1. Start your list with the number 1 and then go from there.
2. Use original and memorable words to describe your list like "key" and "great."
3. Never at any point give in to the creeping fear that your list isn't necessary.
4. Use humor, act witty but if you can't write a short statement which will appear profound.
5. Do it.
6. Save your best, "gotcha" item for last. The second-to-last item can be a throw-away.
7. Never, never do more or less items than you originally promised.
8. Enjoy the process!
My friends Ben and Nancy shared this quote from Nancy Guthrie's book "Holding on to Hope." In it she recounts losing her baby to a rare genetic disorder: "The day after we buried Hope, my husband said to me, 'You know, I think we expected our faith to make this hurt less, but it doesn't. Our faith gave us an incredible amount of strength and encouragement while we had Hope, and we are comforted by the knowledge that she is in heaven. Our faith keeps us from being swallowed by despair. But I don't think it makes our loss hurt any less.'"
My friend Lucy shared this quote on prayer by E.M. Bounds to encourage me regarding the passing of my mother. Mom truly was a woman of prayer this truth blessed me: "The [woman] who has done the most and the best praying is the most immortal, because prayers do not die. Perhaps the lips that uttered them closed in death, or the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God's heart is set on them. Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them-outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world."
My publisher has very kindly given me permission to post another free, downloadable chapter from Dug Down Deep. But I'd love to get your help deciding which chapter to use. Here's the table of contents. Just leave a comment telling me which one you'd choose. Thanks!
Mark Batterson writes, "Numbers are a dangerous thing. They help us measure things, but measuring in the spiritual realm isn't always a healthy or holy thing. In one sense, we count people because people count. I get that. But there is a great danger when it comes to churches. Numbers tend to produce pride or jealousy. And both of those things will eat you alive spiritually." His summary: "Be careful how you count. And if it results in pride or jealousy, stop counting. The Lord will not share his glory!" Read more.
I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. I live in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with an amazing wife and three wacky, fun kids. I'm a pastor at Covenant Life Church. I’m also a writer.

















14 Comments
A+
A 7 keys list... with 8 keys! I guess the "throw-away" key makes it 7! :-)
I'm sorry but I don't understand what this is for. Are you planning to create a list soon or something like that or it's just purely for teaching purpose for us to know how to create a list?
anyway if it's the latter then it's funny.uhmm the number 1 is. lol! anyway i also like the last, everything must be enjoyable. not just in creating a list but really in doing anything. Blessings to you Josh!
Oh I didn't notice that. There are 8 things. Thanks cliff for making me see
Wow-Josh we need to get you out more! Like plan a trip to Asheville, NC!
Really-WOW!
Top 7 Reasons that was good:
1. It was Key
2. It was Great
3. It conforms with the fads (so key)
4. It outfads the fads
5-9. It has a certain (insert French word here)
12. Strong Math which single handedly (aka without the use of both hands) brings us even with other countries in that subject.
16. Remember that game "Gotcha?" I think Jim McMahon did the adverts for that.
Nice. Very sequential.
Now that's funny.
As someone who loves lists, and a good laugh, I loved this post! #7 is priceless!
#9. Leverage the profundity and popularity of your list into a lucrative book deal.
I think this is a wonderful approach to planninf one's day. i break rule 7 like everyday, and i dont think i'l be doing thay anymore.. cheers joshua
I think this is a wonderful approach to planninf one's day. i break rule 7 like everyday, and i dont think i'l be doing that anymore.. cheers joshua
I think this is a wonderful approach to planninf one's day. i break rule 7 like everyday, and i dont think i'l be doing that anymore.. cheers joshua
You forgot number 9: Always keep a list of your lists.
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