Run with God

Polar Bears no longer around the Iceholes...

Bad news for the Polar Bear community... Evidently you are now a "Protected Species". NY Times once again has the article... Unfortunately, the bears aren't being killed off or threatened by the Greenhouse Effect... it's human hunters that are doing the damage.

One thing we have not considered yet is how many of these Polar Bears got magically transported to the LOST Island. Come on! They've got Polar Bears on a tropical island in the South Pacific... They've got Polar Bears in the middle of Afghanistan... Where else have these elusive creatures run off to?

Sad to say, I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to say:

The key to the game is in the name. The name of the game is Polar Bears around the Icehole. Planets around the Sun. Petals around the Flower. And/Or the many wives of Ghengis Kahn.

And while that may mean nothing to most of you, right now a couple hundred 18-26 year olds are letting out a collective "Oh crap! Not again!"

Seriously, save the polar bears!

Obama is like a Mac (no wonder I want to vote for him)

We're all familiar with Apple's Mac vs. PC ad campaign that's been running for three years now. Wow. Great times. Remember that one where PC was dressed like that dork...

Enter the New York Times (gotta love the Times) that recently parodies the Mac vs PC campaign with that of the Democratic Presidential Race... pinning the "Mac" title on Obama, and of course Hillary Clinton gets the always lovable but not that useful title of "PC".

The NY Times article focuses on what each candidate is trying to portray through their online presence. And while the impact of their website may be downplayed, I believe in this 2.0 society the implication is huge.

Obama understands communication, and how sometimes simpler is in fact better. Clinton tries to hammer in too many points, therefore causing Information Overload...

Wow, almost like real life...

Caitlyn's Baby Registry & Dreams of Pooh

Amy and I went to Babies R Us in West Kendall last night to do the whole "Baby Registry" thing. Ugh. I hate Babies R Us. The whole experience is so overwhelming... Information Overload...

Anyway, our registry is online if you'd like to see it. There are still some major add-ons that we have not resolved yet (bedding, high chair, etc...)

It's been a pain picking out the bedding. All the bedding we love is Boy bedding... and Caitlyn is NOT SLEEPING ON BLUE BASEBALL GLOVES!

Meet Winnie the Pooh. Yeah, we're going with a Pooh theme (I love Pooh!) This is by far my favorite Pooh baby bedding. I know Pooh, but I don't know girlie! Is this Pooh theme Girlie enough? Does it matter? Does Caitlyn need to sleep on Pink Sheets? Give me some feedback!

Is that a Google in your in box?

Email is really the bane of most companies/organizations' existence. No, not kidding. If you've ever had to deal with Blacklisting, Spam Filtering, Mass Emailing... you know where I'm coming from. It was one (of many) reasons why I'm no longer doing eBeliever.

After seeing the headaches (and dealing with the latter part of some of them) I started pushing to move CF email and other connectivity apps to Google Apps. GMail, Google Cal, Google Docs, Google Talk, etc... Fortunately, I didn't have to push very hard.

Very excited. Other than moving CF's communications to the leader in global communications, this will make our lives easier.

* Easier to access info from home, multisite locations, other office locations, anywhere!

* Electronic collaboration! Don't have to deal with printing on paper to proof!

* Scheduling/Appointments now on a platform that works on multiple Operating Systems (Mac & PC) - Microsoft? Who's that?

* More options for accepting credit cards online (25% of our CF: Live Preorders came from online transactions)

* Intranet-based information located on an Internet-based page... with integration of ACS database!

The best part is, as Google gets better, so will we. Okay, that's not the best part. The best part is the six gigs worth of server space that Google gives EACH EMAIL USER for free. Yes, free.

Honestly, if you are any sort of organization that does any sort of communication online... I have no idea why you don't do this. Check out Google Apps Organization page for more information.

CF Miami + Google's Launch happens this wknd.

The blog formerly known as Typepad

Okay, I finally got around to doing what I should have done months ago...

I'm moving past Typepad. She's been good, you know? I love the friendship, the camaraderie, the features... not to mention the fact that she makes me look good... But she's not the marrying kind.... I'm sorta in a long-term dating relationship with Typepad. I know I can do better. But I'm lazy. Maybe if I put some effort into it. But I don't have time, and Typepad feels comfortable. She's easy (stop it!). So I'll settle for Typepad a while more. It's really not that bad, but basically I'd rather people not know we're together... is that bad?

Confused? That's okay...

I've domain mapped my blog, so instead of "faking" RUNwithGOD.com, my blog address really is http://www.RUNwithGOD.com - If you have me bookmarked, please change it to this address. If you are going to link to me, please link to me at this address.

