Lip Licking Good...

For those who just can't get enough bacon... here's a carry-in-your-pocket bacon fix when you get that bacon craving, but can't fire-up the trusty George Foreman.

Kissing will take on a whole new flavor!

God of This City...

The song "God of This City" was written by Bluetree, a band from Northern Ireland. It's a song we sing frequently at SoHills... and the words never fail to touch my heart.

In this clip, Louie Giglio tells the story behind "God of This City." The images themselves aren't riveting viewing (it's a 40-second clip looped several times), but Louie's telling of the song's alongside the images makes for some powerful God moments.



You’re the Light in the darkness
You’re the Hope to the hopeless
You’re the Peace to the restless
There is no one like our God...

Lessons Learned While Starting New Things...

The following is a recent article written by Dave Ferguson, the lead pastor at Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois. I found Dave's insights into the lessons he'd learned while starting new things to be most insightful.

1. VISION LESSON: The "God-Thing" Often Comes before the VISION

I would have said it starts with vision! I would have said it starts with a compelling vision from a gifted leader. And while that is true ... it's not the whole truth in my experience. I didn't really have the vision for being a multi-site church. God did! It was a God thing! I will often get the credit for being a visionary leader, but what is closer to the truth is this: God did something extraordinary and I share what God has done with the rest of the church as the vision... and they follow. And when you are able to share where God is at work... that is always a compelling vision that people want to follow!

2. STRATEGY LESSON: Should Fit On A Napkin

If it can't be explained on a napkin it is too complicated. Make sure everything from your vision statement, to your process for disciple-making, to how you will create a movement can be explained on a napkin. Many leaders never have a following because the vision and strategy can not be explained simply. If it is simple and reproducible you can mobilize the masses.

3. FINANCE LESSON: Money Always Follows Vision

People give money to a compelling cause with a clear vision. When economic times are hard leaders are tempted to reduce the budget and the shrink their vision. When economic times are hard that is when you need to increase the vision and the money will follow. Never forget - God is always at work and vision is free!

4. INNOVATION LESSON: Lead With A "Yes" And Ask "How" Later

If you want to lead in bringing about innovation, you must learn to lead with a "yes" and not a "how". When others approach us with new ideas our first reaction is often "no" or "how"? What people need is affirmation of their dreams and space for them to figure out how to make them really work. People are born with dreams from God and they want to make a difference. What they need most is a leader who will say "yes" when they ask for permission to give it a try.

5. REPRODUCING LESSON: Take Risks on Emerging Leaders

Resist the urge of telling young leaders to wait a few years; they need and deserve opportunities to lead. You will always have young and emerging leaders who will come to you and want to do a new thing. You can dismiss it or you can bless it. Bless it. What we need to do is take risks on young leaders and give them our blessing.

Just Wondering...

When they think of you, what do people think of?

The Gap...

In the Summer/2009 issue of Leadership Journal, John Ortberg observes in an article titled "The Gap: The Fractured World of Multi-Generational Church Leadership": "When it comes to generations working together, the question of control is never more than about a micron below the surface."

Ortberg goes on to pose this question, "What generation has primary control in your church, and what has been the impact on the other generations in the church?"

Roller Babies...

Here's proof that Evian can turn your baby into a "roller baby."



I've got to admit... I find this video to be somewhat creepy.

Adventures In An Old House...

I'm not exactly sure about the words of the song in this video (they're in French)... but I think they roughly translate: "This is a very creative video about people and disembodied clothes that appear out of walls and other objects in this old house."



Boy those French, they have a different word for everything.