creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties

I brought the message for the first time to my church last weekend.  I was nervous.  Speaking to some 9,000+ people is a little nerve racking but had such a great time.  I was teamed up with my good friend Robi Quick which made it even more fun.

We had been talking about a series that would focus on the classic stories of the bible.  We got talking about classics in our culture and how many of them like, Coka-Cola and Movies have shaped our culture.  As cool and exciting as it was to think about, we were reminded of just how influential the Bible has been.  It’s a classic made up of classics.

We kicked the series off with Psalm 23 and integrated some technology.  We used Youversion Live for sermon notes and interactivity and we are planning on doing some “follow up” online live conversation pieces where we invite viewers to talk about these passages.  It’s been a blast! I also preached from my iPad.  My notes and bible were all on it. 

Here’s the video of the service!  Hope you enjoy!

In Matthew 10:22 Jesus tells his disciples “But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all worth it in the end. (The Message)”

You level the playing field when the key to victory becomes about perseverance and not about mere strength and talent.  In high school the big football studs killed it on the football field but almost killed themselves on the long distance running trails. Their training and talent gave them little advantage in long distances.  Jesus’ teaching to the disciples is key in that it highlights the value of perseverance something that seems counter to our culture today.  In the age of rapid start ups and acquisitions, perseverance seems like a thing of the past.  It’s almost like you aren’t doing something right if it requires you to persevere.  When it comes down to it, seeing your dream come to fruition requires perseverance! There is no shortcut to accomplishment. This is echoed in the words of the famous tycoon, John Rockefeller when he said:

“I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” -John Rockefeller

I’m reminded that anytime I pursue a vision there will undoubtedly be times that call for perseverance. I have to dig deep and remember that anything worth pursing will require perseverance. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just hard work.

What song was hot (something you rocked over and over again) when you were in High School?

Let’s hear em!

The next time you want to pick a typeface for a project, try this! 

The moment you choose to act upon an idea you take a risk. Risk of not being heard, not understood, not seen as “marketable.” You risk being told no, not now, not for us or not ever. The question is then, is it worth it? At different points in my life I have heard all of the above but my answer to the question is the same. It’s worth it.

Sometimes an idea has what it takes to make it and sometimes it doesn’t. I learn something new every time  which is why it’s worth it.

Reddit.com founder Alexis Ohanian, is a great example of one idea that got away from its creators and ended up becoming something bigger than they ever could have hoped — once they learned the benefit of letting go.  Watch this!

I love the underdog story.  Today I get to write about one that is close to my heart.  I want to introduce you to Daniel Nava.  If you are a sports fanatic than you have probably heard the buzz about his first game in the major leagues.  More on that to come.  I grew up with Daniel.  We both went to a small school in San Carlos, Ca where we shared a passion for sports.  He was a couple years younger but had a magnetic personality making him a super likable guy.  Daniel and his whole family are amazing people and have been as long as I have known them.  His dad, who we all affectionately called, “Coach” never ceased to provide a healthy balance of encouragement and “bust you in the butt” pep talks.  He’s the real deal.

Daniel was so athletic and gifted in sports that there wasn’t anything he couldn’t play and do well at.  The thing was, he had a small frame in Jr high and high school.   I think he was around 4’11″ 70lbs his freshman year.  His whole life people told him he was too small but he never quit.

Initially cut as a walk on at Santa Clara University, Nava went to JC and excelled, ultimately returning to Santa Clara for his senior season. He went undrafted and again proved the doubters wrong by doing extremely well in independent baseball in 2007, earning the spot as Baseball America’s #1 independent prospect. He then proceeded to win the California League batting crown in 2008, albeit at the age of 25. Following an early-season injury in 2009, he went on to dominate the Carolina League and the Eastern League in limited at-bats.

He was called up to Majors to play with the Red Sox.  The rest is history.  His first time at bat, first pitch, he hits a grand slam home run.  He is the 2nd person to ever hit a grand slam on first pitch.

Watch this!