Larry Dawson L.E. Quotes

I’ve included some quotes of mine in case anyone wants to use them for their Leadership publications, blogs or books. Aside from wanting to speak at conferences I have always dreamed of writing prefaces or forwards to books. So let me know if you use the quotes to inspire other leaders!

“A good Blog has three things- A life lesson, an honest dialog back, and a bitter declaration and response from someone named “Anon.”

“Anyone can write a book- but can you write a forward to someone else’s?”

“Cynicism is the new optimism!”

“A good leader knows that if passion, vision and ownership don’t get your volunteers moving- free coffee will.”

“I got tired of not being invited to speak at Leadership Conferences, so I simply started my own.”

“The other day I saw an elderly woman sweeping the leaves off of the sidewalk outside of her home. I walked away convinced that God created leaves to give old people something to do.”

“I once beat Erwin McManus at a ping-pong game. He told me later that, although right handed, he played me with his left hand. So I’ve concluded that Erwin McManus has a strong left side of his brain, but a weak left hand. I still beat him.”

“Where would television and films be without the lack of morals in society? One word- BORING.”

“When I butt heads with another leader, I usually resort to snorting and stomping my foot on the ground, letting them know that this is my field, my volunteers, and my potential date for the evening (if she replies to my email.)”

“Leadership, delegation, and vision for the future would be very easy if it weren’t for other people.”

“It’s time to take the lead out of leadership and put it back in the pencil- sharpen it, then get right to the point.”

“The most important thing you need in leadership? People who are following you. Sure, you can lead a dog- at least until you run out of snacks. Heck you could lead a fly if you had a big enough pile of poop. That’s right I said it! Somebody had to.”

“Christians ought to be refocusing their protests away from same sex marriages and start focusing on what is really damaging our children’s futures. We have a major toy store in America teaching kids the incorrect way of writing the letter “R”.”

“A good leadership conference is like non-drowsy deodorant. Not sure if that product exists but that’s what it’s like. Think about it.”

“A good leadership book has three things. A good forward by someone who wrote leadership books that inspired the current leadership book, an accompanying work-book, and a most importantly, a picture of a lighthouse on the cover. Christians like lighthouses.”

“I believe the ability to use Saran plastic wrap effectively, without it getting tangled, is a gift that should be treasured and utilized within the church. You see its benefits and impact at picnics and the Sunday afternoon luncheons.”

All quotes by Larry Dawson L.E. given in various speeches, writings and comments while sitting in traffic on the 110 freeway in Los Angeles.

Awaken Conference 2008

Well, I finally did it! I spoke at my first conference! Awaken 2008! Sure it was just to let someone know they needed to move their car so that a truck could get out of the parking lot-- but I spoke it with passion and fervor. Some bloggers have already said that it was "just an announcement."

So what if it was?! This mans dream has always been to be a Christian Leadership Conference speaker and speaking at a conference is what I did! Even if it was an announcement.

How important is an announcement? Well lets break the word down shall we? The greek word for announcement is "agkelia." If that doesn't impress you maybe this will. Three strong words appear in the word announcement-

1.An- The form of A used before words beginning with a vowel or with an unpronounced.
2. Noun- The part of speech that is used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action and can function as the subject or object of a verb, the object of a preposition, or an appositive.
3. Cement- anything that binds or unites.

My point? Only that at Awaken 2008 this year, I , Larry Dawson L.E. went on stage and didn't just give an announcement- I opened my mouth and spoke something of incredible importance and significance involving a very off the path, unique form of A that connected a person, place, thing, and quality to another object of a preposition that united and bound stuff.

Wow.

Can I sum up the Awaken conference in two words? Sure I can. "Non-Drowsy Deodorant."
That's right- this years Awaken Conference was like wearing non-drowsy deodorant. Not sure if the product actually exists- but if it does, my Starbucks trips will dwindle drastically. I make that comparison to a hygene product because for me, the conference was fresh- spoke into my stress and uncertainty- and made sure that I would stay awake through these long difficult days.

In case you missed my talk at Awaken 2008, I have transcribed my speech here. Enjoy and I hope it inspires you. Hopefully they will give me more time next year.

"Hello Everybody. You may be seated.
Please turn with me in your books to the note taking page, as you may want to jot some of this down. I believe in spiritual gifting. God given talents and abilities. For some of you it may be encouragement. For others, hospitality. For many of you- you have a divine ability to sum up the main three points of your message in your closing prayer.
For me? Larry Dawson L.E.? Well, my divine moment begins right here! Right now!

