Remember that old song?
It was sung by The Silhouettes in 1957, before my time but I'd say everyone has heard it.
Anyway, I read a blog this morning that touched a nerve.
I was thinking about how tired I have gotten of listening to people say they can't find a job ANYWHERE, they can't get a job or find the right job, and yet they need income, and they have expenses, so...
Are you really serious about needing money?
Nothing wrong with fast food - I actually learned a lot working at my first job, which was Karmelkorn in our local mall.
McDonald's may not be your career choice, but please!
So ---
I am turning over my blog post today to republish a post from ScLoHo's Collective Wisdom .com
Everyone has to start somewhere
By Harvey Mackay
Comedian Jim Carrey took a job as a janitor at a tire factory at age 15 when his father lost his job. He also worked as a security guard. To relieve his stress, he visited local comedy clubs, which instilled his love of comedy -- and prepared him for a blockbuster career.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Like Jim Carrey, I started by pushing a broom at an envelope manufacturing company and worked my way into sales in six months. My career path took a different turn, but all in all, I'd say my humble start led to a life I love.
You never know where your career will go once you get your foot in the door and learn about different businesses.
Many famous people started out very small before they hit it big. The main thing is they started and got experience. Pride didn't get in the way -- they had to pay the rent, eat and work toward their ultimate goals. Consider these examples.
Before Brad Pitt was a leading man in the movies, he worked various odd jobs, including driving limos, moving refrigerators and dressing up as a giant chicken to attract customers to a local restaurant.
Another one-time janitor is Stephen King. He job was cleaning a girls' locker room, which later became his inspiration for his best-selling novel "Carrie."
Cooking show hostess Rachael Ray started out working at the candy counter at Macy's in New York City. She later managed the fresh-foods department, which helped pave the way to her sizzling cooking career.
Donald Trump collected soda bottles for the deposit money and later went around with rent collectors to learn about that business. Do you suppose that's where he got the idea for The Apprentice?
David Letterman, Diane Sawyer, Raquel Welch and George Carlin were all weather people on TV.
Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell computers, and personal-finance guru Suzie Orman, washed dishes at restaurants.
The late George Steinbrenner, who later owned the New York Yankees among other businesses, helped his older siblings raise the family's chickens, which he would also kill and dress for customers.
Working at ice cream shops is part of the resumes for Julia Roberts, Lucille Ball and Robin Williams, who also was a street mime before he got into acting.
And I'd wager that every one of these fabulously successful people would tell you that they still remember the lessons they learned from those early labors -- even if one of those lessons was that they wanted more out of life.
Few people would describe their first jobs as their dream jobs. The work is usually hard, the pay is never enough, and the hours are lousy. The experience, however, is invaluable.
As college graduates start to learn the realities of the business world, I tell them that they will have to pay their dues. There is no substitute for real-world experience. Hard work is still a requirement for success. You can't start at the top and work your way up.
In this economy, I'm frequently hearing stories about folks who are starting over in their careers due to downsizing, restructuring, technology or belly-up businesses. Most don't have to start at the bottom, but they aren't making lateral moves either.
My advice is always the same whether you are starting up or starting over: Keep your options open. Don't discount the value of any working experience. Expand your network at every opportunity, because you never know who might know someone who could use your talents and skills. Volunteer some time to get more and varied experience. Make sure you have a presence on social networking sites, especially LinkedIn and Facebook.
Perhaps the most important tip I can pass along is this: Never be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people who have created successful businesses, and even more who have built successful careers. Learning from others is essential, no matter how much you have learned from your own experience.
Finally, don't be afraid to dream. Long before Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney dropped out of school at age 16 to join the Army, but was rejected because of his age. He became a Red Cross ambulance driver in World War I instead. He wanted to be an artist when he came home, and with determination, an entertainment empire was born. For Walt Disney, "a dream is a wish your heart makes."
Mackay's Moral: You can't win the race if you never start.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Starting New Habits and Saving Money
Well... it seems peer pressure has been in full swing at my church on Hill Road! Almost everyone and their brother are posting on facebook and chatting in the aisles about their running, their fitness training, their P90X workouts, their new Zumba classes... it's hard to be a couch potato these days!
So ~ I've been trying to start new healthier habits. Why oh why is that so difficult?
I'm in my last week of the No Boundaries program (sponsored by our local Fleet Feet store) and it has been a short (sometimes grueling!) time of learning about running and trying to get into shape for a 5K, although I did not start this in order to do a 5K. I have actually walked the Susan G. Komen 5K race each year in Kingsport since Mom's cancer diagnosis. For those of you interested in numbers, it takes me an hour to walk the 3.1 miles.
For me, the program was to be a kick-start to doing regular, weekly activity. I felt like I needed the accountability, someone who would miss me when I missed, and perhaps some helpful information to get me on the right track. I needed a healthy choice that I can maintain in order to combat the osteoporosis that I have since suffering from early menopause at the age 36.
But another phenomenon was going on at my church about the same time all this healthy stuff was happening: the crazy coupon addiction!
Ladies at church talking about the best deals, their great savings, and even posting pictures of their treasures. While I love a good deal and I don't mind using coupons for items that I actually use, I much prefer freebies and giveaways!
I was the dorky kid who always filled out the mail-in forms and sent $1 shipping to the cereal company for whatever cool item was being advertised. I place the blame squarely on my Mamaw Ketron's shoulders because she was forever mailing things out and getting things in. It was like Christmas every day in her mailbox!
That is why I love this site - The Giveaway Scout www.giveawayscout.com/.
It searches the world wide web and looks through blogs to find what the coolest giveaway is! Now isn't that something? Take a peek - and I've added their widget to my blog to make it easy for you.
If we would each take advantage of all our resources, think of what an impact we could make by sharing the surplus with those in our community who are in need. Because one healthy choice can lead to another!
By the way, here's a neat coupon/deal site to help in your quest to save money - Southern Savers www.southernsavers.com/ and here's a fitness teacher that can get your too comfy tushy up and moving - archerfitness.blogspot.com/2011/05/group-fitness-isnt-limited-to-classroom.html - May we all continue or renew our New Year's resolution to get healthy with our money and our bodies as we start the summer season!
So ~ I've been trying to start new healthier habits. Why oh why is that so difficult?
I'm in my last week of the No Boundaries program (sponsored by our local Fleet Feet store) and it has been a short (sometimes grueling!) time of learning about running and trying to get into shape for a 5K, although I did not start this in order to do a 5K. I have actually walked the Susan G. Komen 5K race each year in Kingsport since Mom's cancer diagnosis. For those of you interested in numbers, it takes me an hour to walk the 3.1 miles.
For me, the program was to be a kick-start to doing regular, weekly activity. I felt like I needed the accountability, someone who would miss me when I missed, and perhaps some helpful information to get me on the right track. I needed a healthy choice that I can maintain in order to combat the osteoporosis that I have since suffering from early menopause at the age 36.
But another phenomenon was going on at my church about the same time all this healthy stuff was happening: the crazy coupon addiction!
Ladies at church talking about the best deals, their great savings, and even posting pictures of their treasures. While I love a good deal and I don't mind using coupons for items that I actually use, I much prefer freebies and giveaways!
I was the dorky kid who always filled out the mail-in forms and sent $1 shipping to the cereal company for whatever cool item was being advertised. I place the blame squarely on my Mamaw Ketron's shoulders because she was forever mailing things out and getting things in. It was like Christmas every day in her mailbox!
That is why I love this site - The Giveaway Scout www.giveawayscout.com/.
