Dogwood Journal

20/02/2025

🚗 The Time vs. Value Equation: A Life & Business Lesson from a Faulty Alternator ⚙️

On a recent afternoon, my son ran into minor car trouble—his alternator was failing. Instead of overcomplicating things, we worked the problem logically: test it, confirm the issue, and replace it. Simple, right?

But he hesitated. Shouldn’t we figure out exactly why it failed?

That’s when we had a conversation about the time vs. value equation—a lesson that applies far beyond mechanics. Some problems are worth deep analysis, but others just need a quick fix so you can move forward.

The same goes for business, life, and even our daily decisions. When should you dig deep, and when should you just replace the part and keep moving?

🔧 Read the full story and learn how this applies to decision-making in work and life: https://dogwoodjournal.com/the-alternator-problem-knowing-when-to-move-on/

Have you ever found yourself stuck overanalyzing a problem? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️

05/09/2024

If you know me, you know I like to write. Over the years, I've written several short stories based on things in my life. Most were published as blog posts on Dogwood Journal or on my previous blog before that.

Recently, I gathered nine of my favorite stories and one new one. I polished them up a little and compiled them in a book that is now published and available on Amazon: "Angel Dogs, Louisiana Swamps, and Living to Tell the Story."

You'll find comedy, anecdotes, moments of reflection, and more. The book was designed to be something that can be read in one sitting or could be broken up into something to read when you need to get your mind off something else.

Please consider investing $10 and adding this book to your library. I enjoyed making it, and I hope it entertains you as well.

-- Brian

Angel Dogs, Louisiana Swamps, and Living to Tell the Story: A Collection of Short Stories by Brian Harris

30/06/2023

Chances are if you've lived in Montgomery you've heard all the bad things about it. You might have even said them yourself. So many people who grow up here leave without a second thought, but what would happen if we chose to stay and make a positive impact? How can we begin to love our city and not leave her behind? Check out this blog find out some of the ways to begin loving Montgomery!

Most people who are born in Montgomery hate it here. If you spent a large chunk of your formative years in our city, then you’ve probably heard it all.

30/06/2023

Bake like an expert without all the hard work! This Apple Cobbler recipe is perfect for busy nights.

This super simple apple cobbler takes about 5 minutes to put together and you can do it in the pan you are cooking in!

30/06/2023

Working remotely doesn't have to mean being unproductive! Follow these tips from Mike Chitwood and get stuff done: 🤩➡️

How, then, does one remain productive with so many distractions? Simple: Airplane Mode!

29/06/2023

"The difference between average people and extraordinary people is three words...'and then some.'" Beth Gillem's dad taught her at a young age to give her all and then some. Click the link to learn about the power of the "and then some" mentality.

Recently I was reminded of three little words I was taught as a young child that have changed everything for me. The words “and then some…”

29/06/2023

One of the best ways to work through a difficult time is to acknowledge it and share it with others. Check out this blog from Brian where he does just that!

We have to talk and share with each other. Maybe it’s not here on a blog post or on social media - but talk. Don’t hold it in. Let your truth be told.

28/06/2023

Many people are searching for new work opportunities right now. We hope this blog about revamping your resume will help give you the edge you need!

Your resume is the way to provide a summary of your experiences, abilities, skills, and accomplishments. It is the perfect tool to showcase who you are and all that you are capable of, so you want to make sure it is done just right! Here are a few tips on how you can revamp your resume: […]

28/06/2023

You can only pick one today because all the queso has run out. Which do you pick - salsa or guac?

28/06/2023

If you're anything like us, you love Disney/Pixar movies! As a matter of fact, after a heated conversation in the office, Brian decided to rank them all (excluding sequels) from worst to best. Sound off below and let us know, do you agree with his ranking?

At Dogwood, you’ll find a lot of fans of Pixar films. Enough that when the announcement about Onward being released to digital early that it inspired a great deal of conversation on Slack amongst the staff. Lauren kicked off the conversation with a declaration to the staff that “If you haven’t...

27/06/2023

Have you ever thought about the amount of stuff that you own? Does it ever overwhelm you? Check out this blog from Beth about how practicing minimalism has brought peace to her house and helped her create the home she always wanted!

Minimalism at its core is the removal of all but essentials needed for daily life. What those essentials are is up to you. This will determine how extreme...

27/06/2023

Writing Tip #1: Write about the things you care about! Passion drives your pen forward. If you aren't passionate about whatever it is you're writing about, it's going to be much more difficult to write about it. So if you find yourself wanting to write but feeling stuck, pick something you love and go for it!

27/06/2023

No matter your age, your marital status, or your job – you’re not off the hook for spreading the gospel. You are called to love God and love others. Click the link to read the full article!

No matter your age, your marital status, or your job - you’re not off the hook. You are called to love God and love others.

26/06/2023

No matter how old you get, sometimes you just need to call your dad. Click the link to read this touching blog written by Blair Andress in memory of his father.

My Daddy was a brilliant man. He forgot more than most men will ever know. Once, years ago, Miranda and I kept hearing a dripping noise as we tried to drift off to sleep. I finally told her I was calling Daddy. “Your father cannot diagnose a drip over the phone,” she said. After a […]

26/06/2023

Some of us would be lost without our lists! Lists help us keep track of tasks, clear our minds, and even keep us motivated. Check out this blog about how life-changing lists can be!

Are you a list maker? I am. Ever since I can remember I have made lists of things I need to accomplish. Once I even made a list of the lists I needed to make! I am not suggesting you go quite that extreme, but if list-making is not one of your daily habits, I […]

25/06/2023

It’s a daunting question to answer – what do you want to do with your life? Few people could probably answer it confidently. Finding a career that allows you to combine your passions and skills can be difficult. We hope these tips from Stratice will help to lead you in the right direction:

There aren’t many classes that teach you how to know which “next steps” to take in your career. College degree or not - you might find yourself wandering...

25/06/2023

What untold stories do you have inside you? Write them down! We all have a story to tell.

25/06/2023

Have you been wanting to turn your unfinished attic into a usable living space? Adding an extra room likely increases the value of your home in major ways. Click the link to learn more about how to do it and get ideas for what to turn your new space into!

Have you been wanting to turn your unfinished attic into a usable living space? Adding an extra room likely increases the value of your home in major ways. Seldom used attic space is the perfect way to expand your home without the frustrations of laying new foundations. Deciding on the best attic tr...