Daniel C Berman

NorthWest Water Products – Launch

Daniel — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:58:07 +0000

NorthWest Water Products, a family owned business devoted to your quality water experience. I have had the privilege of setting up domain registration, site hosting, Google Apps email, and a content management system for these wonderful folks. I will remain on hand to provide security and content updates.

SEO, Science or Black Magic?

Daniel — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:07:44 +0000

SEO as a term has often elicited a sense of mysterious black magic. It really comes down to the science of creating content that is “findable,” within the realm of normal human information search patterns. Here is a condensed table of factors, check out the source link below for more extensive information.

The Periodic Table Of SEO Ranking Factors, used with permission

Windows System Cleanup

Daniel — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:19:54 +0000

We all have run across that computer that for one reason is running much slowwweerrr than nooorrrmmmal. Is it really necessary to simply put up with it, or can the situation be rectified? In many cases it can be, and I would like to show you the tools I use when cleaning up a computer which has been infected by viruses, spyware, and other harmful software.

CCleaner Affectionately know by a much more colorful name, CCleaner is a wonderful free tool that can scan your computer for unneeded files, check for registry errors, and look into your computer’s start up procedures and allow you to stop potentially unnecessary programs from starting.

Spybot S&D Another tool with a colorful naming past, this tool checks for software that you may have accidentally downloaded from the web, which does not have your best interests in mind, otherwise known as spyware. This tool is regularly updated, for new threats and has proven itself quite capable for a number of years.

AVG & Avast Once the system has stabilized, I generally will install one of these two free anti-virus products to root out the last of any infections that might be present. (Please note it is unwise to install two anti-viruses on the same computer as they will conflict with each other.)

Disk De-fragmentation After these steps have been completed, many systems benefit greatly from a little reorganization of their files. Much like a library having its books in order, running Windows Disk Defragmenter or other tools such as Smart Defrag can be immensely helpful in helping the computer find its way through its archives as fast possible.

Each computer and situation are different, but using these tools in sequence I have generally found that many systems can be rescued from unsuitability quite handily.

Sharing The Gospel And Generational Friction

Daniel — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:12:34 +0000

I recently found myself in an interesting conversation on Repairer of the Breach with Mike Holmes and Phillip Ross on using social media to spread a global Gospel. It reminded me of an active church debate with similar issues that Gordan McDonald faced with “Who Stole My Church.” Generations see worship, preaching and church life in completely different ways.

Each come to the table with heart to serve God, but friction inevitably develops. What we do understand the backgrounds of each generation, allows us to guide them into a comprehensive appreciation for the whole body of Christ. Mike laid out a basic premise that social media presents a unique opportunity to communicate the unchanging message of the truth of the gospel. Philip countered with the suggestion that as Christianity is a comprehensive message that involves a complete lifestyle and the best way to share that Gospel is personally.

I agreed that the social media lacks physical and emotional intimacy, but provides a context for determining authenticity opening the door for relationships to be built on a more stable footing. The generational friction ensued with each politely challenging each other to consider one’s personal premise.

In fact, I was admonished to consider my point of view as a youth and respectfully conform to my leaders understanding of truth. I would like to suggest that many a generation has faced challenges of what do with new communication technologies, new musical instruments, new methods of preaching, new hymns, and new comprehensions of the Gospel message and the lifestyle of Christianity. It is sad to see how often a hymn writer has had to be dead, before the songs have been sung in church. Depressing to note that musical instruments have to be “redeemed” for “Christian” use after becoming synonymous with sin.

It is also interesting how many different perceptions of solid Biblical teaching have existed over the past ten centuries or more. We have also seen way to many church splits over minor points of biblical interpretation which have turned into arguments over doctrine, which once it is doctrine it becomes a matter of heaven and hell and it is worth doing whatever is necessary to maintain separation from those “unbelievers.”

