I have been looking to buy a small pickup to drive. For practical reasons ... fuel mileage, less money tied up in a vehicle, and to haul stuff (my tools and dirt/bark for my yard). I love my Bronco but it is not practical for this time in my life. It only gets about 11-13 miles to the gallon and I can't haul much with it. I am hoping to get about $7500 for it so that money will also be used somewhere else more effectively.
With my new job (home construction) starting this week I have been looking hard for the last week and have found that even used trucks (with many miles) cost a lot. Ideally I would like a 4x4 with four doors to carry my family but they cost too much and most get very bad mileage.
So I went very practical ... 1990 Toyota. Its old with lots of miles, but the lady, who bought it new, has taken very good care of it. She started out asking $4000 (CRAIGSLIST) which was way too much, when I looked at it the first time she was asking $3500 but Kelley Blue Book valued it much lower, which I let her know. Today I went back after looking all weekend at other trucks and offered her $2100, she took it and I have a pickup. I spent the evening detailing it and it looks pretty good. I had a 1986 much like it back in the day. This one is nicer than the one I had before.
On a totally different note ... who will be our next President? It seems the national media is focusing on the Democratic Nominees (Obama and Clinton) but I really could care less about them liberals. A friend of mine is promoting Ron Paul on his MySpace so I took a look at www.myspace.com/ronpaul2008. I will have to do some more research, but he has some good things to say in the May06 video clips. Fewer taxes, less war, less government, etc.
Maybe RON PAUL 2008????
May 16, 2007
May 4, 2007
The Journey – Part five
During the past month and a half I have continued to seek new positions and careers all the while continuing to study the stock market and doing a little trading of stocks and stock options.
Not that I am making much money in these trades, it is mostly the gaining of experience by trading small amounts. Overall I am up a few percentage points but not enough yet to risk more of our money. As my system of trading improves I will be able to invest more and potentially make more.
Some professions I have sought out more information and eliminated as possibilities are … Farmers Insurance Agent and Edward Jones Financial Planner/Stockbroker. Both of these professions are very much sales positions and require hours and hours on the phone selling, selling, selling. Edward Jones has been named on of the top companies in America to work for. However, making 25 contacts a day and 125 a week seems like too much pressure to me. The Edward Jones rep on River Road has a goal of bringing in $1 million dollars of new investments every month, that seems like a crazy amount of work to me. Unless he is fortunate enough to have several very rich clients.
Some opportunities I am still pursuing …
1. I have started classes to become a Real Estate Appraiser. Classes are on Fridays and Saturdays in Portland. I will be done with the basic classes to be qualified to be an Assistant Appraiser June 16th. To become an Appraiser I must be an Assistant for 2000 hours (a little more than a year of work). It might be a challenge to find someone to take me on as an Assistant, but that is what I am working toward.
2. This past week I heard from the Roseburg Post Office. They sent me a letter inviting me to take the postal exam down there on May 16th. To leave that “door” open I will take the opportunity. The positions that are open are only part-time positions as relief drivers. Driving routes on other people’s day off and such.
3. I plan on starting work in home construction with some friends Tuesday. They have a real estate development business in the Eugene/Springfield area.
Not that I am making much money in these trades, it is mostly the gaining of experience by trading small amounts. Overall I am up a few percentage points but not enough yet to risk more of our money. As my system of trading improves I will be able to invest more and potentially make more.
Some professions I have sought out more information and eliminated as possibilities are … Farmers Insurance Agent and Edward Jones Financial Planner/Stockbroker. Both of these professions are very much sales positions and require hours and hours on the phone selling, selling, selling. Edward Jones has been named on of the top companies in America to work for. However, making 25 contacts a day and 125 a week seems like too much pressure to me. The Edward Jones rep on River Road has a goal of bringing in $1 million dollars of new investments every month, that seems like a crazy amount of work to me. Unless he is fortunate enough to have several very rich clients.
Some opportunities I am still pursuing …
1. I have started classes to become a Real Estate Appraiser. Classes are on Fridays and Saturdays in Portland. I will be done with the basic classes to be qualified to be an Assistant Appraiser June 16th. To become an Appraiser I must be an Assistant for 2000 hours (a little more than a year of work). It might be a challenge to find someone to take me on as an Assistant, but that is what I am working toward.
2. This past week I heard from the Roseburg Post Office. They sent me a letter inviting me to take the postal exam down there on May 16th. To leave that “door” open I will take the opportunity. The positions that are open are only part-time positions as relief drivers. Driving routes on other people’s day off and such.
3. I plan on starting work in home construction with some friends Tuesday. They have a real estate development business in the Eugene/Springfield area.
Church Hopping
Churches …
We have been visiting churches since mid-January. I enjoy seeing my friends in the various churches around our area. We have also been to our parent’s churches more than once (Drain Church of Christ & Stone Creek Christian in Oregon City).
Our “church hopping” has been limited to Christian Churches/Churches of Christ because we are committed to the ideals of the Restoration Movement. The churches of this movement are not a denomination as there is no leadership tying the churches together with rules of belief. Even though I believe in the ideals of the movement I must admit none of the churches are perfect, but the simple ideals of teaching, preaching, and building our structure around the model of the New Testament churches is one I believe to be true. It is called the Restoration Movement because from the beginning these churches have had as a goal to restore the NT church structure and the spirit of the New Testament Apostles and Prophets.
Garden Way – we joined them the Sunday Santa Clara Church announced our dismissal. We figured it would have been awkward to be there to answer questions that we did not have answers to. Garden Way is a nice enough church, I like the guys on staff and I have a few friends there, it is much like SC, and it has great potential for the future. However, we don’t feel like it is the church for us right now.
Lorane – We felt this small church in the beautiful Lorane Valley was one of the most-friendly churches we have ever visited. The preacher’s wife grew up with Lori in Drain. We like them and enjoyed the less formal atmosphere of a country church; however, it is about a 40 minute drive for us. At about 30 minutes into the drive Lori said, “I’m done. I can’t go any further than this every week to church.” When the weather is nice this is one of my favorite places to go for a drive (or a bike ride!) but it’s not just about me.
