Funkyjimmer's Blog

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A PRIVILEGE AND A PLEASURE

Friday I have the privilege and (I am sure) the pleasure of speaking to my “old” company. This is the Company for whom I worked for 12 ½ years before coming to Molloy (which is now Principal). The former owner of Molloy is still the owner of my old company, ClaimAid Consulting. That company is not a publicly held company so they can still have things like Biblical principles, prayer, etc. The Thanksgiving Breakfast is an opportunity to remember and to reflect on God’s blessings to the Company and also to us as individuals. It is intended to provide a spiritual beginning to the holiday season I have had the privilege of speaking to the combined companies twice before when it was all one big family of Companies. It will be a much smaller group this year but I will know most of the people there.

After the Breakfast I am heading to Alabama to attend the University of Alabama football game on Saturday. I’m looking forward to that and hopefully we will win this week.

I previously thought my travel time for work would slow down the week of Thanksgiving. But I will be traveling some in December. One of my trips will require me to be out a couple of nights. But it should slow down after that. I don't have any more personal trips planned for the immediate future.

But I do have some challenges to tackle in the near future. We just have to make some decisions about clothing and personal items that belonged to Karon. That probably shouldn't be put off much longer. And I have a "ton" of books which need to be properly disposed. But I think I have that solved. Half-Priced Book Store will let me bring them and will make me a lump-sum price.

My daughter, a couple of friends and I got most of the outside work done last Saturday. The fellow who mowed my lawn all year will mulch the leaves as the accumulate on the ground. Once most of them are off the trees, I have a friend will will come blow them off my roof and that should take care of the outside work.

Jim

posted by jim 2:40 PM 0 comments

Monday, November 05, 2007

INDIANA STUDENT LEADERSHIP FORUM ON FAITH AND VALUES

In the past I have posted about my wife’s and my involvement in this excellent program for college students. It is a Friday night through Sunday morning program to emphasize faith and values, especially in leadership responsibilities. All students from every college—public and private—are invited to attend the Forum.

Over the years we have had the privilege of serving the Forum in various capacities. We began as a host/hostess family for a few years. Then we were Facilitators and helped some in other capacities.

Several years ago then-Senator Dan Coats and his Chief-of-Staff, Curt Smith, began the Indiana Student Leadership Forum. Our Forum is patterned after the national Leadership Forum. When Senator Coats left office Congressman Mike Pence and his staff continued the Forum, working with several Indiana volunteers. Over time, people’s situations change and some of those who have been an integral part of planning and executing the Forum are no longer able to be as involved as previously. I certainly understand this. Last year’s Forum was the first one I have not been involved with, due to my wife’s failing health.

This year I have the privilege of partnering with one of the co-founders of the Indiana Forum, Curt Smith, in planning and executing the 2008 Forum, January 4, 5 and 6. Thankfully, Congressman Pence will continue his involvement with the Forum. Curt and I will pick up some additional volunteer responsibilities in planning and executing the Forum in 2008. Curt and I attend the same church and have served together in leadership responsibilities at the church. It will be a pleasure to work with him on the 2008 Forum. We will assist Irene Wood, who has been the volunteer backbone of the Indiana Forum for many, many years—in addition to working full time.

I’d ask your prayers for me as I dive into this new responsibility. And pray for the success of the 2008 Forum. Oh, by the way, I may be contacting some of you in the near future about how you might assist in the success of this Forum! Until then,

Jim

posted by jim 8:15 AM 1 comments