East of Eden

I'm reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck.  It's such a good book.  I'm not very far into it right now but there are two brothers, Charles and Adam.  Their father's name was Cyrus who has just passed away.  Charles loved his father and tried everything to get him to notice him.  Cyrus' affections were always for Adam.  

Right now, Cyrus has just passed away and Charles asks Adam if he ever loved their father.  Adam says that he did not.

Charles was the more rough and tough of the two brothers.  Cyrus, the father, poured a lot of time and energy into Adam who was more calm, soft spoken, and reserved.  One time when they were younger, Charles pretty much beat the tar out of Adam.

At any rate, when Adam told Charles that there were times that he loved their father and times he did not, Charles began to sob.  This particular scene is such a true depiction of the importance of a father in the lives of their children.  Here you see Charles as a grown man with a calloused heart affected by the ill treatment his father showed him as a child and into adulthood.

I feel as though in my family, my brothers and me share each others victories and good times.  As I write this, this reminds me that I need to call my brother Jason who just celebrated another birthday!

We were well loved by our parents in my house.  We are all very different in our own unique ways, just like Adam and Charles were, but know that we will always be there for one another.  This coming year, my youngest brother will be getting married and I couldn't be more proud of him.  Jason has ventured out and started his own business.  Chris is our intellect and Seminary Student, and also happens to be very well read.  Could not be the person I am today without my dad's direction, a few butt kicking from my older brothers, and a life time of memories with my 3 brothers.

I'll have more to come as I get further along and meet new characters within this great read, East of Eden.

Resemblance

This past weekend, I went home to Tyler to visit my family.  It was too short a trip.  I was so exhausted from the long week of work, and the drive from Austin to Tyler.  It was nice and relaxing time.

Sunday morning I went into the grocery store that my dad works at and bought some stamps for my mother.  I walked in and immediately the store manager assisted me.  I told her that the store looked so nice and that I was happy to see they had torn the old one down to rebuild this brand new one.  She asked me if I had ever been inside and I told her that I had, and that my dad worked in the meat market.  Immediately, she knew that I was Eduardo Garza's son.  I smiled and told her that he was most definitely my dad.  She said he was such a nice man and I could not agree more.  I told her that he was the most kind, and generous man that I knew and that he served my mother and our family with so much love and compassion.  

Later on when I got home and my dad was off from work, he told me the store manager went back and told him that she had met his son.  My dad asked her which one she met, and she replied, "el guerrito," which means the white one in Spanish.  I guess it was obvious that we were family in how I spoke, my eyes, the way I comb my hair, the boots I wear, and the fair skin.  After this encounter I started to think how much I look like my earthly dad and it made me wonder if people ever meet me and know who my Heavenly Father is.  I wondered if when they speak with me, do I bring words of life, or the opposite.  My desire is that people meet me and they know I belong to The Lord in how I talk, how I love, how I conflict, how I work, and in essence, the way that I live my life in loving people.

I am quite honored that the lady that served me at the grocery store knew I was Eduardo's son because I know who he serves as well.  I am even more so honored when people know that I belong to Jesus.  What I have learned in my walk with The Lord is, it's not about looking good on the outside, and saying the right things, but just being real about where you are in your current state and trusting He has made all things new by sending his Son to die for your sins.

Giving Feedback

Leadership is a tough thing.  Every one is different.  A lot of times I want to be tough, mean, hard driving, in your face, a yeller, and I've come to realize, that's just not me the majority of the time.

Growing up, my mom and dad would both frustrate me.  It's funny because my mom would just get on to me, tell me I'm in sin, or flat out spank me with "the chancla."  Chancla is Spanish for house shoe and boy, were me and my brothers terrified of that object!  My dad was more calm, and would want to talk about the consequences of our actions.  We'd always tell him, "dad, you're just mad because mom is mad at us."  He would say, "you're right."  Then, we'd get swatted!  My dad was great at giving us constructive feedback, and doing it lovingly.  I truly believed it hurt him to have to punish us but ultimately, his heart in doing so was so that we'd grow up and be real men.

