My first blog eluded to the fact that I really need some type of artistic inspiration to want to write. It just so happens that I go through periods of inspiration, and then I begin forcing my expressions and then just drop the attempt at expression altogether. So, my last 2-3 blogs have been largely uninspired. I cannot say that this changes much from an inspirational perspective, but I do believe that maybe I should write.
Part of my blog-related silence is that I have been largely consumed by thoughts about changing jobs. So, I've been wrapped up in the following series of thoughts over the last few months:
1. Will I get an interview?
2. Will I get another interview?
3. Will they offer me the job?
4. and throughout all that time...Should I take the job, if it's offered?
There are some definite hurdles to overcome, but there are also great opportunities - at least in the short term - at FedEx. So, that led me to question, what is the long-term perspective on both jobs? I don't feel like there were really any major limits on my potential for growth at Marsh, other than the fact that I would have to move to either a hub or our headquarters, if I wanted to get into the kind of job responsibilities that really suit my strengths/minimize my weaknesses.
At FedEx, on the other hand, I'm already at the headquarters. Now, there's no guaranty that someone doesn't think that I need to move in order to move into better role, but the chances are better. Also, I'm really moving into a role that suits my strengths immediately. At Marsh, I was honing skills that weren't natural strengths. So, it was almost a no brainer. Okay, it should have been a no brainer, but for our purposes we will simplify it and say that it was.
I'll be honest, I think that I would have had to move to Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, etc... to really find something that I would have enjoyed long term at Marsh. So, this really opens up some exciting opportunities right away. Now I just need those of you that might happen onto this blog to be praying that things go well. Start date is August 1.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Life in a nutshell...
Well, frankly, I haven't writtten anything in quite some time for many reasons. (Incidentally, I don't feel like I've written anything good in even longer, but I'm not going to concern myself with that since this is mainly supposed to be an outlet for me!) First, I haven't had much time. Second, I haven't felt any literary creative juices flowing for some time.
I attribute this to two possible excuses. For one, it could be that corporate, clock-in/out environment of which I swore I would never partake. I actually don't really clock in and out, but it still feels about the same. It amazes me, that I truly believe that I could do a better job sitting in Starbucks with my laptop than behind my desk, but that's neither here nor there. The job is still not bad. It's actually quite challenging which I enjoy. I still can be creative. It just is expressed in different ways than I expected earlier in life. So, work is good, but one reason that I am not consistently inspired to write that story, poem, inspirational epiphany, etc....
The second excuse, and one that without doubt affects me, is a lack of sleep. I have always known that good sleep keeps me at the top of my game. I would say that I am not at the top of my game because our newborn, Charlie, doesn't seem to want allow for much of it. It's completely worth it, though! (Since getting married, I have tried to live by the cliche "Work to live. Don't live to work.") Charlie is quite a handsome boy, and, once we get his digestive issues worked out, I think will be a very chill, cool little brother for Luke. I can't wait for his first smile!
So, what is life in a nutshell and why have I not been inspired to write anything?
1. There is work which is, though not what my 18-year old self had planned, not bad just busy, and often requires long days.
2. There is family which is awesome! I couldn't ask for more.
3. There is finishing up the Leadership Academy's "Community Action Plan." For my team, this is a welcome guide to Hispanics in Memphis that lists vital resources in the community, explains how to use them, whether documentation is necessary, whether Spanish is spoken, etc.... I am so glad that I had just learned the life lesson that it's okay to allow other people to run the show. Rachel has done a great job keeping the project going, and I've just gotten to do some fun things like a focus group in Spanish, translations, phone calls to the organizations, translations, proof-reading, explaining the project, etc....
4. There is Nathan Street when work hasn't kept me out.
5. There is the Argentina mission trip planning.
Well, I think you understand my life in a nutshell. Therefore, the blog just wasn't happening. But, at least you know why!
Peace,
I attribute this to two possible excuses. For one, it could be that corporate, clock-in/out environment of which I swore I would never partake. I actually don't really clock in and out, but it still feels about the same. It amazes me, that I truly believe that I could do a better job sitting in Starbucks with my laptop than behind my desk, but that's neither here nor there. The job is still not bad. It's actually quite challenging which I enjoy. I still can be creative. It just is expressed in different ways than I expected earlier in life. So, work is good, but one reason that I am not consistently inspired to write that story, poem, inspirational epiphany, etc....
The second excuse, and one that without doubt affects me, is a lack of sleep. I have always known that good sleep keeps me at the top of my game. I would say that I am not at the top of my game because our newborn, Charlie, doesn't seem to want allow for much of it. It's completely worth it, though! (Since getting married, I have tried to live by the cliche "Work to live. Don't live to work.") Charlie is quite a handsome boy, and, once we get his digestive issues worked out, I think will be a very chill, cool little brother for Luke. I can't wait for his first smile!
