From now on, I think (hopefully this will work out and not seem the like the stupidest idea ever) I'll begin my titles just as the one above and flesh it out with the blog post itself. Maybe that will help me write more often and more concisely about my interests. And maybe someone will want to read it. If not, then it's just a little "me" time on the net.
UPDATE: As I thought about what I said above, I realized just how stupid it sounded...the title needs to be finished before I start the post! Ah...maybe the rest of it's stupid too, but I'm going to try it and see...
Monday, April 24, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Phoenix and RUG
Arizona. Phoenix. More precisely, the Hilton resort. That's the site of this year's RUG conference 2006. Right now, if you didn't know me at all, you might imagine that I am some sort of carpet salesman...perhaps, if you do know me, you might think me a carpetbagger. Well, sorry (and thank you for playing) you'd be wrong on both counts. RUG stands for Response Users Group. Response is a catalog/fulfillment software package that my company uses and I have had the privilege to fly out here with one of my colleages to attend this three day event. I was glad it was being held in Phoenix because I've never been here before. During this time of year, it's actually quite pleasant. These past couple of days have been 70s to 80s during the day and 50s to 60s in the evening so, you know, no complaints. I can honestly say I wouldn't want to live here -- especially if all you have to look at is this:
Need I say more?
So anyway, I've been here for this conference and it's been pretty cool really. I'm learning a lot about the business I'm in now and the systems we use. The knowledge is invaluable -- assuming I can actually take back what I've learned and do something with it that helps the company!
I'd love to bring the family out here sometime just for fun...but it will be a few years yet.
Well, I'm sorry that this is quite possibly the most boring post I've ever done, but it's late and I've got to get to bed...see you soon!
So anyway, I've been here for this conference and it's been pretty cool really. I'm learning a lot about the business I'm in now and the systems we use. The knowledge is invaluable -- assuming I can actually take back what I've learned and do something with it that helps the company!
I'd love to bring the family out here sometime just for fun...but it will be a few years yet.
Well, I'm sorry that this is quite possibly the most boring post I've ever done, but it's late and I've got to get to bed...see you soon!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Two In 24
You thought I was kidding when I threatened not to stay away for long in my last post, didn't you? See, that's the beauty of surprise and unpredictability (I possess neither quality -- I'm being a poser). Just when you let your guard down, Mr. Short Attention Span decides to get all clever. I know...the nerve of some people.
Any-hoo...my thoughts at this late (early) hour are fairly scattered but I was thinking about a couple of things sitting here watching TV.
First, Numbers. That's the TV show. Actually it's spelled Num3ers -- get it? Val and I absolutely love this show. I'm so much of a geek that I can't even watch TV just to be entertained anymore...I want it to be academic. For those of you who don't know the premise, it's essentially about FBI cases that are solved with the help of a math genius: Professor Charlie Eppes. Charlie is pretty much my TV hero right now when it comes to the "brains" category. For the more "braun" side of me, Jack Bauer of 24 fame pretty much has it...and he also has brains so that helps his cause.
Second, church. I've been teaching a class on Revelation in our Wednesday night adult class right now and it has been going pretty well. Mind you I'm not teaching anything new that hasn't been taught before...but I am taking a lot more time to do it. Revelation is by far one of the most mis-interpreted books in the Bible. Why everyone wants it to predict the end of the world is beyond me...and while there's bits and pieces of that there, it's not in near the quantity everyone thinks. And I have the study notes to show these conclusions. I'm hoping to start posting the class notes to our church website (www.rockbridgechurchofchrist.org) soon so if you interested surf on over to our virtual home and check it out within the next few weeks.
Along that same vein of thought, I'm looking to start a Sunday sermon series on the Biblical pattern for church growth. I don't really care for the phrase "growing churches" because it sounds like we are the ones who make them grow...but truly it's God. We do, however, plant the seeds so that there's something there to grow in the first place...so while we don't own the farm, we certainly do till the ground and throw out the seed as much and as often as we can. This series will be starting soon and I'm hoping to be able to post it to the website as soon as it gets underway.
Final thought for the night...and then it's off to bed for me. Friendship. For some time now I've struggled with this one. I don't know if it's laziness or busyness on my part, but I can honestly say that I've struggled to maintain a strong, close friendship with anyone for sometime now. That's not to say I don't have friends. That's not to say I'm not social and love to meet and be with people. But I think about those friendships that never, ever die. Not matter what you do (or don't do) to them. I'm glad to say I have some of those...but I don't feel I've cultivated any new ones lately...nor have a done a good job nurturing the old ones. I can count on both of my hands people that I consider some of my best friends...but the problem is that I haven't talked to these people -- some of them -- in 7 or 8 years. And I know it's me. I know that I have not reached out like I want to or need to in order to keep these friendships alive. I've let them go. I allowed other things to get in the way -- work, hobbies, self-centered interests that detract from the important things of life (you know, God, family, friends). And I'm seeing it permeate its way into these facets of my life and I'm just not happy about it at all! And so, I decided this past week to start making amends. And it began. God help me put away my stupidity and learn what it means to nurture relationships again...cause if I'm not careful, it won't end here. And to any of my lifelong, good, decent, kind-hearted, and patient friends -- I apologize for my level of stupidity and hope to make it up to you...and very, very soon.
