Perry Marshall's 40th birthday sale

Children

My mind's been focused on children ever since I came back from Haiti.
My oldest daughter turns 17 this week as well, so I've been thinking back to things over the years. I came across a fantastic five minute video tonight which emphasises just how important children are. Have a look...

Animals

If you like animals, you'll love this

Goodbye to Haiti

Well, today I leave Haiti. It's been an amazing trip.
If you didn't get the chance, have a look at the blog of my journey on http://haititrip09.blogspot.com/

Take some action

None of us are getting any younger. I remember when I was first offered the chance to promote Art Garfunkel in Belfast. I had no history in business - I'd had about 15 jobs in three years at the time. It was a HUGE decision for me. Thankfully I decided to take the plunge. But next time I got offered a big artist it was easier to take the gamble. Now a whole UK tour doesn't seem like much of a gamble if the artist is right.
But you must take a small gamble before a big gamble will ever seem to make sense. If I hadn't taken that first step I can't believe what I would have missed out on.
So if you're considering trying something new or risky, I'd encourage you to take the plunge. Not blindly, weigh things up, sure - but if there's a good chance of success don't let fear hold you back. Take a chance - when you're lying on your death bed it's mainly the things you didn't do that you'll regret.

Christian Music

A couple of things really caught my eye over the Christmas period in the increasingly strange world of CCM. One was an email from John Schlitt (former lead singer of Petra) offering someone the chance to talk to him on the phone for 15 minutes if they buy his new album. Everyone who bought the album would get a chance to win a 15 minute conversation with John. One can only imagine how that conversation might go.

The other thing which jolted me a little was a look at Carman's website. For those of you who don't know, Carman was a huge light in the industry in the 80's. An amazing live performer. I had come across his name in Bill Gaither's book (didn't know Bill had given him a big break) and thought I'd look up what he was doing now as I hadn't heard of him in a long time.


Never have I seen a site designed so heavily to glorify ones self. He lists achievement after achievement, records and honours listed everywhere. Somewhere in my bible it says, "Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not."

God grant me the wisdom to seek after the things He wants me to have.

One sure way to screw your self-image

About 18 months ago I went to see a pastor. I'd been feeling depressed and down for quite some time. I came out of that meeting with new optimism. A new feeling of self worth. Promises were made. But sadly, the pastors promises to me were never kept. I'd say worse than that, I'd say they were trampled in the dirt. They meant nothing.
The result? I've allowed myself to feel worthless at times ever since. I had put my self worth into someone else's hands.
Well, I'm taking it back. I'm not letting anyone else make me feel like I'm crap because I don't fit their mould. Truth is on reflection, I wouldn't want to fit that mould. I always knew the theory that if you make God your significant other, you wont struggle with self image. But theory can fall by the wayside when reality seems to scream something different. And that Pastor loudly screamed that I wasn't worth his time.
Is there someone in your life who is making you feel you are not worthy? Well take away from them the authority to do that any more. God loves and adores you. Why should your "pastor" figure be allowed to make you feel you're not worthy? Or your wife, husband, Mum or Dad? Wrestle back the responsibility for how you feel about yourself, and give it to God. You'll feel a whole lot better!