Why Can't Church Do That?

I've had this one in the back of my mind for a while, but it resurfaced today. Our congregation is having a Yard Sale at the building to support the youth group's summer mission trip. Someone asked me about it, and I can not for the life of me figure out what would be wrong with such an event.

I had spoken to the preacher at my last congregation about it after he mentioned it being wrong in a sermon to have a "church sponsored" yard sale. I asked him, "So if we can't have a church wide 'sanctioned' yard sale, can 5 or 10 familys get together to have a yard sale at someone's home and give that money to the church or a special mission trip fund?" He said, "sure." I said, "so what is the difference with the elders saying, 'we support this; bring your stuff; the teens will do the work and keep the proceeds for the mission trip.'?" The basic answer I got was, "It's just different." Sorry, that's not an answer that's a cop-out. I just can't see a difference, nor can I see a Biblical reason why a "Church santioned" yard sale is wrong?

The only example that I can think that could be remotely related in the Bible is the money changers and animal sales in the temple. And the problem there seems to me that people were lining their own pockets. I do not mean to step on toes (and I don't think it really applies), but this would more closely related to selling Mary Kay or Boy Scout Popcorn at Church.

One of These Things is not Like the Other

Because of my change in careers. I've really been thinking a lot lately. I've said it several times. I hope your not getting tired of hearing it. "I love my job as a Systems Administrator." But, I remember saying the same things a while back about my last job as a Graphics Designer. Was I fooling myself?

I think I might have been. I look back and I realize I enjoyed the people I worked with more than what I was actually doing. I had a knack for graphics design, sure. I didn't dread going into work in the morning; I was rarely anxious to get home. But, deep down I wasn't satisfied. There wasn't a joy about sitting there and tweaking graphics or creating a concept. But back when I was job searching I thought I really wanted a job as an Art Director. And now that I'm doing what I do now, I'd rather not do anything graphical.

I think what I like about what I do now is that I like helping people and making people happy. When I fix somebody's printer or connection, they get really happy. I love making people happy. I didn't get that at my last job. Every once in a while I would amaze someone, they'd say, "You did that? I thought it was there in the first place." It made me proud, but it didn't give me purpose.

The difference between the two jobs is a matter of self accomplishment (graphics) vs. immediate feedback (computer users). And I seem toprefer the later.

So my question is have I finally found something that fits my personality, or is it something I'll look back on in 10 years after another career change and say, "I used to think I was happy when..."? Only time will tell. It brings me to another question, is there a job for each of us that would be fulfilling if we could find it? And, do we really know ourselves well enough to find that job intentionally?

The Server Dude (revised edition)

I Love My New Job!

Call me a geek, call me what you will. But, I love it.

My first week involved running around meeting people, fixing things, playing with settings, messing around with new geek toys, figuring out where stuff was, and being surprised at some of the stuff that wasn't around. Jamison, you do have a pair of Cat-5 crimps at school right? The server room had none.

I even enjoy the people I work with. Maybe it's a honeymoon stage. But I'll give you a little insight. I prayed long and often for a particular blessing from God. I asked for his perfect timing and his wisdom in what was right for me. Specifically, I prayed to God with Luke 11:11-13 in mind:

If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

I then prayed, "Father I don't want just any old bread. I want the good and delicious bread that only you could give." I can't tell you how many times I said this in my prayers, but I believe I was given that "good bread."

Before I started searching for a job, my prayer life barely existed. Sometimes, I'd pray because I'd wake up at night and feel guilty for not praying (I knew i could not sleep unless I did). I'd pray when there was something pressing on my mind, but rarely. Looking back, I'm not sure god heard those prayers. There wasn't a lot of trust below the words. They were empty, just words. Sometime during my job hunt, I began to trust God and His gifts. He never failed to give me an answer, when I truly wanted one. However, that was only after I began asking Him for a particular blessing unless I knew I really wanted it. I've begun to understand prayer and at times find myself talking to God as if He were sitting right there with me.

A couple times during the past several months, I had this feeling that I missed God like He had gone away. I'd reflect to realize, I was the one that wasn't talking to Him. I'd pray, and I wouldn't miss Him anymore. For the first time in my life, I don't feel like there's a void. It is completely amazing to realize that any time I need to talk He's right there, never leaving my side unless I need Him to lift me up.

Before I end I just want to say this. I did not intend to type what I typed in this post. I was going to just talk about my new job. But, the more I thought about how much I love it, the more convicted I became to write the words as I have.

Father, thank You for Your blessing. I love you, and thank you for your love for me. Amen.

Top 5 on Google

Just doing some poking around with our stats and noticed something. If you type the following (or copy and paste) exactly as shown into google search, we are #5.

