tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375126682024-03-12T22:03:41.193-05:00Chuck's Thoughts...Chuck's Thoughts and Other Things of InterestChuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-37234028803495769452009-10-09T22:42:00.002-05:002009-10-09T22:44:02.809-05:00My Blog Has MovedIf you like reading my blog, I wanted to let you know that it has moved <a href="http://www.chuckscoggins.com/blog">here</a>. While it has been fun to rant and rave here, I'm changing my focus to be a little more professional on my new blog. I hope you'll still read along!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-13262734614406225632009-07-14T22:08:00.004-05:002009-07-14T22:41:15.213-05:00Desiring The Failure Of A LeaderShould we desire the political failure of a President of the US if we disagree with his policy? Is the following statement absolutely true?<br /><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:100%;"><blockquote>It is wrong to endorse failure of the president because you don't like or agree <span><span style="font-size:100%;">politically</span></span>with him. If he fails, our country does too.<br /></blockquote></span></h3>The philosophy that success of a country is directly related to the success of it's leader is flawed. Similarly, the notion that the failure of a leader could never lead to the improvement (or, success) of the nation he leads is a false premise.<br /><br />Consider the possibility that a citizen of North Korea might endorse the failure of President Kim Jong Il, and that his failure might result in the betterment of that nation.<br /><br />I should think that someone in Iran might not like or agree with the policies of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. And, it could be that if Ahmadinejad were to fail, the country of Iran would experience success and prosperity.<br /><br />In these scenarios, it is imaginable that the chief cause of the nation's success is solely the failure of the leader.<br /><br />In all of this, it seems to me that we've lost sight of one of the most remarkable aspects of our form of government; namely, that it was set up to encourage political discourse. Those patriots in the Revolutionary war indeed had every hope in the failure of their pre-war leader. If there is no hope of the failure of your political opponent, what benefit is there in political parties, elections, or representative government?<br /><br />I wonder when it became taboo to oppose the [political] success of a leader who, if successful, could be the cause of a country failing. Could it be possible that by the leader's [policies] failing the country avoids failure? Could it be possible that the [political] opposition to the leader is, by definition, the success of our nation (and it's political system). This seems especially to be the case in a democratic system of government.<br /><br />My feelings about the success or failure of President Obama aside, I do not believe that his political success/failure and the country's success/failure are mutually inclusive. And I strongly believe that the government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" is not directly connected to the success or failure of its leader. It's bigger than any single leader's success or failure. Its virtue is precisely rooted in the freedom of the opposition to oppose.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-35346381393521054802009-07-14T14:17:00.003-05:002009-07-14T14:28:52.910-05:00The Prodigal FatherI was just listening to <a href="http://www.calvarymidrivers.org/page.asp?sid=1&page=554">Pastor Terry's Message</a> from two weeks ago and he was telling the story of the Prodigal Son. Then he explained how the definition of the word prodigal is "rashly or wastefully extravagant." It is amazing how wasteful the son was with the inheritance that the father had given him. But then Pastor Terry made a very profound point. He pointed out that the story should be titled the Prodigal Father; because it was the father who allowed him back in his house after all the waste. It was the father who welcomed the son back after the son had done the most embarrassing, insulting, and unforgivable acts. It was the father who put the signet ring on the son...basically telling him "you are part of the family, you can do business in my name, you can have the family credit card, you have my seal of approval." He wastefully threw him the most extravagant party to welcome him back.<br /><br />I'm so glad that the Heavenly Father acts rashly or wastefully extravagantly toward me when it comes to His grace. I've throw away the inheritance a thousand times over, and I've eaten with swine spiritually, but time and time again He puts his signet ring on me. Time and time again He puts his fine robe on my back. The Father doesn't view His children as prodigals...He views them as valuable. He finds it a joy to extravagantly pour out His love and grace. I'm so glad He's the Prodigal Father!