Constructive criticism has not always been a big trait of mine but I've learned that it's actually more loving to provide that feedback.  A lot of times, people are not even aware of the areas they struggle with.  It's kind of like having a pepper right down the middle of your two front teeth, and you're talking to a guest ready to take an order.  You're cheesing ear to ear and the whole time, your customer can't help but notice the massive gap between your teeth.  Afterwards, you look into a mirror and notice the pepper only to wonder how many people spoke with you, and never told you about the pepper!  I always think to myself, "why did no one tell me?!"

The reason giving constructive criticism can be so uncomfortable is because you never know how the other person will receive it.  Chances are, they will be hurt or upset at first but the really positive outcome is that it creates a follow up conversation or dialogue about areas of opportunity for both parties to improve in.

When I look back at leaders who have had impacts in my life, it's always those leaders who had integrity and drove me to be better, that have truly helped me to be the man I am today.  Being a christian, I know I am not where I need to be but am a work in progress, just like the people I have been entrusted to guide within my new endeavor.  Below are a few things to remember when giving feedback:

1.  Connect with the person you are giving constructive criticism to.  Also, it's a good idea to sit on the same side of the table as them to let them know you are allies in this growing process.

2.  Look out for their best interests.

3.  Find a way to show how negative behaviors affect the overall goals/values of the organization.

4.  Always try to encourage them rather than tear them down.

5.  Never say, "You're doing a great job, BUT....."  That really means, they're doing a bad job.

6.  Work together on solutions to help the other person grow and develop.

7.  Make sure to follow up and give them a progress report of where they have come from.  Let them know how they're doing.  Has it gotten better, or worse?  Chances are, it could be getting worse, and at that point, you may have to just decide it's best if both parties go their separate ways.

Most Recent Trip to the Dominican Republican

This past week was such a great adventure.  I flew into the Punta Cana airport and immediately walked into a group of Taxi Drivers just trying to make a Dominican Peso ($RD 38 to $1USD).

One of the workers at our Distributorship was picking me up and his name was Raul.   I was told who to be looking for and what he would be wearing upon my arrival.  As I came off the plane, and walked through customs, there was a band playing really fun Dominican music.  Once I passed the party, you either walked Left (to where the Taxi Drivers were) or you went Right (to where you rented a car).  I ended up walking back and forth between both because I didn't know which side Raul would be at.  As I'm looking for him a Taxi Car Recruiter walks up and says, "Taxi, taxi!" and I told him, "no thank you, I'm waiting for my colleague."  The Taxi Salesman told me that he was on the other side and I asked if he knew Raul and he told me of course.  I then asked him if he knew what kind of shirt he was wearing and he says, "one like this."  I smiled and asked, "do you know what kind of hat he's wearing?"  This kind of response and action is typical in the Dominican Republic and I already knew that, I just had to play along and get a laugh out of it.  This is referred to in the Dominican as "El Tigre."

I stayed in the nicest hotel in a town called Higuey which is a small town and a little less privileged economically compared to Santiago, Santo Domingo, or Punta Cana.  My hotel did not have hot running water so I had to wake up every morning and do a 10 minute crossfit workout to get warm before I hopped in the shower and then would pump myself up and pray and/or yell in Spanish just to get through!

It was such a great site to wake up every morning and see the city which was nothing to marvel at, but it was nonetheless an awesome experience.

The first day we drove by a Historical Catholic Church not too far away from the office.   There were a lot of tourist that came to check it out.  The first day, we worked in Higuey and had great success.

