tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148298492024-03-19T06:20:55.531-05:00BucketologyBucketology is directed towards discovering the small snippets of daily life. From studying scripture to sharing conversations, "buckets" are real-life examples of what it means to follow Jesus.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.comBlogger457125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-77386211211942327472009-06-08T11:30:00.002-05:002009-06-08T11:36:07.511-05:00The NEW Bucketology.com is now LIVE!<p>Revamped and reloaded, <a title="Bucketology" href="http://www.bucketology.com" target="_blank">Bucketology</a> is now LIVE and in action! Props to <a title="Stephen Emlund" href="http://www.stephenemlund.com" target="_blank">Stephen</a> and <a title="Creative Improv" href="http://www.creativeimprov.com" target="_blank">Creative Improv</a> for the redesign. If you have been coming to my blogspot page directly, I will no longer be updating here. Please redirect to bucketology.com for the latest updates. While you're there, don’t forget to <a title="Subscribe via RSS" href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Bucketology" target="_blank">resubscribe via RSS</a> or follow me on <a title="Follow Me On Twitter!" href="http://twitter.com/bucketology" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a title="Follow Me On Facebook!" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500343210" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Let’s get the conversations started!</p> <p>Please leave me a comment on the new site and let me know what you think of the new design!</p>Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-64162708030313585282009-05-02T09:57:00.004-05:002009-05-02T10:02:58.000-05:00Bucketology to Relaunch Soon!The date is not set yet, but <a href="http://www.bucketology.com">Bucketology</a> will be launching a new and beautiful interface in the next few weeks. I've got a TON to say and can't wait to rejoin the blogging sphere once again. In the meantime, join my conversations on <a href="http://twitter.com/bucketology">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500343210">Facebook</a>.<br /><br />I'm tapping on <a href="http://www.stephenemlund.com/">Stephen</a> for my redesign. Oh, and by the way, go check out the new <a href="http://www.creativeimprov.com">Creative Improv</a> site...leave us a comment <a href="http://www.creativeimprov.com/requestinfo.php">here</a>.<br /><br />Grace and peace...Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-66234826745224758542009-04-12T22:47:00.004-05:002009-04-12T22:59:28.712-05:00The Firebird: In the BeginningToday seems to be an appropriate day to renew something that is close to my heart. I've been contemplating when to post to this blog again, and on the day when He is risen, I have decided to kindle the passionate and spirited voice that resides within my soul. Where this is headed could be anyone's guess, but God is in control and I know He'll lead me in the right direction.<br /><br />I've heard several good messages this past weekend (and many other weekends), been reading a LOT and have had (of course) much on my mind for the past eight and a half months. For those familiar with my journey I will begin to fill you in on the missing chapters. For those of you new to this adventure, I invite you to sit back, keep your mind and heart open, and be prepared for some challenging thoughts (maybe just challenging to me...who knows?). <br /><br />I invite your thoughts and comments, and as always, I hope some engaging dialogue is at hand. <br /><br />Grace and peace...Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-16144160831633937952008-12-25T10:53:00.003-06:002008-12-25T11:02:05.261-06:00It's A Wonderful Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpZzXx8ySNsWIB4H8OkWkyfSATSFzJnezJ-eLEtNmbA1rtbLw2O3ineL-HwNw4DH2Z4QNsU7P_121KIBtXVk7yOwZki088v0eQcDC889lhIc8KOojT3R8tGXnL-b68ufHioOE/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpZzXx8ySNsWIB4H8OkWkyfSATSFzJnezJ-eLEtNmbA1rtbLw2O3ineL-HwNw4DH2Z4QNsU7P_121KIBtXVk7yOwZki088v0eQcDC889lhIc8KOojT3R8tGXnL-b68ufHioOE/s400/tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283774023874957170" border="0" /></a><br />It's hard to believe that the Holidays of 2008 are upon us and we are about to embark on a brand new year! I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and of course, best wishes for 2009.<br /><br />Bucketology will be back better than ever for 2009 with a new look, new flavor and a new outlook on life. I hope you will join me on this new journey!<br /><br />Until then, kick back, relax and spend time with those who matter most in your life. Cheers!Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-82243514634816640412008-12-16T16:59:00.003-06:002008-12-16T17:10:32.894-06:00Unique Ink Launch Party!I know it's been awhile since my last post, and I could give out the normal excuses of "I've been busy" or "'tis the holiday season" all of which are true. But more than that, I've been giving a lot of thought to the next direction of this blog. I have some ideas and I'll probably be asking for feedback from the few stragglers who still stop by this broken down place.<br /><br />In the meantime, I would like to announce the launch of a brand new website from some good friends of mine: <a href="http://www.uniqueink.net/">UniqueInk.net</a>. Not only are Tim and Kerry incredible people, they are some of the most talented folks that I know. If you need a t-shirt design or vinyl lettering or stickers or whatever, check out Unique Ink. You won't be sorry.