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-75929800375475110622009-06-25T21:16:00.002-05:002009-06-25T21:22:01.284-05:00I just want to check out!:::Warning - Rant Coming:::<br /><br />I do not want to add 2 apple pies for $1.<br />I do not want to sign up for your newsletter.<br />I do not care to give you my email address.<br />I do not want to ruin my credit and save 10% by signing up for a credit card.<br />No, I am not a priority member, and no, I do not want to sign up.<br />You do not need my zip code to complete this transaction.<br />Paper or plastic? Surprise me.<br />I do not have a preference of whether the receipt is with me or in the bag.<br /><br />I just want to check out. And, I'd like to do it as quickly as possible, please.<br /><br />:::End of Rant:::Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-44119103606344016032009-06-17T20:15:00.003-05:002009-06-17T20:42:41.790-05:00Questioning Your Designer<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2006/07/how_to_live_hap.html">This post</a> by Seth Godin resonates with me. I'm a designer so it should resonate with me. I do think most people don't realize that most graphic designers have good reasons for the design decisions they make. Good design doesn't just happen.<br /><br />For example, if you don't understand how this mathematical equation (known as the Golden Ratio) is at the heart of good design, you probably shouldn't critique your designer's work:<br /><br /><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/f/5/d/f5d50ca811d3393b850f32c2b65be069.png" border="0"/><br /><br /><br />Or, if you can't list all of the primary colors of the color wheel, the secondary colors, or the complimentary colors of those primary and secondary colors...it's possible that you don't know as much about design as you think you do.<br /><br />Or, do you know what psychological effects various colors have on people? Perhaps you should Google it before you meet with your designer about your brochure design.<br /><br />Some say that this is me being hateful and/or arrogant. They may be partially correct...but it seems to me that a lot of people think that designers just throw some pictures on a piece of paper using trial and error and hope that it works out in a good design. It's amazing to me how many times I've heard of someone with no design training nor skill think that purchasing Adobe Photoshop will magically transform them into a good designer. It's the equivalent of thinking that purchasing an adding machine will make you a good accountant or that buying a big red toolbox will make you a good mechanic. Good design usually doesn't just happen. It's usually the result of strategic & calculated decision making.<br /><br />So, yes I probably have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. I'm probably a little overly sensitive (or, cocky as some would say). But at least now you know how we designers feel when you start second-guessing. We're here to serve...but we hope you can learn to trust the reasoning behind our design.<br /><br />What do you think? Do you think a person has to understand the theory behind a discipline before they have the right to critique products of that discipline? Leave me your thoughts in the comments.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-89244930000649558022009-04-07T23:01:00.003-05:002009-04-07T23:05:39.408-05:00EasterThis is me just being real. No fronts.<br />I know Easter is an important Christian holiday. And I'm so, so, so thankful for what Christ did for me on the cross. And I know that "these present sufferings are not worthy of being compared..." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=17&end_verse=19&version=31&context=context">Rom 8:18</a>). But I'm exhausted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SdwiUv7CntI/AAAAAAAAAGc/T3pXZ7n1aTM/s1600-h/stressEaster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SdwiUv7CntI/AAAAAAAAAGc/T3pXZ7n1aTM/s320/stressEaster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322166599501913810" border="0" /></a>Bold prayer for this week - "God, give me the strength to get everything done for you this week."Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-57416575736526730272009-04-03T10:15:00.004-05:002009-04-03T10:37:49.468-05:00Lessons Learned At Niagara Falls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SdYtPS6OXoI/AAAAAAAAAGU/tVabZFXP-10/s1600-h/2657_1118286004030_1433415070_30312142_6014508_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SdYtPS6OXoI/AAAAAAAAAGU/tVabZFXP-10/s200/2657_1118286004030_1433415070_30312142_6014508_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320489750582156930" /></a><br />Earlier this week I had the privilege of going to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It was an awesome display of raw nature and of God's unbelievable creativity. A few thoughts as I reflect back on the trip...