Why is church so hot?

My home ac unit runs all day and almost all night now with outside temps in the 100+ range. I fret my electric bill this month knowing it will be really higher than normal. This Texas heat is a scorcher alright! I have already had to call my ac repair guy to check my system since it does not want to cut off and won't cool my house like it used to. His prognosis..."when it's 104 outside many units just cant keep up with the heat exchange and can't cool all the way."


What happens is the ac unit is working overtime to cool in this Texas heat and that takes a toll on your system. Fans and blowers run constantly and all the moving parts are working harder. That's why so many units fail in the summer, the worst time possible for the consumer. It's no different in a commercial building. However, commercial units are so much larger in size and capacity and have so many more moving parts that they too are a challenge to cool in extreme heat.

Our church is 200,000sf + of old buildings with antiquated systems that are not as efficient as new units today. In addition, old buildings are not insulated like today's buildings. Plus, large spaces take longer to cool and may have multiple units cooling the same room. That all adds up to a huge challenge to keep everything running and cooling properly. In our church you don't just walk up to the thermostat and add cooling, there is another component running the system. 

The word I use for our HVAC systems is quirky! strange, weird, out of the ordinary, not usual, peculiar, odd. At CABC, there are no air vents in the hallways or restrooms and most light switches are behind the door. Really?

Another big challenge is control. We have spaces that have multiple triggers to even start the cooling. For example, to turn on the air or heat in the sanctuary there are multiple thermostats on the wall in the room for each unit, a timer on the third floor, and a water flow control box on the third floor with breakers for each unit somewhere and a power disconnect on the roof next to the unit. On the third floor there is a block of rooms where the thermostat is located on the fourth floor in a classroom. For the Fellowship Hall the chiller control stat that sends water for that area is located on the fourth floor in a closet. Go figure!

The other huge challenge is knowing what unit services what room or rooms, where the thermostat is located, and where the blower is located. One unit can run a block of rooms or just a single room but knowing what runs what is crucial in pinpointing the unit to check.

In March 2015, CABC met with a Christian company that is dedicated to saving churches money on energy in order to put the savings back into ministry. The company is called Ideal Impact and after presenting the plan to the Building and Grounds Committee, we contracted with them for the next four years. Within the last 4 months, they have provided us with a complete set of zoning maps for each unit, replaced all the thermostats with WI-FI stats, and gave us a complete listing of each unit and its size and description. That is just the beginning!

The key is control. In the past we have not been able to adequately control what we have nor did we know what unit ran what room. We had an idea but nothing documented. As of today we have 25 of the 37 stats on wi-fi for us to control remotely if needed.

The second key is scheduling. A few months ago we added new software for our calendaring and room reservations that will allow us to import a calendar into another software that will tell us what stat to schedule and when. That is a huge deal in energy saving! When this system is fully functional, we will be able to schedule all our events, import them to Ideal Scheduler, then schedule the HVAC via the internet. In three quick steps we will have better control!

Where are we today and what are we doing to fix the problem?
In the middle of this exciting transition, we discovered HVAC units that did not work or did not work properly and we have been repairing or replacing these units. To complicate things, this project was in the works when the heat kicked in and temps are in the hundreds outside. As stated before, all the units are working overtime and many have failed. We are still in training and coaching with the new thermostat scheduling learning the new system and procedures. We should complete that by the middle of September. We are still repairing and replacing units that have issues as fast as we can get the vendors scheduled.

Will this fix all our HVAC problems?
No. Many units called fan/coil units that are in classrooms along the base of the wall are discontinued and we cant find parts for them and they are very expensive to replace. We can't change the zoning of our current system so some areas get lots of cooling and some get little. We are using all our available resources to be the best we can with what we have now.

Thank you so much for your patience and support as we transition to these new systems of control and save energy.

Comments?

