The Last Lecture

A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to Pastor Jake, the senior pastor at my church. He had just read a book that he recommended. It was The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Maybe you've heard of it.



I read through it in just a couple of days. Wow. It was a powerful book. I was really touched by it -- especially the last chapter. Pausch, at the time of the writing of the book, was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer. The book came out of a "last lecture" that he was asked to give at Carnegie-Mellon where he was a professor. Only this hypothetical "last lecture" would really be just that. In this lecture, he recounts what was most important in his life looking back, and why he chose to live his life like he did.

I read just now that Randy died today.

I recommend that every guy read his book. It will help you remember what the real priorities should be in your life.

"And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, 'Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money.' You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, 'If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that.'" the Apostle James

For A Burst of Creativity

As I was writing for a post on my Draw What You Hear blog, I went to McNair Wilson's blog to check out what he's been doing lately and to link to it.

If you like creative stuff, you'll love his blog. If creative stuff makes you a bit squeamish, then you might want to start with some a little more mild before you head over there to check it out.

I had forgotten what a source of creative inspiration he was for me.

He is a former Disney Imagineer (cool), author, actor, director and creative consultant (very cool). He is an awesome and powerful speaker.

His blog delves into all sorts of things creative -- especially journaling. He's the one I credit with taking my journaling to a whole new level. He gave me some great advice in a couple of conversations at the writers conference in 2006, and we've had some email conversations after the conference.

New Blog for Draw What You Hear

For those of you who are taking my class -- or for those of you who wish you could take my class but you can't so you just want to get the condensed online version -- you can check out my newest blog where I'll post the summary of each class.

Also, from time to time, I'll post other tips or thoughts about using graphical elements in your notes.

Or I might post a link to a good article on visual notes.

Or I might post a picture of someone else's notes.

Or I might...

Well, you get the point. Check it out when you get a chance. It's http://drawwhatyouhear.blogspot.com.

And leave me a comment if you'd like.

Micah Ray

Draw What You Hear - July 23

Do you see pictures or images when you are listening to a sermon or a talk? Do you find yourself doodling when you are taking notes? Have you ever thought that there must be a better way to take notes.

This Wednesday, July 23, I'll be offering a class called "Draw What You Hear."

I know that I've talked to several people over the last few months about my journaling techniques and my note-taking techniques that I use during sermons and lectures. And I know that I have promised to teach a class about how to use these techniques.

Well, now's the time.

I'll be teaching the class for the next four weeks at Life Community Church. I'd love to have you join me, and learn how to use the skills and talents God gave you to make the most of your note-taking.

Let me know if you plan to come. Or just show up. We'll have fun exploring the world of graphic note-taking. See you there!