Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 421
June 26, 2015
June 24, 2015
Tech Troubles
Tech troubles, we live in an age where many are intimidated by computers, smart phones, and tablets. At the same time, it opens up a whole new adventure for others. I believe the main difference is twofold.
The first is that it can be intimidating. Computers can be confusing. The people that I know, who face the frustration, want technology to just work. This is something we all can understand. To them, it’s only reasonable, that it should be as reliable as a coffee pot.
For all of its advances, it still has a ways to go before that is the case. However, that shouldn’t rob anyone of the options that it opens up. There are ways to insulate them from the annoyance factor in many cases.
An iPad, or tablet computer is a perfect companion for both the tech novice and the tech geek. It’s been my primary device for five years now. I like it because you can add a keyboard when you need it, and leave it behind when you don’t. It’s a lightweight, reliable way of accessing digital resources.
Others prefer a phone, laptop, or a desktop computer. For some, an Android or iPhone phone is the only computer they use. Bigger smartphones fit the bill for many people. Google has an inexpensive laptop known as a Chromebook that is very low maintenance. While I prefer Apple computers, to me the easiest to use, there are now has several low stress options.
Besides the intimidation factor, is the issue of time. They may not have the time that geeks like myself have to watch keynotes, read imore.com, and listen to podcasts. Thankfully they don’t have to, there are other ways of accessing information.
One is family or friends such as myself. I love technology, and I love sharing it with others. If you are a computer enthusiast, make yourself available to help those in your life who are not. It can be a very rewarding experience.
Second there is your IT technician at work. Yes, they can at times be bombarded with questions, but most of the ones I know enjoy helping. You’re approaching them, not as another wanting something fixed, but needing their expertise. Most are glad to advise anyone who wants to learn.
I would also encourage you to view technology this way, as a better coffee pot. The coffee maker of today is better than twenty years ago. Computers are much the same, an advance of typewriters, telegraph, and other tools of the past.
It’s not a matter of skill, talent, or intelligence. Everyone, regardless of age or interest, can take advantage of the options that technology brings. A whole new horizon, from history to medicine, and even college level courses are available free on the internet.
More than that, you have something to contribute. No one but you knows your story. Computers are just an avenue to allow you to share it. Others could benefit from your experiences.
Overcoming the tech hurdle can have life altering effects. Not only in your life, but in the lives of those you could reach. Someone, else has a different issue, one you’ve already solved. They may be sitting at their computer, searching for an answer. You’ve got it, let’s get you up and running, so you can help them resolve their problem.
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June 23, 2015
HisBit: The Resolute Desk
Wikimedia Image
Like many of our nation’s treasures, it was built in England. From the Mayflower to the founders, our roots run across the shore to Europe. Even the Lady who stands in America’s harbor, arrived with a French accent. Like her, the Resolute Desk is made more and not less American by it’s heritage.
It began life as a ship in Her Majesty’s Navy, and was part of an artic rescue mission. It served admirably, until the icy waters stranded her, forcing Captain and crew to part company. Later, an American ship rescued it, returning her to America.
At a time when our two countries were politically at odds, a Senator from Virginia, James Murray Mason, proposed a bill. His idea was to purchase the boat, repair it, and send it to England as a gift. Soon the talk of war ceased, many crediting the Resolute in the process.
When old ships die, they usually are only remembered in paintings and history books, but not the Resolute. At least three desks, not two, were made from its timbers. One to the widow of Henry Grinnell, a man connected with the rescue mission. Another for Queen Victoria, and a third for an American.
That man was President Rutherford B. Hayes as a gift for America’s kindness. With the exception of four Presidents, it has been used ever since. The decisions of World War II were made on the back of this timber immigrant. Both the pens of Kennedy and Reagan turned bills into law on it. Finally, September 11, 2001 and all the hard days that followed have been helmed at this desk.
Republican and Democrat, liberal and conservative, the majority of America’s executives found this desk up for the job. The reason may have something to do with it’s name. Resolute means admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. It certainly proved it in it’s pedigree, and like so many other wonderful gifts, has added to our country’s rich history.
The Resolute desk is uniquely American. She is as much a part of our history as any other immigrant who who traveled across the world to make our land their land. I believe that, the great melting pot we are so blessed to partake in, is still the greatest country in the world.
The artic ship that became an Ambassador, and later a truly Executive assistant knows courses can change. Waters will be tough to navigate, storms will rise, but they will also fall. One decision on its surface alters history, showing us that you and I can do the same. We know, that if we are resolute in our convictions, no obstacle can stand in our way.