<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>There is no end to creativity. God is infinitely creative and as we are in his image, we get to draw on his creativity.</li><li>Waterfall mist in March in Canada is pretty cold.</li><li>The viewing area to the falls is much closer to the falls themselves than the photos show. It would be easy to take a tumble over the edge. I would be nervous with my kids there.</li><li>The view of the falls is, indeed, better on the Canadian side.</li><li>It turns out that you can build a tourist area right on top of a waterfall. Here is a pic of what the area that is literally right across the street from the falls looks like:<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SdYs-KfzPLI/AAAAAAAAAGM/9l-q8EX4eXc/s200/NiagaraFallsEntertainmentZone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320489456266067122" /></li><li>There have been some bold people do some crazy things here. There are lessons to be learned from them. Check this out:</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="260"><param name="movie" value="http://calvaryonline.lightcastmedia.com/embed/dT0zMTQxJnZpZD0xNDg2MiZla2V5PWFkYWRkMWE2"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://calvaryonline.lightcastmedia.com/embed/dT0zMTQxJnZpZD0xNDg2MiZla2V5PWFkYWRkMWE2" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="260"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Terry Sanderson for the experience! It was truly remarkable!</div></div></div>Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-42712988139594662832009-03-26T00:05:00.002-05:002009-03-26T00:12:05.205-05:00The Small Big ThingsI had one of those special moments tonight. I walked in on Amy reading with the boys at bed time. She was letting Trip help her read. He was able to read almost every second word (at least every third word). Who would've known that watching a 5 year old read could be so rewarding? I always expected that Trip would someday read. He's a smart kid, so it doesn't come as a surprise. Nevertheless, this small thing was very big for me. It wasn't even about the reading itself. It was about all that that moment means. Call it fatherly pride or whatever, but it occurred to me how fortunate I am. Two great children. A wife who cares so much that she takes time to teach all sorts of things to our children. I could go on and on.<br /><br />Trip, I'm proud of you buddy!<br />God, thanks for the big, small things!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-25987068205684491222009-03-24T07:55:00.002-05:002009-03-24T07:59:34.411-05:00Romans 10:14-15Romans 10:9<br />...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.</span>"<br /><br />Romans 14-15<br />How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">And how shall they hear without a messenger?</span>...For it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News."<br /><br />I get great joy out of being a messenger!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-73201145330545647472009-03-20T22:37:00.002-05:002009-03-20T22:40:34.621-05:00Which are you?I ran across <a href="http://www.dailycupoftech.com/2009/03/19/most-it-makes-things-more-difficult-than-it-has-to-be/">this</a> on <a href="http://www.dailycupoftech.com">Daily Cup of Tech</a>. I thought it was great. Which one represents how easy you make it for the people in your life that you serve (your customers, your spouse, your children, etc.)?<br /><br /><img src="http://www.dailycupoftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/simplicity.png" />Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-5131253559680863032009-02-26T22:31:00.002-06:002009-02-26T22:35:16.542-06:00I love Google Reader...Except One GlitchI use Google Reader as my RSS feed reader. I love everything about the little app except for one glitch:<br /><br />If I open a feed in a new window in Firefox (to view the graphics in the feed or for whatever reason), once I return to Google Reader and use the keyboard shortcut to move to the next feed in the list and the enter key to expand it's panel, it opens the previously viewed feed in another Firefox tab.<br /><br />Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me? I'd love to know! I'd love for the folks at Google to fix the bug!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-34797533955717062932009-02-15T11:12:00.003-06:002009-02-15T11:14:30.263-06:00Lance Armstrong's Time Trial Bike StolenI just heard from Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) via Twitter that someone broke into their truck at the Tour of California last night and stole his time trial bike. Here is a picture of it: http://twitpic.com/1i8t1<br /><br />It's the only one like it in the world, so it's not going to get very far...but if you happen to be in California and you happen to read this, turn the bad guys in and get yourself a reward!