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The Quest for Efficiency

One of my goals for 2008 is to become more efficient. Bottom line is that I want to be effective in all that I do, and being efficient is part of that bigger picture. I want to get the most out of my time, energy, and effort. Some of the unexpected changes and demands over the last 18 months have led to greater discipline in some areas and less in others. I want to honor God in all that I do and how it is done. I want to lead well in this area and set the pace for my team.

It is time to dial some things in, so here is what I have been doing the past eight weeks to become more efficient.

• I have re-read Getting Things Done. This is a great book that provides excellent guidance in organizing projects, prioritizing what to do, and effectively establishing action steps. A few years back I was an ardent follower of this system, but slacked a bit over the last year. Back at it full steam now and I am really seeing the difference. A decent summary of the book here.

• I started using Vitalist. This has been a great tool for implementing the principles of GTD. In the past I have used Outlook for this purpose, but Vitalist is much better.

• I moved to a ZERO BASED INBOX. My email Inbox was getting the best of me, but no longer. I make several email dashes a day, deal with each item and keep it empty. Sure it feels better, but the real win is that I don't read certain emails over and over again, and thus I am more efficient.

• Prioritized a clean desk. Up until a few years ago, this was a non-negotiable for me. I had to have a clean desk. However, it has become a bit messy over the last two years. Reading that a messy desk can waste as much as three hours a week inspired me to get back to a clean desk. I should point out that I have not yet arrived in this area, but I am getting close. 

• I started using del.icio.us

• Going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. I am trying to max out morning hours more than I have in the past. Typically, I would go to bed about midnight and wake up between 6-7am. Now I am trying to be in bed around 11pm and wake up at 6am.

• Eat less and exercise more. When I am disciplined physically, it has tremendous carryover into other areas.

• Financial Peace University. I will write more on this later, but Carol Ann and I have been following this diligently (most of the time) over the last year and it has been a huge help.

Book Review: Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President

This read was much different than I anticipated. I thought that I would primarily be reading about Lincoln's incredible accomplishments, his great leadership, and his remarkable life. Now those elements were in the book, but it included much more.

This book is not about praising Lincoln by ignoring his shortcomings, nor does it attempt to rewrite history and add unsubstantiated flaws to a man of great character. Also, much to the chagrin of many I'm sure, it raises doubts about his faith.

It was fascinating to trace his life from childhood, his start in politics, his "accidental" presidency, and his leadership and trials through the civil war. I was somewhat surprised to find out how unpopular he was with most of his contemporaries, how he struggled with doubt and indecisiveness, and how he was more opposed to the expansion of slavery than to slavery itself. His belief was that if slavery was kept from expanding, it would naturally die out over time, which he saw as a good thing. This was not the top hat wearing icon I was presented way back in the day when I brought my lunch to school.

It seemed that Lincoln never really considered himself one of God's elect. Yet, he seemed to have no doubt that he played an integral part in God's plan for the time he lived and led. There is a sense of irony here for me.  Lincoln went out of his way at times to shed the label "Christian" and it seems he had real doubts about God and His Word. Yet, he was quick to credit "God" for successes, victories, etc... In fact he defends the Emancipation Proclamation as a promise he made to his Maker.

In reading through some of the footnotes and other references, some portray Lincoln as a very devout and religious man who made decisions out of his deep beliefs. Others, describe Lincoln as a racist and saboteur of the constitution.

The other irony that I was left with was this. Here was Lincoln who went out of his way to speak of his faults and not present himself as this man of deep spiritual convictions. However his actions spoke volumes on his morality, virtue, and the value he placed on life and liberty. Over the past 25 years I would argue that we have often seen the opposite.  Many politicians who are quick to wear the label "Christian" and speak of their morality,  yet their values, virtue, and takes on life, when really examined seem to be contrary to God's Word. It couldn't be that they wear the label for political purposes, could it?

I could begin a rant here... but back to the book. It was a great read that helped me think differently about Lincoln than I have before, yet in a way that makes me admire him more. The book is long, but worth the time.

Well, two presidents down (Washington and Lincoln), 41 to go. Maybe next, I will read about William Harrison. He was only president for a month.

Book Review: This Is Your Brain on Music

I recently finished reading a very interesting book by Daniel J. Levitin. The title, This Is Your Brain on Music hooked me.

If I was a musician I would have better understood the book. If I was skilled in neuroscience I would have better understood the book. If I was both a brain surgeon who could also play some mean guitar riffs, then I would have probably been fascinated by the book.

