Daryl Hunter - Network Cowboy

Atypical People

I'm not sure exactly where to go with this post - but - it's on my mind as of late, so I'll just dive right in.  Forgive me if it's not clearly written. I don't know how the words are going to come out.

We all have labels.  Or give labels.  Some are cute and funny and loving.  Others are not - they can be rude, or crude, or just plain hateful.  I've had a few labels in my day - and probably apply a few of them to myself still at times - either out loud, or deep on the inside.  And I probably believe more of them are true than I should.

I'm atypical.

I was the weird kid.  I have smart parents.  I have smart siblings.  I've had a weird brain defect as far as I can remember that gives me the ability to remember smells, and sounds, and think in colors, and work problems (and write cursive) backwards, and I probably remember what you wore the first time we met. Weird, right?  But you know what, it's what makes me - well - it makes me me.

I'm a child of privilege.  I was born in 1975.  My dad is an engineer.  I'm the youngest of 3 kids. We had a computer in the house when I was in preschool.  I remember programming "guess a number / higher / lower" games in Kindergarten.  I remember rote memorizing syntax and programming my own fun games in early primary school and learning language after language as I grew older.  When I first learned about modems - man - my whole life changed.  I became rather obsessed and - forgive me for sounding arrogant - I became REALLY GOOD at this whole computer thing.  Not all of my efforts were positive - I have had my share of run-ins with Mr. Long Arm of the Law.  I'm now 37 and a technology consultant and a tech blogger and design architect and am still rather atypical in my use of computers.  I joke that I can route IP to the moon - and someday I may try that.  I have lots of ideas.

In the Spring of my 3rd grade year I won a high-school chess tournament. The trophies were for the "big kids" so I got a small plaque.  Hooray.  I was nationally ranked in High School and played a blind kid who DESTROYED me.  He was pretty amazing.  After High School I had some pretty amazing opportunities to work and travel.  I was 22 when I finally went to Purdue to start college.  I excelled and graduated at the top of my class.  Then grad school and Seminary.  Again, toward the top of my class.  I am driven and probably a bit over-educated. Atypical.

It's been whispered (and yelled at times) in my ears that I'm not normal.

Why am I thinking of this?  It's because my kids are getting older... and I'm seeing things...

And I worry about them being atypical.  I want so bad for them to skin their knees, and eat dirt, and play sports, and get disappointed, and learn to bounce back.  I want them to have highs and lows and be "normal" kids.  But, I don't know how to be normal myself - how can I help my kids be normal?

For example - my oldest, Nathan - he's a pretty special boy.  We've known since he was very small that he was atypical.  His brain is different.  He has similar memory to me. He's intelligent.  He is also extremely emotional and needy.  He is 7 - he is in 3rd grade - he is at the top of his class - but he cannot tie his shoes.  He can barely zip up his coat.  But he can do other atypical things that most "normal" 3rd graders cannot do.  He just recently passed the AP - Advanced Placement - exams at his school - and now we have to make some choices.  Do we send a kid who is already 1 year to a year and a half younger than his classmates to AP?  He's already young and atypical.  Now do we add another label and level of that?

I remember sitting in a small group of guys a few years ago.  We were discussing man-hood and dad-hood and all those things that make men - men.  Part of an exercise we did was sit in a circle - eyes closed - and people would come behind us and whisper things in our ears like: You are not good enough.  You'll never make it.  You're so dumb.  And then we processed the "whispers" and emotional response.  Then we did it again and heard other things like: You're so smart.  You are a great dad.  You provide so well for your family.  And process that.  It's amazing how much small little "whispers" in your ears can affect your emotions.

Why is that important?  Because I find myself whispering - and yelling - at my kids.  And I'm afraid I'm breaking them.  And I don't want to crush what makes them different - and unique - and atypical.  But I also want them to be normal.

I'm a mess and I don't know how to do next.  Any chance any of you smart people out there have any brilliant ideas?  Or am I just simply overthinking and overprocessing it?

Breaking Inertia

Hello 2013!  It's been a week already and it feels like just yesterday we had our friends over, were watching the ball drop, playing games, and hoping 2013 would be better than 2012.