Most of you probably won't notice the difference. I was formerly known as runwithgod.typepad.com, but it always seemed silly to me that I was advertising for Typepad every time someone looked at my address...

And now, when I move my blog in the next "whenever" you guys won't even notice cause you're hooked up with the real address... http://www.RUNwithGOD.com

Mommy @ CF

I'm on an abbreviated lunch/gum break, and remembered a couple things that needed to be said:

First off, an early Happy Mother's Day out there to all the Mommies... weird that my wife now falls in that category. I missed them like crazy when I was in Atlanta this week. And to my own Mommy, thank you!

Speaking of my Mommy, it's been cool to see her around the CF office a lot lately. She's designing a super hush hush project called CFConnect - think CF meets Facebook - so she's been in a bunch of mtgs during the day.

Plus she was up here today filming an interview for Rick's sermon! Now, I'm never one to let the cat out of the bag, but if you want to see my Mommy on the big screen, come to CFPB, CFH, or CFR this weekend (CFDT, CFWK later this month).

I don't have time to tell you all the reasons why... but Mommy... thank you...

Revisiting RV's Think Tank

Before I get started, this is going to be non-detail oriented... really... I signed a NDA, and being a business owner, I respect that. Sorry crew... I'm pulling a Sgt. Shultz from Hogan's Heroes: "I know NOTHING!"

I'm glad we switched to these guys.
On all campuses.
For all venues.
And not just because it's Mac-based.
I believe these guys are going to raise the bar to a level unheard of in the church.
And I cannot wait.

Hearing the ideas batted around today, not only by the church techie guys, but the Renewed Vision Staff, caused me to drool. What RV is doing will help shape the culture of worship environment very soon... as we talked about concepts, idea after idea popped into my head of ways we could execute it... to reach more people... to create not only a worship environment but teaching as well...

Renewed Vision, thanks for inviting me. Looking forward to seeing this come to fruition... and the sooner, the better! I'm not sure how long I can hold out w/o telling someone!

Renewed Vision Think Tank

Really excited tonight. Tomorrow I'm flying up to Atlanta for a whirlwind trip to meet with Renewed Vision, a company that produces software that is the backbone of all CF Worship services... ProPresenter, ProVideoPlayer, and ProVideoSync.

They're having a Think Tank where they want to talk through future development of their software, and somehow I got invited. It's going to be great to get up there and talk with both Renewed Vision people, but also other church media guys who do this on a weekly basis...

If you need me, call or email. Thank you very much iPhone! I'll be back on Friday, and will cram in everything that needs to get done for CF's new Sermon Series, DASH, that starts this wknd.

links for 2008-05-07

• City Wants Florida Split Into Two States
  Not sure if it's true, but it is true that Dade/Broward/Palm Beach is a completely different world than the rest of the state...
  (tags: Truemors)

Pick the Filly

I thought this was big news (therefore not blogworthy), but when I've repeated this story people look at me like I'm crazy...

Last week, amongst the chaos of campaigning, Hillary Clinton decides to dress up for the Kentucky Derby (see FoxNews), donning this ridiculous hat, and telling reporters and supporters that she wants "everybody to place a little money on the filly," Eight Belles.

The little money would have gotten some results, as Eight Belles placed second in the Derby. Unfortunately, Eight Belles broke both front ankles shortly after crossing the finish line.

Having broken both front legs, the horse literally didn't have a leg to stand on (now I just feel dirty saying that) and had to be euthanized. Yes, they killed the horse on the track. No word if it was lethal injection or the good 'ol fashion shotgun.

Ironically the winner of the race is named Big Brown. I'm sure Obama is having a field day with that one.

Now you've heard the story.

Superhero Characters and Volunteer Thank You(s)

First off, thanks to the TONS of volunteers who serve on a weekly basis @ CF. Honestly, we could not do what we do without you all. CF would not exist, and I for one say thank you.

Now, I said that I was going to dress up as a Superhero/Villain, and I needed your help. Who should I be?

Captain Geiger of the Spaceship CF Enterprise... iJeff... MacMan... Bibleman... Six (the Cylon from Battlestar Galactica)... Duct Tape Man... all great ideas...

I was going to back out of dressing up. Really torn in what to dress up as.

I decided that I was going to go with Lex Luthor. I'm bald. I'm smashing in a suit. Should be a slam dunk. The problem is my big 'ol honkin eyebrows. Luthor lost all his hair in the comet crash in Supermandome... so my eyebrows and chest hair gotta go. Relax, I'm not that guy. I don't wax. The Goatee? well, maybe that's expendable...

