Today I’m guest posting over on the Catalyst blog. They talk mostly about leadership. And the church. And personal development. It is one of my favorite resources. But when they asked me to share something I was stumped. I quickly realized I am more comfortable talking about all the things I don’t know, instead of the things I do. So I decided to write about a great piece of advice that I learned from my boss and resident leadership expert, Michael Hyatt.

I work for a leadership sage. Really, I do. Five days a week, I roll out of bed and stumble to work where I have the opportunity to learn about publishing, communication, and life from a man who has earned every bit of his extraordinary influence.

And so I hear a lot of nuggets.

I should do a better job of documenting the greatness, of soaking up every word he utters. Unfortunately, like anything that is bestowed in abundance, most days his words are digested and not properly savored.

But one day, several weeks ago, as he spoke to a group of Owen Graduate School of Management students, Michael Hyatt shared the best piece of advice I’ve ever heard, (click here to continue reading).

I apologize for this brief interruption to the previously scheduled programming. I just had to get something off my chest.

There are very few things I am fanatical about. I guess I am just not wired that way. I appreciate most things in a more sedate way. But over the last year I have found one thing I have “an obsessive enthusiasm” for…Catalyst.

Maybe it is the shear fact that every fall they gather over 12,000 young Christian leaders in Atlanta, GA?

Maybe it is how their conferences entertain me with two days of content from some of the best speakers the world has to offer?

Maybe it is how their resources equip me with sound spiritual and leadership wisdom?

Maybe it is how their team continually introduces me to new thoughts, ideas, and voices?

Maybe it is how Catalyst ALWAYS manages to exceed my expectations?

Regardless, I am ready to admit it. Me = Catalyst freak.

So, naturally I feel compelled to tell you that you don’t want to miss Catalyst Conference this year. It is October 6 through 8 in Atlanta, Georgia. It truly is an experience unlike any other.

This year’s main stage line-up includes Andy Stanley, Seth Godin, TD Jakes, Craig Groeschel, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Perry Noble and Christine Caine.

And on the 6th, the Catalyst Labs will give you a chance to hear from some of today’s innovative thought leaders like my boss Michael Hyatt, my pastor Pete Wilson, my new favorite leadership guide John Ortberg, and my friend and blogging mentor Anne Jackson.

The best rates on Catalyst tickets end tomorrow (Thursday, June 24th), so register NOW. You can call 888.334.6569 to speak to a Catalyst Concierge, or register online at www.catalystconference.com. Use Rate Code FOB for an additional discount off your ticket price. And as always, Catalyst will sell out so don’t dawdle, register NOW.

So, what do you think? Will you join me in Atlanta this October?

Today was one of those days where I learned new things. I love learning new things. And maybe some of you love learning new things too, so I am sharing them with you so perhaps you can share in my “knowledgeable bliss.”

1. Mashable lists Michael Hyatt as one of the most influential twitterers shaping the world of publishing.

In my personal opinion, Hyatt should be number 1, but I know that I am probably biased. (He is my boss and does sign my paychecks.) But I am glad others are taking notice, because he should be commended for the work he is doing to transform Thomas Nelson and our industry.

2. Tweepml exists.

Tweepml is this amazing website that allows anyone to EASILY create and share groups of Twitter users. Once someone builds a list you can add a relevant group of friends with just one click. Seriously you must try it.

And be sure to check out the groups I created today: Thomas Nelson Employees, Thomas Nelson Authors, and Women of Faith & Revolve Speakers.

3. Bit.ly is just as cool as Tr.im, if not cooler.

What is bit.ly you ask?

If you are looking for a way to abbreviate URLs be sure to register. It not only gives you visibility to how many people have clicked on your links, but also conversations that are happening about your links.

And that is all you are getting for today.

Now your turn, what did you learn today?

I went into Catalyst with some incredibly high expectations. And I did not leave disappointed. I left exhausted, like every ounce of me (body, soul and mind) was stretched to the absolute limit, but not the slightest bit disappointed. Brad Lomenick and his team have certainly figured out how to produce a WOW event.

