Thinking Out Loud

My Resume - If you know of anyone in the Jacksonville FL area who is hiring

2009-04-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

I have deleted my phone numbers from this post, but have left my email address for contacts.

W. Allen Nelson
1884 Knottingham Trace Ln.,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246

Email: Anelson58@Comcast.net

OBJECTIVE
To obtain a challenging position that will utilize my Quality Management, Customer Service, Supervisory/Management, Analytical and Interpersonal Skills.

WORK HISTORY

2007 – 2009 Disclosure Specialist, Merrill Lynch Office of General Counsel
Managed the background check process for Regulatory and Criminal Matters on incoming Financial Advisors. Manage U4 & U5 Disclosures process (civil and criminal complaints, violations of SEC rules) reporting for incoming and exiting Financial Advisors as well as Regulatory reporting for settlements and terminations. Identified trends that revealed training deficiencies within the team and ensured that appropriate action is taken. Participated in team/functional process meetings to provide process updates and follow-up on necessary items. Team subject matter expert for disclosure filings. Met SEC and NYSE imposed deadlines for reporting disclosures and provided updates to the team status reports for new initiatives. Fostered and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external clients and state regulatory offices.

2006 – 2007 Assistant Supervisor, Merrill Lynch Registration and Licensing Services. Managed / Supervised 20 people. Provided operational guidance to branch offices in the following areas: registration, licensing, renewals, continuing education, examinations and appointments. Managed and resolved elevated service issues and performed research to resolve difficult matters. Actively participated in process improvement and Six Sigma projects. Acted as a liaison between the team and its internal/external contacts, non-proprietary insurance carriers and clients, while maintaining a strong working relationship with all. Provided immediate discretionary decision making to resolve elevated exception items. Acted in the Manager’s role during a two month transition period. Ensured that all departmental statistical reporting functions were maintained and that all day-to-day processing functions were completed within established department standards. Responsible for performing internal processing audits. Maintainence of team calendar, approval of all time off requests. Regular one-on-one personnel reviews with team. Writing of semi-annual and annual performance reviews and evaluations for team.

2002 - 2006 Analyst, Team Lead Merrill Lynch Cash Management Support Services - Deposit Research. Supervised 5 team members. Team Lead and subject matter expert for Cash Management Services (CMS) team. Created semi-annual assessment test for CMS team. Writing of semi-annual and annual performance reviews for the team. Managed and performed monthly call monitoring and individual feedback delivery for CMS Analysts insure accurate and consistent information is being provided. Provided Merrill Lynch Branch office personnel with information related to incoming and outgoing wire transfers and account deposits through lock boxes. Provided conversion rates for international currency fed wires. Provided point of call problem resolution of deposit and funds transfer issues. Represented CMS in monthly partnership meetings with CMS management partners in an effort to build relationships and share knowledge. Acted as mentor / trainer for new hire employees for systems usage and call management. Handled all elevated issue and irate customer calls for my team. Have served in leadership / mentor capacity with Client Services, Dealer Services, Cash Management Services and Assets Transition Services.

1998-2002 Sr. Associate, Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services – Client Services and Dealer Services. Provide Third party back offices with information and services pertinent to their mutual fund and money market accounts. Mentoring new associates in systems operations and client services and Dealer Services. Provide assistance with escalated issue and irate calls. I am the only associate on the Jacksonville campus to date to ever be singularly recognized by DALBAR, Inc. for Superior Customer Service Skills.

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Life Claims Examiner, Prudential Insurance Group
Processed life claims, interfaced with insurance agents, funeral home Directors, beneficiaries and attorneys regarding payment of those claims. Provided escalated call handling for the call center.

Assistant Manager, Bellsouth Mobility
Proactive calling on existing accounts to offer renewals. Troubleshoot Cellular communication problems for clients by conferring with technicians. Processed renewal contracts for cellular services. Served on recognition committee.

Supervisor/Coach, Accustaff/AT&T American Transtech
Coached and developed 20 Customer Service Representatives. Monitored, assessed, documented and gave feedback on random inbound calls. Provided developmental coaching (monthly reviews, daily staffing standards, etc.) Identified and addressed individual training needs of associates. Administered recognition. Served as a communication link for the team. Insured that CSR’s were online during scheduled times. Resolved and/or referred problems within the team. Handled all escalated calls.

EDUCATION
BMin Degree, Southern Baptist Center - Seminary
Customer Interaction Skills, Supervisor / Coach Training, AT&T/American Transtech
Kaset Customer Service Training, Negotiation Skills Training, Bellsouth Mobility
Planning and Professional Development, Philip Crosby Associates Quality College, Philip Crosby Associates (Graduate of: Executive College; Management College; Quality Education System; Quality Education Systems Instructor Training)

SKILLS
A customer service professional with 20 plus years in direct client contact and service team management. Areas of expertise include strong written and oral communication skills, specialized business presentations, team leadership, and point of contact analysis / resolution of elevated issues. Ability to maintain professional composure in high stress situations.
Singularly recognized by DALBAR, Inc. and Merrill Lynch for Excellent Customer Service Skills.

Remember

2008-09-11T03:50:00.000-07:00

We will not forget.

September 11, 2001 08:45

Thank you to our Law enforcement officers, our Firefighters, Heroic Citizens, Volunteers and our Armed Service Members.

God Bless America.

