Looking for Life Lessons

The Road We Travel

2012-01-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

In "The Message" Bible, Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says this:
"So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life."

My plans get in the way of what God is doing. It's blunt but true! Sometimes my life would have the verse above saying "follow the road that David thinks is best". Can you relate?

Most of us struggle with following the road that God has for us. It may me riches, but likely it means average income or being poor. His road could have suffering and hurt from those around us...probably lots of that. Success in our work??? Ha, there is no guaruntee of that for anyone!

Today, for me and you, submit to the road that God has laid out for you. Regardless of who you feel about where you are, the fact remains...that's where you are! Will you allow God to move you each day? Will you allow Him to be more directly involved in what you are doing?

Enjoy the trip my friends. The best road is the one that God has, it comes with the most support!

Trying something new in prayer

2012-01-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

I am trying something new as a tool to help me stay organized when I pray! At first I tried an "app" for my phone but I didn't like who it operated so I kept looking. I found echoprayer.com.

This simple website allows you to write out the prayers that you wish to offer and follow. You can have the site email or text you the reminders in 5 minute increments.

I have it text me early in the day the recurring specific themes that I want to pray about and then I have it text me random prayer requests in the afternoon. My hope is to "pray continually". Hope this is helpful or comment back on your prayer tools.

God bless your day!

Truth in Advertising

2011-11-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Driving through Boulder City, NV recently I passed this trailer. While it's diffiult to read, if you focus on the trailer door you will see this phrase. "Veteran needs beer, gas and ammo $". Truthful statement!

You will also notice the Wood Canes and Carvings for $1 so this is not panhandling. This veteran is working to support himself/herself. I just loved the sign.

Also, the trailer is actually a flatbed trailer that they have mounted this truck-bed camper on it and now it's Travel Trailer...AWESOME!

Keep your eyes open on the road, who knows what you will see!

We will do it ourselves

2011-10-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Reading in "Money" magazine November 2011 edition, I found an article regarding how the economy has changed people. It's a great read!

It covers surveys in 2009 and 2011 regarding how the economy has affected families. There is a glaring result that caught my attention. The data suggests that in most households 2011 is better than 2009 and the future looks better for them. HOWEVER, it's definetly not because of the actions of the government.

It seems clear that families have lowered their debt, began saving more money and live a simpler life enjoying time with family more than ever! The government solution and/or economy does not look better yet they are optimistic because THEY ARE DOING IT THEMSELVES.

Sounds like the Country that I know and love. Join the rest and take control, don't wait for someone else to help!

Taking time to listen and learn

2011-10-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

I was reminded recently about the power of listening and learning. I was doing some welding at a friends house. I have done this many times before and always with a long sleeve shirt. On the day in question, I wore a sleeveless shirt.

My friend said "you are going to get burnt, you better put on a long sleeve shirt", I responded by saying that I would change if I got burnt. I was talking about slag from the welding landing on my skin and burning me, he was talking about "sunburn" from the welder.

Have you ever done something like this? He and I even used the same word: burnt, but we meant different things from it. 5 days later my arm is peeling like crazy because I fried it. All this could have been avoided if I would have taken a few extra moments to clarify what he meant vs. what I meant.

Next time I weld, it's long sleeves for me, but I had to pay a price when someone who knew better was helping me and I did not understand!

Social norms...shattered!

2011-10-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

Just before church on Sunday morning last weekend, I ran to the bathroom. First, let me give some context. Men have this unwritten rule that you really don't speak to other men in the bathroom. Perhaps this goes back ages to our early ancestors, or perhaps just to modern America, but that's the RULE!

So, there I was standing at the urinal and this young man approached and said hello to gentlemen next to me and then said "Hello sir" to me! I would guess his age to be about mid 30's and he appears to have mild "Down Syndrome" or something similar. I responded back and then began to think about what just happened.

To be honest, I was moved by this young man who saw a friend and said hello, then not wanting to be unfriendly, he spoke to me. FORGET THE RULES, he was being better than the rules.

I hope I can grow up and ignore stupid societal rules in order to care for people. Don't you???

Juvenile Leadership

2011-08-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

All this talk about Debt Talks, US economy and a lot more has me fired up these days!

