What a week...

This week was sales conference week at Thomas Nelson.  We have sales conference every quarter, and it is always long.  We listen to hours of presentations about hundreds of upcoming titles.  It can be tedious and, frankly, boring at times. The publishers do their best to make it as interesting as possible, but it gets difficult. Sometimes they will try and bring the authors themselves in to talk about their books. That can be very "hit and miss", but this week was nothing short of a home run.

This week, I had the privilege of listening to some amazing people.  On Monday we heard from Mike Flynt. You may remember Mike from making headlines last year as being the oldest player ever to play college football.  At 59 years of age, he went back and played the final year of football that he missed because he was kicked out of school.  Because of his age, and the fact that he was going back to play his last year, his book is called The Senior.  It is an incredible story of overcoming obstacles, never giving up on your dreams, never letting anyone tell you that you can't do something, and, in a lot of ways, a story of redemption.  Look for this inspirational story to hit bookshelves this fall.

On Tuesday Marcus Buckingham spoke.  Marcus is best known for writing the book Now Discover Your Strengths.  This book has helped countless people put into words what they have known all along - I am really good in this area, I just don't know how to express it.  Once your strengths are known, you can then work from those strengths rather than buying into the misconception that the only way to succeed is to focus on improving your weaknesses.  Marcus' new book is called The Truth About You and will be just as revolutionary. Simply, it's about finding out what you really like to do, not just what you are good at, and excelling in that area.  For example, at work you may be given a task to do over and over again because you happen to be good at that task. However, for you that task is a horrible, draining experience.  You can't stand to do it, although you are good at it.  According to Marcus that is a weakness, not a strength.  Anything that makes you feel horrible is a weakness.  He will help readers identify the things they love, and show them how to work in that sweet spot.  For more on this, check out Oprah Winfrey's show on Friday April 18th.  Marcus will be on the show with the results of five months of coaching several women in this concept.  Should be interesting!

Wednesday I had the chance to listen to someone that for most needs no introduction - Dr. John MacArthur. John has a new book out called A Tale Of Two Sons, and is basically a commentary on the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32.  Dr. MacArthur challenges the way we think about this oft-told parable.  He examines the original language closely and based on the evidence found in the text feels this parable isn't all that it seems to be, and the way it is usually taught isn't quite right.  It's a fascinating take, and I can't wait to read it.  This book is out now.

At the end of sales conference, Thomas Nelson did something unique and hosted an Open House for Christian retailers.  They brought retailers to Nashville and held special events, concerts, and seminars - all to help them with their business.  Like many other things Thomas Nelson is trying to do right now, this event wasn't Thomas Nelson-centric.  It was all about the retailers and all about encouraging them and helping them re-think their business in an ever-increasing hostile economy.

I wish I could have attended the seminars on Friday, but Melinda and I did get to go to the kick-off event on Thursday night where we got to worship with people like Travis Cottrell, Jaci Velasquez, and Sandi Patty among others.  The highlight of the evening was listening to Max Lucado speak on 3:16, his latest book.  I've read the book, and heard Max speak on this before, but it is always a thrill to hear someone as eloquent as Max tell me how much God loves me, and the lengths He went to to save me from hell.  I must admit, though, that one of the best parts of the night was the date I had with Melinda - sans kids!  The night was inspirational, and an excellent way to cap off the week.

Once again, I am floored that I can describe all of the above to you and it be a work week!  I love where God has placed me, and I love the career I have with Thomas Nelson.  I just passed five years of "official" employment with them.  I've actually worked there, freelance and employment, for almost six years.  I count each day I have with them a blessing.