My Beautiful Bride

2008-05-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday I saw her from across the room. I wondered if a guy like me would even have a chance to date her. A very pretty girl, dark brown hair with blonde highlights. Funny and very talented.
I played guitar and banjo for youth meetings and events. She played piano for her parents gospel group. As the fourth in the birth order, I could talk my way out of almost any situation, but when it came to the thought of even attempting a conversation with her, my tongue turned into silly putty.

Well, through a series of most blessed events, I happened to be close enough for her to grab my arm one night, in jest, when people were getting rides after church to the pizza place. Someone asked, “Are you two together?” She laughed and said, “Yes, we’ve been trying to figure out the best way to tell everybody.” Holy Macaroni! Did she just say that? Yup, she did. Well, long story short, a few weeks later on July 11, 1975 at the local Dairy Queen, I asked her to go steady with me. She accepted my class ring and immediately left for vacation in Tennessee the next day. I didn’t eat for a week.  I just counted the days until she returned. Sadly, internet was one of those Star Trek dreams of the future back then. We did write each other. I nearly wore the words off of the paper for that week reading and re-reading that letter.

Three years and several hundred poems and letters later, I asked her Dad for her hand in marriage. A year later she became my Bride. 29 years ago, God granted my most precious request with the exception of my Salvation.

More beautiful than the day I was smitten with a glance from her across the room. Always a Lady, first class. I still get that funny feeling when she walks into a room. I still sit in awe when she plays piano. I’m still fully aware of how Blessed I am to share my life with the only girl I have ever loved.

I’m still crazy about you. W.A.M.E.L. (With All My Earthly Love)

Me

Something to Think About

2008-03-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

This comes from the pen of that prolific writer, Anonymous:

Buttprints in the Sand

One night, I had a wondrous dream;
One set of footprints there was seen.
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
"Those prints are large and round and neat,
But, Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones.
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait.

You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of-faith you would not know.
So I got tired and got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt,

Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their buttprints in the sand."

One Thursday Morning

2008-03-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1

Ed and Jenny woke to the sound of orchestra music. They learned a long time ago the squawking of an alarm clock did not make for a pleasant good morning for them.
Ed rolled over and pushed the sleep timer. Jenny usually got up first, but today it looked like she was catching a few more minutes before committing to the day.

“Sleeping in today?” Ed asked as he playfully bounced the bed.

“Hey…” She said, “I don’t have to get up for 23 more minutes.”

“You’re going to be late getting Bobby to the day care if you don’t rise and shine soon, Sunshine.” Ed responded.

“Daycare will be meeting Bobby’s Daddy at the door today. I’ve got an offsite meeting today at the beach, remember?” She said, now sitting up

“Not today, that’s next Thursday. No, no, not today.” Ed replied.

“No, Thursday as in today.” She said

“Oh that’s just great, I’m supposed to pick up the donuts for the meeting this morning. I forgot them the last time and I took razzing for a week over it. I’ll barely have enough time to go to the donut shop and make it to the meeting, much less a side trip to the day care. What a wonderful start to my day!” he exclaimed.

“I’m sorry hon, I thought we were clear on all of this. I’ll have Bobby ready to go
so you can get right out.” She said in an apologetic tone.

Ed got ready, though everything he touched felt the result of his aggravation.
He feigned a smile and brushed past Jenny bending over to pick up Bobby.

“See you tonight, enjoy your day at the beach.” Ed snipped as he left.

Ed took Bobby to the back seat and started to buckle him in the car seat.

“Daddy, when we get there?” Bobby asked with a giggle.

“We’ll get there when we get there!” snapped Ed.

As he backed out of the driveway he almost clipped the mailbox. He sped through the neighborhood concentrating on how he would do everything he needed to do in the time he had to do it. Since the donuts are the responsibility I agreed to, that’s where we’re going first. He thought.

He turned into the donut shop parking lot so sharply that it scared Bobby, who began to cry.

“Daddy, when we get there?” Bobby asked through the tears.

Ed just ignored his son. He pulled up to the drive through order window.

“Welcome to Donut World, may I take your order please?” Came the voice from the sign.

“Yeah, two dozen donuts.” Ed barked.

“Two dozen, yes sir, what kind please?” asked the voice.

“Donuts, Donuts just pick two dozen of something and put it in the box!” Ed demanded.

Ed drove around and paid for the donuts. He drove off quickly barely missing a car turning into the parking lot. Why do they give idiots’ driver’s licenses? What kind of clowns run that DMV?

Speeding down the road to the daycare it seemed he was stopped by every traffic light. Finally he made it to the last light. As they sat in the turn lane, Bobby through his tears asked again,

“Daddy, when we get there?”

“I told you we would be there when we get there!” he shouted “Now knock it off and stop that crying! What’s the matter with you? You’re acting like I’m some kind of monster or something!”

Just then, Ed noticed the delivery truck at the traffic light beside him. A large mirror reflected an angry man with an uncontrolled temper and a child who had no defense against it. He was frightened and embarrassed by what he saw. His lip began to tremble, what am I doing? What have I done? Tears began to roll down his face.

Ed turned the corner slowly as the delivery truck rolled away. He pulled into the parking lot of the daycare and took Bobby from the back seat. Bobby squirmed to get away as Ed began to apologize for being so grumpy. Bobby finally settled down and hugged Ed back.

“Let’s go to school buddy” Ed said in a more quiet voice.

