Fred Thompson and James Dobson

I don't even know where to begin so let's start with what was said about the potential GOP candidate Fred Thompson and the response.

"Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for," Dobson said of Thompson. "[But] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression,"

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Thompson, took issue with Dobson's characterization of the former Tennessee senator. "Thompson is indeed a Christian," he said. "He was baptized into the Church of Christ."

By the looks of my old truck, people probably had the "impression" that I was a terrible driver, even though I had never caused a wreck. I don't think I want to be God and judge who is a "Christian" (regardless of your definition) and who is not. If someone says they are, then who am I to say they aren't based on an "impression."

Rudolph Giuliani on Leadership

I just finished Rudolph W. Giuliani's book Leadership. I think one word describes it all to me...VERBOSE! I don't guess I should have been surprised knowing he was a lawyer. His stories and examples were full of detail. Whether you like Giuliani or not, you can't say that the Mayor of one of the largest cities in the world hasn't learned a thing or two about leadership.

There were a few good things I took away from reading this book, but in comparison to other books on leadership, it was a lot different. He discusses a lot events that took place during his time in office as Mayor of New York to support different leadership traits.

Two things that stood out to me as I read...

1. "Do what's possible, try what's not". There are many occasions people don't do the things possible because they don't think it will amount to much. Then on the other hand, people don't try what is impossible because they are afraid of failing. This statement stood out to me because it changes your way of thinking about tasks everyday.
   
   
2. Giuliani also kept a sign on his desk that said "I'm responsible". That could mean a lot of things to people, but the more I thought about it, I am (and could be) responsible for more than what I am currently. If I take the mentality of being responsible for everything, I am taking an initiative to influence more.
   

Celebrities and Politics

Now that the race for President has already started for 2008, I've already become frustrated with the coverage and especially the political bashing.

Regardless of what you think about Harrison Ford, I like his stance on politics. It's his own business - not anyone else's. Prior to the last election, I saw him in an interview on late night television, and he discussed how he didn't think it was right for him to influence other voters with his comments. He believes he has 1 vote and so should everyone else. He mentioned that using his status to influence more votes is the same as getting more than 1 vote. He also believes based on where he grew up, you shouldn't ask a man about his politics or religion. hmm...

Two things...

1. First, celebrities should be very careful how they use their influence to win votes for candidates. Do you think most celebrity world views look like most American's - I doubt it. I appreciate Ford's comments about politics. Maybe everyone should at least think about what he is saying.
   
   
2. Second, don't try to change the world by influencing people to vote for candidates who stand for the same things you stand for. Maybe you should try helping people understand why they should stand for the things you stand for first. Then let them pick the best candidate for themselves. It shows people you care more about the issues than the candidates.
   

If I died today...

Have you ever thought about all of the things people suggest that you do everyday? If you were to try all of them there wouldn't be enough hours in a day? So, my question is...which ones do you do? I don't intend on answering that but things like prayer might be a given.

Nonetheless, here is a new "daily" something you might enjoy. First let me preface it. Before my mother died from a ten year battle of illness, she always said "I haven't gotten any papers in the mail telling me I would live until tomorrow". Sick or not, she genuinely understood the importance of making the most of every day.

So what's the daily thing I do now? I ask myself this question every night before I go to bed...my wife thinks it is depressing but, here it is - "If this were my last day on earth, why was it a good one?

Throughout the day, I remind myself that I will have to answer that question. I know there are similar questions out there, but this one helps me appreciate everyday, somehow. Another saying mom always used, was "find the good in it."

Did you find the good in your day today? After all, none of us have papers coming in the mail.

A Glass of Milk

I received this story in my email today from a friend. I don't usually give much attention to these story's although I do read them. However, this one woke me up. I realized there are a lot of people who have done small favors for me that meant a lot. I am sure you're no different. I need to start remembering the little things people do. Enjoy the story - it's true, by the way.


One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, How much do I owe you?

You don't owe me anything, she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Many year's later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled! They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case. After a long struggle, the battle was won.

Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words.....

"Paid in full with one glass of milk"
- Dr. Howard Kelly.

Vanderbilt's loss to Georgetown

Well I just finished watching the ending to Vanderbilt's loss to Georgetown (65-66) in the sweet 16. It has been an exciting year for the commodores and it was an exciting finish.

