So, I just completed a 2 day conference and it was stellar. It's funny to me how every year, I get excited knowing it will provide me with juice for the coming year. Once again, it did in a grand fashion. The worship was so different, new and just really good. They are such great musicians in the world and it thrills my heart every time I see them use their talents for Him. It's the good stuff.
The speakers were just rockin this year. I've never laughed so stinkin' hard. I really enjoyed all of them, so here's are some quotes for those of you who missed:
1. Bill Hybels- "We want lost people to be found & found people to grow up"; "5 words that centralize the message of Christ...Love, Evil, Rescue, Choice, Restore"...Love is the thing that sets Christianity apart from any other religion...true that.
2. Len Schlesinger: (fast talker) - "Take a small business step with what you have in hand"; "Failure doesn't mean game over it means, try again with experience"
3. Cory Booker: (hard core mayor-courageous) - : "Stand up for Something...Do Something"; "Stop tripping over the people right in front of us"
4. Brenda McNeil: (pumped up woman)- described Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria from Acts 1:8 is a fresh way and challenged us to make a difference during catalytic events
5. Seth Godin (master of power point and hilarious) - "We wait and want to get picked, pick yourself and get moving"; "Who wants your platform? What would they do with it?" The world is saying...."We need you. Lead us."
6. Steven Furtick (young, brave, funny) - believe God to do the impossible; "Good ideas make you a daydreamer not a visionary"; " Life can beat the audacity out of you"...oh and "We compare our 'behind the scenes' with other's 'highlight reels'....wow.
7. Mama Maggie Gobran- (wow) - I needed to hear her today. "Silence- leave many to be with the One". She started Stephen Ministries....awesomeness. Cannot wait to meet her in heaven....
8. Michelle Rhee: (courageous, authentic women) - shared her story and where she is today...just listened to her.
9. Henry Cloud: (I like him.) Talk about being a steward of the vision He gives us. Dealing with 3 types of peeps...Wise, Fools, Evil...profound stuff. I will use this:)
10. John Dickson: (Aussie)- Traits of true Humility, "We are attracted to the greats that are humble"; " Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status and use your influence for the good of others"...wow.
11. Patrick Lencioni - (I might start stalking him:)), super funny and honest) - "People need to be reminded more than instructed"; "Speak the kind truth";
12. Erwin McManus: (interesting to hear) "You at your best is not slightly intimidating to God"; Demanded we begin to become great storytellers of the faith similar to how Nathan dealt with King David.
Whoa. I cannot believe I heard all of this in 2 days. This is the first year I was able to stay all day since I'm not nursing (yahoo) or have a kid that really needs a nap. So rich am I to have heard such wisdom and grace. Just to be reminded again how much He loves the WHOLE world....I look forward to seeing what the next year holds for me as he leads.
Peace out, em
