Do you want to be remarkable? What about indispensible? Do you want to be the person everyone says they would hate to lose or love to gain?

I’m reading Seth Godin’s newest book called “Linchpin.” The book is all about helping you realize your own unique potential and encouraging you to be remarkable, to be indespensible, to be a Linchpin.

I’d love to share a line from the book and talk a little bit about why so many of us settle for being mediocre instead of remarkable.

If you’re insecure, the obvious response to my call to become a Linchpin is, “I’m not good enough at anything to be indispensable.” The typical indoctrinated response is that great work and great art and remarkable output are the domain of someone else.

This line really spoke to me since it’s something I’ve been saying for years now. What is keeping you from being remarkable? Most likely it is your own insecurity holding you back. It is your own self-doubt, those lies we hear telling us we’re not good, or we have nothing to offer that really keep us from our greatest potential.

Godin goes on to say that,

I’ve been lucky enough to meet or work with thousands of remarkable linchpins. It appears to me that the only way they differ from a mediocre rule-follower is that they never bought into this self-limiting line of thought.

Is that what separates you from being remarkable? Your own self-limiting line of thought? You are a gifted individual who has a divine purpose. The only thing keeping you from fulfilling that purpose is you. Believe in who you are and who God has called you to be and watch as you become remarkable.

For me, when September hits, it’s no longer summer. Even if it’s still stifling outside, when it’s September, I will the hot air away and hope for cooler temperatures. I love fall. There’s a certain feeling in the air, when football season starts, Star Bucks brings back their beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte, and the temperature turns bi-polar trying to make up it’s mind between hot or cool…

Here are some of my favorite things about fall. What are yours?

It starts to get darker sooner

It’s perfect weather to sit outside next to the fire pit.

Football is back!

The leaves start to change…

Cute hats and scarves come back into the wardrobe!

Hot drinks warm the soul.

What is your favorite thing about fall?

One of my favorite authors, speakers and leaders of today is Tim Elmore. He writes the books Habitudes (images that form leadership habits and attitudes) as well as several other books for parents, youth workers and college students on leading the upcoming generation.

Tim’s newest book Generation iY focuses on the epidemic of technology on our culture today and how our world effects this post 9-11 generation he has coined Generation iY.

Below are some of his thoughts on Generation iY as well as a link to purchase his e-book. I’m already reading it and feel blessed to have this type of knowledge at my finger tips.

Thank you Tim, for your hard work and dedication to fight for these students help reach this generation for Christ. May we all join the battle in some way.

Who is Generation iY?

Tim Elmore / www.GrowingLeaders.com

With the release of my new book, Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future, people are asking me these days: who are they? How is Generation iY different than the earlier students in Generation Y?  Aren’t they just the same kids, but with more technology?

Good questions. Let me attempt a rapid response below.

EARLY GENERATION Y                                                  GENERATION iY

1. Born in the 1980s                                                                   1. Born in the 1990s

2. Highly compassionate                                                           2. Low empathy

3. Activists                                                                                    3. Slack-tivists (Want to be involved a little)

4. Technology is a tool                                                               4. Technology is an appendage to my body

5. Passionate about a cause                                                       5. Fashionate about a cause (If my friends do it)

6. Civic minded                                                                            6. Self-absorbed

7. Ambitious about the future                                                   7. Ambiguous about the future

8. Accelerated growth                                                                 8. Postponed maturation

I still believe in these kids. I continue to believe they can and will change the world. However, they will do so if we figure out how to connect with them and guide them into the future. There has been a shift in our culture that’s impacted students today. A perfect storm of elements has diminished the relational skills and emotional intelligence young adults once developed naturally. Minimally, this shift has delayed their entrance into adulthood. What they need more than anything else are healthy mentors; mentors who care more about preparing them than protecting them. These mentors should focus on building some fundamental skills in students:

1.  Emotional Intelligence
2.  Character and Ethics
3.  Leadership Perspective

In the book, I’ve attempted to equip teachers, parents, coaches, employers and youth workers to do just that. Join me in shaping these iY kids from the inside out so they can turn their world upside down.