It searches the world wide web and looks through blogs to find what the coolest giveaway is! Now isn't that something? Take a peek - and I've added their widget to my blog to make it easy for you.
If we would each take advantage of all our resources, think of what an impact we could make by sharing the surplus with those in our community who are in need. Because one healthy choice can lead to another!
By the way, here's a neat coupon/deal site to help in your quest to save money - Southern Savers www.southernsavers.com/ and here's a fitness teacher that can get your too comfy tushy up and moving - archerfitness.blogspot.com/2011/05/group-fitness-isnt-limited-to-classroom.html - May we all continue or renew our New Year's resolution to get healthy with our money and our bodies as we start the summer season!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lies and Truth... Love Conquers All
So, I've been on an emotional roller coaster this week... actually it's been since last Mother's Day... some of you know the details. I'm exhausted right now. And I was driving home from a road trip Saturday when this Toby Mac song came on the radio. I had one of those "ah-ha" moments, realizing that too many decisions in my life have been based on fear; fear and disbelief.
Not really believing that I was loved or good enough. Because of a stupid perfectionist personality, knowing that I was trying my best, and still failing... so therefore I was most assuredly not worthy of love from anyone.
And is this why someone becomes self-destructive? rebellious? wallows in sin? because you wrongly believe you can't do better? or make a change? you're beyond hope?
Sometimes I'm strong, and I can see the schemes of the devil, and I can discern the lies from truth.
And sometimes I'm not.
I have conversations with myself, my weak flesh, and my tormented memories of bad decisions... and then I'm stuck down there in the muck and mud, defeated and depressed.
It's one thing when it's me. It's another thing when it's my child.
And my heart just continues to be broken. I think I've cried it all out. I think I've turned it all over. And then out of no where, I feel the pain and the tears just start to pour out of me again.
How long do we wait Oh Lord? And why do we have to wait?
I become an impatient 2-year-old so quickly in this pain.
And then the quietness of the Holy Spirit comes into my mind, a scripture verse (“Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you..." Psalms 55:22) or the words to a Toby Mac song:
You turned away when I looked you in the eye,
And hesitated when I asked if you were alright,
Seems like you're fighting for your life,
But why? oh why?
Wide awake in the middle of your nightmare,
You saw it comin' but it hit you outta no where,
And theres always scars
When you fall that far
We lose our way,
We get back up again
It's never too late to get back up again,
One day you gonna shine again,
You may be knocked down,
But not out forever,
You rolled out at the dawning of the day
Heart racin' as you made you little get away,
It feels like you've been runnin' all your life
But, why? Oh why?
So you've pulled away from the love that wou'd've been there,
You start believin' that your situation's unfair
But there's always scars,
When you fall that far
We lose our way,
We get back up again
Never too late to get back up again,
One day, you gonna shine again,
You may be knocked down but not out forever,
This is love callin', love callin', out to the broken,
This is love callin'.
This is love callin', love callin',
I am so broken
This is love callin' love callin
God, please let me be confident in Your Love and let me rest in You.
Thanks to Toby Mac for the song, and thanks to God for the reminder. <3
Not really believing that I was loved or good enough. Because of a stupid perfectionist personality, knowing that I was trying my best, and still failing... so therefore I was most assuredly not worthy of love from anyone.
And is this why someone becomes self-destructive? rebellious? wallows in sin? because you wrongly believe you can't do better? or make a change? you're beyond hope?
Sometimes I'm strong, and I can see the schemes of the devil, and I can discern the lies from truth.
And sometimes I'm not.
I have conversations with myself, my weak flesh, and my tormented memories of bad decisions... and then I'm stuck down there in the muck and mud, defeated and depressed.
It's one thing when it's me. It's another thing when it's my child.
And my heart just continues to be broken. I think I've cried it all out. I think I've turned it all over. And then
How long do we wait Oh Lord? And why do we have to wait?
I become an impatient 2-year-old so quickly in this pain.
And then the quietness of the Holy Spirit comes into my mind, a scripture verse (“Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you..." Psalms 55:22) or the words to a Toby Mac song:
You turned away when I looked you in the eye,
And hesitated when I asked if you were alright,
Seems like you're fighting for your life,
But why? oh why?
Wide awake in the middle of your nightmare,
You saw it comin' but it hit you outta no where,
And theres always scars
When you fall that far
We lose our way,
We get back up again
It's never too late to get back up again,
One day you gonna shine again,
You may be knocked down,
But not out forever,
You rolled out at the dawning of the day
Heart racin' as you made you little get away,
It feels like you've been runnin' all your life
But, why? Oh why?
So you've pulled away from the love that wou'd've been there,
You start believin' that your situation's unfair
But there's always scars,
When you fall that far
We lose our way,
We get back up again
Never too late to get back up again,
One day, you gonna shine again,
You may be knocked down but not out forever,
This is love callin', love callin', out to the broken,
This is love callin'.
This is love callin', love callin',
I am so broken
This is love callin' love callin
God, please let me be confident in Your Love and let me rest in You.
Thanks to Toby Mac for the song, and thanks to God for the reminder. <3
Monday, March 14, 2011
Success
Willie II's great -grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt, was in the first grade the year George Washington died. Five years later, Cornelius quit school at age eleven and set out to make his mark on the world.
When he was sixteen, Cornelius Vanderbilt borrowed his mother's life savings to buy a little sailboat to haul passengers and freight between Staten Island and New York City. Hungry, focused, and efficient, Vanderbilt quickly dominated the business and broke his competitors. His little boating enterprise became known as the Staten Island Ferry. By the time he was forty, his ships were hauling passengers and freight to ports all along the Atlantic coast, earning him the nickname "Commodore."
Since passengers and freight were the Commodore's business, it was only natural that he would buy up struggling railroads and turn them around. The difference between Vanderbilt and his predecessors was that his trains ran on schedule and the service was excellent. His New York Central Railroad quickly grew to become the nation's largest enterprise. During the Panic of 1873, Vanderbilt gave jobs to thousands by ordering the construction of Grand Central Station in NYC.
Cornelius Vanderbilt offered better service and lower prices than his competitors, but these are not the things that made him wealthy. The characteristics that made him one of the richest men in the world were best described by a friend:
The largest employer of labor in the United States, he despised all routine office work; kept his figures in a vest-pocket book; ate sparingly; never speculated in stocks; never refused to see a caller; rose early; read Pilgrim's Progress every year; and, for diversion, played whist and drove his trotters whenever he could.
Cornelius Vanderbilt did not offer better service and lower prices so that he might become rich. He became rich because he loved hauling passengers and freight, and because he did it very, very well.
Why do you do what you do? Is it for the money alone, or is it because you love to do it well? Wealth is not a destination, not a sparkling city on a hill. Wealth is simply a by-product of passion. You will become truly rich only when you learn to love what it is you do.
"Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland
When he was sixteen, Cornelius Vanderbilt borrowed his mother's life savings to buy a little sailboat to haul passengers and freight between Staten Island and New York City. Hungry, focused, and efficient, Vanderbilt quickly dominated the business and broke his competitors. His little boating enterprise became known as the Staten Island Ferry. By the time he was forty, his ships were hauling passengers and freight to ports all along the Atlantic coast, earning him the nickname "Commodore."
Since passengers and freight were the Commodore's business, it was only natural that he would buy up struggling railroads and turn them around. The difference between Vanderbilt and his predecessors was that his trains ran on schedule and the service was excellent. His New York Central Railroad quickly grew to become the nation's largest enterprise. During the Panic of 1873, Vanderbilt gave jobs to thousands by ordering the construction of Grand Central Station in NYC.
