This post was actually started on Thursday, September 25...
Our company health fair is today. My boss - and about 100+ others - went over to the place we are renting for our health fair and decorated last night. We have teams and are assigned booths to decorate. The theme is 'Passport to Healthy Living' and the booths are given location themes. We have Hollywood, Las Vegas, Mexico, England, Italy (which is ours), a "pampered corner" where one of our members can get clear nail polish put on, and a free haircut. We have Paris, and I can't think of the others. I went over with everyone and helped decorate our Italy booth. We had a lot of fun and we feel it really looks nice. Our colors were of Italy, of course - Green, White, Red. We draped plastic green, white, red tablecloths in the corners, hung up posters of Italy - including Sophia Loren. It was a fun time and in no time at all we had it completed. Oh - and I got to have my photo taken with John Wayne. It's on a friend's camera so will have to wait to show it. I think that was in the Hollywood booth.
I tried to send some photos to my email here at work so that I could post a couple photos here - but it won't accept. Guess I need to download the photos at home and add later.
My boss has to attend a conference today nearby and asked that if I wanted to go with her. Duh. Sit in office and work or sit at a table and give out freebies at a conference. Easy choice for me. I like interacting with others.
Just found this in draft form - must have gotten interrupted last week when we did the health fair. I did go to the conference with my boss and "man the table" with her. It was fun. From there we went to the health fair and hung around until the end, tearing down our Italy booth. We didn't win a prize, but that's ok. It was fun working as a team to pull it together. Which booth won first place? Pets on Wheels. It's a company that has people bring pets to meet with the elderly and are gentle enough that they can be petted (the animals, not the people). Their booth was fixed up as a petting zoo. Cute.
Ok - already did one blog and now it's time for work. Have a great one!
Blessings!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Can't win if you don't play..... and other thoughts...
Just read my son's blog in which he shared his daydream about winning the lottery. Seems we both have the same "problem" - we can't win if we don't play. I must admit, though, lately I have been tempted to play! Not that I would win the 'big one', but the hopes of winning something. I think that is what drives most people to buy a lottery ticket - times are tough, money is short, and life is a struggle. "If we could just win enough to pay the bills this month, that would help so much." I can see us thinking that. Or that our family members are struggling and we long to help them but just can't the way finances are now. I've often thought how I would buy each one of the children a house (or pay one off if they are buying one and didn't want to move) and buy them a new vehicle, and then give them money in the bank. Just to help them out. But, since I don't play the lottery, it's all just thinking about it.
Now I don't mind working. In fact, I have a really cool boss and I work for a good company. If I won the lottery I would probably continue to work just for the enjoyment of being with other people. Unless I decided to volunteer my time somewhere. I could do that as well. Wouldn't that be fun - not having to worry about money to pay the bills and just volunteer one's time to serve other people. Wish I could get to that point. Other people have the time, but just not the gumption to do it. If people who had time on their hands would volunteer and help people, this world would certainly be a better place.
I overheard someone make a comment about someone here at work yesterday. It surprised me to hear it. I mean, it wasn't necessarily a bad comment.... it was a true statement about her work (that she just did it and didn't care how it turned out, basically) but it surprised me to hear it from the one who said it, and it came to mind this morning as I read in Proverbs 30 -
"Never slander a worker to the employer,
or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it."
I reckon that could be for anyone - but it came to mind, and I will share it with that person some time today.
Well, it's about time to get to work and I don't have much to say today. Got a lot on my mind and a lot to get done. Hope you have a great day.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ," Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
Blessings!
Now I don't mind working. In fact, I have a really cool boss and I work for a good company. If I won the lottery I would probably continue to work just for the enjoyment of being with other people. Unless I decided to volunteer my time somewhere. I could do that as well. Wouldn't that be fun - not having to worry about money to pay the bills and just volunteer one's time to serve other people. Wish I could get to that point. Other people have the time, but just not the gumption to do it. If people who had time on their hands would volunteer and help people, this world would certainly be a better place.
I overheard someone make a comment about someone here at work yesterday. It surprised me to hear it. I mean, it wasn't necessarily a bad comment.... it was a true statement about her work (that she just did it and didn't care how it turned out, basically) but it surprised me to hear it from the one who said it, and it came to mind this morning as I read in Proverbs 30 -
"Never slander a worker to the employer,
or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it."
I reckon that could be for anyone - but it came to mind, and I will share it with that person some time today.
Well, it's about time to get to work and I don't have much to say today. Got a lot on my mind and a lot to get done. Hope you have a great day.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ," Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
Blessings!
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Week is FINALLY Over!
Yesterday was an entirely different day for me - I got to do something I haven't done before - man the table at a conference. I thought we'd be put out in a hallway and just be available between sessions, but we were placed at the back of the room. The first part of the session was very good and even I learned some things as although the talk was towards CNAs, medical assistants, RNs, etc and how to not put labels on yourself (butt-wiper, etc) but to be proud of the profession you are in. It can really be applied to any profession. I told my boss (who was with me) that I know many times I've said "I'm 'just' the Admin." But actually, I am much more than that. I am my boss's right hand. I make her look good. And that's my job. I need to quit thinking I'm 'just' the admin and be focused on what it entails. The other sessions were not quite as interesting and we stayed through lunch (which was very good, by the way) and to the second break. We packed up and left then - heading over the health fair.
If it wasn't for the conference, we probably would have been at the health fair. There will be a lot of very tired people coming in today, I'm sure. I am tired and I only spent an hour there! We tore down our booth and packed everything up before we left, stopping by the office to put it away. I am going to try to post a couple photos of our booth area.
Hmmmm, I'm not computer minded - and it won't allow me to copy (at least here on my office computer) to the blog. You will just have to use your imagination. Grape vines across the top of the booth with grapes hanging down, photos of Italy on the walls, the Italian flag, Green, White and Red plastic tablecloths hanging in the corner. We had a table in each booth that contained either a bottle of wine and two glasses and fruit, or pasta and a candle ... it really looked nice. We didn't win - go figure - the "Pets on Wheels" booth won. Real pets that the members could pet and love on. All were well behaved (the pets and the members). I was told by one of the directors that when the members saw the dogs (even Marmaduke was there!!) their faces lit up with joy. Many can not have pets where they live.
Overall, it was an awesome day at the fair and a good conference. Which means, with my being out of the office all day yesterday, nothing got done. Which means, I have lots of work to do. Best part, no meetings until next Thursday so I have time to work on my minutes - unless something else comes up.
Today would have been my mother's 96th birthday had she lived. She died September 2, 2004. It's interesting, all the things that have happened since she passed away. Some good, some bad. The family has totally gone their own way. I guess Mother was the central point for most gatherings - it depended who was mad at whom on who was there. I guess it was the past ten years that I went back on her birthday to celebrate - can't remember now. I have no regrets, other than I didn't spend more time with her when I was there. Isn't that the way it usually is? My sister and I would take off and spend time together, doing things, going places, and only running over to visit mother a few times throughout that week. Except a year or so before she died I went back and stayed a week with mother. It was a good week and mother shared a lot of things with me. I wish I had taken the time to have more of those times. It was good.
Things are much different than they were when I was growing up. Staying involved with families was much more important. But, attitudes, words, and actions separate the best of friends. We all have tended to go our own way. And that isn't always a bad thing. I've been away from Indiana since 1982 so have my own life here. It stands to reason that my attitudes and actions would be different than other family members. I've made my home here and it is good. Life hasn't always been good, or easy, but it is my life.
I love where I am. I love the memories my children, my husband and I, have made. I love the fun times with grandchildren. Which reminds me, and makes me smile.... I stopped to see my middle child's family for a moment the other night and the youngest one told me it was time for us to get together and do something - like bake cookies.
And I agree. It's about time. Christmas will be here soon, but it just might be time to do a 'trial run'.
Blessings!
If it wasn't for the conference, we probably would have been at the health fair. There will be a lot of very tired people coming in today, I'm sure. I am tired and I only spent an hour there! We tore down our booth and packed everything up before we left, stopping by the office to put it away. I am going to try to post a couple photos of our booth area.
Hmmmm, I'm not computer minded - and it won't allow me to copy (at least here on my office computer) to the blog. You will just have to use your imagination. Grape vines across the top of the booth with grapes hanging down, photos of Italy on the walls, the Italian flag, Green, White and Red plastic tablecloths hanging in the corner. We had a table in each booth that contained either a bottle of wine and two glasses and fruit, or pasta and a candle ... it really looked nice. We didn't win - go figure - the "Pets on Wheels" booth won. Real pets that the members could pet and love on. All were well behaved (the pets and the members). I was told by one of the directors that when the members saw the dogs (even Marmaduke was there!!) their faces lit up with joy. Many can not have pets where they live.
Overall, it was an awesome day at the fair and a good conference. Which means, with my being out of the office all day yesterday, nothing got done. Which means, I have lots of work to do. Best part, no meetings until next Thursday so I have time to work on my minutes - unless something else comes up.
Today would have been my mother's 96th birthday had she lived. She died September 2, 2004. It's interesting, all the things that have happened since she passed away. Some good, some bad. The family has totally gone their own way. I guess Mother was the central point for most gatherings - it depended who was mad at whom on who was there. I guess it was the past ten years that I went back on her birthday to celebrate - can't remember now. I have no regrets, other than I didn't spend more time with her when I was there. Isn't that the way it usually is? My sister and I would take off and spend time together, doing things, going places, and only running over to visit mother a few times throughout that week. Except a year or so before she died I went back and stayed a week with mother. It was a good week and mother shared a lot of things with me. I wish I had taken the time to have more of those times. It was good.
Things are much different than they were when I was growing up. Staying involved with families was much more important. But, attitudes, words, and actions separate the best of friends. We all have tended to go our own way. And that isn't always a bad thing. I've been away from Indiana since 1982 so have my own life here. It stands to reason that my attitudes and actions would be different than other family members. I've made my home here and it is good. Life hasn't always been good, or easy, but it is my life.
I love where I am. I love the memories my children, my husband and I, have made. I love the fun times with grandchildren. Which reminds me, and makes me smile.... I stopped to see my middle child's family for a moment the other night and the youngest one told me it was time for us to get together and do something - like bake cookies.
And I agree. It's about time. Christmas will be here soon, but it just might be time to do a 'trial run'.
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Part Work, Part Play today.....
What do I mean? Well, I have to work for the most part of the day, but we (my boss and I, and many others) are cutting out at 3PM and heading over to where our company is having the member health fair. We have 25 booths, I think, set up in this building and we are to decorate them in a travel theme, which was assigned. My "team" has Italy, and we have had a lot of fun putting it together. I've always wanted to see Italy - I love the Tuscany countryside (I know, too much Under the Tuscan Sun watching). I'll probably never go - but still, I love the beauty of the countryside - which probably would not be real if I did go.
Anyway - we will be decorating our booth in an Italian theme. We have lots of posters (and of course had to have one of Sophia Loren) of Italy and Red, Green, and White items, Flags, etc. We have a wine bottle with a candle, pasta to set out, decorations of all sorts. We get to decorate tonight from 4-7PM. The health fair is tomorrow and we are hoping for 200 of our members to attend - I think last count was 182. We won't be spending the day or working at the health fair tomorrow, but will be running over there in the afternoon to check on how it is going. My boss and I are staying here at the office during the day to get work done. But we do have to go back over about 4-ish to tear down and put things away from our booth.