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.uniqueink.net/">UniqueInk.net</a> was designed by a new company that my good friend (with his massive design skillz) Stephen Emlund and I started a few months ago. You can check out our mantra at <a href="http://www.creativeimprov.com/">creativeimprov.com</a>. Our new site is scheduled to launch in the next few weeks and you can learn more about us at that time. We're scheduling new projects right now, and if you'd like us to take a look at designing a website that's just right for you, shoot me an email: michael (at) creativeimprov (dot) com. We'd love to talk with you.<br /><br />New Bucketology design coming soon...stay tuned!Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-60106702698369433052008-11-25T10:42:00.003-06:002008-11-25T10:47:14.397-06:00Two to TangoTwo great posts you should read...both are challenges. Both worthy of the undertaking. Stop what you are doing on my page and go read these NOW! Then come back and share your thoughts.<br /><br />Tim Stevens on "<a href="http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2008/11/are-you-tired-of-the-noise.html">Are You Tired of the Noise?</a>"<br /><br />Steven Furtick on "<a href="http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/gratitude-project/">Gratitude Project</a>"Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-83886248054577075132008-11-23T18:43:00.005-06:002008-11-23T19:03:41.239-06:00The American Dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e_XeIKlLN6peQCpJ_AnC-AYyS8mT8y5RnnrQkSyqIlXfOrBpN1txpm6gcgUH0tBZCSolkh98TQQx8vkBnsLf44j2JhcZOJPNOD1pjDewsvJ9bsiWVVswI-nSP68OlMPKW972/s1600-h/Kit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e_XeIKlLN6peQCpJ_AnC-AYyS8mT8y5RnnrQkSyqIlXfOrBpN1txpm6gcgUH0tBZCSolkh98TQQx8vkBnsLf44j2JhcZOJPNOD1pjDewsvJ9bsiWVVswI-nSP68OlMPKW972/s320/Kit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272022135773541746" border="0" /></a>My five year old asked me to watch a movie with her this morning. I decided to sit with her while sipping my coffee. Little did I know I was in for more than I bargained.<br /><br />The movie? <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0846308/">Kit Kittredge: An American Girl</a>. This seemingly auspicious movie packed a whole lot more than a "good viewing" experience. Set in the Great Depression, Kit details the human struggle while following a normal family faced with the trials of a broken economy. Sound familiar? This movie could have easily been set in 2008.<br /><br />I won't spoil the movie for you (I'd highly recommend you take time out to watch it on your own), but I wonder if we are callous to the human suffering that goes on around us today? This was new territory for those in the 20's, but those "without" seem to be more prevalent today. Hobos may have turned into homeless by today's definition, but the struggle to survive is no different than it was nearly 100 years ago.<br /><br />We have "more" resources than ever before in our great country but seem to have "less" of a desire to help those in need. Didn't we learn anything the first time around?<br /><br />They say that history repeats itself. I for one, hope that this time they're wrong.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-27793794130750233712008-11-21T21:06:00.004-06:002008-11-21T21:09:37.770-06:00An American CreedContinuing my thoughts from yesterday, here is a great commentary with much wisdom...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >I DO NOT CHOOSE TO BE A COMMON MAN</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.<br /><br />I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.<br /><br />I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.<br /><br />I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.<br /><br />I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.<br /><br />It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”<br /><br />By <span style="font-style: italic;">Dean Alfange</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">[courtesy of <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?trk=qf&intContentID=11123&ictid=sml">Dave Ramsey</a>]</span>Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-78566406948308216822008-11-21T00:32:00.004-06:002008-11-21T01:10:53.956-06:00Out With the Old...In With the NewI had the opportunity to visit "<a href="http://www.schlafly.com/brewpubs.shtml">Theology at the Bottleworks</a>" in St. Louis last night. This event is hosted by <a href="http://www.journeyon.net/">The Journey Church</a> and is held at the Bottleworks portion of <a href="http://www.schlafly.com/index.html">Schlafly</a>. According to Journey's website, <span style="font-style: italic;">"In older, simpler times, a pub or 'public house' was often the focal point of the community, playing a similar role to the local church, where people gathered to openly discuss significant issues of the day."</span><br /><br />First of all, it was a VERY interesting night. Second, the topic was one close to my heart:<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"What is the role of art in today's culture?"