Cornelius Vanderbilt offered better service and lower prices than his competitors, but these are not the things that made him wealthy. The characteristics that made him one of the richest men in the world were best described by a friend:
The largest employer of labor in the United States, he despised all routine office work; kept his figures in a vest-pocket book; ate sparingly; never speculated in stocks; never refused to see a caller; rose early; read Pilgrim's Progress every year; and, for diversion, played whist and drove his trotters whenever he could.
Cornelius Vanderbilt did not offer better service and lower prices so that he might become rich. He became rich because he loved hauling passengers and freight, and because he did it very, very well.
Why do you do what you do? Is it for the money alone, or is it because you love to do it well? Wealth is not a destination, not a sparkling city on a hill. Wealth is simply a by-product of passion. You will become truly rich only when you learn to love what it is you do.
"Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland
Thursday, January 06, 2011
My name is Sandy and I'm a Salt Addict
I am adamantly opposed to making New Year's resolutions in January, as I think they are a set up for failure. Why can't we adopt September as our time for a 'new start' - each fall at the beginning of every school year, we would get a clean slate. I always loved that - new composition books, new notebook, new pencils... ah, my love affair with supplies must have started in the fall of my childhood. But that's another topic.
Everywhere you turn in January, someone somewhere is expounding on how to live better. I am all for living better, at least in theory. But when it gets too personal, I feel those strong rebellious urges rising up inside me.
The most recent item to slap me down was this article about SALT in the Jan issue of Prevention Magazine. Did you see it? I briefly saw it as a headline on the cover, and decided that I would not read that article. After all, I love salt. It is my only seasoning because of my genetic health problem. Remember, I'm an old person, and back when I was a baby, there were not any options for a no-fat diet. My mom taught me to just "do without" flavorings - which has served me well, I thought. But the other night, I was making divinity to feed my sugar addiction, and since I usually have something to read during the 7 minutes I'm cooking over the double boiler... and because I read all articles consecutively when I open a magazine (OCD, I know), well, you know it was bound to happen because I quickly came to page 18, the Salt piece!
TRUE OR FALSE
Salt (a) is addictive (b) will make you fat (c) will kill you (d) all of the above
Sadly, the correct answer is d.
But the most intriguing part of the article spoke to the addictiveness of salt.
Can you believe it?
Consuming salt triggers the release of dopamine in your body, which is the neurotransmitter associated with the brain's Pleasure Center! Wow!
There is some small hope for me. The article goes on to say that we have about 10,000 tastebuds, each one has 50 to 150 receptor cells that live for 1 to 2 weeks -- which means that if you eat a lower salt diet for a couple of weeks, you can re-train your new receptors thus making the lower salt diet more pleasure-able for you.
Let's face it. We're all going to die of something. Of course, no one wants to live and feel bad all the time either...
Best wishes on your quest to improve your life. We're all in it together, right?
Oh, here's the article link online if you want to read for yourself - or maybe you prefer the path of denial? lol
http://www.prevention.com/health/health/health-concerns/how-to-kick-the-salt-habit/article/3bd0b810e847c210VgnVCM10000030281eac____
Everywhere you turn in January, someone somewhere is expounding on how to live better. I am all for living better, at least in theory. But when it gets too personal, I feel those strong rebellious urges rising up inside me.
The most recent item to slap me down was this article about SALT in the Jan issue of Prevention Magazine. Did you see it? I briefly saw it as a headline on the cover, and decided that I would not read that article. After all, I love salt. It is my only seasoning because of my genetic health problem. Remember, I'm an old person, and back when I was a baby, there were not any options for a no-fat diet. My mom taught me to just "do without" flavorings - which has served me well, I thought. But the other night, I was making divinity to feed my sugar addiction, and since I usually have something to read during the 7 minutes I'm cooking over the double boiler... and because I read all articles consecutively when I open a magazine (OCD, I know), well, you know it was bound to happen because I quickly came to page 18, the Salt piece!
TRUE OR FALSE
Salt (a) is addictive (b) will make you fat (c) will kill you (d) all of the above
Sadly, the correct answer is d.
But the most intriguing part of the article spoke to the addictiveness of salt.
Can you believe it?
Consuming salt triggers the release of dopamine in your body, which is the neurotransmitter associated with the brain's Pleasure Center! Wow!
There is some small hope for me. The article goes on to say that we have about 10,000 tastebuds, each one has 50 to 150 receptor cells that live for 1 to 2 weeks -- which means that if you eat a lower salt diet for a couple of weeks, you can re-train your new receptors thus making the lower salt diet more pleasure-able for you.
Let's face it. We're all going to die of something. Of course, no one wants to live and feel bad all the time either...
Best wishes on your quest to improve your life. We're all in it together, right?
Oh, here's the article link online if you want to read for yourself - or maybe you prefer the path of denial? lol
http://www.prevention.com/health/health/health-concerns/how-to-kick-the-salt-habit/article/3bd0b810e847c210VgnVCM10000030281eac____
Friday, July 23, 2010
Reacting to Criticism
This is such an excellent article, I had to post it. I've been both the giver of and receiver of criticism... neither is a good position to be in, but it's part of life.
I hope God will share something helpful through this post.
...by Doug Fields and Matt McGill (from youthministry.com)
Both of us have received a lot of criticism in ministry over the years. I (Doug) have been criticized more than Matt but that's only because I'm a lot older and being doing ministry a lot longer. We often laugh with one another at how different we are in our response/reaction to criticism. I (Doug) would prefer to avoid and hope the noise goes away. While, I (Matt) would prefer to fight and prove that I'm right.
By nature, I (Matt) am passionate and care deeply. I'm also very opinionated and vocal. Everyone in the room knows how I feel and what I'm thinking. If there were the spiritual gift of CRUSADER, I'd have it.
Good things come from the way God wired me: I'm committed, work hard, and communicate clearly. I wish that when it came to criticism I could reflect these same qualities (and, quite frankly, so does Doug)! So, when I'm criticized, I'm quick to react (too quick to react)… and it's not pretty. I will argue about a conviction that borders on being condescending. My tone communicates that the person who criticized me is an idiot (i.e. "You really disagree? You've actually engaged your brain for a second and that's what you've come up with? Really?")
Doug is constantly telling me, "Matt, you have to pick your hills to die on." I say, "I pick them all because I'm not the one who dies." Doug sighs at my foolishness and I continue to make a commitment to change.
Here's what we know to be true for both of us: criticism hurts, but the pain is multiplied when we handle it poorly. We talked about some truths that we've both learned over the years when we react to criticism too quickly instead of responding with wisdom--here's what we've learned:
We miss out on gaining a new perspective that could be helpful.
Impulsiveness is the enemy of understanding. Quick reactions cut corners on listening to others' point of view. Because the criticism brings pain, a quick response that is intended to numb our pain becomes more important than learning something about ourselves. While there may be truth behind the sting… it's unheard when we quickly react.
We prolong the pain.
When we react to the pain, it may feel good in the moment, but it usually delays the healing process. A quick, over-reaction keeps us from asking, "God, even though this hurts, what might you have for me in this situation?"
We miss an opportunity for influence.
If a critic isn't heard by you, he/she probably won't listen to your reaction either (although, let's be honest, even when a critic is heard they still may not listen). Quick reactions drastically reduce your chance to influence the critic. On the other hand, when you take the time to listen and respond with wisdom, you might be able to squeeze some truth and influence a critic's heart.
We loose credibility.
