I was a glorious Saturday! The sun was shining and the winds and the temperatures were moderate. It would have been a good day to do something constructive, like cleaning out the garage. But I elected to enjoy the temperate weather on the golf course.
Meanwhile, it was a very busy week at my home and at The Weaver Law Firm.
At home, we discovered a plumbing leak in our utility room. Water had penetrated the walls and had migrated to our master bedroom, ruining a beautiful polished hard-wood floor that we had installed only two or three years ago. Fortunately, my good client and friends at Service Master Elite were johnny-on-the-spot and commenced the cleanup and drying promptly. But we had to navigate the big fans and even bigger de-humidifier for four and a half days before Service Master Elite came in to remove them this morning.
If anyone needs service of this type, I highly recommend this company. Contact me, and I will put you in touch with them.
At The Weaver Law Firm, efforts are underway to promote our new website, www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com, and in making some modifications to our old website, www.weaverlawfirm.net. If you haven't done so already, check out our new site.
I still haven't mastered cyberspace lingo, but I continue to improve. This week, I added two new links to my Facebook page, and our firm and websites have been registered with major internet search engines and with other directory sites. I am excited about the opportunity to provide real and meaningful help to those in financial trouble.
With this past week being as eventful as it was, I can't wait to see what happens in the coming week. Stay tuned, and I will keep you posted.
R. David Weaver
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Navigating the Turbulent Waters of the Internet
Building a new website. Updating the old website. Creating a Facebook page and trying to accumulate "friends". Establishing a Blog (which I am wondering whether anyone actually reads). Making a YouTube video (which is kind of embarrassing). These are the activities with which I have been absorbed during the past couple of weeks, and if I am not careful, I could turn into a real live, card-carrying geek!
Before attempting to do these things, I don't think I ever fully appreciated the technical skills that are required to effectively communicate through this medium. I always thought that if I could master my email, I would have it made. Now I find out that email almost is obsolete.
Nevertheless, I am determined to muddle my way through this technical jungle and actively participate in this worldwide forum. It really is awesome, if you think about it. Some web surfer could stumble upon this Blog and get a good laugh as he or she reads about a clumsy, middle-aged Texan trying to step gingerly into the 21st Century. As a matter of fact, I kinda chuckle when I think of it, myself.
And even if no one reads this, I will be documenting my cyber-journey so that I don't get too frustrated and give up on it. It's been a pretty interesting ride so far.
I have a meeting scheduled on Friday morning with an internet expert, and my next post may be filled with all kinds of technical jargon as I move closer toward my goal of acquiring a genuine geek badge, complete with passwords and secret handshakes.
See you then.
R. David Weaver
Geek-in-Training
Before attempting to do these things, I don't think I ever fully appreciated the technical skills that are required to effectively communicate through this medium. I always thought that if I could master my email, I would have it made. Now I find out that email almost is obsolete.
Nevertheless, I am determined to muddle my way through this technical jungle and actively participate in this worldwide forum. It really is awesome, if you think about it. Some web surfer could stumble upon this Blog and get a good laugh as he or she reads about a clumsy, middle-aged Texan trying to step gingerly into the 21st Century. As a matter of fact, I kinda chuckle when I think of it, myself.
And even if no one reads this, I will be documenting my cyber-journey so that I don't get too frustrated and give up on it. It's been a pretty interesting ride so far.
I have a meeting scheduled on Friday morning with an internet expert, and my next post may be filled with all kinds of technical jargon as I move closer toward my goal of acquiring a genuine geek badge, complete with passwords and secret handshakes.
See you then.
R. David Weaver
Geek-in-Training
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sitting on a Jury
Lawyers don't often get a chance to sit on a jury and participate in the process of arriving at a verdict. Today, I got one of those rare chances.
Being called for jury duty is not something most people look forward to, especially lawyers. Many people do not realize that lawyers are not automatically excused from jury duty; in fact, we are required to appear for jury duty just like everyone else. What makes it especially worse for the lawyer is that he usually knows that he never will be selected to sit on a jury, hear a case and participate in arriving at a verdict. Therefore, it almost is a certainty that when I get called for jury duty, I am going to waste almost a whole day and will not have an opportunity to serve.
So when I got my summons to appear for jury duty this morning, I was not a happy camper. But I folded my newspaper, filled out my jury information form and headed for the courthouse. When my name was called, I was told that I would be assigned to the Justice of the Peace Court in Arlington. I was thrilled, not only because it gave me a chance to see my good friend Linda Davis, who is judge in that Court, but because I could get out of downtown and get a little time in at the office before I reported. I still did not think that I would be sitting on the jury, but I was pleased that Justice Court cases usually require only a brief voir dire, and I would be getting out of there very quickly.
Didn't happen. I got to sit on a jury and hear a trial that lasted approximately 90 minutes. The trial was like something from Jerry Springer. The dispute was between two former lovers and involved a claim that the woman had falsely accused the man of rape. There were no attorneys in the courtroom (except me), and the testimony and antics of the parties were, to say the least, quite interesting.