So I struggled with who to be. Leave it to Paul Ronda for the save. "Luthor? You look more like Kingpin!"

Kingpin, in Marveldome, is a huge, bald villain/crime boss who goes at it against Spiderman, Daredevil, and a ton of other superheroes. He's a beast of a man, and if he's coming at you full steam ahead, you better move... I'm really not 6'7" and 450lbs, but you get the idea.

Yeah, that's who I am. Kingpin...

So thank you, Paul, for hooking me up with the idea. I LOVE IT! BTW, Paul, You get the giftcard hookup that I aforementioned in my blog. Tell me which store you want it from. AND since I don't think you read my blog, if someone could tell Paul he won, that'd be great.

So did I pull it off? Eh, it could've been better. But I win the COMMITMENT award for shaving the Goatee just for this event!

Thanks again to all our volunteers, especially our Media crew! You are greatly appreciated!!!

Worrying about Boys

Props to Rob M. for telling me this old adage...

"When you have a boy you only have to worry about one boy in town. When you have a girl you have to worry about all of the boys in town."

For the record, I will be on the porch before every date. I won't be holding a shotgun, though. Baseball Bats are so much more fun...

Fear of Computers...

"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them."
Isaac Asimov

10 Names that didn't make the cut

We didn't spend much time discussing Boy names, (since I was convinced myBaby was a Girl)... but here were the Boy names that didn't make the cut.

10. Optimus Prime Reed (after all, he's my hero)
9. Jeffrey Reed, Jr. - (aka JR, jr.)
8. Stone Forest Reed
7. Gilligan Skipper Reed (ala Scrubs)
6. Radley "Rad" Reed (upcoming career as BMX bike racer/skater/80's wannabe.)
5. Grendel Reed (didn't want Beowulf to have an immediate adversary in house.)
4. Jason Alexander Reed (wife totally didn't realize that the name was taken by this guy).
3. Ing Reed, or as written in a gradebook Reed, Ing. (Amy humor).
2. Darth Vader-Maul Reed (only if he needs an inhaler...)
1. Reid Read Reed (think Reed cubed)

With creative power like that, at least we came up with a decent girl's name. Hopefully Caitlyn will appreciate us someday (and not be upset we didn't name her Gomer).

UPDATE: Couldn't resist putting in my 2nd favorite Girl Name: Apple MacKenzie Reed...

myBabyGirl... Caitlyn Elizabeth Reed

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Caitlyn Elizabeth Reed. And we couldn't be happier! myBabyGirl is healthy, strong, and evidently likes doing the funky chicken dance in the womb. She's quite the hyper kid... didn't want to cooperate at all!

But after a long time of shifting, manipulating, and prodding... our stubborn, modest little girl gave us a peak. BTW, the coolest thing I've ever seen is that heart beating... unbelievable...

Caitlyn is growing. Amy is not. She's been losing weight, but not at the cost of the kid. Caitlyn is a healthy vegetarian, causing Amy to eat more healthy... who knew pregnancy was a killer diet?

The record will show that I predicted that Caitlyn would be a girl. From the day we found out we were pregnant, I knew in my heart it was a girl. Perfectly happy with that, too! Deep down I just knew... Why? Well, honestly, that's just the way we roll...

Now that we know, I'm happy to announce that there is no way that my kid will end up marrying his daughter, or his daughter. [Insert sigh of relief]

Caitlyn, can't wait to meet you! Already love you!

Immodest myBaby

As long as myBaby cooperates (read: spreads its legs) we'll find out if myBaby is a boy or girl Wednesday afternoon.

Believe me, I'll let you know.

Testing Polling Software

Everybody, I need your help. I'm testing out some polling software... Instead of being able to vote through web, this software allows you to vote through Txt Messaging (and provides realtime results). Please, test it out for me. It's so cool to see the bar graph change right when you vote! See below...

If you cannot read the text (problems with some Windows Computers) click on "Full Screen" on the lower left hand of the poll.

Txt 41411 from your phone, and send the message "Cast 3201" if you want to vote for "Boy", etc.

Qs, holler at me. If you can't see the bar graph, your RSS reader probably can't do Javascript. Click here.

Check out the software at PollEverywhere.com.

(Question was changed on 4/25)...

Ministry in a 2.0 society

I met two interesting people today through web2.0 means...

