So you may have heard a rumor or seen a vague post on Facebook that my family is moving to California. It is true we are. Mid November we will be California Residents. Why such a radical change and why California?
In late July my husband got a phone call from a personal friend telling him about this position coming available at his company. He talked quite a bit about the awesomeness of the company, culture, and opportunities. Although my husband wasn’t looking for a job he was intrigued and kept an open mind and started doing his own investigation.
Have you heard of the company Roku? Maybe you have one of these devices in your home. A Roku device or Roku TV let’s you watch TV your way. No more multiple remotes and 10 minutes to figure out how to get what you want. We have been users of this device for several years now. This simple inexpensive device makes exercise, cooking, cleaning, homeschooling and date nights SO MUCH BETTER.
First thing in the morning the kids watch a PBS learning show while we make breakfast and organize the day. No matter what time it is or what learning show the kids want to watch (Sesame Street, Word World, Nature Cat) the Roku device let’s us watch them on our schedule. You can get a variety of free channels. For days when we can’t get outside our Homeschool Gym Class includes a Youtube Fitness Blender “Kids Move”. I love my K-LOVE and Elevation Channels and listen to worship music and a Stephen Furtick sermon throughout the week.
Some channels you may want have a minimal monthly charge. We have Netflix and PureFlix. Netflix Leap Frog Learning shows have helped my kids learn their alphabet, phonics, shapes, numbers, and now words and math so that time gets counted as part of HomeSchooling a couple times a week. Do you want a cheap but inspiring Date night? Try a Pure Flix movie with your honey? We love watching these uplifting movies.
Preparing dinner wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for the Roku device. My 6 year old and 3 year old can easily turn on their favorite learning show while my hands are messy making dinner. My Roku device also gets my house cleaned easier. How? I use their favorite Netflix show or movie as a reward for “getting our work done” on cleaning days.
It may sound like we watch a lot of TV, but in fact the kids watch less then 2 hrs a day and most of it is focused learning. Before when we just had TV or Cable they ended up watching more and less quality TV. The Roku gives us more control and specifics with the programming that goes into their little heads. We estimate the device and channels we pay for saves us at least $300 a year compared to basic Cable TV and the Red Box Movies we used to get. Plus the sanity and time savings is priceless.
Roku was founded by CEO Anthony Woods the INVENTOR of the DVR. His company Roku which means 6 in Japanese is the 6th company Mr Woods has founded. Mr Woods has been instrumental in many of the amazing things we all enjoy including streaming movies. As my husband investigated Roku and found it to be an amazing company filled with talented people. He was excited for the chance to work there so he started the application and interview process.
It was a hard process. He went through some tough interviews and at several points we thought he was rejected. But thanks to God, personal referrals, JOB DOMINATION, and lots of prayer he received his acceptance and approval letter October 11th, 2016.
We all are extremely excited and of course nervous about this new adventure. We are moving from the Privacy of the woods in a small town of 7000 people spread out over almost 600 square miles…. To 30,000 people packed into 11 square miles….. WOW. It is definitely going to be different. The freedoms and lifestyle we enjoyed in Florida are going to be missed. But it’s time to do hard things expanding our territory, learning, developing, and growing .
When we stay in a comfort zone of convenience, routines, and sameness we don’t grow. When we stretch ourselves to do something different, to use our talents and skills we grow and make the world a better place.
I am super proud of my husband. He is a talented incredible genius of a man but he doesn’t like change. He is stretching himself to take this leap of faith. He is applying his talents and growing his skills so he can make a difference for the company but more importantly for his family. His stepping out in faith will not only contribute to the success of Roku but ultimately change our family for generations. His example to our children and wise stewardship of the financial blessings will change the trajectory of our future.
Jay and I are looking forward to this new adventure with Roku. We understand that what we are saying YES to is much more than a job.
What decisions will you make today that will help you grow as a person? What risks will you take to change your future generations? What talents are you not using right now? What skills do you need to learn or sharpen to improve your life? Are you willing to stretch yourself and grow? We hope so.
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