This last weekend I had the privilege of visiting some great friends and meet some new people. I traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then Aurora, Illinois. I rented a Jeep and headed forth with my music, leadership podcasts, and my Starbucks coffee.
This how my weekend schedule looked like, and what I learned and took away from each person I had connected with:
Thursday, May 19th: Stopped in Milwaukee and visited my good homie, Simon McConico. Simon is establishing himself as one of the up and coming innovative photographers in the region. Simon and his business partner Jake, lead an innovative company called, Valo Photography. Simon took some photos of me for my new creative coaching network coming soon.
Learning Moments from Simon:
- Take a risk
- Laugh and love what you do.
Simon is taking his dream and making it a reality; has a passion for his work (and it shows), and a great sense of humor. Love that dude!
Friday, May 20th: Drove from Milwaukee to Aurora to visited Scott Hodge -one of my best “bros.” I have known Scott for 17 years. Every time I have a chance to hang with this guy, we laugh, get deep in discussion, and truly encourage each other as friends and leaders. Scott loves good company, good food, good drinks, and a good time. He is an artist, author, and communicator; he pastors a great church community called, The Orchard.
Learning Moments from Scott:
- Keep leading
- Persevere,
- Stay creative,
- Risk, dream, and have faith.
Friday afternoon I had the privielage to have lunch with Caleb Luper. I really, really, really, enjoyed hangin’ with this guy. Caleb is Executive Director of Triple Threat Mentoring. He initially just wanted to help some kids out...and God took “mentoring kids” to a whole new dynamic level.
Learning Moments from Caleb:
- Laugh & Pray – You never know what God can do when a man really prays.
- Just Do It - overused cliche, but when I hear this man's story that is the phrase that comes to mind.
Saturday, May 21st: Scott invited one of his mentors and good friend, Dave Gibbons to speak at The Orchard, and spend some intimate time with his staff. I was so very fortunate to be invited into that circle by Scott.
I was truly inspired by Dave’s words, teaching, and stories. I also had a fantastic time listening and talking to his wife, Becca…she was so much fun.
I hope my wife and I will be able to connect with them some way in the future….truly inspiring!
Who is Dave Gibbons:
- Founder and Lead Pastor of NewSong Church in Irvine, CA.
- Author of the book, The Monkey and the Fish.
- Leads a movement of churches in Bangkok, India, Mexico City, London, Los Angeles, and soon Beijing and Seoul.
- He has four children and has been married for 25 years to his best friend.
- His kryptonite is food especially desserts.
Learning Moments from Dave and Becca:
* Simply put, "START BELIEVING IN THE WONDER OF GOD AGAIN!"
Awesome Jamey!
My learning moment from reading your blog:
- keep learning and growing as long as you are leading
- seek out mentors and friends to guide you along the way
Posted by: Rachel Schwenke | May 26, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Good move with the Jeep :)
Posted by: James Schwenke | May 26, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Great having you with us last weekend bro! Excited to have you come back to The Orchard to teach in July!
So thankful for our friendship. Love watching God's hand on your life!
SH
Posted by: Scott Hodge | May 26, 2011 at 10:11 AM