One of my oldest (no pun intended) and best friends is Tyler Stanton. Well, today, Tyler hits the big 3-0. So, if you care to wish him a happy birthday, here are a few things you can do. Do as many or as few as  you like. Some will make you feel good. All will make Tyler feel good. A few may even change someone’s life.

10. Visit his blog.

9. Visit his blog and leave a comment.

8. Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog is funnier than Tripp’s blog.

7. Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog is funnier than Tripp’s blog and then buy one of his books.

6. Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog is funnier than Tripp’s blog and then buy a case of his books.

5. Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog is funnier than Tripp’s blog and then buy a case of his books and mail them out to your friends.

4. Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog is funnier than Tripp’s blog and then buy a case of his books and mail them out to your friends and ask them to Visit his blog too.

3. Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog is funnier than Tripp’s blog and then buy a case of his books and mail them out to your friends and ask them to visit his blog too.

2. When you Visit his blog and leave a comment that his blog his funnier than Tripp’s blog and then buy a case of his books and mail them out to your friends and ask them to Visit his blog,too ask them to join the 30 in 30 challenge to raise $30,000 in 30 days with Charity Water.

1. If you can’t do any of the above, then consider giving $20 to our 30 in 30 challenge. With this money we will provide clean water to 1,500 people (300 families, 6 entire communities). This is what Tyler wants the most.

$20 to give someone clean water for 20 years! You can’t put a bow on it, but it sure is sweet! Happy Birthday Tyler.

Post their information below and email me if you think they’d like to be included in the book.

Thanks!

Here’s where I need your help. I am looking for 2 items to complete the book.

One, I’m looking for current examples of those changing the world. I want to help share their stories and how others can join them in their efforts. We’ll select some examples to be in the book and others on the website. If you know of a world changer or great organization, we’d love to help spread the word. Send an email to greg@backstageleadership.org with contact information.

Two, I’m looking for your creative input for the book cover. Here’s what the cover needs: Title: Passion is Not Enough. Subtitle: 4 Elements to Change the World. Author: Greg Darley.

Submit designs to greg@backstageleadership.org.

*picture used from iyecon.com under the creative commons

That has been my sign off line for a while now, when trying to encourage fellow world changers. Keep pushing.

Do you ever find yourself having a hard time doing what you tell others to do? Yesterday was one of those days. I didn’t feel like pushing. With everything going on right now, I feel like the walls are pushing in on me. Then I remembered my line, keep pushing.

In my time of discouragement, I opened up the Word to the book of James and was reminded that trials are a part of life. It is during those uphill battles that we are able build character through the process of perseverance. When I read James 1, it basically says, if you don’t have perseverance, then you are not complete nor mature. So, if I want to be mature and complete, I need to persevere and this is why James says we should consider it joy when we face trials. Because it’s only through the trials that we are able to grow towards maturity.

Honestly, that’s not very fun to hear. But, it seems that every time I argue with Scripture, I lose. So, here’s a reminder to myself and to you out there….keep pushing.

There are few consistent voices that teach amazing leadership and character like Mike Hyatt. For those wanting to write, lead or create, you will not want to miss the opportunity to dig into conversation with Mike. This is the last week to sign up, so don’t miss out. Go here now…Backstage Leadership.

I am so excited to have Kay finish out what will be an incredible year of Backstage Leadership. Kay’s leadership and influence for justice and compassion around the world is unbelievable. You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn from Kay and her decades of service and leadership at Saddleback and around the world. This week is the deadline to join us. Don’t miss out.

Chapter 5 says that new ruler will come out of Bethlehem, even though this was a small and insignificant clan in Judah. This new ruler will stand and shepherd the flock in the strength of the Lord. This is obviously a prophecy about Jesus, but don’t miss what God is saying. True leadership is only possible by leading in the strength of the Lord. If you are trying to lead yourself, your family or a huge organization, you will only be successful if you do it in the strength of the Lord.

But life is more difficult that that. Circumstances have a way of dragging us up and down. One day you’re ready to change the world. The next day you don’t want to get out of bed. This is especially true if you are on the front lines in active duty. If you are starting something, then you know this all too well. So, how do we live work in his strength and not give into circumstances?

We have to let Christ be our peace. (Micah 5:5)…

It’s easy to have peace when you make the sale or book the event. It’s not so easy when you get rejected or shot down. In recent months, I’ve been pursuing full time itinerant speaking and teaching to go along side leading Backstage Leadership. This has been a scary and amazing commitment, but one that has been up and down. One day someone calls to book and event and the following week, a previous commitment calls to cancel. It’s hard to not let circumstances affect your attitude and effort. Easier said than done I know, but that’s what we have to do. We have to work in His strength and let him be our peace.

On a side note, if you’re looking for someone to speak at your event, retreat or camp, give me a call. I’d be honored to help in anyway possible.

Tell them the basic peramaters…then let’em work.

Give them the deadline…then let’em work.

Tell them any words or looks that are absolutely out of the questions…them let’em work.

You may not get the results you are wanting on the first try, but over time, you will get far better results than you would have by standing over their shoulder, directing from 2 feet away.

Who’s your pick to win the BCS?

Have you signed up for Backstage Leadership yet?