History in the Making

Apparently I'm the Next Charlie Rose

My good friend Jason Hayes at Lifeway wrote a study guide called Blemished based on the book of Malachi. He's been doing a really fun blog tour using faux interviews. He's "been interviewed" by Pete Wilson, Ed Stetzer, Mark Batterson... and now me. =)

Catalyst West Nugget of the Day

Catalyst west is four weeks away and ~outside of a few videos still in production~ I think we could pull it off this week. Well... maybe. =) It's challenging to export an experience this big to California. We're using as much indigenous talent as possible. But two roles we couldn't outsource: Tripp and Tyler. It's like having my own personal creative think-tank.

You're in for a real treat.

Winning the Battle, But...

Caught the Nightline debate between Mark Driscoll and Deepak Chopra the other night. I think truth won out. And I love when truth wins.

But I cringed at the audience: A church.

I don't think Christians truly wins when we shout "good one" and "take that" and slap each other high-fives and erupt in whoops.

Historically, I think the truth has fared better when its messengers are in the minority. Humility is a living apologetic.

It's why I love Ravi Zacharias. He debates in the shark tanks.

Oh Snap

If you're a guy and you want a good beat-down, let me introduce Mark Driscoll. Minute 67 is all I gotta say.

Catalyst Nugget of the Day

We'll be premiering a "Catalyst Green Room" website where you can check-out the action from behind-the-scenes at Catalyst west. Brian Wurzell (top) will be hosting; and Jeff "Truitt" Seymour (bottom) will be orchestrating the written word. Ripped off these photos from the internet. If ever in doubt about great photos, always credit Daley Hake.

A Big Day

After 45,000 words and many conversations, the big day has finally arrived. I'm signing the dotted line with a great publisher for my first book. It won't be out for a solid year, so no use talking about it yet, but alas, I've reached a milestone.

One Last Production Shot

From yesterday... It's Nic Biedel getting his pretty little face made-up for the shoot. Nic was the DJ at Whiteboard, by the way. He's my unofficial style consultant.

Still in Production

But it's going really great...

Setting up the Shoot

Equipment getting set-up and adjusted...

Day of the Big Film Shoot

Today, we're shooting the opener for Catalyst west in some warehouse space with a Red Camera - which is a pretty revolutionary piece of equipment. Jonathan Bostic is directing the shoot, and we've been doing casting calls all week. The gist of the film is a sketch artist whose illustrations come to life... fun.

Catalyst West Nugget of the Day

We're hosting a Before Party on the first night of Catalyst - Wed, April 22 at 6 pm - that will be pretty stellar. Outdoor lounge environment with some street performers, a chill DJ, free food and Carlos Whittaker hosting. I can already feel the warm, setting sun on my skin.

Breaking the Law of the Least Effort

The Law of the Least Effort says that when you work out of your strengths, those activities come more easily to you. Work doesn't feel like work. Results happen naturally. You don't dread it.

So why do we break it?

Turns out, being in our sweet spot is not actually a powerful force. It falters at the threat of reduced finances, or a diminished ego at not being on the platform, or the misconception our fathers handed down that work must be in excess for us to have worth.

The force that compels us to be in our sweet spot is a pansy.

Cirque Du Soleil Fitness Center

Push-ups are annoying. But flying... ah, flying... now we're talking. Love the brand extension by Cirque Du Soleil on this fitness center concept: Jukari. But it's only for women... and nymphs.

I Need a Starbucks Widget

So I'm an official "Gold Card" holder.

I wish there was a Pay Pal link that fed directly into people's Starbucks accounts. You know, like a widget for people's blogs, so we could anonymously fill up their cards as a nice gesture.

Especially in a economic downturn like this.

Okay, it would be for me, darn it.

The Art of Platforming Others

Last year, I made a conscientious decision to do something radically different than what I'd spent the past 10 years trying to do -- create platforms for other people, rather than myself.

Granted, I'm a blogger... which is like someone saying they have no other motivation for waiting tables in Hollywood.  But platforming others is less awkward, less crowded and more appreciated.

You should try it.

I Don't Know How I Got There

I was having a "moment" over the weekend, when Ainsley reset my disposition in just seconds with one simple question:

"How did your view of God suddenly become an old crotchety man who wants to beat you down?"

Ouch.

Nuf said.

Interesting Nugget About Catalyst West

 

All week, I'm posting interesting little nuggets about Catalyst west coast on April 22-24...

Like... Chick-Fil-A is feeding everybody free lunch at the main event. Yummy in the tummy.

I Don't Like Tai Chi

But I Do Like Chai Tea

Sweet 16

Came out to find the Catalyst team licking stamps and watching basketball in the lounge. It's Friday.

"Some Stories Are Real"

Love that line from the brilliant filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan