The most effective way of this is giving them back to Jesus. When we refer to giving back, this isn't a literal meaning. Planting the seed is what is meant, as those of us who impede children's development will have to face consequences of their inactions. Children have always had a role throughout the Bible: see Joseph, Moses, even Jesus Himself. Don't hold them back!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Bring Your Kids To God
Mark 10:13, 14
God expects us to be examples for our kids to emulate. As adults, we need to act our age in part for kingdom building but also so the child knows right from wrong. The objective here is to teach them in a pleasing way in His sight.
The most effective way of this is giving them back to Jesus. When we refer to giving back, this isn't a literal meaning. Planting the seed is what is meant, as those of us who impede children's development will have to face consequences of their inactions. Children have always had a role throughout the Bible: see Joseph, Moses, even Jesus Himself. Don't hold them back!
Verse 14 details what happened to the parents. They were inadvertently protecting their children; as a result, the youth were at-risk for a life of unnecessary difficulties. They don't need that. The worst thing is we stifle their pursuit of a closer relationship with the One who matters, and that is an epic fail.
The most effective way of this is giving them back to Jesus. When we refer to giving back, this isn't a literal meaning. Planting the seed is what is meant, as those of us who impede children's development will have to face consequences of their inactions. Children have always had a role throughout the Bible: see Joseph, Moses, even Jesus Himself. Don't hold them back!
Saving On the Run
I know, I haven't posted in several weeks, but there is an explanation for that. It's called time and raising kids. But I now have a quick moment to pass insight on saving for the future while not having much money or time, so here goes.
Look at your last pay stub from work. What do you see in the gross income line? If you don't know what that is, that is the money you make before taxes at the end of the pay period. Fortunately for some of us, it stays the same as we may be salaried employees; hourly associates can also do the same. You can bank six figures and still be broke (remember ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary Broke?); yet, there are some of us who can live on 25K and fulfill all of our lives' desires. I worked at Walmart for nearly five years, and while I was able to treat as a second job and a personal workout facility, I was also able to save 8% of my income every check before taxes as a retirement vehicle in addition to the undisclosed amount of dollars toward savings.
Best Ways To Save On the Run
Every situation is different. Whatever works for you, keep it up. Just start saving! There is a example I plan on using, but tweak it to what works for your household. Let's say I make $2,000 per month pretax. Before I even think about rent/mortgage payments, I'll sit at the table to craft out where the money goes. I know not everyone believes in tithing - and personally, it's a bit overrated in the Christian church albeit necessary - but if you set aside ten percent for charitable giving, you eventually won't miss it. Those of us who aren't big on financial gifts toward the church can also donate to the United Way, the YMCA, Easter Seals, or any charity dear to the heart for the same effect. In this case, the ten percent is $200 monthly. Not a significant chunk of change, but if you treat it like a bill, then it becomes automatic.
The next venture means another ten percent. For me, I've always had $200 directly deposited into a savings account for those times you never know about. Car breaks down? You have liquid money that you can walk over and get without penalty. Ditto for broken refrigerator, new computer software for work, or anything that is mandatory for living. I've been doing this for nearly ten years, even from my days at IC Corporation. That amount doesn't have to be another ten percent; try six percent ($30/week, $120/month) and see how that works out.
Lastly, look for the long term. I try to contribute 8% monthly to my IRA account, but life does happen. It's only $40/week, but for the price of a tank of gas, I am putting back for our golden years. I honestly cannot see myself working as a people greeter at the local Walmart nor having to create salad shells at the local Taco Bell at age 75.
This means that we are living on 72 percent of our pretax income. Factor the fact that taxes take a bite out of life (nearly 19%), home should be no more than 28%, you still have 27% to do the rest of life. Note that I am only basing this on my own income; the two-income households still have a significant heaping of coin to do well with providing that we are using our money wisely. The Great Recession should have taught us to save and prioritize; otherwise, my words means nothing.
Good luck saving and please tailor your situation to your lifestyle!
Look at your last pay stub from work. What do you see in the gross income line? If you don't know what that is, that is the money you make before taxes at the end of the pay period. Fortunately for some of us, it stays the same as we may be salaried employees; hourly associates can also do the same. You can bank six figures and still be broke (remember ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary Broke?); yet, there are some of us who can live on 25K and fulfill all of our lives' desires. I worked at Walmart for nearly five years, and while I was able to treat as a second job and a personal workout facility, I was also able to save 8% of my income every check before taxes as a retirement vehicle in addition to the undisclosed amount of dollars toward savings.