The answer: a lot of prayer, Bible reading, open spirits to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and a healthy appreciation for historical Church tradition. There’s a hefty amount of work ahead of us, in regards to the avoidance of doctrinal compromise and proclaiming the gospel message. Social media is not the end all solution, only an opportunity. Opportunities can be used to great effect or squandered. Let us be careful to keep our priorities straight and keep our focus serving God 24-7. If you are skilled at social media, use it. If you are skilled at striking up a conversation with a street bum that needs a meal, do it. If you can do both, that is even better as God seems to enjoy stretching us.

Relationship Development Analysis

Daniel — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:59:02 +0000

As a member of the missions committee for my church, I was asked several months ago to create a tracking tool to deepen our understanding of our support and interaction with the 57 people, and 16 organizations that we support financially and in prayer.

Currently we are tracking,

- name(s),
- organization,
- location,
- ministry scope,
- date of last correspondence,
- current support %,
- % of our Church’s missions budget

on an excel sheet. For future applications in a wider context I would like to create a database tool to track not only this information, but

- member care by the supporting church,
- ministry plans,
- local situations of concern,
- current prayer needs gleaned from recent correspondence.

From a philosophical perspective, tracking this information is valuable and quite useful for encouraging additional involvement in the lives of the people that a church supports.

However there are a number of questions that also must be answered in a personalized manner for each congregation’s situation.

These questions include.
- What are we hoping to learn?
- What is our purpose in tracking this information?
- What are we committed to do with the data once we have it?
- How are we going to protect the privacy of the people and organizations involved?

In these data intensive 21st century times a tool like this offers the potential, when properly used, to process the information flood that a mission committee wades into on a monthly basis. With better understanding of people’s situation(s), the potential to forward some of this information on to the general congregation and prayer warriors of the church for wider congregational mobilization becomes a reality.

October 2007 Update

Daniel — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:49:32 +0000

They told me in Homiletics class never to apologize for coughing or having a sore throat, when speaking in public, but sufficed to say the last several months have been exciting, challenging, invigorating, and a wonderful gift from God.

Just over two months ago, Stephanie Krista Fox and I joined our hearts and lives together before God and many of you to pledge our lives together to God and each forever. This has been amazing journey so far and I look forward to what God has in mind for the future. Speaking of the future, we are still currently living in the Tri-Cities and I am working at a local hardware store and Stephanie and McDonalds for the time being, atleast until God moves us on.

He has been doing a lot of work in our hearts and lives, taking what we learned from Prairie and applying it in real life. This have been an interesting path to say the least. A very wise pastor who I still hope to meet once told me that we often since God’s direction before we sense His timing, this has been so true.

We are still looking forward to serving God around the world, but we are becoming wiser to the fact that we must not run ahead of Him nor lag behind Him. Thank you so much for your prayers and support over the past months and years and we look forward to continuing communication with all of you.

May 2007 Update

Daniel — Wed, 09 May 2007 01:01:24 +0000

God has been on the move teaching me alot of me about patience, respect, honor, and love these days. First of all, my parents are completely moved out of their old house. Its amazing how much stuff can be accumulated over ten years…..

Second the opportunity with the Evangelical Free Church in 100 Mile House BC has closed. This was a good chance to get experience with the process of candidating, but still somewhat disappointing with the length of time that we had been communicating……But I am praying that when God closes a door, He opens a window. As you will see shortly the stakes are a lot higher now, and I am looking forward to seeing God’s provision.

Third I graduated eight days ago with Bachelor of Arts of Ministry with a minor in Church Development and Evangelism from Prairie Bible College. It is good to have finally reached this milestone. I look forward to what God has in mind for the future…..

Fourth I proposed to a very special young lady by the name of Stephanie Fox this past Tuesday, and I am so thankful that she said yes. She has a very special place in God’s heart and I count myself blessed to have the privilege of her companionship, love, and friendship. We are still working on a date….We will keep you apprised.

A Thank You To The Parents of The Grad Class of 2007

Daniel — Tue, 08 May 2007 05:56:12 +0000

Words of thank you cannot express the deep appreciation that we have for our parent’s contribution in our journey toward graduation! We have studied and worked hard for these degrees but you have carried the torch through life’s difficulties, trials, and tribulations in ways that we can only begin to imagine.