This also pertains to our “church hopping” experiences … I really enjoy seeing my friends in the various churches and seeing what each church meeting is like; however, it is hard for the boys. They miss their Sunday School classes at SC (they had great teachers) and sitting through church is hard for 1 ½, 3, and 5 year old boys. They are getting better at this, so it has been good even though it has been hard for them. We often get comments from people at churches or restaurants about our boys being the best-behaved trio of boys they have seen. That is always good to hear because both Lori and I are sensitive to what others think of us and our boys.
Marcola – A friend from Bible college is an Elder there and he is married to another girl that Lori grew up with in Drain (she is sister to the minister’s wife in Lorane). This is another nice country church that I could see us being a part of if we lived it that area.
Norkenzie – surprisingly, I had never visited this church before. We enjoyed this church and still might go back. I did not realize Joe Powell is a part of this church. It was nice to see him; he made us feel welcome.
Sonrise – formerly known as Irving Christian Church. Probably the most interesting church we visited … not necessarily in a bad way. Talk about an old church, the average age of this church is probably 65 and their music style is from the 1940-50s. But they were friendly! They would obviously love our boys. If we choose this church our boys would instantly have a ½ dozen new grandparents. This church sits on some prime real estate, which in my opinion means they have tons of potential if they would think outside the box. Here is what I think … they have a cool old traditional church building (c.1900) that sits unused most of the time and they meet in a plain box room with pews in a newer building. The style of church meeting they have would lend itself to the meeting in the old building and converting the newer building to a community center with round tables instead of pews. They have a few acres of grass and a few trees right on the corner of NW Expressway and Irvington Dr. that would be a great place for soccer fields and maybe softball fields. The church is a small group that desires to grow and have young families join them, so in my opinion they should open up their building and land for community use. Give to the community and build relationships through serving them. This area is growing-houses and families all around; there is tons of potential if the church leaders will think outside the box (and simply changing a name is not thinking outside the box!).
Dayspring – I had not been interested in visiting this church and I am not sure why. But this Sunday we visited this church and I was surprised to find many people I knew and who have known me since I was a toddler. The Shields’, Hubbards’, Sales’, and another older couple all are a part of this church and they were all part of the Westside church when I was growing up. My brother and I grew up with the Shields’ and Hubbards’ girls. The church meeting was acceptable and we found the church building to be kept-up very nice. The actual auditorium lends itself to overly formal atmosphere but the meeting did not feel too formal.
Stone Creek, Drain, and Crossroads in Portland have also been visited but we can’t logically join those churches so I will refrain from any observations or judgments.
We have been visiting churches since mid-January. I enjoy seeing my friends in the various churches around our area. We have also been to our parent’s churches more than once (Drain Church of Christ & Stone Creek Christian in Oregon City).
Our “church hopping” has been limited to Christian Churches/Churches of Christ because we are committed to the ideals of the Restoration Movement. The churches of this movement are not a denomination as there is no leadership tying the churches together with rules of belief. Even though I believe in the ideals of the movement I must admit none of the churches are perfect, but the simple ideals of teaching, preaching, and building our structure around the model of the New Testament churches is one I believe to be true. It is called the Restoration Movement because from the beginning these churches have had as a goal to restore the NT church structure and the spirit of the New Testament Apostles and Prophets.
Garden Way – we joined them the Sunday Santa Clara Church announced our dismissal. We figured it would have been awkward to be there to answer questions that we did not have answers to. Garden Way is a nice enough church, I like the guys on staff and I have a few friends there, it is much like SC, and it has great potential for the future. However, we don’t feel like it is the church for us right now.
Lorane – We felt this small church in the beautiful Lorane Valley was one of the most-friendly churches we have ever visited. The preacher’s wife grew up with Lori in Drain. We like them and enjoyed the less formal atmosphere of a country church; however, it is about a 40 minute drive for us. At about 30 minutes into the drive Lori said, “I’m done. I can’t go any further than this every week to church.” When the weather is nice this is one of my favorite places to go for a drive (or a bike ride!) but it’s not just about me.
This also pertains to our “church hopping” experiences … I really enjoy seeing my friends in the various churches and seeing what each church meeting is like; however, it is hard for the boys. They miss their Sunday School classes at SC (they had great teachers) and sitting through church is hard for 1 ½, 3, and 5 year old boys. They are getting better at this, so it has been good even though it has been hard for them. We often get comments from people at churches or restaurants about our boys being the best-behaved trio of boys they have seen. That is always good to hear because both Lori and I are sensitive to what others think of us and our boys.
Marcola – A friend from Bible college is an Elder there and he is married to another girl that Lori grew up with in Drain (she is sister to the minister’s wife in Lorane). This is another nice country church that I could see us being a part of if we lived it that area.
Norkenzie – surprisingly, I had never visited this church before. We enjoyed this church and still might go back. I did not realize Joe Powell is a part of this church. It was nice to see him; he made us feel welcome.
Sonrise – formerly known as Irving Christian Church. Probably the most interesting church we visited … not necessarily in a bad way. Talk about an old church, the average age of this church is probably 65 and their music style is from the 1940-50s. But they were friendly! They would obviously love our boys. If we choose this church our boys would instantly have a ½ dozen new grandparents. This church sits on some prime real estate, which in my opinion means they have tons of potential if they would think outside the box. Here is what I think … they have a cool old traditional church building (c.1900) that sits unused most of the time and they meet in a plain box room with pews in a newer building. The style of church meeting they have would lend itself to the meeting in the old building and converting the newer building to a community center with round tables instead of pews. They have a few acres of grass and a few trees right on the corner of NW Expressway and Irvington Dr. that would be a great place for soccer fields and maybe softball fields. The church is a small group that desires to grow and have young families join them, so in my opinion they should open up their building and land for community use. Give to the community and build relationships through serving them. This area is growing-houses and families all around; there is tons of potential if the church leaders will think outside the box (and simply changing a name is not thinking outside the box!).