Just about every church is a fertile garden for gossip. The church environment somehow empowers the critic to more freely squawk to those who will listen (and there's always someone in the congregation willing to listen). When critics are ignored or hurt by a angry reaction, fuel is added to the fire, and you can guarantee the critic will become louder and find new listeners to poison.
We miss direct feedback.
If you get a reputation for being someone who reacts to criticism (as opposed to carefully respond) chances are high that people in your ministry will distant their opinions from you. The problem with their fearful silence is that every leader must get feedback from others to lead well. Reacting to criticism will cut you off from this necessary leadership resource. Honest feedback is what keeps us from becoming the Emperor with No Clothes.
I hope God will share something helpful through this post.
...by Doug Fields and Matt McGill (from youthministry.com)
Both of us have received a lot of criticism in ministry over the years. I (Doug) have been criticized more than Matt but that's only because I'm a lot older and being doing ministry a lot longer. We often laugh with one another at how different we are in our response/reaction to criticism. I (Doug) would prefer to avoid and hope the noise goes away. While, I (Matt) would prefer to fight and prove that I'm right.
By nature, I (Matt) am passionate and care deeply. I'm also very opinionated and vocal. Everyone in the room knows how I feel and what I'm thinking. If there were the spiritual gift of CRUSADER, I'd have it.
Good things come from the way God wired me: I'm committed, work hard, and communicate clearly. I wish that when it came to criticism I could reflect these same qualities (and, quite frankly, so does Doug)! So, when I'm criticized, I'm quick to react (too quick to react)… and it's not pretty. I will argue about a conviction that borders on being condescending. My tone communicates that the person who criticized me is an idiot (i.e. "You really disagree? You've actually engaged your brain for a second and that's what you've come up with? Really?")
Doug is constantly telling me, "Matt, you have to pick your hills to die on." I say, "I pick them all because I'm not the one who dies." Doug sighs at my foolishness and I continue to make a commitment to change.
Here's what we know to be true for both of us: criticism hurts, but the pain is multiplied when we handle it poorly. We talked about some truths that we've both learned over the years when we react to criticism too quickly instead of responding with wisdom--here's what we've learned:
We miss out on gaining a new perspective that could be helpful.
Impulsiveness is the enemy of understanding. Quick reactions cut corners on listening to others' point of view. Because the criticism brings pain, a quick response that is intended to numb our pain becomes more important than learning something about ourselves. While there may be truth behind the sting… it's unheard when we quickly react.
We prolong the pain.
When we react to the pain, it may feel good in the moment, but it usually delays the healing process. A quick, over-reaction keeps us from asking, "God, even though this hurts, what might you have for me in this situation?"
We miss an opportunity for influence.
If a critic isn't heard by you, he/she probably won't listen to your reaction either (although, let's be honest, even when a critic is heard they still may not listen). Quick reactions drastically reduce your chance to influence the critic. On the other hand, when you take the time to listen and respond with wisdom, you might be able to squeeze some truth and influence a critic's heart.
We loose credibility.
Just about every church is a fertile garden for gossip. The church environment somehow empowers the critic to more freely squawk to those who will listen (and there's always someone in the congregation willing to listen). When critics are ignored or hurt by a angry reaction, fuel is added to the fire, and you can guarantee the critic will become louder and find new listeners to poison.
We miss direct feedback.
If you get a reputation for being someone who reacts to criticism (as opposed to carefully respond) chances are high that people in your ministry will distant their opinions from you. The problem with their fearful silence is that every leader must get feedback from others to lead well. Reacting to criticism will cut you off from this necessary leadership resource. Honest feedback is what keeps us from becoming the Emperor with No Clothes.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Boundless Summer Challenge
I have spent one month of summer doing the same old things that I usually do... work, eat, sleep, read a little, computer, tv, errands, doctor appointments, church each week... you know, the same routine and rut that each of us seem to fall into.
Why is that? I mean, there's nothing wrong with the things of our routine, is there?
Especially for me.
I mean, I like the "same old same old" and I like to know what to expect. I am not a surprise kinda girl.
However
When I want to get a deeper relationship with Someone, do I expect that to just fall into my lap?
I guess I do... judging from my actions.
Sad.
And so, my Florida cousin is participating in this challenge and I thought it seemed interesting, difficult, powerful ~ and I think I will give it a try.
Take a look here and see if you are interested in the event.
Let's do something different for this month of July. You can join in with me.
http://www.boundlessline.org/2010/07/boundless-summer-challenge-task-1.html
Let's go deeper!
Why is that? I mean, there's nothing wrong with the things of our routine, is there?
Especially for me.
I mean, I like the "same old same old" and I like to know what to expect. I am not a surprise kinda girl.
However
When I want to get a deeper relationship with Someone, do I expect that to just fall into my lap?
I guess I do... judging from my actions.
Sad.
And so, my Florida cousin is participating in this challenge and I thought it seemed interesting, difficult, powerful ~ and I think I will give it a try.
Take a look here and see if you are interested in the event.
Let's do something different for this month of July. You can join in with me.
http://www.boundlessline.org/2010/07/boundless-summer-challenge-task-1.html
Let's go deeper!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Complaints & Customer Service
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a pretty high level of expectation when it comes to customer service. This is not from an arrogant "I deserve it" point of view, but more from the Golden Rule of "treat others the way you want to be treated" view.
I have worked in closed office environments and also in retail. While in retail, I have had the experience of receiving customer complaints (sometimes on the verge of abusive) but I have also had the opportunity to help resolve complaints.
I recently read about this issue in a book titled "A Complaint is a Gift: Recovering Customer Loyalty When Things Go Wrong" by Janelle Barlow and Claus Moller.
Quoting the book, "In simplest terms, complaints are statements about expectations that have not been met." And this is true. But they also point out that complaints are opportunities for an organization to reconnect with customers by fixing a service or product breakdown. Customers usually have a "deeper level" need than the surface complaint. If a customer complains about having to wait on hold for 3 hours for help setting up their expensive computer, the deeper issue might be that they made a stupid purchasing decision. They call their insurance for a simple question and the call is not returned for days; at a deeper level, they are warning their agent that they are open for a new policy at renewal time.
It is a universal truth - most customers do not complain, they simply choose to take their business elsewhere.
We should all be grateful when someone has enough assertiveness to tell us the truth, and to share their perspective with us. After all, we live in a world full of people and we are surrounded by opportunities to interact and have relationships.
Let's use each opportunity wisely!
I have worked in closed office environments and also in retail. While in retail, I have had the experience of receiving customer complaints (sometimes on the verge of abusive) but I have also had the opportunity to help resolve complaints.
I recently read about this issue in a book titled "A Complaint is a Gift: Recovering Customer Loyalty When Things Go Wrong" by Janelle Barlow and Claus Moller.
Quoting the book, "In simplest terms, complaints are statements about expectations that have not been met." And this is true. But they also point out that complaints are opportunities for an organization to reconnect with customers by fixing a service or product breakdown. Customers usually have a "deeper level" need than the surface complaint. If a customer complains about having to wait on hold for 3 hours for help setting up their expensive computer, the deeper issue might be that they made a stupid purchasing decision. They call their insurance for a simple question and the call is not returned for days; at a deeper level, they are warning their agent that they are open for a new policy at renewal time.
It is a universal truth - most customers do not complain, they simply choose to take their business elsewhere.
We should all be grateful when someone has enough assertiveness to tell us the truth, and to share their perspective with us. After all, we live in a world full of people and we are surrounded by opportunities to interact and have relationships.
