Movies have always inspired me. It's hard when you are wired like I am to simply watch and enjoy a movie because I tend to think, "Oh man, that would be an incredible clip for a message, talk, or teaching!" And so I mentally file away portions of the movie into my "Please Remember That Clip" membrane.

I came across the following compilation of various inspiring moments from a huge cross-section of movies and thought you might enjoy a wee bit-o movie inspiration yourself to kick off the New Year! Watch and see how many of the movies you can identify.

Enjoy.
Monty

New tools for 2009!  I am launching a new leadership project called "Planet Changer" you'll notice a page tab for it at the top of this page. Planet Changer has leadership resources, including my leadership development program The Timothy Institute, available as well as a monthly leadership Ezine you can sign up for called "Planet Tools."

You'll also find a VLOG and the Planet Project, which is a missional project we can accomplish together to bring about justice and compassion to those who need it most. So check it out!
You will also notice another page tab on this blog call the Dei Gratia Store. I will be highlighting a few books that I have either mentioned in my talks, or that I think will stretch your brain a bit. So check out my recommendations and expand your horizons in 2009!

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for Planet Tools send and email to: info@planetchanger.com  and type subscribe in the subject line!

Here's to helping you have a successful new year of leading!

Monty

We live in such an opportunity saturated culture that often we miss the forest for the trees so to speak. In the US, we are bombarded with information that hits us on every level of our being each and every day..for many people, the overload causes a kind of energy shut down of indecision. "What should I do?" "Where should I go?" "Can I truly make a difference?"

With so many options, it is so easy to simply follow the path of least resistance, or the path that someone else desires for you to take, and then one day wake up and say , "Man, what happened to my life?"

That's why I am so excited for young men and women who make a decision to invest in developing who they are, and in making a difference in the lives of other people before they simply assimilate into the current culture.

On Sunday, I had the privilege to commission another future leader as she heads out for a one year missional commitment with Caravan Ministries in Mexico. So here's a shout out to Alisha Armstrong "You go girl!" This will be a year that will change your life and the lives of others, and that is an incredible foundation to build your life upon.

My first encounter with Caravan Ministries was about 15 years ago. Then it was a small organization building houses for the poorest of the poor in El Florido Mexico. Since that first trip, I have been able to take teams in every year, and in the last handful of years, we have taken up to three different teams during the year to build houses and simply be light.

It amazes me to think of how many homes are in existence through all the teams we have taken into Mexico, and the people from my church who have sacrificed a year or two years to go and invest in people who fall outside of most people's realm of connectivity or thought.

If you want to have a year where your life is changed…begin by thinking about how you can simply be a benefit to others. In other words, the way to your own growth and passionate life fulfillment is through self-forgetfulness and giving yourself away.

It doesn't have to be a major move to another country, you can begin at home, your community, wherever you can. I like what Gandhi said…"Be the change you wish to see." Imagine a planet full of people embodying the kind of world they wish to live in.

So to Alisha and the next generation of planet changers, you have my prayers and support. And never forget, you're never too old to be a planet changer!

Monty