Monthly Archive for January, 2005

I’ve been reading some interesting posts on Customer Service. My job in the Mailroom primarily involves service to other departments, but on occasion I do jobs for people outside of TACF. I regularly meet with suppliers though, and I’ve been thinking a lot about Customer Service lately, based on how I am treated by people.

I have one photocopier supplier who goes over my head and tries to woo my boss, all the time telling me his propaganda which he has clearly memorized from a booklet.

Or the shipping supplier who asked me on his first visit if I had something against his company, because he couldn’t understand why I didn’t change from a company I have had no problems with, to his one.

However, another photocopier supplier is very welcome in my office. He’s friendly, asks how the job is going (knowing that it’s new to me), and doesn’t push his tracts on me. Then there’s the Service Rep from the shipping company I use now, who’s friendly, negotiates amazing prices, has the secretaries let me know if she’ll be away, so I know who to direct questions to in her absence. Et cetera.

Same industries, very different response. Funnily enough, I received more Christmas baskets from companies I have do little, or no business with (yet, in their opinion).

I want to treat customers like people. Like I want to be treated. I’m considering looking into part-time work at Futureshop, in the service department. It’s a nice mix of getting lost in computer systems, and sales.

Read Terry’s (Terry is Brian’s boss, Brian is on my blogroll) take on Customer Service in the Church. We’re having a conference right now at TACF, and I think we could learn a few things about Customer Service. Not in any of our sales areas, but as a church overall.

I just discovered to my slight annoyance that I can’t apply for Canadian Citizenship for another 9 months. I thought I could already do so, but it turns out I can’t.

Oh well. It’s not a huge deal I guess.

“If my neighbour is not a Believer, and he runs into financial trouble, then he will apply certain worldy solutions in order to get out of this trouble. He is an atheist, and so looks to man to solve his problems.

If I (being a Believer) run unto financial trouble, and I do the same thing as my neighbour, then I am committing Practical Atheism. As a Believer, my heart should be dwelling on the affairs of God, so in any trouble, I must turn to him first. He may direct me to the same principals that my neighbour is following, but there is a fundamental difference: My neighbour turned to man to give him an answer to his problems, and I turned to God to give me an answer to my problems.

But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” – Matthew 16:23

There is a direct correlation between Satan, and our mind being on the things of men. If we consult knowledge and men before we consult God, in any part of our life, then we are saying by our actions that God is not real to us, and thus committing Practical Atheism.”

- Bill Johnson, paraphrased by Jonathan Puddle.

I haven’t gotten around to sharing my New Year’s resolutions, but I just realised that now would be a perfect time, given that I managed to spend signifigant time on all three this weekend.

1. Grow in intimacy with God. I want to start spending quiet time with God regularly, not just when I think I need it. Let’s be honest, we all need, all of the time. So I have to try and figure out what works best for me, as I have spent probably a total of 6 hours soaking in God’s presence, in my life. It still doesn’t feel like everyone says it feels, but I’m sure I’ll get there.

2. Work toward my dream of becoming the best DJ in the world. I think as Christians we are called to do our very best in everything we do, and accordingly I am setting my goal as becoming Numero Uno in the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) scene. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I want to be spending a couple of hours every couple of days DJing. I also want to get a residency in a club this year, but that may have to wait till May, cause I can’t get into most clubs currently.

3. Become more and more a man fit for Maija to marry. This encompasses a huge range of things. Getting my license, becoming a good driver, working out and making my guns a formidable force, reading more and growing my intellect, seeking out more work experience and possibly getting a 2nd job, telling her and showing her my love for her more than anyone has ever shown her love before, ensuring that our dates are time well spent, and the list goes on.

This Friday night at youth was freaking amazing. God’s presence was so thick, and so awesome, I loved it. I was prophecied over by this cool cool guy named Shawn, who said loads of stuff that was completely spot on, but also expanded beyond what’s been said before. Anyway, God really met me and revealed some stuff to me. And loved on me. Strike goal 1.

Friday night I DJed before youth, and had a great time. I didn’t play long, as usual, but it was fun, and Andrew Gaz said it was annointed, which is what I’m wanting and praying for, so that was wicked. Then Saturday night I went up to MacTier (near Parry Sound), with Maija, Ben Poulsen and Raakel, and played for a youth group up there. I played for over 2 hours – something I haven’t done before, and my set was technically near perfect, something else I haven’t done before. It was my first time playing at a non-TACF event, and I had a blast. Strike goal 2.

Sunday night I finished the in-class portion of my driving school, passed with a 97%, and then spent the evening with Maija and my family. We went grocery shopping together (something I secretly enjoy) and then spent the evening chilling out, and then praying for our week. Strike goal 3.

I hope every weekend can be as satisfying as this one.

Peathe out.

I’m still on the hunt for Ambient Groove. I talked to Virus, and he said he didn’t make it. So that crosses him off the list. People… 50$, plus the cost of the CD. Come on.

I have had the great fortune of winning myself my very own troll. My very first troll, even.

Welcome aboard Paul. I hope you enjoy your new home. I don’t post as often as Jeremy, so I’m sorry if you get bored, but them’s the breaks.

I’ve been reading tonight about a church in Texas called Fellowship Church. It’s quite a cool place. Highlights:

- 5th largest church in the US.
- At least two of their staff have blogs written about work/church/technology/life.
- They offer free WiFi internet access in their cafe and bookstore.
- Robert Scoble – who’s name won’t mean much to many of you, but is an important figure in tech/blogging visited the church this year, on an invite from Brian (it’s his blog I’m reading.)

It’s cool to see a church that has a good grasp on technology, and is using it in a powerful and effective manner. Enough for a prominent Microsoft staff member (Scoble) to visit their facility.
Also see Brian’s article on “mega-church” issues.