Book Review: The Truth About You
November 29, 2008 by bubba
Filed under Blog, Book Reviews, leadership
I’ve heard a lot about the author of this book, Marcus Buckingham, but have never actually picked up any of his work. I recently joined Thomas Nelsons “Book Review Bloggers” initiative where you receive free books if you commit to writing a 200+ word review on them. The first book I requested was “The Truth About You“. I choose the book because I have become a student of myself. I think it’s important we learn about ourselves. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? I was hoping this book would help me in the process.
When I got the book, I found out that it is more than a book. It is an experience! It comes with a DVD to watch, a book, and a “re-memo” pad.
The DVD takes you through 3 myths that Marcus Buckingham says people buy into in life.
Three Myths People Buy into in Life:
- Your personality changes as you get older
- If you want to grow – don’t rely on your strengths- work on your weaknesses.
- The best teams have well rounded people playing all the roles well.
He takes each of these myths and breaks them down, explaining why they’re myths, then tells the truth about those areas.
The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get
In the book Marcus teaches you 5 principles that he says is the best advice you’ll ever get:
- Performance is always the point
- Your strengths aren’t what you’re good at, and your weaknesses aren’t what you’re bad at
- When it comes to your job, the “What” always trumps the “Why” and “Who”
- You’ll never find the perfect job
- You’ll never turn your weaknesses into strengths
The biggest take away from the book for me was that strengths are anything activities that make you feel stronger. Of course this would mean that your weaknesses are any activities that make you feel weaker. We often think just because we’re good at something means it is a strength – but there are a ton of people who are good at things they hate – you can’t consider that a strength could you?
Homework
Marcus then challenges you to take the rememo pad and anytime you’re doing something you feel strengthens you – write it down and to do the same thing with things that weaken you for an entire week. At the end of the week take both the strengths and weaknesses and try to come up with 3 strength and weakness statements – be specific! This is a great approach of learning your strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book. It can be read in one sitting, the DVD is only 24 minutes long, and the application of the principles will add a ton of value to your life.
Final Grade: A+
Buy it Here!
Free Books for Bloggers
November 29, 2008 by bubba
Filed under Blog, Book Reviews
Thomas Nelson is offering a program that gives free books to bloggers. All you have to do is sign-up, request a book, and write a 200+ word review on the book you read. Then you can pick another one… I think it’s an awesome idea!
Ask Anything Friday – Black Friday Edition
So it’s 3:50 in the morning and I just got home from a great night of playing games, spoons, and having some great conversations about God.
I have to get up at 6:30 a.m. for the Turkey Bowl and I won’t feel like typing this then… actually I’m still wired right now from all the coffee I drank…
Anyway… for those of you who aren’t shopping today – let’s get some conversation going…
You know what to do – questions in the comments!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving day!
Pittsburgh Marathon – May 3rd ‘09 – Are you in?
Do you have a goal in your life to run a marathon? Maybe a half?
I am making it a goal to run the 2009 Pittsburgh Marathon on May 3rd.
I know in talking to a lot of you – some are at least interested in making the journey. The actual marathon training would start 20 weeks out from the marathon – so starting December 12th.
I’m looking (along with Pastor Moore) to get a group of people together who’d be interested in training together (mostly the long runs which usually happen on Saturday mornings.)
Even if you wanted to run the half – you could still train with us.
If this is something that interests you please let me know as soon as possible and I can start coordinating some things.
Remember – Anyone can run a marathon… if you have a desire to run one – don’t miss out on this opportunity!
If you’d like to do some reading on running – I enjoy www.runnersworld.com
Thanksgiving (Part 3)
November 26, 2008 by bubba
Filed under Blog, Relationships
I was thinking of things I’m thankful for and I really feel like I need to acknowledge some friendships that I’m thankful for. I always talk about mentors and family – but haven’t acknowledge my friends yet.
People always tell me as I grow up that if I have one or two really good friends – then I’m extremely blessed. As I grow older – I realize the truth that is in that statement. So here are some friendships I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:
Andrew Raisley - You’re my roomie! I’m looking forward to sharpening each other on Saturday mornings. Thanks for always encouraging me to shoot for the highest and the best.
Ben Rath - It’s been great getting to know you over the past two years. The life you live stretches me! Thank you so much for being a great friend and mentor. You encourage me to step out in faith!
C - Sweet Daddy C! As much as I rebuke Slicks prophecy… I do appreciate you. We’ve been friends since 2nd grade – so many good times! Love you bro!
David Faulk - Every time I talk to you a fire in me gets reignited for Jesus. Thanks for always being willing to listen and pour into my life.
David Riley - Riley . . . you’re the man! I’ve had a blast hanging with you the past two years. Thanks for all of your encouragement and thanks for driving me crazy haha! I love ya!
Laura Steidel – You’ve never given up on me and always see the best in me and help draw it out. You believed in me when no one else did and for that I’ll be forever grateful!
Scotty D – I’ve enjoyed getting to know you more intimately lately haha – God’s got awesome things in store for you. Thanks for not letting me settle!
Sean Moore - You’re one of my best friends bro! I’m so grateful we get to go through the journey of ministry together, have Words together, and help each other not settle for less than God’s best.
Vanessa Phillips - We’re best friends! haha… It’s been a crazy journey! I’m thankful that we can always encourage each other and cheer each other up. Thanks for always being there for me!