Let's use each opportunity wisely!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Colonoscopy Time
Well, a long time ago, I began trying to mentally prepare myself for this... My husband had a co-worker who died of colon cancer several years back. He was a young man, a very athletic outdoorsy type of man, and not the type of person who would expect to die of such a horrible disease in the absolute prime of life. And so I knew that I would get this test done and that I would willingly put myself through the preparation - which as you know, EVERYONE says is the worst part. My doctor also is doing an endoscopy... his reason was to look for anything abnormal that would make my iron levels low, which seems to be chronic with me. As long as I'm going to be "out of it", I guess it makes no difference to me.
I met Dr. Shone when I was in the hospital in December and simply because of his kindness and straight-forward talk (in an accent that is so pleasant!), I decided that I should go to him for this test. I am a little short of the 50yo mark, but thought that I had been dreading it quite long enough, so why not go ahead and do it - while we still have health insurance.
I saw him about 10 days ago, and the most surprising thing is that they were able to get me scheduled so quickly! I was secretly hoping to delay it a month, but that was not to be.
The nurse came in to go over instructions, she talked so fast about all of it, I could not keep up. Then when I read over the list again Sunday, I discovered that I should not have been taking my iron pills for several days. Hopefully this is not a big deal.
I had to drink some nasty stuff in December for an MRI of my upper gastro area, and that was torture. My oldest daughter happened to be visiting me at the time, and if not for her encouraging cheerleading, I don't think I would have gotten it down. So I have to say that I am dreading the drinking even more than the expelling part. (Of course, this is in my mind right now, as I have not yet started my bathroom trips.)
My last meal was cottage cheese and tomato, my favorite comfort food, and it's 11:25am right now, so I have not had anything by mouth so far today.
I did go to Blockbuster and rented 4 movies. I am planning to sit and watch one while I gulp down my lovely HalfLytely concoction... even though my internet searching today has given me information that there is a pill that is possible to take INSTEAD of drinking the nasty, so I'm mad at myself for not researching better in advance.
I will just be so glad to have it over and done. I'm sure you have your own stories and testimony to share. Let's be thankful for tests, early detection, and being healthy. Recent research says that 1 in 7 people over age 50 will live to be 100 years old, so we owe it to ourselves to be as healthy as possible when we get there!
I met Dr. Shone when I was in the hospital in December and simply because of his kindness and straight-forward talk (in an accent that is so pleasant!), I decided that I should go to him for this test. I am a little short of the 50yo mark, but thought that I had been dreading it quite long enough, so why not go ahead and do it - while we still have health insurance.
I saw him about 10 days ago, and the most surprising thing is that they were able to get me scheduled so quickly! I was secretly hoping to delay it a month, but that was not to be.
The nurse came in to go over instructions, she talked so fast about all of it, I could not keep up. Then when I read over the list again Sunday, I discovered that I should not have been taking my iron pills for several days. Hopefully this is not a big deal.
I had to drink some nasty stuff in December for an MRI of my upper gastro area, and that was torture. My oldest daughter happened to be visiting me at the time, and if not for her encouraging cheerleading, I don't think I would have gotten it down. So I have to say that I am dreading the drinking even more than the expelling part. (Of course, this is in my mind right now, as I have not yet started my bathroom trips.)
My last meal was cottage cheese and tomato, my favorite comfort food, and it's 11:25am right now, so I have not had anything by mouth so far today.
I did go to Blockbuster and rented 4 movies. I am planning to sit and watch one while I gulp down my lovely HalfLytely concoction... even though my internet searching today has given me information that there is a pill that is possible to take INSTEAD of drinking the nasty, so I'm mad at myself for not researching better in advance.
I will just be so glad to have it over and done. I'm sure you have your own stories and testimony to share. Let's be thankful for tests, early detection, and being healthy. Recent research says that 1 in 7 people over age 50 will live to be 100 years old, so we owe it to ourselves to be as healthy as possible when we get there!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Blood-Gathering is not just for Vampires!
With all the hoopla surrounding the Twilight series, and all things Vampire-ish... I find it ironic that getting blood from folks is actually so difficult!
I have just been released from a 9-day stint in one of our local hospitals. It was not life-threatening, although I guess it could have been... but I was suffering from pancreatitis - which is caused by (for me) a rare genetic enzyme disorder called hyperlipoprotenemia type I. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=238600)
It can be quite painful and the treatment is simply no food and morphine for pain.
The no food thing can be tricky.
So when you go in, you are immediately hooked up to an IV with glucose solution... I was in pain and offered the ER folks my left arm, which has been my "lucky" arm for blood-getting most of my adult life.
BUT
that meant I only had my right arm to offer the phlebotomists at the hospital.
Phlebotomist is a strange name, isn't it? According to the dictionary: A phlebotomist is an individual trained to draw blood, either for laboratory tests or for blood donations.
I am no stranger to needles. I was a research patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD for a big part of my childhood - Mom took me up there for months at a time; when I was school-age, that's where my summers were spent. Then when I turned 12, I was given over to NIH (National Instititues of Health) in Bethesda, MD. At John Hopkins, I was subjected to a lot of different testing procedures, liver biopsy is the only one I can tell you here - I have happily blocked out most of my life during those elementary years. What is consistent in my memory is the constant need they had for my blood.
I optimistically thought that as I became an adult, this would become easier for me. What happened is that I have almost developed a phobia about it.
Some of my college friends will recall that Spring Break of my freshman year was spent in the ER and hospital... a result of my going crazy, whether rebellion or disbelief that I was really sick (?) - who knows - but I took my freshman quarter to eat out and eat whatever I liked, even went to a few frat parties... all of these things were damaging to my pancreas and increased my triglycerides level to 3200. Thus, a major attack, and that is when I met my wonderful physician who has cared for me so diligently over these past 30 years. After I was released, I naturally vowed that I would stay closely on my diet and watch everything that I ate. Oh how quickly we forget. I was hospitalized 2 other times with pancreatitis, once during my 3rd pregnancy. And so this was my 4th time - it's been 18 years since the previous time. I have been lax though. It gets tiring to always eat differently and to have to explain it to other people.
But if you came to read this post just for BLOOD, then I need to get to that part:
The lab folks came to my room each morning about 6:00 a.m. to take my blood. They turn the bright lights on. They set their little toolbox down on my bed. They greet you happily, a little too eager to do their job if you ask me. Then they pull out their rubber string to tie off your circulation. And then they start to flick your arm with their finger. Hard. And then they study, and sigh, and then they move the rubber string down to my wrist. My hand is going numb. They flick more. And then they rub the hand with alcohol, it's cold. And they say, "Okay. It's gonna be a big stick." Ouch!! It is. And then say, "Has anyone ever told you that you have tough veins?" or perhaps they say, "That one blew. Have to do it again."
The Wednesday lady said that something was wrong with the vacuum on the tube, let her try a new one, and then that tube did not work, and finally she ended up SCOOPING the blood that was dripping out of the hole she made in my hand! I was so angry and upset!!
I mean, seriously! What is wrong with these people?
After enduring the lab folks on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I had enough! I rebelled. I told my night nurse on Wed. night that I did not want them coming in for me. She assured me that she would stop them. She did - but she left at 7a.m. - and at 8:30, 2 more lab people came in, turned on the bright light, I jumped to alert when he said, "Can we get your blood?" and I said, "No you cannot!". He said okay and they slammed the door on the way out.
Thursday was a bad morning. When the doctor on call came in, I was a basket-case and told him that I wanted to go home, the lab people did not know how to do their job, and I was tired of them practicing on me. He says, they do know how to do their job -- well, technically, if their job is getting blood - then yes - but really (!) - do they have to get their training on my poor weak little arms?