Tim

(To purchase Generation iY, click on the icon on the right or go to: www.SaveTheirFutureNow.com)

They’re definitely not for me! But I’m not talking about the sugary cereal we grew up eating as kids, I’m talking about different kinds of trix. I’m talking about the tricks and lies of the enemy.

None of us, not a single person, is exempt from the enemy’s tricks. If he can’t get you down one way, odds are he’ll try a different approach–probably one you weren’t thinking.

I am not unaccustomed to falling for the enemy’s tricks. I’d like to think I get better and better at dodging them, or having the wisdom to see them coming, but there are times when I look up from a self-degrading thought, or a feeling of depression, and I realize I fell for one again.

How can we become knowledgeable about the enemy’s schemes to try and take us out? How can we fight offensively to protect ourselves before an attack ever comes?

We have to know our trix button. Think of it as a weakness, a little crack in the windshield of your life that if satan could make bigger would cause more and more problems for you.

Mine? Food of course. If you know my journey you’re familiar with my struggle to stay fit and healthy. It is an everyday choice to honor God with the things I put in my mouth. The enemy knows this, so if he can wiggle his way in there just a bit he can wreak havoc in my thoughts and actions often before I even know what happened.

What about you? What’s your Trix button? Maybe yours is pride, or lust, or discontentment with your life. Maybe you compare yourself to others, or have a problem with negative words and thoughts. It’s important to know where you’re weak so you can put some extra armor around your vulnerable spots.

Silly rabbit, trix aren’t for me. Don’t fall for the enemy’s trix. Know your weaknesses. You can bet he does.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.–Paul

Do you believe in Ghosts?

Last night I woke up to use the bathroom and I heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen. It wasn’t a normal house noise, it was calculated, happening every five seconds or so, like something or someone was tapping on the kitchen counter. Of course it could’ve been a mouse, but when the house is dark, and you’re half asleep your mind has a funny way of playing tricks on you. I quickly crawled back in bed, woke up my husband and told him what I heard. “It’s just my phone,” he said in a thick groggy voice. He probably wouldn’t even remember the conversation if I asked him about it now. I crawled deeper into his arms and tried to fall back asleep.

I don’t believe in ghosts. But I believe in evil spirits. Now, I’m not trying to scare anyone. Good and evil spirits are very real. This isn’t the first time I’ve felt a strange vibe in our house at night. Several times, my husband himself has woken up and prayed over us because of the feeling in the room. I don’t want to scare anyone, but I do want to bring awareness.

I remember the first time I learned how to take care of an evil spirit. I was probably 8, and we were heavily involved in a production at our church called “The Bride.” The Bride was a play about Jesus, God and the church, represented by a little girl. There were angles and demons and actors and dancers and lots of good looking make up to make everyone look real.

Me and my mom were walking down the hall one night and we ran into one of the demons actors. She was scary and I cowered behind my mom. The actor knelt down and told me a few words I haven’t forgotten to this day.

“You don’t have to be scared. All you have to do is say the name of Jesus and tell me to get lost and I have to obey.”

She went on to explain the power behind his name and how all demons, real and fake, were not anywhere near as powerful as Jesus.

I like remembering that. I like knowing that even if there are ghosts in our attic I have the power of getting rid of them with just one word. One Name.

I know I’m not the only person who’s ever experienced this. Share your thoughts on your own experiences and let us gain the boldness and power to protect ourselves, and our families from the attacks of the enemy.

Sometimes I can forget that I’m not the only person in the world. Yes, of course I know I’m not the only person, but sometimes I can get caught up in thinking I’m the only person in my world. The only person who matters, who has problems, aches, pains and worries.

Today I want to be reminded that I am not the only person in the world.

I just heard some horrible news. A family in my community just lost their 15 year-old son. He was killed in a car accident last night with his older brother who is still in surgery as I type this. My heart goes out to this family and all the people this young man impacted while he was on the earth.