"midnight cafe" blog

Kinda geeky I know. I'm sure I could get it down to either the only hit or top hit by typing in the correct terms.

I Got the Call!

Well I was just out mowing my lawn while listening to an mp3 edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on my cell phone. Suddlenly my ringtone kicks in (Creeds'"Can You Take Me Higher?"). I'm like, "Great, how did I do that?" Then I realize, my phone is actually ringing.

I answer and it's my new boss. She said she got my Background Check results in and they weren't good. I freak! Then she says just kidding. It took me a second to realize she was being funny. Well, the background check was fine. I start Friday. I thought everyone would want to know.

Fish Slap Dance

This morning I went fishing with Jeff Spooneybarger an old friend and music minister at a local Baptist Church. It was beautiful! The weather was perfect for fishing. The waterway was like glass when we set out a 6am. The day started off a little slow, mostly a few no-keepers. But by nine we had caught two catfish and two speckeled trout. I took them to my dad who's cleaning them and will be going over for lunch. Although I don't have any really cool stories to tell, I just thought I'd share while my days are stll care-free.

(For those that care, Jeff is the older brother of Tim Spooneybarger the ex-Braves and Marlins relief pitcher.)

The Flaming Grill Update

Sipper, I cleaned the old grill up today. That was only thing that caused the flames. The grill had a char build-up which is what caught flames. Anyway, after cleaning it I lit it up and let it go for 10 or so minutes. No flames except where they were supposed to be.

If you can find a way to get it, you can have it. Here are a couple things you'll need to know. First, the houseing for the spark lighter broke off. It has to be lit by matches or a wand lighter (You'll also have to light the side burner that way; I robbed the wire for my new grill). I have an extra tank, but it either needs a conversion kit or you'll have to exchange it even though it's full. When is Jamison's party? If it's next week, I might be able to bring it up.

Little House on Trenton Drive

1021 Trenton Drive
Pensacola, FL 32505
(904)455-4725 / our old phone no.

While running errands today, I decided to drive through my old neighborhood and by my childhood home. It was depressing. I almost didn't recognize the streets let alone the houses on it. Instinct and old memories drove me to my old home. Many were tattered from Ivan (some apparently leveled from it); others were in general ill-repair. The streets themselves felt cluttered with overgrown bushes and carports piled with junk (old couches, TVs, etc.). Strange as it may seem I felt clastrophobic winding my way through the once familiar streets.

And then I pulled up to our old home. I feel certain it hasn't been painted since 1997. The colors are exactly the same as whe my dad gave it it's last coat and it looks as if it has been neglected ever since. You can barely see it but the roof is peeled up and needs replacing (obviously a blow from Ivan).



Stroll with me while I give you a quick tour...

• To the left lived the Kings to the right Mrs. Mulétte (I can't recall the spelling but it was pronounced mo-let).


• The far left window was our living room. Mom was always concerned someone would break her "picture" window.


• The center porch still has the iron support that helped us boys climb on the roof when a frisbee or other item got stuck.


• The right front window was my parent's bedroom


• On the right side the center small window is the home of our yellow tiled bathroom. It was the only one in the house with two parents and three boys. The tile itself brought on many o chorus of "We all live in a yellow bathroom" sung to the tune of a popular beetles work.


• Just behind that is the window of the room my brother Scott and I shared (by force-jk) for the first few years of our life (until Doug went to college).

It was nice to see the place, but I probably wont go back for a long while. The place looked lonely, almost like it missed the days the McCown's filled it's rooms with laughing, crying, boo-boos, serious talks, and the occassional alone time. I miss the house a little, but I've been blessed by being able to look to a bright future and not dwell on and long for days gone by.

My 4th of July Gift

Well first off, it's not what you think. Jodi, a family member, nor myself went out and purchased this grill for me.

Let me give you a little background. I went out to eat with some family after church on Sunday for a cousin's birthday lunch. We had decided to ask everyone over for A cookout on the Forth. I was going to grill BBQ Chicken Quarters. After mentioning it to my aunt she asked, "How big is your grill?" I said it sufficient, but it will be tight trying to fit enough quarters on the grill. She replied, "Would you like ours? You can keep it." I'm like, "what?" She went on to tell me that it is 3 years old but had never been used including an extra full tank and some grill accoutrements (still in the packaging). Then there was the, "BUT." Uh-oh... She said it went through Ivan and is a good bit rusted. Sight unseen I said, I'll take it.

I picked it up today. To say it looked neglected would be an understatement. I went by Lowes, picked up a wire brush and some High-heat spray paint and set to work. What you see in the pictures is the fruit of my labor.

