The NEW Bucketology.com is now LIVE!

Revamped and reloaded, Bucketology is now LIVE and in action! Props to Stephen and Creative Improv 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 resubscribe via RSS or follow me on Twitter or Facebook. Let’s get the conversations started!

Please leave me a comment on the new site and let me know what you think of the new design!

Bucketology to Relaunch Soon!

The date is not set yet, but Bucketology 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 Twitter or Facebook.

I'm tapping on Stephen for my redesign. Oh, and by the way, go check out the new Creative Improv site...leave us a comment here.

Grace and peace...

The Firebird: In the Beginning

Today 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.

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?).

I invite your thoughts and comments, and as always, I hope some engaging dialogue is at hand.

Grace and peace...

It's A Wonderful Life

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.

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!

Until then, kick back, relax and spend time with those who matter most in your life. Cheers!

Unique 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.

In the meantime, I would like to announce the launch of a brand new website from some good friends of mine: UniqueInk.net. 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.

UniqueInk.net 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 creativeimprov.com. 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.

New Bucketology design coming soon...stay tuned!

Two to Tango

Two 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.

Tim Stevens on "Are You Tired of the Noise?"

Steven Furtick on "Gratitude Project"

The American Dream

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.

The movie? Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. 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.

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.

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?

They say that history repeats itself. I for one, hope that this time they're wrong.