re:blog

It's been a long time coming, but I've given my blog a small overhaul including a name change (thanks for all the tips Josh) and layout. So, click on over if you use a feed and check out the revamped site and change the name on your feed reader.
Welcome to The Sounding Board.

identity

Who I am is more than what I do.

It's a mantra that has become popular in the past few years, that I agree with, and yet, somehow have found myself not listening to this advice. I describe myself to people as a student or custodian, or more recently a children's minister. Is this bad? No, it is part of who I am. But, when people ask how I'm doing, I normally talk about these things first - and I think it's because it's safe. It's not deeply about me where I must talk about prayer needs, doubts, fears, successes, embarrassments, or dreams.

Notice that the title of my blog even contributes to this dilemna. How do we get away from being identified by our traits and into being known for who we are? Or can we truly separate these things?

"What we do is a reflection of who we are, and who we are is sometimes shaped by
what we do" (Hollinger, Choosing the Good, 12).

Since I will no longer be a custodian, I will be changing the title of my blog.

Give me some help here. I'm not looking for you to tell me the name I should use for this web space. I'm looking for how you chose your title, theme, or blog name. What was your deciding factor? Did you go with work or something a little more deep? How did you come up with this public face for your identity?

the new uncovering the old

I'm embarrassed. I was checking blogs today and happened to see one that had an "app" that showed their friend's blogs latest updates... and mine read "I-75 Fun" 2 months ago. Wow! It's been a long time. A lot's been going on.
Where to start?
I've had a job change... I'm no longer a custodian (I no longer have to clean toilets daily... yes!!!). I'm still a student (for 2 more years), but now I am a children's minister at Hope Springs (where Joanna and I attend church). It's a part-time position, but challenging for me, as well as ministry experience. Currently, my main responsibilities are recruiting volunteers, starting children's ministry at the second service on Sunday Mornings, and communicating with parents. I thought I would struggle to fill my "hours" each week, but I haven't even had to stretch anything yet. For the first time since I came to seminary, I've been experiencing some "senior-itis" - I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to be out full-time concentrating on what God's called me to do. I'm not dying to get out of school yet, but I'm having those moments of wondering and excitedly thinking ahead at what I could do if my time was not divided between two important roles in my life (school and children's ministry).
Where would you like to be in two years, if not where you are right now in your life?

been a long time

So, it's been a long time since I've written here. I'll get back on the wagon this week. I have one more final to study for (Old Testament on Wednesday)! It's been a busy semester (I count time as semesters right now) and I'm having to re-learn how to prioritize my time. I don't feel like I've done a good job of that these past few months: I haven't taken care of my own health, spent enough time with my wife, or shared the events of my life and thoughts well enough with those I care about. So, I will be working on these things in the coming months and years as I want to set up a lifestyle reflective of the God I worship.

For your viewing pleasure, I've added a few picture slideshows in the bar to the right. I'll update these semi-regularly as Joanna and I take new pictures. I just set up Picasa and found it is a little more friendly with blogger than flickr. I'll be switching my pictures over to that site as it holds more pictures and, more importantly to me, albums! I like my organization!

So, hope to have you reading my words more regularly and seeing great pictures of Joanna and I in nicer, neater formats!

blog level

Hahaha. Someone sure made a mistake. How about Sesame Street level?

Get a Cash Advance

random blog news

Did a little sprucing up on my site instead of getting sleep, but I've enjoyed it.

I added a "My 'LibraryThing'", a list of podcasts I listen to (since I was asked at a recent party), and a link for listening to music on the right column.

Also noticed that I passed the 100 post mark recently - no better subject matter than this for #100!!!! (that review is coming soon, I promise...)

sleep tight

music

I've added some of my favorite music to this blog. It's at the very bottom because I can't fit the "player" anywhere else without part of it being cut off. So, enjoy the tunes while reading!
I created it at Project Playlist (if any inquiring minds want to know).

A Blogger's Prayer and Some Music

while it made me laugh a little, it also made me wonder about my use of this blog. This is a true prayer:
A Blogger's Prayer

Also, check out some music from a college friend of mine & give her some love for her hard work and passion for Christ.

new camera

My parents bought Joanna and I a new digital camera (Canon Rebel XTi), so we are experimenting with it and the software that was packaged with it. The picture in the header was created with two pictures put together (a fun feature which I'm sure will get used more as we learn it better). Regardless, there will probably be a few more pictures posted in the future. Enjoy!!!

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

NCAA Hoops are going on now through March!!!!!!!!!
Check out the links on the right of the screen for my favorite places to go on the web!
Who are you rooting for?

the look and feel of it

I decided today on a new name for my blog: "The Custodian's Closet" (just in case you missed the big bold letters above). Considering I'm working as a custodian as I am attending seminary, I felt it was appropriate (maybe one day I can be as cool as "Hong Kong Phooey"- see pic to left). Notice some of the changes in the looks department also.

It's a work in progress, so I'd appreciate your involvement:
Give me some feedback on the layout and looks.
Let me know if it fits right in your browser.
Any other suggestions are also welcome

Injury Update: I am feeling much better and my muscle in my side only hurts now when I twist completely around. I'm not going to be swinging a bat, though, for at least another week (maybe two).

Next Posting: Since I spent much of my free time this afternoon changing the blog around, I'll post something tomorrow on thoughts I've been dwelling on lately (my buckets, not my "baskets" as I mistakenly wrote in my last post).

On Another Very Important Note

Since I don't have a Blue93NoACRangerXLT anymore, should I change the name of my blog? 98yellowtacomawitheverythingworking just doesn't have the same ring.....

Any suggestions?

p.s. there's something going on with adding pics to the blog, so as soon as that gets worked out, I'll add three or four more of the apartment.

problems with blog

So I'm having some problems with the blog not showing up right on the screen. I'll fix it as soon as I can (i.e. 5 weeks from now).
Sometimes technology bytes (i mean bites)...