Saturdays

Here are a few pics of some of our Saturdays over the past few weeks:

Sunrise in Panama City a few weeks ago!

 

 

 

Same sunrise kinda framed by some oak trees.

I canoed and played in this bay more than 40 years ago when there was a summer camp on the shores.

Part of our tailgate food for the FSU/UF football game.  Bad outcome for the Seminoles but a great pregame party put on by Tri-Eagle Distributors – fried gator, gumbo, raw oysters and of course a lot of different beverages!

And some live music by a local band Houston Deese – some friends of ours!

 

2012 Election, Social Media, Football and Other Random Thoughts

Some random thoughts about life over the past few weeks:

I really am amazed at the lack of civility among adults. People who, under normal circumstances would demand respect, seem to not feel others should be afforded the same courtesy.  This has never been so evident to me than in the past few months regarding the 2012 presidential elections. People seem to think social media is an open opportunity to spew their bias, hate and arrogance towards anyone who will read it – maybe that is what its for, but I doubt it.

President Obama appears to have won the popular vote and enough electoral college votes to be reelected as President of the United States.  As such, I believe we have a responsibility to pray for him and support him.

I really wanted someone to question the magic, marriage underwear during the presidential debates!

College football continues to be one of the most sacred activities in the South.  Confession:  I have season ticket to FSU football and am a graduate of Auburn University, so I am just as guilty as those I write about.  Even with one of the worst seasons in university history, tens of thousands of people fill Jordan Hare Stadium each home game – win or lose, it’s tradition!

Some of the most beautiful, unfiltered views of the Apalachicola Bay can be found driving along Highway 98. And who knew you could get a great seafood lunch of fish, crab, clams, hush puppies, cole slaw and cheese grits for under $7.00?

While I didn’t think I wanted to ever get back in the business of workforce development, I’m thankful some friends of mine gave me an opportunity to return.  Helping others with employment and training opportunities has helped me remember how blessed I am.  Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board has some dedicated staff who truly care for people!

While I’m not much for tradition, I do like the tradition of family at holidays.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas and the opportunity to spend time with our kids!  If you’ve read some of my ramblings before you know that we don’t spend much money on ourselves during the holidays, instead, we choose to spend it on those less fortunate than us.  It starts now with some food drives.  Skip a dinner out this week and buy some food to donate to a family in need or the very least your local food pantry!

Christmas Challenge:  Spend Less. Give More.  Check out Advent Conspiracy for ways to turn your holidays upside down!

Not a big fan of Daylight Savings Time right now.  By the time I get home from work, it’s too late to enjoy the sunsets along the coast at Mexico Beach.  Can’t wait until it’s a regular activity for us again!

 

 

Mid October Thoughts

It’s been six weeks since we packed up everything we owned (ok it did take more than one trip) and moved from Inverness to Mexico Beach, Florida.  May be one of the best moves we have ever made!  Here are a few thoughts bouncing around:

1.  Jonathan Merritt gave an amazing sermon at City Church Tallahassee on Sunday.  Probably 900 people had the opportunity to hear him during the day and I’m sure others listened live on-line and/or will download the message from Itunes this week.  To paraphrase some of his words – “To live as Jesus lived, we have  to be present among those who need us.”  “It’s not your vote that’s going to change the world, it’s your own hands.”

2.  Loved have the opportunity to baptize my friend, Ryan Hachenberger  on Sunday morning!  Check out his blog, Florida Fowler, and you can see his baptism testimony online at City Church Tallahassee too!

3.  I have a blast each week introducing people to City Church through our 101 opportunities (general questions about getting involved) and our monthly Ownership Experiences (taking a formal step of membership).  People want to belong.  People need to belong.  Helping them find their next step is exciting – not everyone is at the same point in their journey and sometimes we just need some encouragement to get to the next spot!

4.  Annual Parent’s Weekend at Florida State University this past weekend!  Always a good time.  Both of my children were/are in the Greek system at FSU.  Totally different types of Parent’s Weekend celebrations!  Meghan’s Phi Mu events were always a brunch or lunch type event that involved a social time followed by a meal.  Very much a chance to show case the house and everyone had a chance to meet other parents/sisters, etc.  Ethan’s Kappa Sigma events are more of a tailgate event.  Food, beverages, bands, dancing, etc.  Always a good time at both of them – just different!