By the way, I've wanted a new grill, my old one was wearing out, but I was going to wait until we moved to our permanent abode before seriously looking for one. I'm not only considering this a gift from my aunt, but a little gift from God. And, it's exactly what I wanted.

Open for Visitors

This is an invite to all the regular contributors...sorry not Commentors. Please come visit.

We are settled into the new place nicely. I wanted to share some pics of the most imporatant areas to the guys. The Backyard (BY) and the "Smoke Room (SR)" (a.k.a. back porch).

As you can see there are many nice places to pee. The entire back yard is private; I haven't found a place I can't just be myself.



The "Smoke Room" is a great place to relax away from bugs but still in the outside air. Given, it doesn't look like much from the outside.



I relaxed there a couple evenings ago with some new Tobacco from a local shop, a Coke ;-) , and the melodies from a fine singer Norah Jones. Smooooooth is all I have to desribe the occassion.



For those who don't mind a long load time, here are links to some panoramas of the BY and SR.

Forget Freelance...I've Got a Job!

I have a job…ok so the freelance idea was a good crutch, but apparently not what God had in mind. This is however, the job I mentioned the other day.

I will be working for the state at the Okaloosa County Health Department as a Systems Administrator. Pray for me (and the county); I’m going to have 150 users. I’ll have assistance from higher-ups for a short time, and then I will be involved in hiring an assistant.

Here’s the strange thing. My first interview was my last day at AP. My second interview was today at 1:30 (exactly one week after we pack up the house). I got a call from them at about 4:30 as I’m writing an e-mail to a guy at Lockheed Martin asking for his help on another job.

I’m going to need to refresh my brain a bit, before I hit the ground. Luckily, I will have to go through a security screening before they can officially hire me. It could be as many as 3 weeks before I’m actually working. Hopefully that will be enough time to “brush up” a little and do a little fishing with old friends.

I’ll be going down there first thing tomorrow morning to fill out some paperwork and such.

I’m soooo excited. God is awesome! I kept praying He would make things work out perfectly, and He made everything work out better than I had imagined.

How’s Thomas doing btw? Does he have that job yet? I hope so, I’ve been praying a lot for him as well.

I’ll let you know more as I know it.

Hey Jamison, can I call you if I get in a pinch?

How 'bout that?

Well we are officially moved in, and we are in pretty good shape. I now only have a garage to organize (I managed to fit my car in it today...yaaaah!). The rest of the house has little things that need to be done, but in all it is about as organized as this temporary abode will become.

Oh, this is funny in a strange sort of way. I've had no second interviews on any of the jobs I've interviewed for in the past 8 months (I interviewed for about 10 or 12). Well, I had a phone interview on Monday of last week (my last day at AP) with the Okaloosa County Health Dept (OCHD-a state job even though it's a county department). Today, I'm dropping the little one off for an introductory partial day (11-5) at daycare. Suddenly, I get a call from them asking me to come for a second interview. I ask the lady if I can call her back because it's a bad time. She's like sure they really want to talk to you again. Here's what weird. I know both times I sounded like I could care less about the job; I had pretty much decided I wanted to stop looking and just work on my freelance business. With all the other places I interviewed, I was generally excited and overly cheery trying to impress the employers. If I have future interviews, I'm going to take a who cares attitude. Apparently it works.

Well, he finally did it.

Chuck left yesterday. He, Jodi, and Alexandra were slated to stay with us last night, but got their packing finished in plenty of time to head on down to Florida.

I remember coming back from Summer Break in, I believe it was 95/96 and finding that Chuck was gone from Faulkner. He was the first of us boys to "leave". Then, he was married. Another first.

Now he's really gone and it's weird.

I saw him at lunch yesterday and we talked a bit. He seemed a little sad, but the great joy of moving close to family made it seem not to exist. But, I know the feeling. You're so happy to take on the new life, but you mourn the pasing of what you left, even if it's in some small way.

In any case, Chuck and his family are in for a great adventure now and I think they'd appreciate our prayers. And with that, I'll once again wish them Godspeed...

Resolution to the "Name that Company" Game

For anyone who cares...I've decided to name my company (drum roll)

Lasting Graphics

The beauty is, both of these URLs were available:

LastingGraphics.com
and
Lasting-Graphics.com

I could not believe it. The other great thing is there is not a company in all of Florida named Lasting Graphics. I don't say this often because I fear I may wrongfully give creadit. But, I believe God had a hand in this. I don't know how he did it or why he waited to help me with the name, but I'm glad he did. Keep praying for me (and thanks for the past and future prayers); I've got a long road ahead.

I'm excited. MORE TO COME!

Oh, and check out my graphic...