You have sought the Lord on your knees eagerly desiring that God would work in the heart of your son or daughter and would perfect them in a strong relationship with Him. We are enabled to graduate from College today as the result of your prayers, effort, and tears before the Almighty.

The world today is a much different place than when you first held your infant son or daughter close to your heart, but we stand here today, thankful that you have chosen to stand in the gap and teach us how to follow in the footsteps of the master Shepherd.

You have encouraged us to navigate through various issues of life with skill and aplomb. The task of dealing with a challenging roommate, completing assignment after assignment, working through joy, happiness, and discouragement sometimes all in the same day, and learning what love means in the rich variety, were accomplished because of your guidance and counsel.

Most importantly, you have taught us how to have courage to keep going in the face of depression, doubt, and despair, three of the necessary elements of real life and spiritual growth. We thank you for the sacrifices you made spiritually, financially, and emotionally. You have shown us what leadership, protection, spiritual guidance, and true sacrifice really mean.

You held us when were born, bounced us on your knee, taught us to ride a bike, helped us with our homework, taught us how to drive, and showed us what it truly means to lead in our home. We pray that your efforts will be seen in your grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mothers you gave birth to us, nurtured us, bandaged our hurts with loving care, cooked for us, taught us the value of hard work and chores, and showed us that a home is more than a house, because of the people within it. You sent us care packages, and encouraged us that yes it really okay to wash our clothes ourselves, even in a strange washing machine. Yes it would be probably be wise for us to separate the whites from the colors, but we will survive even if we do get the two mixed up.

But more importantly you did not stop praying for us, when we stepped out your door. Your prayers will continue to be effective in the years to come, please don’t stop!

So parents, we the class of 2007 are still flawed and broken vessels but we pray that we stand ready to receive the torch of our spiritual heritage. We face many uncertainties, temptations, and struggles as we seek to make our way in an unfamiliar new world, but we have been taught, trained, and tested because of the time, toils, and tears that you invested. Looking down the long corridors of time, we pray that we will echo and brilliantly reflect your desire for a deep understanding, appreciation, and love for the Almighty within this evil world. Words are inadequate to fully convey the appreciation that we have for all that you have given us. But we pray that you will accept it with our humble, grateful, and sincere….thanks.

April 2007 Update

Daniel — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 13:52:09 +0000

Life continues to be interesting, my parents and I have spent the last week moving into a new house. Its a wonderful blessing for my parents, more house, less land for my Mom to take care of and should suit them well for the next 20 years or so…

Also of note, this past Wednesday I had a telephone interview with a church in 100 Mile House, BC Canada for the position of associate pastor. While I was not completely sure the interview went as well as I could have hoped, I have heard through the grapevine that they are continuing to set up interviews with some of my references. Thus where this will go, I have no idea, but I have been receiving encouragement from the Lord to trust Him for the outcome of situation. Please continue to pray that God’s Will, will be done. So far no other jobs, have presented such an open door.

Personally I feel like a rocket on the launch pad with all engines firing but the final clamps have not been released yet. On so many different levels and spheres I am ready, willing, and wanting to settle down on my own, and move on to the next chapter(s) of life with marriage, ministry, and missions. The challenge comes in waiting on the Lord for His perfect timing.

Thank you so much for your continuing prayers and support….

March 2007 Update…

Daniel — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:48:10 +0000

I want to sincerely thank you for all of your prayers. Life has been full, maintaining a long distance relationship with Stephanie, helping my parents move, and looking for a job. It can be very exciting to see God executing His plan around you, but it is certainly not easy.

I have been learning about patience, perseverance, and trust that everything will move according to God’s desires even when things don’t seem to be going the way I would want or expect them too. Life can be challenging when you don’t know where your going or how you will get there. On the other hand, God has a way of doing some of His greatest work with those who wait on Him, and surrender their lives to Him for His purposes, Abraham leaving Ur and Moses herding sheep for his father-in-law in the desert, come to mind.

Regarding the job hunt, please be in prayer I have received a small nibble from a church in central BC looking for an associate pastor. I am excited about this possibility, and would look forward to the opportunity to return to Canada. I have also received word that Walmart is following up on my references, but no official word to me directly.