In my last post, I descsribed how I feel like my battery needs replacing.  It's true.  I'm tired and exhausted and am "one of those people" who need check boxes.  I like to finish things.  I don't like leaving things "almost" done - or in many cases *honestly* - "almost started."

I have "almost started" cleaning the garage.

I have "almost started" organizing my tools.

I have "almost started" any number of things.

This week I have worked hard to break intertia.

Inertia - Noun - A tendency to do nothing, or remain unchanged.

Ouch.  How many times have I sat by and done nothing because I was too distracted.  Or lazy.  Or "busy" or a million other excuses.

How do you break inertia?  Here are a few things I'm trying - and I hope they help.

• Block Calendar Times
  • Let's be honest - it's usually the tyranny of the urgent.  If I don't schedule date nights with my wife, we'd never go out.  If I don't schedule time XYZ, we don't do PRQ.  Right?  So, I'm trying something new - I'm going to schedule times to focus on the things I need to focus on.  I'm starting with 2 days a week.
• Remove Distractions (as best as you can)
  • I work in an open office.  At a technical consulting firm.  There are a dozen or so people in the office at any time.  Some days there are more.  Within 30 feet of me are Nerf guns, a putting green, a fridge full of Diet Coke, technical gadgets, and some good friends.  It's easy to get distracted.  I'm going to have to get new/loud headphones, or go offsite to focus.  One thing I'm going to have to get better at is adjusting my Lync presence to DND (Do Not Disturb) when needed :)
• Bite Size Chunks
  • I have no focus.  I can rarely spend large chunks of time on anything.  I need to walk around.  I need to tweet. I need Diet Coke. And, of course, with as much Diet Coke as I drink, I will have to wander to the potty.  Often.  I have the bladder the size of a pregnant gerbil.  And I have ADOS - Attention Deficit Oooooooh Shiny!  Anyway, what was I saying?  That's right. Bite Size Chunks.  I am trying to find a 60-90 minute "burst of energy" in which to focus.  It's hard because I'm distracted.  Squirrel!

How about you?  What do you do?  How do you stay focused and clear and get done what needs to get done?  I'd love to hear from you.

My Three Words 2012 - Discipline, Invest, Act

So, for the third year in a row - I'm going to attempt to focus my year on three words.  I got this idea from many of my friends who got it from @chrisbrogan.

In 2010 I focused on "Read, Play, & Share"

In 2011 I focused on "Mastery, Replication & Inheritance"

This year, 2012, I'm going to focus on "Discipline, Invest & Act"

Discipline - I have fallen way out of discpline in recent years.  When I really want to do something, or really want to be discplined (and put my mind to it), God can do some really cool things inside me. However, I am also pretty stubborn, and lazy, and like to do whatever I want whenever I want. Frankly, I've gotten sloppy.

This #muffintop picture; for example, is proof that discipline has not been part of 2011.

I am trying to get back into my routine of reading, and some exercise I hope, and want to drop about 25 pounds.  I think I have some friends that are going to join me in some Muffintop Eradication!  I am starting this year re-reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I have some God stuff i need to get fixed but also some general "discipline" things to address this year and I figured this book would be a good place to start. Again.

Invest - I would like to think my friends see me as generous. I try to be generous with my finances, and time, and energy - but in many ways I'm selfish.  I want to nap.  I want to just hang out at home.  And many times (confession time here), I just want to be left alone.  I like to put in my headphones and listen to music and get lost in my own thoughts trying to solve the unsolvable problems.  I have a weird brain thing that many of my friends see and know about - and it's easy to get lost inside this head of mine.

This year I want to continue to invest finances in our local church, to various friends and family who need/ask, and support some worthy causes that God places in front of us.  That gets easier every year.  I want to invest time in my Life Group at Springdale because my friends are important to me and I need to actually start - you know - doing more life with them.  I want to meet new friends, and invest in them.  And I hope to re-invest in some other friendships that I've neglected the last year or so.

Act - I've often been accused of talking alot.  I know that's surprising to many of you that really know me. I **DO** like to talk.  What's interesting though is that the time comes when you need to Act. I've talked about this before. Do what you need to do. Say what you need to say. Make the call, say the words, do the tough things. In me, personally and specifically, it means I need to go bed. I need to play with my kids. I need to ACT on many things that I know need to be done. In 2012, I want to be more intentional to not just KNOW what needs to be done and not just TALK about what I am going/wanting to do... but I want 2012 to be the year I ACT on it.