So - poor Hospitalist got a crazy patient who became non-compliant very quickly. I was written up in the chart, 'ornery' is what the gastroentologist said.
My last 3 days were no-lab days, except I stayed on the IV through Saturday, and kept that needle in my arm until Sunday.
Did I say how much I HATE needles?
I have just been released from a 9-day stint in one of our local hospitals. It was not life-threatening, although I guess it could have been... but I was suffering from pancreatitis - which is caused by (for me) a rare genetic enzyme disorder called hyperlipoprotenemia type I. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=238600)
It can be quite painful and the treatment is simply no food and morphine for pain.
The no food thing can be tricky.
So when you go in, you are immediately hooked up to an IV with glucose solution... I was in pain and offered the ER folks my left arm, which has been my "lucky" arm for blood-getting most of my adult life.
BUT
that meant I only had my right arm to offer the phlebotomists at the hospital.
Phlebotomist is a strange name, isn't it? According to the dictionary: A phlebotomist is an individual trained to draw blood, either for laboratory tests or for blood donations.
I am no stranger to needles. I was a research patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD for a big part of my childhood - Mom took me up there for months at a time; when I was school-age, that's where my summers were spent. Then when I turned 12, I was given over to NIH (National Instititues of Health) in Bethesda, MD. At John Hopkins, I was subjected to a lot of different testing procedures, liver biopsy is the only one I can tell you here - I have happily blocked out most of my life during those elementary years. What is consistent in my memory is the constant need they had for my blood.
I optimistically thought that as I became an adult, this would become easier for me. What happened is that I have almost developed a phobia about it.
Some of my college friends will recall that Spring Break of my freshman year was spent in the ER and hospital... a result of my going crazy, whether rebellion or disbelief that I was really sick (?) - who knows - but I took my freshman quarter to eat out and eat whatever I liked, even went to a few frat parties... all of these things were damaging to my pancreas and increased my triglycerides level to 3200. Thus, a major attack, and that is when I met my wonderful physician who has cared for me so diligently over these past 30 years. After I was released, I naturally vowed that I would stay closely on my diet and watch everything that I ate. Oh how quickly we forget. I was hospitalized 2 other times with pancreatitis, once during my 3rd pregnancy. And so this was my 4th time - it's been 18 years since the previous time. I have been lax though. It gets tiring to always eat differently and to have to explain it to other people.
But if you came to read this post just for BLOOD, then I need to get to that part:
The lab folks came to my room each morning about 6:00 a.m. to take my blood. They turn the bright lights on. They set their little toolbox down on my bed. They greet you happily, a little too eager to do their job if you ask me. Then they pull out their rubber string to tie off your circulation. And then they start to flick your arm with their finger. Hard. And then they study, and sigh, and then they move the rubber string down to my wrist. My hand is going numb. They flick more. And then they rub the hand with alcohol, it's cold. And they say, "Okay. It's gonna be a big stick." Ouch!! It is. And then say, "Has anyone ever told you that you have tough veins?" or perhaps they say, "That one blew. Have to do it again."
The Wednesday lady said that something was wrong with the vacuum on the tube, let her try a new one, and then that tube did not work, and finally she ended up SCOOPING the blood that was dripping out of the hole she made in my hand! I was so angry and upset!!
I mean, seriously! What is wrong with these people?
After enduring the lab folks on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I had enough! I rebelled. I told my night nurse on Wed. night that I did not want them coming in for me. She assured me that she would stop them. She did - but she left at 7a.m. - and at 8:30, 2 more lab people came in, turned on the bright light, I jumped to alert when he said, "Can we get your blood?" and I said, "No you cannot!". He said okay and they slammed the door on the way out.
Thursday was a bad morning. When the doctor on call came in, I was a basket-case and told him that I wanted to go home, the lab people did not know how to do their job, and I was tired of them practicing on me. He says, they do know how to do their job -- well, technically, if their job is getting blood - then yes - but really (!) - do they have to get their training on my poor weak little arms?
So - poor Hospitalist got a crazy patient who became non-compliant very quickly. I was written up in the chart, 'ornery' is what the gastroentologist said.
My last 3 days were no-lab days, except I stayed on the IV through Saturday, and kept that needle in my arm until Sunday.
Did I say how much I HATE needles?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Are you the Carrot, Egg or Coffee?
Something to think about...
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this:
Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
Oh that we would all be coffee!
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this:
Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
Oh that we would all be coffee!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Are You a Masterpiece?
Don't we all do this?
Complaining?
Arguing with God?
Believing the lies?
Copy this url into your address bar - you need to see this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY
Complaining?
Arguing with God?
Believing the lies?
Copy this url into your address bar - you need to see this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
35 Reasons Not To Sin
1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.
Relinquish Your Rights - Reject the Sin - Renew the Mind - Rely on God
**WOW ~ #3 is very gripping, isn't it? And #35... remember back when you first gave your heart, your life to the Lord?
Think about these, deny your flesh, be strong and make a good decision.
Copyright © 1992 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.
www.CCWtoday.org
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.
Relinquish Your Rights - Reject the Sin - Renew the Mind - Rely on God
**WOW ~ #3 is very gripping, isn't it? And #35... remember back when you first gave your heart, your life to the Lord?
Think about these, deny your flesh, be strong and make a good decision.
Copyright © 1992 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.
www.CCWtoday.org
Sunday, July 26, 2009
What Country Am I In???
It is so sad to me that our government is trying to tax us more, spread our money around to those who refuse to work, and continually try to take away our freedoms!
What is wrong with us - do we sit in apathy, or perhaps hopelessness?
The TEA parties that began this year seem like a good start for getting the people involved, but is it enough?
According to Wikipedia, healthcare reform is a phrase that is commonly used for discussing health policy changes. Wikipedia gives a general overview of various countries and how their health care is managed. All of us should take a look at how health care actually operates in other countries and educate ourselves. Our country was founded on freedom, that includes our freedom of choice regarding healthcare. I want to choose my doctor, discuss my options with my healthcare team, and then choose my treatment plan. I do not believe that the current healthcare reform will allow me to keep those freedoms of choice for myself and my family.
Sadly, one scenario that has caused some of the ruckus is that we Christians are not doing a good enough job of taking care of our widows and orphans. But the present administration has already said that Medicare and Medicaid are too expensive. We must become a neighborhood of caring again, and reach out to those who are in need. The complaints of those who have been neglected or suffered wrong in our institutional health care cannot be ignored, but you cannot fix those problems with the new healthcare plan that Obama has created. And -- You cannot legislate caring.
There is a good article here about the very recent attempt at my homestate to offer healthcare to all at no cost to those who needed medical assistance - sadly, this TennCare plan did not work and cost the state so much money, it got into a terribly bad financial situation. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/07/22/tenncare_lessons_for_modern_health_care_reform_97570.html
In any case, I am passing along the following website link so you can read some of the new healthcare "reforms" that our president is supporting. Nevermind any personal commentary, just take a look at some of the specifics and make your own intelligent decision. I know we can.
http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2009/07/whats-in-healthacre-bill.html
What is wrong with us - do we sit in apathy, or perhaps hopelessness?
The TEA parties that began this year seem like a good start for getting the people involved, but is it enough?
