For He is a Jolly Good Fellow

I think most of you noticed the comment on the "Formal Rebuke" post from a guy named Rick. So, I just wanted take a minute to introduce you all to him.
Rick works with me at Coleman Floor Company. He is one our Sales Reps. Rick's office and the opening in my cubicle are directly across from one another. Over the last 2 months, Rick and I have become good friends.(partly due to the fact that I get to hear and comment on practicly every phone conversation that he has).
The title of the post, "For he is a jolly good fellow" describes Rick to a "T." One of the nicest "fwends" I have ever made. Rick is a NASCAR fan and is part of a very competitive fantasy team on Nascar.com. He loves jazz and is a member of the Potomac River Jazz Club. Rick and I have had a lot of great conversation lately. I was able to practice giving my Sunday school lesson to him last Friday. (Don't tell Jody, she is my boss and I am sure there were some labels I could have been making) Today we began discussing some of the "fruits of the Spirit."
Anyway, Rick has been a big part of this blog thing, as I am able to use his computer sometimes to post or comment. He has been almost as fired up about as I have.

Rick, thanks for being a part of "C" Roth Blog. Family, lets welcome Rick. I am hoping he will continue a part of our reader base, as well as commenting from time to time. Anyone else have a new friend that they would like to introduce. Please write a post and send it to me, rather than introducing them in the comments.

Rick and All,

I must practice "temperance" and say,

I'm OUT>>>>>

cwjr

EVER LEARNING, EVER LOVING

Hi Guys,

“Oldest Roth Kid” reporting in - - -

Thank you, “Roth Kid“, for taking leadership in this area. I have ignored all of you far too long - I am sorry! I want to start off by saying how glad I am that you are all my brothers and sister J I love every one of you very much.

I am not sure what you guys think of me- My life in many respects, has not added up to much, and I certainly have not come close to the expectations that I felt were set up for me. But I am working on putting all those feelings and failures behind me. Everyday now, for me, is another day to hug my kids and find something to teach them that I ended up learning the hard way - they all want to learn so much - the challenge for me, is coming to grips with their individual learning processes. I know, from what I remember about growing up, that I learned remarkably well those things which were impressed upon my emotions. For instance--History--when it was taught enthusiastically, acted with passion, or written in an exciting manner, I always retained more knowledge of the facts. When Mrs. Spriggs taught Algebra, I could not help but learn because of her love, not only for me, but also for the subject matter.

Many of my earliest childhood memories are those in which Dad was present. Maybe because he commanded such respect when we were children, there was always that mixture of worshipful fear and love that caused me to be so sharp mentally when I was near him. I remember being with Mom, too, of course--especially the time when I was six and had just gotten my first skateboard. I managed to run my head into a brick about 10 minutes before we were supposed to leave for Wednesday night church. I will never forget the look on Mom’s face when I came running in the house with blood all over my face and head. I remember every stitch and how comfortable the doctor and nurses made me feel. But, I also remember how glad I was to have Mom holding my hand. Now, that I am a parent, I have much more of an appreciation of the pressure Mom and Dad must have felt at those times of crisis in our lives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_Fair

There is hardly a day that goes by that some mental trigger is not pulled that brings back the memory of the day, May 26, 1982. That is the day Dad took me to the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN for my 12th birthday. Outside the day Christ saved me and the day I married Justina Kerr, that day was and still is the single most important day of my life. I learned more about parenting in that one day than I have in the last ten years of trying to be a good dad myself. It was the single most defining day of my life. Thank you, Dad, for the sacrifice you made to me that day--I will never forget it. I Love You!!

Recently, I have been struggling to find a job that I enjoy (most of the time) and that is moderately lucrative, but also allows me to stay up to date with the lives of my wife and children (not to mention all of yours). I had two interviews on Feb. 21 and have secured employment with the Chattanooga Times Free Press. I will be conducting outside sales for them at various locations around the greater Chattanooga area. This week is training and next week I start full time. Please pray that I will do well. I really want something that will “stick”--both me with it and it with me. Now for some final personal comments:

Sally Jane, Tina gave me a footbath two nights ago with the Dr. Scholl’s machine--It was GREAT! Thank you.

Citamarie, I love you. I can’t wait to see your new hairdo. Thanks for the awesome pictures.

Cary David, I know you have tons of stuff to share--So let’s hear it. This should be great outlet for you!

Caleb, I am glad you gave Kid Clif the encouragement he needed to get this project underway. Only time will tell how great things may come of this blip on the blogesphere-Keep the faith!

Curtis John, You are growing up fast right now--Every time I have seen you lately, you seem to be exuding a new sense of maturity and credibility. Keep growing and telling us what God is doing in your heart.

Mom and Dad, This is a great place to come when you’re having a tough day--I am sure there will be pictures soon--maybe even instant messaging--For my part, I will always do my best to find something nice to say to you or about you--(As if there was anything badJ)

TaTa for now. I love you all! Big Brother C Roth

Magnificent Obsession

This is not a reference to the only novel that I have read cover to cover. Nor is it a reference to a song written by the talented Steven Curtis Chapman. I am talking about blogging. According to sifry.com blogosphere is doubling in size about once every 5 months(see chart below). From Cita's comments and my own excitement about this thing I can see how this blog stuff can become such a big deal. It's ridiculously fun. Or should I say "MAGNIFICENTLY" fun. I truly believe that the internet is a gift from God's "common grace" to mankind, even if it was invented by Al Gore. However, it has become the vice and obsession of millions of people, especially in our country. We don't have to go to the coffee shop to check email, read the news, check our teams box scores, we do it in the privacy of our homes or offices. Thus, it is the privacy and convenience that so often causes us to stumble.
I am challenging myself as I write these words. My challenge is this: Don't let the internet become an obsession. Blogging, for many, has been the beginning of a private, self-absorbed life. I am not only referring to all of the DUNG out there(porn and sex sites), I am also referring to the time that it requires to take advantage of all of the resources here at our fingertips. I can become obsessed so easy. So, I ask you to ask me about my computer time. Moderation in all things. Right? No matter how MAGNIFICENT, blogging must not become my obsession.
Thats it for now. I'll shoot you all an email about a couple of other things.

Joy,
cwjr

A Formal Rebuke.

Let it be known: Unless you have had a death in the family or a terrible case of diarrhea this very first posting on C ROTH BLOG serves as a FORMAL REBUKE. Was I dreaming the other day when I called four of you to tell you that i was sending you an email about a new way to stay in touch??? Well, I only heard from the one brother that i did not call. Whats up with that????
The truth of the matter is that if you did have a death in the family or a terrible case of the "hersey squirts" there is no way any of us would ever know. Soooo...I have to go right now, but "you people need to get your acts together" as my wife would say. All of this is said as a rebuke but know that I am "speakin the truth in love." To quote an old preacher from my childhood, Milton Taylor, "I am just bein you fwend and tellin you the twoof." Do you any of you remember him... I will never forget hearing him say that during the invitation time. He would say it over and over. Love you all(bros and sis). I actually love anyone who reads this, because the intended readers may never get a "round TUIT."

Peace.
I am out.
clif