Monday, March 10, 2008
Chip Ingrams book summary
Sorry, we had a short weekend trip. You'll have to wait until next week for the update on Chip Ingram's book "Good to Great in God's Eyes"
Mike Huckabee's historic run in 2007-2008
Well what else is there to say. Mike Huckabee as of last week did not get the Presidential nomination for the GOP in 2008. I was extremely disappointed to say the least. I felt from all my research since July's New Man Christian magazine article, that Mike Huckabee was the next Ronald Reagan or Abraham Lincoln. I thought he was what America needed in our time of trial. I believe he fought a valiant fight, and ran the race marked out for him. The former diabetic and obese man is an avid marathon runner, so it did not surprise me that he stayed in the race until he crossed the finish line. The bell sounded and he was not on top. In politics anything is possible and November is a long time away; so I'll keep some hope alive, but realize that Mike Huckabee is a young man in political years and his time will come.
Isn't it inspiring to know that a man whose parents were uneducated country folks from Arkansas can raise a boy who will go on to lead his state as governor and then mount the most effective, efficient, grassroots campaign in the history of politics. I've put this statement out there without any real research, but I'm betting that no one can disprove it- all things considered. Mike Huckabee had a hope and a prayer and he finished in second place for the GOP nomination in 2008. He won Iowa when nobody gave him a chance. He almost won South Carolina and the media blacked him out for Florida and Super Tuesday. He managed to win Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas that day. He nearly won Oklahoma, Missouri as well. They were surprised at the campaigns resiliency. Operating on very low fundraising dollars- less than even Dr. Ron Paul; getting outspent nearly 15-1 in some markets, Mike Huckabee forged ahead. Next he would win Louisiana and Kansas in a landslide. Middle America and the South knew who their man was no matter what Washington or Fox News said.
In the end Mike Huckabee fought the good fight all the way until the end. Even though he trailed in polls by 25 points he shocked the media again with a near miss in Virginia. Can you imagine a no name candidate, blocked by his own party; and ignored by the media still managing to get over 30% of the vote in Ohio and Texas at the end of the campaign road. I'm honored to have been a supporter with my money, my emails, my calls, my buttons and my prayers. I believe I supported an honorable man, and I believe his time will still come.
Who has ever done more with less?
Isn't it inspiring to know that a man whose parents were uneducated country folks from Arkansas can raise a boy who will go on to lead his state as governor and then mount the most effective, efficient, grassroots campaign in the history of politics. I've put this statement out there without any real research, but I'm betting that no one can disprove it- all things considered. Mike Huckabee had a hope and a prayer and he finished in second place for the GOP nomination in 2008. He won Iowa when nobody gave him a chance. He almost won South Carolina and the media blacked him out for Florida and Super Tuesday. He managed to win Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas that day. He nearly won Oklahoma, Missouri as well. They were surprised at the campaigns resiliency. Operating on very low fundraising dollars- less than even Dr. Ron Paul; getting outspent nearly 15-1 in some markets, Mike Huckabee forged ahead. Next he would win Louisiana and Kansas in a landslide. Middle America and the South knew who their man was no matter what Washington or Fox News said.
In the end Mike Huckabee fought the good fight all the way until the end. Even though he trailed in polls by 25 points he shocked the media again with a near miss in Virginia. Can you imagine a no name candidate, blocked by his own party; and ignored by the media still managing to get over 30% of the vote in Ohio and Texas at the end of the campaign road. I'm honored to have been a supporter with my money, my emails, my calls, my buttons and my prayers. I believe I supported an honorable man, and I believe his time will still come.
Who has ever done more with less?
Working from home- is it for you?
I have worked from home and from an office and I still don't know which one works best. I think it is completely dependant on the personality and the environment. Then there is the question of children. If you have small children at home throw everything out the window and forget about it! Small children don't stay in one room or on one floor. They open closed doors and close opened ones. They don't respond well to "can you be quiet please- just for a minute". They don't understand that you're going to work when you didn't go anywhere at all. My daughter used to ask me if I was joking when I would say "daddy has to work now".