Best Ways To Save On the Run
Every situation is different. Whatever works for you, keep it up. Just start saving! There is a example I plan on using, but tweak it to what works for your household. Let's say I make $2,000 per month pretax. Before I even think about rent/mortgage payments, I'll sit at the table to craft out where the money goes. I know not everyone believes in tithing - and personally, it's a bit overrated in the Christian church albeit necessary - but if you set aside ten percent for charitable giving, you eventually won't miss it. Those of us who aren't big on financial gifts toward the church can also donate to the United Way, the YMCA, Easter Seals, or any charity dear to the heart for the same effect. In this case, the ten percent is $200 monthly. Not a significant chunk of change, but if you treat it like a bill, then it becomes automatic.
The next venture means another ten percent. For me, I've always had $200 directly deposited into a savings account for those times you never know about. Car breaks down? You have liquid money that you can walk over and get without penalty. Ditto for broken refrigerator, new computer software for work, or anything that is mandatory for living. I've been doing this for nearly ten years, even from my days at IC Corporation. That amount doesn't have to be another ten percent; try six percent ($30/week, $120/month) and see how that works out.
Lastly, look for the long term. I try to contribute 8% monthly to my IRA account, but life does happen. It's only $40/week, but for the price of a tank of gas, I am putting back for our golden years. I honestly cannot see myself working as a people greeter at the local Walmart nor having to create salad shells at the local Taco Bell at age 75.
This means that we are living on 72 percent of our pretax income. Factor the fact that taxes take a bite out of life (nearly 19%), home should be no more than 28%, you still have 27% to do the rest of life. Note that I am only basing this on my own income; the two-income households still have a significant heaping of coin to do well with providing that we are using our money wisely. The Great Recession should have taught us to save and prioritize; otherwise, my words means nothing.
Good luck saving and please tailor your situation to your lifestyle!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Wake Up, It's Black History Month!
Throughout the month of February, I will share posts concerning Black History Month to show that the world at large has been enhanced by African Americans throughout the course of time. Topics will range from sports to politics, education, health, and generally will expand the gamut of knowledge for all. I did it last year on Facebook and Twitter, and shall continue a fun tradition.
1/28: The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was adopted in 1865 by the 38th Congress abolishing slavery. It was ratified later that year on December 6.
2/28: Ken Jones, Ronald Wallace, and William Wallace were the first black graduates of Bryant (Ark.) High School. They were members of the class of 1966; the Bryant School District quietly integrated the prior spring in May 1965.
Want more? Come back and read more factual postings!
1/28: The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was adopted in 1865 by the 38th Congress abolishing slavery. It was ratified later that year on December 6.
2/28: Ken Jones, Ronald Wallace, and William Wallace were the first black graduates of Bryant (Ark.) High School. They were members of the class of 1966; the Bryant School District quietly integrated the prior spring in May 1965.
Want more? Come back and read more factual postings!
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Importance of Concise Writing
If you've ever had to assemble anything, I'm pretty sure it came with a set of instructions in the box. Life isn't always folded up neatly on a piece of paper, and if it is, then you truly aren't living. Such is taking the correct approach to writing effectively. People have to be able to navigate from point A to point B meaning treat you work like a GPS system. Sometimes the software could use an update to pick up traffic warnings, the new construction zones, or even where the next exit with a McDonald's is located; otherwise, the unit simply needs to be replaced with a newer model. The purpose of our work is to serve as the map that gets us through a process. It must remain consistent enough to stand on its own through the inevitable changes and revisions.
One of the most important points of writing effectively is point of view. Most instructions are simple enough for a fifth-grader to follow because they represent the median comprehension for newspapers, magazines, and assorted mass media. How do I know this? Next time you're on Facebook, take a look through your timelines. What are your friends/organizations discussing? Are their topics photographs? How is their grammar? Do you understand what is being said or asked of you? Knowing your target audience - even if it is the world - means having the ability to tailor your craft to those members. Write clearly to their levels; going into technical detail of how an internal LAN works means squat if all you want to know is how can I access your local Wi-Fi to surf and check e-mail.
Below I am sharing the four B's of becoming a great technical writer:
Be direct. In my undergraduate days at Henderson State University, I was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega - and chapter webmaster. When we needed a message sent out, the brothers released two versions: one for the chapter, and another for the general student body. The reason for that was fraternity business stayed within the fraternity, while for the fellow students all we had to do was slap our letters on flyers and get the signing approved. Zero in on the intended party.