This isn't goodbye...it's only goodnight!
Any-hoo...my thoughts at this late (early) hour are fairly scattered but I was thinking about a couple of things sitting here watching TV.
First, Numbers. That's the TV show. Actually it's spelled Num3ers -- get it? Val and I absolutely love this show. I'm so much of a geek that I can't even watch TV just to be entertained anymore...I want it to be academic. For those of you who don't know the premise, it's essentially about FBI cases that are solved with the help of a math genius: Professor Charlie Eppes. Charlie is pretty much my TV hero right now when it comes to the "brains" category. For the more "braun" side of me, Jack Bauer of 24 fame pretty much has it...and he also has brains so that helps his cause.
Second, church. I've been teaching a class on Revelation in our Wednesday night adult class right now and it has been going pretty well. Mind you I'm not teaching anything new that hasn't been taught before...but I am taking a lot more time to do it. Revelation is by far one of the most mis-interpreted books in the Bible. Why everyone wants it to predict the end of the world is beyond me...and while there's bits and pieces of that there, it's not in near the quantity everyone thinks. And I have the study notes to show these conclusions. I'm hoping to start posting the class notes to our church website (www.rockbridgechurchofchrist.org) soon so if you interested surf on over to our virtual home and check it out within the next few weeks.
Along that same vein of thought, I'm looking to start a Sunday sermon series on the Biblical pattern for church growth. I don't really care for the phrase "growing churches" because it sounds like we are the ones who make them grow...but truly it's God. We do, however, plant the seeds so that there's something there to grow in the first place...so while we don't own the farm, we certainly do till the ground and throw out the seed as much and as often as we can. This series will be starting soon and I'm hoping to be able to post it to the website as soon as it gets underway.
Final thought for the night...and then it's off to bed for me. Friendship. For some time now I've struggled with this one. I don't know if it's laziness or busyness on my part, but I can honestly say that I've struggled to maintain a strong, close friendship with anyone for sometime now. That's not to say I don't have friends. That's not to say I'm not social and love to meet and be with people. But I think about those friendships that never, ever die. Not matter what you do (or don't do) to them. I'm glad to say I have some of those...but I don't feel I've cultivated any new ones lately...nor have a done a good job nurturing the old ones. I can count on both of my hands people that I consider some of my best friends...but the problem is that I haven't talked to these people -- some of them -- in 7 or 8 years. And I know it's me. I know that I have not reached out like I want to or need to in order to keep these friendships alive. I've let them go. I allowed other things to get in the way -- work, hobbies, self-centered interests that detract from the important things of life (you know, God, family, friends). And I'm seeing it permeate its way into these facets of my life and I'm just not happy about it at all! And so, I decided this past week to start making amends. And it began. God help me put away my stupidity and learn what it means to nurture relationships again...cause if I'm not careful, it won't end here. And to any of my lifelong, good, decent, kind-hearted, and patient friends -- I apologize for my level of stupidity and hope to make it up to you...and very, very soon.
This isn't goodbye...it's only goodnight!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Dusk
There is no such thing as dusk in the city...well, from my third story office view (quite amazing I might say) I never see dusk at least. You'd think I would seeing as I know the sun is going down. But every time it gets me...one minute it's bright day...the next, dark night. Don't know how I miss it...
Ok...enough already, I know. It's been far too long since my last post and I mean to make up for it here, but hopefully not go overboard as I explain my absence...
Since we last spoke I've started my new job and am absolutely loving it! It's been a real breath of fresh air. As if I've stepped outside a cabin perched on the side of Mt. Rainer or the Smokies and have drawn in a deep, powerful breath...and didn't cough and sputter like my dad's old Toyota truck does.
No more question of ethics...no more wondering about what moral law may be broken today simply to make a buck. Nothing like swimming with your head above water.
In the meantime, I've been adjusting to a new schedule and a new work environment. I find I'm enjoying my days as I've found a better balance between work and life in general...what a concept, eh?
Well, the clock is telling me I've got some other business to attend to at the moment. I've got a few other things to say...but there will be time to do so. I will try not to stay away for so long...I've got to get these things closer together! Well, thanks for stopping by...and be careful out there...
Ok...enough already, I know. It's been far too long since my last post and I mean to make up for it here, but hopefully not go overboard as I explain my absence...
Since we last spoke I've started my new job and am absolutely loving it! It's been a real breath of fresh air. As if I've stepped outside a cabin perched on the side of Mt. Rainer or the Smokies and have drawn in a deep, powerful breath...and didn't cough and sputter like my dad's old Toyota truck does.
No more question of ethics...no more wondering about what moral law may be broken today simply to make a buck. Nothing like swimming with your head above water.
In the meantime, I've been adjusting to a new schedule and a new work environment. I find I'm enjoying my days as I've found a better balance between work and life in general...what a concept, eh?
