GleanWeanDreamNeedPlead

This is from the Purpose Driven blog posted by Brandon Barker. The title is 5 Keys to Long-Term Ministry but I think it translates into most, if not all, aspects of living life to the fullest. Everyday I wake up and ask that God would use me to do his ministry to the best of my ability. Here's what he says...
After 17 years of being in ministry, here are a few tips I would suggest.
GLEAN
Glean: as much as possible from the people around you, the people in your field (Christian) or in a different profession. Look to people who have the characteristics you want. Do this because it will help define you. Also, be proactive about this by searching these people out, don't wait for them to approach you.
WEAN
Wean: yourself off of traditional ministry and thinking
Everything people tell you is not gospel. Remember the church will look and be different in 10 years so you cannot depend on how things are taught now or what is traditional.
DREAM
Dream: take time out to dream and to think about what you want out of life and what you want your ministry to look like. Get away from the daily duties and tasks for a time to dream. Remember, if you don't extend your dreams you won't extend yourself.
NEED
Need: other people, gifts, talents, resources. Figure out a way of needing and depending on people. You make them the heroes, and they will want to support you more.
PLEAD
Plead: wake up every day asking God to use you and keep using you. What you have now could be so much more if you invest it. Beg God to keep using you.

Wow! These words are so empowering to me and I truly feel that they are attainable. Here is a list of high school students whom we are teaching the value of being purpose driven. I encourage you to join with us in praying for them by name:
Jade
Jeremy
Ben
Jacqui
Allison
Claire
Jessica
Kate
Carter
Landon
Sarah
Jon