Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.
When the first period kids entered the room they discovered thatthere were no desks. 'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'
She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earnthe right to sit at a desk.
'They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.
''No,' she said.'Maybe it's our behavior.
'She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior..
'And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom.
By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.
'At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.
Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand along side the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'
http://www.snopes.com/glurge/nodesks.asp
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/s/school-desks.htm
http://huckabee.wordpress.com/2007/11/10/mike-huckabee-the-martha-cothren-lesson-on-the-price-of-freedom/
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Welcome back...to a Friend
This week must be "Friend Week..." This post deals more with a "change" than a "welcome back." It would seem that one of by very good friends, as a matter of fact, my FAVORITE Canadian friend, Stuart Crawford had to make some changes to his blog hosting. He has asked me to update my link to his blog on this site. Which I have done. If you haven't visited Stuarts blog, I would highly encourage you to do so, by clicking on the link in the NAV bar on the right.
For those of you that don't know Stuart, he is one of the nicest people you could meet. If you work in the SMB Tech space, is is one of the BEST people you could meet. He is very active in the SMB Tech space and is a key contributor on so many levels. He is a prolific blogger, a published author, a gifted speaker and just a genuinely nice guy.
Want to know the thing I like best about Stuart? He has a powerful testimony that he shares openly. Stuart has learned to become very transparent in his faith. He is unashamed of his relationship with God and his dependence upon Grace through Jesus.
Stuart hosts a weekly Blogtalk Radio segment. The following link is to a segment he did late last year on Faith in the Workplace. I was a guest as well as several of my fellow HTG peers.
For those of you that don't know Stuart, he is one of the nicest people you could meet. If you work in the SMB Tech space, is is one of the BEST people you could meet. He is very active in the SMB Tech space and is a key contributor on so many levels. He is a prolific blogger, a published author, a gifted speaker and just a genuinely nice guy.
Want to know the thing I like best about Stuart? He has a powerful testimony that he shares openly. Stuart has learned to become very transparent in his faith. He is unashamed of his relationship with God and his dependence upon Grace through Jesus.
Stuart hosts a weekly Blogtalk Radio segment. The following link is to a segment he did late last year on Faith in the Workplace. I was a guest as well as several of my fellow HTG peers.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Goodbye to a friend.
A good friend of mine has accepted God's calling to serve a church in the great state of Washington. Steve Jepersen has been my Willow Creek Community Church "Area Pastor" for nearly 3 years now. As a Community Leader in Steve's area, he has been my "boss" for that time. Keep in mind that I am a volunteer, so "boss" is a relative term.
I will say that it has been a pleasure serving our community under his direction and support. He will be sorely missed.
Please join me in praying for Steve and his wife Jean as the move on to serve Snohomish Community Church.
I will say that it has been a pleasure serving our community under his direction and support. He will be sorely missed.
Please join me in praying for Steve and his wife Jean as the move on to serve Snohomish Community Church.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother’s Day!
Dear Mom,
This morning at church, we were reminded of the power of Words. Words are powerful.
Every child knows that, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…” Oh, if that were only true. Words can hurt. They can also, encourage.
Words are powerful.
They can inspire. Words can instruct and guide. Words can degrade.
Words are powerful.
There are no more powerful words than those contained in the Bible. The words of the Bible describe the entire human experience. They introduce us the Alpha and the Omega. The “I AM” is distinguished from the multitudes of “I am - NOT”
Matthew 15:4 tells us “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’” The celebration of “Mother’s Day” is a fairly recent tradition. No, it wasn’t created by Hallmark, but according to Wikipedia, here in North America, we trace it back to Anna Jarvis in 1912. I was a bit surprised to discover that bit of trivia.
At any rate, I set out to consider some powerful words that describe you. It’s kind of funny. The words that come to mind are definitely a function of the period in my life and the role that you played during that period. I am confident that you did not change nearly as much as my perception did.
As a child, I recall very clearly that you were beautiful. I remember sitting on the couch, combing your hair. I believe the appropriate term would be “ratting” your hair, but none-the-less, by doing so, I felt part of your beauty. I can still recall photographs of you and Dad all “dressed up” for some occasion. Beauty indeed!
Adolescence and young adulthood bring to bear strong images of forgiveness. Lord knows that you were given ample opportunities to forgive. I’ll admit, at times I just could not understand. But today, that is probably one of the greatest gifts that you have bestowed upon me. My ability to forgive others is undoubtedly a gift of God, but no one modeled it better than you.
