Like most people, there are some topics I am more passionate about than others.
Discussions around the lunch table at work will cover politics, religion, golf, fishing, weather, marriage, kids and grand kids, and immediate news stories. Sounds a little familiar doesn't it?
I suppose that the list above could be a general list of topics at most any workplace, but what is it that makes an individual so driven as to the relentless discussion of 'their' thoughts and 'their' beliefs as the "only" right way for the general populace to adhere to?
The fact that the individual has pored over documentation and studied the writings and testaments of a few other 'like' thinkers would / could be a reason for their present day position.
Does it really make it right? Not if you choose to disagree.
Do you stand up for your beliefs and confront the issue of the minute...or do you just listen and realize that the situation is bigger than the both of you and basically there is nothing you can do about it.
I have just finished reading a book I received for my birthday and I realized that towards the end of the book, feelings I hold near and dear to me had surfaced once again. True stories will do that to me, especially when the subject matter is so 'in your face' with today's media.
How do you feel about the race that lives just below the surface of politics and the ultimate election day for the candidates? What race am I speaking of?
The media race to be first. The first news network to report the winner, no... make that, the projected winner of the selected political race.
Who actually cares if one network lists the winner before another network does? How many channels can you watch at one time during an election coverage? Can the outcome be changed by projecting blue or red states? Eventually the votes will be counted and the winner announced and sworn into office. Period.
The media can drive public opinion in any direction the network chooses to go.
The book I alluded to earlier was a testament to just that. The fear of the media back home would crucify the team members of their actions to protect themselves and the mission; IF they chose to eliminate the immediate threat of being discovered.
In the end, three members of the four man Navy SEAL team were killed in action due to their decision.
The option to not eliminate the threat of the Afghan goat herders that had stumbled onto their position, would lead to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history.
Simply stated, the rules of engagement set down by our politicians and the fear of what a media blitz would do to their military careers, the option cost American military lives.
In my humble opinion, the American people have forgotten the feelings we all felt on September 11, 2001. That Tuesday morning when the innocent killings of friends and family took place in front of us, changed our way of thinking for only a short time. All in the name of religious beliefs so very different than the beliefs this great nation was founded on.
We must not forget our history. We must support our military and let them do what they are trained to do. The rules of engagement today, shadows the history of engagement known to our veterans of Viet Nam.
Get the book. Read the book. Then let me hear from you.
"Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell. It's a #1 National Bestseller.
It Is What It Is.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Don't pay the ransom...
Controlled chaos.
That's the best description I can give you with any clarity at all concerning the past month of my life.
So just in case you were putting together a ransom for my release, never mind, I have escaped. Save the money for future needs or give it to the Red Cross.
My neighbors are probably wondering just what the heck is going on with my schedule. Seems the powers that be have decided to put all of the maintenance personnel on a rotating 12-hour shift to assist our production folks with minimum down time. And the best way to do that is put everyone on shift.
I would like to go on record and say....I pretty much hate the night shift.
With a passion. Hate it.
Cannot sleep during the day. Sunlight equates with being up and around, doing things that require natural illumination that comes from the sun.
Sleeping ain't one of the things I do naturally during broad daylight.
The saving grace with the shift assignment is this. It's temporary since the business is soon to cease operations and become a parking lot for no one to use.
Bittersweet? In a way. I have now celebrated 20 years with the chemical industry giant and will move along down the road to the next assignment. Not sure exactly what it might be, I am leaving that selection to the process that supersedes all understanding.
I was blessed with the opportunity of a 2-week call through my local union hall referral system a little over twenty four years ago which developed into a permanent hiring situation that carried me to the celebration just last Friday. February 19, 2010. The Good Lord guided me down the path and had me where I needed to be to get the job then, and I reckon He can do it again. The least I can do is put it all in His hands again...cause I will just mess it up if I try and help.
Twenty four years I have been driving the 13 mile distance. From my driveway to the plant site. Seen lots of knuckleheads who drive way worse than others. Saw one guy reading his newspaper while driving one morning. He had the paper folded just right and laying on the steering wheel with the dome light just a shining away for him. Stayed in front of him for the duration of the trip.