1) I got a comment on a post earlier today from Senzo, who was asking me some questions on stage lighting for worship. We started an email conversation. I thought he was a local guy and I was going to bring in a couple of my volunteers over and do another Reach Beyond at his church. Uh, Senzo lives in South Africa. Sounds like it'll have to be an email conversation...

2) Got Facebook'd by Veniese, who is moving into the South Miami area and looking for a church? She wants to know if I can recommend one? After directing her to CFMiami.org, Veniese tells me she's moving into a place a couple blocks away from CFWK. She's coming this wknd.

There is a large portion of society that is immersed into the 2.0 culture, and having a conversation with a stranger via email is almost easier than face to face. It's exciting to see how these simple tools can be used through my own life to reach out to others.

With that being said, how else can we minister through 2.0?
Who can you reach out to in Facebook?
What's your MySpace promoting?
What does your representation represent?

Has anyone seen my replacement?

"Winners don’t find successors, they create them." - Noel Tichy

Thanks to Travis Johnson for the reference.

links for 2008-04-23

• Poll Everywhere - Simple Text Message (SMS) Voting and Polling, Audience Response System (ARS), PowerPoint Polling
  Very excited about the possibilities of this software... demo coming soon...
  (tags: cellphones txt poll internet community online Presentation software web2.0)

CFPB's Camera Directors' MTG

I've got a Camera Directors' meeting in about 18 hours. Here's the plan:

* Watch CF's Night of Worship Imag Feed (side screens center screen feed)

* Watch parts of CF's Night of Worship Edited Video (Imag feed + "B Roll" Cameras). Video edited by Hector Huyo

* Discuss: camera angles, tempo, movement, aesthetics, effects (yes, effects)

* Watch samples from other churches

* Go home (early) and (happy)

Butchering HTML... or why Jeff misses GoLive

I spent today hacking (read: butchering) HTML... it's been years since I've done it... and what should have taken like 30 minutes took hours...

1) I miss Adobe GoLive. Back when I was running eBeliever, I could use either GoLive or (then) Macromedia Dreamweaver. Even though Dreamweaver was the Industry Standard, I liked GoLive's Interface. It worked excellently with Adobe Photoshop and (then) Adobe ImageReady. The CSS Editor was slick. I knew where all the tabs went. Heck, I spent four years of my life working in that application. Fast forward to today: the majority of the day today was spent hunting around Dreamweaver for a certain tool, or a certain attribute field, or the color dropbox. My day was frustratingly ugly (I ended up coding a lot by hand... also ugly)...

2) I LOVE Dreamweaver's WYSIWYG editor - coding is top half the screen, and page layout is bottom half. Incredible! If I had this years ago, I may not have sold eBeliever...

3) I remember what I didn't like about eBeliever... staring at a computer screen all day. Thankfully tomorrow I'm going to be nowhere near my laptop... so I'll get to explore other avenues of my job description.

4) Even though I've been blogging for almost two years now, I really haven't done much advanced stuff since I left eBeliever almost four years ago. There are some cool tools out there now! Stuff that I was not able to do back then (or too costly to set up) I could do easily w/o a problem.

5) Doing a little bit makes me want to do more of it... CF has a couple big web projects on the horizon... I'm very excited... Anybody got a manual for Dreamweaver CS3?

New CF Sites launch...

A couple new sites are launching at Christ Fellowship...

1) CF Worship & Media is launching a new website... CFMusic.org. Replacing Worship343, CFMusic.org will have easy access to Planning Center Online, plus news, blogs, etc...

2) re:Launch of Sammy's Blog... Sammy's been blogging for some time, but he's taking blogging a step further, and now you can find his stuff at SammyFlores.com. (If you use a RSS News Reader to keep up with blogs, here's his feed...)

3) Not new, but I apologize to Berchman Paul... evidently I had accidentally deleted him from the Blogroll. Was wondering why he wasn't writing anymore... uh, my bad!

More coming, I'm sure...

Blog It

Trying out a new Facebook App called "Blog It" (powered by Typepad) that allows me to create blog entries in Facebook. I guess that's cool...

Bloggers, check out the Facebook app athttp://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=14103720714

Parental Fears

There was a rumor floating around that we were going to find out the sex of myBaby yesterday... well, I actually started the rumor...

Nope. Not yet. In a couple weeks, maybe...

Meanwhile, I suddenly find myself questioning my ability to be a parent... Then I see this You Tube Video...

Yeah, that is SO going to be my kid...

links for 2008-04-18

• True Downstream Alpha Keying from ProPresenter
  Exciting news coming from ProPresenter...
  (tags: WorshipTech ProducingChurch RenewedVision ProPresenter NAB)