According to Wikipedia, healthcare reform is a phrase that is commonly used for discussing health policy changes. Wikipedia gives a general overview of various countries and how their health care is managed. All of us should take a look at how health care actually operates in other countries and educate ourselves. Our country was founded on freedom, that includes our freedom of choice regarding healthcare. I want to choose my doctor, discuss my options with my healthcare team, and then choose my treatment plan. I do not believe that the current healthcare reform will allow me to keep those freedoms of choice for myself and my family.
Sadly, one scenario that has caused some of the ruckus is that we Christians are not doing a good enough job of taking care of our widows and orphans. But the present administration has already said that Medicare and Medicaid are too expensive. We must become a neighborhood of caring again, and reach out to those who are in need. The complaints of those who have been neglected or suffered wrong in our institutional health care cannot be ignored, but you cannot fix those problems with the new healthcare plan that Obama has created. And -- You cannot legislate caring.
There is a good article here about the very recent attempt at my homestate to offer healthcare to all at no cost to those who needed medical assistance - sadly, this TennCare plan did not work and cost the state so much money, it got into a terribly bad financial situation. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/07/22/tenncare_lessons_for_modern_health_care_reform_97570.html
In any case, I am passing along the following website link so you can read some of the new healthcare "reforms" that our president is supporting. Nevermind any personal commentary, just take a look at some of the specifics and make your own intelligent decision. I know we can.
http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2009/07/whats-in-healthacre-bill.html
Monday, July 20, 2009
Yes, There is a Cost
Take a walk down the path of life and along the way you will find many surprises. The cost of living is high; it is not for the weak or the faint at heart. Living requires courage; it will take all the tenacity that you can muster.
The high road is never the easy road; it will grind you down to the bone and reveal the weakness on the inside. You will be given the opportunity to take advantage of each obstacle that comes in your way. A person without a vision will never take the high road, there are too many punishing storms that drown the weak and break the undetermined soul.
There cannot be a testimony without a test and no advancement without resistance.
Living must be intentional; failing to plan is planning to fail. Success does not knock on anyone’s door. To measure your success in life you have to take a look at your potential and then go beyond that. We are not called to what we can do; we are measured against the standard of Heaven. If you are living in what you can manage, then you are settling for what YOU can produce and that is way below Heavens standard. Try taking a step beyond what you are capable of and place your foot in the steps of Jesus.
... So you don’t think you have what it takes? You are right; because this road of life requires supernatural help. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, not against other human beings or our own bad decisions. We are at war against a force that is unseen to the human eye. Your discernment will be honed and your courage will be tested. Control is mostly a myth; sometimes you can control yourself but you cannot control the circumstances of life, you can only decide what your response will be to these events. A response should be pre-meditated. As Ed said last night, if you eat only once a week at church, you will be anemic and weak, unable to fight the enemy or feed yourself. The more you eat, the stronger you will be - and follow the pattern of the wilderness children by gathering and eating before the sunrise, before your day begins.
Yes - The cost of living is high. Our lives are shaped by the heavy storms that adversity brings; and we should prepare ourselves ahead of time. Life is worth living and it is worth living right. Count the cost before you start; look at your life with the end in mind. We are all going to die someday, but we will not all live. What will your choices be?
The high road is never the easy road; it will grind you down to the bone and reveal the weakness on the inside. You will be given the opportunity to take advantage of each obstacle that comes in your way. A person without a vision will never take the high road, there are too many punishing storms that drown the weak and break the undetermined soul.
There cannot be a testimony without a test and no advancement without resistance.
Living must be intentional; failing to plan is planning to fail. Success does not knock on anyone’s door. To measure your success in life you have to take a look at your potential and then go beyond that. We are not called to what we can do; we are measured against the standard of Heaven. If you are living in what you can manage, then you are settling for what YOU can produce and that is way below Heavens standard. Try taking a step beyond what you are capable of and place your foot in the steps of Jesus.
... So you don’t think you have what it takes? You are right; because this road of life requires supernatural help. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, not against other human beings or our own bad decisions. We are at war against a force that is unseen to the human eye. Your discernment will be honed and your courage will be tested. Control is mostly a myth; sometimes you can control yourself but you cannot control the circumstances of life, you can only decide what your response will be to these events. A response should be pre-meditated. As Ed said last night, if you eat only once a week at church, you will be anemic and weak, unable to fight the enemy or feed yourself. The more you eat, the stronger you will be - and follow the pattern of the wilderness children by gathering and eating before the sunrise, before your day begins.
Yes - The cost of living is high. Our lives are shaped by the heavy storms that adversity brings; and we should prepare ourselves ahead of time. Life is worth living and it is worth living right. Count the cost before you start; look at your life with the end in mind. We are all going to die someday, but we will not all live. What will your choices be?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
News Media
I get so frustrated with how our News informs us... do you think it's biased, one-sided, has an agenda??
Take this Swine Flu thing for example.
The Center for Disease Control says that each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; 20,000 of those are children younger than 5 years old; and 36,000 people die from the flu. Therefore, it is their recommendation that you get a yearly flu vaccine which protects from 3 main flu strains. They also suggest that you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze - hey, I think this falls under "good manners" if not common sense. Also - WASH YOUR HANDS folks! You really cannot do this enough, so simple and yet so effective to keep germs from entering your body. The CDC also says to stay away from sick people. Might it be better to have sick people stay away from us? Why do we go to work sick? Why do we send our children to school sick? It is no wonder that sickness spreads to everyone in our midst.
Evidently 36,000 people dying from regular flu is not news worthy, not when you compare it to the panic of swine flu spreading rapidly at our borders. Perhaps the people who are so anxious to allow non-Americans come into our country will change their mind a little bit now. But this is not a note about our borders.
This is a note about politics however.
Today is President Obama's 100th day. I have not seen earth-shattering legislation that is helping me. I have seen my local property taxes increase. I have been watching how a stimulus bill (which was not even READ by our president) was passed, and I have watched him briefly on the news (and some YouTube news) as he "makes nice" with all foreign leaders. I have to tell you that it was a little scary watching him with other world leaders, reminded me of a Left Behind (the movie) scene. I have no doubt that we move closer to the end days. And in the end, the U.S. does fall from its top position as world leader. Did you ever think it would happen? We enjoyed so many days of excess and prosperity, as if it would never end. And we, so much like Israel, seem to always repeat the mistakes of our ancestors.
I have located some good blogs for conservatives, if you want to read any. They are in my blog list. But, if you are like me, you read these things, your blood pressure goes up and you get discouraged, depressed, frustrated... a good way to handle those emotions is to WRITE YOUR POLITICIANS! Let your voice be heard, whether you choose email, snail mail or even your telephone, get involved and get active. The only way that change will happen is if YOU get involved.
Don't just sit back and let someone else do it. You do your little bit too. It is going to take ALL of us.
Take this Swine Flu thing for example.
The Center for Disease Control says that each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; 20,000 of those are children younger than 5 years old; and 36,000 people die from the flu. Therefore, it is their recommendation that you get a yearly flu vaccine which protects from 3 main flu strains. They also suggest that you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze - hey, I think this falls under "good manners" if not common sense. Also - WASH YOUR HANDS folks! You really cannot do this enough, so simple and yet so effective to keep germs from entering your body. The CDC also says to stay away from sick people. Might it be better to have sick people stay away from us? Why do we go to work sick? Why do we send our children to school sick? It is no wonder that sickness spreads to everyone in our midst.
Evidently 36,000 people dying from regular flu is not news worthy, not when you compare it to the panic of swine flu spreading rapidly at our borders. Perhaps the people who are so anxious to allow non-Americans come into our country will change their mind a little bit now. But this is not a note about our borders.
This is a note about politics however.