Not sure when the last day will be for me and my little chemical plant. We haven't been told exactly other than the final day of production is slated for March 31st, this year. But there is still the task to clear up and de-energize the unit for demolition. No one currently working with us has ever...EVER been associated with an adventure like this, so the learning curve is just that, to be learned.
You may wonder what it is that we make out there behind the chain link fence...and then you might not care. I figure if you have read this far, there's a chance you probably are a little bit teensy weensy interested. Am I right?
You ever wore sneakers? That brand that has a 'swish' on the side? Our product went into the soles of those shoes. How about snowshoes? The bindings on your snowshoes is made from our special blend.
Spark plug wires on your car or truck...got the insulation mixed up with our stuff. Hoses and belts on your vehicles are blended with our little touch of magic. Roofing materials. That stuff that keeps your head dry when it rains, that's our stuff.
The tourist center at the Space Center near Houston, Texas...has a roof made from our product. It really is a pretty versatile combination of stuff...and it's only been around for about 52 years.
But the time has come for our company to 'exit' the business and cease operations. Putting about 80 some odd folks out of work. Actually, some of the people are a bit more 'odd' than others, but I won't go there just now. I still have to work with some of 'them'.
Like always, I thank you folks for stopping by. Would love to hear what you think about my rants and ravings, or even how you found this spot in the first place. Take care and may the Good Lord take a liking to you.
That's the best description I can give you with any clarity at all concerning the past month of my life.
So just in case you were putting together a ransom for my release, never mind, I have escaped. Save the money for future needs or give it to the Red Cross.
My neighbors are probably wondering just what the heck is going on with my schedule. Seems the powers that be have decided to put all of the maintenance personnel on a rotating 12-hour shift to assist our production folks with minimum down time. And the best way to do that is put everyone on shift.
I would like to go on record and say....I pretty much hate the night shift.
With a passion. Hate it.
Cannot sleep during the day. Sunlight equates with being up and around, doing things that require natural illumination that comes from the sun.
Sleeping ain't one of the things I do naturally during broad daylight.
The saving grace with the shift assignment is this. It's temporary since the business is soon to cease operations and become a parking lot for no one to use.
Bittersweet? In a way. I have now celebrated 20 years with the chemical industry giant and will move along down the road to the next assignment. Not sure exactly what it might be, I am leaving that selection to the process that supersedes all understanding.
I was blessed with the opportunity of a 2-week call through my local union hall referral system a little over twenty four years ago which developed into a permanent hiring situation that carried me to the celebration just last Friday. February 19, 2010. The Good Lord guided me down the path and had me where I needed to be to get the job then, and I reckon He can do it again. The least I can do is put it all in His hands again...cause I will just mess it up if I try and help.
Twenty four years I have been driving the 13 mile distance. From my driveway to the plant site. Seen lots of knuckleheads who drive way worse than others. Saw one guy reading his newspaper while driving one morning. He had the paper folded just right and laying on the steering wheel with the dome light just a shining away for him. Stayed in front of him for the duration of the trip.
Not sure when the last day will be for me and my little chemical plant. We haven't been told exactly other than the final day of production is slated for March 31st, this year. But there is still the task to clear up and de-energize the unit for demolition. No one currently working with us has ever...EVER been associated with an adventure like this, so the learning curve is just that, to be learned.
You may wonder what it is that we make out there behind the chain link fence...and then you might not care. I figure if you have read this far, there's a chance you probably are a little bit teensy weensy interested. Am I right?
You ever wore sneakers? That brand that has a 'swish' on the side? Our product went into the soles of those shoes. How about snowshoes? The bindings on your snowshoes is made from our special blend.
Spark plug wires on your car or truck...got the insulation mixed up with our stuff. Hoses and belts on your vehicles are blended with our little touch of magic. Roofing materials. That stuff that keeps your head dry when it rains, that's our stuff.
The tourist center at the Space Center near Houston, Texas...has a roof made from our product. It really is a pretty versatile combination of stuff...and it's only been around for about 52 years.