One of the speakers today spoke of the fact that mother’s never stop impacting their children. Even today, as I rapidly approach the ripe old age of 50, your influence, opinion and guidance are every bit as important to me as when I was 5. This may come as a bit of a surprise to you, (or maybe not) but you are one of the wisest people I know. When I stop to think about it, where did it come from? I’m not sure that we can credit it to an exemplary education. Certainly raising Darran, Danae and myself did not fill you with wisdom. I would have to conclude that your wisdom came from the same place that Solomon received his. By humbly surrendering your spirit to Christ, God has filled you with wisdom beyond your education or experience. You have inspired me in more ways than you can imagine.
Beautiful, forgiving and wise, who could ask for more? Yet more there is indeed. Perhaps next year, I can try this again and I am sure that a whole new list of words would spring to life, reminding me of you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Love,
Rick
This morning at church, we were reminded of the power of Words. Words are powerful.
Every child knows that, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…” Oh, if that were only true. Words can hurt. They can also, encourage.
Words are powerful.
They can inspire. Words can instruct and guide. Words can degrade.
Words are powerful.
There are no more powerful words than those contained in the Bible. The words of the Bible describe the entire human experience. They introduce us the Alpha and the Omega. The “I AM” is distinguished from the multitudes of “I am - NOT”
Matthew 15:4 tells us “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’” The celebration of “Mother’s Day” is a fairly recent tradition. No, it wasn’t created by Hallmark, but according to Wikipedia, here in North America, we trace it back to Anna Jarvis in 1912. I was a bit surprised to discover that bit of trivia.
At any rate, I set out to consider some powerful words that describe you. It’s kind of funny. The words that come to mind are definitely a function of the period in my life and the role that you played during that period. I am confident that you did not change nearly as much as my perception did.
As a child, I recall very clearly that you were beautiful. I remember sitting on the couch, combing your hair. I believe the appropriate term would be “ratting” your hair, but none-the-less, by doing so, I felt part of your beauty. I can still recall photographs of you and Dad all “dressed up” for some occasion. Beauty indeed!
Adolescence and young adulthood bring to bear strong images of forgiveness. Lord knows that you were given ample opportunities to forgive. I’ll admit, at times I just could not understand. But today, that is probably one of the greatest gifts that you have bestowed upon me. My ability to forgive others is undoubtedly a gift of God, but no one modeled it better than you.
One of the speakers today spoke of the fact that mother’s never stop impacting their children. Even today, as I rapidly approach the ripe old age of 50, your influence, opinion and guidance are every bit as important to me as when I was 5. This may come as a bit of a surprise to you, (or maybe not) but you are one of the wisest people I know. When I stop to think about it, where did it come from? I’m not sure that we can credit it to an exemplary education. Certainly raising Darran, Danae and myself did not fill you with wisdom. I would have to conclude that your wisdom came from the same place that Solomon received his. By humbly surrendering your spirit to Christ, God has filled you with wisdom beyond your education or experience. You have inspired me in more ways than you can imagine.
Beautiful, forgiving and wise, who could ask for more? Yet more there is indeed. Perhaps next year, I can try this again and I am sure that a whole new list of words would spring to life, reminding me of you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Love,
Rick
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. Joins Leading Technology Thought Leaders for Breakthrough Industry Conference
Peer group members learn to manage change, build relationships and help customers succeed in challenging economic times
April 27, 2009 – Carpentersville, IL – Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. recently played an active role throughout the first annual Heartland Tech Group (HTG) Summit in Dallas, Texas. HTG attracts industry thought leaders, experts and peers from across the globe. HTG members recently converged to participate and share knowledge, build on proven best practices and leverage the talents of all members. Built on its mandate of execution and accountability, HTG provides positive interaction throughout the entire technology industry by holding each other accountable to all members’ commitments.
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. participates in HTG13 alongside eleven other group members who serve as a peer board of directors. Individual peer groups drill down and focus on overall effectiveness across operations, marketing, sales, finances and overall health of each member. By focusing on industry standards including business planning, process development, financial benchmarking and education, HTG members strive to maintain a competitive advantage over those other service firms that do not participate in peer activities.
“Participation in the HTG Summit benefits our company and our clients by exposing us to leading ideas, technologies and industry peers, “ said Rick Bahl, President of Quality Systems Solutions, Inc.. “We bring back proven ideas we can use immediately and a longer-term plan for greater success in the future. Plus, our peers hold us accountable for achieving our goals.”