So, what is life in a nutshell and why have I not been inspired to write anything?
1. There is work which is, though not what my 18-year old self had planned, not bad just busy, and often requires long days.
2. There is family which is awesome! I couldn't ask for more.
3. There is finishing up the Leadership Academy's "Community Action Plan." For my team, this is a welcome guide to Hispanics in Memphis that lists vital resources in the community, explains how to use them, whether documentation is necessary, whether Spanish is spoken, etc.... I am so glad that I had just learned the life lesson that it's okay to allow other people to run the show. Rachel has done a great job keeping the project going, and I've just gotten to do some fun things like a focus group in Spanish, translations, phone calls to the organizations, translations, proof-reading, explaining the project, etc....
4. There is Nathan Street when work hasn't kept me out.
5. There is the Argentina mission trip planning.
Well, I think you understand my life in a nutshell. Therefore, the blog just wasn't happening. But, at least you know why!
Peace,
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Encouraging verses when you're tired
For any of you new, aspiring or old husbands, I have a little hint for you. Men and women are different. Their needs are met differently. Aaahhh...Now, don't you feel enlightened?!
One of the key differences, on the male side, is that you want to do things to help your wife (girlfriend, etc...) when she needs help. I found myself falling into that trap today. I saw Lindley, exhausted from nursing and never sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time in order to get Charlie up to birth weight. So, I wanted to help with dinner, get the boys to bed, tidy up (my definition of "tidy up" may not be quite as complete as some of yours), etc....
Now mind you that, since this is a public forum, I would not be posting at all if she had a bad reaction to any of this. She has been sweet and appreciative, but sick and tired...quite literally. Clearly, any "help" by actions wasn't truly helping her needs at all.
To be perfectly honest, I know what I was trying to do and why, but I'm still not exactly sure what really needs to be done to help. I said a quick prayer for her, and then decided that I should remove myself from the equation. So, I just decided that I would let God do the talking. The following verses are what I hope can help:
Psalm 138:3
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 3:7
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 6:31-33
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.
Psalm 107:8-9
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 148:1-6
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
One of the key differences, on the male side, is that you want to do things to help your wife (girlfriend, etc...) when she needs help. I found myself falling into that trap today. I saw Lindley, exhausted from nursing and never sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time in order to get Charlie up to birth weight. So, I wanted to help with dinner, get the boys to bed, tidy up (my definition of "tidy up" may not be quite as complete as some of yours), etc....
Now mind you that, since this is a public forum, I would not be posting at all if she had a bad reaction to any of this. She has been sweet and appreciative, but sick and tired...quite literally. Clearly, any "help" by actions wasn't truly helping her needs at all.
To be perfectly honest, I know what I was trying to do and why, but I'm still not exactly sure what really needs to be done to help. I said a quick prayer for her, and then decided that I should remove myself from the equation. So, I just decided that I would let God do the talking. The following verses are what I hope can help:
Psalm 138:3
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 3:7
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 6:31-33
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.
Psalm 107:8-9
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 148:1-6
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Monday, April 7, 2008
We held our collective breaths...
You know how it is. It's just like when you see that green light ahead of you. Experience tells you that it's going to change first to yellow and then to red. So, you just hold your breath knowing that this is the only way that the light might stay green until you reach the intersection.
That's how I felt about Memphis. Other than a few call-ins to local radio shows, Memphis, as a city, took one deep, collective breath after the U of M beat UCLA in the Final 4. There were few bold predictions. There was very little smack talk. Even those of us outsiders who moved to town from other storied schools were caught up in a state of suspended animation.
As the Tigers began to take on the Jayhawks, Memphis started strong. But Kansas proved that it wouldn't back down. Derrick Rose was held to 3 first half points and Memphis entered the half with it's largest halftime deficit of the year.
But it was with 12 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in regulation that Derrick drove down the lane to easily score his 2nd field goal of the game. That's when I thought, and maybe all of Memphis, thought that we might be able to breathe again soon. Because it was then that Memphis had its full team back, and the game, as they say, was on.
And then the light turned red.
Thanks for a great season Tigers.
That's how I felt about Memphis. Other than a few call-ins to local radio shows, Memphis, as a city, took one deep, collective breath after the U of M beat UCLA in the Final 4. There were few bold predictions. There was very little smack talk. Even those of us outsiders who moved to town from other storied schools were caught up in a state of suspended animation.