But the time has come for our company to 'exit' the business and cease operations. Putting about 80 some odd folks out of work. Actually, some of the people are a bit more 'odd' than others, but I won't go there just now. I still have to work with some of 'them'.
Like always, I thank you folks for stopping by. Would love to hear what you think about my rants and ravings, or even how you found this spot in the first place. Take care and may the Good Lord take a liking to you.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Just Wondering
Trying to keep it interesting in here with what ever I can come up with to talk about, sometimes.. aw heck, most of the time makes me wonder what is it exactly that causes you faithful readers out there to keep coming back.
I sure appreciate all of you making the trip across the Internet, coming all the way to my house to check in on what's happening in my little corner of Texas and my life.
I just did a quick check to see where exactly it is that some of you folks call home or were positioned when you opted to type in all them letters to get yourself here.
For the record, I am honored that you paid me a visit. Like I have said before, this Internet connection is really amazing. Here I sit at my little ol computer station in the extra bedroom of our simple home in the Great State of Texas...pounding out whatever it is that comes to mind, and hope that someone comes along and takes the time to stop and take a look see.
There have been a couple of other posts where I have mentioned the locations of my loyal readers and this is going to be another one. So sit back and check out a few, not all by any means, some of the recent global connections that have had my rantings on their screen.
As for the several states area:
TEXAS: Austin, Beaumont, Chandler, Houston
LOUISIANA: Crawley
ALABAMA: Birmingham, Madison
MISSISSIPPI: Byram
ARIZONA: Oatman
NORTH CAROLINA: Charolette
VIRGINIA: Alexandria
CALIFORNIA: Mountain View
CONNECTICUT: Farmington
The most recent connections on an international level:
Moscow, Moscow City
Paris, France
Thanks for your time however short or long the duration was. If you stumbled across it by accident, I hope you stay awhile and check it out....but if you're in a hurry, get on down the Internet, but come back another time...if you so choose. Just remember...
It is what it is....
I sure appreciate all of you making the trip across the Internet, coming all the way to my house to check in on what's happening in my little corner of Texas and my life.
I just did a quick check to see where exactly it is that some of you folks call home or were positioned when you opted to type in all them letters to get yourself here.
For the record, I am honored that you paid me a visit. Like I have said before, this Internet connection is really amazing. Here I sit at my little ol computer station in the extra bedroom of our simple home in the Great State of Texas...pounding out whatever it is that comes to mind, and hope that someone comes along and takes the time to stop and take a look see.
There have been a couple of other posts where I have mentioned the locations of my loyal readers and this is going to be another one. So sit back and check out a few, not all by any means, some of the recent global connections that have had my rantings on their screen.
As for the several states area:
TEXAS: Austin, Beaumont, Chandler, Houston
LOUISIANA: Crawley
ALABAMA: Birmingham, Madison
MISSISSIPPI: Byram
ARIZONA: Oatman
NORTH CAROLINA: Charolette
VIRGINIA: Alexandria
CALIFORNIA: Mountain View
CONNECTICUT: Farmington
The most recent connections on an international level:
Moscow, Moscow City
Paris, France
Thanks for your time however short or long the duration was. If you stumbled across it by accident, I hope you stay awhile and check it out....but if you're in a hurry, get on down the Internet, but come back another time...if you so choose. Just remember...
It is what it is....
Thursday, January 28, 2010
What's Next...
Picking patterns for the interior design of our home falls directly on my wife. She has more taste and style than me and most of my friends all rolled up into one.
But some patterns are easier to pick out after you've been bashed with them a few times.
For instance this global company I still work for today...which probably should remain nameless for now, has always had a knack for letting out just enough information about corporate changes that will take place, whether it is welcomed or not.
One time it was decided about how the employees would be paid. No more weekly paychecks. It would be either monthly or bi-monthly, depending upon your level of importance.
No more weekly checks? You could look up the phrase...'living paycheck to paycheck' and see my picture pasted alongside the description.
But over time, we have adjusted to the twice a month payday. Not saying I like it anymore today than when it was announced a few years ago, but I do appreciate the paycheck.