5.  One of the best things about our new location is the sunset.  We have the opportunity every evening to walk along Florida’s Gulf Coast and enjoy the magnificent sunsets that take place.  We actually do this about 3-4 times a week.  What an incredible way to unwind and let any stress go away!  Will post some of my views soon!

6.  Starting the planning for another trip to Cartagena in August 2013!  Excited about the opportunity to work beside our friend Alex Rocha there!  Hopeful for the work that will be done.

7.  Momma Goldberg’s sandwiches in Tallahassee are just as good as the original in Auburn, Alabama!  The only difference is I eat them in the afternoon instead of 2 or 3 in the morning now!

8.  My friends at Ella Bing and Tobacco Pipes inspired us to launch All Tide Up.  Check out all of these sites for some interesting products!  Each different but unique!

 

 

Everyone Has a Story and It Needs to Be Told!

We all benefit from hearing the stories of others.  Everyone has a story and it can only benefit others when its told!

For more than 17 years I was the chief executive of a non profit organization that helped people with occupational training and employment.  Every month during our board meetings, I would take the time to present a story of someone who’s life was changed because of the opportunities provided by this organization.  These stories helped our directors understand the real life implications of the administrative, budget and policy decisions they made.  Numbers represent people, stories represent people. People and their stories matter.

This week I had the opportunity to speak to some seniors who soon will be graduating from Florida State University.  These students are leaders in a campus ministry and it was their chance to hear from someone with a little life experience!

I had the chance to tell them portions of the story that is Cyndi and my life together.  While sometimes I look back at our life and don’t see it as amazing or inspirational, many of these students did! As I was able to answer questions posed from the group, it was only natural to give examples from our life story – true examples that were evidence of lives where there are no coincidences.  One of the coolest things that took place that night was the telling of their own stories.  While they may only be 22 years old, each of them have a story or at least the beginnings of one.  And each story can help someone – but only if it’s told!

My story isn’t over yet!  I’m convinced the chapters that are about to unfold will be some of the most exciting yet!  While I don’t really have a clear direction for the next chapters, I’m sure they will end in ways that are worth retelling!

End of The Week Thoughts and Photos

A few random thoughts as Friday nears: (edited post – previous title was way too long!)

We have some great friends!  I won’t go into detail but we love the support friends provide us – both emotionally and physically!

A local pastor wants to talk about a church he is starting in nearby Ocala – this is the second time he has asked me to talk with him about playing a role in its startup and development – I won’t lie, I’m flattered.

Excited about the growth of our community group – six new attendees in the past four weeks!

My wife is amazing – she has not let up in her massage therapy business – despite the travelling we do each week!  It could grow if we were in town more!

FSU men’s basketball has been fun to watch this year – ESPN quote:  FSU has made Tobacco Road its own personal driveway!

This sunset on St. Joe Bay in the Florida panhandle is one of our favorites:

Football In The South

Full disclosure – I graduated from Auburn University in 1982 (yes, Bo Jackson was there then) and I currently have season football tickets for Florida State University (FSU) and have had for a number of years.

Saturdays in September, October and November are sure to bring out the best and the best in people!  Especially if you live in or grew up in the South.  Football in the South is more than a pastime.  It is usually more than an obsession.  It almost qualifies as a religion.

Each week, fans of their respective college or university (regardless of whether they attended, graduated, or have even been to the campus) begin the pregame rituals of talking smack to their coworkers, friends, social media contacts, etc.  It escalates until game day when full team colors are worn, food and drink is prepared and the real tailgate parties begin.  If you can’t attend the games in person, you clear out a spot around your television and warn visitors of what’s about to happen.  As some 18 or 19 year old young man performs an amazing run, catch or block – you cheer!  When the opposing team does something equally well – you groan, cuss and yell at the tv. As the game nears the end,  you are either euphoric in victory or sullen because of defeat.  By Monday or Tuesday you have recovered and are beginning the cycle again.

I like college football.  I like Jesus even more.  I wish all of the fans of college football who claim to be Christ followers would demonstrate the same passion for Him they do for football.  Or whatever else the idol is for the week.

My prayer has been to be more of a follower and less of a fan.  Maybe more prayers should be that.