Interruptions this morning! This is all I have I guess for it's already after 8AM and I need to get to work - got to get SOMETHING done today! But I got to wear jeans and tennis shoes so I'm comfortable!
Ok - I just have to tell you a funny - at least I laugh every time I think about it. Our restrooms are in the process of being remodeled in this building. When the one side of our building was FINALLY completed, but wasn't approved yet to open up, one of the directors and I decided to do a quick look to see what they looked like. They took it from three stalls to two stalls so they could make one a handicap one. (and to think there are lots more women on this floor and only two stalls at each end of the floor? Who designed this - a man?)
Anyway - we checked out the women's restroom and then decided, since it wasn't open yet, to peek inside the men's restroom. We walked in and looked around, and the next thing I knew, the director had walked up to a urinal and was standing there in front of it. I looked at her very quizically (is that a word?) - and she says, "I always wondered what that felt like."
You almost had to pick me up off the floor. That happened maybe a month ago - yesterday I walked by her office and I paused and said, "you know, every time I walk past the rest room I think..." and she and I both burst out laughing until tears were falling down our face. She was laughing about the look on my face when she did that - and I was laughing about what she had done and said.
Ok - hope that brought a smile. I still think it is so funny.
Have a great day!
Blessings!
Anyway - we will be decorating our booth in an Italian theme. We have lots of posters (and of course had to have one of Sophia Loren) of Italy and Red, Green, and White items, Flags, etc. We have a wine bottle with a candle, pasta to set out, decorations of all sorts. We get to decorate tonight from 4-7PM. The health fair is tomorrow and we are hoping for 200 of our members to attend - I think last count was 182. We won't be spending the day or working at the health fair tomorrow, but will be running over there in the afternoon to check on how it is going. My boss and I are staying here at the office during the day to get work done. But we do have to go back over about 4-ish to tear down and put things away from our booth.
Interruptions this morning! This is all I have I guess for it's already after 8AM and I need to get to work - got to get SOMETHING done today! But I got to wear jeans and tennis shoes so I'm comfortable!
Ok - I just have to tell you a funny - at least I laugh every time I think about it. Our restrooms are in the process of being remodeled in this building. When the one side of our building was FINALLY completed, but wasn't approved yet to open up, one of the directors and I decided to do a quick look to see what they looked like. They took it from three stalls to two stalls so they could make one a handicap one. (and to think there are lots more women on this floor and only two stalls at each end of the floor? Who designed this - a man?)
Anyway - we checked out the women's restroom and then decided, since it wasn't open yet, to peek inside the men's restroom. We walked in and looked around, and the next thing I knew, the director had walked up to a urinal and was standing there in front of it. I looked at her very quizically (is that a word?) - and she says, "I always wondered what that felt like."
You almost had to pick me up off the floor. That happened maybe a month ago - yesterday I walked by her office and I paused and said, "you know, every time I walk past the rest room I think..." and she and I both burst out laughing until tears were falling down our face. She was laughing about the look on my face when she did that - and I was laughing about what she had done and said.
Ok - hope that brought a smile. I still think it is so funny.
Have a great day!
Blessings!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Another Tuesday morning.....
It is a beautiful Tuesday morning here in Phoenix, AZ today! Of course I left before 6AM to get to work this morning but the sun hadn't risen yet and in the darkness there was a nice coolness in the air. It was nice driving into work as the traffic was about half of what I normally have to deal with - ten minutes later! I got to work in about 30 minutes today - have a full schedule and lots to get done so needed to get in early. I've already sent out two reports, found directions for one of our outside doctors to find his way here for a meeting today, and made coffee, got water for the director, vice president and myself.
Just got a chuckle. The outside doctor (doesn't work for our company but is contracted to attend meetings, etc.) just sent me an email that he received the directions and commented he needs a lot of help. I can't wait to meet him - he is a retired pediatrician, I think. About a month ago I contacted him to set up this meeting, and he told me then that his day planner, organizer, direction finder, calendar, companion, .... yeah, you know where I'm going with this.... his wife died several months ago. We've talked since then and he told me how much he misses her, even after several months, and that she always considered it her job to take care of him, and she did it so well, he is nearly helpless without her. What a testimony of love and friendship after 52 years of marriage. I can't wait to meet him - which I will today. The other outside doctor that is coming in to the office I worked with at my previous company - also a retired pediatrician. It has always been good to see him and he is involved in several meetings here so I see him at least once a month.
I've discovered through these two pediatricians that they have a rare sense of humor. I guess it is necessary to keep the children engaged when they were in practice. Both of these men make me laugh and look forward to seeing them.
I haev a full schedule with two big meetings today and still about 7 sets of minutes to type up. I no sooner get one done and I have another meeting to attend and there is another set of minutes to type up. I've got to get focused on them. Looking at my calendar, I don't have any more scheduled meetings after today - through the end of the month - maybe I can get them caught up. I hope so - next month is another full month of meetings!
Looks like I need to get busy - emails to do things are already coming in- hope you have a great day. No time for stories.
Blessings!
