I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions lately.  Some of the questions have centered around the 3:9 Principle…

  What makes an idea stand out?
  Why are some ideas more memorable than others?
  What is valuable about an idea?

Now there are certainly a litany of answers to these questions.  Some could say the key lies in how profound the idea is…the “wow” factor.  Some may say that it is about the applicability of the idea…the “makes sense” factor.  Some probably say that the universality of the idea is most important…the “global” factor.  I think these are all correct.   In many ways the very concept of the 3:9 Principle validates these statements concerning ideas; what makes an idea stick with one person versus another is highly dependent on their natural bent - “wow” factors point to Heart-centric people, “makes sense” factor points to Hand-centric people and the “global” factors point to Head-centric people.  Ultimately any idea is going to appeal people based on their perspective.

I think the power of the 3:9 Principle is that it can appeal to people regardless of their perspective…or better yet, because of their perspective.  Heart-centrics find the 3:9 Principle as profound and impactful.  Hand-centrics find it simple and tangible.  Head-centrics find it academic and structured.  This universality of appeal makes the 3:9 Principle extremely transferable - it is easily grasped and internalized by the vast majority of people.

What about you?  As you learn about the 3:9 Principle and begin to explore your own mapping, what factor appeals to you the most?  We would love to hear your thoughts on the matter…

Take a look at this video:

Are there things in your life that are right in front of you that are missing just because you are not paying attention?

Dan

A very good friend of mine has a quote on his e-mails that reads:

I just love that quote. As humans, when things aren’t going particularly well (or even when they are) I think we often doubt. That spectre appears and we hear the voice that questions “Does God Exist?”

My life experience has proved to me that He does, which obviously changes the equation, but for argument’s sake let’s take a more neutral position.

Not even discussing the moral aspects, which to you is the better way to live? I’m not talking about your feelings about “the Church”, or about the your perceptionns about organized religion. Just the basic question - what if you knew right now that God existed, would it change the way you think about your life?

Dan

I love this skit from Steve Harvey. Not only is it funny, but it is inspirational. How do you introduce Christ?

I was sent this quote this week and loved it! 

Regarding Tiger Woods - “I love Tiger’s competitiveness, dedication and determination.
How many athletes who have been recognized as the best in the world have
changed their games not once but twice to improve?”
–Rick Barry, Hall of Fame Basketball Player

It makes me think of two things. 

First, how many people are willing to take the risks necessary to re-invent themselves?  From a 3:9 perspective, if you are successful and motivated and life is going pretty good, why do something like 3:9 and try to re-invent yourself?  I think it is because life demands it.  As humans, we constantly grow and learn and change.  Maybe everything is going great at work but not at home.  Maybe your home life is perfect, but at work you are challenged.  Maybe everything is great, but you have that deep yearning to reach the “next level”, whatever that is!  From the response we have seen already, no-one has an area of their life where “changing the game” would be unwelcome.

Second, how many of us “change our games” once we have accepted Christ?  Do you know what God wants from your life?  Do you know what talents he has blessed you with and expects you to use?  Are you aware of things that are holding you back from real and powerful relationships with other people?  God has a plan for you, but it’s your choice whether or not you want to fulfill it.  My experience suggests that you already know the answer!

Dan

Valentine’s Day is a very strange holiday to me since I secretly believe that most men believe that the entire holiday was made up by the Chocolatiers and Flower Grower industries.  Since it is one of those 2nd tier holidays - say just below Halloween - there are questions of how extravagant should you be and how much time should be dedicated to this love day devotional.

In my relationship - my wife and I often agree that I’m way more of a romantic that she is.  In terms of “Head, Heart, Hands” she scores out highly on the practical aptitude! However, as we define what romance is - I’m not so sure about whether we’ve nailed the dynamic appropriately.  In its most basic sense “Romance” is actively creating an atmosphere where the recipient feels unconditional love, absolute focus, and complete attention.  When I think about how much my wife loves me despite all my crazy ideas and faults and how focused she is on our family - maybe we need to rethink who contributes more to “everyday romance”.

Well as I was browsing around - I ran across this article from a woman’s perspective on romance titled “Married to Mr. Unromantic”.  I think she has some great tips on creative everyday romance in your marriage.  She goes through:

• How love sounds
• How love acts
• How love looks
• How can I show love

Christ was all about this topic.  As men - there are definately some lessons to learn here!

Dan

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2000/janfeb/8.36.html?start=1