ABOUT ME

I am David Resseguie. I am a Java programmer and Web Developer by trade so many people are surprised by my wide variety of interests in things like graphic design, photography, and ministry work. I don't think I fit very well into the typical computer geek stereotype. Yes, I enjoy spending hours in front of a computer hashing out some complex code. Yes, I can entertain myself for most of the evening learning a new approach to a math problem. Yes, I approach just about everything in life with structured problem solving strategies. But no, I don't sit in a four-by-four dark room with only my computer for hours on end. No, my television isn't permanently set to the SciFi channel. Matter of fact, here are a few things I particularly like and don't like...

Things I like...

• Designing and implementing complex computer systems
• Object-oriented design
• Set theory (It's almost like working a puzzle.)
• Short-cut keys
• The opportunity to be creative
• Learning new things
• A quiet evening with my wife.
• Biscuits and gravy
• Disc golf and throwing frisbee
• Digital photography, graphic design, paper mache
• New gadgets and toys
• Playing with my dog
• Sitting by the lake watching the sun go down
• Staying up late
• Giving, mission projects, service
• An evening laughing and talking with friends
• Country music, alternative music, rap, classical music, etc
• And many more things

Things I don't like...

• Pickles
• Inconsiderate people
• Arguing over things that don't make a difference in life
• Poorly designed interfaces
• Getting out of bed early
• Staring at a computer screen all day, every day
• Keeping track of the latest Hollywood gossip
• Talking on the phone for extended amounts of time
• Being inefficient
• 80's music
• And many more things

I guess you might also be interested in knowing a little more about my history. I have grown up in a great family with a strong Christian background. From an early age, my parents instilled within me the desire to love and serve Christ and to apply His teachings to my life. These teachings have helped to define myself as a scholar, worker, and an individual.

As a scholar, I have always been pushed and expected to do well in school. I have done my best to live up to that standard. This ideal also applies to my work ethic. In Proverbs 22:29 it reads, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Therefore I strive also to put forth my best effort in all my labors. And likewise at a personal level, I take to heart the words of Paul in Philippians 4:8-9, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." I have tried to apply these principles throughout my education and work experience.

On May 14, 2005 I was married to my best friend, Haley. That has, of course, brought many changes into my life. ;) Haley was a blessing as one of my best friends at the University of Tennessee. Somehow I convinced her that she'd like to spend the rest of her life with me. (Who would have thought that an English Lit major and a computer geek would fall in love?) I am excited every day to see how God draws us closer to each other. (Haley, I love you!)

On January 28, 2008 our daughter Madison Elizabeth was born! My life will never be the same. What a blessing! (Madi, I love you!)

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFELONG LEARNING

I enjoy learning. I like experiencing new things, reading up on the latest technologies, and learning good, practical, common-sense wisdom. I find it a disappointing day when I don't learn something new or better myself by gaining experience in some area. I suppose this desire drives my ambitions to teach one day at a research university (more on that later). I try not to limit my learning to knowledge and facts. I believe in the importance of grasping wisdom. Thus, Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." Proverbs 1:7-8

I chose this verse from Scripture as a summary of my "Philosophy of Lifelong Learning" because I truly believe that all good things, including wisdom, come from the Lord and we must look to Him first for understanding and "He shall direct our paths" (Pr 3:6). Only recently have I also begun to fully understand the gift my parents gave me by providing constant instruction and examples in Godly wisdom.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME?

Right now I'm working full time at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and taking some additional computer science graduate courses (because I love school that much). I suppose that's the plan until I receive God-given direction to make a major change. I've considered going back to school to work on my Ph.D. I believe I would be very happy in a faculty position at a research university. The academic career allows for continued work in my areas of interest, opportunities for continued learning, and the chance to interact with students and encourage them in their educational pursuits. But who knows? I may find my passion elsewhere tomorrow. Isn't the uncertainty of life fun?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11