Found, Changed and Rearranged

Good News!

Just two weeks ago, I was fairly certain my blog had one reader, but now (drum roll please!) I officially have four readers that have come out of the closet.

Any other lurkers out there? I'd love to hear from you!

The Weight Room?

I was helping my son put on pants last week and without moving a muscle, my back spasmed. It has been killing ever since. Not sure why this happened, but it only further reinforced my thoughts that I should be utilizing our health club membership for more than the occasional swim with the kids.

So, I'm thinking a visit to the weight room would be a great help, but here's the deal:

• I'm scared to go by myself.
• I don't know where to go.
• I don't know what to do once I get there.
• I don't know who to ask questions to.
• I don't feel like looking like an idiot because I don't know what I'm doing.
• If only the gym offered a guide to help me get familiar with things.
• Even better, if only I had a friend that could show me the ropes.

And then it hit me. Going to church for the first time is a lot like going to the weight room for the first time. There are probably people out there that would consider going to church just to check it out, but they're saying:

• I'm scared to go by myself.
• I don't know where to go.
• I don't know what to do once I get there.
• I don't know who to ask questions to.
• I don't feel like looking like an idiot because I don't know what I'm doing.
• If only the church offered a guide to help me get familiar with things.
• Even better, if only I had a friend that could show me the ropes.

Charles Arn in recent research found that 75% of unchurched people came to church because of a personal invitation. Got a friend? Invite them. It may be what they've been wanting to do, but just didn't know how to go about it.

Customer Service the way it ought NOT be done

I recently blogged about our mailbox being knocked off by a snowplow. It's been 2 days since we've received our mail. I've tried to get it. It's just that every time I can make it to the post office, the mail truck has left. So, this morning I called before the truck has been leaving the past few days. Here's my conversation with Betty.

BETTY: Hometown post office. This is Betty.

ME: Hi Betty. My name is Sheila Addison and live at [street address]. Our mailbox was knocked off by a snowplow so we haven't been able received our mail for two days. Any chance I could stop by the post office and pick it up this morning?

BETTY: The truck has left.

ME: Any idea when it will return? I can pick it up then.

BETTY: I don't know.

ME: Well, would you say the truck returns closer to noon or 6pm?

BETTY: I don't know.

ME: Well, do you know when truck generally stops by our house. At least I could watch for it. (I'm thinking that certainly after YEARS of delivering mail there has to be an established route that she could look at quickly.)

BETTY: I don't know.

ME: Well Betty, thank you for all the helpful information.

BETTY: (Oblivious to the sarcasm, she responds in the most cheerful voice of our conversation) You're welcome! [C-L-I-C-K]

Ahhhh! My government dollars hard at work.

Simple Communication

One of my favorite blogs to read about communcations is Kem Meyer's. She recently pointed to this interview of Rick Warren by Steve Colbert. It's quite amusing all-around, but there's a great moment where Rick Warren talks about how he tried to communicate simply. (listen between 2:42 - 2:16)

Catching up

Within the past 24 hours:

• Our mailbox was blown into oblivion by snowplows (for the 3rd time in a week). I should have call the Muskegon County Road Commission  after the first time, but I was lazy. This time, I couldn't hold my disgust. In response to my concern, they took my name, address and phone number and told me they would send someone out to investigate. Investigate what? The mailbox is gone. You need to send someone out to confirm that? And then what happens? Good question. It's all a mystery, but you can believe I've got them on speed dial. I'm not letting this die without a fight.
• The pipe out to the septic tank clogged forcing all the water back into the house. Lovely!

Within in the past 24 days:

• We've been to Disney for a week. The trip was exhausting, but totally fun. Our oldest cried about leaving for a couple days before we left for home and for a couple days after we returned. Breaks my heart, but at least I know he loved it. And as a parent, ah - that makes me happy.
• I purchased a Jawbone. Love it!
• Started making plans to attend these two conferences: Pop Goes The Church and Whiteboard. I'm especially excited for Whiteboard because Scott will come with and we'll take a mini-break to visit DC for the first time. Dare I be so selfish as to hope that the cherry blossoms will bloom late this year?
• Shared my story publicly here.

Happy and Sad

My one and only reader (Gwen) informed me the other day that I hadn't posted in over a month. (!!!) So this one is for you Gwen.

Posting has been on my mind, but honestly, I really don't like to post when I'm not moved to share something. I don't exactly blog about my everyday life. It's a bit more random, like things that inspire me tossed with a bit of life.

Today I have something to share. This past Sunday, our senior pastor announced his resignation. Dennis and Gwen have become close friends, and so on a personal level it kills me to see them go. In my head, I celebrate their decision and what the future holds for them. But personally, it wrecks me every time I imagine hugging Gwen goodbye. (long pause to cry...)

So here are some things I want my million other readers out there to know about Gwen. She is wise, insightful, patient, caring, full of joy, a gifted writer, easy to just "be" with, and a super fun to travel with. Whoever gets to benefit of being near her next, count yourself lucky. I miss you already Gwen.