Ed called Jenny and apologized for his attitude and for being hurtful with his words. Jenny forgave him and after the meeting she returned to her office to find a dozen roses. Ed went in to find that the meeting was postponed until Friday due to the illness of his supervisor.

Chapter 2

Ester was a widow who lived with her daughter in the new Marlin Point subdivision. After her husband died she tried to maintain their home, but things eventually got to be more than she could handle. Her daughter, Erica, asked if she would consider moving in with her family and selling the old home place. They would invest the money from the sale of her home and she could come and relax for a change. Ester cautiously agreed and within a month her house was sold.

The mixed emotions of leaving were overshadowed with excitement when she moved into a room prepared for her by her son in law. She had her own bedroom, bathroom and a small kitchenette. They provided her all the privacy she could desire.

The ladies group of Erica’s church made weekly visits to the senior adult ladies. They provided an opportunity for shopping, Doctors appointments or just a nice visit.
Roberta was a kind sort. She always had an uplifting word for everyone she met. One of the joys of her life was to visit her elderly friends of Thursdays. This week she had an appointment to take Ester for a manicure and lunch.

As she drove through the new neighborhood, she was impressed with how quickly it was being built. So many families already moved in. She passed a home with small children playing in the front yard. A few more houses and she saw Ester, rocking on the front porch with what Roberta had called the most beautiful smile in the world.

They greeted and were on their way. Driving back to the main road they approached the house with the children playing.

“Look Dear at that home, who could clean those tall windows?” Ester said half seriously.

As Roberta glanced to see the house, a blue ball rolled out into the street with a small child running after it. An approaching delivery truck passed going the opposite direction. As it passed, the sun reflected off of the mirror on the side of the truck temporarily blinding Roberta.

“Oh my goodness!” cried Roberta as she quickly punched the break peddle causing the tires to squeal.

“Roberta!” said Ester, “That child!”

“Oh my, if it weren’t for that truck, I, I…” Roberta said

“Now, now dear. No harm done. God places His angels around the little ones.” consoled Ester

“I’m so sorry”, came a voice from the truck as it passed.

Chapter 3

Jim Peterson’s cell phone rang. Not unusual for a building company’s field manager to get calls all through the day. He truly hoped it was not bad news on his inspection today. The final was in 3 hours and he had one remaining item to resolve. The mirror that his crew installed in the master bathroom of unit 317 didn’t match the description on the blueprints.

The call was from O’Neal’s Glass and Enclosures.

“Alright. Fine! You people are giving me an ulcer the size of Texas! Just do what you can.” Jim snapped.

“Don’t tell me. The mirror got broken in transit?” asked Ted the site foreman.

“Oh yeah. It’s that dumb mirror. I tell you, you’d think I broke it with all the bad luck I’m getting off of it. The delivery will be delayed for about an hour.” Said Jim

Just then Jim noticed Robert Atwood waking towards him. Robert had been a dependable finish carpenter with the company for nearly ten years.

“Here comes Atwood looking for a raise or any overtime I can give him. Heh, let’s have some fun for a change with this mirror.” Jim chuckled.

“Morning Jim!” said Robert

“Morning Atwood.” Jim replied “Say Robert, you’re always looking for some side jobs for extra cash, right?”

“Well, yes Sir. But I don’t want to be an annoyance.” Said Robert

“Oh no, not at all. In fact, I’m about to offer you an opportunity to make more money on a regular basis.” Said Jim with a wink to Ted. “You know we have this inspection coming up in a couple of hours. Here’s my proposition. If you and your crew get that mirror installed within the next hour, I’ll promote you to site foreman over in the Westfield project.” Said Jim

“Yes, Sir!” said Robert “I’ve been praying about this, and I couldn’t have asked for a better answer.”

The two men shook hands.

Just then, the truck from O’Neal’s Glass and Enclosures honked its horn. Jim ran over to meet the driver.

“Got your mirror Mr. Peterson, and five minutes early!” the driver said excitedly.
“Yeah, yeah. Thanks loads, yippee! Of all days to be early!” grumbled Mr. Peterson

“Yeah, ok, well just sign here, Sir.” The driver responded, slightly confused by the reaction.

Chapter 4

Tom left the midweek prayer meeting wondering. He had heard at least ten people share stories of how God had allowed them to be a positive influence in the lives of friends and strangers alike. Tom couldn’t help believing that his life was too boring to have an impact on anyone. Nevertheless he made the decision to begin praying before he went to sleep that God would use him in a positive way in someone’s life.

It seemed he had laid there for only a few seconds before the alarm clock was announcing a new day. The first thing on Tom’s mind was the last thought he had before going to sleep, God, please show me how to help someone today.

His morning routine seemed to breeze by. Coffee made, breakfast downed, teeth brushed, he headed out the door to O’Neal’s Glass and Enclosures. Tom was the delivery driver for the contractor accounts. As he arrived at work, he saw a 4 x 6 mirror had been loaded on the side of his truck.

“Got an emergency delivery for you this morning Tom.” Jimmy called across the lot.

“Somebody needs to comb their hair at the site?” Tom replied with a laugh.

“Something like that, this house is due for final inspection this afternoon. The buyer noticed that the first mirror didn’t match the blue prints so it needs to be pulled down and replaced before the inspection.” Jimmy said, as he reviewed the work order.

“Well then,” Tom chuckled, “Let’s not keep the inspector waiting. Let me clock in and I’ll get on the road.”