In closing, I'd like to leave you with this.
You might be wondering what the L.E. stands for in my name. It means Larry's Envitation.
One of you needs to hear this! One of you out there needs to hear what I'm about to say and when you do- you need to act on it. It's why I'm here.

If you drove a Black Honda Prelude, License plate 78DHE50- we need you to move your car because you're blocking a truck. Thank you everyone. Thank you Erwin McManus for this opportunity! God Bless you all. "

Taken from session 10 in the Awaken 2008 Conference held in Pasadena, Ca.
No portions of this can be reproduced without prior written consent.

I'm about to take the lead out of leadership, put it back in the pencil and sharpen it to get right to the point. Not using metaphors like the one I just used in your messages is one step backwards in effectiveness. It's like saying Amish people are ugly. I've seen the movie Witness and believe me, Kelly McGillis is not ugly.

Metaphors and symbols are powerful tools in leadership. People who generally argue against them in their blogs, saying that you are putting objects before God or worshiping pagan symbols are usually the same people who have a picture of themselves as their symbol or icon in their Facebook page or blogs. So I guess that means they worship themselves. Peanut butter and Idolatry sandwiches anyone?

It's hard to lead people and not use metaphors. Let me show you the impact they make. Lets suppose I'm facing some volunteers and I want to communicate a new vision to them. I could either say " Hey Everyone- I believe God is taking us in this direction. It may take risk but I'm willing to lead you there."

Or communicating the same point through one image or icon. I recently chose to represent my new vision for the C.C.C.C. by having my staff (my mother) stare at a Pop Tart. A Pop Tart is a powerful icon for Leadership and Conferences.

Boom. Done. Think about it.

Leadership Words of Impactfulness

One of the most important ideas I have on effective leadership, other than owning your own portable dry erase board, is having the ability to use large words to describe your thoughts, feelings, and procedures. I can’t say I have even near the extensive syllable skills as say- the lady who does my message voice mail, but I do know a thing or two about effective verbiage to raise the eyebrows of even the toughest skeptics.

For instance, you could answer a question with a normal, simple “yes." Or you could create longer lasting impact through large key words sparking imagery and creativity and stuff. Parabalic responses.

“Is your ministry doing well?” they ask.

“Does a one legged duck swim in circles?” you reply. Do you see the effectiveness and power of that answer? How about we look at another one.

“Is ministry difficult?” they ask.

“Does a Cracker Barrel have gravy?” you say with confidence. You see the power? A simple “yes” is not enough. (Feel free to substitute Kentucky Fried Chicken w/ Cracker Barrel.)

In my everyday leadership days of leadership decisions, two of the most powerful words I use are “bro “ and “sis.”

I compare them to Cantonese or Vietnamese. Same word—different tones mean different things.

BRO or SIS- with an upward tone means “Hey, I have something to ask you.”

BRO or SIS- with a downward tone means “Are you kidding me? Come on!”

Bro and Sis is that one word that covers all aspects of ministry- rebuke, exhortation, joy, and even sadness. Let’s face it—what other word pops in your mind when you greet a person you’ve met several times but can’t remember their name?

I believe "Bro" and "Sis" are important to ministry. But no other word is held higher with leaders who want to keep their jobs, than the word “anyway.”

Think about it! HAs this happened to you? A new young passionate individual joins the group and shares that one idea or thought or plan of action to makes you look bad in front of your peers or followers. This person wants your role, so what do you do? Humility comes into play and so does the fact that we are to be constantly raising up new leaders-

or-

A simple placement of the word “Anyway…” will put that person back in their place and signing up for Character analysis seminars.

Know the power of big words and how they can help you keep a grip on your job. It’s fundamentally imperative to your Conference reverie.

Leadership and Romance

Even though I’m as single as a slice of cheese, I still know a bit or two about love even if Song of Solomon is a bit cloudy for me. Apparently married women like to have their noses compared to towers which takes romance to a whole new level if you ask me. Needless to say, I have a lot to learn before I find that special someone on-line, but I am confident, I do know a thing or two when it comes to romance, especially since I’m a leader.

There are many books about what women want in life and relationships. But I have my own theories and have applied them to Leadership principles.*

LARRY DAWSON L.E. Relational Leadership Principle 1: No Dough- still Go!

Don’t allow being broke and your small ministry paychecks to interfere with having fun dates or romantic encounters. It’s the time spent that matters, or at least that’s what Sting says.

Try this scenario (written in dramatic skit form):

"So (her name here) , I was thinking maybe we could go out to Costco and get some free samples for dinner- then maybe swing over to Best Buy and catch a movie on the big screens." Maybe you live in an area where there is no Costco or Best Buy. My suggestion to you is to move from that area immediately. If that’s not possible, here are some other options if your money isn’t as sweet as your honey.

