Daniel Needed

Saturday night/Sunday morning I was somehow able to remember my dream.  Usually I have dreams, but rarely do I wake up actually having remembered the dream.

But when the alarm when of Sunday morning I had a clear recollection.  Maybe God wants to speak to me.  The problem is I have no clue what the dream means or if meant anything.

So if you think you have some Daniel-like or Joseph-like skills please offer up your interpretation.

If you don’t have such skills, give it a try anyways.  Who knows maybe our Bible heroes were just spit-firing and God was somehow in between the spit and the fire.

 

My Dream:

It didn’t feel like today, rather it felt about 8 years ago during my time at OCC, but I was the me of today.  There was a writing competition that everyone was abuzz about on the campus.  Reluctantly I entered an article that I wrote half heartedly.  I don’t know if the competition had certain parameters and I don’t know what I wrote.  I do know that it felt like the writing had a lackadaisical tone to it that matched my ambivalence to the project.  As it turns out the competition whittled down to my paper and a dear friend of mine.  I can’t recognize the friend, but it is definitely a she.  I feel like not only is she someone I have a real friendship with, but I was also very much attracted to her (which could a number of girls, but I have a couple of ideas who she is - - I’ll save those thoughts until after some of your interpretations).  In the end I narrowly win the competition. 

The prize is a trip to Paris, France or Thailand.   I’ve been to Paris on a couple of occasions so it only tempts my interests a little.  I decide on Thailand.  I have no clue why either trip is offered or what I would be doing at each.

 

There you go.  What does it mean?

Trendy Vocab

Okay, so I’m catching up on some e-mails.

And last Friday’s Trendcentral Newsletter supplied my life with some new vocab.

 

“Perma-lance.”

 

Read their article below to read about this new trend.

 

THE NEW OFFICE SPACE

Whereas in the past freelancing has been more of a last resort financial necessity in between permanent employment gigs, an increasing number of Gen Ys are choosing to permanently freelance (perma-lance). This is a group that values and prioritizes freedom, flexibility, and the ability to experience new things. For many Gen Ys, traditional ideas of employment just don't register and they'd rather make ends meet on their own terms. The perma-lance mindset extends from urban dwelling members of the Creative Class (who rely on their creativity and resourcefulness to create custom jobs, turning their hobbies into "jobbies") to those living in suburban areas who give up stability in lieu of multiple temp positions—not for the love of the job, but to avoid getting tied down.

As such, we are seeing a growing number of co-working spaces emerge across the country, including The Hive in Denver, CubeSpace in Portland, The Hat Factory and Citizen Space in San Francisco, and the just-opened BLANKSPACES* in Los Angeles. These co-working environments allow free agents to seek out a sense of community, networking opportunities and a more professional environment than their local coffee shops. So, if you currently work from home, consider trading in working in your pajamas for live human interaction.

 

I think this is a cool new concept.

Any opinions?

Rewrite

When I find my hope waning I usually read my favorite book of scripture, The Revelation of John.  Working through some passages I’ve memorized stokes the flame that was flickering out and gives me enough light to confront the dark. 

 

(NIV – Rev 2:10-11)

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.  I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”  - Jesus to the church in Philadelphia

 

My Rewrite:

Trust me; I’m going to make this worth your while.  Plus, since you’ve been so loyal to me, I serve as your wingman.  Hang tight, just when you think things get too hot to handle, and they will (they do for everyone), know this, “Rescue is coming!” 

Trends

I receive daily e-mails called the Trendcentral Newsletter.  You can (and should) sign up for them at trendcentral.com.  Basically the title tells what it does, keeps you current on current trends.  Some days it suggests new and trendy restaurants, cafes, spas, hotels, etc.  And other days it highlights current youth marketing trends (great youth ministry resources).  The e-mails are quick to read or easy to dismiss (not everyday is interesting).

 

So today they sent this article.

 

TECHNOLOGY TAKES THE WHEEL

When you take the consumer obsession with technology and put it inside an automobile, you have a potential recipe for danger. Fortunately, new, high tech in-car features—including reading text messages, controlling MP3 players and accessing the Internet—are safely offering drivers entertainment and useful information for an enhanced driving experience.

Recently, we've been hearing major buzz about Ford's SYNC technology package (developed with Microsoft). SYNC recognizes voice commands, enabling drivers (and passengers!) hands-free control over Bluetooth-enabled phones and MP3 players: shout "Play artist M.I.A." for some serious tunes, yell "Call Mom" for a heart to heart, and hit the phone button on your steering wheel to have incoming texts read aloud. New additions to the SYNC technology package will include fee-free 911 Assist, which connects drivers through their mobile phones directly to 911 if an airbag is deployed, and SIRIUS Travel Link, which provides access (through the car's GPS system) to info such as the closest gas station (or the station with the lowest price), game schedules and current scores, weather forecasts and up-to-the-minute traffic reports. These additions will be available in a number of 2009 Ford and Mercury Models.

With an increasing traffic problem, and a growing number of long-distance job commuters, the demand for full tech connectivity in cars will only grow and we expect these new perks will become expectations among drivers.

 

What do you think?  Are we trying to hard to hard to integrate technology into an activity that already has enough distractions and difficulties (San Antonio has the worst drivers)?  Or is this new technology just too super cool to pass up?

 

I think Sulu had an easier time maneuvering the Star Ship Enterprise than today’s current vehicles.