Tom punched the time clock, grabbed his water bottle and headed for the truck.
Turning onto the street from the parking lot he saw the sign, “BEYOND THIS GATE YOU ARE O’NEAL’S GLASS ENCLOSURES” not to mention a guy who is about to be used by God to help somebody, Tom thought.

Tom checked the delivery order, Marlin Point, there’s some money in that place, he thought as he drove along. OK God, where are they? He said in a half whispered prayer. Pulling to a stop at the traffic signal he heard someone shouting. He looked to his left and saw a man screaming at a small child in the back seat.

“I told you we would be there when we get there!” he shouted “Now knock it off and stop that crying! What’s the matter with you? You’re acting like I’m some kind of monster or something!”

Just then, the man looked over at Tom. Tom looked away, pretending not to have seen what had just happened. He glanced back as the light changed. He was taken aback
to see the man staring at the side of his truck with a look of disbelief and a tear streaming down his face. Whatever, thought Tom, Boy, if that guy could see himself like the kid sees him. He really is a monster.

After about a half hour on the road Tom started looking for the large sign for Marlin Point. Should be within the next three miles, He thought. The subdivision was just past the wooded area north of town. Out of the corner of his eye, Tom saw something that he had not noticed before. The reflection of the sun was following him along the roadside. Oh man, I didn’t even check that. The guys were in such a hurry to cut this mirror that they forgot to put the protective plastic over it.

Seeing the entrance he turned into Marlin Point, I hope I didn’t blind anybody on the way. The thought had barely crossed his mind when he heard the screech of tires from a passing car. Immediately he knew what had happened. The mirror had reflected the bright sunlight into the passing driver’s eyes. The driver was blinded for a moment and slammed on the breaks.

“I’m so sorry.” He shouted to the other driver. Oh yeah, he scolded himself, Tom’s gonna really help somebody today, I’ll help them get to Heaven. Man, I can’t believe that.

A few streets down he saw Sailfish Lane. Two more turns and I’m there. Oh Great! Nails were spread across the road. Apparently someone had left a box full on the back of their truck and they had fallen into the street. Tom knew that he had a 10:00 deadline to deliver the mirror, but he was going to have to clear the road to get through. He grabbed the radio being careful of the well worn microphone cord and called the warehouse.

“Jimmy, this is Tom.” He said.

“You’re kind of crackly there but go ahead Tom.” Came the reply

“Hey, I’ve got a bunch of nails in the road here and I’m afraid I’m gonna get a flat tire if I try to drive through them. Can you call ahead to the site and let them know I’m gonna be delayed a bit?” he asked

“Sure, sure, we can do that, just get there as fast as you can, they’ve got an inspection guy coming.” Jimmy replied.

Turning to the office pass through window Jimmy yelled,

“Hey Janet, would you mind calling Mr. Peterson at Marlin Point? Let him know that Tom is on his way but he got a flat tire or something. Tell him Tom will be about 45 minutes late.”

Tom took the shovel off the back of his truck and scraped up the nails as best he could. That went quicker than I figured it would, still I’m glad they called ahead for me.
With the road cleared Tom checked his watch, Not only will I not be late, looks like I’m gonna be early. Now there’s a blessing!

As he arrived at the job site he met Mr. Peterson, the construction foreman.

“Got your mirror Mr. Peterson, and five minutes early!” Tom said excitedly
“Yeah, yeah. Thanks loads, yippee! Of all days to be early!” grumbled Mr. Peterson

“Yeah, ok, well just sign here, Sir.” Tom said, slightly confused by the reaction.

On his way back to the warehouse Tom began a conversational prayer as if God were in the passenger side.

“Well ok God, so we aren’t going to be a blessing today. Huh, the one chance I had the guy didn’t even appreciate it. I don’t know, God, maybe my job isn’t one of those that you can bless people with. I wear a uniform, drive a delivery truck and see construction crews all day. Well, anyway, there’s always tonight after work at the Rescue Mission I guess.” Tom sighed.

The End

Learning

2008-02-29T03:45:00.000-08:00

I have about 15 - 20 minutes in my car on the way to work each day. At that time of the morning, the sun is just making an appearance just over the horizon. God blesses me with the most wonderful scenes. During this time, I turn off the radio and just talk with Him. Why, because I'm Holy? No, just the oppisite, if I don't draw near to Him daily, I'm stuck with my own solutions and ideas.

A few months ago I was praying and told God, "Father, You are stronger, wiser, mightier, bigger...Father, You just ARE! I couldn't find anything else to say about Himself. This led to the following poem:

You Are I AM, but I am just me.
Yet You came, and You gave Your Life for me.
And Your Spirit came to comfort me;
You ARE I AM, You ARE.

Keeping The Christ In Christian

2008-02-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

So our battle to keep Christ in Christmas apparently went well this year.
It occurred to me though, am I just as adamant about keeping the Christ in my Christian walk?

Someone said that we here in America have a completely different understanding of what persecution is, (at least for now). At what seems like the drop of a hat, we go from happy go lucky, “Bless Jesus” to “Well my day stinks now.”

Our brothers and sisters around the world are dieing for their faith. While we just know in our heart of hearts that someone looked at us with distain because we were wearing a WWJD bracelet.

I confess to you and Our Father God that I have been guilty of complaining about our brand of persecution and that I desire to stop this type of foolishness. In its place it is my desire to serve the Lord. To expend all that energy in a way that Glorifies Him and Him alone. I covet your prayers in this.