When I got back to the office, I found out that the last-minute changes have been made to my new website, www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com.
I am very proud of the fine work that Britt Todd and his team at The Todd Company have performed in helping me to create this website. So visit www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com and let me know what you think.
Being called for jury duty is not something most people look forward to, especially lawyers. Many people do not realize that lawyers are not automatically excused from jury duty; in fact, we are required to appear for jury duty just like everyone else. What makes it especially worse for the lawyer is that he usually knows that he never will be selected to sit on a jury, hear a case and participate in arriving at a verdict. Therefore, it almost is a certainty that when I get called for jury duty, I am going to waste almost a whole day and will not have an opportunity to serve.
So when I got my summons to appear for jury duty this morning, I was not a happy camper. But I folded my newspaper, filled out my jury information form and headed for the courthouse. When my name was called, I was told that I would be assigned to the Justice of the Peace Court in Arlington. I was thrilled, not only because it gave me a chance to see my good friend Linda Davis, who is judge in that Court, but because I could get out of downtown and get a little time in at the office before I reported. I still did not think that I would be sitting on the jury, but I was pleased that Justice Court cases usually require only a brief voir dire, and I would be getting out of there very quickly.
Didn't happen. I got to sit on a jury and hear a trial that lasted approximately 90 minutes. The trial was like something from Jerry Springer. The dispute was between two former lovers and involved a claim that the woman had falsely accused the man of rape. There were no attorneys in the courtroom (except me), and the testimony and antics of the parties were, to say the least, quite interesting.
When I got back to the office, I found out that the last-minute changes have been made to my new website, www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com.
I am very proud of the fine work that Britt Todd and his team at The Todd Company have performed in helping me to create this website. So visit www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com and let me know what you think.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Remembering Our Blessings
We just completed a very busy week, and a great deal was accomplished. Our new website describing our new debt relief and financial rehabilitation program is just about finished, and it should be finalized during the coming week. What is really exciting is that two families already have retained us to provide debt relief and financial rehabilitation services, and this even before we completed the first phase of our marketing and publicity program!
It is Sunday morning, and as I get ready to attend Church services, I am reminded how grateful I am for God's blessings. My youngest daughter, who lives in Korea and is due to have our 7th grandchild in April, is staying with us for a couple of months so that she can deliver her baby here; one of my twin daughters gave birth to my 6th grandchild on January 12, and both mother and baby are healthy and happy. My oldest daughter is thriving in her career, and my other twin daughter is very busy rearing her three children. They all are happy and productive. How could I not be full of gratitude?
When I began to build my firm many years ago, I decided that I would associate with professionals and staff who shared my view that there is much more to the practice of law than making money. During the interview process, I make it clear to each of them that we are a Faith-based firm, and while it does not matter what Faith they held, it did matter that they considered their Faith to be the primary motivating factor in their lives. I am pleased to say that we are represented by a number of different and diverse Christian denominations in our firm, and each attorney and staff member is committed to upholding the principles of his or her Faith in their work.
Being true to the principles of our Faith not only makes us better people, it makes us better lawyers and better staff members.
And while I recognize that not all people of Faith observe the season of Lent, my prayer for everyone is that we all take some time each day to remember God's grace, perform whatever penitence is consistent with the traditions of our own Faith, and give thanks for the blessings of this life.
R. David Weaver
It is Sunday morning, and as I get ready to attend Church services, I am reminded how grateful I am for God's blessings. My youngest daughter, who lives in Korea and is due to have our 7th grandchild in April, is staying with us for a couple of months so that she can deliver her baby here; one of my twin daughters gave birth to my 6th grandchild on January 12, and both mother and baby are healthy and happy. My oldest daughter is thriving in her career, and my other twin daughter is very busy rearing her three children. They all are happy and productive. How could I not be full of gratitude?
When I began to build my firm many years ago, I decided that I would associate with professionals and staff who shared my view that there is much more to the practice of law than making money. During the interview process, I make it clear to each of them that we are a Faith-based firm, and while it does not matter what Faith they held, it did matter that they considered their Faith to be the primary motivating factor in their lives. I am pleased to say that we are represented by a number of different and diverse Christian denominations in our firm, and each attorney and staff member is committed to upholding the principles of his or her Faith in their work.
Being true to the principles of our Faith not only makes us better people, it makes us better lawyers and better staff members.
And while I recognize that not all people of Faith observe the season of Lent, my prayer for everyone is that we all take some time each day to remember God's grace, perform whatever penitence is consistent with the traditions of our own Faith, and give thanks for the blessings of this life.
R. David Weaver
Thursday, February 18, 2010
My First Blog
It seems like I have been messing with my computer all day for the past few days, making a concerted effort to join the rest of the world online. The impetus to finally do this is a bit self-serving, because I was advised that an online presence is absolutely essential to any marketing program that has any kind of chance to be effective in this day and age.