Zack Blair – Thanks for always being there to listen to me and encourage me. Thanks for being obedient to God in every area of your life – I always look up to you and your example. I am so excited to watch you touch a generation of twenty somethings.
Obviously there are soooo many more – so if I didn’t put you on here it DOES NOT mean I am not grateful for our friendship! All of you have added value to my life and if I interact with you at all – believe me – I’m grateful!
What friends are you grateful for in your life? Have you let them know?
Must Listen to Message on Boundaries
November 25, 2008 by bubba
Filed under Blog, Relationships
If you’re single, dating, or married – you need to listen to this message.
It will help you set standards and boundaries in your life and your relationships.
It is the third message in the series entitled: “Living on the Edge”
It will add a ton of value to your life – I promise!
Thanksgiving (Part 2)
November 25, 2008 by bubba
Filed under Blog, Relationships
Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually. ~Romans 15:2
Some of you may be thinking this week – I have nothing to be thankful for – my life is a mess. I would encourage you make 2 things a practice in your life:
- Make a grateful journal – pull out a journal or notebook and start writing down everything in your life your grateful for. Once you have done that, make it a daily practice, everyday try to find 1-2 things you were grateful for that day. I think you’ll find you have a lot more to be thankful for than you think.
- Make a “rainy-day” file - Pastor Larry got me on this one. Anytime someone gives you a nice card, writes a nice e-mail, or gives you something to cheer you up – stick it in a file and label the file “rainy-day” then when you’re down go through that file and you’ll find that life isn’t nearly as bad as you think.
I love that the verse above tells us to edify (build each other up). I think one of the best ways to do this is to let people know were grateful for them. Do the people that your thankful for in your life know you’re thankful for them? If they don’t – I encourage you to do one of these things over the holiday season:
- Write them a letter/card - write them telling them how thankful you are that they’re in your life and the impact they’ve had on you
- Tell Them - does anything build us up more than people telling us how we’ve added value to their lives?
- Buy them a gift – it doesn’t have to be extravagant – just something that’s says thanks for making a difference
Simple? Yes. Life changing – you better believe it. There is power in building people up… everyday strive to let someone know how grateful you are that they’re in your life.
Who and what are you thankful for?
Thanksgiving (Part 1)
November 24, 2008 by bubba
Filed under Blog, Relationships
Sunday Night Reflections 11.23.08
Is Thanksgiving really this week? Where did 2008 go? Where is life going? I find myself asking these same questions everyday. I just got in from a long day of church, paintball, riding people around, and grocery shopping… Here are some thoughts from this week:
- Here are the posts/articles I thought were worth reading this week
- Pastor Steve Moore got a blog (believe it or not!!) – Check it out here! I’m sure there will be tons of wisdom to come in that blog!
- Atlanta was unbelievable with Jeanne Mayo and her team – I love them all!!! We got to go to the Martin Luther King memorial and hear a Pastor that walked with him speak into our lives – it was powerful.
- I listened to the series “Are You on the Path” by Keith Moore during my trip – I would definitely recommend hitting that up.
- Perry Noble continues his series for women: Beautiful, a series for Women and the men that pursue them… Highly recommend it.
- Andy Stanley’s third message in his series “The Best Question Ever” is out… download it immediately!
- This quote by Perry Noble rocked my world:
“If you aren’t willing to fight for your vision…then you have no vision…all you have is a daydream that you are begging God to make come true.”
- Zack Blair tore it up as usual at 19 North listen to the podcast here.
- Revolution has lots of changes coming up… I am so pumped. Pastor Nathan is doing a great job!
I have the week off of school… 3 day work week…turkey bowl Friday… I’m pretty pumped! Breakfast with my boys and a mentor in the morning – stoked!
Until next time…..Love you guys….Bubs
Why I Absolutely Love the Holiday Season!!!
I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! Last night a bunch of us went downtown for light up night. After the night was over I officially crossed over to Holiday mode and I am pumped. So… just as I did with the Fall, here are some things I love about the holidays:
Thanksgiving Dinner - Who doesn’t’ love Thanksgiving? Spending time with family, watching football… I can’t wait. I also like going for a 5-mile run in the morning and watching
movies with friends at night. What are some of your T-day traditions?
Starbucks - Isn’t it great that Starbucks goes along with every season? I love Peppermint Mocha’s and Gingerbread Lattes… I had a PM last night – Heavenly! It’s one of my favorite places to go in the world.
Ice Skating Downtown - I love going to the rink at PPG with friends and ice skate… it’s so much fun.
Holiday Music - Ok… so I even drag this into January – February. I love listening to holiday music. I am a huge Trans-Siberian Orchestra fan along with Josh Groban. Great Christmas albums!
A Christmas Carol/Trans Concert - I try to go to one holiday show every year (not sure about this year), but I love going to Christmas concerts and plays.
Decorating/Festival of Lights - I love decorating for Christmas as well as going to see decorations at the Festival of Lights with people.
Christmas Cards - I am big on this!!! I spend hours writing Christmas cards to friends each year… I take it very seriously!
Fires - don’t you love fires in the winter time… it always adds to the experience.
Snow - I love snow until Christmas, to play in, and to go snowboarding – otherwise I could do without it. I always think of the movie Hook when Toodles says, “It’s Snowing!!’
Those are just a few of my favorite things about the holidays. What about you? What are some of your favorite things about the holidays?
