Posted by Phil on July 29, 2008 – 6:15 am
Every once in a while there is an idea that seems to touch on every area of my life. These recurrent themes cause me to stop and take note as they often lead to greater understanding. One theme I see recurring is the idea of simplicity, streamlined approach to organizational development.
Certainly the wave of economic shifts in response to the energy crunch would encourage a more conservative approach to operations from a business standpoint. More fundamental though I believe is a reaction to the complexity of life and a return to the essentials of getting things done. Perhaps there’s a deeper realization that "less is more" is really true.
Most recently this cropped-up at work with much talk in management circles about the book Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation. The book essentially says find what’s fundamentally valuable to your customer, cut waste and deliver in an efficient and effective manner.
Borrowing some of the concepts of Lean Thinking in my personal life, we live in a small house, drive older cars and try to avoid a lifestyle of waste. By being effective and efficient at work I produce quality work that is rewarded thereby building wealth for my family.
A streamlined approach is also an effective means to advancing organizational objectives that are not economically driven as well. The application is broad as is the case with the book Simple Church. Drawing parallels from marketing such as the iPod and Google’s homepage, the authors point to a simple approach to church that is in sharp contrast to an organization that runs a plethora of programs. This book got me excited as I’ve been meditating lately on Acts 2:42-47 which gives a picture of the early church devoted to a few things that rocked the world.
Like loosing oneself from debt, letting go of waste, complexity and unnecessary baggage gives greater flexibility and freedom. I guess the writer of the ancient book of Hebrews had it right when he said in chapter 12 "let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us". Now that’s lean thinking.
Posted by Phil on July 17, 2008 – 6:09 am
Not one to usually get on any soap box, but after reviewing the new game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed I couldn’t help but be dissappointed in George Lucas. Let me say that I am a diehard fan of the original three movies. I was out of the country when the first of the next three were released and never quite got the fever for the second group. The video game’s storyline actually serves to tie the two groups of films together which sounds like a great idea. The quality of the game looks excellent and I am sure that Lucas Arts did a steller job with the project as a whole.
My main criticism if you will, is that the gamer plays the apprentice to Darth Vader and is a member of the darkside hunting down the last of the Jedi. While an interesting concept, in my opinion, it goes against my whole experience as a kid of rooting for the good guys.
The magic of the original Star Wars episodes was the triumph of good over evil going against the odds in the face of great adversity. Classic tails of good versus evil have been used to challenge and encourage young people to do what is right with noble character. Star Wars has been one of the mythological stories that shaped the psychi of so many people of my generation. To this day I still have daydreams of defeating the dark side and try to live a life of choosing right over wrong.
Yes, I am no relativist and do believe there is right and wrong. Luke, Hansolo and Leigh expect nothing less from me. The kid inside me just doesn’t get this twist on the classic tail. Call me a simpleton, but I just don’t get the joy of hunting down noble characters as a villan bent on destruction.
Posted by Phil on July 15, 2008 – 9:14 pm
Yes, it’s a great title for any adventure, Thank you Mr. Tolkein. My wife, kiddos and I embarked on the 4th of July from Austin up through Santa Fe, New Mexico on to South Central Colorado for a twelve day journey. We enjoyed Family Camp with Sky Ranch at Ute Trail where we made new friends, went horse back riding, kayaking, white water rafting, tomahawk throwing, skeet shooting, hiking, and a plethora of other activities; a wonderful getaway from our everyday life. On our return trip we hung out in Santa Fe for a couple of nights for just a taste of "Fanta Se" as one of the locals called it.
I compiled this quick video synopsis of the week. While the setting for the camp was breathtaking, the most beautiful part of the week was both the families and camp staff that we enjoyed. For those looking for a fun vacation and a spiritually encouraging experience in a Christian environment, Sky Ranch Family Camp is spot on for a worthwhile get away.