The flight to America was quite a learning experience. First, he got on a airplane that was large enough to hold his entire village – a 747. The plane had two aisles and four seats in the middle section. Second, he learned about airplane food. When the airline attendant asked him if he wanted any […]
Author Archives: markastonetx
Two Dozen Basic Management Principles (Pt. 4)
The four boys were loaded into a truck – a much nicer truck – and taken to Kakuma. Kakuma was a United Nations refugee camp and it became Lopez’ home for the next ten years. Life at Kakuma was not a picnic. After the three older boys disappeared from the camp – Lopez never saw […]
1 Samuel 17:40-54
David Meets Goliath’s Challenge (17:40-54) The writer now begins his third cycle of confrontation-challenge-consternation in verse 40. Confrontation: David and Goliath Face Each Other (vv. 40-41) Goliath is arrogant, proud, and blasphemous. He challenges the Israelites to send him their best warrior, and the winner takes all. Can you imagine the shock to Goliath and […]
Two Dozen Basic Management Principles (Pt. 3)
Chapter 2 Escape “You’re going to see your Mom again.” “What?” Lopez nearly shouted. “Shh, not so loud,” one of his three teenage friends said. “You can’t tell anyone.” Most of the boys had settled down for the night, although one or two were up walking around. “This is our secret, okay, Lopepe.” These […]
1 Samuel 17:12-39
David Witnesses Goliath’s Challenge (1 Samuel 17:12-39) Goliath challenges Israel. In this passage, David witnesses this challenge and the writer begins his second cycle of confrontation-challenge-consternation. Confrontation: Philistines and Israelites Face Each Other (vv. 12-22) Goliath, the Philistine champion, is described in verses 4-11 in terms of his towering physical stature and his […]
Two Dozen Basic Management Principles (Pt. 2)
Part One 1991 – 2001 Chapter One Kimotong (Sudan) In 1991, Lopez had his eyes closed in prayer when the trucks pulled up. He heard them before he saw them. The soldiers poured into the small outdoor Catholic church yelling: “Everybody down! Now!” Lopez knew that Sudan was at war but he never […]
Two Dozen Basic Management Principles (Pt. 1)
Introduction The farmer opened the door with a suspicious look on his face. He looked at the group up and down. “Okay ,” he said, “you can come in but don’t touch anything. And don’t sit on my furniture.” He opened the door wider and then said, “It will cost you five shillings apiece.” […]
1 Samuel 17:1-11
Goliath’s Challenge (1 Samuel 17:1-11) There are two problems with the story of David and Goliath. First, like the story of “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” and “Jonah and the Whale,” we are too familiar with them. I do not mean that we know these stories too well, for most often we do not. […]
I Samuel 16:14-23
The Arrival of David in the Court of Saul (1 Samuel – 16:14-23) As noted above, the two halves of Chapter 16 are linked together in various ways and therefore constitute a literary unit. First, David being “seized” (in the Hebrew) by the spirit of Yahweh (vs. 13) and Saul’s request to “send” (the same […]
Merger & Acquisition Thoughts
Mergers and/or acquisitions provide the merged companies and/or acquirer with the perfect opportunity to evaluate systems and processes of the various entities. Best practices dictate that three factors be taken into account — timing, objectivity, and analysis. Let me comment on each of these three factors. Timing — It is wise to move thoughtfully rather […]