Just recently, the announcement to close our facility that just so happens to be the only one in the world that makes 'our' specific type of product, was announced. Then the shutdown date was changed because it wasn't the right way to treat our customers. Regrouping and new decisions were optioned and a brand new timeline was presented.
We, the employees were asked to continue working at our assigned tasks and information would be shared as soon as it was available, regarding our employment.
This all started back around May 7, 2009.... it was a Thursday morning as I remember. The BIG announcement was thought to be possible shorter hours due to the economy. We couldn't have been further from the truth.
In the struggle to maintain the facility, the focus on producing the amount of product that our customers needed to make a transition to replacement began. As of today, the final production date has been decided that we will not...NOT run into the second quarter. At least that's the understanding as of today...Thursday, January 28, 2010.
To enforce the effort, our little crew of electricians has been placed on a rotating 12 hour shift to cover any emergency that may arise which could hinder the production of this unique blend of ingredients that touches just about all of our lives.
Snowshoe bindings, drinking water reservoirs, automotive components, soles of sneakers that cushion our feet, and not to mention the insulation for wire in the electrical industry.
The very mention of forcing our group onto shift coverage, surfaced just about two weeks ago. I knew when I heard the rumor, that it was inevitable....and today, I find myself just 2 hours out of bed from working a set of 12 hour nights, only to go back for my last night a little later today.
From working straight days for over 20 years to a rotating 12 hour shift, takes a bit of adjustment and not just for me, my entire family suffers.
Don't go thinking I don't appreciate my job, I truly do. It's really tough to remain focused on the tasks we are charged with and not wonder about the future. There are certain aspects of the process that we are not hearing about. We are expected to maintain the professional level of support, but in reality are the typical mushrooms in the basement. Kept in the dark and fed the approved daily amount of corporate BS to sustain.
Will we possibly run past the second quarter? No way, but then again, maybe, maybe not. The cost to extend the permits would be to much to bear...or bare. We were told that this shift work, would only go until the end of March...hopefully it's March 2010.
It is what it is...
But some patterns are easier to pick out after you've been bashed with them a few times.
For instance this global company I still work for today...which probably should remain nameless for now, has always had a knack for letting out just enough information about corporate changes that will take place, whether it is welcomed or not.
One time it was decided about how the employees would be paid. No more weekly paychecks. It would be either monthly or bi-monthly, depending upon your level of importance.
No more weekly checks? You could look up the phrase...'living paycheck to paycheck' and see my picture pasted alongside the description.
But over time, we have adjusted to the twice a month payday. Not saying I like it anymore today than when it was announced a few years ago, but I do appreciate the paycheck.
Just recently, the announcement to close our facility that just so happens to be the only one in the world that makes 'our' specific type of product, was announced. Then the shutdown date was changed because it wasn't the right way to treat our customers. Regrouping and new decisions were optioned and a brand new timeline was presented.
We, the employees were asked to continue working at our assigned tasks and information would be shared as soon as it was available, regarding our employment.
This all started back around May 7, 2009.... it was a Thursday morning as I remember. The BIG announcement was thought to be possible shorter hours due to the economy. We couldn't have been further from the truth.
In the struggle to maintain the facility, the focus on producing the amount of product that our customers needed to make a transition to replacement began. As of today, the final production date has been decided that we will not...NOT run into the second quarter. At least that's the understanding as of today...Thursday, January 28, 2010.
To enforce the effort, our little crew of electricians has been placed on a rotating 12 hour shift to cover any emergency that may arise which could hinder the production of this unique blend of ingredients that touches just about all of our lives.
Snowshoe bindings, drinking water reservoirs, automotive components, soles of sneakers that cushion our feet, and not to mention the insulation for wire in the electrical industry.
The very mention of forcing our group onto shift coverage, surfaced just about two weeks ago. I knew when I heard the rumor, that it was inevitable....and today, I find myself just 2 hours out of bed from working a set of 12 hour nights, only to go back for my last night a little later today.
From working straight days for over 20 years to a rotating 12 hour shift, takes a bit of adjustment and not just for me, my entire family suffers.