If I Didn't Own A MINI

I purchased my first 04 MINI Cooper in 2009 and the adventure started right away. It never occurred to me that when I bought that MINI, I was not just buying a sports car but I was joining a family. I soon discovered that MINI owners are not just car owners, but extended family. MINI owners stick together like glue. I purchased a second 08 MINI Cooper S and now found myself with two MINI Coopers sitting in the driveway. I was so attached to my first one, I found it hard to sell. I eventually sold her but still had the 08 Cooper S with JCW modifications. The MINI family adventure started with the first one though. MINI's have names and my first was Stella and now Badboy.

So, I was thinking today, what if I didn't own a MINI! What if I never would have bought one! What would I have missed out on over the years? Who would I have never of met? What places would I have never traveled to? What would I have missed out on? Not much you may be thinking, its just a car! Guess again.

If I didn't own a MINI I would have:

• never started a Heart of Texas Mini Cooper Car Club that grew to 100 members
• missed out on meeting dozens of friends from that club
• never eaten at dozens of places that I never even knew existed before
• known there is an all back road route from Waco to Salado, Tx
• never driven the Waco Run 
• never would have even known there is a rally of over 600 MINI's at the same time called MINI's On The Dragon 
• missed driving through the Appalachian and Smokey Mountains
• missed driving 18 hours to the rally with my best friend David Sens from 5th grade
• never made a trip to Eureka Springs with my wife to meet other MINI owners
• would have never met all the Metroplex MINI peeps that are now dear friends 
• would have never met Mike and Donna Smith from Nashville that have been our Dragon rally roommates for three years in a row now and are dear friends
• never of experienced my best friend David buy his first MINI 
• never found Badboy if were not for Christie Goldston and David Sens
• never would have have met Garland and Melissa Stone, Barbeque Master  and MINI owner
• would be $500 richer if it weren't for Mike Smith and Garland Stone making me buy a Stage 1 Tuning at the Dragon
• would have never known about the Austin MINI Cooper Club and all those great friends now
•  missed the MINI caravans to the Dragon meeting more dear friends
• never would have met Jim and Lea Ann Weisbruch
• never would have met Christie Goldston
• never would have met Rick and Melinda Mahaffey
• never would have met Jeff and Julie Henderson
• never would have met Tara Clawson, and the list goes on and on
• never would have known you can modify a MINI for speed and performance
• missed scaring my wife driving the Dragon like a maniac
• missed driving to Charlotte, NC and the gorgeous mountains there
• missed going to a Dragon Museum that my wife found in Knoxville, Tn
• missed eating at the Good Dog in Knoxville, Tn
• missed driving 11 miles of mountain roads with 318 curve
• never driven the Pig Trail in Arkansas
• missed Bridal Vail Falls incredible beauty
• never met Glenda Jensen a dear friend
• never would have discovered Zaino Show Car Finish
• never bought a Geek Bag for all my detailing supplies
• never been in the Circle of Love
• missed waiting my wife Becky making me and David matching MINI sleep pants
• missed David walking down the street in MINI sleep pants at the dragon
• never made all those MINI Logo shorts we wear
• never would have made my MINI patch jacket that makes me look so cool 
• not have hundreds of pictures from all our MINI adventure to look through

So, you can certainly get my point. I cant list it all but if I had not bought a MINI and joined the  MINI family, I would have missed so much life, fun, fellowship, driving, eating, driving fast, twistie back roads driving, and making new friends from all over the USA. I would have missed making friends from all walks of life.

I owe it all to my wife who found our first MINI and talked me into buying her.  We have had SOME GREAT adventures driving Stella and Badboy for so many years. God has certainly blessed me with special gifts along this adventure. I don't regret a day of it!

Are you a MINI owner? 

