The "One Thing" Book Review

I recently went through this book with some of our staff. It was a great leadership read. I wanted to share my top 10 learnings from the book: 

1. "Success comes from doing a few things well." Details matter, especially on a daily basis. Trying to do everything leads to not being able to do much with excellence.

2. Finding and developing my one main calling will lead to being a more effective leader. I want to find my strengths and build on them instead of trying to do everything myself.

3. If I feel busy, what is it that I'm busy about? Find ways to clear the clutter of emails, side conversations and stay on track with what is most important to finishing that day. To-do list can be helpful but can lead me astray. Instead of it being a "survival" list, it should be focused upon it being a success list. Shorter lists will result in getting more done. It is going from "could do" to "should do" list.

4. Success is about doing the right thing, not about doing everything right. If I build healthy leadership habits, then I will have the ability to be a better leader. Build up one step at a time on habits.

5. Trying to balance life is impossible. Shoot for multiple areas of my life that I invest into and never allow my family to fall through the cracks for the sake of ministry. When i'm at church, work hard and then when I'm home work hard to invest into my family. Be proactive in taking rest and time to refocus. Learn to counterbalance my life instead of worrying about always being balanced because it is unattainable.

6. Page 139: "Who we are and where we want to go determine what we do and what we accomplish." Purpose is what leads to direction and longevity. I need to daily be restored with my purpose of why I do what I do so that it leads to what I do and accomplish for God.

7. Page 147: "Purpose without priority is useless." Creating goals, dreams and plans are only half of the leader's role. If I prioritize my goals with energy to fulfill them, it will actually happen. A dream without a plan is only a dream. A dream with priorities and a methodology opens up the chance to focus on the "ONE" thing that is most important.

8.  Page 167: "Normal business culture gets in the way of the very productivity it seeks because of the way people traditionally schedule their time." If I don't schedule my time to focus upon the "ONE" thing, someone else will do it for me and I will become derailed with my time. I am working on blocking time during my week for studying for teaching, planning, communicating, meetings, etc. I want to make sure I'm focusing on the one thing I need to get done and stay close to the big picture/vision.

9. Page 208: "Extraordinary results require you to go small." If I simplify the one thing that is most needed in my personal, family and ministry life, it will help me live the "one thing." ACtions build on actions and habits build upon habits. I need to make sure the domino that is moving my life is centered upon the gospel and focused upon fulfilling my calling. Staying small and focused will lead to big results and clarity in my relationship with God.

10. Page 216: "Success is an inside job." The only way to live a life of no regrets is to make sure I spend each day doing what matters most. Looking and seeking the big picture and dreams help launch into God's greatest plan. Instead of thinking and talking about my dreams, go out and seek it with all of my heart for the Kingdom of God.

What I'm Learning Being a Dad

Life has changed a lot for me the past few years. I am a Husband and a Father. I'm learning so much that it doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day to remember what it is I'm learning!

I am extremely blessed.

God has given me a wife that is a picture of Jesus and a son that helps me see the love of God.

4 Lessons that Micah is helping me learn: 

Micah helps me see God in a new way. I know more of God's heart after becoming a Father. I have more clarity on how my Heavenly Father views me. He picks me up when I fall down. He protects me from hurts but sometimes allows me to learn the hard way so I can grow.

Micah helps remind me of my brother Jordan. Micah's middle name was given to him in honor of my brother, Jordan. I want Jordan's memory to live on in Micah. Jordan's life was short here on earth. A quick 20 years. He left a legacy of quiet, strong passion to follow God. I want Micah to learn about this passion as I share Jordan's life with him as he grows up.

Micah helps me know that I have a lot to learn. I feel the pressure that parents feel. Am I doing everything I need too? What am I missing? What words do I need to teach him? Do I need to pray more? Do I need to read the Bible more?

Micah helps me see that I need more of God. I want to be a better Father through growing closer to my Heavenly Father. Only when I am clean and close to God will I ever be the Dad that Micah (and baby #2 on the way) would want to emulate.

What are you learning as a parent? Do you have any thoughts or encouragement on parenting?

Share in the comments below.

Source SM Recap: Volume #45

Series: Old School Title: “Ruth” The Word: Ruth 2:8-13, Ruth 3:10-11 Main Thought: Diligent service to God leads to finding His purpose.

Message Explanation: Corinne, one of the student ministry interns shared her story and taught on Ruth.

Who was Ruth? 

In the story so far, Ruth is a non-Jewish woman that married into a Jewish family that was living in Moab due to a famine in their home country of Israel. Her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law all died and she was left with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, decides to leave Moab and return to Judah. She tells her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab, go back to their mothers’ homes and may the LORD bless them with the security of another marriage. Her daughter-in-law, Orpah, stays in Moab but Ruth was determined to stay with Naomi. In Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

Read Ruth 2:8-13: ^8 “Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. ⁹ See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” ¹⁰ Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” ¹¹ “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.

#1: God recognizes humble service toward others.

¹² May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” ¹³ “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

Ruth 3:10-11:“The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. ¹¹ Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.”

#2: Your peers should know of your character.

Hebrews 10:35-36: ³⁵So do not throw away this confident trust in the LORD. Remember the great reward it brings you! ³⁶Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

#3: If we are patient, God will provide what He has promised.

Apply: It teaches that genuine love at times may require uncompromising sacrifice. Genuine love and kindness will be rewarded. God abundantly blesses those who seek to live obedient lives. God extends mercy to the merciful. The Book of Ruth offers a fascinating short story about a non-Jewish woman who married into a Jewish family and became an ancestor of David and Jesus

What decisions do you need to make this week to diligently serve God?

Element of Fun: The students played the game, “Face Off.” It was funny to see students trying to say a word in order to make the other person laugh.

Music: Running, Oceans, Oh God, Never Once (closing)

Favorite Moment: Talking to two students who received Christ!

What’s Next: We are continuing the series, “Old School” as we talk about the big stories of the Old Testament!

To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page