Since I am neither, the book was not fascinating. A bit too technical for me. I did however find this book very interesting and informative. Here are some of my take-aways:

• Our ability to listen and immediately analyze what we are hearing is amazing. One exercises that Levitin suggested to demonstrate this power was to sit in a quiet room and identify six different sounds. (Try it!) I had never thought of the complexity of listening in this way and it struck me as incredible that our brain can process so much so quickly.
• Great musicians are the result of 50% genetics and 50% hard work. The magic number of hours to become a great musician is 10,000. Or about twenty hours a week for ten years.
• Music interacts with a larger percentage of the brain than most other visual and audio intakes. Also, playing music and singing uses our whole brain, unlike other activities.
• Because of the chemicals that are released/produced in the brain from listening to some music, it is probably a better antidepressant than most antidepressants.
• When a song gets stuck in our head it is called an "earworm" or an "brain itch".
• I think I now understand why people like or dislike certain music. However, it would take me a few paragraphs to explain.
• This book had a huge evolutionary approach to understanding the human brain and mind. For me, the more I read, the more I was amazed at the complexity of God's creation of the brain and of music.

If understanding your brain on music intrigues you, then take a look at this.

Book Review: Mayflower

In 2002 it was estimated that there were approximately 35 million descendants of the Mayflower passengers in the United States, which is about ten percent of the population. So, at least one in ten of you who read my comments should be really interested in this book.

I really liked this book and it reads as a intriguing story, rather than static history. The author Nathaniel Philbrick (sounds like an author, eh), does a great job of filling in the historical gap that most of us have between the Mayflower landing in 1620 and the start of the American Revolution. Basically, this book covers the original Pilgrims, their journey and settlement; then the lives of children and grandchildren. For that reason the book title "Mayflower" is a bit misleading.

Philbrick focuses in on the Plymouth Colony and talks through the building and destroying of relationships between the Pilgrims and Indians, that culminated in King Philip's war. If you are unfamiliar with this event in our history, then I would encourage you to read this book. I'm pretty sure I never learned anything about this war in any of my history classes.

The characters that are introduced are fascinating, although sometimes too many to keep straight. At a time when there is a lot of revisionist history taking place (some appropriate and some dangerous), Philbrick seems to be critical of both the Puritans and the Indians and presented insight that helped me gain better understanding of events, motives, and perceptions. The way the book lays out, you get a good history, and then Philbrick's interpretation is pretty obvious. I think he misses the mark at times, but the history presented as it is, allows you to develop your own opinion.

The accounts of this period of history runs the gamut from heroic to tragic. Christians were at their best by reaching out and helping each other and their new Indian friends. Christians were at their worst by destroying life and justifying it as the "will of God".

If I was teaching a history class, especially in high school, I would assign this book each November.

Book Review: The God Factor

I recently finished reading The God Factor by Cathleen Falsani. This book was primarily the takes of famous, or maybe more accurately, public people, on the issue of faith and spirituality. Some of the thirty-two people interviewed for the book include: Hugh Hefner, Bono, Elie Wiesel, David Lynch, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Corgan, Dusty Baker, and Hakeem Olajuwan.

Some observations:

• Falsani who is a Wheaton graduate and a writer for the Chicago Sun-Times is a very gifted writer with a good dose of healthy wit and cynicism.
• The common theme for most of these public people was that religion is bad, but spirituality is good. "God" can be what you want him to be as long as that belief does not infringe another belief.
• I have always considered David Lynch very strange. After reading this book, I now think he is even stranger. He practices Transcendental Meditation and he is a "yogic flyer".
• Bono is phenomenally eloquent and thought provoking with his remarks about his faith. "The idea that the same love and logic would choose to describe itself as a baby born in "dung" and straw and poverty is genius. And it brings me to my knees, literally."
• This book reminded me of how much people like to make their own God and blend belief systems into one that works for them.
• Most of the individuals in this book had experiences with the church, and most of the experiences were bad.
• Most of the people interviewed are still searching in some way to find meaning in life.

Falsani does not criticize or affirm the views of those she interviewed. She offers little commentary beyond supplying context and general perspective. In one way, all of these views going unchallenged made this a difficult read. Trust me, there was much said that could be challenged.

However, reading this with an attempt to better understand a persons belief system and why they approach life the way they do was very profitable. If the goal of your reading is to have what you already believe affirmed, then you will probably not like this book.