Don't go thinking I don't appreciate my job, I truly do. It's really tough to remain focused on the tasks we are charged with and not wonder about the future. There are certain aspects of the process that we are not hearing about. We are expected to maintain the professional level of support, but in reality are the typical mushrooms in the basement. Kept in the dark and fed the approved daily amount of corporate BS to sustain.
Will we possibly run past the second quarter? No way, but then again, maybe, maybe not. The cost to extend the permits would be to much to bear...or bare. We were told that this shift work, would only go until the end of March...hopefully it's March 2010.
It is what it is...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Eight fingers typing...
Thinking back to typing class in high school, there were maybe 3 guys in a classroom of at least 25 individuals of the female persuasion. For a sophomore in high school, this was a dream class until it became evident that the teacher really expected you to learn how to type without looking at your keyboard...sorry, there was no keyboard back then...not sure I remember what you call the area where all the keys were located on those new fangled 'lectric typewriters.
I am sure glad that I managed to conquer a good portion of the skill set needed to pass typing class. Much to my surprise, after I transferred from the old and now vacant South Park High School in Beaumont and got myself enrolled in Kountze High School, a small wide spot in the road just about 20 miles north of Beaumont, and in a Typing II class, all due to the fact there was a vacancy and I had already had one year of typing and was considered worthy.
My teacher in that typing class was Mrs. Faye Robertson. Between myself and one of my running buddies, we pretty much had the focus on us and what we were trying to pull off by taking up a couple of her typing stations. As I remember, I never got any faster than 30-33 words a minute.
Smokin'.....
Thanks Mrs. Robertson, for your kindness and your patience during my senior year at KHS.
The Class of 1972. The same year that we lost a fellow classmate, Ricky Johnson.
I think back to the emptiness I felt when Ricky didn't show up for first period class the next day. I still remember him begging me to swap seats with him so he could sit behind his heart-throb and varsity cheerleader, Lynn Elmer. I guess I looked and expected Ricky to show up most any day after the accident...probably for about a month or so.
Later on in my working career, I had the unexpected opportunity to work with Ricky's younger brother a short while. Funny how the world comes back around and messes with your mind. Throwing memories out at you from all angles.
That running buddy of mine from typing class, has basically fallen off the face of the earth. I reckon he will show up one day and surprise me.
B. I. Jordan. Known as Brill by many of his friends....me? I called him Biggun.
Hey Biggun...where you at nowadays? I'm still here in Beaumont, wondering just how the world you're doing. Ain't seen you in a coon's age....better make that 2 or 3 coons ages.
Anybody out there know the whereabouts of a one Brill Jordan, originally from Kountze, Texas, let me know. I will pay upwards of three or four American dollars.
Well, let me go for now... that's more rambling than I have done in a while..take care and keep your feet dry...until next time.....
it is what it is.
I am sure glad that I managed to conquer a good portion of the skill set needed to pass typing class. Much to my surprise, after I transferred from the old and now vacant South Park High School in Beaumont and got myself enrolled in Kountze High School, a small wide spot in the road just about 20 miles north of Beaumont, and in a Typing II class, all due to the fact there was a vacancy and I had already had one year of typing and was considered worthy.
My teacher in that typing class was Mrs. Faye Robertson. Between myself and one of my running buddies, we pretty much had the focus on us and what we were trying to pull off by taking up a couple of her typing stations. As I remember, I never got any faster than 30-33 words a minute.
Smokin'.....
Thanks Mrs. Robertson, for your kindness and your patience during my senior year at KHS.
The Class of 1972. The same year that we lost a fellow classmate, Ricky Johnson.
I think back to the emptiness I felt when Ricky didn't show up for first period class the next day. I still remember him begging me to swap seats with him so he could sit behind his heart-throb and varsity cheerleader, Lynn Elmer. I guess I looked and expected Ricky to show up most any day after the accident...probably for about a month or so.
Later on in my working career, I had the unexpected opportunity to work with Ricky's younger brother a short while. Funny how the world comes back around and messes with your mind. Throwing memories out at you from all angles.
That running buddy of mine from typing class, has basically fallen off the face of the earth. I reckon he will show up one day and surprise me.