</span></span><br /></div><br />At it's surface, this topic may appear to be quite mundane, but I can assure you that the dialogue was quite animated. I won't go into great detail and to be honest, it's a bit hard to describe the process. I encourage you to check it out for yourself. <br /><br />Here are a few things that I took away from the evening:<br /><ul><li>There is a definite <span style="font-weight: bold;">generational gap</span> in our society - those that have been there and done that, and those who are still trying to get there</li><li>Those who have experience are typically <span style="font-weight: bold;">more cynical</span> than those without</li><li>The older generation is still trying to convince the younger one that the past is much better then the future<br /></li><li>Despite the circumstances, younger people are still <span style="font-weight: bold;">trying to make a difference</span> in the world</li><li>The older generation <span style="font-weight: bold;">think first</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">feel later</span>...the younger feel first and think later</li><li>Typically the older generation tend to be more <span style="font-weight: bold;">conservative</span>; the younger more <span style="font-weight: bold;">liberal</span></li></ul>These are just a few observations from one particular event at one particular moment in time. That doesn't necessarily make them accurate. What I found interesting is that the younger generation is still trying to dream big. They invite change, not discourage it. They feel emotions at a deeper level and are trying to express themselves in as many ways as they can. <br /><br />At my age, I find myself in the middle of both camps. My experiences have given me wisdom (at times!) but I still feel that passion burning inside of me that I MUST make a difference. I still want to dream and create and scream and fight and to let everyone know that we can embrace change. It won't be perfect (and neither are we) and sometimes it will get messy. But that doesn't mean it won't be worth it. That doesn't invalidate the idea. <br /><br />Sometimes opening up a discussion about a topic as simple (and complex) as art can stimulate a whole new world of thinking. And that is not a bad place to be.<br /><br />What has stimulated your thinking lately?Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-43448406056590069652008-11-14T08:35:00.003-06:002008-11-14T08:44:47.125-06:00Today's Poll: What Jobs Are Absolutely Necessary?It's here. And you're feeling it. It's what some have called an "economic recession" and others have flat out called a depression. Whatever it is, many people I know have felt the pain. From losing a job to the panic of uncertainty about your job, in some way we have all felt the sting of this crisis. There's a lot of talk but very few answers. <br /><br />All of the discussion has started my brain thinking (a dangerous proposition at best!) and I wanted to ask your thoughts on a specific question:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What jobs, if any, would survive if our economy totally tanked?</span><br /></div></blockquote><br />A fair question I think. What industry or job or the like would still be absolutely necessary if the economy ceased to exist as we know it?<br /><br />I'd love to hear your response! Make a comment and we'll put it all together to find out what America (or at least our little corner of it!) thinks about this subject.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-77391550755549090162008-11-11T17:01:00.003-06:002008-11-11T17:07:29.769-06:0050,000 Shoes...Be the NEXT Pair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVNoge65wE9XGJKlkgeXy69oLrq8OC0HI5MunS5LFuQe5rXFEPVKsCg-R3M0ApytmyQrvbha61g4Sr2HCPtUZdD962fvFoL-1vxKOpsuiCsrc67WAtPFeIzyfIDuBYj_yhJrH/s1600-h/728_90.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 49px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVNoge65wE9XGJKlkgeXy69oLrq8OC0HI5MunS5LFuQe5rXFEPVKsCg-R3M0ApytmyQrvbha61g4Sr2HCPtUZdD962fvFoL-1vxKOpsuiCsrc67WAtPFeIzyfIDuBYj_yhJrH/s400/728_90.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267540275061150194" border="0" /></a><br />This is hitting the web hard and I'm way behind the game (thanks to a crazy head cold!), but I can't say enough good things about Anne Jackson. Go <a href="http://www.flowerdust.net/2008/11/10/the-50000-shoes-in-50-days-challenge/">here</a> and check out the details on how you can get involved with <a href="http://www.50000shoes.com/">50000shoes.com</a>.<br /><br />While you're at her site, be sure to check out the rest of her incredible thoughts. Oh yeah...you can also pre-order her new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310287553?tag=flonetannjac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0310287553&adid=1QPX606H19DE47135RE1&">here</a>.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-88114126301558237452008-11-04T10:55:00.002-06:002008-11-04T11:19:44.045-06:00The Fight to Vote<span style="font-weight: bold;">I voted today.</span> And so did you. At least most of us.<br /><br />It didn't take long to vote. As a matter of fact, it took much longer to visit during the "before and after" then it did to actually cast my vote. Today was the day I realized that voting has become more of a <span style="font-weight: bold;">social activity</span> than a right we should be compelled to exercise.<br /><br />I also realized something else. You may say you care about the issues, but the truth is that you really don't. Most Americans will wake up tomorrow and go on with their lives as normal. The election will be over and within a week it <span style="font-weight: bold;">won't matter to you</span> who you voted for or what issues passed or failed. Most of us care more about <span style="font-weight: bold;">the fight</span> than we do <span style="font-weight: bold;">the cause</span>.<br /><br />I posed a simple question the other day...Obama or McCain: who should I vote for? The response was incredible...but not necessarily in a positive way. To be sure there were opinions flying everywhere...the fight was on. But I began to wonder...are people more interested in <span style="font-weight: bold;">the fight or the cause?