Well, the clock is telling me I've got some other business to attend to at the moment. I've got a few other things to say...but there will be time to do so. I will try not to stay away for so long...I've got to get these things closer together! Well, thanks for stopping by...and be careful out there...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
An Answered Prayer or Just Dumb Luck?
Somewhere toward the beginning of the movie Ghostbusters, the three main characters, played by Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, and Harold Ramis, find themselves being laughed out -- and then literally tossed out -- of the University they worked for as Professors. They believed in the paranormal -- you know, ghosts and stuff -- and everyone thought they were goofs and screw-ups. At one point, Akroyd looks at Murray and says -- "Why did this have to happen?" (meaning why did they have to get kicked out of the University) and Murray says -- "I don't know, Ray. Call it fate; call it luck; call it karma." But ultimately he believed it was to go into business for themselves being -- you guessed it -- Ghostbusters.
I've always been one to believe in prayer; in there being a reason for things happening the way they do. For nearly a year now I've been seeking, searching and praying for a new job. I've sent out dozens of resumes; I've interviewed twice; I've checked with old friends and new acquaintances to see if they knew about any job opportunities; but in the end -- nothing. Until recently. A guy I work with, who is also heading out for new adventures himself, tells me of a job possibility with a mutual acquaintance. He tells me to call. I call. The conversation is light and actually full of possibility. He wants me to come in for a sit down visit to discuss the available opportunities with his company. Hmmm...I'm intrigued. All the while I'm praying to God (insert echo-y voiceover here), "God, I don't know if this is what I'm supposed to do or not, but...PLEASE let it be the ONE!" So I go to the interview. For two hours we discuss my background, work experiences, his company and what they do, what he needs and what my philosophies of life and business are...we even got into a discussion about the importance of ethics, morality and spirituality in one's life and work. Needless to say, I was encouraged. No, make that "blown away". Next thing I know, he's "thinking out loud" about all the potential that lay in front of us -- both of us. Before I know it, he's talking about Project Management and Marketing and IT work and writing for his magazine and just about everything else in between. I'm getting so excited I can't believe what I'm hearing and I wanted to burst out and say, "Please, please, please give me a chance. I will do you proud!!!" But I didn't need to. By the time I left, I knew it was the one.
You know how in life you just have that feeling about things? As if God himself, with his own two hands, put the puzzle together very deliberately so as not to make a mistake? That's how I felt. I've felt that way about every job I've ever gotten and every one has led me to the next one in some way. I felt that way about proposing to my wife. I felt that way about certain people who have become close and dear friends. And once again...I felt that way. Somehow, without a sign or a pillar of smoke or a cloud of fire...I knew this is where God was leading me...all I had to do was reach out and take it.
And have I, you might ask...officially tomorrow morning I reach out and step off in another direction of life and see where it leads me knowing that God will take care and that great things will come, even when I can't see them. For now, this is all I can say. But check back again soon to see when and where and exactly what I'll be doing.
I've always been one to believe in prayer; in there being a reason for things happening the way they do. For nearly a year now I've been seeking, searching and praying for a new job. I've sent out dozens of resumes; I've interviewed twice; I've checked with old friends and new acquaintances to see if they knew about any job opportunities; but in the end -- nothing. Until recently. A guy I work with, who is also heading out for new adventures himself, tells me of a job possibility with a mutual acquaintance. He tells me to call. I call. The conversation is light and actually full of possibility. He wants me to come in for a sit down visit to discuss the available opportunities with his company. Hmmm...I'm intrigued. All the while I'm praying to God (insert echo-y voiceover here), "God, I don't know if this is what I'm supposed to do or not, but...PLEASE let it be the ONE!" So I go to the interview. For two hours we discuss my background, work experiences, his company and what they do, what he needs and what my philosophies of life and business are...we even got into a discussion about the importance of ethics, morality and spirituality in one's life and work. Needless to say, I was encouraged. No, make that "blown away". Next thing I know, he's "thinking out loud" about all the potential that lay in front of us -- both of us. Before I know it, he's talking about Project Management and Marketing and IT work and writing for his magazine and just about everything else in between. I'm getting so excited I can't believe what I'm hearing and I wanted to burst out and say, "Please, please, please give me a chance. I will do you proud!!!" But I didn't need to. By the time I left, I knew it was the one.
You know how in life you just have that feeling about things? As if God himself, with his own two hands, put the puzzle together very deliberately so as not to make a mistake? That's how I felt. I've felt that way about every job I've ever gotten and every one has led me to the next one in some way. I felt that way about proposing to my wife. I felt that way about certain people who have become close and dear friends. And once again...I felt that way. Somehow, without a sign or a pillar of smoke or a cloud of fire...I knew this is where God was leading me...all I had to do was reach out and take it.
And have I, you might ask...officially tomorrow morning I reach out and step off in another direction of life and see where it leads me knowing that God will take care and that great things will come, even when I can't see them. For now, this is all I can say. But check back again soon to see when and where and exactly what I'll be doing.
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