As a migrant to Tennessee from "Tobacco Road", I've enjoyed what Tennessee basketball contributed to the NCAA this year. Memphis, Tennessee, Belmont (although I would have preferred to see Lipscomb) and my new favorite, Vandy!

It was a tough lost, but the guys have a lot to be proud of. I didn't get to see the entire game, but it is sad that the boys lose on what should have been a traveling call on the final shot for Georgetown. Even CBS was pointing out the disappointment, but that's the game of basketball. The referees can't make every call.

It's bitter sweet I guess. I don't know what it would have been like to have to root for UNC and VU in the next round (hopefully, I won't be typing about UNC lost in a few hours).

Way to go 'Dores!!! Great season!!!!

The Letter "W"

I work with a bunch of "web geeks" (a term they refer to themselves as). I've noticed that when they are discussing web addresses they begin with "www...." Makes since, right?

Only, here's the deal (and I am on board with them), none of them say it "Double U, Double U, Double U". Why would they? That's a lot of syllables and they have a lot of work to do. Instead, they save time by saying "Dub, Dub, Dub" (sometimes they only say "dub" once).

That made me think. What would it take to officially change the pronunciation of the letter "W" from "Double U" to "Dub"?

The only real disadvantage I see to making the change, is that it would screw you up when you sing your ABCs...go ahead and try it...it's hard...are you trying? Get your friends to try...it'll be funny.

I bet Elmo agrees!

My favorite thing about Spring Break

I know there are a lot of things people enjoy about spring break, but this morning on my way to work I realized a new favorite about Spring Break. It's that traffic in our town is a lot better during rush hours! I guess the Cool Springs area in Franklin just isn't a major Spring Break destination.

With everyone out of town on vacations, high school drivers sleeping in, college students away on service trips or partying at the beach, the traffic this morning didn't hinder my commute one bit. As long as TDOT and the construction crews don't catch on, I should be smooth sailing the rest of the week!

March Madness

Today is one of the greatest days of the entire year. The NCAA basketball tournament has begun. It's like a snow day, Christmas, the night before going to Disney world as a kid. Today is just a happy day!

I have a couple of brackets filled out on who will win it all but man...it's college basketball. Who cares who wins? It's exciting to watch! However, being from North Carolina, I am pulling for UNC but because I live outside of Nashville, I hope to see Vanderbilt do well also.

If you're reading this blog post today - why? Shouldn't you be watching the scores?

Discovering the Power of Purpose

For this morning's devotional, Dr. Paul Crites spoke. At the end of his talk, he gave everyone in the room a copy of his book Discovering the Power of Purpose. What a nice guy.

There were a few things that caught my attention as I read through this little book.

1. If you are an orange tree, move to Florida. In other words, if your not fulfilling your purpose in your current position, figure out what you need to do in order to bear fruit.

2. "Never discuss a problem with someone who is incapable of solving it". That certainly would limit the amount of gossip people participate in since gossip usually discusses problems.

3. Like the law of gravity, sowing and reaping is a "fixed law of God". There's no reason to doubt God when it comes to him blessing your hard work.

Anit-Boredom Video

Thanks to noozio.com, I ran across one of my all time favorite videos that circulated via email. Apparently the Sunday drives for elderly people have gotten a little boring. Check it out.

The Little Red Book of Wisdom

It's always nice to receive a free book. Our company gave every employee a copy of Mark DeMoss' The Little Red Book of Wisdom.

As I read through this book, I realized that the wisdom shared in this book isn't really anything I haven't heard before, but I realize that there are a lot of people who have not had good fortune of growing up with both parents, extended family, and a good church. Having had all three of those, nothing in this book was eye opening to me.

However, it was a wonderful reminder of several things. It occurred to me that having wisdom is not forgetting it. Several things that DeMoss mentions reminded me of some things that are good to hang on to, both for my personal life and professional. I'm sure I'll mention some of those reminders in future posts. I'd say this book is a good little read - it won't take you long.

No Email on Fridays

What a great idea! US Cellular has started a new policy on Friday's that prohibits employees from sending emails. According to US Cellular it has been wonderful for the company. In fact it is working so well, that they are also going to prohibit meetings on Fridays.