Be to the point. There is a time and a place for everything, and not everyone necessarily needs to hear a story for every situation. A short monologue is acceptable as an ice breaker; be wary of the audience. By getting to the point, you not only save a LOT of time and energy, but you also showcases those top-notch time management skills. You may even get a promotion, raise, and the proverbial corner office as a result of your great work.
No BS. Always tell the truth and be a team player. Cite outside sources because it is more enjoyable to share the limelight. Any lie starts out small and gets out of control eventually destroys any hard-earned credibility you have acquired from customers, supervisors, and followers.
Pretty easy stuff? Seems that way. At this point, the fun begins by staying within required parameters and using grammar check before releasing documents. To me, there is nothing worse than finding a misspelled word because I was too careless to reread and proofread my own work. By following those four steps, your work is on its way to becoming concise enough without going over the heads of the targeted audience.
One of the most important points of writing effectively is point of view. Most instructions are simple enough for a fifth-grader to follow because they represent the median comprehension for newspapers, magazines, and assorted mass media. How do I know this? Next time you're on Facebook, take a look through your timelines. What are your friends/organizations discussing? Are their topics photographs? How is their grammar? Do you understand what is being said or asked of you? Knowing your target audience - even if it is the world - means having the ability to tailor your craft to those members. Write clearly to their levels; going into technical detail of how an internal LAN works means squat if all you want to know is how can I access your local Wi-Fi to surf and check e-mail.
Below I am sharing the four B's of becoming a great technical writer:
- Be clear.
- Be direct
- Be to the point.
- No BS.
Be direct. In my undergraduate days at Henderson State University, I was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega - and chapter webmaster. When we needed a message sent out, the brothers released two versions: one for the chapter, and another for the general student body. The reason for that was fraternity business stayed within the fraternity, while for the fellow students all we had to do was slap our letters on flyers and get the signing approved. Zero in on the intended party.
Be to the point. There is a time and a place for everything, and not everyone necessarily needs to hear a story for every situation. A short monologue is acceptable as an ice breaker; be wary of the audience. By getting to the point, you not only save a LOT of time and energy, but you also showcases those top-notch time management skills. You may even get a promotion, raise, and the proverbial corner office as a result of your great work.
No BS. Always tell the truth and be a team player. Cite outside sources because it is more enjoyable to share the limelight. Any lie starts out small and gets out of control eventually destroys any hard-earned credibility you have acquired from customers, supervisors, and followers.
Pretty easy stuff? Seems that way. At this point, the fun begins by staying within required parameters and using grammar check before releasing documents. To me, there is nothing worse than finding a misspelled word because I was too careless to reread and proofread my own work. By following those four steps, your work is on its way to becoming concise enough without going over the heads of the targeted audience.
Monday, January 7, 2013
2013: Rededications, Not Resolutions
Why would I make a public declaration that I won't be able to live up to in a week, month, next quarter, or even that? That is the reason why I decline to make resolutions every New Year's Day. However, my rededications are more important - and require an active, daily effort.
Here goes:
Here goes:
- As much as I'd love to lose weight, I would rather be healthy. At the very least, I want to remain able to tie my shoes without having to stop and take a breath in between motions. I'm not saying that I don't want six-pack abs, but I'll certainly tell you that being high-school skinny just ain't happening. The last time that happened, I was pledging my fraternity my junior year of college along with having to manage a difficult housing situation and helping Walmart with a store setup all at the same time.
- Christianity is a daily struggle. I've never once said I was perfect, yet there was an perception of being a goody-two shoes (I prefer straight arrow, obviously) that never did anything but the right thing. Being "good" has never been equated to being "Christ-like." I've struggled with that for the past 22.5 years, and it is now all starting to make sense.
- My pursuit in saving money and cleaning up Ye Olde Credit Report: it takes times, but hopefully soon I'd like to move into a permanent home. Apartment life seems so temporary. I also like stretching out at home and being a real part of a community.
Monday, December 31, 2012
2012 In Review
2012 has been an interesting yet strange year for me. From the big dreams of an undefeated basketball season in city league to snow on Christmas Day and the ensuing moments of retrospect, I'm certainly glad to have made through this point. While not everything has gone my way, being able to adapt to the circumstances has been the M.O. for the year. For example:
- January brought a new year to step up and do better than 2011. Aside from the weight gain, I was mostly successful. Unfortunately, our city league basketball team (Sparkle Motion) went 3-8 for the season. At least we were the best-looking team out there.