If you want a window into what many people in this world think or don't think about God, then these interviews will give you  better insight. Insight I believe that can be helpful when sharing the story of Jesus.

The Label "Christian" and Expiration Dates

In his book Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell makes the following excellent point:

Something can be labeled "Christian" and not be true or good. . . It is possible for music to be labeled Christian and be terrible music. It could lack creativity and inspiration. The lyrics could be recycled cliches. That "Christian" band could actually be giving Jesus a bad name because they aren't a great band. It is possible for a movie to be a "Christian" movie and to be a terrible movie. It may actually desecrate the art form in its quality and storytelling and craft. Just because it is a Christian book by a Christian author and it was purchased in a Christian bookstore doesn't mean it is all true or good or beautiful. A Christian political group puts me in an awkward position: What if I disagree with them? Am I less of a Christian? What if I'm convinced the "Christian" thing to do is to vote the exact opposite?

Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective.

He has more to say about this and I won't restate it all here, but the more I read and thought about what he is saying, it occurred to me that we often view the term "Christian" like we view an expiration date.

If the expiration date is still good, then the product is good. Likewise, if a product has the word Christian then it is good. If not, then it is bad or should be viewed with extreme caution. If having the adjective "Christian" proceed a product or event makes it best, or "ordained", or OK, then I have some questions.

• The Left Behind movies are better and more important than Schindler's List?
• An unskilled "Christian" doctor is best for the operation?
• Only cheer for "Christian" players?
• Only buy Christian books at a "Christian book store?
• Fake & crappy "Christian" music is better than thought provoking, honest about life "secular" tunes.
• What does a "Christian" car look like?
• "Christian" tattoos are good, all others are bad?
• "Christian" food good, "Kosher" food bad?
• Devils food cake bad. Angel food cake good?
• "Christian wear" is better than Levi wear?
• The practicing Buddhist helping those with AIDS is bad?

Maybe I have become a bit too cynical, but it seems to me that many people attach the word "Christian" to something so that they can make a buck. I read the other day that Jesus Junk combined with more legitimate "Christian" items is a 3 billion dollar industry in the U.S. alone. Yikes and God please forgive us!

I say we only use Christian as a noun or adverb (how someone does something, i.e. Christianly).

Book Review: The Missional Leader

Authors Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk define the Missional Church as "a community of God's people who live into the imagination that they are, by their very nature , God's missionary people living as a demonstration of what God plans to do in and for all of creation".

It is from that jumping off in point that the groundwork is laid for developing and leading such a community. Some of my leadership takeaways:

• Missional leaders cultivate. "Rather than the leader having plans and strategies that the congregation will affirm and follow, cultivation describes the leader as the one who works the soil of the congregation so as to invite and constitute the environment for the people pf God to discern what the Spirit is doing in, with, and among them as a community".

Over the last six months this has been a lesson I am continually learning and trying to apply. It is hard work at times, but very rewarding to look for what and how God is working in people, and then help that development continue.

• Missional leaders must develop skills to deal with discontinuous change. The authors argue that most church leaders are trained and equipped to handle continuous change. "Continuous change develops out of what has gone before and therefore can be expected, anticipated, and managed. Te maturation of our children is an example". Within a church context dealing with this type of change focuses on making something that exists better.

"Discontinuous change is disruptive and unanticipated; it creates situations that challenge our assumptions." The Exodus stories are an example of this type of change.

This plays out in the local church in the following way. "What do congregational leaders do when the skills that have been effective in drawing people in and building it up no longer get the same results because the growing numbers of emerging generations are no longer interested in being attracted into a church building or joining a church program"?

The authors answer this question by rolling out their Missional Change Model, which you can check out if you do as I suggest and read this book.

• Missional leaders get feedback on their leadership from those they lead, other leaders, and other key people. Then good leaders evaluate the "evaluation" and learn about their own leadership. The book has a process for dong all of this that looks pretty helpful.

• Missional leaders help their community engage with scripture in fresh ways. "For too long, congregations have been schooled in viewing Scripture as a tool to be used for ... a help desk for finding an answer for a pressing problem. At other times it is used as a hammer to drive home doctrinal positions. Scripture has become like a bank safety deposit box holding a depository of information and knowledge that can be collected when needed. But all the uses of Scripture as a tool fail to engage it as the narrative presence of God, who invites us into a story that reads and shapes us".

"The missional leader cultivates an environment for indwelling the Scriptural narrative and inviting the congregation to join in on that journey.