As I write this, the church pianist has just finished practicing, “People Need The Lord” and has gone into, “Each One Reach One.” My friend Henry, who has sold all his worldly possessions and moved to Rowatan in Honduras to serve God will be speaking shortly.

At times like this I must wonder how and why God puts up with me. Then I remember that it is only by the Blood of The Lamb, the Perfect Sacrifice, My Lord Jesus Christ that God can even look on me. He has called me to a greater purpose than I have been willing to Trust Him with. Don’t know what it is yet, but I’ll let you know when He shows me.
I only ask selfishly that you pray for me in this.

I am thoroughly amazed that through this system, Christians around the world are connected in real time. “Jerusalem, Judea and the ends of the earth.” Oh yes, He knew.

Maranatha!

Happy New Year Everyone

2008-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

Any resolutions you desire to be held accountable for?

Mine: Finish book #2
Loose the spare tire I've been transporting for a few years.

A Refreshing Christmas Gift

2007-12-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

Over the past 10 years I have noticed a directed effort by businesses including the one I work for to avoid the words, “Merry Christmas”.
I’ve heard many, many variations of “Happy Holidays”, and have watched homemade holidays attempt to crowd out the two legitimate celebrations with actual historical significance: Hanukkah, which celebrates the faithfulness of God to His chosen people Israel, and Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus The Messiah, God’s gift of Eternal Salvation to all mankind.

My wife and I went Christmas shopping yesterday, and I was prepared to respond to, “Happy Holidays” with the question, “Which one?” To my pleasant surprise, in nearly every store we shopped someone wished us a Merry Christmas! Even the waitress in the restaurant where we had dinner.

So, I just wanted to say thank you and Merry Christmas to the following:
Winn-Dixie (Groceries)
Wal-Mart
Sears
Target
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Dillards
Mimi’s Café
Carabba’s Italian Grill

Surprisingly, the Salvation Army bell ringers can only say, “Happy Holiday”. I still have to ask them, “which one?” Go figure.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"

2007-12-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

Henry W. Longfellow penned the words to what has become a Christmas Classic. His wife had died the previous year in a terrible accident. He then lost his son to death in the War Between the States. In great despair he began the poem, but over the course of its writing, God revealed to him that His Grace was sufficient. You can literally follow the steps back to God in the verses of, "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along th' unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"Hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
Yet, pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."
Then ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day--
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good will to men!

My Favorite Father-In-Law's Favorite Hymn...

2007-10-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

Started out as a poem by John Newton. A friend of ours asked the other day if we knew that there were more than just the verses that are in our hymnal, so I looked them up and here they are. It's the beautiful testimony of a sinner Saved by Grace, just like me:

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

What Do You Think?

2007-10-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Talking with my teenage niece the other day and playing a little guitar, she mentioned how she enjoyed playing and writing music. Then she asked an interesting question. “Uncle Allen, do you think God expects us to use the gifts He has given us in our jobs and our church?”

My answer was, Yes, why would He give you a gift if He didn’t expect you to Glorify Him in your life with it. Then I started to think about it…Yes, absolutely yes, and so I should be…what exactly? Well, perhaps using the gifts He has given me to glorify Him with my life.

That caused me to take some inventory. What exactly has He gifted me with? Which gifts have I given back to Him, and which gifts have I excused myself from using for His glory?

It’s an odd dynamic, but the more I give to Him, the more He blesses me with.
Stay tuned, more to come.

Simple Blessings, Powerful Lives

2007-09-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

We had a sort of “getting to know you” potluck lunch today between our Sunday School class and one of our Senior Adult classes. The food was fine, but the real treat for me was to see my friend Bro. N sing and play his guitar.

At 87 years young, he still goes at least 3 times a week to the nursing homes to “Play for those old people.”, and he is a regular at the City Rescue Mission Services. Bro. N has for many years been one of my heroes and unknowing mentors of the faith and ministry. An unassuming, gentle in spirit, humble man of integrity.

Several years ago, we were at the City Rescue Mission together. I was leading the music that night with my guitar; Bro. N was there for special music. While we were warming up and tuning up he said, “Hey, how about you helping me out on my songs tonight.” I was blown away that he would actually ask me to play with him. Long story short, I had the privilege of playing guitar with him, and was absolutely thrilled to do so.

Watching him play today brought back a flood of wonderful memories. I trust and pray that I too will be found guilty of Praising God with the talents He has blessed me with all the days of my life.

The Name Game

2007-09-12T03:04:00.001-07:00

I have always believed that you shouldn't give your child a name that you couldn't use in the song, "The Name Game" (Anna, Anna, Bobanna, etc.)
Some time ago at the urging of a friend, I started the odd hobby of collecting interesting names of people I have had personal phone contact with. Over a ten year period, I have added many to my list. Perhaps you have spoken with them also. The following is a small sample from my collection:

Malode Outhouse,Larry King, John Lennon,Edward Murphy, Joseph Kennedy, Grace Kelly,

Robert E Lee, Hercules T Koulis, Helen Keller, Shirley McClain, Marry Barry,

Steve McQueen. Danny Thomas, Iva Hart, Yen Yaing, Cliff Edge, Anna Niemiec,

Hulda Heine, Alice Cooper, Shirley Curley, Warren Beattie, Otis Campbell,

James Chames, William F Cody, Springfield Banks, Thomas Canham,

Constant Joy Centella, Richard Cunningham, Rose Bush, Robin Hood.