Dayspring – I had not been interested in visiting this church and I am not sure why. But this Sunday we visited this church and I was surprised to find many people I knew and who have known me since I was a toddler. The Shields’, Hubbards’, Sales’, and another older couple all are a part of this church and they were all part of the Westside church when I was growing up. My brother and I grew up with the Shields’ and Hubbards’ girls. The church meeting was acceptable and we found the church building to be kept-up very nice. The actual auditorium lends itself to overly formal atmosphere but the meeting did not feel too formal.
Stone Creek, Drain, and Crossroads in Portland have also been visited but we can’t logically join those churches so I will refrain from any observations or judgments.
Mar 24, 2007
We could go all the way ... GO DUCKS!
I have to admit, I did not realize how good Tajaun Porter is until the last couple weeks. I have never seen someone who was able to shoot a three so fast. And he is so quick, how do guard that? Amazing!
But that's not all ... the Ducks have had so many different players step up and have big games. Porter, Taylor, Brooks, and Hairston can all control games. Plus, Cantron had a big game tonight, too and Leunen is always right in the middle of everything, even shooting trays.
Sunday will the Gators be able to keep up?
Mar 21, 2007
The Journey – cuatro
Two doors shut this week. They were new opportunities that I thought might work into something good.
One was a General Manger position for a company that hires people to haul RVs from Oregon to dealerships across the US. The business is based in Dallas, OR. I was not really excited about the idea of being a GM, but I was at least hoping to meet with them and learn more about their business, because I am still looking into starting a Auto Transport business. So I was thinking they could be another business contact for me. However, when I called they immediately said all positions have been filled. I tried to ask some questions about their business, but that did not go too far. My father-in-law had called them a while back about another position and they where short with him too, I guess we wouldn’t want to work with them anyway.
The second opportunity I was getting excited for … We were at Lori’s folks house on Monday and Lori’s dad and I were looking at the classifieds on the Capital Press’s website. Well I noticed a ranch hand job that sounded a lot like what I had done before. The ranch is near Heppner, OR which is not too far from where my dad and step-mom live n Hermiston. So after talking with Lori, I updated my resume and typed up a cover letter to fax Tuesday. I got it off Tuesday afternoon. They called Tuesday evening saying they really liked my resume, but they just hired some else. I was a little bummed, but God is good and something else will work out.
Next week I am meeting with Lori’s cousin, who is a realtor, to talk about real estate investing. If I can figure out how to get financing and can find good houses to buy-fix-and flip then I would like to do that.
One was a General Manger position for a company that hires people to haul RVs from Oregon to dealerships across the US. The business is based in Dallas, OR. I was not really excited about the idea of being a GM, but I was at least hoping to meet with them and learn more about their business, because I am still looking into starting a Auto Transport business. So I was thinking they could be another business contact for me. However, when I called they immediately said all positions have been filled. I tried to ask some questions about their business, but that did not go too far. My father-in-law had called them a while back about another position and they where short with him too, I guess we wouldn’t want to work with them anyway.
The second opportunity I was getting excited for … We were at Lori’s folks house on Monday and Lori’s dad and I were looking at the classifieds on the Capital Press’s website. Well I noticed a ranch hand job that sounded a lot like what I had done before. The ranch is near Heppner, OR which is not too far from where my dad and step-mom live n Hermiston. So after talking with Lori, I updated my resume and typed up a cover letter to fax Tuesday. I got it off Tuesday afternoon. They called Tuesday evening saying they really liked my resume, but they just hired some else. I was a little bummed, but God is good and something else will work out.
Next week I am meeting with Lori’s cousin, who is a realtor, to talk about real estate investing. If I can figure out how to get financing and can find good houses to buy-fix-and flip then I would like to do that.
Mar 14, 2007
Pac-10 Champs!!! Bring on the Mad Dance!!!
If you didn't see the Championship game you missed out. What a work of art. Brilliance. Amazing team.
Bryce Taylor, wow, an almost perfect game. No missed shots! 32 points!
"Taylor made every shot he took and scored a career-high 32 points in a record-setting performance, and No. 16 Oregon routed Southern California 81-57 Saturday to win the Pac-10 tournament title.
Taylor went 11-for-11 from the field, 7-for-7 from 3-point range and 3-for-3 from the line before being removed with 6 1/2 minutes left and the Ducks ahead by 40 points.
``I used to be a lot more selfish in high school,'' said Taylor, a sophomore [junior] from nearby Encino. ``Then I realized if I put other people first, success will come back to me. That could have been anyone else. Today it was just my turn.''
Oregon coach Ernie Kent had finished praising Taylor's defensive job on USC star Nick Young, who was held to 10 points, when he heard Taylor had shot 100 percent." (www.goducks.com)
Tajuan Porter, Oregon's amazing shooting Freshman 5'6" guard, was named Pac-10 Tournament MVP.
What way to end the season going into the NCAA Tournament. Ending the season like it began, lets hope it continues during the Big Dance of March Madness!
Bryce Taylor, wow, an almost perfect game. No missed shots! 32 points!
"Taylor made every shot he took and scored a career-high 32 points in a record-setting performance, and No. 16 Oregon routed Southern California 81-57 Saturday to win the Pac-10 tournament title.
Taylor went 11-for-11 from the field, 7-for-7 from 3-point range and 3-for-3 from the line before being removed with 6 1/2 minutes left and the Ducks ahead by 40 points.
``I used to be a lot more selfish in high school,'' said Taylor, a sophomore [junior] from nearby Encino. ``Then I realized if I put other people first, success will come back to me. That could have been anyone else. Today it was just my turn.''
Oregon coach Ernie Kent had finished praising Taylor's defensive job on USC star Nick Young, who was held to 10 points, when he heard Taylor had shot 100 percent." (www.goducks.com)
Tajuan Porter, Oregon's amazing shooting Freshman 5'6" guard, was named Pac-10 Tournament MVP.
What way to end the season going into the NCAA Tournament. Ending the season like it began, lets hope it continues during the Big Dance of March Madness!