Official Word

I just learned that I will not be working for Brad. Major bummer! I think I'll be doing Discovery as freelance work. I'm about to go find out if that's the route Kyle wants to take or not. I'm not sure what God has in store for me. It may be a lot of kneeling and meditation. Just keep praying for me.

Controlling my own destiny?

Well I did it. I completed my work for Brad (you know that stuff that will determine if I get his account or not). I decided to let you guys see part of it. There are another couple pages, but I figured two would be enough. It was a lot of fun.

I've sent them to Brad and he said he would be looking at them tomorrow. Please keep me in your prayers, I really want to work for both him and AP. If this does not come through I will be working freelance until I find something else.

Stop P-ing

No this isn't a blog about why we should stop being members of ACPO. This is merely a test.

I think I fixed the problem with our blog and using the return key. There was a setting that allowed you to turn on and off hard returns. I turned them on.

I believe now Mullins (and everyone else), you should now be able to stop "p"-ing.

Name that Company (The Home Version)

This might be a really fun BLOG.

I'm letting you all in on the ground floor. I'm trying to come up with the name of a business that can also be a dot com (Emphasis on dot COM. It can't be .net or .biz). If you come up with something better than what I have below, I'll buy you a $10 meal.

Here's the RULZ of the game. (If you don't follow them, you are not eligible for the prize.)

First, it must have one of the following words (or variation of the words)

• graphic (but don't be crude)


• typeset (typesetting is also a possibility)


• layout


• design

Second, it can be no longer than 18 characters without dashes or other symbols. Letters and numbers only.

Third, you must check to see if it is available first. Go here: http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp. Type in your ideas for a domain name like "super.com", if it does not have an "X" in the .com column then post it to this blog. If I like it I add it to my list. Should I choose your idea as my business name you will get credit on my Website and a $10 meal on me. The meal will be in the form of a gift card of your choice (if I can buy it online) or PayPal deposit.

Fourth, when you post your ideas, send me a separate e-mail with your entries to charlesmccown(at)charter.net. Replace "(at)" with @ symbol. This is my only way to get back in touch with you to send you your prize.

Fifth, if I come up with a variation of something someone else posts. Partial credit will be given on my site, but no gift card or PayPal credit will be givien.

Sixth, contest ends May 31st at 5:00 pm Central time. Check back on June 1st to see the winner.

Here's what I've come up with...

These three play on the idea of typesetting paragraphs and graphical layout:

    ParGraphics

    ParGraphic

    ParGraphical

I just like the sound of these:

    BarNoneGraphics

    GraphicsBarNone

    SoulOfGraphics

    TheSoulOfGraphics

These are other possibilities:

    MustBeGraphics

    GraphicsOfCourse

ENJOY THE GAME!

I'm Board so You Benefit

Well this is one way to get me to blog. I'm board at work. I haven't doe much of anything all day except some clerical work for the wife.

Here's your benefit...We are moving to Florida June 15th. It's official. No Job yet, but I'm still working on the Brad Harrub thing.

1. We officially have a spot at daycare. We had to pay for an extra month just to hold it open.


2. Once we get settled, please come visit our new place. We will be renting a house for about 7 months. Visit during the week even. Treat it like a beach bungalo (even though the beach is about 5-10 minutes away)


3. I have two friends with boats, if I don't have a job or I can swing a day off we can go fishing.


4. I already have a phone number...I'll give that later through a more secure channel.


5. Even this blog is boring. I feel like I'm just writing to write.

Hey, I probably forgot something, so if you have a question post it.

Outside the Box

Well I may finally do it. I might be my own boss pretty soon. I'll be keeping you guys posted.

I've been talking with an old co-worker , Brad Harrub, and he now has a journal that he's paying $5,000 a month (yes, a 5 with 3 zeros) to have typeset. That includes the company finding the pictures to illustrate the journal. It's 32 pages long and would take about 2 straight weeks per month to complete. I told him I could do it for a flat $3,000 per month. He said, "Hello!" Which is Bradeeze for "keep talking, I'm listening." I could do that and Discovery for $500 per month (2 to 4 days work) and make $42,000 per year before taxes. I would still have over 15 business days per month to do other things, work part time elsewhere, find filler work or other accounts, etc.

It sounds awesome on the surface. I would have to invest about $6,000 to start-up. That includes:

1) A better computer and second monitor

2) Software

3) A used laptop (Jamison you got a price for me yet?)

4) A Tabloid color laser printer

5) A monitor and printer color optimization tool.

In reality investing $6,000 into a start-up business is nothing. I'm really giving this a lot of thought. Your prayers would be appreciated. I'll be calling Brad sometime today to see if we can work out some details.

(And on a side note...Where's the Mullinz video, Jamison?)