So, how about you? What's 2012 going to be like for you? How is it going to be different?

Review: My Three Words 2011

I can't believe 2011 is almost over. It's been SO fast!

I thought I'd take a moment to quickly review My Three Words for 2011.

Just like in 2010, I chose three words on which I wanted to "focus" this past year.  I chose Mastery, Replication & Inheritance.

Mastery - This year was a heavy cert year for me.  I believe I passed 6-8 tests and achieved my Microsoft Certifiied IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator (MCITP: EA) cert.  I achieve several "specialist" certs along the way.  The MCITP: EA is the highest "professional" cert Microsoft offers.  They have some "Master" and "Architect" certs as well, but those aren't even on my radar. This is an area I did well this year and that's cool.

Replication - I started the year in a couple "iron sharpening" relationships.  I ended the year in zero. This is totally my fault. I got "busy" and neglected some friendships and that totally sucks. Ugh. I hate it. I was able to continue a bit in some "tribal leadership" type roles at work and at play.  I gotta step it up here in 2012.

Inheritance - this year I really wanted to work with my kids to help them understand their roles in our family.  We're Team Hunter.  We started as a Team of 5 and ended the year as a Team of 6. I think Nathan (our 6 1/2 year old / 2nd grader) is really starting to get it.  Although he is sitll just a wiggly, bouncy boy.  I worked hard on him this year to understand he's the oldest, and his brothers (and now sister) are always going to look at him for leadership. I had to swallow my pride a lot, and apologize to him several times when I messed up, and I think he took that to heart and realizes that Daddy isn't perfect, and messes up, but understands it's important to say "I'm sorry" and and such.  That's family and leadership and that's fun.

I lost focus several times this year.  We had a few bumps in the road, and things weren't awesome all the time, but we made it. We grew closer to our friends, enjoyed growing closer to our Life Group as well, and made lots of new friends along the way.

I'm looking forward to what 2012 has in store.

How was your 2011? Did you have any specific goals/focuses? Did your reach them?

Obedience: My Role

So, this post is a little different.  Typically those of you that wander in here see me post about Technology.  That's primarily the subject of this blog. You know Gigahertzes, Terabytes, Routes, Switches, Lync, TLA (Three Letter Acronyms) blah blah blah.

But, I need to write about something else this time: Obedience.

My pastor, Jason, at Springdale has recently taught a series called "Chasing Dragons with Plastic Swords."  It has many connotations and meanings, but the basic premise is the futiility of fighting with the wrong weapon.  As a Christ Follower, my primary weapons are Scripture and the Holy Spirit.  Those are the tools/weapons I use to make choices, lead my family, teach my children and hopefully speak a little truth into the lives of my friends and coworkers.  If I fight with the wrong weapons (myself, my choices, my desires, me me me me) then it's like fighting a Dragon with a plastic sword: futile.

During the "Dragons" series, Jason discussed things like Significance, Risk, Authenticity, Suffering, Sexual Integrity, Convicition, Friendship & Meaningful Life.  I encourage you to give them a listen.

Tonight, we had a Church Family meal and Q&A to dive a little deeper into some of the "Dragons" discussions.  The last question went something (not exactly) like this:

"If God saves, and God sanctifies, then what is my role in all of this?  What do I do?"

This is where I have lost some friends, and still have some healthy mutual-disagrements with others.  I believe the Bible when it says that Jesus is the only way to heaven.  I am not a theologian, although I am a Seminary graduate and spent nearly a decade in full-time Ministry.  I believe that God saves me, through faith in Jesus.  I believe that God gave us (people) the gift of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost.  The Spirit lives inside us (which sounds gross, but is not) and helps sanctify us.  Sanctification is one of those big $5 words.  The basic premise is making choices, to be more like Jesus.  No, I will not be a god.  I am simply wanting to love people more, making good choices more often, and lead my family and friends likewise.