Mar 9, 2007
The Journey - Part Thrice
The Fish and Wildlife (F&W) Mountain Quail Technician job in Frenchglen did not work out. The Biologist called a couple nights ago to tell me that there were two applicants with prior experience with this type of work. I was qualified for the job because of my ranching (and other work) experience and he acknowledged that he felt that I would have done a good job but they had two others (and he said this wasn't typical) who had experience in this type of project. He suggested continuing to watch the F&W website for openings and that some of the Technician positions are permanent positions. After going back to their website, I noticed that there are two other summer positions (June-Sept) out of the Hines station. Did I say I really liked it over there? However, these type of summer jobs are probably in high demand for college students who are pursuing a degree in F&W Science.
I have signed up for Postal Battery Exam 460 for a position as a Rural Route Carrier Associate. This is not a "career position" but these carriers may be considered for career positions when they become available. These are the only positions advertised right now on the Oregon USPS site. I signed up for the Eugene test, but I will also look at opportunities with other towns, I am not sure whom to contact, but I will be looking into it further.
I am also looking at more long-term possibilities with the F&W and am considering finishing a degree in F&W Science. I have always enjoyed Biology and God's Creation. However, this brings up an interesting dilemma. My previous plan at finishing a "University Degree" was to finish what I started at UO, because I am a Duck. In fact I still own a website titled "DUCKBUS.COM". I already did the paperwork to re-enroll. So I figured if pursuing a position with F&W I would get a degree in Biology from the UO because I am a Duck. Did I say I am a Duck?!?! However … the Biology degrees offered at UO are not really ecology based. They are more medical and research type degrees. But the school up the road … I can't say the name right now … has a degree in F&W. So, what do I do? …Do you have any idea how many students I have given a hard time for becoming a Beav (there, I almost said it)? I am a Duck!!! ARRGH!
In the area of Stock and Options trading, Lori has joined me in the education and practice and I believe together we will be very successful. It will take some time, but eventually we will be making significant money via the stock market.
I have signed up for Postal Battery Exam 460 for a position as a Rural Route Carrier Associate. This is not a "career position" but these carriers may be considered for career positions when they become available. These are the only positions advertised right now on the Oregon USPS site. I signed up for the Eugene test, but I will also look at opportunities with other towns, I am not sure whom to contact, but I will be looking into it further.
I am also looking at more long-term possibilities with the F&W and am considering finishing a degree in F&W Science. I have always enjoyed Biology and God's Creation. However, this brings up an interesting dilemma. My previous plan at finishing a "University Degree" was to finish what I started at UO, because I am a Duck. In fact I still own a website titled "DUCKBUS.COM". I already did the paperwork to re-enroll. So I figured if pursuing a position with F&W I would get a degree in Biology from the UO because I am a Duck. Did I say I am a Duck?!?! However … the Biology degrees offered at UO are not really ecology based. They are more medical and research type degrees. But the school up the road … I can't say the name right now … has a degree in F&W. So, what do I do? …Do you have any idea how many students I have given a hard time for becoming a Beav (there, I almost said it)? I am a Duck!!! ARRGH!
In the area of Stock and Options trading, Lori has joined me in the education and practice and I believe together we will be very successful. It will take some time, but eventually we will be making significant money via the stock market.
Four Steps Toward Clarity
"Rich or poor, your life will touch many other lives, and the way in which it touches them is your choice and will determine the legacy you leave to the world." Suze Orman
Don't own anything you don't want or need or love, value every item you own. Your possessions represent who you are, what you care about, how you define yourself: your taste and your value system.
Most of us have an abundance of STUFF, stuff that really does not matter. Especially when thinking about what is really important --- eternal life ... eternal relationships ... spiritually healthy living ...
Suze Orman recommends Four Steps Toward Clarity in regards to our possessions. For those of use who have been around a while, especially being in one house for more than a couple years these excercises can possibly be rewarding (especially 1 & 3 & 4).
Below is from Suze Orman's book The Courage to be Rich:
1. Wander through your house, your garage, looking through your drawers, closets, and cupboards with the goal of finding at least 25 items that you are willing to throw away - yes throw away. Anything from warn-out shoes, grimy duplicate can openers, broken toys, and lipsticks that were definitely a mistake to spent toothbrushes, unused cleaning products, and earrings with one half the pair missing. Broken umbrellas, dried-up cans of paint, candle stubs. Bits of things where there's not even enough left to use. Twenty-five items. Keep looking until you find them. These items are gone, and I want you to throw them away.
2. Now go through your house again, this time in search of loose change and the occassional bill squirreled away. Look in your handbags and briefcase. Look in the pockets of your pants, jackets, shirts, and coats; look under the cushions of your chairs and couches, and inbetween the seats of your car. Do you have a penny jar somewhere? Go get it. Look through your jewelry box where you keep you cuff links. Rummage through the kitchen drawers, any other secret places where you might have left or placed some money. If you are like most of us, you will find, all together, $30 or more. Then put the money you've found in a jar - call it a jar of abundance - or a bowl - a bowl of bounty - to remind you of what you didn't even know you had, and put it near where you keep your bills.
3. Go through your house a third time. This time, find at least 25 items that are still in good shape but are truthfully of no further use to you. Clothes you or your family no longer wear, winter coats, scarves, hats, old belts, handbags, dishes, a working appliance you have replaced, videos, a stack of books you no longer need, still-good looking toys. Twenty-five items that someone else could use and would be greatful to have. After you have gathered everything, reflect a minute on the money you spent, how much was wasted, and how little you have to show for it now.
Gather the items and give them away ... to someone who could use it now or to St.V's or Goodwill.
4. Now go through your house a fourth time, pausing to touch and look at the items that mean everything in the world to you, the items you would never part with, ever - photographs of family and friends, a ring your mother gave you, the desk that was your grandmother's, scrapbooks, perhaps a painting in your living room that was the first thing ou and you spouse ever bought together. Now thinking of these items so precious to you, and little in fact they cost to you. Define for yourself the true meaning of worth.
Don't own anything you don't want or need or love, value every item you own. Your possessions represent who you are, what you care about, how you define yourself: your taste and your value system.