Six Types of People You Really Need

A few years ago I purchased a GoPro HD camera and started a new adventure in the world of videography. I remember the day it arrived in the mail; I was a little disappointed in the size of the camera. It was so small yet touted awesome HD videos in all the promotions I saw. Then came the accessory period. This camera came with nothing that you have to have except the camera itself. So, along the way in my adventure I have added a view finder, wi-fi remote, extra battery, and a wrist remote. All of which need charging all the time. I take this camera and all my accessories on trips to capture white water rafting, zip lining, and MINI Cooper drives. It does not take long before something needs charging in my array of add on parts. I quickly got a bad reputation with my family and friends of all I do is charge my camera and accessories and really never get any of those great videos. I would rather be fully charged and taking great fun videos.

I love all the new tech stuff now days but do not enjoy all the charging that it all needs. I even have a 6 port USB charging station in my home that we use for all the tech stuff that needs charging. It looks pretty impressive too! Our technology is not the only things that need charging. I learned a long time ago that people need charging and re-charging. The area I am referring to is relational refueling. We don’t always think of that type of refueling. Obviously if you don’t refuel your vehicle, it eventually stops. If you don’t refuel your tech stuff, it eventually stops working. People are no different!

I have figured out that there are at least six types of people you really need around you to keep you going. There are many stages or times in your life where a friend can help refuel you and get you going again. In each of these areas you need to know someone that lifts you up. Here is my list 

• Fun people – for the times when you get so busy you can’t see straight. When your schedule is crammed and so full that you forget to enjoy life. Find this person and have a little fun together. Recharges me every time! Fun people will make you laugh and that is so therapeutic.

• Prayer warriors– these are the ones that even if you just call them, they would pray for you over the phone in a heartbeat. Share your life needs with a warrior and they are praying endlessly for you.

• Mentor – you have to be a lifelong learner and a mentor does just that for you. Always there for advice or just a sounding board for you. Mentors teach through love and can teach you about yourself that no one else can do. A mentor is open and honest and will tell you straight out how to respond to a situation you may be feeling.

• Family – are all important and will love you unconditionally. They know you and understand you more than anyone in most cases.

•  Successful People – these people I ask how they did it or what it’s like to be successful. In my business world I need to be around successful people now and then to show me I can do it too.

• Encouragers - invaluable in a friendship. Encouragers will lift you back up and get you going quickly. They are positive and focus on the good in everything. They complement and make you feel great when down emotionally.

Recharging relationally will super-charge you and move you forward. Look around and check for these six types of people to see that you have all six. Identify people in all six areas so when the time comes you will be ready to make a call or go see one of them. There can be multiple people in each area, but one will probably surface as the primary one. If you are a Christ follower then you may be asking where Jesus is in my list. If you are a Christ follower, Christ will be first and foremost and can satisfy all the needs you have in all six areas. Jesus spoke this truth in the book of Matthew, chapter 11, verse 28-29: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If you are reading this article and feeling overwhelmed with something in life or think you have no one to turn to in weary times, remember first that Christ is there waiting for you to turn to Him. He will direct you to the right person in one of the six types of people you need here on earth. Now you know where there is recharging here on earth plus recharging for our faith through Christ. Start making your list today and be ready to be charged relationally. Get fully charged and make some fun life videos! 

Comments? Do you have all six?

Moms Like Glue

In April of 2000, my mom was in the hospital with severe back pains. After some tests had been run, the doctor diagnosed her having gall stones. She was 72 then and the doctor was not exactly sure about surgery at her age and wanted to keep her overnight for observation. My sister and I visited mom that evening and knowing she would be there overnight we thought we just come back in the morning to hear the plan from the doctors. At 6am the next morning I got a call from my sister. Mom passed away!

I was stunned and overwhelmed and questioning what happened overnight. Once we got to the hospital, the doctor explained that the combination of gall stones and her health were not good and she died from a heart attack. Mom had a previous heart attack more than 10 years earlier and had recovered well from it. But the pain and stress from the gall stones and her overall health got the best of mom. Later that morning at the hospital, I went to see mom one last time. It had not really hit me yet that she was gone until I saw here lying there. I cried profusely knowing she was gone now and what was I going to do without her here. My mom was the glue that held our family together, now what?