My role is actually pretty easy: Obedience.  Simple right? Ha!  That's the area I want to spend just a few sentences on.  Obedience has many unhealthy, and unfair, conntations.  Obey your parents, obey your teachers, obey your boss, obey your overbearing spouse, obey your (whatever).  I believe it's pretty easy actually - but it's hard to get started.  The Holy Spirit speaks to us in what the Bible calls a "still small voice."  We have to be in tune to listen to it.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit tells us to do little things - call your dad, tell your mom you love her, don't eat that gross food, go here and don't go there.  Obedience is doing it.  Make the call, say the words, do it or don't do it.

But sometimes, God - through the Spirit - tells us to do scary things - Quit your job.  Adopt a child.  Move across the country or across the world.  Sell your house.  Give that random dude $1,000.  Stop being friends with someone because he or she is a bad influence.  Those things aren't so easy, are they? Whenever I've heard people argue that it's hard to be obedient, it's because they don't know how.  They've never tried and have no experience.

I liken it to the movie "What about Bob?"  People in my lifegroup at Springdale know I talk and give examples based on music, movie and candy choices.  Those of you that randomly came in here don't :)  So, in What about Bob, the therapist that worked with the Bob character helped him make choices and rebuild his life in Baby Steps.  Baby Steps on the bus.  Baby Steps down the aisle.  Baby steps in the seat.

Or, in our case... Baby steps call your dad.  Baby steps tell her you love her.  Baby steps don't hit your kids.  Baby steps don't do that.  Baby steps quit your job.  Baby steps sell your house.  Baby steps whatever... Like anything in life, practice (and have success) and it gets easier. 

In my case, my 6 year old Nathan is learning to tie his shoes.  It's infuriating to him that he doesn't get it right all the time.  It's hard on me to see him fail.  But, slowly, with more practice, he's getting it.  Baby steps make the "bunny ears", baby steps "wrap it around", baby steps "poke the lace through the hole" etc. etc. etc.  Before you know it, he has a knot and is beaming from ear to ear.

To wrap up, tonight at Church one of the guys in the crowd briefly discussed his faith of 60+ years.  Things that are EASY to him (obedience, finding rest, being still) are easy because he's spent a lifetime doing the basics (baby steps).

I hope that when I fast forward another 50 years in my faith journey, I've learned from the baby steps and have taught my children, and grandchildren, and others along the way how to be obedient in the simple things (and the hard things).

What types of things are YOU learning lately?

My Three Words 2011 - Mastery, Replication, Inheritance

So, this year I'm again employing the @chrisbrogan "My Three Words" process to my yearly goals.  Actually, not so much goals as much as "focus points" for what I hope  to accomplish in 2011.  I did this last year - focusing on Read Play & Share - and as I reviewed last year, I think I did "okay."

In the continued effort of public accountability - here are my 2011 focus words - Mastery, Replication, Inheritance.

Mastery - This one is more "career" focused.  2011 is a heavy technical certification year for me.  This is the first year since 2002 where I have not started the year in vocational ministry of somesort.  Through Seminary, LifeChurch.tv, Fielder, Southeast, and then LifeChurch.tv again, I've been heavily focused on doing "Church IT" for much of the last decade. Now that I've moved to Mirazon, I need to spin up on many Industry certifications from Microsoft, VMware and maybe add some to my Cisco toolbelt as well.  I'm not after certifications just to add letters to my email signature though.  Part of our various partnerships require certain number of certified engineers.  I am one of about 20 engineers and we have plenty of "letters" here.  I'm looking to specifically focus on adding the most value to my employer here.

Replication - This one is more "community" focused.  I am currently active in two "iron sharpening" relationships with some cool guys.  We talk about life and leadership and read a few books, and generally try to build each other up as husbands, dads, employees and leaders.  This is good, and I really enjoy those times.  However, I am looking to further this and "replicate myself" at work as well.  This is not an assignment by our partnership team - this is something I really want to do.  I do not believe I am a perfect/target employee; however, I do think I possess many leadership & administrivia abilities that would be helpful.  There are some engineers here where I can help grow them technically.  There are other engineers much more experience and proficient than I am technically but could use some other leadership/administrivia growth.  I simply want to make sure my eyes are open for opportunities here.