It hit a peak this morning when I was hearing news reports of the White House making excuses! Now before you get mad at me for picking on the White House or the President, I am making a point of Leadership. The Administration is the best example today, but I have heard the same things from all parts of the political landscape.

So, back to the excuses. When I hear statements like, "there was massive spending before we took office" or "we are fighting 2 wars", I get frustrated because these facts were known before President Obama was elected or his staff selected to serve in the White House.

Jim Rome (Sports Radio Icon) used to say "Scoreboard". Like it or not President Obama and White House staff, you CANNOT make excuses any longer! The Scoreboard says that you are loosing and no amount of words will change that. It's time for different action and some ownership of your actions since you took office.

The task at hand is massive, but we Americans believe that it can and will be done. This economy will turn around. People will go back to work and you can be part of the solution or we will suffer through until you are done and elect someone else who has the courage to Lead America!

Unexpected

2011-06-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Chris gave a short talk this morning during a meeting about how God has worked in the Bible. Typically, He used unexpected means or people to accomplish great things.

Do we like the unexpected? NO, most of the time we don't because we see the unexpected as "out of our control". So, here is the line that Chris used to sum it up.

If we know that God works in unexpected ways and we learn to expect that to be true, then the unexpected becomes expected! Chew on that for a while and good luck today looking for God to send you something unexpected...it's always good in the end!!!!

I love you all.

Long term friendships

2011-05-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

My wife has a friend who came up to Prescott for a visit. There were nearly inseparable during their early years. They met in the church nursery and she has remained in our lives ever since. As we have moved around during our married life, Lori and Kari have not seen each other nearly as much, but regard each other like "best friends".

While they have not spoken as much as times past, it was fun to see them together this weekend. The amazing thing about friends like Lori and Kari, is they can pick up where they last left off. There is no drama or pretense. Neither holds the other responsible for the amount of communication they have before getting together.

Value those who play this role in your life. Soak in the times when you can be together and don't worry about the times that you are apart! Good friends are hard to find sometimes, so make the most of the time you have with them!

2012 Budget discussion

2011-04-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

You may not be interested in the politics of budgets for America, but I want to suggest that you should become engaged in the conversation. I watched this interview with Chris Wallace and Rep. Paul Ryan. It's a good discussion about the direction we are headed in our American spending.

I, for one, am glad that the future is being discussed BEFORE it can become reality. Perhaps we can all agree to ask Washington to payoff the debt, just like we have to do in our homes, counties and states.

Watch the interview here.

Reading George W. Bush Book

2011-04-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

I am a few chapters into the book Decision Points by George W. Bush.

It's a interesting look into the beginning's of Bush's life and it's fascinating. One thing stuck out to me, a few days after his father lost the White House to Clinton, "W" ran a marathon in 3:44. That's 28 minutes faster than I ran a marathon. That is a remarkable accomplishment.

You will enjoy his direct nature and honest assessment of his decisions. I have tons of respect for someone who has a standard and sticks by it, plus if they make a mistake, they admit it, apologize and move on!

Capable of much more

2011-03-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended my 6 year-old's school program. He attends Washington School and it's a cool old brick school dating back over 100 years! This program was a patriotic celebration of our country. These kindergarten children learned the many famous songs and documents about our freedom as Americans. One little girl named all 50 states, another boy recited the preamble of the Declaration of Independence and my son spoke the preamble of the Constitution.

When he was assigned this difficult task, I didn't know what to think. "Domestic Tranquility" is not an easy phrase to pronounce or remember. I was amazed. All these children learned a tremendous amount, but why is that so amazing. CLEARLY THEY WERE CAPABLE OF MORE THAN I THOUGHT!

What about you and me? Has someone told us that "it can't be done" so we believe them? Do we just not try because we don't think it's possible? Perhaps we need to examine the messages we believe. Can a 40 year old run a marathon? Yes!!! It's hard work, but it can be done.

Be encouraged and rethink what you believe! Blessings today on you!

I work here because...

2011-03-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

I have spent my entire adult life working with young people. 12 years I worked as a Youth Pastor and the last 9+ have been working at a youth camp. Why? That's a great question. Can you answer that for yourself?

