Dancing

I just heard about two people that undertook to feed homeless children. They used their own money in the beginning of this project. I was inspired by their uncommon generosity.

There is so much good in the world. With all the financial gloom and doom, we should take time to celebrate the good.

I particularly like the following clip. Matt has undertaken to dance his crazy dance all over the world. Such joy. It makes me happy to hear about people like him and the sisters. Enjoy!

The Editorial Page

The Letters to the Editor section of the newspaper was longer today than usual.  Counting the editorial cartoon the letters occupied a full half of the “Perspective” page.  Eight letters comprise what I like to think of as the therapy section of the paper.

One screams out, “You really don’t get it do you?” as if they’re carrying on a conversation with a person across the table from them.  Another says, “I am writing to inform you of my opinion.” Still another angsts over why a road project is taking so long.

Is this real life?

This video has gone viral and is appearing in several places including Facebook.  I identify with “David’s” question, “Is this real life?”  Sometimes things feel so surreal you wonder if it could possibly be happening.  Enjoy.

Tags: David+After+Dentist, Dentist, Real+Life

Fake Friendship

We became friends because we were colleagues in the same group.  It was a bunch of pastors from the same area of the state.  We got together once a month for food and conversation and enjoyed the professional and collegial stimulation.

He was pastor for a church that eventually had some internal problems, and the church had a terrible split which created two churches.  He left with the group that split away, and also left our group.  He disappeared, and we didn’t see him after that.

Karaoke as Democracy

We went to a New Year’s Eve party at Playhouse Merced. The event started at 8:00 on Wednesday evening, and it was in full swing by the time we arrived. 

The Playhouse was well decorated for the event.  The main stage area had a fresh coat of paint.  A small, raised platform supported the three-person band.  A few people were dancing to the music; others were sitting, enjoying the show.

The foyer housed the drink bar, nibbles, and conversation areas.  It stayed full most of the night.  Some folks went to the event to be with friends and chat.  Conversation areas were scattered around the room.  One couple was visiting the area from South Dakota.  They found the event on the web and decided to join the festivities.

A Six-Word Life

When I joined a business networking group, we were taught to be able to give a summary of our business or product in the amount of time needed for an elevator ride—about 60 seconds.  It was tough learning to be that succinct, and even now I want to use a few more words.

But what if you had to summarize your life in six words?  James Emery White asked that question recently in his blog.  I suspect that the 2008 summary would be drastically different than, say, the 2004 version.  Economy, jobs, war, and weather have had their impact on us all.

Interviews

Recently I got to participate in a two-day set of interviews for openings at a local agency.  The candidates were each given a one hour appointment during which they would make their presentation and receive questions from our group.

This was the first time I had ever participated in a process like this one, and I was fascinated by how the interviews were conducted as well as by how much could be learned in only one hour.  I was also impressed with how uniform the observations of the group were.

The Negative Power of Rumor

My secretary ushered in a person I had never met before who had a folder in her hand. “Pastor,” she said. “I want to talk to you about a threat to our religious freedom.”

Don’t go in the doghouse!

Christmas is just around the corner. Time for getting the right gift for your honey is running short. I just found this helpful video that I recommend all men watch before going to the mall. It could save you from going into the doghouse.

Donations Down

It was in the newspaper on Monday.  Contributions to non-profits are down because of the economy.  That is not good news if you are a non-profit and exist on the largesse of others.

I just attended a workshop on the subject of building relationships that will, in turn, result in a strong financial base.  Let’s Have Lunch Together was written by Marshall Howard who was the workshop presenter.