</span><br /><br />Think about everyone you have engaged with over the past month. I'm betting that politics were discussed at some point. And I'm also betting that there were some passionate discussions that ensued. People love to <span style="font-weight: bold;">voice their opinions</span> and engage in a <span style="font-weight: bold;">fight to defend them</span>. But when the election is over and the fight is through, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">where will all those defenders go? </span><br /><br />What if we spent more time worrying about <span style="font-weight: bold;">the cause</span> than <span style="font-weight: bold;">the fight?</span> What if we spent more time <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">feeding those who are hungry</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">finding clean drinking water</span> when only dirty water can be found? What if you woke up tomorrow and the fight you were so passionate about for a few days suddenly became a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> cause that you were committed to for a lifetime? </span><br /><br />I challenge you to <span style="font-weight: bold;">re-evaluate</span> your priorities. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pursue</span> a new passion. Take your fight and <span style="font-weight: bold;">put action behind your words</span>. Make <span style="font-weight: bold;">indifference</span> your enemy. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Struggle. Dream. Live. </span><br /><br />We <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">will</span> make a difference.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-79934359596322926922008-10-28T13:17:00.004-05:002008-10-28T13:36:23.094-05:00Are You Guilty of a Prayer Violation?Over the past three months I have had countless people tell me that they would be <span style="font-weight: bold;">praying for me and my family</span>. I'm sure it's always meant with good intentions, but it's become a "<span style="font-weight: bold;">pet peeve</span>" of mine. Are you guilty of a "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">prayer violation?</span>"<br /><br />Here's a scenario:<br /><br />A friend of yours resigns from their job. Well, not really resigns, more like let go, but that's another story. Anyway, you hear about it and stop by to see how they are doing. After listening, small talk and such, you get ready to leave. <span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you say next?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A.</span> "It was good to see you. Let me know if there is anything else I can do."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">B.</span> "Sorry for what's happened. God always has a plan."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">C.</span> "I'm sure there is a reason for this. <span style="font-style: italic;">I'll be praying for you</span>."<br /><br />You probably fall into one of the categories above. It's kind of like a visitation; you feel compelled to see the family, but you're <span style="font-weight: bold;">not sure what to say</span>. But what really gets me is when someone chooses response C. <span style="font-weight: bold;">BAM! </span> They've just committed a "prayer violation." Why a violation? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Let me explain.</span><br /><br />So many of us throw out numerous religious terms, including the "I'll be praying for you" line. What they really mean is that they need to sound like they are connected to God (aka "I'm religious"), and besides, isn't that what Jesus would say? In reality, they probably <span style="font-weight: bold;">won't give it another thought</span> unless they happen to see you at WalMart. Even then, there is a 50/50 chance they won't know what to say next and they will turn and avoid you by going down the sugar and baking goods aisle.<br /><br />My point in all this? Instead of talking the talk, change your tune and "<span style="font-weight: bold;">walk the walk.</span>" Instead of saying that you'll be praying for them, <span style="font-weight: bold;">DO IT!</span> Stop what you are doing, put your arm around them and <span style="font-weight: bold;">PRAY!</span> That one moment in time will <span style="font-weight: bold;">make a bigger impact</span> than you "thinking" about doing it a million times. Turn your <span style="font-weight: bold;">M.I.A.</span> into <span style="font-weight: bold;">F.I.A</span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">Faith In Action</span>. I guarantee you that no one will be upset when you take time to pray.<br /><br />While it's important to keep others in your prayer thoughts, it's more important that they experience it first hand. Besides, <span style="font-weight: bold;">God already knows they need the prayer</span>.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-38825051588795756402008-10-23T16:19:00.004-05:002008-10-23T17:14:51.230-05:00National Wave Day<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disclaimer:</span> A few days ago, I posted a quick comment on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bucketology">Twitter</a> which automatically updates my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500343210&ref=profile">Facebook</a> status. Within minutes, several folks posted a comment and the discussion was on. This post is a humorous attempt to discuss a serious topic.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">National Wave Day</span>. Yes, this fictional day took the "heartland" by storm. This past Wednesday, several volunteers took to the streets to find out exactly who or better yet, who "would not" wave. While I will encourage others to post their thoughts as well, you'll find below my discoveries on this historic day.