Last year I was shocked when several bloggers listed me in a list of people they would like to connect with. I was honored! I've always tried to be the kind of person who took anyone's calls, hung out late or early at any conference I attended and would have lunch with anyone who asked.. I would even buy if they would let me. Most of the time they did :).
I also started hearing how people wanted to be a part of infuse but with churches trying to cut training budgets to overcome the ecconomy they just couldn't afford it. So it got me thinking...

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I also attend conferences to be exposed to bigger vision. I believe that there is nothing more contagious than a God inspired, Spirit lead vision. I’m the type learner that it helps me to see something with my own eyes. It’s easier for me to grasp by seeing than just hearing or reading about it only. Seeing a big vision in action has always helped me to catch the vision. I think that big vision is easier caught than taught and that being exposed to a larger vision than what you presently have and open your eyes to the possibility of “I can do this too!”

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The first national children’s ministry conference I heard about was the Fellowship of Christian Magicians Conference. (It was much more than magic, there were workshops on every type of ministry performance methods to children there where back then) I wanted to attend so badly but my church did not have a conference budget so I remember getting the brochure listing the workshops and workshop speakers and after the event I looked up some of the presenters phone numbers and called them and asked them about their workshops and asked for any notes or cassette recording they had I could get my hands on them. One of the people who took my call and sent me his notes was Dick Gruber. Dick thought I was some” country bumpkin” from the south calling him up asking him to teach me “how to do clown ministry over the telephone.” Not only did I find out what I wanted to learn but it was the start of a wonderful friendship. In fact, most of the dearest and best friends I have on this earth I met at a conference.

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You see my name is Jim and yes I am a conference-a-holic! This is where I hear you say “Hi Jim!” I’ve been attending conferences a long time, a really long time. Now that I add it up, I’ve been attending some type of conference every year for almost four decades. Big ones, small ones, one day ones, multi-day ones even “come spend a week with us ones” and then if that was not enough I started speaking at conferences in 1980. You would think this would scratch my conference itch but then not only did I keep attending conferences and speaking at conferences I started hosting conferences that only lead me to the hard stuff , organinizing and putting on conferences. Yes you could say I have a serious conference addiction.

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If you are serious about mastering the art of simplifying life you must master the habit of evaluating constantly. Listen to your spouse. Ask the timeless question…”Where’s the beef?” Examine and inspect fruit, gains, and losses. Evaluate efficiency and look for ways to build systems and streamline efforts.

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18. Do more by doing less. Focus on the main thing. Why were you put on the earth? If God has a wonderful plan for your life, (and He does!) then what is that plan? Focus on your main thing.

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16. Get feedback from others. A good leader is a good listener. I consult others before hand, during, and afterward and get a cross section of opinions from different perspectives.

17. When it’s over, crash! Get some rest.

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15. Develop a plan to make next year better. Learn from your experiences.

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14. Don’t make people decisions when time is limited. When it concerns someone else, take your time and consider things from every angle.

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13. Don’t ever quit or make big decisions during the madness.

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