As the Tigers began to take on the Jayhawks, Memphis started strong. But Kansas proved that it wouldn't back down. Derrick Rose was held to 3 first half points and Memphis entered the half with it's largest halftime deficit of the year.
But it was with 12 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in regulation that Derrick drove down the lane to easily score his 2nd field goal of the game. That's when I thought, and maybe all of Memphis, thought that we might be able to breathe again soon. Because it was then that Memphis had its full team back, and the game, as they say, was on.
And then the light turned red.
Thanks for a great season Tigers.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Psalm 46:10
I've been rocked with work for a few days. Come to think of it, last week was no cake walk either. I actually took two days off, and put in a few hours on both of those days. The other days were 8a to 9:30/10:00pm-type days (barring Lindley's birthday). Couple that with my desire to be a helpful, supportive husband and dad, challenges sleeping, trying to keep up my running 3-5 days a week, etc...; I believe that it's reasonably forseeable that a moment of deflation was on it's way.
I guess it hit this afternoon. I had been left with another responsibility that I didn't expect. It has a timeframe that fits with neither my desired schedule, nor with everything else on my plate. So, I deflated. I called Lindley and she reminded me to turn to God. Then I started thinking. Well, what Paul suffered in Acts was pretty major...we're not just talking long days/big presentations here either. He kept his stuff together, and was able to spread God's word regardless of imprisonment, near floggings, plots on his life, shipwrecks, etc....
Then I ask.com'ed Psalms 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." The first entry I opened was by a parapalegic in a wheel chair that was having a rough day, and then turned to this verse and realized that his worries weren't that big of a deal. Needless to say, I chilled out a bit, and started to think about knowing that God is, and who God is.
I think it took me a while to understand why I know that God is, and that he is who he says he is. Without really thinking it through, I used to think God is God because the Bible says so. That's actually not true because God preceded the Bible. Now, before I go any farther, I do believe that the Bible is the word of God. That's how I know what God says he is. Reading the Bible is a key to communing with God, and praying scriptures is a great way to really commune with him in spirit.
But my previous thought process told me that God was basically only God during the times of the Bible, and that he is somehow different now. Hearing testimonies of some of my Christian brothers and sisters in Argentina over the last few years has really opened my eyes to this. They would say "Yo conocia al Jesucristo muerto, pero no conocia al Senor vivo." So, do you see my point? Just kidding, the translation is...I knew Jesus Christ, the guy who died on the cross, but I didn't know the one that lives. Well, that's the deal. He does live even today.
A clear example of this through prayer. It is amazing how much God answers our prayers. I don't think that Lindley or I could call ourselves righteous other than for the fact that Jesus died and atoned for our sins, but God answers our prayers anyway. This is how I know God is - we have fervently prayed on all of the following:
I guess it hit this afternoon. I had been left with another responsibility that I didn't expect. It has a timeframe that fits with neither my desired schedule, nor with everything else on my plate. So, I deflated. I called Lindley and she reminded me to turn to God. Then I started thinking. Well, what Paul suffered in Acts was pretty major...we're not just talking long days/big presentations here either. He kept his stuff together, and was able to spread God's word regardless of imprisonment, near floggings, plots on his life, shipwrecks, etc....
Then I ask.com'ed Psalms 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." The first entry I opened was by a parapalegic in a wheel chair that was having a rough day, and then turned to this verse and realized that his worries weren't that big of a deal. Needless to say, I chilled out a bit, and started to think about knowing that God is, and who God is.
I think it took me a while to understand why I know that God is, and that he is who he says he is. Without really thinking it through, I used to think God is God because the Bible says so. That's actually not true because God preceded the Bible. Now, before I go any farther, I do believe that the Bible is the word of God. That's how I know what God says he is. Reading the Bible is a key to communing with God, and praying scriptures is a great way to really commune with him in spirit.
But my previous thought process told me that God was basically only God during the times of the Bible, and that he is somehow different now. Hearing testimonies of some of my Christian brothers and sisters in Argentina over the last few years has really opened my eyes to this. They would say "Yo conocia al Jesucristo muerto, pero no conocia al Senor vivo." So, do you see my point? Just kidding, the translation is...I knew Jesus Christ, the guy who died on the cross, but I didn't know the one that lives. Well, that's the deal. He does live even today.
A clear example of this through prayer. It is amazing how much God answers our prayers. I don't think that Lindley or I could call ourselves righteous other than for the fact that Jesus died and atoned for our sins, but God answers our prayers anyway. This is how I know God is - we have fervently prayed on all of the following:
- He comforts me when I ask him to
- Because of the public nature of this forum, I won't go into all of the prayer requests he has answered in regards to work, but he has.