I was complaining about a headache this morning, but learning this news brings things into perspective. I’m not the only person in the world. There are other people hurting and wounded who need support and someone to talk to. When we take the focus off ourselves and start paying attention to others around us our problems might not seem so big.

Today I don’t want to think about myself. I want to reach out to those who need encouragement and hope.

I encourage you to do the same.

I’m not the only person in the world.

Neither are you.

Earlier this week I mentioned something about Shape Project’s Fall Boot Camp starting September 7th. I wanted to highlight it again to encourage all of you who ever thought about signing yourself up under a trainer.

For me, it was the best decision I could’ve made. Not only does working out under a trainer push you past your limit it also helps you stay consistent in your work outs because you know she’ll be waiting for you every morning.

Now there’s even more of a reason to join the Shape Project Community. Starting September 7th Shape Project will begin it’s fall boot camp. Not only are you working out with a trainer, you are working out with ten other men or women each pushing each other to do better, work harder and see amazing results. Check out how I shaped up this summer!

Thank you Randy Coleman for the awesome pics!

Read the add below and sign up today!

Girls and guys, if you are tired of your exercise routine, or looking for a
fun and engaging way to get fit and lose weight then join Shape Project’s
Fall Boot Camp, starting September 7th, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
evenings at 6pm with Shape Projects own Melissa Cox, M.S. Any level of
fitness is welcome. Join the group for only $200 for 12 sessions (4 weeks)
and get in the best shape of your life.

Join others at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City while we mix strength training and cardio to get fit, lose
weight and stay healthy. Now is the time to register! E-mail
shapeproject@cox.net or call 496-5891 for more information or to register for the class.
September 3rd is the last day to register for this class. (An early bird registration of 10% off applies if you sign up by September 1st Also, take an additional 10% off the price if you refer two other people to join the class!) Invest in your
health and join the Shape Project community.

In SWITCH, our student ministry at LifeChurch.tv we are currently going through a series called “Greater Than.”

The idea behind the series is to help students understand it is greater to be a servant than to be served. We are building our culture around the truth that we are called to serve.

Below you can watch the message from last night as well as follow the link to free resources for youth pastors, youth leaders or parents. Enjoy!

Online Resource Page

I’ve got a huge headache this morning. I was up all night last night because of a stupid cricket that would not shut up! I wanted to kill something.

So I’ve decided that headaches and blog posts don’t mix, but here are some random pictures I took yesterday. Enjoy!

This is my water bottle. I don’t go anywhere without it. Six of these babies equals one gallon of water. Drink water. It’s good for you.

This is Vince. I work right next to him. He is an awesome youth pastor and he has a blog too. Click right here and you will see.

This is Batman and Robin. Josh Wren is probably one of the most original people I know. He is always wearing crazy looking T-shirts.

Big SWITCH starts two weeks from today. It is our bring in event for our student ministry. I’m hoping for 500+ students to come, have fun and hear about Jesus. Come join us and help out with this event.

That is all I have the energy for… debating whether I should go to a school and visit some kids or if that would just make my headache worse…. SWITCH tonight. Gotta get over it sometime…

On August 10th, (Cody’s 26th birthday) we came home to a swimming pool in our living room!

A leak underneath the bathtub in our master bathroom had been gushing all day!

After trying to mop up the water we realized we were going to have to rip out the carpet!

There was still standing water on the concrete slab even after we removed the soaking carpet and pad!

Insurance came in and assessed the damage. They totaled almost all our floors. The living room carpet, the bedroom carpet, the kitchen wood and the bathroom tile. We spent the next several days demolishing all the damaged areas and got a lot done thanks to great friends!

Funny how something like this could be a totally paralyzing situation if we allowed it. However, Cody and I believe that our circumstances aren’t the things that should control us.

More often than not, it’s things like this that turn into being more of a blessing than a curse. It’s all in how you look at it.