Most of us have an abundance of STUFF, stuff that really does not matter. Especially when thinking about what is really important --- eternal life ... eternal relationships ... spiritually healthy living ...
Suze Orman recommends Four Steps Toward Clarity in regards to our possessions. For those of use who have been around a while, especially being in one house for more than a couple years these excercises can possibly be rewarding (especially 1 & 3 & 4).
Below is from Suze Orman's book The Courage to be Rich:
1. Wander through your house, your garage, looking through your drawers, closets, and cupboards with the goal of finding at least 25 items that you are willing to throw away - yes throw away. Anything from warn-out shoes, grimy duplicate can openers, broken toys, and lipsticks that were definitely a mistake to spent toothbrushes, unused cleaning products, and earrings with one half the pair missing. Broken umbrellas, dried-up cans of paint, candle stubs. Bits of things where there's not even enough left to use. Twenty-five items. Keep looking until you find them. These items are gone, and I want you to throw them away.
2. Now go through your house again, this time in search of loose change and the occassional bill squirreled away. Look in your handbags and briefcase. Look in the pockets of your pants, jackets, shirts, and coats; look under the cushions of your chairs and couches, and inbetween the seats of your car. Do you have a penny jar somewhere? Go get it. Look through your jewelry box where you keep you cuff links. Rummage through the kitchen drawers, any other secret places where you might have left or placed some money. If you are like most of us, you will find, all together, $30 or more. Then put the money you've found in a jar - call it a jar of abundance - or a bowl - a bowl of bounty - to remind you of what you didn't even know you had, and put it near where you keep your bills.
3. Go through your house a third time. This time, find at least 25 items that are still in good shape but are truthfully of no further use to you. Clothes you or your family no longer wear, winter coats, scarves, hats, old belts, handbags, dishes, a working appliance you have replaced, videos, a stack of books you no longer need, still-good looking toys. Twenty-five items that someone else could use and would be greatful to have. After you have gathered everything, reflect a minute on the money you spent, how much was wasted, and how little you have to show for it now.
Gather the items and give them away ... to someone who could use it now or to St.V's or Goodwill.
4. Now go through your house a fourth time, pausing to touch and look at the items that mean everything in the world to you, the items you would never part with, ever - photographs of family and friends, a ring your mother gave you, the desk that was your grandmother's, scrapbooks, perhaps a painting in your living room that was the first thing ou and you spouse ever bought together. Now thinking of these items so precious to you, and little in fact they cost to you. Define for yourself the true meaning of worth.
Litany of Humility
World Magazine a couple weeks ago reports that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is fond of the Litany of Humility. I find it equally important, it includes the following:
"O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others ...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised ...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ... "
"O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others ...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised ...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ... "
The Journey - Part 2
I thank everyone who has commented, called, wrote messages. Your encouragement is a gift from God, Thank you!
Natalie and Brock's responses to the previous blog (one MYSPACE) are appreciated and I continue to consider those points of view. God and I have talked about those issues.
The thing with Moses is that God spoke to him in a audiable voice and gave him Aaron and SNAKES for help. I do not deny that God wants me to be doing ministry, but isn't that true for all Christians?
I have come to understand that I feel called to mentoring others (aka discipling). I understood this "call" (if you can call it that) back when I was a student and had several Christian men come alongside me (Andy Vabora, Mike McKerrow, Bill Compton, to name a few). These guys and others made themselves available to me and others, not as vocational ministers but as Christian men who cared. This is what I was called to do and have done. You might call it a cop-out for me to say that because of my personality type other areas of ministry are difficult and therefore I am looking elsewhere for a career, but at this time that is what I feel is necessary for my family and me.
So an update ...
I am looking forward to interviewing with the Fish&Wildlife next Tuesday. It is a job which will not allow much human contact during work hours, but I look at it as a Mt Sinai experience. Moses went up on the mountain by himself, too. The job is a six month position monitoring Mountain Quail which have been transplanted in the Steens Mountains from Western Oregon. My previous job on the ranch and my recreational pursuits give me all the skills needed for the job, so I look forward to the opportunity.
If I do not get this position my plan is to immediately sign up for the USPS exam to hopefully get a job as a mail carrier in the Willamette Valley. Helicopters are still an interest; however, I am finding that to get a job in that industry I would have to be willing to move a long way from here (further than the Steens) and be willing to be away from home for long stretches of time. I will continue to make contacts in the industry with the hopes of making a dream contact leading to a dream job (then I will sign up for the pilot training).
Keep the prayers and blog comments coming ... they are both most appreciated!
Natalie and Brock's responses to the previous blog (one MYSPACE) are appreciated and I continue to consider those points of view. God and I have talked about those issues.
The thing with Moses is that God spoke to him in a audiable voice and gave him Aaron and SNAKES for help. I do not deny that God wants me to be doing ministry, but isn't that true for all Christians?
I have come to understand that I feel called to mentoring others (aka discipling). I understood this "call" (if you can call it that) back when I was a student and had several Christian men come alongside me (Andy Vabora, Mike McKerrow, Bill Compton, to name a few). These guys and others made themselves available to me and others, not as vocational ministers but as Christian men who cared. This is what I was called to do and have done. You might call it a cop-out for me to say that because of my personality type other areas of ministry are difficult and therefore I am looking elsewhere for a career, but at this time that is what I feel is necessary for my family and me.
So an update ...
I am looking forward to interviewing with the Fish&Wildlife next Tuesday. It is a job which will not allow much human contact during work hours, but I look at it as a Mt Sinai experience. Moses went up on the mountain by himself, too. The job is a six month position monitoring Mountain Quail which have been transplanted in the Steens Mountains from Western Oregon. My previous job on the ranch and my recreational pursuits give me all the skills needed for the job, so I look forward to the opportunity.
If I do not get this position my plan is to immediately sign up for the USPS exam to hopefully get a job as a mail carrier in the Willamette Valley. Helicopters are still an interest; however, I am finding that to get a job in that industry I would have to be willing to move a long way from here (further than the Steens) and be willing to be away from home for long stretches of time. I will continue to make contacts in the industry with the hopes of making a dream contact leading to a dream job (then I will sign up for the pilot training).