Inheritance - This one is more "family" focused.  I am becoming more acutely aware at how much my children pay attention to what I say.  They pick up not only on my words, but also my attitude and stress levels.  I tried hard to learn more about "play" last year with my kids, but this year I HOPE - hope hope hope - to focus more on teaching them how to be young men.  Nathan is our oldest, and very tenderhearted.  I want him to to really embrace his role as "family leader" and "example" for his younger brothers.  Jacob is a pest.  I'll just say it.  He's the middle child and stuck in the middle of Nathan and Andrew.  His "whining" and "picking" is starting to affect Andrew (the youngest).  I am wanting to teach Jacob how special his role his - having BOTH an older brother to learn from and a younger brother to help teach.  Andrew is our youngest and he's really starting to come into his own.  This year he's going to expand his vocabulary, understanding, and enter his terrible twos.  I'm not going to handle that well, but I hope I can focus my "frustrations" into more teaching moments and less yelling moments.

There ya go - Three simple words.  Let's see how 2011 goes!

What about you?  What are YOU going to focus on this year?

My Three Words 2010 - Year In Review

Welcome back.  If you recall, this year (2010) I employed the @chrisbrogan "My Three Words" philosophy.  Well, I tried at least :)

In January, I posted that My Three Words for 2010 were Read, Play & Share.  You can read that post and get an idea of my goals and how I was going to get there.  I also value public accountability :)

Let's take some time to review...

Let's start with Read and see how my 2010 Reading List turned out

• The Servant by James Hunter
• Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey
• First Break all the Rules by Marcus Buckingham
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Tribes by Seth Godin
• Choosing to Cheat by Andy Stanley
• Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel
• Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley
• Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
• Purple Cow by Seth Godin
• The Big Moo - 33 authors, edited by Seth Godin
• The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel
• Switch by Chip & Dan Heath
• Basic Christianity by John Stott
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Bradberry & Greaves
• Fearless by Max Lucado (a quick re-read)
• The Me I want To Be by John Ortberg
• Silos, Politics and Turf Wars by Patrick Lencioni
• Vital Friends by Tom Rath
• What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
• The Shark and the Goldfish by Jon Gordon
• The Go-Giver by Burg & Mann
• Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels
• Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro
• Axiom by Bill Hybels
• The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel
• Plan B by Pete Wilson
• How Full Is Your Bucket by Tom Rath & Donald Clifton
• Habitudes #1 by Tim Elmore
• Habitudes #2 by Tim Elmore
• Habitudes #3 by Tim Elmore
• Habitudes #4 by Tim Elmore
• The Land Between by Jeff Manion
• Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson
• Business / IT Fusion by Peter Hinssen
• Radical by David Platt (part of a LifeGroup study @springdalecc)
• Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh (Zappos.com CEO)

My goal was to read 40 Inspirational / Leadership books this year and I reached my goal.  I'll tell you what, I love to read and I learnd a crap-ton this year.  I learned that reading 40 books in a year takes focus and determination and a itty-bit of insanity.  I don't think I can keep up with that pace!

Moving on to Share - I don't have much new to add to my 3rd Quarter checkup. This has been a neat year for me.  I've had the honor and opportunity to consult with some local organizations and also share a little bit about how I "do work" and "do life" with groups of IT Pros & Ministry people as well.  Each week I get together with both a local pastor, and another friend, and "sharpen iron" together.  With my new gig, our meeting schedules have changed (hello 7am!) but I'm valuing the time together for sure.  I'm actively thinking about how I want to blog something I learn, or something I see, or just when I want to encourage others to "think differently" about something.  I can say I'm focused well on "share" this year.

Finally, Let's Talk About Play - I think I ended the year about a B- here.  I've had a lot of fun with my boys, and really enjoyed doing the Lowes Build & Grow things. I hope to continue that (and be more diligent in taking time to schedule them) in 2011.  I'm finding regular "Dude Time" with both  of the older boys.  I've found that Jacob really enjoys movies, and I've taken him to the theatre twice so far.  For Christmas this year, Santa Mother-in-Law gave Jacob a neat movie gift with free passes and McD's giftcertificates so we can have dinner and a movie together. Nathan is becoming quite the bowler - we have gone 6-8 times so far.  It's one of his favorite things, so, I'm sure we'll continue that in 2011.  And, Andrew is getting older.  He's 19 months old now, so I'm sure Dude Time will start for him in 2011.  My stress level is still pretty high.  I only have a couple hours with the boys at night now - just like the majority of dad's in the world.  I get home from work, we eat, I try to play, and then it's time to get ready for bed.  As I said in my 3rd Quarter checkup, I can say we're doing more things together, but my goal for 2010 was to be more intentional with "playing" with my kids.  I'm not there yet.  I'm still somewhere north of tolerating, but yet somewhere south of "anticipating a great time together."  I hope to get there more in 2011.