<br /><br />Good luck Lance!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-31837862283413419402009-02-09T12:44:00.003-06:002009-02-09T12:48:35.522-06:00Remembering BlissI hate that feeling that you get when you know there's something that you need to do, but you can't remember what it is that needs to be done. It's nearly as bad as when you were going to say something to somebody, but as soon as you're in front of them, you can't remember what it was you were going to tell them.<br /><br />I do, however, love the inverse of that forgetfulness. That moment when it comes to you...when you remember what it was that you forgot. It's a little bitty moment of bliss. It's almost worth forgetting something, just so you can have that brief moment of remembering bliss.<br /><br />I think I'm going to throw away my PDA and my task list, just so I can have those moments over and over again all day long! OK...just joking...let's not get carried away here.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-9368998369266674752009-02-09T09:12:00.003-06:002009-02-09T09:18:16.270-06:00Good ArtI'm a big fan of really, really good art. I think it honors our Creator - the original artist.<br /><br />Watching the Grammy's last night, I saw some good art (like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSWtHxXTh48">this</a>, and <a href="http://tinyurl.com/all7wp">this</a>). <br /><br />Some dismiss good art because the message that the art is bringing doesn't match up with their beliefs. I'm conflicted on this issue. Is it possible to appreciate, even embrace, the art while not necessarily endorsing the message? Or, do we have to throw the baby out with the bathwater?<br /><br />Is it possible for God to redeem bad messages in beautiful art?<br /><br />I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. If you know of any really, really good art - send it my way!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-64188054113864045312008-12-25T10:07:00.003-06:002008-12-25T10:16:45.680-06:00Christmas Time GoodnessHere is a short video of Trip on his new skate board. He wanted me to post it so Logan Michalski can see it.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwTvkiXwTkzMbVqrMoFX_nan9ZEE_jcG4EfTex41hnUdWPvRvDXP7mOQwvh1RniFs1nvvjETajWYF0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-14002887992056442782008-11-09T09:39:00.003-06:002008-11-09T09:42:16.187-06:00Top Ten Things I Love About The South10. People pulling over for a funeral procession.<br />9. The kid placing his hand over his heart while the funeral procession passes him.<br />8. The tow truck driver turned Baptist preacher.<br />7. Sweet Tea (no, I mean real sweet tea)<br />6. A lifelong friend who drove 1.5 hours to surprise us at the funeral...just because he couldn't stand the thought of us being only 1.5 hours away and not seeing us.<br />5. Everyone saying the word "y'all" <br />4. Perfect strangers saying "hi" to you when you walk through the mall instead of intentionally looking the other way.<br />3. College football (it's just not the same in other parts of the world as it is in the deep south).<br />2. The vacancy left all throughout town on Sunday morning because everyone has gone to church.<br />1. Someone titled "aunt" or "uncle" or "cousin" is more than just a relative. They're truly family. Often as close as mom or dad or brother or sister. Family is just different in the south.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-86496067429806674732008-09-29T20:34:00.003-05:002008-09-29T20:44:30.372-05:00My Name Is Chuck And I Approved This MessageIf I had anyone better to vote for, I'd vote against John McCain for no other reason than it was <span style="font-style: italic;">his</span> Campaign Finance Reform Bill started requiring the phrase, "My name is ... and I approved this message."<br /><br />Anyone else out there sick of hearing that phrase?<br /><br />Did he think he was doing us a favor? <br /><br />[caution: sarcasm ahead]<br /><br />Hey John...all those ads that were out there supporting a campaign...I wasn't really sure if they were approved by the candidate or not. That phrase really cleared it up for me! Whew, we're much better off now!<br /><br />[end sarcasm]<br /><br />Unfortunately, there's nobody else out there that's better to vote for. The other option is a non-option. Too bad Palin is the VP candidate and not at the top of the ticket.