Have a Banana Fanana Day :)

Have Some Fun On The Journey

2007-09-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Over the past 28 years we have lived in 15 houses and 4 towns. Big towns, small towns, nice houses, apartments and one really tiny house (around 900 sq ft).

When we moved to Vero Beach, for the very first time the Welcome Wagon people came with a bunch of coupons for local business freebies. I said, “We should drive around and get all this free stuff.” My Bride felt it would be totally tacky for us to go from place to place just for free stuff. To avoid embarrassment, I went by myself.

One of the coupons was for the local funeral home. Since I worked at the church behind said funeral home, I thought I would seize the day and drop in on my lunch break.

It was a slow day for them, so I walked in and was immediately greeted in the foyer. “May I help you sir?” The nice lady asked. “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” I replied. “Your, uh, free wha…?” “My free embalming.” “Um, could you wait right here??”

She went to the back and another lady came out. “Can I help you sir?” “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” “Uh, what makes you think you’re going to get a free embalming?” I pulled the coupon out of my jacket, “I got this coupon from the Welcome Wagon that said to come here for a free gift. I can’t think of anything else you folks would be giving away, and if we could hurry up a bit, I only have about 45 minutes left on my lunch.” “Oh my, um, well that’s not for a uh..”

At that point I couldn’t help but laugh. I introduced myself as the new Minister at the church behind them. She was greatly relieved. Over the years I was blessed to develop a very good working relationship with them. I did many funerals for families that had no church.

Fifty Years or So Ago

2007-08-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today we had the awesome privilege to participate in the 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration of my friends Mr. & Mrs. “T”. They met when he returned from the Korean War. He says, “I saw her and I was done looking.” She agreed. Two and a half weeks later, they were married.

During the celebration he sang two songs to her, and they renewed their vows to love and cherish each other and to continue trusting God for their future.

I shared the poem below that I wrote for my parents who celebrated their 50th Anniversary a few years ago. God has truly blessed us with the example of His Servants from that generation. May we be found faithful, as they have been, to pass the flame along to the next generation.

Fifty Years or So Ago

Fifty Years or so ago, you looked into her eyes
You fell for her so quickly, it took you by surprise
You knew that very moment that your heart she came to own,
and your love for her has only grown since fifty years or so ago

Fifty years or so ago, he walked into your life;
And from a shy and sweet “hello”, you dreamed to be his wife.
The urgent dropped to incidental; true love had made it so.
His life become your focus, fifty years or so ago.

To tell your impact on our lives, as the children of your love
defies the confines of this verse and the ability of words.
Our faith & families, homes & jobs, the way we see our world,
Is all because your love God granted, fifty years or so ago.

Fun With Moving

2007-08-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I had occasion to go with my brother in law to the truck rental place. He and my sister in law had closed on their new house that morning and we needed to move all their stuff.

The conversation went something like this; “My name is ‘Allen’s brother in law’, and I have a 26 foot truck reserved with a trailer.” The rep responded, “OK, well, first off we don’t have any 26 foot trucks, so I don’t know who told you we did.” He took a deep breath and said, “I called the 800 number..” She interrupted, “OK, that’s the problem, see the 800 number people don’t know what they’re doing, so let me get them on the phone so that you can talk with them.”

She dialed the number and handed him the phone. He explained the situation to the rep on the phone who told him that it would be impossible to rent a 26 foot truck along with a trailer and that she didn’t even know who would have told him he could. The store rep took the phone from my brother in law and began yelling at the phone rep who promptly hung up on her. She said, “Something needs to be done about this!” He responded, “Finally!” She called and asked to speak to the supervisor in the phone unit. When a supervisor was secured, she began to explain the problem, “OK, ‘phone rep’ just yelled at me and hung up the phone and I don’t have to take that!” She looked at us and said, “There is no excuse for this!” We agreed. After a heated conversation she hung up and with joy proclaimed, “Problem solved.” My brother in law said, “Great, when can I get the truck?” “Oh, you still can’t get the truck, but she won’t be treating me like that anymore.” She said.

He asked, if there was any possibility of getting a 26 foot truck with a trailer to which he was told, no, but he could rent a smaller one if he would pay for 24 hour rental and have it back to them within 14 hours. Unable to contain my amazement, I asked, “Since the truck he has to rent is smaller than the original truck he reserved, could you give him a break on the mileage?” She said, “That won’t be possible.” I asked, “Is there any scenario where the customer wins with this company?” She looked in disbelief and walked away.

Just for fun, see if you can name the Truck Rental company.

Incidentally, FFIL was there also. He kept looking outside. I asked what he was doing. He said he was looking for a any other indication that the circus was in town.

My Friend Bob

2007-07-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have to start by telling you that my friend Bob L. is one of those people who has "interesting" situations looking for him. He asked when was the best time to plant a back yard garden. Some of the older men told him to "plant by the full moon." Sure enough, the next full moon Bob was out in his back yard after dark with a roto-tiller.

He called our mutual friend, Doug, one day to help him put up a privacy fence. Doug says he pulled in the driveway and saw that Bob had dug the holes for the posts, and had completely assembled the back wall of the fence, laying on the ground. Doug got back in his truck and left.