So, there ya go - My 2010 Review in all of it's glory.

I'm currently working through my process to do a similar My Three Words post in 2011.

How was your 2010 & How do you measure that?

My Three Words - Third Quarter 2010 Checkup

Happy October! (a few days late)

Today (Tuesday) was my first full-day at my new gig.  I left my previous gig last week, and then spent a couple days refreshing my mind & body. We spent a few days with some really awesome friends (The Weddles) in Indianapolis.  Then yesterday we went to Kentucky Down Under & Dinosaur World as a family.  Yay Groupons!

Anyway, I like to take time each quarter to reflect on the previous few months and then look forward to the next few months - and plan some intentionality into my life.  If you recall, I started this year with My Three Words - a focus for how I want to shape the "wins" of 2010.

Let's start with Read - Here's my 2010 Reading List so far...

• The Servant by James Hunter
• Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey
• First Break all the Rules by Marcus Buckingham
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Tribes by Seth Godin
• Choosing to Cheat by Andy Stanley
• Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel
• Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley
• Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
• Purple Cow by Seth Godin
• The Big Moo - 33 authors, edited by Seth Godin
• The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel
• Switch by Chip & Dan Heath
• Basic Christianity by John Stott
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Bradberry & Greaves
• Fearless by Max Lucado (a quick re-read)
• The Me I want To Be by John Ortberg
• Silos, Politics and Turf Wars by Patrick Lencioni
• Vital Friends by Tom Rath
• What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
• The Shark and the Goldfish by Jon Gordon
• The Go-Giver by Burg & Mann
• Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels
• Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro
• Axiom by Bill Hybels
• The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel
• Plan B by Pete Wilson
• How Full Is Your Bucket by Tom Rath & Donald Clifton
• Habitudes #1 by Tim Elmore
• Habitudes #2 by Tim Elmore
• Habitudes #3 by Tim Elmore
• Habitudes #4 by Tim Elmore
• The Land Between by Jeff Manion
• Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson
• Business / IT Fusion by Peter Hinssen
• Radical by David Platt (currently reading and studying @springdalecc)
• Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh (Zappos.com CEO) (currently reading)

My goal was to read 40 Inspirational / Leadership books this year.  When I'm done with the two I'm currently reading, I'll have reached my goal.  But I don't plan to stop & coast - that's not in my nature.

Moving on to Share - This has been a neat year for me.  I've had the honor and opportunity to consult with some local organizations and also share a little bit about how I "do work" and "do life" with groups of IT Pros & Ministry people as well.  Each week I get together with a local pastor and it's one of the highlights of my week.  With my new gig, our meeting schedule with change, but I hope to settle that schedule here soon.  I'm actively thinking about how I want to blog something I learn, or something I see, or just when I want to encourage others to "think differently" about something.  I can say I'm focused well on "share" this year.

Now About Play - This continues to be a struggle for me.  I'm doing more and more cool things with my family, but my stress level is toward the top right now.  Picture one of those cartoon thermometers with the "red stuff" blowing out the end - explosion style.  That's how my stress has been lately.  I enjoy my kids and my wife and spending time together, but it's less fun lately.  Just being honest.  I don't know exaclty how to unpack that, or explain it, but even though we're spending some "family time" together, I'm on edge and things that should be easy - well, just aren't easy at all.  I can say we're doing more things together, but my goal for 2010 was to be more intentional with "playing" with my kids.  I'm not there yet.  I'm somewhere north of tolerating, but yet somewhere south of "anticipating a great time together."  I feel awful writing that.

Anyway, that's my Third Quarter checkup.

As for the Fourth / Last Quarter... I need to focus on Play for sure.  Read - I'm good.  Share - I'm growing and with my new gig, I'm sure more and more opportunities will arise.  With Play, I want to travel much further North of "tolerating" - and maybe arrive at "anticipating"... or even pass thru that.  Lots to work on.

How are YOU being intentional?  How do you set your life, career, and family goals?