The second day, I worked with one of my Route Managers in a town called Seibo that he was very proud of.  He got in a fight with another girl in the office who is from La Vega, and the argument was over whose town was established first.  Quite amusing!  On our way to Seibo we drove by amazing Sugar Cane fields with immigrants that came over from Haiti to find better opportunities.  It wasn't slavery but their living conditions were so bad and they worked long and hard out in the fields like slaves would have done here in the States back in the 40's minus the beatings (as far as I know).  From Seibo, we drove over to Consuelo and Hato Mayor.  There were so many motorcyclists on the rode and these are not motorcycles as we know here in the States.  This are scooters that are most likely not street legal here in the States.  The crazy thing is you will see families of 4-5 all on a scooter.  One time, I saw a man driving with a 2 year old kid asleep between his legs!  Another time, I saw an 85 year old lady on the back of one of these and I thought to myself, "wow, talk about efficiency!"

In talking to Jhonny Cotes, my Route Manager, we had a talk about the Haitians in that they are fearless, hardworking, speak 4-5 languages, and are very unified.  I really liked that about them.  The Dominican is very happy and always looking for a party.  I would say a large majority of them drink in large amounts and there is always a Domino Game going on, sometimes during working hours unfortunately.

The greatest thing about the country in my biased opinion is that it is BASEBALL COUNTRY!  It's really neat to be talking to kids who play ball and the possibility that some poor kid trying to shine my shoes might just be the next Sammy Sosa or David Ortiz.  They seemed to be the fan favorites in the town amongst all the players that have played or are currently in the Bigs and are from the D.R.

Betting is huge there.  They have store fronts set up that are called Bancas (I believe), and you go in and put a Bet down on the team you think will win.  It's funny and they're everywhere.

Spiritually, I did not get to pray as much as I was planning to nor read the Bible as much as I wanted to.  I got to have a great conversation with my friend Jhonny Cotes about the Lord and he seemed very responsive, so that was encouraging.

I ate so much Mofongo and purchased a Dembow CD which is Dominican Rap and amazing and hilarious!  Every evening when Jhonny and me would pull up to the warehouse around 6:30, he would blast his busted CD player to the max to some crazy Dembow Rap.

That's a little bit about what I did and I'm sure I will have more to come.  Business was good, and I have a lot of follow up this coming week and hopefully we can deliver some batteries within the next few weeks.  I had a great time and made some new friends which is the greatest part of my job.

I like to say, my business is nothing about batteries and all about people.  I feel most successful when I am able to connect with my salesman, and we are able to provide a better quality of life for all those involved.

Next stop, Colombia!

The Word of God

I have been reading a lot in Proverbs lately and following Charles Spurgeon's thoughts on the subject.  He talks about the Word of God being the voice of God to man.

I'm sure many of you have noticed that whenever you attempt to lead someone back to the truth, they usually get offended.  I say this with confidence because I myself have been that person who has been upset or angered when someone has told me I was in the wrong or in sin.

Whenever I read the Bible, I feel like God meets me where I am through that writing.  When I'm happy, the Bible celebrates with me.  When I am down in the dumps, the word of God meets me where I am as it were somber with me.  When I need more insight or wisdom, His word speaks at a "higher capacity."  When I need him to "dumb it down" for me, he speaks at that level towards me as well.  No matter what state of mind I have been in when reading God's Word, He always meets me where I am and leads me back to the truth.

Moving a long, my next trip is to the Dominican Republic.  I will be there for 2 weeks out of the month of October.  I will be working in a town called Higuey which is 15 minutes away from the famous, Punta Cana, a famous town full of resorts and luxurious get a ways.  I must admit, I'm very excited to hang out on the beach, maybe play catch with a Dominican on the white sand, while throwing rocks into the crystal blue water.  God has been very faithful to me with work.  I was recently awarded the #1 salesman away for volume for the First Quarter of our current Fiscal Year.  I was not expecting to accomplish this, and neither were my teammates, but it was really cool to see God work that out.

Thanks for following along.  I hope this writing encourages you to see God's word more as a friend, and as intimate and show you how important it is to study Him more.  The more I read about God, the more I realize, I don't know enough about Him.  It's exciting when you read the same thing over and over again and catch something you have never caught before.

