sexy thing… www.TwitterIsTheNewMySpace/Facebook/DotCom.com LOL  Seriously go claim your name before someonelse does.
7. Quick sharing of ideas from people throughout the Twitterworld… you can ask anyone anything.
8. You are guaranteed to get a daily laugh or great daily quote from someone that you follow.
9. You can share snapshots of your life with or without a camera.
10. Because I’m Twittering!   Sign-up or watch quick twitter video here; Follow me here. 

There are so many more reasons to Twitter and why people Twitter… so let’s keep the list going.  Simply post a comment sharing reasons to twitter and keep the numbers going;  in otherwords the first person to comment will share #11 and so on. 

Thanks for reading and thanks for following my tweets.  Have a Gr8 wknd!

Pronunciation: “A Leader” Uh-Leader  and “The Leader” Thuh Leader

Just because you are “A Leader” doesn’t necessarily mean that you are “The Leader”

Just because you are “A Leader” who leads a church of 500 people; deosn’t mean that you are “The Leader” to take that church to over a thousand people

Just because you are “A Leader” that has a position, a title and an office; doesn’t mean that you are “The Leader” that people believe in, respect and are excited to follow

Just because you are “A Leader” that people look up to today; doesn’t mean that you are going to be “The Leader” that people look up to tomorrow

Just because you are “A Leader” on this team; doesn’t meant that you are going to be “The Leader” on that team

Just because you are “The Leader” to this particular group or faction; doesn’t mean you will be “The Leader” to that group or faction

If you are “A Leader” and think that you are “The Leader” that can be a problem, know your place and respect your space 

Although both are important, there is definitely a difference between being “A Leader” and “The Leader” 

Remember, just because you are “A Leader” doesn’t mean that you will necessarilly ever be “The Leader”

If you are “A Leader” who’s determined to be “The Leader” figure it out; Go Lead… Transcend The Isms’

As the pages of history are being so eloquently written, we get the opportunity to take a first-hand look over the authors shoulder.  As we look over the shoulder of the author we have the opportunity to inspire, affect, create, manipulate, lead… what’s being written on the pages ahead.  The title of the book is a reflection of the past, and an understanding that we’ve made a leap over the precipice of history… “We Have A Black President!”

• My mom used to have to go to the back door of a restaurant, she was called a n$#@*%, attended segregated schools, was not allowed to vote, she had dreams for her children’s lives to be different… “We Have A Black President!”
• A nation disagreed, fought like two battling heavy-weights, can’t agree on all the issues, wanted their candidate to win, disagreements crossed racial and party lines… “We Have A Black President!”
• Sunday is still the most segregated day of the week, diversity in the church is an after-thought, not many people want to talk about it nor address it… “We Have a Black President!”
• A good man of God ran for the highest office in the land, he was voted in for two terms, he led out of his convictions, he stands at the exit doors of the white house facing a nation in which the majority of the people disapproves of his work… “We Have A Black President!”
• I can look my two boys in the eyes, whom BTW will never know this country without a Black President and say without question you can be whatever you want to be… “We Have A Black President!”

My friends, those of you who have read my blog for some time know where I stand on The Issues; however that is not important… What’s important is that our nation has and will continue to make history.  Let’s embrace where our nation has come from to the fact that “We Have A Black President!” We have work to do; let’s work hard, lead out of convictions and imagine what could be.  Win or Loose, Our God is So Good!

I’ll close with a quote from President-Elect Obama’s speech: “Our stories are singular, but our destinies are shared.”

Share Your Thoughts… Transcend The Isms’

Starbucks is giving away a Free Cup of Starbucks Coffee for everyone who exercises their constitutional right to vote today.  My friends today is the day; November 4th… the day that we will remember for the rest of our lives.  I am a traditional guy when it comes to voting: I like to go to my polling place, talk with the little old volunteers who know me by name, cast my vote and get my “I Voted” sticker.

My 9yo son Wesley got the opportunity to go to the polls with me for the very first time at the age of 5; and today is that special day for my 5yo son Jayden.  He will get to check the boxes with his daddy and get an official “I Voted” sticker.  I take these moments as opportunities to remind and teach my boys about the Civil Rights Movement and the fact that Black People didn’t have the right to vote, just a little over 40 years ago.

Today is a day that I don’t take lightly and tomorrow will be a new day, a new time and a historic moment for our Country to embrace.  When I check those boxes this morning, I will do so based on my firm beliefs, my values and not based on popularity or status quo.  Voting is not an act of futility; but rather one of the most significant acts granted to us under the Constitution.  Go Vote; becasue It’s Your Duty, It Matters and It Counts!

I will share my voting experience as it relates to: the line, the mood, the ambiance, the experience…  I encourage you to stop by and do the same, by posting a comment and saying “I Voted!” and my experience was ______________.  Follow me on Twitter {here} to get my thoughts all day!

Go grab some Free Starbucks, Participate in a Free Election and watch the 60 sec. Starbucks video below… 

I am not the type of person who likes to say “I Told You So!”  well maybe I am… who knows.  There was a little blog post that I wrote exactly 10 months and one day ago today entitled “The First Black President” and it was about President Elect Obama.  I know, I Know, “It’s not over until the Pleasantly Plump Lady Sings” (there is political correctness for everything) & “The Mac is Back” yada yada yada!

I am turning off the comments on this post and instead I would like for you to read and comment on the original post “The First Black President.”  Below is a comment sampling from the original post:

• “I’d say that’s a pretty bold assertion to make, especially at such an early stage of the campaign. Who knows what will happen between now and November? So, unless you’re omniscient, or have an inside track to some information that the rest of us don’t, I’m really curious to understand why you are so certain that Barack Obama will be the next US President.”
• Mark it down: There’s no chance Obama gets elected.

Barack Obama will be the next President and “The First Black President” and uhhh well “I Told You So!”

Go check out the Original Post “The First Black President” Sound off on your current election thoughts, thoughts on the original post, thoughts on the comments…  Be sure and exercise your right and Vote!