Finishing Strong

This week is my last week as a full-time employee at LifeChurch.tv.

I love this place.  I distinctly remember sending my first "inquiry" email to BobbyG about an open job 7+ years ago.  "Dear Bobby--  My name is Daryl Hunter..."  From the time of that email, to interviews, to job offer, to a move to Oklahoma - just a few short weeks passed.  I have many fond memories of really awesome technical victories, church growth and campus additions (I started just as #4 was getting off the ground - we're at #14 now and a couple have come and gone in between).  I have been mentored and invested in and developed as a man of God and a leader.  Much of my core DNA has been forever changed here.  Even during a 2 1/2 year "haitus" inbetween my full-time employment status, I remained connected to LC as a volunteer, groupie/fan, friend, and as a paid contractor.  Even though I'm a "trained" Seminary graduate, I learned more "on the job" than I would ever learn as a student. I can clearly state that I have been brought in, built up, trained, and sent out by LifeChurch.tv.

Some say that It's easy to "coast" in your last few weeks of employment.  From the time I resigned a few weeks ago, I have not found the "coast" button to even exist.  This has been a very busy time wrapping up projects, handing off projects that won't complete until after I'm gone, and (of course) turning on the fire hose of information in various emails, Wikis and on-site training.  I'm tired - both physically and mentally - and am having a hard time pushing through and finishing strong this last week.

But, I'm reminded again just this morning that life (and work) is a marathon and not a sprint.  My local church pastor - Jason - blogged this morning (reblogged really) about just that.  In fact, his Lessons Learned post resonates down to my core.

I hope I'm learning the right lessons, and I hope I finish strong in my current race.

And I hope I continue to learn, and start my new race off right at my new opportunity with Mirazon in just a few short days.

A New Season

Hello friends.  Today's post is a little different so let me share a little heart to heart with you... you know - man-on-the-screen to blog-reader-in-the-interwebz...

For the last 8 years, I have been serving in full-time vocational ministry - both as a student in Seminary, and also as full-time technologist and staff minister at a few fun churches.

The last 2 years, I've been a full-time #remotie (remote employee) for LifeChurch.tv based out of Edmond, Oklahoma.  It's been pretty awesome.  I've been able to serve through some fun technical projects (blogged about here) and also currently lead a small team of really smart guys.  My bossman is a cool guy, and I've served alongside him as a boss, employee, volunteer, contractor and friend for the last 5-ish years.

The bible teaches in Ecclesiastes 3:1 - http://read.ly/eccl3.1.NLT - that "For everything there is a season,  a time for every activity under heaven."  I've believed that for years, and I've gone through many seasons - of childhood, of growth, and depression and rehab, and employment, and college, and grad school, and dating, and marriage, and parenthood, and most recently full-time ministry.

I am about to begin A New Season in life.

This morning I resigned my position at LifeChurch.tv and am currently working through a transitional period with my team.  The Bible also teaches in Collossians 3:23 - http://read.ly/col3.23.NLT - that we should "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."  I will continue to work hard, honor my committments the best I can, and finish strong and faithful until my last hour of LifeChurch.tv employment.  No, I'm not exactly sure right now when my last day will be. Our gut feel is that a September 30/October 1 transition date will be the best fit.

Now, you may be asking - what's your next season?  I don't have an official name for it yet.  The best I can come up with right now is "refining."  It's definitely going to be another growth season - a time to grow closer to my wife, and closer to my family, and serve faithfully at my local church, and grow spiritually as well.

What about a job?  That's another great question.  I have accepted a role as a Systems Engineer with The Mirazon Group here in Louisville, KY.  I have been friends with Mirazon for several years, they are very Church IT friendly, and it's a well-timed natural transition for me to move out of ministry into an organization with core values that fit mine.  I'll be focusing on core networking & communications technologies, and spinning up on some Microsoft goodies along with continued opportunities in storage and virtualization.  It's a really good thing although quite bittersweet to leave my LifeChurch.tv role.

Anyway, that's that.  Thought I'd share a little "life behind the curtain" with you.

I may take a little time to redo ye olde blog - but I have no plans to "stop" doing what I do - learning, and growing, and serving, and investing in the technical community.  I hope you'll continue to participate as well.  Have a great weekend.