Some of the comments by employees are remarkable. One guy discovered that a fellow employee that he emailed often was not in fact, across the country, but rather, just across the hall. The productivity has increased because employees are making the most out of their emails the other 4 days.

Emails can be obscure, misunderstood, and sometimes a complete waste of time. I suppose the same could be argued by blog comments too. People need to continually remind themselves of the importance of talking to one another in person.

This article also made me think...what if ISP charged by emails sent and received like cellular providers do for texting? Imagine only getting 250 emails a month and then being charged for overage.

Tip to the Service Industry

Last night my wife and I went out on a little date. Our first stop was dinner. We were feeling a little hungry so we decided to splurge and get an appetizer too. It was good. Except here's the problem.

The meal is going to cost us at least $35. That means if I tip the standard amount - well let's just say I am going to be generous - 15-20%, I am looking at $5-7 for two people. It's not outrageous, but I'm tired of the service expecting it, when they only refill my drink once and that one time, I had to ask for it. I am going to get my $1.50 worth of diet coke one way or another.

I rethink my tip at that point - "Do you you really deserve 15%?" Regardless of what happens during a meal, if you can keep my drink filled without me asking or even noticing, you always get 20% from me. That's the first thing I think about when I get the check. Am I the only one who thinks this?

Orphans of India

Some friends and coworkers of mine are putting together a documentary about orphaned children from the tsunami in India a few years ago. They are in the process of putting together a full length documentary and are planning to do mission work in India. Below is a preview of their documentary. You can learn more at http://www.myspace.com/orphansofindia.

21 Laws of Leadership

So far so good. I'm 10 weeks into the year and I just finished my 10th book. That may not be a big deal for a lot of you, but it is for me. My original goal for the year was one a month.

At any rate, I just finished up John C. Maxwell's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. This book was a very easy read but it was even more inspiring. It was laid out very simple and I gained a lot out of it.

As I was reading through the Law of the Big MO, it reminded me of the importance of momentum. I remembered when I played little league basketball in 4th and 5th grade, there was a rule that teams were not allowed to full court press until the final 2 minutes of each half. That rule was there to keep some teams from getting frustrated at the beginning of the half. It was suppose to keep games close.

Well, for my friend Scott and I, the last 2 minutes were simply a reward for hard work. Rather than waiting to develop momentum in the final 2 minutes, we played by the rules and instigated a half-court press. As a pair, we didn't let anyone across half court while dribbling the ball. They had to pass it over our heads well before they got to half court, if they had any chance at keeping us from stealing the ball. In fact, it worked to our favor, because once a player crossed the line with the ball, he immediately lost the ability to move backwards due to a back court violation. By the time the 2 minutes came around, our momentum had already started. Victory was the only thing we had on our mind. In fact when the 2 minutes came around, we often times continued to play half-court. We knew they would have to face us in 10 seconds or less anyways. As we grew older, coaches and kids figured out how to get around us and we had to look for other methods. We used what we knew at the time and it worked.

Create momentum with what you have.

Amazing Grace

This morning our company did something a little different for our weekly devotional time. We all went to a local theater to watch the film Amazing Grace.

Besides the fact that it was a wonderful movie that revealed the history to how the slave trade was abolished in England, it was also a movie filled with great inspirational one liners.

Slavery was a horrible thing, and often we only think about the effects it had on America. This movie reminded me that the slave trade largely influenced the world - not just the US.

The movie also did a good job of creating an appreciation for Newton, the author of the famous song Amazing Grace. If anyone needed to feel and receive the grace of God, it was him. Go see this movie. It'll make you a think like a better person.

We Have a Wii

Last night some good friends of ours were out shopping at Wal-Mart and they checked to see if there were any Nintendo Wiis. They had a few left from a large shipment they had earlier that day. Our friends called to see if I wanted one since we had played their's and it was a lot of fun.

Well, we bought it and they dropped it off last night and we hooked it up. It is awesome. It by far is the best game console I have ever played. The interaction is incredible. I don't care how much better graphics can get with Sony's Blu-Ray because I still have a crappy TV and have no intentions of upgrading until the price is more reasonable. Besides, how much sharper can you improve graphics beyond HD? The interaction the Wii, provides is so worth it.