Just got a chuckle. The outside doctor (doesn't work for our company but is contracted to attend meetings, etc.) just sent me an email that he received the directions and commented he needs a lot of help. I can't wait to meet him - he is a retired pediatrician, I think. About a month ago I contacted him to set up this meeting, and he told me then that his day planner, organizer, direction finder, calendar, companion, .... yeah, you know where I'm going with this.... his wife died several months ago. We've talked since then and he told me how much he misses her, even after several months, and that she always considered it her job to take care of him, and she did it so well, he is nearly helpless without her. What a testimony of love and friendship after 52 years of marriage. I can't wait to meet him - which I will today. The other outside doctor that is coming in to the office I worked with at my previous company - also a retired pediatrician. It has always been good to see him and he is involved in several meetings here so I see him at least once a month.
I've discovered through these two pediatricians that they have a rare sense of humor. I guess it is necessary to keep the children engaged when they were in practice. Both of these men make me laugh and look forward to seeing them.
I haev a full schedule with two big meetings today and still about 7 sets of minutes to type up. I no sooner get one done and I have another meeting to attend and there is another set of minutes to type up. I've got to get focused on them. Looking at my calendar, I don't have any more scheduled meetings after today - through the end of the month - maybe I can get them caught up. I hope so - next month is another full month of meetings!
Looks like I need to get busy - emails to do things are already coming in- hope you have a great day. No time for stories.
Blessings!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Home Alone..... with just Marley....
I'm loving the quiet this morning, rather, just the sound of the clock ticking and the sound of my fingers on the keyboard. Marley is lying on the floor in the front room, asleep with eyes open, I'm sure. She watches out for me, to see if I am going to move. Or if anyone comes around. She is such a silly dog. Many days I come home from work and she doesn't bark, but comes running to the door to see me. Other days she comes flying at me, barking loudly as if she didn't know I was there. Sometimes when she is lying on her bed and I walk down the hall and she isn't expecting it - she gets her bark on too. At least we THINK she will bark if a stranger came around unexpectedly. She doesn't bark at the children or grandchildren when they come over - she just jumps on them, pees on the floor, and tries to lick them to death. We keep hoping she will stop the peeing on the floor and jumping part, but since we rarely have visitors, she doesn't remember, and hubby yelling at her to get down doesn't help - in my opinion. Once they are here for awhile, Marley treats them like 'one of the family' and just follows them around.
Hubby is at a men's retreat at church for most of the day. And I can't decide what I want to do. I've done my quiet time, fed Marley and myself, and now here I sit. I do need to run to the drugstore but other than that, no real plans. I COULD clean my room, get on the treadmill, (too warm to take Marley for a walk), exercise, read, sew, cook, bake, well, I guess I could do just about anything. So many choices of things I like to do when I'm alone.
Or I could find someone to make plans for lunch; go shopping, do fun stuff. But for right now, I'm not wanting to make a decision. At least I am out of my pajamas and into clothes. I did progress that far.
I read in my quiet time this morning about the woman who went to Simon's house and anointed Jesus' feet with her tears, and wiped them away with her hair. Simon was bent out of shape because he thought to himself, 'if Jesus only knew what kind of woman she was, He wouldn't allow this'. But Jesus knew his thoughts so told him a story. You can read it for yourself in Luke 7:39-48.
Two men owed money to a moneylender. One owed much, the other only a little, but neither had the money to pay what he owed, so the moneylender canceled the debts of both. Then Jesus asked Simon to summarize which debtor loved the moneylender most. The answer was obvious, but Simon's words "I suppose" revealed his reluctance to acknowledge it. After Simon pinpointed the one with the bigger debt canceled, Christ said, "You have judged correctly". Interestingly, Simon had been judging throughout the whole ordeal. It was just the first time he had judged correctly.
Christ then brought the story to life. He compared the way Simon and the sinful woman had responded to Him. All three times Christ's description of Simon's actions began with the unsettling words, "You did not." How poignant. One of the surest signs of an ancient - or modern-day - "Pharisee" is a life characterized far more by what he or she does not do than what he or she does.
I love how Beth Moore ends her interpretation of the story - "No, Simon. You did not sleep around. You did not take bribes. You did not externalize your depravity. But as well, you did not give Me any water for My feet. You did not give Me a kiss. You did not put oil on My head. You did not see yourself as a sinner, and you did not receive My gift of grace - but she did."
He packs the punch into the living parable in verse 47. "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Not because that's the way it has to be, but because that's the reality of our human tendency.
I feel so many times we make small our many sins, telling ourselves that they aren't big enough to worry about. But they are. Even the smallest white lie. Even the thought that filters through our mind when we see someone that we know something about, or watch others at the mall and criticize them in our mind. We are all guilty of those things. When we confess them, we are forgiven.
I know I have been forgiven much, for I had (and have) much that need forgiven. I thank God that He doesn't give up on me. Even when I fall flat on my face, He is there for me, to help me see what I have done through His eyes, and forgive me, and set me on the right path (once I confess it to Him). Others may not forgive as easily, but He forgives - and forgets - never to bring up again.
If you are continuously reminded of your sin - and you have confessed it and been forgiven - it isn't God who brings it constantly to your mind. It is the devil trying to make you feel you haven't been forgiven. The devil wants to keep you down, keep you in sin, keep you under his feet.
But Jesus Christ went to the cross for you, and for me. He died on that cross, taking all our sins with Him. And He rose again, giving us eternal life with Him. It's all about Jesus. God, who became man, so that He could die for our sins, as the lambs were sacrificed and their blood shed for the sins of old, His blood was shed for us on the cross. His blood covers us, and we are redeemed and set free. Hallelujah.
Are you Simon - or the forgiven woman?
Blessings!
Hubby is at a men's retreat at church for most of the day. And I can't decide what I want to do. I've done my quiet time, fed Marley and myself, and now here I sit. I do need to run to the drugstore but other than that, no real plans. I COULD clean my room, get on the treadmill, (too warm to take Marley for a walk), exercise, read, sew, cook, bake, well, I guess I could do just about anything. So many choices of things I like to do when I'm alone.