<br /><br />The morning started at 6:45am as I took my son to early morning band rehearsal. Even though it was dark outside, I stood firm by my decision to wave at anyone I met while I was driving. As the few early morning travelers approached, my hand immediately shot into the air for a friendly "wave." Not surprisingly, there was no response. Obviously it was too dark to see.<br /><br />My next test would be the drive through town. This time it was light outside, and the cloud cover made for a perfect hand-waving day. I made my way to the elementary school to drop of my youngest daughter. First car. <span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE!</span> No response. Second car. <span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE!</span> No response. Dang! What's going on people!?! There's a bus! <span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE!</span> It's a friend, Kelly Korokis. She spies me in the car and with a smile...<span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE!</span> YES! Score one wave! Two no-waves to one wave. At least it's close.<br /><br />On my return home I pass at least ten more cars, all of which I incessantly wave at. The response? Zero. I had been brushed off. Surely my next trip out would be more enlightening?<br /><br />About an hour later, I make my way out of the house, this time driving through town and then out towards the highway. <span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE! WAVE! WAVE!</span> Each time I wave, but this time I try some different techniques. First I try the <span style="font-weight: bold;">"one finger wave"</span> (not that finger!). Not much luck. Then <span style="font-weight: bold;">two fingers</span>. Still no response. Then I hold the steering wheel with my palm/thumb and shove all <span style="font-weight: bold;">four fingers</span> in the air...AHA! Success. The first car sees me and responds politely with a wave back! Maybe the key is in the technique?<br /><br />As I pass several more cars, I give it the four finger salute...<span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE!</span> Very little response even with my new found technique. In desperation I throw my <span style="font-weight: bold;">entire hand</span> in the air, nearly running off the road as I do so. Out of the next five cars, only one waves back.<br /><br />After a day spent teaching, I head back home trying to figure out this apparent tragedy. I pass many cars on the way back through town...dissed...again. I finally arrive home, head hung low, reeling from a lack of self-confidence. I smell my armpits. They smell delicious. It wasn't body odor then. What could it be? Would <span style="font-weight: bold;">National Wave Day</span> be destined to failure? I'd have to examine the results.<br /><br />Here are my official results from <span style="font-weight: bold;">National Wave Day</span>:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmUh2MbCX929pAID33X9tZLJ0hqz0ptAYsx6rhi0uvzac-Ux3EnmQJy-8r_qJA_f2RksXmJ8uzRnHticWjBF6epcbPL6-RxYFWlSyeVMOkD4JW7piGUlgKMUj4loNknvRGzZ5/s1600-h/National_Wave_Day.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmUh2MbCX929pAID33X9tZLJ0hqz0ptAYsx6rhi0uvzac-Ux3EnmQJy-8r_qJA_f2RksXmJ8uzRnHticWjBF6epcbPL6-RxYFWlSyeVMOkD4JW7piGUlgKMUj4loNknvRGzZ5/s400/National_Wave_Day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260474587045066274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, National Wave Day was a dismal failure. 6 out of 52 cars? Are you kidding me? What would cause people to be so rude and uncaring? Who do these people think they are not waving at me!?!<br /><br />When it comes down to it, most of us lead a very busy life. When you're in the car, a lot of us tune out the world, our minds become focused on our current problems or situation, and our "auto-pilot" takes over (either that or an alternate form of ourselves takes over, kind of like that new TV show, "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/My_Own_Worst_Enemy/">My Own Worst Enemy</a>"). What happens to you when you enter the car?<br /><br />Now, I must admit, most of the time I don't wave to people while I'm driving. I just don't. But then again, neither does the person in the other car. But...have I been guilty of a "no-wave infraction?" Not that I recall. I don't ever remember actually seeing someone wave at me, only to glare and turn my head and continue driving without so much as lifting a finger. I would much prefer someone give me "the finger" then totally do nothing...on purpose. Has society digressed so much that we can't offer our fellow citizens a courtesy wave?<br /><br />So for now, National Wave Day is complete and in the books. A dismal failure? Perhaps. Or just maybe this day has opened the "hands" of would-be-offenders as they take their next drive around the neighborhood. May your hand (and the others you see) be with you.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-40818798459090522352008-10-20T00:10:00.007-05:002008-10-20T00:32:50.462-05:00Hickory Dickory...Canyon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzlIORgH1aYSK4kO4rhltd3Tt6rmkfS0_PO8iPW6mB-SD_SF2oln_weCg2gQYQsw1iYv6XZNRBGcsQcrW3BnjmbhBPPI9qEFagRcfYrceSQ9nSZntmtYYRT0XGjnab-LQqret/s1600-h/Hickory_Canyon3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzlIORgH1aYSK4kO4rhltd3Tt6rmkfS0_PO8iPW6mB-SD_SF2oln_weCg2gQYQsw1iYv6XZNRBGcsQcrW3BnjmbhBPPI9qEFagRcfYrceSQ9nSZntmtYYRT0XGjnab-LQqret/s320/Hickory_Canyon3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259102607123247282" border="0" /></a>I'm not sure where the weekend has gone. Blink once. Blink twice. Boom. It's now after midnight and we're already into Monday. Does the world actually move faster the older you get?