- February gave us another Black History Month. If you've read either the Facebook posts or my tweets, then you learned something different for all 29 days of the month. I'm going to do that again.
- March presented more Madness: I gave up alcohol and in-game swearing during Lent. Ask my wife and closest friends how that went. I'm pretty certain Jesus was tempted in the desert those forty days; my going without beer for that long was tough.
- April led to meeting my nephew. Aston is the new generation, and over the past eight months the boy has grown so quickly. I've also discovered how fun it is to be an uncle.
- May: Beautiful month! We both got new jobs! Yes, kids, I finally quit Walmart. The irony in that is how long it took me to realize that being an overqualified hard worker isn't worth two cents when it comes to professional development and advancement. The peon existence is for the birds. My last week there also showed who I could talk to at work, and who to stay away from. People are not always who they appear to be.
- June: We paid off the other car! My wife went back to commuting to LR to a job she loves instead of essentially walking to one stressful building. I also got (some) weekends off for the first time in nearly ten years. The downside is I lost one of my closest cousins 6/16 in a tragic accident. RIL, Jason D. Cole.
- July was spent learning my job - and doing almost everything wrong during that time. Fortunately, I corrected myself in time to receive the benefits i.e. a raise, health insurance, etc.
- August allowed us to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. The day on the Lake Hamilton cruise was relaxing though we both preferred to have gone back to Biloxi. It also signified that the upcoming school year was the first time in nearly eight years I wasn't in the classroom; the odd thing is I don't really miss it yet. I also posted my most sarcastic tweet about why #imnotarepublicanbecause I'm black and would rather think for myself than let Massa tell me what to do. Oh the hate that ensued following that one!
- September pushed my thinking toward the long-term future by finally making real retirement plans other than working til I dropped dead. That also seems to be a viable option in this economy, sadly. I also discovered how much weight I had gained from the end of basketball season to my annual physical.
- October was my longest month. I worked seventeen consecutive nights; after those 204 hours, I have now realized that 1)I'm here for the check, and 2)that is how I spent my twenties. I don't want to ever do that again. We also found a new church home [Mt. Zion MBC, Benton, AR].
- Remember that job change June 1? I finally got to take some semblance of a vacation in November. My wife celebrated what was one of the more fun birthdays I've ever seen, and two days later, President Obama was re-elected! As a nation, it saddened me to see how far the United States has not come in the way of race and working for the common good of all people - and I'm not talking about the individual who spit on my car solely for its bumper sticker.
- December means three things: I turned 34, Arkansas had a white Christmas, and the year is over!
Monday, December 24, 2012
I'm Grateful For...
Over the year, I can say that I am grateful for a lot of things and a lot of people. This is likely to read off as a list, but it is personal. That being said, here goes...
- I'm grateful for the new job and not having to lug around two tons of dog food every night anymore. I finally can use my head AND my academic background. The other benefit means that I get some weekends off for the first time in nearly ten years.
- I'm grateful that I am still married to my wife. God is watching our marriage.
- I'm grateful that amid all of our new toys, we still have time for each other. Sometimes it takes a little bit to turn off the computers, tablets, smartphones, TVs, etc. and simply chill out.
- I am also grateful for not having to work in retail anymore. No more Black Friday at Walmart, no more working miracles for a 50-cent raise. I'm worth a lot more than that.
- I'm grateful that both cars are paid off!
- I'm grateful for our church family. I felt like one of those highly touted athletes being recruited by a top-notch program, and when we joined Mount Zion, it all came to fruition.
- I'm grateful for my friends, all of you. Basketball teammates, brothers, best friends, co-workers, barber, and everyone else in the mix - you all have added greater value to my life. I just wish I had gotten those Christmas cards out.
- I'm grateful for my nephew Aston. Big boy is a linebacker in training, just you wait. Alan should have a Charles Haley Dallas Cowboys throwback jersey in his size for the boy.
- I am grateful for winners: the Miami Heat, President Barack Obama, Henderson State football, and any Razorback who was drafted before we went to Coach John L. Smith's epic failure of a season.
- I am grateful for people showing their true colors. I now know what you were all about, and I forgive you.
- I'm grateful for my late cousin Jason D. Cole. God gave him thirty years with us, and one day we'll all be back together in Heaven. Death comes and though we are never prepared for it, the life J. Cole led was one which we all have come around his two daughters. RIL, cuzzo.
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