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-27149502507116753642008-09-16T06:48:00.003-05:002008-09-16T06:52:34.282-05:00Pray<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SM-d-P5ncDI/AAAAAAAAAEU/5BUNX8g41uU/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SM-d-P5ncDI/AAAAAAAAAEU/5BUNX8g41uU/s200/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246585783655559218" border="0" /></a><br />There's an artist named Kendall Payne who sang at the Willow Creek Arts Conference this year. I've grown quite fond of her music. She has one song called "Pray" (bonus track on the Grown CD) that is one of the most thought provoking songs I've ever heard. I thought I'd share the lyrics with you:<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends<br />While the road we walk is difficult indeed<br />I couldn't not ask for more than what you've already been<br />Only that you would say these prayers for me<br />May your heart break enough that compassion enters in<br />May your strenght all be spent upon the weak<br />All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head<br />May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet<br />May you find every step to be harder than the last<br />So your character grows greater every stride<br />May your company be of human insignificance<br />May your weakness be your only source of pride<br />What you do unto others may it all be done to you<br />May you meet the One who made us<br />And see Him smile when life is through<br />May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be<br />And when you look upon the broken<br />May mercy show you what you could not see<br />May you never be sure of any plans you desire<br />But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you<br />May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire<br />May you fight with all your life for what is true<br />I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends<br />But what I wish is more than I could eever speak<br />As the way wanders on I'll long to see you once again<br />Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?<br />Oh, that you would pray for me</blockquote>Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-15170967334278743232008-08-18T20:58:00.005-05:002008-08-18T21:08:42.196-05:00OopsSomeone (that shall remain nameless, to protect the innocent) backed into our new van tonight.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236042488479315298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xPlwiRS6nfI/SKoo5sqpdWI/AAAAAAAAAEM/hhIVsKjo80w/s200/van.jpg" border="0" />Just goes to show you (or, rather, me) that you (I) have to hold on to physical posessions with a loose grip. As soon as you get too attached, smash!</p><p>Amy has the right attitude: "It's only a car. Who cares?"<br /></p>Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-87517882192607874012008-08-18T20:52:00.004-05:002008-08-18T21:09:02.468-05:00OlympicsI thought i'd seen it all...until tonight. More on that in a moment.<br /><br />First, props to the dude who came up with the Beijing Opening Ceremonies! It was phenominal!<br /><br />Second, go Mike Phelps! You da man! Right up there with Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong.<br /><br />Third, what the heck is Olympic Trampoline Jumping? I saw it tonight. I'm not so sure that NBC isn't trying to pull the biggest prank in human history over on us! Seriously, I could've qualified for this sport (and I use that term very loosely) when I was six jumping on my cousin's backyard trampoline! Why didn't anyone tell me about it?<br /><br />It's actually quite absurd, IMHO. Olympic trampoline jumping, sheesh! What's next, cheerleading as an Olympic sport (again, using that term very loosely)?<br /><br />ps: sorry in advance, Hannah!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-56352581728675778242008-08-05T17:07:00.000-05:002008-08-05T17:07:01.092-05:00Great MarketingI meant to post on an experience I had several weeks (heck, it might've been several months) ago. Kyle Bradley and I eat at Moe's (Southwestern Grill) nearly every Monday. We call it Moe's Monday. It started out of our love for the Chicken Club Quesadilla, but now we go partly out of a desire to build a relationship with people who work there...for future ministry opportunities.<br /><br />Aside: I hate it when people use "ministry" to try to legitimize illegitimate things they're doing...so I really do go there with the intention to do ministry. A side effect is I get to eat some good grub.<br /><br />Kyle and I have gotten to the point to where several employees know us by name. One of the assistant managers recently gave us a free meal there (actually, she punched our buy 9 get one free tickets through to the "one free" even though we were only actually on punch # 7). When we tried to resist and let her know that we weren't regulars there to get free food, she said something to the effect of, "no...you guys are two of our best customers...this one's on the house."