In October of 1999 I was hired on staff at Glenview Baptist church, coming to them broken and distraught. My first church experience ended traumatically and this new pastor and staff loved, encouraged, and supported me immensely. God knew exactly where to send me. At moms funeral I was standing outside the church when a white van pulled up and 7 men in black suits and dark sunglasses exited the van one by one. I thought the mafia had arrived! An amazing sight to witness is your church staff coming to support you in the loss of a parent. I was in tears as they comforted me in my loss. During the funeral I noticed two of my best friends from high school in attendance. Vanessa and Debbie have been close and dear friends to me for 40 years and drove a great distance to be there. Another witness of Gods hand comforting me.

My mom and dad lived in a retirement village and for the most part mom was the caretaker for them both. We did not realize though, that she was hiding dads Dementia. He was going down quick but mom didn’t let on to the family. We noticed some things wrong but not until she was gone did we realize his full blown disease. Dad was lost without mom and could not function. He did not know where he was or what time of day it was. We had to move dad to a home that cared for this disease. Within 3 month of mom’s death, dad passed away in his sleep one night.

I am the youngest of four children in our family. We grew up with mom and dad owning an auto parts business sin Corpus Christi, Texas. We all worked there at some point in time which made it a true family business. Mom was the bookkeeper and dad ran the store. Growing up as a kid, my mom was always there for me. My dad owned the store even as I was just a kid. Mom worked half days and then was a stay at home mom the rest of the day. So, I got to spend a lot of time with mom. We did a lot together growing up. One day in the summer we went bowling and after we got home I looked down and still had my rented bowling shoes on. We laughed and she had to drive me back to the bowling lane to get my shoes. I think every year mom planned a birthday party for me and made sure all my friends were there. She drove me to all my sports games, took me shopping for clothes, and was the organizer for all our family vacations.

Mom was responsible for all our Sunday dinners as a family. Almost every Sunday she would fix a big meal with all the trimmings for the family. Mom absolutely thrived on family. She loved it when we all came over and for holidays we would always gather at mom and dad’s house for the fun. It ran in the family because my mom’s mom, who lived in San Antonio, thrived on family as well and when we came to visit she spent the first 15 minutes on the phone calling all the rest of the family in San Antonio, that we were there. Granny was something else! Mom applied hundreds of Band-Aids to my body, sewed a hundred new patches into my jeans, sewed dozens of holes in my socks, cooked me thousands of meals, and kissed a hundred boo-boo’s to make them better. Mom was the glue that held me together.

All the way until mom passed away she lived for family and she is what held us together. It was expected to be at mom and dads for holidays and she would plan it all out. Dad just smiled and went along. Dad absolutely loved family too, but mom was the driving force keeping us together. She started a genealogy book of her family. Mom was one of four sisters and she hand-typed this book page by page including scanning in pictures when she could get them. She went as far back as information would let her and then built it forward on each member of her family. It included marriages, divorces, kids, grandkids, cousins, nephews, uncles, and aunts. It was very detailed with birth place and date, jobs, and a brief description of their life. What a huge blessing to have that book to read the family history. We not only lost a mom, we lost the recording of history too. Mom was the glue that held us together.

It has been 15 years since mom and dad passed away so abruptly. Every Mother’s day and Father’s day I get flooded with memories of my mom and dad. My mom was so special to me. I could write a book about growing up with my mom. We did so much together and she was always there for me. I could always count on her matter what. I am sad to say that during the last 15 years her four siblings have not stayed in touch as much as we should. We get busy and have our own families now. Holidays are just on our own and we don’t meet together like we did at mom and dads. How does that happen? Why have we grown apart so much? 