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June 21, 2015
iPainting: American Pharoah
We are continuing our sport theme from last week with the newest equine sport hero, “American Pharoah”
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Dads
Andy and Opie Taylor, some of my favorite Mayberry moments were between Father and son. I’ve often thought my Dad reminded me of Andy Griffith. He was funny most of the time, noble always, and serious when he had to be.
Isn’t that the perfect description of a Father? Someone that rides asteroids with you, protects you from the monsters under your bed, and from the very real things you face as you grow older. Isn’t that what our Heavenly Father does for us?
He gives us dreams, and the ability to achieve them. He walks with us on the journey, ready to catch us when we fall. He went ahead and dealt with the things that could destroy us before we ever faced them.
Some of the things I watched my Father do as a child, held an importance I couldn’t appreciate until I became a man. Budgets, bills, and balancing work and family didn’t seem like anything at eight. At thirty eight, I sometimes wonder how he did it.
He proved it could be done, before I knew I would need it modeled. He was training me for my future, just by living, and loving us daily. Fathers in that way, really are Superman, Jedi, and (insert favorite childhood character here).
Today we honor those special men who get up each morning and do whatever is ask of them. They simply, and quietly, go about the business of being a Dad. It isn’t glamorous, but is one of the greatest gifts a child could have. Thank you Dad for caring, modeling, and walking ahead of me to show me the way. Happy Father’s Day to Fathers everywhere!
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June 20, 2015
The Sea Horse: A Different Game
Armor, for the first time, was angry at his Mother. “Why did you promise this? It restricts us, now we are …” Suddenly he stopped, knowing that expression. “You have a plan. You were pleased with her request. Was this your plan all along?”
The Wonzu, pleased that her son knew her mind, answered his question. “No, but a good general adapts. For too long, the factions of this city have tried to play us. They viewed us as pawns in their game of Chess. I grow tired of it, now we will play a different game.”
“What is your plan?” She smiled. “They tried to limit our movements to our territory, they’ve made it a game of Monopoly, about real estate. We are to stay on our Boardwalk and play nice. They forgot that we also own Park Place as well. Here is what we are going to do.”
In another part of the city, Tournament stood conversing with his Wife, Elyse. “You think he will give you what he has promised?” “If not, I’ll take it. He’s entertaining, he could be a genius. Either way, I’ll play out the game until it changes. In the end, we’ll rule the entire city.”
“Let Hyperbole create chaos, and when he brings order, I’ll take over the new regime. To be famous, you don’t beat every player every game. You pick the championship games, and defeat the champ.”
Galleon had the same plan, truth be told, it was in all of the criminal’s minds. Each one was convinced they could defeat Hyperbole once he defeated the Sea Horse and took over. Which is ironic since Hyperbole had never said this.
As it turned out, Hyperbole did not want to run the city, it was too messy. He didn’t even want one person to run it. He had another playbook entirely. Like the Wonzu, his was a very different game.
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June 19, 2015
#CollageFriday: Gotham & Friends
This #CollageFriday we celebrate our favorite Bat and associates with “Gotham & Friends”.
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June 16, 2015
Preparation
Anything worth doing is worth is worth preparing for. Some people ask, where did you find the time to do a, b, or c? Others find the moments to make it happen. The difference isn’t the talent, its the preparation.
It may seem elementary to you, but it surprised me when I discovered how many of the great artists painted multiple versions of their work. I knew they may have made sketches, but they also painted smaller starter works, and then the larger masterpiece. They wanted to make sure they didn’t miss anything in the process.
I wish I could tell you I’m one of those who has all their Christmas shopping finished in October, but I’m not. I do however know firsthand the value of preparation. If you want to do anything well, you have to plan for it.
We live in a time when the tools for it make anything possible. I’d like to share some concepts and tools with you today. The concepts are simple, record, sketch, and increments.
Everyone says it, because it’s true, first you must put your idea in written form. Whether it’s a note on your smartphone, or a list on a post it, it’s got to be written down. The fact is, mentally, and emotionally, it gives the idea weight. This creates almost a responsibility to see that it gets finished.
It does more than that alone, it gives it form. God set a precedent in creation, His words formed and shaped the world. We are finite, He is infinite, but He did place life in our words. Writing it down will help your idea to begin to take shape.
There are paper people and digital ones, so finding the right tool is important. Some still find a pen and a notebook to help them the most. If so, keep one in your briefcase or purse, and by your bed. Others find Evernote, Notability, Notes on iOS, or Google Keep to be good options.
A lot of ideas benefit from a visual connection, sketching them helps us see how to complete the project. It shows us the sharp angles and round corners that we will have to contend with. It can be a visual heads up to the obstacles we’re going to face to accomplish the task.