The other problem for me with the home office, is the attire. I cannot make myself feel good about my work, when dressed in sweat pants and sporting yesterdays shave. I have tried, but I have to at least have some khaki pants and a company golf shirt to feel like I'm working.
God bless you if you are able to work from home with children or with your PJ's as your attire. I envy those who can concentrate and stay motivated through circumstances like so. I would love to work at home- the convenience is so nice. To have one office instead of two is an envy for my organized brain. To have no commute time works wonders for my efficiency mentality . To have free coffee, and 3 squares per day couldn't be more convenient. Maybe the time will come again when I can venture back home, but for now you'll catch me at the office- the one down the street.
The other problem for me with the home office, is the attire. I cannot make myself feel good about my work, when dressed in sweat pants and sporting yesterdays shave. I have tried, but I have to at least have some khaki pants and a company golf shirt to feel like I'm working.
God bless you if you are able to work from home with children or with your PJ's as your attire. I envy those who can concentrate and stay motivated through circumstances like so. I would love to work at home- the convenience is so nice. To have one office instead of two is an envy for my organized brain. To have no commute time works wonders for my efficiency mentality . To have free coffee, and 3 squares per day couldn't be more convenient. Maybe the time will come again when I can venture back home, but for now you'll catch me at the office- the one down the street.
It's NCAA Tourney time and March Madness
Who is your favorite team? Kentucky, Louisville, Indiana, Western Kentucky or is it another team from another part of the country. No matter who it is, if their conference tournament has not yet begun; they are still alive. There is hope yet for a miracle run.
San Diego has a chance tonight to notch a berth in the big dance. They needed 2 OT's to win last night. Who else could be the upset specialist? Can Syracuse make another run as they did a few years back? What about an SEC team like LSU or Mississippi? Does Georgia Tech or Minnesota have what it takes to pull of an upset run in their respective conferences? I'm not sure of the answers but it makes for a great week of basketball.
My picks for conference runs this week. These are not the favorites or who I think will win the tournaments. These are the darkhorse picks from the major conferences.
Syracuse in the Big East
Texas Tech in the Big 12
USC in the Pac 10
Georgia Tech in the ACC
Ole Miss in the SEC
Minnesota in the Big Ten
Temple in the A-10
Houston in Conf USA
San Diego has a chance tonight to notch a berth in the big dance. They needed 2 OT's to win last night. Who else could be the upset specialist? Can Syracuse make another run as they did a few years back? What about an SEC team like LSU or Mississippi? Does Georgia Tech or Minnesota have what it takes to pull of an upset run in their respective conferences? I'm not sure of the answers but it makes for a great week of basketball.
My picks for conference runs this week. These are not the favorites or who I think will win the tournaments. These are the darkhorse picks from the major conferences.
Syracuse in the Big East
Texas Tech in the Big 12
USC in the Pac 10
Georgia Tech in the ACC
Ole Miss in the SEC
Minnesota in the Big Ten
Temple in the A-10
Houston in Conf USA
The new economy of resale
Anyone noticed that there is a new underground economy developing. It's called chatteling or resale. My wife is becoming a pro at this type of selling. She knows what things in our home will sell best on Cheapcycle ( a local and regional yahoo online yard sale), Craig's List (one big local, regional, national and international online classified ad), EBay (no description needed), Consignment shops (The Children's Attic would be a good example), Flea Markets, and Yard Sales. For years Americans focused on massive consumerism have stockpiled tons and tons of unneeded goods. They have purchased far more than needed too often or bought too far into the future. Another cause of the stockpile is the dynamic nature of technology. All the gadgets, computers, VCR's, have been replaced but people can't seem to let them go. In steps the resale market. It's cheaper to buy something used. It can be just as easy to view the description and picture online and you either schedule an appointment and go pick it up; or you order it and have it shipped.
Let's face it how many times do we go to the store to find they're out of stock or even worse the product is only available online. Resale is a great way to make some extra money, pay off some debt, or get rid of the physical clutter that creates mental clutter in your head. It's also a great way to avoid paying retail and to fill needs you have without breaking the bank. We're sold. My wife Ashley can be reached for questions on the resale market at raleya@insightbb.com . Keep in mind she is having a baby in the next few weeks.
