Grief over the loss of life in Newtown Connecticut

It is not my habit to keep up with the news.  Due to my hope to keep my thoughts on things more positive and helpful was why I was unaware of the tragic events that happened Friday in Newtown Connecticut.  It wasn't until I was almost ready to go to bed on Friday night that my wife told me of the murders.

My belief is that these children, ages ranging from 5 to 10, are now in heaven.  I base this on the words of Jesus who said "Let the little children come to me".  Jesus ascended to heaven after His time on earth and is now sitting at the right hand of God the Father.  So those children too will be in heaven.

On Saturday, as I had time to myself, I thought of the deaths, the pain, the blood, and the parents who found out their child was among the dead.  I cried.  I wept.  I had a lump in my throat.  I sobbed.  I grieved with the nation.

My prayers where for the parents and for all those affected by such a horrific scene at a school meant for education and betterment.

Best book of 2012

When I look back at this year, I have to ask myself, "What was the best book you read?"  Let me start by saying it is my goal to read two non-fiction books per month.  I record my books that I read in a spreadsheet so I can keep track of them for moments like these I suppose.  My records indicate that I have read 37 books this year.  I may finish one, two, or three more before December is up.  Most of my reading this year was non-fiction.  However, there were a few fictional books in there.

I think the final candidates would be "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson.  Steve was a mysterious technology executive that I admired from afar but in no way would I want to be near him especially when he was working.  "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie.  Blake started a shoe company that gave away a par of shoes to a needy child with every pair of shoes purchased from his website.  I loved the idea of coupling commerce with generosity.  "Quitter" by Jon Acuff.  Jon's book is the only book that I am re-reading this year.  He is also the only author on my list that I have met.  I saw Jon at his Quitter conference in Nashville this year.  "Quiet" by Susan Cain.  Susan hit the nail on the head when it comes to introverts and the contributions we make to society.  I only wish I could remember more of the book.  "Unplanned" by Abby Johnson.  This is a book of transformation.  A total change of heart and thought.  Stories about people making a discovery that is right and true always make my heart sing.

Of these five books, I can not pick just one that bested the others.  However, as already noted, I am re-reading "Quitter".  So I will select it as the best book I read in 2012.

Empty house on the street

Where I live there always seems to be a house up for sale.  There has been several times where people have simply moved on and left a house which seems odd to me.  We had a good streak going where I think every house on the block was occupied for like a year.  But now we have another house up for sale just two doors down from me.  The owners apparently left it.  I have looked up the home and it is modestly priced.  From the outside it looks in good shape.  A long drive-way, nice windows, and a good roof.  The people there were a little too active for my tastes.  They and their friends were always zipping down the street with their modified cars.  They had a yippy dog which I do not miss.  I prefer a quiet neighborhood where people are conscientious.

I just find it bizarre that the houses here have such turn-over.  My guess would have been that people would stay for longer periods and not just up and leave.

Respect the salesman

A salesman's value is not always quantifiable.  Helping someone and making him or her feel valued and respected is not always something that can be placed on a spreadsheet and graphed.  Dealing with people so that they get what they want does not mean zero effort was put into the transition.  Sales is a matter of trust and trust builds with time as one proves to be competent.

There isn't always the possibility to add to a sale.  A salesman needs to follow his intuition.  Some people know what they want and don't want advise on what to purchase.  Helping these people quickly through the process is what they are looking for and that in itself is the value brought to the sale.

The purchase has to happen somewhere.  So whether this salesman takes the order or if it is someone else, it has to be done.  Nothing happens until there is a sale.  Seeing the salesman's value takes a bit of thought and understanding as it may not be readily apparent on the surface.

Core values

Someone recently challenged me to write out my core values.  He felt like there should be four to five of them.  The following are my core values.

• Doing things right.  I believe in following the rules as best as possible.  Rules are there to protect us and to keep things fair for everyone.  Doing things right goes beyond following rules.  It also includes doing what is responsible and expected.
•  Keeping things in order.  I am driven to put things away.  Everything should have a place and everything should be in its place.  There is a great need in me to have everything set and tidy.
•  Having freedom.  I have a bit of the wild in me.  I can not be caged.  At least not for long.  I will not get myself into agreements that require me to give up my life's essence, which is time.  I must be able to move about as I will.  The need to come and go as I please means a lot to me.
•  Treating others with respect.  Everyone has value because God created him or her and each have an eternal soul.  I believe in being polite, caring, and kind.
•  Keeping the faith.  My belief in Jesus of the Bible is a core, heartfelt belief that I never want to let go.  He did something for me that I could never do for myself so that I could get something I could never earn.