Keep the prayers and blog comments coming ... they are both most appreciated!
Feb 17, 2007
The Journey...
The journey…
After my job was abruptly discontinued in the first weeks of January, I have been on a quest to find what God has planned for my family and me. Specifically, what my next job will be and what we must do to obtain it.
On January 3rd I met with my mortgage broker to talk about doing a re-finance on our home. The objective was to take out a large portion of our equity to use as investment capital. Simply putting the money in an online bank can better our returns, because of the fact that you can deduct the mortgage interest payments from taxes. Anyway ... if you want more information about how that works let me know.
On January 4th two of our Elders met with me in the morning to let me know that I would no longer be the Youth Minister. I could finish up that day or work as long as I would like during the month of January. After talking with Lori, I decided to work for the next 10 days. This allowed me to wrap up what I was teaching the youth and then get started on finding a job. It actually took me a week just to pack up my office and organize the Youth Ministry resources.
I decided to stop attending Santa Clara Church, because of the need for separation from the job and provide time to sort out my feelings. We have enjoyed visiting friend’s churches the last few weeks. We have many encouraging friends, which has been helpful. I am not sure where we will end up, but I am fairly certain that we will not be back to Santa Clara in the near future; I just don’t feel comfortable there. That is a hard decision because we have so many friends amongst the youth and adults. Our boys miss their Sunday School class/teacher/friends.
So what is next for me? That is a good question. Even though I love working with youth, especially mentoring and discipling, I came to the conclusion that there are aspects of vocational ministry that don’t work for my family and me.
This was further confirmed by reading the book Do What You Are by Paul D. Teiger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Lori’s mom gave this book to me in January; she picked it up at a used bookstore. I read it on February 8th. It is a great book for determining your personality type and then they give a general idea of what jobs you will be good at and enjoy. The sub-title is “Discover the perfect career for you through the secrets of personality type.” They use the Myers-Briggs personality test, which I had heard of but do not remember ever taking. Both Lori and I have not had good results with others personality/gifts tests. We both are usually flat-lined with no real insights into who we are. But the Myers-Briggs was very helpful. After determining that I was an ISTP, which is one of the 16 different personality types according to their research, I read the description of me and … it described me almost perfectly. It was actually kind of scary. Here are the first two sentences: “ISTPs are straightforward, honest, and pragmatic people who prefer action to conversation. They are unpretentious and often have a good understanding of the way things work.” Other words used to describe this personality include, “analytical,” “curious,” “observant,” “quiet,” and “reserved.” The last lines of the description: “ISTPs tend to appear cool and aloof and are inclined toward shyness, except with good friends. They are self-leading, egalitarian, and fair. They tend to operate on impulse, so they are adaptable and responsive to immediate challenges and problems. Because they thrive on excitement and action, they usually like the outdoors and sports.” Interesting, huh?
In the weeks since finishing the Youth Ministry position, I have had many thoughts on what to do next. We were able to do the re-fi of our house; we went in the very next day and got the paperwork going because you cannot finance a house if you are without a job. They don’t like loaning money to the unemployed. So with the equity from our home, we have some breathing room. I can go back to college, start a business, or… if we are conservative, we could live for about two years on the money. After two years without a job, we would have to sell our house and would lose most of that great equity we have accrued. We would rather use the money to invest in the future. Where do we invest is the question. What can I do that will create a living wage in the next 1-2 years?
Some ideas that have gone through my mind and our conversations include:
1. Becoming a Preacher in a small-town church – but given my better understanding of my personality, probably not.
2. Stock and Options trading – which I am doing and taking more classes. However, making a living doing this is questionable. You gotta have money to make money.
3. Becoming a Financial Planner – I don’t know about this one, I was very interested in this for awhile but not so much right now. I like helping people with using their money wisely so maybe I’ll come back to this.
4. I briefly looked into working at a local Credit Union to gain experience in the financial world, however starting wages are very low and it requires selling. Nah, but thank you to Bill Compton for setting me up to talk with them.
5. Becoming a Real Estate Appraiser. I like this work but will there be enough work in the years to come?
6. Starting an Auto Transport business - Buying a diesel pickup and a 3-4-car trailer to haul cars for dealerships and others, as well as possibly doing local towing. This depends on getting contracts with different companies and not having to go long haul too often, I might come back to this.
7. Landscape business – I have written up business plans in the past for this idea, but in talking with my friends in this business I have found all the money is in commercial contracts, which is more difficult to obtain and learning how to bid them would take some time.
8. Finishing a degree at the University of Oregon – having a regionally accredited degree would help with the Financial Planner and Appraiser certification. Or I could get a degree such as Biology or History and plan on teaching. But given what I learned about my personality, full-time teaching is probably not for me.
9. Finishing a degree at NCC – not as desirable, as some of us call it the NoN-Christian College. However, I have started paperwork with both colleges and filled out the FAFSFA.
10. Getting a masters in Marriage and Family Counseling through George Fox – I really enjoy helping couples and parents, but don’t know if I could do it full-time.
11. Working with some friends in a new local development business – building houses. I still might do this, as a temporary job. They can’t pay what I would like to be making, so this will probably be temporary if I end up working with them.
12. Becoming a licensed commercial helicopter pilot. I am still working on this one. There are two schools (Salem and Hillsboro). It is very expensive ($50-70K) and most jobs require previous experience, I am hoping I can work it out, but the odds are long. I am making contacts in the industry and at the schools to find out more. Both schools hire many to most of their graduates as instructors, so that helps pay back the loans and gain more flight time which is needed for commercial jobs. The other problem is most jobs are out of Oregon and often require a pilot to be away from home for long periods of time. So I am hoping to figure out how to find the dream job as a helicopter pilot before starting the schooling.