OK, I probably wrote too much, but I really like the book. It is a good compliment to this one.

Book Review: In Search of God Knows What

I love reading what Don Miller writes. I am challenged by his words even though I disagree with him at times. I am always led to think, and ponder - he really messes with my head and heart. I recently finished reading Searching for God Knows What and here are some of my takeaways:

• I was challenged to avoid categorizing people and to remember that each person is unique and has something to offer.
• Maybe this truth is obvious, but Miller's presentation gave it convicting freshness - Life is messed up because of our separation from God and our attempt to replace Him with something else.
• God is bigger than I usually believe.
• Struggling with God is a good thing that produces growth and a deeper relationship.
• Formulas and following Jesus do not go together.
• Miller is a good example of someone who tries hard to understand "non-Christians" and his writing provides insight in reaching them with God's love.
• Morality can not replace love.
• I like reading Miller in part because I enjoy humor that is loaded with sarcasm and self-deprecation.
• All people (like me, I guess) are usually motivated more by fear than by love.

If you identify with some of the above comments, and you have yet to read this book, I'd say it is a worthwhile read.

Book Review: Where We Have Hope

Where we have hope? In Zimbabwe? Hope in a place where the corrupt Robert Mugabe government that will do anything to keep it’s power? Hope in a region where there is no protection for the people, their belongings, or even their land? Hope in a place where there really is no freedom in the press?

According to the author Andrew Meldrum there is hope because of the resilience of the people of Zimbabwe. The people believe that change for the better can occur and they are willing to risk even their lives to bring about this change.

This book recounts Meldrum’s life while living in Zimbabwe and working as a reporter. It tracks his journey from embracing this new and beloved culture, to his reporting, to his hiding, to his time in jail and finally to his expulsion from the country. This memoir also partially examines the history of Zimbabwe and the regime battle between Mugabe and the leader of the opposition, Morgan Tsvangirai. This is a book that is worth reading and will make you contemplate the struggle filled life on continent several thousand miles away.

• My takeaways from this book:

• Power usually corrupts
• The United Nations is mostly useless. They looked the other way as torture and killing was taking place. In fact with all of this going on, Zimbabwewas appointed to the UN Commission on Human Rights. ARGHHHHHHH!!!
• In Zimbabwe, courage and death seem to go hand in hand
• I need to read more books like this to better understand what is happening around the world
• In the midst of tragedy, you see people at their best and at their worst
• What would happen if the people of Zimbabwesaw their hope in Jesus rather than themselves?
• What should the United Statesdo or not do?
• The average Zimbabwean makes about US$18 a month. With recent inflation at 913%, it takes about US$275 a month to survive.
• I have it good. I need to be thankful by being generous and taking action to make a difference.

Book Review: Flipping the Switch

Flipping the Switch turns off the lights on the blame game while spotlighting  a way of living that produces better behaviors and better choices. This book is all about learning and living out personal accountability. As a follow up to John Miller's first book, QBQ , Flipping the Switch focuses on the areas of:

• Learning - asking the right questions promotes learning
• Ownership- thinking and acting the opposite of blame
• Creativity - seeing the possibilities in what you have
• Service - doing what is right every time
• Trust - responsible people build trust with others

I have read this book three times already. (It helps when the author is a friend and he attends your church and you get an early copy!) The main reason however, that I continue to read and reread this book is because it is good for me. As a husband, dad, pastor, and leader I need to be reminded about the importance of personal accountability. I am challenged to put into action the words on these pages and ask the right questions, and take responsibility for what I do and what I do not do. I am precluded from making excuses and I refrain from complaining and whining. (at least most of the time)

I must admit that it is tough at times to allow the words of Flipping the Switch to really reach me. Why you ask? Well, mostly because I begin to think about how much these words need to reach other people or groups of people. What would happen if they would practice what John is "preaching". What if...

• pastors became passionately responsible and did not excuse away the fact that they are not growing "their" church to a deeper faith and wider influence?
• educators did not see more money as the only solution to their challenges?
• parents refused to blame the media, school, or society for their child's struggles and asked, "how can I make a difference in my kid's life"?
• politicians stopped playing politics and stopped passing the buck?

Trust me the list goes on and on. However, doing what I just did violates much of what Flipping the Switch advocates. Accountability starts with me! And, if you make the wise choice to read this book, you will have a better understanding of how personal accountability also starts with you.

To check out more, visit QBQ!