Or I could find someone to make plans for lunch; go shopping, do fun stuff. But for right now, I'm not wanting to make a decision. At least I am out of my pajamas and into clothes. I did progress that far.
I read in my quiet time this morning about the woman who went to Simon's house and anointed Jesus' feet with her tears, and wiped them away with her hair. Simon was bent out of shape because he thought to himself, 'if Jesus only knew what kind of woman she was, He wouldn't allow this'. But Jesus knew his thoughts so told him a story. You can read it for yourself in Luke 7:39-48.
Two men owed money to a moneylender. One owed much, the other only a little, but neither had the money to pay what he owed, so the moneylender canceled the debts of both. Then Jesus asked Simon to summarize which debtor loved the moneylender most. The answer was obvious, but Simon's words "I suppose" revealed his reluctance to acknowledge it. After Simon pinpointed the one with the bigger debt canceled, Christ said, "You have judged correctly". Interestingly, Simon had been judging throughout the whole ordeal. It was just the first time he had judged correctly.
Christ then brought the story to life. He compared the way Simon and the sinful woman had responded to Him. All three times Christ's description of Simon's actions began with the unsettling words, "You did not." How poignant. One of the surest signs of an ancient - or modern-day - "Pharisee" is a life characterized far more by what he or she does not do than what he or she does.
I love how Beth Moore ends her interpretation of the story - "No, Simon. You did not sleep around. You did not take bribes. You did not externalize your depravity. But as well, you did not give Me any water for My feet. You did not give Me a kiss. You did not put oil on My head. You did not see yourself as a sinner, and you did not receive My gift of grace - but she did."
He packs the punch into the living parable in verse 47. "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Not because that's the way it has to be, but because that's the reality of our human tendency.
I feel so many times we make small our many sins, telling ourselves that they aren't big enough to worry about. But they are. Even the smallest white lie. Even the thought that filters through our mind when we see someone that we know something about, or watch others at the mall and criticize them in our mind. We are all guilty of those things. When we confess them, we are forgiven.
I know I have been forgiven much, for I had (and have) much that need forgiven. I thank God that He doesn't give up on me. Even when I fall flat on my face, He is there for me, to help me see what I have done through His eyes, and forgive me, and set me on the right path (once I confess it to Him). Others may not forgive as easily, but He forgives - and forgets - never to bring up again.
If you are continuously reminded of your sin - and you have confessed it and been forgiven - it isn't God who brings it constantly to your mind. It is the devil trying to make you feel you haven't been forgiven. The devil wants to keep you down, keep you in sin, keep you under his feet.
But Jesus Christ went to the cross for you, and for me. He died on that cross, taking all our sins with Him. And He rose again, giving us eternal life with Him. It's all about Jesus. God, who became man, so that He could die for our sins, as the lambs were sacrificed and their blood shed for the sins of old, His blood was shed for us on the cross. His blood covers us, and we are redeemed and set free. Hallelujah.
Are you Simon - or the forgiven woman?
Blessings!
Friday, September 19, 2014
It's Friday!!
It has been an interesting and long week. Sorta kinda. I had high hopes of working from home a couple days - and didn't cause it didn't rain - but of course I could, but I felt I needed to come in as I had a couple meetings I needed to attend. And then there is today - I could have worked from home today - Friday - but there is a lunch meeting to which I am invited to. It isn't one of "my" meetings so I don't have to take minutes, but I get to go and attend. Months ago Compliance sent out an email if anyone wanted to join this meeting - and, being the nosey person I am, I thought Why Not? So I responded I wanted to. The first meeting I had no idea why I was invited to it as I had forgotten months earlier I had responded I wanted to attend.
But now I do know, and I got my binder (complete with my name on it) for today's meeting. I could have still stayed home and called in - but hey, Compliance orders really, really good lunches most of the time. I think last time was pizza and salad and spaghetti and meatballs - but the time before that was chicken picata, salads, and I can't remember what else was there. I'm hoping for a BAD lunch today cause I am on this weight loss challenge and I don't want to give in and indulge too much. Pizza I will bypass and just eat salad. But the other - well, I'll just have to wait and see. The menu could be anything. The killer will be dessert - it's usually brownies, or cookies, or something else really, really good. So, I came to work to go to the meeting so that I could have good food. :-) Is there a better reason? LOL Seriously, it is always good to know what the company is doing so I enjoy hearing someone else talk and know that someone else has prepared the binders! And I didn't have to pack a lunch.
Speaking of weight loss challenge, I've done pretty good all week and anticipate at least a couple pounds lost - providing I can hold on to reality over the weekend. Last night I had dinner with one of my daughters-in-law and we went to Sweet Tomatoes. I think I did pretty good. I limited myself to one plate of salad and stuck to lettuce and things that go on it. Then a half bowl of really, really good tomato soup. And of course I had to have a few slices of the foccicha (Sp) bread - you know which kind I mean. It's the ones they cut in a 1"x2" piece next to the pizza. Yeah, them. Oh so good. And I had a baked sweet potato with nothing on it. And the killer was..... a small bowl of ice cream with caramel and chocolate and nuts. Still, I left feeling 'satisfied' and not 'stuffed' as I usually am. It was a nice time and good conversation.