Why do you work where you work? Sometimes, we work because we have commitments to keep and ANY job will do to meet those demands. This is a tough place because we sacrifice our passion at work to attain something we value more.

For me, I have chosen a long time ago to work in ministries with kids. This is not lucrative, but that's not the point. I want to see kids benefit as I did from my youth pastor, Don Kluttz. Currently I work at this amazing camp BECAUSE kids and adults make life-altering decisions at this camp and many like it across our world.

Today, I hope you take a few moments and consider the purpose of your work. Perhaps you reaffirm your commitment to care for your family and work outside of your passion area because you love others. Perhaps you reaffirm your work in you favorite area even though it does not pay what you would like.

Meeting people

2011-03-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a great book on Marketing & Sales. It's called We: The Ideal Customer Relationship

There are many great parts to the book and it's a very pracitcal guide to Sales, etc, however, the best part for me was the section relating to "encounters". The author, Steve Yastrow, develops the idea about how we meet people. He goes to great length to discuss 1) preparing ourselves to meet and listen and talk with people. 2) He challenges me to "leave the moment" behind that I was just in, and take time to prepare for the next moment (meeting someone).

There is so much more, so read the book, but it begs this question for me. Do I take the time to PREPARE to meet people? Do I take time to PREPARE to listen to my spouse, children and those I contact everyday? Do I PREPARE for those I meet regarding work or is it just a job and they are just customers????

Hope we all learn to value people more!

Amazing Journey

2011-02-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

I have been watching a documentary of two men riding motorcycles from London to New York the long way (20k miles). It's a fascinating look into life all across the world as they encounter people and landscape not often seen in America.

While it's just a movie, these actors are just men riding motorcycles and telling the real story as they go. It's full of up's and down's, triumph and defeat. It's a lot like life. They spent 4 1/2 months preparing and 3 1/2 months on the trip (105 days). I will warn you that's it's long film, but you will be captivated. Also, there is some language at times that my be offensive to some.

If you watch it, consider how their preparation could help you be more successful in your endeavors.

The life I live

2011-02-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me often lately that much of my language is self-centered. "I will..." and "My..." blah blah! It comes because I have been trained to take responsibility for myself (I think we should be responsible), but that breeds a dependance on Self!

My simple challenge is to see my life as "on loan". Afterall this is the life I was given. I did not earn it, I don't desrve it anymore than someone else. These are simply the circumstances that I find myself in. With that in mind, I am going to strive to see this life not as MINE, but as a LIFE ON LOAN, and what am I doing with it! Perhaps a little less Self will be a good thing. I think Jesus likes it when we give away what is not ours to gain something we don't deserve.

Room at the Top

2011-01-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

During church service yesterday I was mentally "derailed" by the lyrics to a song. It was a new song for me, so I don't know the lyrics exactly, but they were something like this, "you are the only thing..."

While I don't remember the lyrics, what I remember is thinking that God is NOT the only thing that I think of. During this time of the year people all over the world are evaluating their priorities for 2011. They are trying to make progress in many different areas so they accomplish their goals. Having goals like this are good, however, for me, I am going to try a different approach.

Since there is ONLY ROOM FOR ONE at the top of my life, I am going to try keeping that spot for Jesus and let all the other priorities find their way into the other spots. The way I see it, you really can serve ONE at the top. You may choose to reserve the spot at the top for Jesus, if not, who or what is at the top? There is only room for ONE!

GPS Watch, finally got one

2010-12-29T16:45:00.003-07:00

I have wanted a GPS watch for a long time and finally purchased one with Christmas gift money. Check out this price on the Garmin 405! Amazon.com comes through again!

Personal service continues the story

2010-12-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Below is the coorespondence that I had with Dish Network. I am reminded as I do my work, that personal touch is vital. Not just in relationships, but in business as well.

Probably my biggest issue with Dish Network was my treatment. I am more than just a call on a switchboard or an annoying email. I am a customer, YOUR customer and I deserve to be treated as such. Without people like me you don't have a business.

However, Brian came through by answering my questions personally and offering his apologies for his company. That is huge. If Dish Network continues with this type of work with customers, then I think they have a long and prosperous future. I look forward to working with them again someday!

Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 12:50 PM
To: CEO
Subject: Follow up regarding Customer Service

Charlie and Company,

I have been a Dish Network customer since 1/02. We have paid on time and been a reliable customer for the service we received.

A few weeks ago, I began thinking about lowering our monthly bills. I could cut service, but did not want to do that, so I began looking at offers from Dish Network and even considered jumping to Directv. My preference was to stay with your company.

I wrote an email to customer service about offers for existing customers. I had hoped that I would be dealt with Personally, but clearly it was "copy and paste" response in the reply email. The link they sent did not work.

I submitted this to you via the "Charlie Chat" website. I also replied to the customer service representative.

In addition, I posted on Facebook, twitter (including @Dishnetwork) in my tweet and blogged about my issues. These three were all attempts to see if Dish Network is paying attention to customers. No reply on any of these channels.

After 3 weeks, we decided to drop Dish Network because of the poor service.

Perhaps I have been labeled a "bad customer" or something, but the follow-up call to get me back was bad. The caller sounded mad at me.

Your company wants the equipment back, Okay, but then I get an email stating that I will be charged $15/box to send back the DVR & LNB. Plus two additional emails and a phone call stating that I will be charged for the equipment if I don't get it back.

I am speechless. I have never been treated in such a hostile way! In my work I oversee Sales, Marketing and Fund Raising for a non-profit church camp, so I know customer service. Perhaps my expectations are too high, but I would hope that Dish Network would try to do a better job in taking care of customers.

In my opinion, this could have gone a completely different way. Dish Network had a chance to keep my business with a more dignified approach and even turn me into a huge fan helping to promote Dish Network.

I am not looking for anything other than an opportunity to tell you my story so that others might not have this experience. I would be happy to write or speak to you over any of these issues if that would be helpful.

twitter id: coyneop
blog: coyneop.blogspot.com

Acct #:

Here is Dish Network's response:

Good morning,

Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns and frustrations with your attempt to stay with us here at DISH Network.

Let me start with thanking you for all of the years that you were with us; I truly wish I had been involved with your attempts to stay here.

In just the past 2 weeks we have started a new team that is trying to keep up with internet chatter, tweets, blogs…etc…..Hopefully we will see a dramatic improvement in response to these forms of communication.

The phone calls regarding return of equipment are in no way singling you out from any other customer, when a customer disconnects service our system gives them 30 days to return equipment. If it is not received by then the value of this equipment is charged to their account and most of the time it is debited from the credit/debit card used to originally secure the account.

The calls are intended to assist with making sure this equipment is returned not overlooked and then creating a much more unpleasant experience.

The $15.00 return label fee is a new initiative from this year, disconnecting customer are supplied with a prepaid label to return equipment, if they use it $15.00 is charged to the end balance of their closed account.

I am going to issue a credit to cover this charge for you, if you don’t mind letting me know when you have dropped off the receiver at UPS I can watch and make sure it is removed from the account.

Last, you currently have a credit balance on your account of $26.13, I am issuing a refund for that right now, and you should see this in the next 2-3 business days.

Again thank you for all of the business, you guys were fantastic customers, I just wish we had reacted better to your attempts to stay.

Please keep my information, let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

Brian Martinez

Executive Communications

Dish Network L.L.C.

Here is how Dish Network finished our relationship

2010-12-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

After 9 years of paying on time and seeing the best programs go to new customers, here is what happened at the end.

Objective 1: I wanted to lower our bill and not loose programming if possible.
Objective 2: Keep the relationship with DishNetwork
Objective 3: Perhaps upgrade to Hi Def TV in the process

I wrote in to Dish Network an email asking these questions. Instead of treating me like a customer, I was treated like a "number" and was given a link to see if we qualify for any discounts. THE LINK WAS WRONG.

I then sent that information to Charlie (CEO of DishNetwork) and heard nothing for 3 weeks.

I then contacted Directv and made other arrangements which covered our objectives except #2. When I wrote in to cancel Dish Network, it was really nothing to them to loose me. They did not act like it mattered. Even the follow-up phone call a few days later indicated the same.