<br /><br />Melissa, Emilee and I spent the afternoon at Hickory Canyon park near Farmington, MO on Saturday. A nice place, although it's really just a wide spot in the road and one might miss it if not careful. The "canyons" are on both sides - one trail of 1/2 mile and the other of 1 mile. Both trails are incredibly beautiful with horizontal bluffs and craggy creeks made for walking.<br /><br />The Fall season typically finds dry creek beds, but you can imagine the rush of water during a thawing Spring day. There seemed to be multiple spots where waterfalls once roamed and one in particular on a gorgeous drop of nearly 30 feet. We can't wait to visit again next Spring. A word of caution however...bring shoes you don't mind getting wet. While the creek beds were mostly dry, there were definitely spots of oozing mud and small pools of water.<br /><br />A beautiful park spent with some beautiful people on a beautiful Fall day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4IQY-KR5cvGfWNKVPVVlTO8kDnJLc18xn10oFTD9BgXfUYDKT_kh-YXWRaX6X4luRzbqrVjgsaiwW6yu7AF7iNCtmvdLAZCc-yyfxeFazR1ElEEbv5RFoL3rn4k0w-6JwaO_/s1600-h/Hickory_Canyon1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4IQY-KR5cvGfWNKVPVVlTO8kDnJLc18xn10oFTD9BgXfUYDKT_kh-YXWRaX6X4luRzbqrVjgsaiwW6yu7AF7iNCtmvdLAZCc-yyfxeFazR1ElEEbv5RFoL3rn4k0w-6JwaO_/s320/Hickory_Canyon1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259102905041281682" border="0" /></a></div>Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-87278852762152392732008-10-15T08:19:00.000-05:002008-10-15T08:20:33.181-05:00"Ben" ThereUh...thanks Ben. You've <a href="http://www.benarment.com/history_in_the_making/2008/10/if-i-were-to-get-fired.html">said it</a> well.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-90618892652575410352008-10-15T08:07:00.004-05:002008-10-15T08:22:58.774-05:00Warren Sapp, The Bears and A MarathonI was listening to the radio this morning on the way back from taking Emilee to school. I flipped over to a sports station (I'm a HUGE sports fan) and the hosts were talking with Warren Sapp. I didn't realize Warren was such a funny guy! But the thing that struck me most was a simple truth that most of us have heard quite often..."It's a marathon."<br /><br />Warren was referring to the Bears, who suffered a humiliating last second defeat on Sunday. He was asked what the Bears should do to recover. He simply told them, "It's a marathon." It's not one game, or even two games...it's a season; a marathon.<br /><br />How true that is for all of us. It's a marathon. We may face challenges or setbacks today or even through periods in our life, but it's a marathon. The race will continue. Paul tells us to finish the race strong; not giving up. That's not always easy to do in light of circumstances. But we must continue to push forward, dreaming the dreams and putting our faith into action. Eventually we'll cross the finish line and look back at all that was accomplished.<br /><br />Run the race...you won't regret it.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-48934455486773019602008-10-09T10:26:00.005-05:002008-10-09T11:33:56.319-05:00Discovering the EndToday is a day like any other day. Except today God taught me another lesson. And today <span style="font-weight: bold;">I listened. </span><br /><br />I'm continuing my reading of the bible - this time in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Message_%28Bible%29">Message Paraphrase</a>. I had just finished up Job and turned the page to discover the next chapter...that of Psalms. Now I have to admit that my first reaction <span style="font-weight: bold;">wasn't one of joy and excitement</span>. Unlike most people I talk with, Psalms is not one of my favorite books of the bible. I don't quite know what it is, but for some reason I found reading Psalms the first time to be <span style="font-weight: bold;">excruciatingly painful</span>. "How can the bible be like that?" I often thought to myself. I'm sure it didn't help that I was reading the NKJV version and trying as a new Christian to decipher the "code."<br /><br />So this morning, as I turned to the first page of Psalms, I read the opening discussion by Eugene Peterson and here's part of the lesson God taught me: read Psalms not as a description of <span style="font-weight: bold;">what happened</span>, but from a place of emotional discussion between a <span style="font-weight: bold;">human soul and it's maker</span>. Psalms doesn't simply describe...it's a <span style="font-weight: bold;">vibrant, open, honest and sometimes gut-wrenching conversation with God</span>. And when you put yourself in the shoes of the writer, the words suddenly take on an entirely new meaning.<br /><br />So I started where every good reader starts...<span style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm One</span>. This first Psalm opens with an unexpected entry:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" >"How well God must like you—</span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">"</span></span><br /></div><br />Not what someone would expect to find in an opening sentence! Psalm One goes on to explain that we could be less than nothing - totally lost in darkness and unfit company for others. But yet, God has <span style="font-weight: bold;">chosen us anyway</span>. We are loved.<br /><br />The last few verses set the stage for everything to come:<br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><blockquote style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"You're not at all like the wicked,<br /> who are mere windblown dust—<br /> Without defense in court,<br /> unfit company for innocent people.