My beloved pastor is in town this weekend for the church's men's conference. I'm pretty sure EVERYONE wants a piece of his time so I haven't asked for any. He is speaking at church on Sunday so I will get to see him then - and am so looking forward to seeing him, and hearing him speak again. He really spoiled me as far as other pastors. I know he had some faults, but what I saw was a man who was truly a servant to others, and just showed love, no matter what. To me, he was a great example of what a pastor/shepherd should be. I struggle with other pastors because of his example. Although the pastors at this one church we have been going to with our daughter really show love and friendship when we have met a couple of them. I love their interaction with us even though they don't know us beyond seeing us in the crowd.
Kind of like Jesus, I think. He always walked through the crowds and looked people in the eye. He had compassion, love, and care for each one. I miss that in some of our pastors. They may say hello to you, but they are looking around to see who else they need to go speak to. Rarely eye contact and will not let you get close to them. I miss that.
Wow - where does the time go! Looks like it's 8AM and I need to get off this and busy with work. Hope you have a great weekend.
Blessings!
But now I do know, and I got my binder (complete with my name on it) for today's meeting. I could have still stayed home and called in - but hey, Compliance orders really, really good lunches most of the time. I think last time was pizza and salad and spaghetti and meatballs - but the time before that was chicken picata, salads, and I can't remember what else was there. I'm hoping for a BAD lunch today cause I am on this weight loss challenge and I don't want to give in and indulge too much. Pizza I will bypass and just eat salad. But the other - well, I'll just have to wait and see. The menu could be anything. The killer will be dessert - it's usually brownies, or cookies, or something else really, really good. So, I came to work to go to the meeting so that I could have good food. :-) Is there a better reason? LOL Seriously, it is always good to know what the company is doing so I enjoy hearing someone else talk and know that someone else has prepared the binders! And I didn't have to pack a lunch.
Speaking of weight loss challenge, I've done pretty good all week and anticipate at least a couple pounds lost - providing I can hold on to reality over the weekend. Last night I had dinner with one of my daughters-in-law and we went to Sweet Tomatoes. I think I did pretty good. I limited myself to one plate of salad and stuck to lettuce and things that go on it. Then a half bowl of really, really good tomato soup. And of course I had to have a few slices of the foccicha (Sp) bread - you know which kind I mean. It's the ones they cut in a 1"x2" piece next to the pizza. Yeah, them. Oh so good. And I had a baked sweet potato with nothing on it. And the killer was..... a small bowl of ice cream with caramel and chocolate and nuts. Still, I left feeling 'satisfied' and not 'stuffed' as I usually am. It was a nice time and good conversation.
My beloved pastor is in town this weekend for the church's men's conference. I'm pretty sure EVERYONE wants a piece of his time so I haven't asked for any. He is speaking at church on Sunday so I will get to see him then - and am so looking forward to seeing him, and hearing him speak again. He really spoiled me as far as other pastors. I know he had some faults, but what I saw was a man who was truly a servant to others, and just showed love, no matter what. To me, he was a great example of what a pastor/shepherd should be. I struggle with other pastors because of his example. Although the pastors at this one church we have been going to with our daughter really show love and friendship when we have met a couple of them. I love their interaction with us even though they don't know us beyond seeing us in the crowd.
Kind of like Jesus, I think. He always walked through the crowds and looked people in the eye. He had compassion, love, and care for each one. I miss that in some of our pastors. They may say hello to you, but they are looking around to see who else they need to go speak to. Rarely eye contact and will not let you get close to them. I miss that.
Wow - where does the time go! Looks like it's 8AM and I need to get off this and busy with work. Hope you have a great weekend.
Blessings!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
He never lets go.
I had a revelation this morning. As I was doing my quiet time and reading in a book, I read this - based on Luke 7:23-30.
The original word for "blessed" is makarios. Revel in this definition of the term: "Biblically, one is pronounced blessed when God is present and involved in his/her life. The Hand of God is at work directing all his/her affairs for a divine purpose, and thus, in a sense, such a person lives coram Deo, before the face of God. Luke 7:23 tells us these words apply to the person who doesn't fall away on account of Christ.
What does "falling away" mean? The Greek word, skandalon, means "a cause of stumbling". Add the meanings of these two definitions and we arrive at the following sum total in Luke 7:23: "The Hand of God is at work directing divine purpose, or blessing, in all the affairs of the one who doesn't let the perceived activity or inactivity of Christ trap him or make him stumble."
So why did this speak to me? Because of happenings of the past year I have allowed my spirit to be crushed, to the point of death at times. I may have used bad judgement at times, but I never lied, and I never did or said anything that I regret, other than the way it was received. So why was I feeling so defeated, so crushed? Because I couldn't see God's hand in it. I didn't understand why He allowed it to happen. On all levels. Why He allowed close friendships, relationships, and bonds to be broken down. And others built up.
Reading the above gave me hope. It stirred some life in me. I AM BLESSED. God IS involved in my life. He has never left me nor forsaken me. His Hand has always been upon me. He never let go of me.
I allowed others to put me down, to tell me I was a phony, to take situations and make themselves look good. What I said happen, did happen. Maybe I shouldn't have told it. I thought it was funny. Unfortunately, others were embarrassed, or offended. Maybe I shouldn't have said some things, though true. I usually just 'take it' - and this time I spoke up. And because I did, the pedestal I had people on broke as I watched the relationship break down. I still sit and wonder where all the venom came from. Doesn't mean I won't make mistakes or that other people will miscontrue my words or heart. Doesn't mean judgement won't be made. Doesn't mean I won't misunderstand comments. It only means I am human, just like others in my world. Life happens. It's how I deal with what happens to me. Will I choose to laugh, or blame. I want to laugh.