Lastly, I received an email saying that I have to return the equipment AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT'S RETURN! Wow...I cannot think of poorer customer service. We spent of $5,000 in the last 9 years and your company can't pay for the return of your equipment.

It's a wonder that you can stay in business. I do customer service as part of my work. I would loose my job if I did what you did! Hope you read this, which you probably don't. I even posted on Twitter and Facebook to see if you have anyone looking. Probably not since on one commented.

How to treat people well!

2010-12-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

I was in Starbucks in Tucson on Tuesday morning. One of the ladies working there was busy making drinks and talking with people. It was fun to watch as she called those that she knew by name. She would ask a question that was more than small talk. "How is your son?" for example, and she was asked about how she was doing (pregnant) by another lady.

I sat in the corner drinking coffee and checking email while this lady conducted a church service right there. She was listening, engaging people, laughing with them and talking about real issues. It was a great reminder to me!

If we REALLY CARE about people, then an outsider (like myself) can see it unfold! If the Church REALLY CARES about people, then outsiders will love to watch and become involved because in that place, you are really important. Your story, your life and the things you value are heard and responded to!

I recommit to treat people like the Starbucks lady, how about you?

How do you treat a long time customer?

2010-11-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about changing our television provider. Currently we use Dish Network and it has been a good experience. We have been good customers since January 2002.

My story begins with me desiring to lower our monthly bills. I could cut programming, cut TV outright or shop for other providers. I thought about it all.

Directv would save us just under $450 over the next 2 years, and they would upgrade me to HD. If I was paying for Dish Network with HD it would save me $696 over the next 2 years. Before I jump ship to another provider or cut our programming down, I thought it would be best to allow Dish Network to make an offer to keep my business.

Seems sad that loyalty is not valued by pricing. If you don't belong to the "club" then you are not valued financially. What do you think they will do?

The real problem behind our economy

2010-11-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to Money magazine and in the most recent issue is an article that I want to recommend.

What I like is that the article is how simple Raghuram Rajan lays out his thoughts regarding Income Inequality. As a blogger who desires to gather lessons from life and communicate them, here is a great example.

We often treat the "symptoms" rather than the "disease". Perhaps it's time that we Americans evaluate what is important, how we want to get there and take a long term view of our future success and/or failure. One this is very clear, it's time to make some decisions, no matter how difficult they may be!

Who you are vs. What you do

2010-11-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Listening on Kilmeade and Friends this morning I heard part of an interview. The man being interviewed was asked about body scanners, pat-down searches and screening. His statement was very profound, basically he said, "America searches for what people carry, other countries search for WHO PEOPLE ARE".

Yes, it's called profiling, but if we don't pay attention to the tendencies of people then we will always be "reacting" after an incident. I find it odd to object to this type of planning, forethought or profiling if you will. It does not mean that someone is guilty, it just raises flags to say, "we should inquire more".

I remember flying one-way from Fresno to Phoenix years ago. I was given extract scrutiny. Was that offensive? NO. I hope that we are smart enough to have markers that help determine, not if someone is carrying something, but do they desire to harm the USA or American people.

Is it offensive to acknowledge that 30% of those who have been sexually abused will abuse other people? I hope it's not offensive, but as a camp director, I have to know these tendencies as we hire staff to work with kids. Knowing this information helps ask appropriate questions.

The greatest issue is "Who are these people?". If I know WHO YOU ARE, I can better determine what you are capable of doing. Fail to understand this and you will be cleaning up devasted lives and much more!

Verbal traditions

2010-11-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is a flight instructor (Tye). He has recently returned to a former job teaching young people to fly. Currently he is going through the re-certification process with a concept called "Check Ride". Basically a pilot with greater certification watches you operate the aircraft and "Checks" that you can do it correctly.

This reminds of the the verbal tradition of stories. I was discussing with Jordan his birth as we drove by the Hospital where he was born. I was telling him about how special he was and how we felt that day. I want to make sure my kids, my wife and friends know the stories and can retell them for the future.

This is the way that Jesus set up the Gospel to spread and the way that we can more intimately share life with those around us. Consider a "check ride" for you stories of family and life. You will not be disappointed.