<br /><br />The point of this story is that, in a day of lost customer service, this was a great move. It cost the company very little. It made us feel very special. It built loyalty. It shows that someone cares. It certainly wasn't necessary in order for them to keep our business. But it made a difference. Way to go, Moe's!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-6607663507091219842008-07-30T18:08:00.002-05:002008-07-30T18:14:03.426-05:00Your Call Might Be Recorded...It drives me nuts when I call in to a company for customer service and they say, "Your call might be recorded for quality assurance purposes," when we all know that what they really should say is, "Your call might be recorded so that our butts are covered should a future issue arise."<br /><br />And while I'm on the subject, why is it that when you call in to a company that they ask you to enter your account number or phone number 3 or 4 times before you can speak to anyone, then the first thing the representative asks you is for that number again?!?<br /><br />We're a highly civilized country with marvelous technology. You'd think that we'd be able to figure this one out!<br /><br />Sorry...I'm just in a lousy mood tonight I guess. Having to call in month after month and sit on the phone for a half hour with some idiot just to get your bill adjusted will do that to a person!Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-12363608538581649912008-07-29T08:07:00.000-05:002008-07-29T08:07:00.823-05:00It Never FailsIt never fails...<br /><br />Make a <a href="http://scogginssaga.blogspot.com/2008/07/seriously-minivan.html">large purchase</a> and something expensive will need a repair. We were sweating to the oldies (not literally) Sunday night when our air conditioner was only spitting out luke warm air. My wallet is a little lighter, but at least it's nice and chilly in the house again.<br /><br />As I was watching the Welsh Heating & Air guy pull out of the driveway, I was asking myself, "What if we couldn't afford to repair the air conditioner?" There are people all over the world who live in extreme heat without air conditioning. Could I do it?<br /><br />Now, I'm not one of these people who feels guilty because I was blessed to be born in the wealthiest country on the planet...but I was literally wondering if I could make it for a full summer without air conditioning. Or, am I so spoiled that it would cause me problems (mental, emotionally, physically or otherwise).<br /><br />It was an interesting moment for me...not because I was thinking about the plight of others in the world, but rather because I felt like I was having a real, authentic conversation with myself that I think a lot of people in my condition don't have the courage to have.<br /><br />I seriously don't know how I would do without air conditioning. I'd like to think I'd be able to cope, and even excel, but it was pretty taxing on me Sunday night in my hot house. I'm not so bold as to automatically think, "I'd be fine."<br /><br />The one thing I do hold on to is <strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=54&chapter=12&verse=9&version=31&context=verse">2 Corinthians 12:9</a></strong><br />But he said to me, "My <b>grace</b> <b>is</b> <b>sufficient</b> for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."<br /><br />Do you have the courage to have an authentic conversation with yourself? It's sort-of liberating.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-58000458354769293372008-07-28T21:03:00.002-05:002008-07-28T21:49:15.390-05:00This One's For HannahEvidently some people get frustrated when you don't post regularly to your blog. Hannah, this one's for you.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37512668.post-91791214463103052362008-06-09T07:05:00.001-05:002008-06-09T07:05:06.071-05:00Doughnuts & FriendsI ate a doughnut at church this morning. A plain glazed doughnut. It didn't taste plain. It tasted like a maple iced doughnut. It didn't have any maple icing on it. It wasn't even sitting close to a maple iced doughnut on the tray that I got it from. I'm assuming it was in the box with a maple one at some point and that taste just stayed with it. I don't really care for maple iced doughnuts.<p>For some reason that got me to thinking about the environement that we allow ourselves to be surrounded by and how that impacts the quality and direction of our lives. Our friends. Our workplaces. Our hang-out spots. The people we date. The books we read. The movies we watch. Music. Food. Etc. Etc. Etc.<p>Seems to me that whatever we immerse ourselves in - in nearly every aspect of life - will leave a residual taste on us for a long time...even when we're no longer in that box...even when we're out on the silver platter looking all good and yummy.<p>Just something to think about.Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701017306705482902noreply@blogger.com0