Outta the Park!

I have never met anyone who actually enjoys going to the doctor. In fact, it is the exact opposite - we do everything we can to stay away. At least that's what I do. Despite this, I went to a Chiropractor today because I was experiencing severe neck/back pain. I found out that I have a pinched nerve and will not be able to compete in Sunday's triathlon, of which I have been training 3 months for. Though this is rather depressing, it is not the reason for this post.

I wanted to share my experience at the Chiropractor's office. Hands down it was the very best experience I have ever had at a doctor's office. A friend referred me to it and built it up quite a bit. Not that I was skeptical, but I didn't go into it thinking I was going to have such a positive experience.

So why was it so amazing? Here are a few reasons:

- When I walked in, the receptionist enthusiastically said "Hi, are you Jared?" (it was a nice personal touch and made a great first impression)
- After filling out my paper work, the receptionist then took me on a quick tour and introduced me to everyone who worked there - all were extremely friendly
- When it was time to meet with the doctor, he was interested in my back problem and was very thorough, inquisitive, and personable (I really got the sense that he actually cared about me and wanted me to get better ASAP)
- The doctor spent a lot of time with me taking x-rays, other tests, answering my questions, and giving me a plan to get me healthy (He left me feeling confident in that)

But that's not all. Just a little while ago the doctor left me a personal voicemail saying, "Hey Jared, this is Dr. Boch. I just wanted to make sure that you had a good experience with our facility today and that you felt cared for. I want to make sure that you are able to resolve your condition...We expect good things from you and hope nothing but the best. If you have any concerns please give us a call." I have NEVER received this from a doctor before. As far as I'm concerned, this doctor office is knocking it out of the park! It is so refreshing to know that there is incredible customer service and care out there. I actually can't wait for Friday - my next appointment :-)

If you need a Chiropractor you live in Mesa/Gilbert area, then I highly recommend you go here!

American Family Chiropractic and Rehab
Dr. Boch
3011 S Lindsay Rd, Suite 101
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 726-2131
www.amfamchiro.com

Great Quote

"No matter how discouraged we get, God has not asked us to do the impossible."
- George Grace

It Never Hurts to Ask

Recently Direct TV stopped airing the Versus channel because the two companies could not reach an agreement to renew their contract. This made me furious because Versus airs 75% of the IndyCar races for the season. With two races left I was faced with a decision - do I cancel Direct TV and go with Cox or Dish Network in order to see the remaining two races? Or do I keep what I have and avoid the hassle of cancelation fees and switching services?

What I decided to do is give Direct TV a call and see if they had any "ideas" for me. I explained to the customer service representative that I didn't want to miss the races, but I didn't want to leave Direct TV either. She immediately apologized, blamed the situation on Comcast (company that owns Versus), and offered me a $120 credit on my bill. That definitely perked my interest, but was it enough to entice me to miss the last two races of the season? No... Ok, well yes, but I thought I could squeeze more out of the deal.

I told her that is was tempting and reassured her that I did not want to change my service, but she was going to have to do a little better than that. So I asked, "Is there anything else you can do for me?" Silence....

"I can comp your DVR service for 6 months," she said. Do this would be a $6 per month savings on my bill - a total of $36. That's not a whole lot but it's a nice addition to the $120. Then she added that she could throw in some movie channels and extra sports channels as well. Overall, not a bad deal. I was glad I asked further to get that nice little bonus.

Through this whole experience I was really impressed with the representative from Direct TV. She was helpful, positive and willing to work with me through my situation. Even though I am bummed that there is no more Versus, I am glad to know that Direct TV wants to keep their customers happy.

The Call

I am 12 chapters in now in my study of Jeremiah. So much good stuff, but it's hard to blog because there is so much detail. However, lately I have been able to relate with Jeremiah's call from God. Through current circumstances in my life I've often found myself praying, "No God, not me..." Yet God has always guided and directed my path, even in directions I didn't want to go. My only responsibility is to humbly and obediently follow. It's not so easy though. At times it seems impossible. I am sure this is how Jeremiah or Moses felt.

In the verses above God calls Jeremiah to a massive task - to be God's ambassador to His people and to the nations. Jeremiah's response? "Not me God! I am too young! I don't speak well!" Have you been there? I sure have - many times. There is hope when I read these callings because I can see that even the heroes of the Bible struggled with confidence and faith. In Exodus 3, Moses is a flat out whinny wimp. I love that! Then you see the journey that God took him through. It's amazing! I can only have faith that the journey God has me on, no matter how treacherous it seems, will be well worthy it.

I think that many times the only obstacle in following God's call is ourselves. Both Moses and Jeremiah wanted to make it about themselves, choosing to focus on their shortcomings. God's emphatic response was that it wasn't about them - it was about Him working through them. How many times has God told me, "Don't be afraid. I am with you!"? Probably too many.

One of my professors in college used to always say a quote that I have kept near to me and used as a constant reminder:

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

AMEN!