Many use a drawing program like Art Rage, while some use software such as Penultimate. Some sketch on a tablet, others a computer, and still more on paper. In a very real way, a drawing can illustrate the next phase of our lives.
My favorite concept though is the realization that we don’t have to do it all at once, we can conquer in increments. Often we fail to begin because we think of the project as a whole, but almost any project can be broken down into smaller sections.
Whether it’s planning financially for a vacation, starting a hobby, or obtaining an education it can be done in time. Knowing this can alleviate the pressure and cause you to think clearly about the task in front of you. The tool in this case varies to the task, but in almost every field there exists something to help along the way.
In the end, every project is like the paleontologist’s dinosaur skeleton. Nothing worth doing comes assembled, but that’s okay. The T Rex, which scares you really can’t harm you. As far as his size, don’t worry, just build him one limb at a time. A little glue, a game plan, some preparation, and your exhibit will be ready for all to see before you know it.
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June 15, 2015
Lack Of Control
We are not control freaks, we just hate that feeling of helplessness when we’re not in control. It scares us, and makes our world seem upside down. When things happen that rob us of the normal, we interpret everything as abnormal.
It’s only human to feel this way, but what I learned recently helped free me of that anxiety. The feeling of helplessness will still knock, but now I know how to answer the door. I can answer its taunting with a simple truth, I’m not in control, and that’s okay.
The reality is, there is very little in life that we actually can control. For some reason, we have this mistaken view that we should be able to control what happens to us. I realized recently that this isn’t a Biblical view of life at all.
If you look it up you won’t find it, at least not in the King James Version. While I realize that it’s not the only version of merit, this was significant to me. It was as if The Lord pointed this out, right in the middle of my battle, that it was a mistaken viewpoint.
Consider this, only God has the ability to control all, yet He doesn’t try to control everything. It was never His goal, compassion was. He made the world, and the systems of creation. Everyone, including the enemy, are under His authority. Yet, He doesn’t attempt to control any of us.
If God had attempted to rule through control, Adam would never have sinned. If He had sought to control Adam, we wouldn’t have been given free will, the choice between right and wrong. God made us free to make choices, knowing we may make choices He disagreed with.
Since God, who has all power, didn’t feel the need to include the concept in Scripture, why does it fill our minds? I’ll be the first to admit it, I go to pieces when I feel helpless. I think it’s societal in origin, this feeling that we should be able to control everything we face.
It’s certainly not historic, man’s history is filled with the lack of control. The Founding Fathers weren’t in control, it was the absence of it that lead to the American Revolution. Some of the greatest events in the world came from a lack of control.
At the same time, it’s only human to want to maintain a peaceful existence. Our thought is, if we can maintain certain things, nothing bad will happen. An attempt to maintain things isn’t bad, we just have to remember the difference between this and control.
We can manage our health, and we should, but we can’t control it. Just ask the twenty year old, with no body fat, that had a heart attack on the basketball court. All of us, myself included, need to work harder to be healthier, but that has really nothing to do with control.
We are what The Bible calls stewards, which means certain things are under our authority, but not in our power. We can calculate our finances, but one unexpected event can shred our budgets. Finally, we as Christians, walk a spiritual pathway, but there are obstacles on the way.
God didn’t promise us control, instead He declared victory for His people. The difference, control seeks to prevent tears, while victory holds us through them. Control is a false hope, victory is a sure promise.
In a crisis we will face both hopelessness and helplessness. God came to reassure us concerning each of them. First, as long as Christ is on His throne, we have a hope beyond this world.
Second, we are not helpless because of our lack of control, just the opposite. You and I don’t know how to face life’s tragedies, but He has walked through all of them. Knowing this can help silence the taunting voice that says we should have prevented this.
No one can prevent all pain, hurt, and loss, but we can endure whatever we face. Once knew this, I saw something. Part of the helpless emotion was a sense of failure.
I thought that somehow I should have seen it coming, or prevented it. When I realized that wasn’t true, it freed me of the guilt. If I couldn’t have stopped it, then why feel helpless? All we have to do through a trial, is to make it through this trial.
Like a child, we can cradle ourselves in God’s care. We can send God to the door because He knows how to answer it. Control isn’t our responsibility, trust is.
Knowing that we were never in control to begin with means we aren’t out of control when something happens. Once you understand that, everything else is secondary. We’re human, that doesn’t mean we’re helpless, it means we are hopeful through Him. We are not in control, we are in Christ Jesus, and that is so much better!
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June 14, 2015
iPainting: Titans
My Dad has always been an Ali fan, and to a lesser extent Foreman. My best friend, Pastor Denny Livingston, loves the sport of boxing. Today we honor both of them with our iPainting, “Titans”.
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