More pics ... just to be clear, that is ice on the streets and parking lot, not snow.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ice Storm 2009
The sound of ice on the windows brings back memories of being without power for nine days in December 2007. Not a pleasant time for us or many other Tulsans as hundred of thousands of people found new and unique ways to stay warm, dress in the dark and turn to friends and familes for support. Pete and I were fortunate to luck into a hotel room on the third night -- our haven in the storm. So far this year, we've been fortunate and haven't had too many storms. Tonight is a bitterly cold one. Hopefully the ice doesn't cause too much damage. Here are a few pics tonight. I'll post more in the daylight.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What is Leadership?
A question that I have thought a lot about over the last few years is "What is leadership?". The dictionary definition of leadership from dictionary.com is:
1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. 2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership. 4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.
Reading these definitions allows one to consider the concept of leadership on a surface level. However, I view leadership as more than simply being in a position of authority. My experiences have shown that there are a number of individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are not leaders. Instead of leading, these people choose to use their perceived power to control their employees or followers.
My definition of leadership is a bit more complicated. Leaders in my mind are individuals who exhibit all the characteristics they want to see in their employees and more. If a person in a superior role cannot be a model and mentor for his or her employees, then I have trouble believing that individual is truly a leader.
In my career, I have been fortunate to work with and for people who have taught me a great deal about personal and professional integrity. My mentors have helped shape me into a person who values the experiences and lessons I learn from co-workers, colleagues and others in my life. I believe it's important for me to pass on the traits I have gained to future generations. I expect feedback from people around me to help improve my skills. I hunger for education -- whether formal through school or informal through human contact.
The ultimate leader in my life is Jesus Christ. Following his example is critical for me. Look at the throngs of people who followed him during Biblical times and one cannot help but be humbled by the leadership he exhibited. I desire to show that type of leadership in my own life, both personal and professional.
1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. 2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership. 4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.
Reading these definitions allows one to consider the concept of leadership on a surface level. However, I view leadership as more than simply being in a position of authority. My experiences have shown that there are a number of individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are not leaders. Instead of leading, these people choose to use their perceived power to control their employees or followers.
My definition of leadership is a bit more complicated. Leaders in my mind are individuals who exhibit all the characteristics they want to see in their employees and more. If a person in a superior role cannot be a model and mentor for his or her employees, then I have trouble believing that individual is truly a leader.
In my career, I have been fortunate to work with and for people who have taught me a great deal about personal and professional integrity. My mentors have helped shape me into a person who values the experiences and lessons I learn from co-workers, colleagues and others in my life. I believe it's important for me to pass on the traits I have gained to future generations. I expect feedback from people around me to help improve my skills. I hunger for education -- whether formal through school or informal through human contact.
The ultimate leader in my life is Jesus Christ. Following his example is critical for me. Look at the throngs of people who followed him during Biblical times and one cannot help but be humbled by the leadership he exhibited. I desire to show that type of leadership in my own life, both personal and professional.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day 2009
Today is an historic day in the United States. Watching and listening to Inauguration coverage on the news and Internet, one can't help but be proud of our country. I don't think it's surprising to most people that I have conservative beliefs and political leanings. President Barack Obama was not my choice for leader of the country, but I believe wholeheartedly in supporting the office of the president whether the person in that office received my vote or not. My prayers are with President Obama and the decisions he will make over the next four years. I pray God's guidance on the president's heart and know as a faithful believer in Jesus Christ that all things occur for a purpose.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Welcome 2009
The holidays are finally over. For that, I'm thankful. I enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with family and friends but now it's time to get back to normal life and start a new year. Following are few pictures from our holidays:
I'm looking forward to what 2009 brings in our lives. I pray every day that God can show me the path He has set for my life and that I will follow it according to His wishes. I have turned my life over to God completely and thank Him for the grace and goodness He has provided. I'm ready for what He has in store.
I'm looking forward to what 2009 brings in our lives. I pray every day that God can show me the path He has set for my life and that I will follow it according to His wishes. I have turned my life over to God completely and thank Him for the grace and goodness He has provided. I'm ready for what He has in store.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Better Life
A friend tagged me with this so I thought it would be a fun post. Here goes:
Here are the rules:
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS
1) IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Hide Your Matches -- Julianne Hough
2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Help is On the Way -- Michael W. Smith
3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? Love Letters -- Miranda Lambert
4) HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Power of Love -- Huey Lewis
5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? A Heart Like Hers -- George Strait
6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? The Way You Love Me -- Faith Hill
7) WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Mississippi Girl -- Faith Hill
8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Everyday America -- Sugarland
9) WHAT IS 2+2? Tied Together With A Smile -- Taylor Swift
10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Nobody but Me -- Blake Shelton
11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Voodoo Doll -- Fergie
12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? JailBreak -- Thin Lizzy
13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Sunshine & Summertime -- Faith Hill
14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Still Don't Stop Me -- Jessica Simpson
15) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? (not planning to have another one but...) Pour Me A Vacation -- Great Divide
16) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? I Shall Return -- Billy Currington
17) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? What Breaks Your Heart -- Scott Krippayne
18) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Come On Joe -- George Strait
19) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Mighty to Save -- Michael W. Smith
20) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? This Used to be My Playground -- Madonna
21) HOW WILL YOU DIE? Average Joe -- Clay Walker
22) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? Sweetest Sin -- Jessica Simpson (Is that a statement of my life or a statement on my music?)
23) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? You'll Always Be My Baby -- Sara Evans
24) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? You Look Good in My Shirt -- Keith Urban
25) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? Well, yes but ... Silent Night -- Dean Martin
26) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Brighter Days -- Jimmy Wayne
27) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? All I Ask For Anymore -- Trace Adkins
28) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Holly Jolly Christmas -- Faith Hill
29) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? The King of Broken Hearts -- LeeAnn Womack
30) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS NOTE AS? Better Life -- Keith Urban
Here are the rules:
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS
1) IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Hide Your Matches -- Julianne Hough
2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Help is On the Way -- Michael W. Smith
3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? Love Letters -- Miranda Lambert
4) HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Power of Love -- Huey Lewis
5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? A Heart Like Hers -- George Strait
6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? The Way You Love Me -- Faith Hill
7) WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Mississippi Girl -- Faith Hill
8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Everyday America -- Sugarland
9) WHAT IS 2+2? Tied Together With A Smile -- Taylor Swift
10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Nobody but Me -- Blake Shelton
11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Voodoo Doll -- Fergie
12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? JailBreak -- Thin Lizzy
13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Sunshine & Summertime -- Faith Hill
14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Still Don't Stop Me -- Jessica Simpson
15) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? (not planning to have another one but...) Pour Me A Vacation -- Great Divide
16) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? I Shall Return -- Billy Currington
17) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? What Breaks Your Heart -- Scott Krippayne
18) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Come On Joe -- George Strait
19) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Mighty to Save -- Michael W. Smith
20) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? This Used to be My Playground -- Madonna
21) HOW WILL YOU DIE? Average Joe -- Clay Walker
22) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? Sweetest Sin -- Jessica Simpson (Is that a statement of my life or a statement on my music?)
23) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? You'll Always Be My Baby -- Sara Evans
24) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? You Look Good in My Shirt -- Keith Urban
25) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? Well, yes but ... Silent Night -- Dean Martin
26) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Brighter Days -- Jimmy Wayne
27) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? All I Ask For Anymore -- Trace Adkins
28) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Holly Jolly Christmas -- Faith Hill
29) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? The King of Broken Hearts -- LeeAnn Womack
30) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS NOTE AS? Better Life -- Keith Urban
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