JG

Financially Fit -- My Recent Lessons

I've been doing a Dave Ramsey study on his 2nd edition of The Total Money Makeover.  It's been a blessing to attack my school loan debt and learn how to invest more wisely.  The Lord has provided me with a great job I really enjoy.  I want to enjoy it now while I can because there is a chance I won't always have this job.  I am in Sales and our job is extremely risky.  "That's why they pay us what they do," is always what my boss reminds me of.  Sales can be a scary thing if you're not passionate about it or if you suck at it.  I happen to believe God has blessed me with an ability to Sale.  (Sorry for the Job Description and the ranting.)

Anyways, I have really enjoyed The Total Money Makeover because I am attacking debt, able to save 15%, and Tithe more frequently.  I am learning about all kinds of things like Mutual Funds, Roth IRA's, and how to invest for Short Term focuses and Long Term focuses.  It takes a lot of discipline and willing to live below your means now so you can be ok down the road.  It all comes down to a heart issue really.  Are you ok with driving a busted up 2002 Ford Taurus named Dolores the Taurus?  YUP!!!  She gets me exactly where I need to go and I don't have a car payment, so I can save.  I love it.  Every time I wash Dolores, I get a new since of pride towards her and remember how awesome she has been.  I will drive Dolores until her wheels fall off.  I've been made fun of for always wearing the same shirts, so it's not secret that I don't shop a lot.  I recently went on a big shopping spree before Christmas though and was actually happy about it afterwards.  During the process however, it was hard for me to fork over the money for it.  In Latin America, my co-workers tell me, I'm "CODO!'  It's pretty much saying I'm cheap.  To sum it all up, I am hoping to be debt free from college loans by the end of this year, Lord willing.

Readers, I encourage you to, as Dave Ramsey would say, "live like no one else today, so that tomorrow, you can live like no one else."

Save up!

Catching up with Technology

I have recently been inspired by Technology and the reason is due to the inspiration of Steve Jobs.  I purchased his Audio Autobiography and was completely mesmerized with how innovative and driven he was.  It makes me sad that as intelligent as he was, he could never understand the magnitude of God.  He said the sad thing about the christian religion is that they base everything on faith as opposed to living like Christ.  Well, we can't be just like Christ even when the Jesus tells us in the Bible to be perfect like He is.  The truth is we need a savior and Christ is that savior.

At any rate, I purchased a MacBook Pro last Friday, now have an I-Pad, and the I-Phone.  The funny thing is in college, I operated off of a Go Phone and said I'd never make the investment to amp up my Tech Game.  Well I finally gave in and did, and am so glad to have done so.  My roommate just gave me a PBS Video on Steve Jobs called "One Last Thing," that I am going to watch tonight.

As I analyze his life and understand how Steve was wired, I look at my own abilities and see that my gifts and talents are more geared towards sales and relationships.  One of the things Steve Jobs really inspired me to strive towards is to get back in touch with my Engineering side.  One of my biggest regrets is not completing what I originally set out to do, and that was to get a degree in Construction Science.  So, I went to Half Priced Books and bought a book called, Methods Engineering Design and Measurement of Work Methods by Edward V. Krick.  I want to study Industrial Distribution as I continue to work with Independent Distributors in Latin America to grow their business pushing our products.  Currently, it's going great and I'm gaining a lot of experience.  I aspire to do my own thing in the future or take over Interstate Batteries' International Market to help make our battery line #1 throughout Central and South America.

Steve Jobs wasn't only in touch with Technology but made it a point to make his work an art.  He was very in tune with the Liberal Arts side of things.  My advice to you is that you find a way to make your profession as much of an art as Steve did with Apple.  Thanks for creating such memorable products and for changing the world the way you did, Steve!

Readers, I urge you to go out and make art in whatever it is you are passionate about!