B. I. Jordan. Known as Brill by many of his friends....me? I called him Biggun.
Hey Biggun...where you at nowadays? I'm still here in Beaumont, wondering just how the world you're doing. Ain't seen you in a coon's age....better make that 2 or 3 coons ages.
Anybody out there know the whereabouts of a one Brill Jordan, originally from Kountze, Texas, let me know. I will pay upwards of three or four American dollars.
Well, let me go for now... that's more rambling than I have done in a while..take care and keep your feet dry...until next time.....
it is what it is.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Losing track of time
I suppose everyone of us has lost our concentration during the course of a day, while watching our favorite television program, or during those 'important' weekly business meetings.
With all the distractions that are available at any given moment during our daily lives, it comes as a welcome change the natural occurring incidents among co-workers and their offering to share their stories at the cost of personal humiliation.
The group of people that I work with are a constant source of material for me, most of which can be cleaned up and shared here with you.
Tommy is one of our more 'experienced' valve technicians and is our 'go-to' old timer for the occasional history lesson that involves the past 30 years of employees or the overall changes of the surrounding municipalities.
Having spent so many years working at the same chemical complex here in Southeast Texas, habits become second nature and becoming a morning person is easy to do with a steady job.
Tommy has shared on numerous occasions about his waking up before the alarm clock goes off, getting up, getting dressed thinking that he had over slept and tears around preparing to leave for work only to realize that he had been asleep for about 2 hours.
Just the other day...make that the other night, he woke up, dressed and left his house heading to the plant. Listening to the radio, the deejay gave the current time and temperature. Not believing the clock radio, he pulled his cell phone out for confirmation that in fact it was just after midnight.
He turned around and went back home and back to bed.
Just this past weekend, Tommy turned another year older. This birthday was a milestone for him as he was turning 70 years old. I have to tell you that Tommy is one of those active 70 year old individuals that still lead a very productive life.
One of our unique ways we celebrate our birthdays at work is by bringing something for the crew to enjoy during the day. Monday morning, Tommy arrived with one of those infamous Great American Cookies....and led off with a confession in front of the crew.
He had figured wrong and was not...had not turned 70. His wife had informed him the day before that he was in fact; only 69 years of age.
His argument was that he had been born a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Well almost a year, what's a few weeks right? December to January was closer to about 5 weeks short of exactly a year before the attack.
As a matter of fact, Tommy was born just 11 months before Pearl Harbor and had stated it so many times, he had himself believing that he was born in 1940. See what a difference a few weeks will make...it can actually take a year off of your life.
Happy 69th Birthday Tommy.
It just so happens, that my wedding anniversary falls on Tommy's birthday. Cindy and I celebrated 29 years of wedded bliss this past weekend.
For the record, I gave her the same card for the fourth straight year this year...and yes I bought a new card each year. Maybe I will tell you about that tradition in another posting.
With all the distractions that are available at any given moment during our daily lives, it comes as a welcome change the natural occurring incidents among co-workers and their offering to share their stories at the cost of personal humiliation.
The group of people that I work with are a constant source of material for me, most of which can be cleaned up and shared here with you.
Tommy is one of our more 'experienced' valve technicians and is our 'go-to' old timer for the occasional history lesson that involves the past 30 years of employees or the overall changes of the surrounding municipalities.
Having spent so many years working at the same chemical complex here in Southeast Texas, habits become second nature and becoming a morning person is easy to do with a steady job.
Tommy has shared on numerous occasions about his waking up before the alarm clock goes off, getting up, getting dressed thinking that he had over slept and tears around preparing to leave for work only to realize that he had been asleep for about 2 hours.
Just the other day...make that the other night, he woke up, dressed and left his house heading to the plant. Listening to the radio, the deejay gave the current time and temperature. Not believing the clock radio, he pulled his cell phone out for confirmation that in fact it was just after midnight.
He turned around and went back home and back to bed.
Just this past weekend, Tommy turned another year older. This birthday was a milestone for him as he was turning 70 years old. I have to tell you that Tommy is one of those active 70 year old individuals that still lead a very productive life.