Going to the mall and sitting in the massage chairs in the Brookstone store for hours is definitely an option. Just hold your wallet in your right hand in a "I may buy this" position to ward off salesman who want to kick you out. Staring at the price tag too will buy you an extra half hour.

Radio Shack has movies too but you would have to deal with toy robot sounds so it's not very good for volume.

Sears has big screen t.v.’s as well. This is actually a great option for Christian couples because you will have accountability. You would be sharing the movie watching with the Sears sales associates.

If you can make it to Starbucks at closing time you may score some free pastries. If you do this- you have a 98 percent chance of eating their Cherry Cobbler Croissant.

Take a long walk with her and “forget” where you parked your car. That way you can spend all night prayer walking the area. Tell her you have to join hands for it to work. It may not be theologically correct but at least you touched held hands.

Another free meal is to show up at someone else’s birthday dinner or picnic as a “distant cousin”. She won’t know either. Look for a party with a rich, loving, Pastoral man at the head of the table. They usually just take care of the tab. You wouldn’t be lying technically as we all came from Abraham.

* Following these guidelines will also probably cause grounds for long term singleness.

BLOG NOW, THINK LATER

Hello Everyone and welcome to my blog! I'm Kernel Larry Dawson L.E.
You might be wondering why the letters L and E are after my name. Well, It stands for Life Experiencer.
How experienced at life am I? Well enough to know the secret In-N- Out menu. Enough to know that Australia is the size of the United States. Enough to finally own a blackberry.

Let me begin my blog with what I have learned about Blogs.

The greek word for Blog, is BLOG.

To my extensive knowledge, the origins of the word mean "To ponder and think about something you've written- only after you have already shown it publicly for all to read."

Unlike the Greek, most bloggers write under the HEBREW meaning of BLOG-- to BLOGGUS. or- BLOG. Don't be fooled. Even though it looks like Blog, it has a different meaning. Most people, especially women gravitate to the Hebrew meaning as it is more personal and enriching. For instance:

Lets throw a few BLOGS on the FIRE shall we?

1. " Today I used bananas instead of butter in my cookies for health reasons and it not only kept the cookies together but it tastes great!"

- Wow! Thanks Amy for your BLOG entry sharing with us your personal thoughts and strategies in your hobbies. Let's look at another shall we?

2. "I scolded little Billy today at the Mall. "Billy you need to be nice."
"I am being nice!" he said. "I"m being nicer than being mean!"

- Hahaha. Thats clever. What a delightful young man Billy is! Thanks so much Carla for sharing your blog selection.

Lets look at another one.

3." Michael Thorton Jr. deserves to die and should never be trusted because he owns stock in a company that has been proven to breed rabbits with back problems. He once cussed in front of a five year old holding a puppy and he's never voted in a preliminary! Never talk to him, listen to him, see him, look at him or believe him when he says anything to you. I'm devoting my life to destroying him for what he has done and it begins here and now. Check out my vacation photos I've just posted too."


--Wow. Sorry sir, but this is a Blog that's going straight into my fire. A blog that does nothing but declare and vent frustration and anger and even slander. Shouldn't we learn something from Hallmark that hurt and frustration is nothing to communicate through letters, emails or blogs?
Poor Michael didn't have a chance to refute or clear up any misconceptions, as you have established that he is guilty of all charges leaving no room for the reader to have the clearest picture of what happened or is happening. Maybe the bunny rabbits don't have back problems? Did you ever think of that? What cuss word did Michael say in front of the five year old? For all we know, Michael could have been using a scriptural reference for a donkey.

Lets hear what Jimmy says in James chapter 3.

James 3:1-12 (New Living Translation)

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Controlling the Tongue

1 Dear brothers and sisters,^[a] not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.^[b]

7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.


As gross as it sounds-- the tongue can be replaced with the POST BLOG button on your site.

Well, you get the idea. They say the biggest, meanest beast lives in a lair behind the teeth.

Life is too short to spend it tearing down others. Didn't anyone learn anything from watching Different Strokes? Or was Gary Coleman's career wasted.

I understand the mentality of a bitter blog as I once was the Saul of blogging. I spent my online time hiding behind my keyboard, wanting a place to declare- and only declare-- never discuss.
I made it my duty to expose and tear apart the people, ministries and cuddly household pets I disagreed with without understanding their hearts or what motivated their actions. My day was spent ignoring my neighbors needs to full fill my needs to hate my other neighbors.

Until my next posting-
God Bless. Amber Waves of Grain. Purple Mountains of Majesty.

Kernel Larry Dawson L.E.