Focused on only the best small and midsize technology firms, HTG spans the entire technology ecosystem. By leveraging leading technology manufacturers and vendors who provide sponsorship and interaction with HTG members, members are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to provide an increased level of service in their communities. HTG members are better prepared and understand the importance of positive interaction across all levels of the industry. This includes how disruptive and breakthrough IT solutions will influence their clients with laser-focused training from their peers and leading industry experts.
“HTG member companies benefit from having Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. join us at our event and participate in our peer groups,” said Scott Scrogin, President of HTG. “Our members have a passionate commitment to change and improve their businesses and their lives. Great technology matters, but we know that relationships and execution matter more.”
About Quality Systems Solutions, Inc.
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. is a full-service solution provider offering hardware, software and services specifically geared toward helping small businesses succeed. We have partnered with leading companies such as Microsoft, HP, Symantec, IBM, TREND Micro, Lenovo, and SONICWALL to provide you with perfect solutions for your information technology needs. Our trained staff can identify and implement a solution tailor made for your situation.
In addition to serving small and medium sized businesses in suburban Chicago, we offer hosted services and remote monitoring and management solutions throughout North America.
About Heartland Tech Group
Heartland Tech Group was founded by Arlin Sorensen in 2001 to bring Iowa-based IT partners together to leverage each other’s talents following the post-dot com downturn. Over the years, HTG has grown from a purchasing group to a serious group of business owners, sales professionals, marketing managers and senior management of IT firms in non-competing geographies who meet for two days each quarter to work on key businesses issues and opportunities for growth. HTG has grown to over 200 members throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. Press Contact
Derik (Rick) Bahl
President
847-426-9548 ext.100
rick@qualitysystemssolutions.com
HTG Press Contact
Stuart Crawford
HTG Press and Media Relations
403.206.2233
htgmedia@htgmembers.com
April 27, 2009 – Carpentersville, IL – Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. recently played an active role throughout the first annual Heartland Tech Group (HTG) Summit in Dallas, Texas. HTG attracts industry thought leaders, experts and peers from across the globe. HTG members recently converged to participate and share knowledge, build on proven best practices and leverage the talents of all members. Built on its mandate of execution and accountability, HTG provides positive interaction throughout the entire technology industry by holding each other accountable to all members’ commitments.
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. participates in HTG13 alongside eleven other group members who serve as a peer board of directors. Individual peer groups drill down and focus on overall effectiveness across operations, marketing, sales, finances and overall health of each member. By focusing on industry standards including business planning, process development, financial benchmarking and education, HTG members strive to maintain a competitive advantage over those other service firms that do not participate in peer activities.
“Participation in the HTG Summit benefits our company and our clients by exposing us to leading ideas, technologies and industry peers, “ said Rick Bahl, President of Quality Systems Solutions, Inc.. “We bring back proven ideas we can use immediately and a longer-term plan for greater success in the future. Plus, our peers hold us accountable for achieving our goals.”
Focused on only the best small and midsize technology firms, HTG spans the entire technology ecosystem. By leveraging leading technology manufacturers and vendors who provide sponsorship and interaction with HTG members, members are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to provide an increased level of service in their communities. HTG members are better prepared and understand the importance of positive interaction across all levels of the industry. This includes how disruptive and breakthrough IT solutions will influence their clients with laser-focused training from their peers and leading industry experts.
“HTG member companies benefit from having Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. join us at our event and participate in our peer groups,” said Scott Scrogin, President of HTG. “Our members have a passionate commitment to change and improve their businesses and their lives. Great technology matters, but we know that relationships and execution matter more.”
About Quality Systems Solutions, Inc.
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. is a full-service solution provider offering hardware, software and services specifically geared toward helping small businesses succeed. We have partnered with leading companies such as Microsoft, HP, Symantec, IBM, TREND Micro, Lenovo, and SONICWALL to provide you with perfect solutions for your information technology needs. Our trained staff can identify and implement a solution tailor made for your situation.
In addition to serving small and medium sized businesses in suburban Chicago, we offer hosted services and remote monitoring and management solutions throughout North America.
About Heartland Tech Group
Heartland Tech Group was founded by Arlin Sorensen in 2001 to bring Iowa-based IT partners together to leverage each other’s talents following the post-dot com downturn. Over the years, HTG has grown from a purchasing group to a serious group of business owners, sales professionals, marketing managers and senior management of IT firms in non-competing geographies who meet for two days each quarter to work on key businesses issues and opportunities for growth. HTG has grown to over 200 members throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. Press Contact
Derik (Rick) Bahl
President
847-426-9548 ext.100
rick@qualitysystemssolutions.com
HTG Press Contact
Stuart Crawford
HTG Press and Media Relations
403.206.2233
htgmedia@htgmembers.com
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