13. Working with Oregon Fish&Wildlife. Lori found a job in the Steens Mountains that I qualify for because of my ranching experience. This is a six-month job out of the town of Frenchglen (pop. 15). I have an interview on the 27th in Hines (next to Burns, OR). This job entails hiking/ATVing the Steens in order to monitor the activity of trans-located Mountain Quail. It would be an adventure as my family and I would be living in a camp trailer in the middle-of-no-where for 6 months. I have always wanted to explore the Steens Mountains, but have never made it down there ... I might get my opportunity. And Lori thinks she is up for the adventure, she is amazing!
14. Becoming a mail carrier with the USPS. I responded to a want ad, and received the practice testing material. You have to take what is called the Postal Battery Exam to work for the Post Office. I was surprised to find that start wages are right at $20 an hour, no experience necessary. I believe I would enjoy delivering the mail, especially if I got to get to know some of the people on the route.
The last three options are currently my favorites. A really cool outcome would be for me to become a helicopter pilot for the Fish&Wildlife department. That’s what I am praying for!
I welcome your input and prayers,
Cory –
16 February 2007
After my job was abruptly discontinued in the first weeks of January, I have been on a quest to find what God has planned for my family and me. Specifically, what my next job will be and what we must do to obtain it.
On January 3rd I met with my mortgage broker to talk about doing a re-finance on our home. The objective was to take out a large portion of our equity to use as investment capital. Simply putting the money in an online bank can better our returns, because of the fact that you can deduct the mortgage interest payments from taxes. Anyway ... if you want more information about how that works let me know.
On January 4th two of our Elders met with me in the morning to let me know that I would no longer be the Youth Minister. I could finish up that day or work as long as I would like during the month of January. After talking with Lori, I decided to work for the next 10 days. This allowed me to wrap up what I was teaching the youth and then get started on finding a job. It actually took me a week just to pack up my office and organize the Youth Ministry resources.
I decided to stop attending Santa Clara Church, because of the need for separation from the job and provide time to sort out my feelings. We have enjoyed visiting friend’s churches the last few weeks. We have many encouraging friends, which has been helpful. I am not sure where we will end up, but I am fairly certain that we will not be back to Santa Clara in the near future; I just don’t feel comfortable there. That is a hard decision because we have so many friends amongst the youth and adults. Our boys miss their Sunday School class/teacher/friends.
So what is next for me? That is a good question. Even though I love working with youth, especially mentoring and discipling, I came to the conclusion that there are aspects of vocational ministry that don’t work for my family and me.
This was further confirmed by reading the book Do What You Are by Paul D. Teiger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Lori’s mom gave this book to me in January; she picked it up at a used bookstore. I read it on February 8th. It is a great book for determining your personality type and then they give a general idea of what jobs you will be good at and enjoy. The sub-title is “Discover the perfect career for you through the secrets of personality type.” They use the Myers-Briggs personality test, which I had heard of but do not remember ever taking. Both Lori and I have not had good results with others personality/gifts tests. We both are usually flat-lined with no real insights into who we are. But the Myers-Briggs was very helpful. After determining that I was an ISTP, which is one of the 16 different personality types according to their research, I read the description of me and … it described me almost perfectly. It was actually kind of scary. Here are the first two sentences: “ISTPs are straightforward, honest, and pragmatic people who prefer action to conversation. They are unpretentious and often have a good understanding of the way things work.” Other words used to describe this personality include, “analytical,” “curious,” “observant,” “quiet,” and “reserved.” The last lines of the description: “ISTPs tend to appear cool and aloof and are inclined toward shyness, except with good friends. They are self-leading, egalitarian, and fair. They tend to operate on impulse, so they are adaptable and responsive to immediate challenges and problems. Because they thrive on excitement and action, they usually like the outdoors and sports.” Interesting, huh?
In the weeks since finishing the Youth Ministry position, I have had many thoughts on what to do next. We were able to do the re-fi of our house; we went in the very next day and got the paperwork going because you cannot finance a house if you are without a job. They don’t like loaning money to the unemployed. So with the equity from our home, we have some breathing room. I can go back to college, start a business, or… if we are conservative, we could live for about two years on the money. After two years without a job, we would have to sell our house and would lose most of that great equity we have accrued. We would rather use the money to invest in the future. Where do we invest is the question. What can I do that will create a living wage in the next 1-2 years?
Some ideas that have gone through my mind and our conversations include:
1. Becoming a Preacher in a small-town church – but given my better understanding of my personality, probably not.
2. Stock and Options trading – which I am doing and taking more classes. However, making a living doing this is questionable. You gotta have money to make money.
3. Becoming a Financial Planner – I don’t know about this one, I was very interested in this for awhile but not so much right now. I like helping people with using their money wisely so maybe I’ll come back to this.
4. I briefly looked into working at a local Credit Union to gain experience in the financial world, however starting wages are very low and it requires selling. Nah, but thank you to Bill Compton for setting me up to talk with them.
5. Becoming a Real Estate Appraiser. I like this work but will there be enough work in the years to come?
6. Starting an Auto Transport business - Buying a diesel pickup and a 3-4-car trailer to haul cars for dealerships and others, as well as possibly doing local towing. This depends on getting contracts with different companies and not having to go long haul too often, I might come back to this.
7. Landscape business – I have written up business plans in the past for this idea, but in talking with my friends in this business I have found all the money is in commercial contracts, which is more difficult to obtain and learning how to bid them would take some time.
8. Finishing a degree at the University of Oregon – having a regionally accredited degree would help with the Financial Planner and Appraiser certification. Or I could get a degree such as Biology or History and plan on teaching. But given what I learned about my personality, full-time teaching is probably not for me.
9. Finishing a degree at NCC – not as desirable, as some of us call it the NoN-Christian College. However, I have started paperwork with both colleges and filled out the FAFSFA.
10. Getting a masters in Marriage and Family Counseling through George Fox – I really enjoy helping couples and parents, but don’t know if I could do it full-time.
11. Working with some friends in a new local development business – building houses. I still might do this, as a temporary job. They can’t pay what I would like to be making, so this will probably be temporary if I end up working with them.