Predatory Loans

If you didn't get a chance to see Dave Ramsey on the CBS Early Show, this morning you missed Dave discussing predatory loans. These are the kind of loans that get people to make impulse buys and worry about the consequences later. Whenever I see these kind of deals in the paper and on TV, I cringe. I am insulted every time I go into a store to make a purchase and the salesman tries to push "90 days same a cash". I think - "Do I look that broke to you?"

Sometimes, if I don't have anything better to do that day, I'll just refuse to make the purchase at that point. Then I will head over to a competitor's store to make my purchase. If I can get into the salesman's head and make him second guess himself with the next customer, then I have won.

However, I have also noticed that if you dress nicely and are clean cut, they don't usually say anything about the loan offers.

Pet Peeving Quoted on TV

I just found this today, but I was pretty excited to see Pet Peeving get mentioned on the news a few weeks ago. It's a milestone. Nashville is Talking took a quote from one of my previous posts on PacMan Jones.

New Seed of Sudan

There are several guys I work with along with a few others in the area who are working on a documentary about the story of former lost boy, James Baak. I really encourage you to check out the site at http://www.newseedofsudan.com.

I'll admit, the first time I heard about the ministries some of these men and women are trying to establish in Sudan, I didn't think it was any different than other ministry efforts going on around the world. However, as I've heard story after story of how God is working through New Seed of Hope to help prevent Muslims from controlling all of Sudan, I've been amazed.

I have come to realize that Sudan is a major spiritual battle field. There is a ton of information about this ministry and documentary, and I encourage you to take a look at it.

Dave Ramsey and Extended Warranties

This morning in our company's weekly meeting, Dave Ramsey shared a personal story that happened to him over the weekend. It was one of the funniest stories I have ever heard him tell.

Basically, this is what happened. Dave goes to buy a new wash machine and the salesman, having no idea that Dave is actually Dave Ramsey, starts throwing out comments about how Dave Ramsey comes in all the time to buy appliances AND the extended warranties.

Dave explains to the poor guy that Dave Ramsey NEVER buys extended warranties. Finally, Dave has to pull out his license and explain to the salesman that HE is Dave Ramsey, and that HE does not buy extended warranties - EVER!

This story is really funny, but it is also really sad. It's sad, because Dave isn't the only well known name being thrown around by salesmen. It's a tactic that some companies wouldn't think twice about using. Rumors of celebrities buying things are made up everyday to get YOU to buy something extra. Salesman only care about their commission and they'll say whatever they can to get you to buy.

Whether or not you agree with everything Dave Ramsey says, the man is full of integrity. He practices what he preaches.

You can also read about the story over at Pour Out.

That's not my job!

The following picture was sent to me in an email. I am not sure where or by whom it was taken but I think it is pretty funny. The caption that came with the email was "2006 It's Not My Job Winner." Maybe the painter needs to pick up a copy of John Miller's QBQ.

It Pays to Drive Crap

Ok. A lot of people ask why I am driving what I am driving. There's a story, so here it is.

I grew up as a mechanic's child. That means several things. First, I don't know how to fix cars. Second, I don't care about nice, new, cars because, well, they break too. Third, our family cars were always the last car to get fixed so I am use to driving crappy vehicles and I don't feel like I've been cheated out of any opportunities by driving beaters my entire driving life.

In December 2005, I bought a 1990 Nissan Pickup with a topper for $800. It was ugly, I mean really ugly. As a result, I was entered in a contest at work to win a new car because it was so ugly, but it ran really good. I spent a total of $80 in repairs and never changed the oil once - just added some. A/C didn't work but it had good heat. Nonetheless, we did everything in that truck with out worrying about it getting hurt. People even loved to borrow my truck and we even made money on it because people needed a truck that they didn't have to worry about when it came to hauling stuff. I went 2 consecutive months with out having to put gas in it once, because it was borrowed by people who would put more gas in it when they were finished.

Then, in November of 2006, a lady pulls a U-turn right in front of me from the shoulder of the road. It totals my car - every one is fine. Her insurance company settled with me and gave me an offer I could not even begin to refuse or negotiate. I end up getting $2000 for the truck and travel expenses. My wife and I carpooled for 2 weeks, so I didn't have to spend any money on a rental. Fortunately, I took the topper off before the wreck and made another $100 by selling it. Now, do you remember that car contest? I didn't win a car but I did win $500. (I work for the greatest company in the world!)