Let's face it how many times do we go to the store to find they're out of stock or even worse the product is only available online. Resale is a great way to make some extra money, pay off some debt, or get rid of the physical clutter that creates mental clutter in your head. It's also a great way to avoid paying retail and to fill needs you have without breaking the bank. We're sold. My wife Ashley can be reached for questions on the resale market at raleya@insightbb.com . Keep in mind she is having a baby in the next few weeks.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Missionaries with GO Ministries
Many of you may know that some of the missionaries and field partners with GO Ministries are losing some support from Southeast Christian Church. I don't know all the details, don't claim to, and it doesn't really matter. A church the size of Southeast supports so many ministries and mommy bird has to let baby bird out of the nest occasionally. Regardless of the details the missionaries and partners need to pick up the financial support that is being lost.
My wife and I have been supporting John Martinez along with Tim & Samira Kraus for several years now. We are only able to contribute a small amount each month, but the good news is that a small amount goes a long way in the Dominican. I have been to the Dominican 3 times since 2003, and the missionaries there have learned to make a little go a long way. If you find it in your heart to give up and above your tithe at church, I know that GO ministries and it's staff would welcome the financial support. They are growing in leaps and bounds and becoming more efficient and effective in their particular ministries in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Click the title link to visit their website or send me an email if this touches your heart.
My wife and I have been supporting John Martinez along with Tim & Samira Kraus for several years now. We are only able to contribute a small amount each month, but the good news is that a small amount goes a long way in the Dominican. I have been to the Dominican 3 times since 2003, and the missionaries there have learned to make a little go a long way. If you find it in your heart to give up and above your tithe at church, I know that GO ministries and it's staff would welcome the financial support. They are growing in leaps and bounds and becoming more efficient and effective in their particular ministries in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Click the title link to visit their website or send me an email if this touches your heart.
Chip Ingrams message at Southeast
Wow what a message a few weeks back.
I am quite the compulsive personality as my friends and family know. I couldn't wait to get Ingram's book "Good to Great" in God's eyes. It was based on the business book of the same title by Jim Collins. I purchased it the Sunday night after Chip preached at Southeast Christian.
I have read the first 3 chapters and they take me back to my infant days as a Christian. When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord savior in the fall of 2001, I later symbolized the decision in my heart with a public baptism by immersion. At that time I was on fire; sharing my faith, studying God's word, praying fervently, reading Christian books, ministering and volunteering, memorizing scripture, and learning from great people. Just like so many things in life, the old cliche has gotten me again. Chip Ingram's message made me realize that these actions above worked so well, that I stopped doing them. No reason. Isn't it funny how we arbitrarily stop doing the things that work. Most of the apostle Paul's letters talk about pressing on , continuing to sow with perseverance, finishing the race, staying with proven principles. Yet how often do we let others, or the media, or negative people, or the evil one get us off track for no good reason.
I have recommitted myself to memorizing scripture, reading Christian books and finding great Christians to mentor me. That's just chapters 1-3. I'll summarize more later.
I am quite the compulsive personality as my friends and family know. I couldn't wait to get Ingram's book "Good to Great" in God's eyes. It was based on the business book of the same title by Jim Collins. I purchased it the Sunday night after Chip preached at Southeast Christian.
I have read the first 3 chapters and they take me back to my infant days as a Christian. When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord savior in the fall of 2001, I later symbolized the decision in my heart with a public baptism by immersion. At that time I was on fire; sharing my faith, studying God's word, praying fervently, reading Christian books, ministering and volunteering, memorizing scripture, and learning from great people. Just like so many things in life, the old cliche has gotten me again. Chip Ingram's message made me realize that these actions above worked so well, that I stopped doing them. No reason. Isn't it funny how we arbitrarily stop doing the things that work. Most of the apostle Paul's letters talk about pressing on , continuing to sow with perseverance, finishing the race, staying with proven principles. Yet how often do we let others, or the media, or negative people, or the evil one get us off track for no good reason.
I have recommitted myself to memorizing scripture, reading Christian books and finding great Christians to mentor me. That's just chapters 1-3. I'll summarize more later.
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