- He has healed Luke on multiple occassions.
- If any of you know Sara and Mac Vickers, then there is no way that you can't believe that he is an amazing God. A very long story short, they were in a car accident where the mother/wife nearly died, but has recovered in ways that doctors said that she never would.
I actually could name countless others, but I guess it's just important to know that God actually is, and that he is powerful, respondant, and loving even today.
peace,
Monday, March 24, 2008
Book Rec/Grass is Always Greener Poem
You may remember a few blogs ago – my first maybe – that I mentioned The Kite Runner. So, yes, it’s been a while, but I’m finally done. It’s good, but hold onto your socks because it can be intense. No worries, though, since the only particularly tough part is the last 79.24% of the book. (If you don’t know me, that statistic is supposed to be funny. If you do know me, you know that’s supposed to be funny even if it’s not.)
I just thought I’d throw The Kite Runner out there as a recommendation for those looking for a good, intense read.
I know that you haven’t seen the earlier poetry from Poems from a Cubicle, but below is the newest addition. I freely admit that the flow/rhythm sounds a bit forced, but that’s actually what it was. So, it’s really kind of fitting. Plus I will never claim to be a great poet, but I do believe there’s value in trying to express yourself through words no matter how bad it is!
“Greener Grass”
Here I sit in a fading office,
Ready to dream, yet ‘way from detail, profits.
Where can I go, where a muse is reality?
Where can I be, when a sung song sets you free?
It is not here, my heart softly speaks.
Remember once, years past on that mountain peak…
Yes, I voice. We freely sang Songs from the Loft,
And saw treasures from God ‘cross the view so soft.
Quickly I see I’m stuck in the past,
While there’s nothing that says those years were a blast.
So what can I do while I crunch mad numbers?
I’ll wake myself up from nightmarish slumber.
Now I key in business freely.
No time for drifting ‘way from veracity.
Now I sit by keyboard, creating new dreams.
Singing fresh praises for life as my heart beams.
I just thought I’d throw The Kite Runner out there as a recommendation for those looking for a good, intense read.
I know that you haven’t seen the earlier poetry from Poems from a Cubicle, but below is the newest addition. I freely admit that the flow/rhythm sounds a bit forced, but that’s actually what it was. So, it’s really kind of fitting. Plus I will never claim to be a great poet, but I do believe there’s value in trying to express yourself through words no matter how bad it is!
“Greener Grass”
Here I sit in a fading office,
Ready to dream, yet ‘way from detail, profits.
Where can I go, where a muse is reality?
Where can I be, when a sung song sets you free?
It is not here, my heart softly speaks.
Remember once, years past on that mountain peak…
Yes, I voice. We freely sang Songs from the Loft,
And saw treasures from God ‘cross the view so soft.
Quickly I see I’m stuck in the past,
While there’s nothing that says those years were a blast.
So what can I do while I crunch mad numbers?
I’ll wake myself up from nightmarish slumber.
Now I key in business freely.
No time for drifting ‘way from veracity.
Now I sit by keyboard, creating new dreams.
Singing fresh praises for life as my heart beams.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Running and Basketball
Okay, I have nothing great to say. I would hate to go too long without blogging at all, though. Since today is Wednesday, I updated my accountability tracker. I'm up .6 lbs from Week 0, but was down .6 lbs. last week. That's a one week increase of 1.2 lbs.
So, what did I do differently this week to gain weight? Oh...I started running again. So, yes, it's just a coincidence, and probably just has to do with how quickly I digest certain foods, how much water I have, etc... But it's still frustrating. It really shows that it's a good time to have started running!
Additionally, I can't believe the NCAA tournament is starting again. Work has been going 110 mph, Charlie's on his way, there's a lot going on at church, Leadership Academy is going fast and furious, amongst other things. I haven't really had much time at all to think about it. But tomorrow it all starts. It should be great. My top 4 NCAA basketball teams made the tournament: Indiana, Baylor, Memphis, Texas.
Peace...
So, what did I do differently this week to gain weight? Oh...I started running again. So, yes, it's just a coincidence, and probably just has to do with how quickly I digest certain foods, how much water I have, etc... But it's still frustrating. It really shows that it's a good time to have started running!
Additionally, I can't believe the NCAA tournament is starting again. Work has been going 110 mph, Charlie's on his way, there's a lot going on at church, Leadership Academy is going fast and furious, amongst other things. I haven't really had much time at all to think about it. But tomorrow it all starts. It should be great. My top 4 NCAA basketball teams made the tournament: Indiana, Baylor, Memphis, Texas.
Peace...
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