Today is President Obama's 100th day. I have not seen earth-shattering legislation that is helping me. I have seen my local property taxes increase. I have been watching how a stimulus bill (which was not even READ by our president) was passed, and I have watched him briefly on the news (and some YouTube news) as he "makes nice" with all foreign leaders. I have to tell you that it was a little scary watching him with other world leaders, reminded me of a Left Behind (the movie) scene. I have no doubt that we move closer to the end days. And in the end, the U.S. does fall from its top position as world leader. Did you ever think it would happen? We enjoyed so many days of excess and prosperity, as if it would never end. And we, so much like Israel, seem to always repeat the mistakes of our ancestors.
I have located some good blogs for conservatives, if you want to read any. They are in my blog list. But, if you are like me, you read these things, your blood pressure goes up and you get discouraged, depressed, frustrated... a good way to handle those emotions is to WRITE YOUR POLITICIANS! Let your voice be heard, whether you choose email, snail mail or even your telephone, get involved and get active. The only way that change will happen is if YOU get involved.
Don't just sit back and let someone else do it. You do your little bit too. It is going to take ALL of us.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tis the season of Proms...
...and graduations... and awards ceremonies... another year ending... and my "baby" is leaving high school.
When they were small, I could never imagine this day. You are so overwhelmed with the constant demands of young children, they are always needing you, wanting you, touching you... and then suddenly, they hit the teenage years, going through hormonal changes and personality changes; oh, they still need you, but they are not as willing to share with you and tell you they need you! and when my first one left the nest, i still had the others, and then the next one, but i still had one at home... and so it goes.
I expected to feel more sadness, but somehow God really does prepare you for this time. And ~ perhaps my sadness is overshadowed by my more natural emotion of anxiety, stress, fear! (okay, that is supposed to be a little funny.) Truth is, when we send them out each day, we have no control over anything. I realize that the truth is: Control of anything is an illusion! But isn't it easy to convince ourselves that we DO have control? It is a daily struggle for me to NOT let my flesh control my emotions, my actions, my feelings.
For the present, we have a prom hair appointment to get to (more money added to all the other pre-prom festivities). You "dads of baby daughters" get prepared for the expenses involved in getting our girls out to their social events! You have a few years so start saving now. lol
Talk to you soon.
When they were small, I could never imagine this day. You are so overwhelmed with the constant demands of young children, they are always needing you, wanting you, touching you... and then suddenly, they hit the teenage years, going through hormonal changes and personality changes; oh, they still need you, but they are not as willing to share with you and tell you they need you! and when my first one left the nest, i still had the others, and then the next one, but i still had one at home... and so it goes.
I expected to feel more sadness, but somehow God really does prepare you for this time. And ~ perhaps my sadness is overshadowed by my more natural emotion of anxiety, stress, fear! (okay, that is supposed to be a little funny.) Truth is, when we send them out each day, we have no control over anything. I realize that the truth is: Control of anything is an illusion! But isn't it easy to convince ourselves that we DO have control? It is a daily struggle for me to NOT let my flesh control my emotions, my actions, my feelings.
For the present, we have a prom hair appointment to get to (more money added to all the other pre-prom festivities). You "dads of baby daughters" get prepared for the expenses involved in getting our girls out to their social events! You have a few years so start saving now. lol
Talk to you soon.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Stimulate What Exactly??
know that all of you are probably as sick of this "news" as I, but I get SO frustrated with the double-talk and lies that we hear from people in our government... and yet, even as I say this, I also realize that some of what we hear/see on the news is clips and are usually (always?) cut together in order to sway and slant things.
But... I do not like the way that things are going, have been going... and I'm an old person now, and perhaps did not pay enough attention to Mr. Hoover's or Mr. Allison's history classes at Dobyns-Bennett, so I decided to look up the definitions of these words for myself this morning.
Interesting reading, the dictionary:
com·mu·nism
Etymology:French communisme, from commun common
Date:1840
1 a: a theory advocating elimination of private property b: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2capitalized a: a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics b: a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c: a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d: communist systems collectively
so·cial·ism
Date: 1837
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done
cap·i·tal·ism
Date: 1877
: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market
And, I have to share this video link with Nancy Pelosi, regarding the Pork... and how can our President promote a bill that apparently he has not read? or maybe he supports it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaDtkG6afBc (hopefully this link will work - or go to YouTube and search Pelosi Pork)
I guess I'm frustrated... just consider this a vent...
I'm not the sharpest pencil... maybe someone reading this can help?
But... I do not like the way that things are going, have been going... and I'm an old person now, and perhaps did not pay enough attention to Mr. Hoover's or Mr. Allison's history classes at Dobyns-Bennett, so I decided to look up the definitions of these words for myself this morning.
Interesting reading, the dictionary:
com·mu·nism
Etymology:French communisme, from commun common
Date:1840
1 a: a theory advocating elimination of private property b: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2capitalized a: a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics b: a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c: a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d: communist systems collectively
so·cial·ism
Date: 1837
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done
cap·i·tal·ism
Date: 1877
: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market
And, I have to share this video link with Nancy Pelosi, regarding the Pork... and how can our President promote a bill that apparently he has not read? or maybe he supports it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaDtkG6afBc (hopefully this link will work - or go to YouTube and search Pelosi Pork)
I guess I'm frustrated... just consider this a vent...
I'm not the sharpest pencil... maybe someone reading this can help?
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Ah... the Bookworm
This is definitely me!
I was looking at a cute link on Scrapbook.com and they ask the question, "what kind of scrapbooker are you?"... after reading the descriptions, I am sure that this is me!
Try it...
http://www.scrapbook.com/articles/doc/36199.html
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
To Vote... or Not to Vote?
Believe me, there have been many times throughout this campaign when I have wavered about even going to the polls.
But I was reading the blog of a friend of mine, who had posted a link to another blog... (you know how that goes!)... and honestly, I cannot imagine ANYONE not standing up to vote after they take 5 minutes to look at this.
http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-not-voting-for-man-im-voting-for.html
Eternal perspectives... what an awesome name.
I believe that my children have grown up knowing and understanding that these unborn babies are really babies... unlike the women of my generation, the women's lib cosmopolitan super-women who could do it all and be it all, and by Golly it is our choice what we do!! Our generation was fed the lie that this is just tissue, a blob of fetus, nothing alive.
Who remembers the first time they saw an ultrasound of that little blob, and since when do blobs have beating hearts that you can hear?!
Lies are powerful, the devil is a deceiver. Encourage everyone to get out and vote for LIFE! Who here agrees with everything that ANYONE says? Make your vote count for life, whether you can support everything 100% or not, this is a path we do NOT want to take.
But I was reading the blog of a friend of mine, who had posted a link to another blog... (you know how that goes!)... and honestly, I cannot imagine ANYONE not standing up to vote after they take 5 minutes to look at this.
http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-not-voting-for-man-im-voting-for.html
Eternal perspectives... what an awesome name.
I believe that my children have grown up knowing and understanding that these unborn babies are really babies... unlike the women of my generation, the women's lib cosmopolitan super-women who could do it all and be it all, and by Golly it is our choice what we do!! Our generation was fed the lie that this is just tissue, a blob of fetus, nothing alive.
Who remembers the first time they saw an ultrasound of that little blob, and since when do blobs have beating hearts that you can hear?!
Lies are powerful, the devil is a deceiver. Encourage everyone to get out and vote for LIFE! Who here agrees with everything that ANYONE says? Make your vote count for life, whether you can support everything 100% or not, this is a path we do NOT want to take.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)