Bubble Theory

A level is a tool comprised of a long straight piece of wood with several sealed pockets of water containing a single bubble. The bubble always floats to the top, allowing the carpenter to see when his work is skewed one way or another. When it is perfectly level (hence the name), the bubble floats in the middle.

This has been a helpful analogy for me recently in my spiritual life. On one side, I can become skewed towards feeling I need to be doing more things for my spiritual life to be healthy (giving more money, sacrificing more, not having as much as I do have). On the other side, I can become skewed towards a sense of ownership or selfishness - these are my things, with which I will do as I please, forgetting all I have (possessions, relationships, position, etc) is given to me by God, and it's his prerogative to take them back as he sees fit.

In the middle is a wonderful balance of complete submission that results in restful peace and enjoyment of my relationship with God, and ready, appropriate action when He brings things to me. Jesus is my example in this. Throughout his whole ministry on earth he sought the rest and peace and joy of constant communion with the Father. He healed those sick whom he came in contact with; he taught those God put in his path; he fed those he encountered who were hungry. He didn't worry about doing enough, about those he hadn't healed or taught or fed; he simply walked in submission and peace responding to the situations the Father saw fit to bring him.

Update - Recent Activities

I haven't blogged since June 22, and I think only once since we moved to Red Deer from Washington. Since I spent the summer bumming around my parents place like I was still in High School, you might have thought I'd have had more time for it. Not sure why, it just didn't happen. Here's what did happen, however:

I got a job. I start my training tomorrow. It's a very exciting opportunity for me, and I hope I enjoy it and show at least an average level of aptitude for it.

Michelle, Norah, and I may have a new home in Red Deer. Our first house! We made an offer, agreed on a price and possession date, and are only waiting financing and a clean home inspection. Keep those fingers crossed.

It has been a great summer. There are not many fathers who get to spend a full 3 and a half months with their firstborn.

J&M Garage Sales Inc

I think this week I'm going to test out a little business idea Michelle and I have been talking about for awhile. It's a garage sale running business. We advertise, set up, price, and run the garage sale in exchange for 50% of the earnings. You provide the clutter you want converted into cash. Could get some interesting responses. I'll let you know how it goes.

PS In case you hadn't guessed, no new leads on the job search front.

Cletus, Take the Reel

I Wish I Could Blog

I've had a number of things rolling around in my head to blog about, but the opportunity hasn't been there. Norah and Michelle keep me busy and free time is quickly devoted to outdoor activities (read: fishing) leaving little or no time to blog. Here is the stuff I wish I had time to post about:

• "Cletus, Take the Reel", a hilarious reprisal of Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel".
• Hanes Brands' environmental and human rights record. No sooner had I passed judgement and posted the Hanes post than they emailed me back with more details. I really need to get the updated info up there.
• My disenchantment with both major US political parties. Recently, the reasons I'm in favor of less government and more personal responsibility have been resurfacing. Too bad the GOP has such an awful environmental record and too bad the Dems will inevitably increase the size of government. Big brother's not the answer. Sigh. I stand by my choice of hope, diplomacy, and environmentalism even if it comes with big government. It's not a perfect world I guess.

I think that's it for now. I'm also trying to find time to post some pictures on Flickr from the Tulip Festival. Very fun!

Brand Impressions - Hanes

Recently I bought a package of Hanes T-shirts at my local Target. The tag indicated they were made in Honduras.

I sent an email to Hanes asking about both environmental and human rights issues. I mentioned that their response would go a long way to shaping my impression of their brand. Unfortunately, that was over a week ago and I still haven't heard anything. I also checked their website - no mention of an environmental, human rights, community involvement or any other type of corporate responsibility program or policy. Unfortunately, no information doesn't equal no message.

In the last few years, my buying habits have changed and I've begun taking into consideration:

• where products are manufactured;
• the amount and recycle-ability of packaging;
• my perception of the brand's environmental conscientiousness; and
  
• my perception of the brand's human rights impacts.
  

The last two are almost purely conjecture based on what I see on the product packaging, and my perceptions of what environmental and human rights conditions exist in the country where the item was produced. Relying on my own perceptions leaves plenty of room for incorrect assumptions. I had hoped that brands like Hanes could give me some real information to accurately shape my perspective of the brand. Alas, I'm left to assume the worst about Hanes and their products.

It's a shame, because the shirts are really nice. Guess I'll try Fruit of the Loom next time.

Living with Open Hands

"The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."