"The Hand of God is at work directing divine purpose, or blessing, in all the affairs of the one who doesn't let the perceived activity or inactivity of Christ trap him or make him stumble." Although my walk with God didn't cause me to stumble, I wondered where He was in all of my life. He seemed to have stepped back, and I couldn't find Him. But I consistently sought His face and His hand as I have for years. I poured out my sorrow and grief, my pain of loss, my despair. I now realize that He never left me, He was still at work directing my life, my affairs. Perhaps it was a test to see if I would stumble. If I truly believe what I say I believe. I don't have to be all bubbly all the time and pretend that life is wonderful. I don't have to seek other people's opinions of my life or my walk. I only answer to Him. I am who I am because I am made in God's image. His Word says so, and His Word tells me how I am to live. And God doesn't make junk. He may not be finished with me yet, but I know on Whom my hope is built, that He will never leave me, never forsake me.
I'm grabbing hold of His hand, and I'm hanging on for the journey. It's the first day of the rest of my life. I want to make it count.
"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone." - Audrey Hepburn
Blessings!
The original word for "blessed" is makarios. Revel in this definition of the term: "Biblically, one is pronounced blessed when God is present and involved in his/her life. The Hand of God is at work directing all his/her affairs for a divine purpose, and thus, in a sense, such a person lives coram Deo, before the face of God. Luke 7:23 tells us these words apply to the person who doesn't fall away on account of Christ.
What does "falling away" mean? The Greek word, skandalon, means "a cause of stumbling". Add the meanings of these two definitions and we arrive at the following sum total in Luke 7:23: "The Hand of God is at work directing divine purpose, or blessing, in all the affairs of the one who doesn't let the perceived activity or inactivity of Christ trap him or make him stumble."
So why did this speak to me? Because of happenings of the past year I have allowed my spirit to be crushed, to the point of death at times. I may have used bad judgement at times, but I never lied, and I never did or said anything that I regret, other than the way it was received. So why was I feeling so defeated, so crushed? Because I couldn't see God's hand in it. I didn't understand why He allowed it to happen. On all levels. Why He allowed close friendships, relationships, and bonds to be broken down. And others built up.
Reading the above gave me hope. It stirred some life in me. I AM BLESSED. God IS involved in my life. He has never left me nor forsaken me. His Hand has always been upon me. He never let go of me.
I allowed others to put me down, to tell me I was a phony, to take situations and make themselves look good. What I said happen, did happen. Maybe I shouldn't have told it. I thought it was funny. Unfortunately, others were embarrassed, or offended. Maybe I shouldn't have said some things, though true. I usually just 'take it' - and this time I spoke up. And because I did, the pedestal I had people on broke as I watched the relationship break down. I still sit and wonder where all the venom came from. Doesn't mean I won't make mistakes or that other people will miscontrue my words or heart. Doesn't mean judgement won't be made. Doesn't mean I won't misunderstand comments. It only means I am human, just like others in my world. Life happens. It's how I deal with what happens to me. Will I choose to laugh, or blame. I want to laugh.
"The Hand of God is at work directing divine purpose, or blessing, in all the affairs of the one who doesn't let the perceived activity or inactivity of Christ trap him or make him stumble." Although my walk with God didn't cause me to stumble, I wondered where He was in all of my life. He seemed to have stepped back, and I couldn't find Him. But I consistently sought His face and His hand as I have for years. I poured out my sorrow and grief, my pain of loss, my despair. I now realize that He never left me, He was still at work directing my life, my affairs. Perhaps it was a test to see if I would stumble. If I truly believe what I say I believe. I don't have to be all bubbly all the time and pretend that life is wonderful. I don't have to seek other people's opinions of my life or my walk. I only answer to Him. I am who I am because I am made in God's image. His Word says so, and His Word tells me how I am to live. And God doesn't make junk. He may not be finished with me yet, but I know on Whom my hope is built, that He will never leave me, never forsake me.
I'm grabbing hold of His hand, and I'm hanging on for the journey. It's the first day of the rest of my life. I want to make it count.
"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone." - Audrey Hepburn
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
My Boss is Possessive of ME!!
I love it! Yesterday my boss was in a strategy meeting with the President and CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Medical Officer, the Vice President of Compliance, and..... I don't remember. Anyway, whoever goes to a strategy meeting for the company.
As my boss related to me later yesterday afternoon, the conversation turned to administrative assistants, and how few there are in this company. My boss says she immediately told the CEO, "You can't have mine!" So he asked what I did.
I didn't realize my boss knew what all I did - and yet, she nearly captured it all. She told him I did all the meetings for Quality (QIC, QMPI, HEDIS) including schedules, binders and meals, meeting minutes, agendas, etc. I handle Provider Relations/MM meetings - schedule, agendas, minutes, etc. I handle medical management meetings - which include a lot of other things. I handle Pharmacy meetings, schedules, minutes, binders, etc. I handle prior authorization schedules, minutes, agendas, meals, etc., I handle long term care minutes, agendas, etc. etc. and "lots of other duties as assigned". I don't remember what I do - I just do it when it is due!
Anyway, the CEO commented about the AA who is supposed to be supporting him. He tells her he wants a meeting, she decides on a time, makes it, and doesn't care whose meeting it hits against. She may - or may not - order food. She doesn't take minutes, nor does she type them. She never cleans up after a meeting but leaves it for other AAs to clean up.
The CEO asked my boss how he could get this other person to be more productive (like me) - my boss responded - "How do you teach someone to care about their job?"
Wow. It felt good for my boss to straight out say she didn't want me to move to the 'other side' and help HER boss. I feel good that she realized how much I do and how I am careful to get everything done timely. Do I make mistakes? Yeah, more often than I want to admit. One of my biggest fears is that I will have a lunch or breakfast meeting - and forget to order food. That, and forgetting to reserve the conference room. It really felt good that she told the CEO how I think ahead and check things - I have moved an important quarterly meeting with outside doctors from Thursday this week to next Tuesday because of the possibility of heavy rain today and tomorrow. I had food ordered so had to make sure it got moved as well.
