by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 5, 2010 | Decisions, Other Stuff, Technology, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Welcome to my redesigned blog – The Urban Pastor!
First, I want to thank my web/blog designers Chris and Erin for designing an incredible site. My web designers, Chris and Erin of Arcane Palette Creative Design, spent the last few months redesigning my Facebook Fan Page (I really don’t like using that term) and my blog, The Urban Pastor. Thank you Arcane Palette Creative Design for all you have done!
YOU’LL NOTICE SEVERAL CHANGES
- The design is much different. Not everyone will like it, but I’m pleased. I think it feels modern, urban-chic professional, but also personal. That was my goal.
- The photos of Shauntai & I rotate. Every time you refresh the page or move to a new page, you get a new photo of Shauntai and I. “Big deal,” I know. But I couldn’t just settle on one photo. My life is too multi-faceted. Plus I thought you might enjoy peering into the visual aspects of my life.
- The search engine is easy to find. People often email me, asking for links to articles they remember seeing but can’t find. The WordPress search engine is very robust, and I think it’s placement and functionality will make it easier for you to find the stuff you are interested in.
- The design is clean. I’ve cleaned up the site to make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
- I added a YouTube Channel. In the very near future I will add video clips of my messages, workshops and seminars, teaching moments, special family moments, and any other special interests I may have. Please consider subscribing to my channel. I’m extremely excited about my channel – The Urban Pastor Live! Check it out HERE.
- I will add additional pages. I get asked to speak a lot and in the very near future I will accept advertising. However, I will only run ads for products or services that I personally use and can recommend.
QUESTION
What do you like about the new blog? What don’t you like? Tell it to me straight. I can take it. (I think.)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 2, 2010 | Apple/Mac, Computers, Technology, Web/Tech
How would I describe OfficeDrop?
OfficeDrop is a “simple” online digital filing system makes your paper and digital files text searchable, so you can quickly find a word, number, or phrase among all of your documents. What I like most about OfficeDrop is how it automatically converts your paper and digital files into PDF’s.
Document Scanning Service
As a busy pastor, OfficeDrop is a vital part of my staff. I absolutely love the Document Scanning Service. This service allows you to mail your documents in prepaid USPS Envelopes or UPS boxes. OfficeDrop scans your documents into text searchable PDFs that can be downloaded anytime from your secure web account. No software to be installed, no expensive scanning equipment, no gruntwork, and no more paper-cuts or LOST DOCUMENTS!
My “Personal” Digital Assistant”
I decided to use the free trial offered by OfficeDrop and wound up becoming a happy subscriber. I thought I’d give the scanning service a real test and send a stack of envelopes, index cards, and slips of paper containing handwritten messages I’d collected over the years.
They are a good resource for me but are tedious to thumb through when I am looking for a particular message, Scripture, or illustration. The envelope arrived quickly after I registered. I placed the information inside and sent them off. I was notified when they arrived and that they had been digitized and were online. Imagine my pleasure at being able to find the index cards clearly scanned and easily scrolled through when I logged on!
My originals arrived back home safe and sound. They are sealed in an envelope that will be easy for me to file away. I’ve got a lot more material to send to OfficeDrop. I’m already seeing how this service will cut hours from sermon preparation. Try out OfficeDrop’s storage and digitization plans for free for 60 days – no credit card required! Believe me, you WILL NOT regret it.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 20, 2010 | Apple/Mac, Computers, Technology
How would I describe Evernote?
Evernote is my personal digital executive assistant!
Evernote is a free tool I use to capture ideas and take notes. I use it with my iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad, & Droid 2. It is like a digital file cabinet. I can enter a random note, take snapshot of something I want to remember (e.g., a business card or a book), and even record a voice memo. It is my augmented brain. It also syncs with my all my computers via the Web.
With a keyboard shortcut, I drop in articles and blog posts, sermon notes, images, and pictures. I have several notebooks for book ideas, one for meeting recaps, and one for sermon ideas, and it’s completely searchable. One of the coolest things about Evernote is that the search feature recognizes text inside of images. This means I can take a picture of a brainstorming session and Evernote will find a word from the whiteboard image. Again, there’s a web app, an application, and an iPhone/iPad app that keeps notes and ideas synced all of the time.
Check out this video to learn more about Evernote!
Do you use Evernote?
If so, how do you use it OR how do you plan to use it?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 9, 2010 | Christian, Computers, Conference/Workshops, Empowerment, Events, Leadership, Technology
The NINES is an online conference worth attending!
The NINES is a totally online conference and gathering for church leaders that will happen today, September 9, 2010 @ 10:30AM (CST). I attended the conference last year and it was brilliant – no seriously, it was brilliant!! The format is that each leader speaking at the conference is given six minutes to give their thoughts on the conference theme – this year the theme is “Game Changers.”
Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions (from the Q&A page of the NINES website)!
I know it’s short notice, but, trust me: YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Registration is free, but you can also register and get lots of good stuff.
See you online @ The NINES!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 8, 2010 | Apple/Mac, Computers, Decisions, Technology
I often get asked what tools I use to stay productive in a busy world. Consequently, I’ve decided to share my favorite software, hardware, iPhone/Droid apps, & cloud storage tools. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my FAVORITES: Dropbox
Dropbox is basically a hard drive on the web, a cloud where you can store files. A 2GB account is absolutely free, and if you use this link, both you and I will get a little extra space for free. I can easily share my sermons, shared church documents and official graphics with everyone on staff – it’s like an easy to use/free network.
I moved every one of my documents to Dropbox, which means they are synced with my computer, any computer, my iPhone and my iPad at all times. You can drop pictures in an image folder to create an instant photo gallery and drop files in the public folder and send out a download link – that works much better than trying to attach large files.
No matter where I am in the world, I have access to ALL my files!
Do you currently use Dropbox?
Do you plan to?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Aug 23, 2010 | Apple/Mac, Computers, Technology, Weblogs
It is no secret to those who know me that I am a HUGE fan of technology – especially Bible software. It is also no secret that Logos has completely changed my mind on the necessity of Bible software as an aid in studying Scripture. Additionally, I am super excited to announce that Logos has launched their Logos 4 for Mac ship day givaway!
Logos Bible Software is giving away thousands of dollars of prizes to celebrate the launch of Logos Bible Software 4 Mac on October 1. Prizes include an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPod Touch, and more than 100 other prizes!
They’re also having a special limited-time sale on their Mac and PC base packages and upgrades. Check it out!
Pssst…I’m asking God to intervene so I can win the iMac for my office 😀