I spent 2 weeks looking around on Craig's list for a replacement and one day I saw a 1994 Suburban for only $3000. A $1000 under what blue book suggested. Having a child during all this time and maybe plans of having more, I decided this would be a good buy even if it does drink gas. I don't drive that much and I figured it would balance out the amount I spend on gas with our scooters (80 miles per gallon). The family that was selling it were fans of Dave Ramsey and hoped that they would be able to find a Dave Ramsey fan to sell it too. Well, boy did they ever!

So, the bottom line: I paid $480 to upgrade my Nissan Pickup to a Chevy Suburban. I did have to pay for title/registration and my insurance went up $1 a month. Oh no!

That's my story. It pays to drive crap!

Fun with Words

If you are a really good scrabble player you might be able to do this with a lot of other words, but today I received an email where someone rearranged the letters of a word to form another word or words that describe the first word. Is there a name for this? Anyway, below is the first word followed by the rearrangement. Enjoy.

• DORMITORY: DIRTY ROOM
• PRESBYTERIAN: BEST IN PRAYER
• ASTRONOMER: MOON STARER
• DESPERATION: A ROPE ENDS IT
• THE EYES: THEY SEE
• GEORGE BUSH: HE BUGS GORE
• THE MORSE CODE: HERE COME DOTS
• SLOT MACHINES: CASH LOST IN ME
• ANIMOSITY: IS NO AMITY
• ELECTION RESULTS: LIES - LET'S RECOUNT
• SNOOZE ALARMS: ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S
• A DECIMAL POINT: IM A DOT IN PLACE
• THE EARTHQUAKES: THAT QUEER SHAKE
• ELEVEN PLUS TWO: TWELVE PLUS ONE
• MOTHER-IN-LAW: WOMAN HITLER

Folding Laundry

I hate folding clothes. I cannot fold a shirt to save my life. I guess that is why I appreciate this video so much.

The Next Generation Leader

This morning I finished Andy Stanley's The Next Generation Leader. Stanley has a lot of insight on leadership as pastor of the North Point Community Church in Atlanta.

There are five major sections in his book that describe the qualities of a leader.
1) Competence
2) Courage
3) Clarity
4) Coaching
5) Character

One of the big take aways I got was to realize that fears are areas for opportunity. A large part of my personality is to look at the details and make an informed decision. Often times, it takes too long for me to make that decision because I am afraid to move forward without all the facts.

This is a good little read and as you can imagine, there are lots of biblical references on leadership.

Grammar Girl Podcast

Would you guess that one of the most popular podcasts on the web is about grammar? Well, it is. Mignon Fogarty puts together a weekly podcast on issues of grammar.

As dull and boring as it sounds, I'm not so sure I wouldn't like it. I often use bad grammar when speaking and typing. It's only like 5 minutes, and who knows, maybe I'll pick up on something to make me feel smarter and look smarter in front of others.

Leadership is an Art

I just finished up Leadership is an Art, by Max DePree. Even thought the book was written back in the 80's there were several good things that stood out to me. A fellow I work with always says "if you get one thing or one idea out of a book, it was worth buying." I'd have add that it is certainly worth checking out at the library.

DePree writes this book with double spacing and wide margins for you to take notes. The book is great for making you think. In fact, DePree intends for the reader to take their time even thought you could read the book very quickly.

One of the ideas that stood out most to me in the book, was an illustration he gave about why Sandy Koufax was such a great pitcher - he always had a good catcher. His point was that if you don't have a team that can handle catching each other's fastballs, your team won't be as successful. Or rather, if you are not able to throw your best pitch at the work you do, figure out how to get in a position where you can bring the heat. Then help others on your team do the same.

The Scratching Post

In good Dave Ramsey fashion, I'm not a fan of people who offer me incredible lines of credit with horrible interest rates. The reason - I don't do credit regardless of the interest rate. The interest rate is just extra fuel for the fire.

Having said that, I was reading The Scratching Post I got a kick out of reading KT Kat's "pay per post" on calculating mortgages using Credit Provide's tools. Check it out - I think you'll like it if you like Dave Ramsey.