One of our unique ways we celebrate our birthdays at work is by bringing something for the crew to enjoy during the day. Monday morning, Tommy arrived with one of those infamous Great American Cookies....and led off with a confession in front of the crew.
He had figured wrong and was not...had not turned 70. His wife had informed him the day before that he was in fact; only 69 years of age.
His argument was that he had been born a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Well almost a year, what's a few weeks right? December to January was closer to about 5 weeks short of exactly a year before the attack.
As a matter of fact, Tommy was born just 11 months before Pearl Harbor and had stated it so many times, he had himself believing that he was born in 1940. See what a difference a few weeks will make...it can actually take a year off of your life.
Happy 69th Birthday Tommy.
It just so happens, that my wedding anniversary falls on Tommy's birthday. Cindy and I celebrated 29 years of wedded bliss this past weekend.
For the record, I gave her the same card for the fourth straight year this year...and yes I bought a new card each year. Maybe I will tell you about that tradition in another posting.
Monday, January 11, 2010
I am a work in progress
God's Redemptive Project
Your flourishing is never just about you. It is a "so that" kind of condition. God designed you to flourish "so that" you could be part of his redemptive project in ways that you otherwise could not. He wants you to flourish "so that" people can be encouraged, gardens can be planted, music can be written, sick people can be helped, or companies can thrive in ways they otherwise would not. When you fail to become the person God designed, all the rest of us miss out on the gift you were made to give.
Jesus once said that with God, all things are possible, and the great thing about life with God is that your next step is always possible. That step toward God is always waiting, no matter what you have done or how you have messed up your life. Jesus was hanging on a cross with a thief hanging next to him, and Jesus turned to him and said, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
I received this today and realized after reading it, I am a work in progress. Understanding this small portion of life, I have to agree with author Rick Warren when he explained in one of his books so clearly, even I got it.
The statement simply stated: It ain't all about you.
Boy howdy, ain't that the truth. Folks that think the universe revolves around them are in for a rude awakening one day. The short paragraph that started this posting is an excerpt from a book by John Ortberg, 'ME, The Me I Want to Be'.
All those casual encounters with people throughout your life, not to mention those that are still to happen even as early as tomorrow, were meant to be. You were destined to be a part of their life...OR maybe, bringing it down a notch and looking at it from right to left, that stranger you meet may just have been guided by our angels to intercept you along your path.
It could be their life is the cog in your gears to keep you going, "so that" you can grow and reach the level of importance that God has planned for you.
Just another slant on how small we really are in the grand scheme of things...but some day, you could mean the world to someone, the difference in how a person responds to a situation.
Thanks for stopping by.
Your flourishing is never just about you. It is a "so that" kind of condition. God designed you to flourish "so that" you could be part of his redemptive project in ways that you otherwise could not. He wants you to flourish "so that" people can be encouraged, gardens can be planted, music can be written, sick people can be helped, or companies can thrive in ways they otherwise would not. When you fail to become the person God designed, all the rest of us miss out on the gift you were made to give.
Jesus once said that with God, all things are possible, and the great thing about life with God is that your next step is always possible. That step toward God is always waiting, no matter what you have done or how you have messed up your life. Jesus was hanging on a cross with a thief hanging next to him, and Jesus turned to him and said, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
I received this today and realized after reading it, I am a work in progress. Understanding this small portion of life, I have to agree with author Rick Warren when he explained in one of his books so clearly, even I got it.
The statement simply stated: It ain't all about you.
Boy howdy, ain't that the truth. Folks that think the universe revolves around them are in for a rude awakening one day. The short paragraph that started this posting is an excerpt from a book by John Ortberg, 'ME, The Me I Want to Be'.
All those casual encounters with people throughout your life, not to mention those that are still to happen even as early as tomorrow, were meant to be. You were destined to be a part of their life...OR maybe, bringing it down a notch and looking at it from right to left, that stranger you meet may just have been guided by our angels to intercept you along your path.
It could be their life is the cog in your gears to keep you going, "so that" you can grow and reach the level of importance that God has planned for you.
Just another slant on how small we really are in the grand scheme of things...but some day, you could mean the world to someone, the difference in how a person responds to a situation.
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