But there is a more altruistic motive, as well.
In my business, I often encounter people who are facing what many would consider insurmountable financial difficulties. Today, an angry and disturbed man who was facing an economic crisis in his life opted for the ultimate, permanent and destructive solution of taking his own life -- with an obvious intent to take the lives of others in the process. Financial stress is a very powerful and negative force in these times, and people who might otherwise be honorable sometimes feel impelled to seek less than honorable solutions to their problems. Sometimes they even seek destructive "solutions", such as the man in Austin I mentioned earlier.
Over the past several weeks, I have been reviewing my life and my practice with one question in mind: Am I making a difference in the world? My faith teaches me that I am called to represent Christ in my life; hence, the bracelet WWJD is more than just a catchy term easily sewed on wearing apparel. God has blessed me with certain gifts, and it is my responsibility to use those gifts for the benefit of my fellow human beings. It is not about my becoming enriched financially (although I must confess that I do have a strong interest in improving my own economic condition). More importantly, it is about becoming enriched spiritually and emotionally.
A very smart man once told me that I should have a personal mission statement, just like any successful business or other organization has a mission statement. The mission statement must be based on objective principles - principles as unchangeable as true North is unchangeable on a compass. Having undertaken that exercise, I discovered that my mission statement is to conduct my life and practice my profession in accordance with the principles of integrity, charity, loyalty, faith, forgiveness (of myself and others) and love for all mankind. I will conduct my life and practice my profession so that it not only enriches me, but that it touches and enriches and lives of all of those with whom I come into contact.
This mission statement has resulted in a partial re-direction of my practice. I have commenced an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at those who are experiencing financial difficulties. I plan to not only offer these people legal services directed toward obtaining debt relief through bankruptcy and other tools, but to offer them (at absolutely no extra charge) valuable financial tools that they can use to begin to alter their financial destiny and to obtain financial independence. I will be teaming with a financial planning professional who will provide technical assistance to those willing to participate. And so you know, I am not accepting any type of referral fee or remuneration from the financial planning professional.
I am very excited about this new direction my life and my practice is taking me, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store (if you haven't figured it out already, I now consider my vocation more of a divine calling than an occupational choice).
Well, I don't want to go overboard on the first time out, so I am going to end this post now. But as I go, I want everyone to remember that bad economic times come and go, and the truly successful will find a way to win regardless. So win with passion.
R. David Weaver
(I don't know if I'm supposed to sign these)
But there is a more altruistic motive, as well.
In my business, I often encounter people who are facing what many would consider insurmountable financial difficulties. Today, an angry and disturbed man who was facing an economic crisis in his life opted for the ultimate, permanent and destructive solution of taking his own life -- with an obvious intent to take the lives of others in the process. Financial stress is a very powerful and negative force in these times, and people who might otherwise be honorable sometimes feel impelled to seek less than honorable solutions to their problems. Sometimes they even seek destructive "solutions", such as the man in Austin I mentioned earlier.
Over the past several weeks, I have been reviewing my life and my practice with one question in mind: Am I making a difference in the world? My faith teaches me that I am called to represent Christ in my life; hence, the bracelet WWJD is more than just a catchy term easily sewed on wearing apparel. God has blessed me with certain gifts, and it is my responsibility to use those gifts for the benefit of my fellow human beings. It is not about my becoming enriched financially (although I must confess that I do have a strong interest in improving my own economic condition). More importantly, it is about becoming enriched spiritually and emotionally.
A very smart man once told me that I should have a personal mission statement, just like any successful business or other organization has a mission statement. The mission statement must be based on objective principles - principles as unchangeable as true North is unchangeable on a compass. Having undertaken that exercise, I discovered that my mission statement is to conduct my life and practice my profession in accordance with the principles of integrity, charity, loyalty, faith, forgiveness (of myself and others) and love for all mankind. I will conduct my life and practice my profession so that it not only enriches me, but that it touches and enriches and lives of all of those with whom I come into contact.
This mission statement has resulted in a partial re-direction of my practice. I have commenced an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at those who are experiencing financial difficulties. I plan to not only offer these people legal services directed toward obtaining debt relief through bankruptcy and other tools, but to offer them (at absolutely no extra charge) valuable financial tools that they can use to begin to alter their financial destiny and to obtain financial independence. I will be teaming with a financial planning professional who will provide technical assistance to those willing to participate. And so you know, I am not accepting any type of referral fee or remuneration from the financial planning professional.
I am very excited about this new direction my life and my practice is taking me, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store (if you haven't figured it out already, I now consider my vocation more of a divine calling than an occupational choice).
Well, I don't want to go overboard on the first time out, so I am going to end this post now. But as I go, I want everyone to remember that bad economic times come and go, and the truly successful will find a way to win regardless. So win with passion.
R. David Weaver
(I don't know if I'm supposed to sign these)
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