So now you know a bit about Bob. He and I were talking about church league softball one day. Now Bob at that time was, as the Daniel Boone theme song says, a big, big man. He played first base and did quite well. He told me about one game against the local Pentecostal Church where he was minding his post at first base when the batter hit a line drive right down the base line, and into Bob’s knee. He said, “I’ve never experienced pain like that, I fell like a big tree. I couldn’t move because of the pain.”

The batter immediately called for a time out. He and his teammates rushed to Bob’s side. Bob lay on the ground, unable to move, desiring to be left alone. The batter apologetically said, “I am so sorry Brother, what can we do to help you?" Bob answered, "Nothing, I'm fine, I'm fine. Just let me lay here." The batter paced around, truly desiring to do anything to bring comfort, "Can we at least move you off of the clay and over to the grass?” Bob answered, “Whatever, I don’t care, whatever.” The opposing team gathered around and hoisted him up, depositing him some ten feet away onto the grass where he lay, still in pain.

The batter again approached Bob, “Brother, I know we practice our faiths differently, but, would you mind if we laid hands on you and prayed for you?” Bob responded, “Whatever, I don’t care, whatever.” They gathered around and laid hands on Bob and began to pray. In Bob’s own words, “They were praying for about 30 seconds when I came off the ground, jumping and shouting. Then they all started jumping, shouting, celebrating and Praising God.” I said, “Wow, that’s pretty cool.” “Yeah,” He said, “they had laid me in an ant bed.”

You are a Benevolent Leader

2007-07-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

My Results:

You are a Benevolent Leader.
personalDNA
about you
You are a Leader

Your solid grounding in the practicalities of life, along with your self-assuredness and your willingness to appreciate new things make you a LEADER.

You're in touch with what is going on around you and adept at remaining down-to-earth and logical.

Although you're detail-oriented, this doesn't mean that you lose the big picture.

You tend to find beauty in form and efficiency, as opposed to finding it in broad-based, abstract concepts.

Never one to pass on an adventure, you're consistently seeking and finding new things, even in your immediate surroundings.

Because of this eagerness to pursue new experiences, you've learned a lot; your attention to detail means that you gain a great deal from your adventures.

The intellectual curiosity that drives you leads you to seek out causes of and reasons behind things.

Your confidence gives you the potential to take your general awareness and channel it into leadership.

You're not set on one way of doing things, and you often have the skills and persistence to find innovative ways of facing challenges.

You are well-attuned to your talents, and can deal with most problems that you face.

You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.

If you want to be different:

There's more to life than the practical - take some time to daydream and explore the aesthetic sides of things.

how you relate to others
You are Benevolent

You are a great person to interact with—understanding, giving, and trusting—in a word, BENEVOLENT

You don't mind being in social situations, as you feel comfortable enough with people to be yourself.

Your caring nature goes beyond a basic concern: you take the time to understand the nuances of people's situations before passing any sort of judgment.

You're a good listener, and even better at offering advice.

You're concerned with others at both an individual and societal level—you sympathize with the plights of troubled groups, and you can care about people you've never met.

Considering many different perspectives is something at which you excel, and you appreciate that quality in others.

Other people's feelings are important to you, and you're good at mediating disputes.

Because of your understanding and patience, you tend to bring out the best in people.

If you want to be different:

You spend a lot of time taking care of others, but don't forget to take care of yourself!

Sometimes you can get overcommitted, and when you sacrifice spending time with those close to you, it can make them feel unimportant.

Coach Houllihan

2007-07-25T04:04:00.000-07:00

Talking with a friend one day who is the sales manager for one of our local broadcast stations, the discussion turned to the managers he has charge over. He told me about the activities that they are involved in followed with the comment, “We like our leaders to lead from the front.” I laughed, at least initially; I then began to think about the leaders and mentors I respect most in my own life. My Dad, Granddad and my Father-in-law and someone not associated with the family tree, Coach Houllihan.

Mike Houllihan was my coach in gym class from 7th through 11th grade. I first met Coach Houllihan as a mere pick-up-stick of a lad in Junior High school. It was nearly ten years later that I found out his first name was not “Coach”. It didn’t take long for my class to realize that our Coach was different from the other Coaches.

While other Coaches were yelling out commands, “Twenty push-ups, now!” and standing over the troops with a cup of coffee, our Coach was barking commands and doing push-ups with us. When discipline demanded that we all take two laps on the track, Coach Houllihan ran those laps with us. In five years under his leadership, I don’t remember a single time hearing him complain about having to do laps, push-ups, or other various calisthenics. Always there, always with a smile, always encouraging and teaching by example.

While other groups of youthful specimens of athletic potential were whining about having to run four laps before they could go in, our group was happy to comply. At mid-year, my schedule would change and I would have Gym at a different time. There was the Coach, consistently leading by example, regardless of the timeslot.

Mike Houllihan made a tremendous impression on me as a teenager. So much so, that I have employed his method of leadership whenever I have been given charge over a group either professionally or in volunteer service. It would be hard to believe that my Coach spent a lot of time worrying about who might be watching him at any given time. His leadership style was a lifestyle, not a “dog and pony show”.

As Christians in our local churches and professional organizations, our responsibilities will vacillate between “Coach” and “Team member”. Coach Houllihan made it very clear to a group of teenagers that looked like a bunch of microphone stands in sneakers, anybody can be put in charge, but respect is earned. Also, every member of the team is responsible to and for the team.

