Our Deepest Fear

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Marianne Williamson

World Data Bank - Private Sector

Here's another attempt at data visualization using Tableau.

This is looking at the time required for businesses in the private sector (using data from World Bank). Specifically, I'm only looking at the 31 countries which comprise the High Income (OECD) group.

For a better view of my visualization, click here.

* You can filter on the list of countries to compare country by country.

Powered by Tableau

The Fab Five Viz

Here's my visualization comparing five companies against each other:

1. Apple (AAPL)
2. Google (GOOG)
3. Microsoft (MSFT)
4. Oracle (ORCL)
5. SAP (SAP)

Which company looks best to you? What's the most important measure?

* Most of the numbers are in millions and span from 2001 - 2010.
* Data is taken from MSN Money Financials 10-YR SUMMARY.

Powered by Tableau

Passion 2012

Still believing.

What's Your Story?

All of us have a story to tell. The question isn't whether or not we have a story ... the question is do we have a story that is worth telling? Life can often seem mundane and meaningless, but we were meant for so much more.

We were meant to be a part of a grand Epic.

This book really challenged me to think about the bigger Story. I definitely recommend it! Check it out ... you won't be disappointed ... in fact, you'll probably be inspired to live a better story.

I know I was ... and still am striving to live a story that is worth telling.

What story are you telling? from Rhetorik Creative on Vimeo.

11 Gadgets That Will Cost Less in 2011

Thought this was pretty neat ... looks like some gadgets are going to be super cheap in 2011 ... prices are dropping!

Provided by Mint.com

And If Our God Is For Us ...

I'm really excited that one of my favorite artists is releasing a new CD next Tuesday (11/16). I think what makes me even more excited about a new CD is just the potential of what a collection of songs can do.

Having traveled recently, I have seen that there is a huge need for HOPE. People need something to believe in ... and the reason for a Savior couldn't be stronger. All around us there are people who are struggling, who are discouraged and who feel hopeless. There is only ONE who can rescue and redeem us and ... put our feet on solid ground and give us a HOPE and a future that is worth living for.

Just reading about the heart behind this new album, it gave me chills and honestly, even reminded me ... that no matter what happens ... whether good or bad ... our God is for us! He believes in us. And I've realized even I need to be reminded that God believes in me. 'Cause honestly I forget and sometimes feel like He doesn't.

Check out an excerpt about this new album ... may it inspire you and remind you of His promises for YOU ...

As many will realize, the title comes from Tomlin's #1 song from the PASSION: AWAKENING live CD, "Our God," as Tomlin explains, the title is one that wasn't his first choice, but kept coming back to him.

"For the longest time I had a different title for the album, but at the end of the day, I really came back to 'And if Our God is for Us.' I just love that statement. It's just so strong. Every night in concert when we get to the part of the song where we sing 'if our God is for us,' it's amazing to see what happens, to see so many people rise up in that statement.

If you really believe in God, you know that everything is possible. Anything can happen. Miracles can happen. All things are available to you no matter what you're going through, no matter what you're facing, no matter what is coming against you. Life comes against all of us, but you know God is for you.

That's straight from the Scripture. It's not just my thought. It's not just my idea or opinion. The Scripture tells us 'if God is for you then who can be against you.' I love the hope that is in that statement. I think when people see that in the stores and they pick it up or they see it online, hopefully it just instantly takes them to that idea--'God is for me today!'

Amen. And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what can stand against? Nothing.