12. Becoming a licensed commercial helicopter pilot. I am still working on this one. There are two schools (Salem and Hillsboro). It is very expensive ($50-70K) and most jobs require previous experience, I am hoping I can work it out, but the odds are long. I am making contacts in the industry and at the schools to find out more. Both schools hire many to most of their graduates as instructors, so that helps pay back the loans and gain more flight time which is needed for commercial jobs. The other problem is most jobs are out of Oregon and often require a pilot to be away from home for long periods of time. So I am hoping to figure out how to find the dream job as a helicopter pilot before starting the schooling.
13. Working with Oregon Fish&Wildlife. Lori found a job in the Steens Mountains that I qualify for because of my ranching experience. This is a six-month job out of the town of Frenchglen (pop. 15). I have an interview on the 27th in Hines (next to Burns, OR). This job entails hiking/ATVing the Steens in order to monitor the activity of trans-located Mountain Quail. It would be an adventure as my family and I would be living in a camp trailer in the middle-of-no-where for 6 months. I have always wanted to explore the Steens Mountains, but have never made it down there ... I might get my opportunity. And Lori thinks she is up for the adventure, she is amazing!
14. Becoming a mail carrier with the USPS. I responded to a want ad, and received the practice testing material. You have to take what is called the Postal Battery Exam to work for the Post Office. I was surprised to find that start wages are right at $20 an hour, no experience necessary. I believe I would enjoy delivering the mail, especially if I got to get to know some of the people on the route.
The last three options are currently my favorites. A really cool outcome would be for me to become a helicopter pilot for the Fish&Wildlife department. That’s what I am praying for!
I welcome your input and prayers,
Cory –
16 February 2007
Sep 20, 2006
Wondering where I am???
Well I have been spending my time over at MySpace.
You can find me at:
MySpace.com/cdgant
My lovely wife has a picture blog at:
l2gant.blogspot.com - I am sure you will enjoy it.
You can find me at:
MySpace.com/cdgant
My lovely wife has a picture blog at:
l2gant.blogspot.com - I am sure you will enjoy it.
Mar 29, 2006
Feb 26, 2006
Loving Kids
As I was leaving home this morning I gave my lovely wife a hug and a kiss. Then I went for the door. As I was grabbed the door handle I say goodbye to the boys. At that moment Luke goes, “next time hug, Daddy.”
That stopped me in my tracks so I walked back in to the table where they were sitting to give both him and Zane hugs before I left. Luke gives me a hug and a kiss. If you have never gotten a set of those from him you’ve never been hugged and kissed. He is amazing.
But then I went over to Zane. I pick him up for a big hug and he says to me, “you’re my best hero daddy.”
Thanks. That brought tears to my eyes as I walked down the driveway toward the church building. Wow kids! You gotta love ‘em. There always teaching me things.
That stopped me in my tracks so I walked back in to the table where they were sitting to give both him and Zane hugs before I left. Luke gives me a hug and a kiss. If you have never gotten a set of those from him you’ve never been hugged and kissed. He is amazing.
But then I went over to Zane. I pick him up for a big hug and he says to me, “you’re my best hero daddy.”
Thanks. That brought tears to my eyes as I walked down the driveway toward the church building. Wow kids! You gotta love ‘em. There always teaching me things.
Feb 24, 2006
Feb 15, 2006
Valentines!
Valentines Day…
At 7:00 AM I went to Fred Meyer’s to buy some flowers to plant for my beautiful wife. I ended up with a flat and a half of Primroses. Then I snuck back home and planted them along the walkway leading to our front door. This is also just outside the kitchen window. By 8:00 I was done and back at the office. She called in the next hour after noticing them being quite surprised.
At 6:00 PM our friends Mitch and Margaret showed up at our house as we were finishing dinner. We offered to share our dinner, as there was plenty, but they talked about other stuff and that they were thinking of going out to get sushi (yuck!). I don’t remember them saying why they were there. Then a few minutes later our door bell rings. It was Doug & Becki Knowlton and Dani Foster. Why? It was because they were bringing us this amazing four-kid stroller. Lori had admired the one Becki got recently and actually was hoping to borrow it sometime to cart our boys and niece around. She mentioned it to Becki on Sunday. However, Becki really didn’t answer to whether she could borrow it or not, so Lori dropped it. The reason Becki didn’t have an answer was that she had already ordered one for us and she was busting up inside, trying not to give the secret away. Becki collected money from many of our friends at church to pay for it and ended up with an extra $180 which they gave to us also.
The boys really like it. Zane says, “It is a miracle.” They played on it for quite awhile before bed time and then this morning we took it for a test drive to Albertsons to get some lettuce for Lori’s ladies lunch group.
Our friends and church family are very much a blessing to us. Thanks.
At 7:00 AM I went to Fred Meyer’s to buy some flowers to plant for my beautiful wife. I ended up with a flat and a half of Primroses. Then I snuck back home and planted them along the walkway leading to our front door. This is also just outside the kitchen window. By 8:00 I was done and back at the office. She called in the next hour after noticing them being quite surprised.
At 6:00 PM our friends Mitch and Margaret showed up at our house as we were finishing dinner. We offered to share our dinner, as there was plenty, but they talked about other stuff and that they were thinking of going out to get sushi (yuck!). I don’t remember them saying why they were there. Then a few minutes later our door bell rings. It was Doug & Becki Knowlton and Dani Foster. Why? It was because they were bringing us this amazing four-kid stroller. Lori had admired the one Becki got recently and actually was hoping to borrow it sometime to cart our boys and niece around. She mentioned it to Becki on Sunday. However, Becki really didn’t answer to whether she could borrow it or not, so Lori dropped it. The reason Becki didn’t have an answer was that she had already ordered one for us and she was busting up inside, trying not to give the secret away. Becki collected money from many of our friends at church to pay for it and ended up with an extra $180 which they gave to us also.
The boys really like it. Zane says, “It is a miracle.” They played on it for quite awhile before bed time and then this morning we took it for a test drive to Albertsons to get some lettuce for Lori’s ladies lunch group.
Our friends and church family are very much a blessing to us. Thanks.
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