I think I’ll look up the number and call Coach this weekend; maybe we can do two or three push-ups over the phone. Maybe just one, he’s probably still in better shape than me.

Truly Priceless

2007-07-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

It had been a particularly lousy day at work. So much so, that I didn’t want to be around anyone at lunch. Just outside of our cafeteria, there are some nice tables by the lake under young oak trees. It was an overcast and breezy day, so I took me and my attitude outside to eat. I purposefully sat with my back to the building facing the small lake.
About that time, I started talking with God about my crummy day. I said, “Lord, sometimes I wonder if anyone really sees any value in me.”
I had no more entertained that thought when I heard something above me in the trees. A small sparrow was leaping from limb to limb. It was almost audible, God said, “Do you see this little bird? I make sure he has everything he will ever need for his whole life. When he dies and falls to the earth, I’ll know it. He’s only a bird. You are worth so much more to me. My Son died for you.”

I thought about my oldest daughter. Years ago I picked her up from day care in Deltona. We got out of the car and I went to open the door. From behind me I heard her little voice as low as she could speak, “Erin!”, Then in her regular voice “Yes God?”, (low voice) “I love you, Erin.”, In her voice, “I love you too, God.”

It occurred to me that I had just had the same conversation with Him.

Matthew 10:29 (New King James Version)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
Matthew 6:26 (New King James Version)
26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

I'm Blessed

2007-07-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

People ask me how long my wife and I have been together. I say, “Not nearly long enough.” Fact is, from the first time I laid eyes on her I was smitten. I was a bit more timid back then and tried to work up the nerve to ask her to go steady with me.
It was a pleasant surprise one night as the youth were deciding who was riding with whom to go to Pizza Hut, that she (attempting to avoid some other goofy guy) grabbed my arm and said, “We’re riding together.” Someone said, “You two are together?” She laughed and said, “We’ve been trying to keep it a secret.”
I went from secretly smitten, to secretly astonished. We did go to Pizza Hut together and started hanging around together at church. I played guitar at youth activities, and she played piano for the youth choir.
On Friday July 11, I decided that what I truly wanted with all my heart was to go steady with her. That’s what we used to call it before people started going “out” to no particular place.
I asked her out to the Dairy Queen. She said yes, her parents said yes also to my taking along her little brother and sister. Knowing that DQ had a cartoon booth, I loaded up on quarters. While she and I talked about everything but going steady, (because I was chicken) her siblings ran back and forth to the cartoon booth with my quarters in hand.
I got down to the last couple of quarters and decided it must be time.
The happiest moment of my life up to that point was July 11, 1975 at 7:30 p.m. When I stumbled through asking her to be my girlfriend, and she said, “Yes.”
They left on vacation to Tennessee the next day, but I got some cool letters. I keep the picture she gave me in my wallet. Beautiful green eyes, dark brown hair with blonde streaks. Next to my Salvation, she is is the most wonderful blessing in my life.

I love you Babe!
Happy 32nd Anniversary.
Will you still be my girlfriend?

Me

Happy Birthday USA!

2007-07-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid in public elementary school, there were three times that a student was not allowed to walk into a classroom. The first was during the Pledge of Allegiance. The second was during Morning Prayer and the third was during Bible Reading.
My parents, my Teachers and even my classmates would stand, take off their hats and hold their hands over their hearts as the National Anthem was played. (They still do.)
And the results: I worship the True and Living God. I’m proud to be an American, and I am especially proud and appreciative of the men and women in uniform who serve our country both here and abroad.

Happy 4th!
Happy Birthday America!
Happy Birthday Papa! (My favorite Pa-In-Law)
God Bless Our Troops!

You've got to know where you've been...

2007-06-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've dabbled in a bit of "This and That" in an attempt to find what I truly enjoyed doing.

I have a rich musical heritage. From family stories, I know that my Great-Grandfathers on both sides were very talented, "They could play anything with strings." My Grandpa on my Dad's side was a guitarist who built his own instruments. My uncles all played and were Music Ministers on occasion at their churches. One of my hopes in life was to have just one of their guitars as a keepsake and a reminder, but I have memories and even some video of my uncles playing and singing.

A few years back, I started writing a column for a monthly company newspaper with worldwide distribution. Sloan Wilson (author of "The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit") was a consultant with my company and was my chief editor. He was merciless. That was a wonderful blessing! For the first few months, my articles came back dripping in red ink; "Clarify!", "What are you attempting to say?", "This road leads to nowhere!". He gave suggestions and helped me hone my own style of writing.

From there, I started writing radio PSA's for my church. My oldest daughter was in 3rd grade at the time. I would write the PSA, pick her up from school and drive to the local radio station where we would record for broadcast. I spoke fast, and she was very cute. I needed retakes, she was a first read superstar.

Two years ago I published my first book; "The King's Call". It's about knowing and doing what you are specifically called to do with your life. It is on Amazon.com under the author name "W A Nelson". I'll post a picture and a link just in case you might want a copy. I am currently working on a second book with plans for at least two more.

My Bride, Father-in-Law, Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law are all wonderful and "developing" photographers with an enjoyable knack for writing narratives. (If I can figure out how, I'll give you the links to their blogs.)

So what did I find that I really enjoy as a hobby? Music and Writing.

On this Blog, I'll be posting my thoughts about just anything that happens to cross my mind. A variety of topics, some you may even agree with.