Thomas Umstattd Jr.

The Problem With Power

Power confuses and concerns me. Here is the paradox: It is hard to do good without it. The more power a man attains, the more evil he commits. In politics we often think: “If only we could get more power we could do more good.” But is this the case? Three Stories -> One Questions Can you fix a broken system by taking power from bad men and giving it to good men? Here are three stories...

Spoken Prayer and Our Insecurities (Praying Aloud Part 4)

Praying aloud can be scary particularly in a group setting where others can agree or disagree. Fear in Prayer Praying out loud can hit the root of our insecurities. We fear man. We fear our own pride. But it is as we pray anyway that we begin to find true healing. What better way to find freedom from the fear of man than in prayer to God. Remember, if you have turned from your sins and put your trust...

How to Vote Twice on Tuesday

Election day is here! Every cycle I am surprised how many people don’t know they can legally vote twice on election day. 3 Steps to Become a Voting Ninja Step #1 – Vote in the Primary Election Democrat or Republican. You can vote early or on Election Day. But you must vote in the primary to be eligible to attend your precinct convention. This is your opportunity to support pro-life candidates! Step...

Technology Talks (March 2010)

As you may know, I teach on technology a lot. Several of you have asked when my next classes are. So here you go here is a list of some of my upcoming talks. I would love to see you there! How Everything Has Changed & Nothing is New What the changes in Social Media mean for your business. Date: March 2 (8-9:30am) Cost: Free (registration required) City: Austin, TX Register Now Tools like...

March 2010 Voter’s Guide

For those of you who live outside Texas please forgive this post. We are having an important election and I feel it is important we vote in the right folks. Five Voting Tips Here are some general principles use: Don’t vote because you recognize the name. If you recognize their name, they were probably a hooligan caught in some scandal. Or they are the richest candidate. Or the press likes them...

Why vote for Debra Medina?

For those of you who follow this blog you know that I endorsed Rick Perry back in September. So why would I now vote for Medina? Enough people have asked me this question that I have decided to answer it here. The strategic reason to back Medina. In the political world there are two types of people: pragmatists and idealists. Idealists are true believers. Idealists have a political philosophy and...

The future of the Tea Party

If there is one thing we learn from History it is that there is nothing new under the sun. Lets break with tradition shall we? Lets look back through history and see what we can learn about what is about to happen in the future. As King Solomon said, “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!”...

The Benefits of Praying Aloud: Authority (Part 3)

Authority to Pray in Jesus Name Have you ever been in a group of people trying to make a decision and one person persuaded the group? What probably happened was that person spoke with authority. This is how Jesus spoke and it caused even his enemies to marvel (Mark 1:22). If you can write company checks in the boss’ name it means you have his authority to spend company money. In that same way Jesus...

The Benefits of Praying Aloud: Power (Part 2)

Power of the Tongue We live in a world spoken into existence. The power of God’s tongue created the world. He made us in His image and our tongues have power as well. In fact, of all of the faculties imparted to mankind the tongue may be the most powerful. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” - King Solomon “The tongue that brings healing...

Why March?

Someone recently asked me what the point was to all these pro-life marches. We have marched a lot in recent weeks so the question is valid. I would like to submit the following 5 reasons why we should march and rumble for life. Marching Encourages our Leaders One of the challenges of leadership is that the higher you rise the more out of touch you become. Leaders rely on the media to clue them in...