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I challenge you to stop what you are doing and spend time with your mom. Don’t make excuses, just go see here and tell her you love her. If your mom is no longer living, honor her on Mom’s Day by getting the family together, or at least calling your family and sharing memories about mom together. God gave us the ability to have memories which can be wonderful. God gave you just the right mom I am sure. In the opening chapter of the book of Proverbs in the Bible, the writer exhorts the reader on how to embrace wisdom. In verse 8 it tells us to listen to our father’s instruction and to not forsake our mothers teaching. If you will do that, then verse 9 tells us that by doing so with cause your mom and dad to be like a garland of grace on your head and like a chain to adorn your neck. In other words a garland of grace and a chain of adornment will be added to you. Whatever you do, make this Mother’s Day a special day for mom. For me, mom is like glue…still holding our family together through the memories we all have of her. Happy Mother’s Day!

How to be an Awesome Waiter

It occurred to me recently that I have over 40 years’ experience with waiters and waitresses. I mean ever since I was a kid I would go to restaurants with my parents. However, I probably never really noticed the service until I got a bit older and especially when I got out on my own and was paying for myself did I really notice the service. You probably remember times with great service and times with horrible service; there is no in between. It is either great or horrible. Why would any waiter want to just give good service? 

I am going to use the term waiter as generic for both male and female in this article. The waiter can make or break the meal for me. With so much mediocre service out there, my expectations have dropped to an all-time low so when great service comes along I am like wow! It should be the norm and not the exception in my opinion. So, let me give you waiters out there a lesson on how to be an awesome waiter. After all I have a lot of experience with this.

First impressions are critical! If you walk up and mumble your name and try to look friendly that does not work. Walk up and state your name boldly and clearly making sure everyone hears you. Don’t just look like you want to serve us, make our dining experience awesome.

Write it all down please! Waiters that take all the orders from memory does not impress me at all. In fact it makes me nervous that the order will be wrong and possibly delay my meal. Just write it in detail and make sure the orders are right from the get go.

Tell me about specials! If I walk in a restaurant with a sign at the door with the daily specials and the waiter doesn’t tell me about them in more detail, how would I ever order one? Go over the specials and tell me the price and ask if there are any questions about them. At least mention them in your presentation to me.

When you bring drinks always include straws and napkins at that time. I get tired of a waiter dropping off a drink and walking off with the straws in their pocket and no napkins for sweaty drink glasses. Just leave them from the start and you will make a great first impression, like you know what you are doing.

Write the orders down please! Again, taking orders from memory does not impress me one bit. Get it right and keep me informed on the time before the meal is served. While waiting for the meal, check on me.

Once the meal is served, make sure and ask if we have everything we need and that all the orders are correct. Ask if the food is cooked right for me. Don’t assume and walk off.

After a few minutes of me starting me meal, check back to make sure I don’t need something else. There is nothing worse that needing more butter or something and I can’t find the waiter. On your first trip back to check on me, always bring extra napkins. 

Don’t wait too long to check on drink refills making me eat part of my meal without a drink I have already drank. I see this a lot where drink refills are slow or non-existent.

Sell me on your deserts! Don’t just ask if anyone wants dessert without a description or temptation. More than likely I buy a dessert when they are presented and a good sales job is made. 

Even though I may want to sit and relax after the meal, bring the check and get that out of the way so I don’t have to wait on you for a while or can’t find you when I am ready to leave. 

All these things would make a great waiter for sure. I know that is a lot to ask but you are working for tips and tips come from great service. Large tips come from awesome service! NO tips come from bad service. What would make this an awesome meal for me is for the waiter to be very attentive, over friendly with casual conversation during the experience, but not too much. Act like you got to know me expecting me to be a regular customer from now on. Above all smile! Put your grumpiness aside while you work in the public. Have fun and enjoy your job and it will certainly show to the customers you wait on. Have a little fun! Joke! Tease! Its OK for you to get to know me!

The suggestions I have listed come from the times I remember my waiter being awesome and I left a large tip. I left having fun and enjoying the time at that restaurant and want to come back. I left knowing the name of my waiter and I felt special. That is what I am talking about!

Your comments? Your suggestions?