Often I have people ask me, "Shawn, what tools do you use to do what you do?" I’ve been asked enough that, starting now, I’m going to publish a quarterly article that highlights the tools that make up my toolbox.

Of course, we’re talking a virtual toolbox but, again, I need them to do what I do. So, let’s go!

• Gmail - I live and die by my Gmail. While I especially love the threaded conversation view, it’s really the search function that makes it for me. I keep every email I get and with the handy search function, I can find just about anything I’ve ever sent or received. Being able to send and receive 20 megabyte attachments isn’t bad either.
• Todoist - My todo list. Friends, family and coworkers probably get sick of hearing me say, "I’ll add that to my todo," but it’s true; it’s what I do. The brain is meant for doing, not remembering (thanks David Allen!) so I try to record everything I need to do at Todoist and let my brain turn its gears to get things done.
• Launchy – I’ve already gushed about Launchy. Read about it here. Then, do yourself a favor and go get it. The less you have to take your hands off your keyboard, the more work you can get done.
• Evernote - My note taking application. Its constantly getting new features added and syncs up automatically to the web so I can get my notes anywhere from any computer.
• Firefox - My web browser of choice. It’s far more secure than Internet Explorer and with handy add-ons such as Read It Later and Screengrab, you just can’t go wrong.
• I Want Sandy - Makes setting reminders a snap. With easy to learn and easy to use commands, Sandy integrates with your life just like a real personal assistant.
• Google Reader - Used to keep up with my RSS feeds. I read. A lot. And Google Reader helps me keep my articles organized and at my fingertips.
• iTunes - To get my brain into that creative groove I need music. I keep and organize my music with iTunes. Don’t leave home without it (read: get an iPod).

There you go. A brief glimpse into how I keep things organized and get things done. I’d love to hear about the tools you use to do what you do, so hit up the comments and give us a shout.

Another week has come and gone, and that means more 40 Day Fast posts from bloggers! Let’s take a look at what’s went down the past seven days.

• Date | Team 1 | Team 2
• 7/12 | International Justice Mission | It’s About The People
• 7/13 | Give Grace | What If
• 7/14 | UNICEF | Here I Am, Lord Send Me
• 7/15 | The Home Foundation | Eritrea and our family in chains
• 7/16 | Adam | World Vision
• 7/17 | The Face of Death | Out of Sight, Out of Mind
• 7/18 | Back 2 Back Ministries | To Write Love On Her Arms

There you have it. Another week in the can. Check back next Friday for our next wrap-up. In the meantime, if you want to use the code and post my wrap-up, grab it from the box below and go for it. Have a great weekend!

<ul> <li>Date | <strong>Team 1</strong> | <strong>Team 2</strong> </li> <li>7/12 | <a href="http://transitionpete.org/?p=1658" target="_blank">International Justice Mission</a> | <a href="http://brentinworship.com/blog/2008/07/its-about-the-people/" target="_blank">It’s About The People</a> </li> <li>7/13 | <a href="http://www.biscuet.com/general/give-grace/" target="_blank">Give Grace</a> | <a href="http://offeringband.wordpress.com/2008/07/13/what-if/" target="_blank">What If</a> </li> <li>7/14 | <a href="http://brodyharper.com/2008/07/13/40-day-fast-day-22-unicef/" target="_blank">UNICEF</a> | <a href="http://singthroughme.blogspot.com/2008/07/here-i-am-lord-send-me.html" target="_blank">Here I Am, Lord Send Me</a> </li> <li>7/15 | <a href="http://www.nataliegrant.com/2008/07/14/40-day-fast-the-home-foundation/" target="_blank">The Home Foundation</a> | <a href="http://www.kjaere.com/2008/07/40-day-fast-eritrea-our-family-in.html" target="_blank">Eritrea and our family in chains</a> </li> <li>7/16 | <a href="http://caffeinatedfaith.com/Blog/" target="_blank">Adam</a> | <a href="http://thenoblewife.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-turn-40-day-fast.html" target="_blank">World Vision</a> </li> <li>7/17 | <a href="http://euphrony.blogspot.com/2008/07/40-day-fast-my-turn-face-of-death.html" target="_blank">The Face of Death</a> | <a href="http://www.danbyron.com/blog/2008/07/16/out-of-sight-out-of-mind/" target="_blank">Out of Sight, Out of Mind</a> </li> <li>7/18 | <a href="http://www.toddruth.com/live_a_revolution_every_d/2008/07/40-day-fast-back-2-back-ministries---d%C3%B3nde-est%C3%A1-su-casa.html" target="_blank">Back 2 Back Ministries</a> | <a href="http://www.stereotruth.net/2008/07/40-day-fast-to-write-love-on-her-arms/" target="_blank">To Write Love On Her Arms</a> </li> </ul> <p>

Thanks to Chris for turning me on to this one. It’s called Healer by Hillsong.

…and here’s the story behind the song.

We had another small aftershock yesterday evening which made me think…

Did you feel the bigger earthquakes in the midwest this past April?

Continuing in our new Thursday tradition, we highlight a Compassion child that has been waiting six months or more for sponsorship. Not sure if sponsoring a child through Compassion is worth it? I beg to differ.

Miguel was sponsored so quickly, let’s highlight another child today. Maria is from Mexico and, frankly, that little face is almost too much.

Maria lives with her father and her mother. Her father is sometimes employed as a laborer and her mother maintains the home. Maria works at home running errands. There are 3 children in the family.

Maria is not presently attending school. Playing house and playing with dolls are her favorite activities. She also attends Bible class regularly.

If you want to sponsor Maria, please click here. If you’d like to find another child to sponsor, you can click here to do that.

If you choose to sponsor Maria, please use my contact page to let me know. Thank you!