<br /><br /><span id="en-MSG-13135" class="sup"> </span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> charts the road you take.<br /> The road they take is Skid Row."</span></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><p>There is a thought that I have long held as a possible scenario for our lives...<span style="font-weight: bold;">we are all on a path in life</span>; from beginning to end. God prescribes the best path for us, but for some reason we like to <span style="font-weight: bold;">take little detours</span> along the way. In our detours, our "path" becomes more like a winding road. But God, in his goodness and faithful,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> redirects the course</span> towards His destination.<br /></p><p>I love how Psalm One confirms this: <span style="font-style: italic;">God charts the road you take</span>. We may THINK we chart our own course, but God has already chosen the path. And while we may question the direction we are headed, He knew in advance the path we would take. Robert Frost may have taken the road less traveled, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">it was God who uncovered the path</span>.</p><p>The last few months have definitely been a detour on my path, but God is slowly directing a new course. Sometimes we find a new beginning by <span style="font-weight: bold;">discovering the end</span>. I love how Nancy Ortberg describes this in her book "<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Looking-God-Unexpected-Journey-Pronouns/dp/1414313322/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223568468&sr=8-1">Looking for God</a>:"<br /></p><p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Endings teach us how to begin, what we should center our lives upon, and what is really important...Endings have a purifying effect. When the dust settles after a crisis hits, we can find what is real - what is core - by what is left behind and who rose to to the occasion."</span></p><p></p><p>My soul has been bottled up for the past few months and part of me is ready to explode. There is much to share and much more to learn. While the "bucket" has been full and then emptied, <a href="http://www.bucketology.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bucketology</span></a> is back and ready to trod forward on the next path that only God himself knows.<br /></p><p> Even though one chapter in my book of life has ended, it has also signaled the beginning of the next. That chapter has many blank pages to fill. <span style="font-weight: bold;">And fill them I will</span>. It's a challenge I am ready and willing to face. And besides, how well must God like me? <br /></p><p>I'm still here. The journey <span style="font-weight: bold;">will</span> continue. And more importantly, the path still awaits...<br /></p>Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-14042634168593967052008-08-14T10:16:00.003-05:002008-08-14T10:21:45.716-05:00The Great SadnessI'm finding great comfort in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shack-William-P-Young/dp/0964729237/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218726767&sr=8-2">this book </a>right now. I don't know much about the author or his beliefs, but I am gaining a lot of insight to life and the circumstances within. There is much talk of "The Great Sadness" in this book, and unfortunately, I can relate in a not-so-horrific but definitely connected kind of way.<br /><br />I have so much to share, but for now my soul must continue to heal. <br /><br />To those of you who have provided comfort, prayers, phone calls, emails, cards and so much more...I thank you from the bottom of my heart.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-20256082499395803242008-07-12T09:42:00.003-05:002008-07-12T09:49:02.088-05:00All Tied Up and Everywhere To GoWell, I've been on vacation all week now...<br /><br />First few days full of mowing and other outside activities.<br /><br />By the third day I couldn't quite grasp "not doing anything" and my body was trying to tell me to do <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span>. I couldn't sleep and wasn't quite sure what else to do.<br /><br />By day four and five I started to relax a bit. I've been reading multiple books. Really enjoying "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215874045&sr=8-1">The Tipping Point</a>" by Gladwell. Very intriguing stuff. Next up - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shack-William-P-Young/dp/0964729237/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215874092&sr=1-2">this book</a>. I have heard it is amazing.<br /><br />It's Saturday. Softball makeup games - all six of them. Tomorrow? Off to St. Louis with friends. Going to try to check out services <a href="http://www.wcrossing.org/index.html">here</a>. Rumor has it that <a href="http://scotthodge.typepad.com/scott/">this guy</a> will be there over the weekend as well.<br /><br />Still lots to do and think about. One week to go.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-56153328480442926832008-07-08T17:52:00.006-05:002008-07-08T18:07:34.392-05:00MH Worship Concert 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7CTmVR0FBYWTHb6Yv3QcQaelIt1DTLpHq7l8nw6qIKKEy1rsSkU2a6W0jl-0oMyU4oo2IOyn2kmH0QC2AvvctJ96nSSONxG1HgbamVfXuImBYIb2z96mUW8E9UU5EfX31ZBh/s1600-h/keynote_title.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7CTmVR0FBYWTHb6Yv3QcQaelIt1DTLpHq7l8nw6qIKKEy1rsSkU2a6W0jl-0oMyU4oo2IOyn2kmH0QC2AvvctJ96nSSONxG1HgbamVfXuImBYIb2z96mUW8E9UU5EfX31ZBh/s320/keynote_title.