As you can imagine, I need some time (like a year) to process everything I experienced, but here are some quick highlights:

• Hanging out with friends, new and old at Brad Ruggles’ Bloggers Meetup. The event was a wonderful testament to how powerful social media in building community.
• Hearing some strong and passionate Christian voices like Matt Chandler, Reggie Joiner, Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey, Louie Giglio, and Priscilla Shirer. Each left their “mark” on me.
• Worshiping with 13,000 believers. One of the most moving moments of the entire conference was when Todd Fields led us in his beautiful rendition of It is Well.
• Spending time with my boss, Michael Hyatt, and his daughter, Megan, and the entire Cross Point Church staff. I am so blessed to have all these people in my life and I am thankful for every moment that they invest in me.
• Watching a grown man in a leotard dive (or more accurately perform a belly flop) from 35 foot high platform into a baby pool. Don’t take my word for it, you can watch it here.

And some quick pictures:

More details about Catalyst ’09 aka #cat09 to come. I promise.

If you attended, what were some of your highlights?

Most of my “in real life” friends are not very into Social Media, Web 2.0, Blogging, Twitter, etc. Yep, they think I am kind of freaky, or more accurately geeky. But a few have even expressed interest in reading my blog but complain that they never know when I have posted something new.

So…I thought I would share with simple step-by-step instructions on keeping up with their favorite blogs using a Google Homepage. Google Homepage enables me to keep up with all my favorite blogs and is very simple and easy-to-use.

Here’s how:

1. Make a list of blogs you want to read regularly. (more…)

Yesterday I started a new series on my blog, “Why I Love Social Media.” This series is for all the folks that are resisting blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc. because they are convinced that the internet is full of cunning predators. This series is hopefully will give them a taste of what they are missing out on.

Here’s a link to Part 1 (in case you missed it yesterday).

And without further ado, “Why I Love Social Media, Part 2.” (more…)

I have NEVER been able to answer this question. NEV-ER. And it is rather odd because I am the ultimate planner, you can just ask my friends. (I am already bugging them about what we are going to do for my birthday and it is weeks away. It’s September 21st if you are taking notes.)

As a child, teachers and family members alike would ask this question, all assuming I had some fantastic whimsical answer. “I want to be a cowboy, a princess, a firefighter, a policewoman, the President, a cruise ship director, something, anything.” But no, I had nothing. And so I’d sheepishly reply, “I just don’t know.” (more…)

Tuesday was a great day, full of wonderful surprises.

First, I got to sit in while Michael Hyatt interviewed New York Times bestselling author Don Miller about his new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. You have probably heard me say this before, but I am going to go ahead and say it again.

A Million Miles is a GREAT book. It is the kind of book that sticks with you for days, months, possibly/probably years. It makes you think, think about who you are and what you were put here to do. And so it was incredible to have the opportunity to hear Don and Mike’s intriguing dialog about Don’s journey from the publication of Blue Like Jazz to publication of A Million Miles. (Don’t worry, the video will be posted at www.michealhyatt.com as we get closer to the book’s September release so you can all enjoy this fascinating conversation.)

I know, I know. I have a really cool job and this is stacking up to be a great day for me.  And I’m just getting started. (more…)

When I started my blog back in February, I had no idea…well I had no idea about anything really.

I didn’t know what I was going to write about it. Or even if I could write. I didn’t know if I would have any readers. And I certainly didn’t know that my parents would be printing off posts and showing them to their friends and colleagues (because I assure you if I knew that I would have never ever started). But most importantly I didn’t know how much I would enjoy the whole blogging process.

So completely naive, I began to blog. And I have loved every minute of it.

Six months later, I am committed to taking this to the next level. Meaning I am ditching my hastily thrown together design and going for something a little sleeker. Meaning I making a commitment to write more often, at least three posts a week. Hopefully by putting words to that commitment, I will make it so.

Today I am launching I’m Just Saying 2.0 at www.lindseynobles.com.  I believe if you subscribe via RSS feed or email that  will still work (let me know if they don’t). But be sure to bookmark this new address if that is how you find me. (It should be easy to remember since it is just my first and last name and .com. I am all about making this easy for you )

And I am still learning how to drive this thing. So PLEASE don’t hesitate to let me know if you find something that’s a little wonky.

PS – Special thank yous to Spence Smith for helping me do the heavy lifting, to Michael Hyatt for encouraging me along the way, and to Mary Hooper for my fun new header.

And with no further delay, I’d like to say “Weclome, again…”