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220781420315029074" border="0" /></a><br />We completed another year of the Meadow Heights Worship Concert. This weekend seems to get better and better every year!! Of course, it would not be possible without an awesome team (I think more than 40 music team members participated this year!) and some great people leading those teams (props to Jeremy and Craig for a job well done!).<br /><br />It's amazing to me how God has grown our Creative Arts teams over the past year. The funny thing is we still get comments from people that don't think they could possibly be a part of the team - and boy are they wrong! We are continually looking for more artists and I'm pleased to say that we'll be adding a few more this month. We'll be adding a new musician and a new vocalist to the team as well as adding some new folks to our tech teams.<br /><br />I thought it would be interesting to post this year's top ten. You can go <a href="http://bucketsfromgoldie.blogspot.com/2007/07/mh-worship-concert-2007.html">here</a> and check out last year's top ten as well. The number one song held steady for the second year in a row. It was nice to see some new stuff cracking the top ten as well. Thanks to all of you who voted. We'll do it all over again next year!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGO7n2-PUNJRNbecp_PQRw7xdHn2Zm97YcRx58KZCuBOeUBGIjZFNVvrf_3LRdgGRKI6-ZRljWsNcjmOV8zQxu54forzmREQc6eEBmSSQyOGzdHVYtHplre28T4u8dwtfe8uS/s1600-h/Top+10+2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGO7n2-PUNJRNbecp_PQRw7xdHn2Zm97YcRx58KZCuBOeUBGIjZFNVvrf_3LRdgGRKI6-ZRljWsNcjmOV8zQxu54forzmREQc6eEBmSSQyOGzdHVYtHplre28T4u8dwtfe8uS/s320/Top+10+2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220783598989907122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdQ1GSP6NETJGBiHqNiBqVWt0RNHoxvNbfzbC9u4c_6npqlF0ZL5BX1J5YhtZ58ht0E2uvH-WKToxbqTYMj_xGvtdUqVRaCSIpnStNwl8jHJSxR3OajVvGhpBikKa6P3OcBvD/s1600-h/Top+10+2008.jpg"><br /></a>Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-55167785098106636662008-06-25T12:06:00.003-05:002008-06-25T12:09:20.287-05:00Don't Stick A Fork In Him Yet...Matt West, a.k.a. The Tech Master, is now blogging. Check it out <a href="http://holdingontomyfork.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow him via Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/OtherMatt">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Oh...and in case you're interested, you can follow me via Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bucketology">here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-71190277374041927272008-06-24T21:25:00.005-05:002008-06-24T21:31:15.251-05:00FACES<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUZnFbO6UAH8Ns3v5zBi4pOhHavkiS8vSu5MkkBQzSavQuOLxNecLk9OvitOF7KL2n07HQFH-C-BD5Jhg7za0fooTMkCuVw_csjAqmpM3FCU1k6z8CiVaa2iyGavcyQ9V5E-T/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUZnFbO6UAH8Ns3v5zBi4pOhHavkiS8vSu5MkkBQzSavQuOLxNecLk9OvitOF7KL2n07HQFH-C-BD5Jhg7za0fooTMkCuVw_csjAqmpM3FCU1k6z8CiVaa2iyGavcyQ9V5E-T/s200/Photo+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215640418547652994" border="0" /></a><br />Frustrated. Amiable. Contemplative. Elusive. Satisfied.<br /><br />Five emotions I experienced today. How about you?Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-45674502020115791532008-06-20T14:39:00.003-05:002008-06-20T14:51:02.174-05:00DonoWHO?<a href="http://www.410bridge.org/whoweare-ldonoho.php">Lanny Donoho</a> is one of the funniest people I have ever met (okay, I haven't technically met him, but I did see him from 30 rows back at the <a href="http://www.catalystspace.com/events/conference">Catalyst Conference</a>). His humor, creativity and passion for life are nothing short of contagious. Now you can experience all this and more in his latest blog, "<a href="http://www.lannydonoho.com/">What If?</a>" (although this may be changing...)<br /><br />Lanny is looking for your unique words and titles. Are you creative? Do you use words in conversation that cause others to tremble in fear at your intellectual prowess? Click <a href="http://www.lannydonoho.com/2008/06/20/win-stuff-word-stuff/">here</a> for more details.<br /><br />And why you're there, don't miss the incredible story of Jack...check it out <a href="http://www.lannydonoho.com/2008/06/14/what-ifyou-could-see-a-miracle/">here</a>.Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829849.post-40944386429193385882008-06-18T10:19:00.005-05:002008-06-18T10:24:47.795-05:00Innovate08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEibixf-6CXV3Wo1bUfyDc-y2Hkf3zrUrqSvAsdKUvAjJwpePl2dVbvQC6WFZuGnkCAxrLPOcB3LDrih_P6Tv0fNix47VYFUvqSdQZtb4biGFlmUJiFKQXG28kPAcBo1xcunGD/s1600-h/Innovate08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 413px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEibixf-6CXV3Wo1bUfyDc-y2Hkf3zrUrqSvAsdKUvAjJwpePl2dVbvQC6WFZuGnkCAxrLPOcB3LDrih_P6Tv0fNix47VYFUvqSdQZtb4biGFlmUJiFKQXG28kPAcBo1xcunGD/s320/Innovate08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213242524147728402" border="0" /></a>Just watched the <a href="http://www.innovateconference.com/trailer/trailer.html">Innovate08 trailer</a> from the <a href="http://www.gccwired.com/">Granger crew</a>. Looks like it's going to be a great conference. You can find out more info and register <a href="http://www.innovateconference.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />Adobe's After Effects is becoming the mainstream choice for many videos, especially trailer, intros and the like. I've used AE for about 5 years now, but I haven't taken time to learn the "new ropes." Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts? Anyone currently using AE?Michael Goldsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15926202342015384593noreply@blogger.com0