It just felt good and I felt appreciated and valued. and the CEO told he couldn't have me! I love it!
In fact, what I have been writing about at work to send with my reports is about influencing others and encouraging them. I am going to include a small portion of what I shared this morning here - it's just good stuff. And no, I didn't write it. Written by John Maxwell.
Just as encouragement makes others want to follow you, withholding praise and encouragement has the opposite effect. We read an account by Dr. Maxwell Maltz that shows the incredible negative impact a person can have when he doesn’t encourage persons close to him. Maltz described a woman who came to his office seeking his help. Evidently, her son had moved from her home in the Midwest to New York where Maltz had his practice. When their son was only a boy, the woman’s husband died, and she ran his business, hoping to do so only until the son became old enough to take it over. But when the son became old enough, he didn’t want to be involved with it. Instead, he wanted to go to New York and study. She came to Maltz because she wanted him to find out why her son had behaved that way.
A few days later the son came to Maltz’s office, explaining that his mother had insisted on the visit. “I love my mother,” he explained, “But I’ve never told her why I had to leave home. I’ve just never had the courage. And I don’t want her to be unhappy. But you see, Doctor, I don’t want to take over what my father started. I want to make it on my own.”
“That’s very admirable,” Martz said to him, “But what do you have against your father?”
“My father was a good man and worked hard, but I suppose I resented him,” he said. “My father came up the hard way. And he thought he should be tough on me. I guess he wanted to build self-reliance in me or something. When I was a boy, he never encouraged me. I can remember playing catch with him out in the yard. He’d pitch and I’d catch. We had a game to see if I could catch ten balls in a row. And, Doctor, he’d never let me catch the tenth ball! He’d throw eight or nine to me, but he always threw the tenth ball into the air, or into the ground, or where I couldn’t’ catch it.” The young man paused for a moment and then said, “He would never let me catch the tenth ball – never! And I guess I had to leave home and the business he started because I wanted somehow to catch that tenth ball!”
Lack of encouragement can hinder a person from living a healthy, productive life. But when a person feels encouraged, he can face the impossible and overcome incredible adversity. And the person who gives the gift of encouragement becomes an influencer in his life.
Become a positive influence in someone's life today. Perhaps your son or daughter - or wife or husband - needs an encouraging word. Or perhaps it is a co-worker that needs some encouragement. Find something to compliment them on. It can make their day. And you may be get a positive comment back. It could change your day.
Happy Hump Day!
Blessings!
As my boss related to me later yesterday afternoon, the conversation turned to administrative assistants, and how few there are in this company. My boss says she immediately told the CEO, "You can't have mine!" So he asked what I did.
I didn't realize my boss knew what all I did - and yet, she nearly captured it all. She told him I did all the meetings for Quality (QIC, QMPI, HEDIS) including schedules, binders and meals, meeting minutes, agendas, etc. I handle Provider Relations/MM meetings - schedule, agendas, minutes, etc. I handle medical management meetings - which include a lot of other things. I handle Pharmacy meetings, schedules, minutes, binders, etc. I handle prior authorization schedules, minutes, agendas, meals, etc., I handle long term care minutes, agendas, etc. etc. and "lots of other duties as assigned". I don't remember what I do - I just do it when it is due!
Anyway, the CEO commented about the AA who is supposed to be supporting him. He tells her he wants a meeting, she decides on a time, makes it, and doesn't care whose meeting it hits against. She may - or may not - order food. She doesn't take minutes, nor does she type them. She never cleans up after a meeting but leaves it for other AAs to clean up.
The CEO asked my boss how he could get this other person to be more productive (like me) - my boss responded - "How do you teach someone to care about their job?"
Wow. It felt good for my boss to straight out say she didn't want me to move to the 'other side' and help HER boss. I feel good that she realized how much I do and how I am careful to get everything done timely. Do I make mistakes? Yeah, more often than I want to admit. One of my biggest fears is that I will have a lunch or breakfast meeting - and forget to order food. That, and forgetting to reserve the conference room. It really felt good that she told the CEO how I think ahead and check things - I have moved an important quarterly meeting with outside doctors from Thursday this week to next Tuesday because of the possibility of heavy rain today and tomorrow. I had food ordered so had to make sure it got moved as well.
It just felt good and I felt appreciated and valued. and the CEO told he couldn't have me! I love it!
In fact, what I have been writing about at work to send with my reports is about influencing others and encouraging them. I am going to include a small portion of what I shared this morning here - it's just good stuff. And no, I didn't write it. Written by John Maxwell.
Just as encouragement makes others want to follow you, withholding praise and encouragement has the opposite effect. We read an account by Dr. Maxwell Maltz that shows the incredible negative impact a person can have when he doesn’t encourage persons close to him. Maltz described a woman who came to his office seeking his help. Evidently, her son had moved from her home in the Midwest to New York where Maltz had his practice. When their son was only a boy, the woman’s husband died, and she ran his business, hoping to do so only until the son became old enough to take it over. But when the son became old enough, he didn’t want to be involved with it. Instead, he wanted to go to New York and study. She came to Maltz because she wanted him to find out why her son had behaved that way.
A few days later the son came to Maltz’s office, explaining that his mother had insisted on the visit. “I love my mother,” he explained, “But I’ve never told her why I had to leave home. I’ve just never had the courage. And I don’t want her to be unhappy. But you see, Doctor, I don’t want to take over what my father started. I want to make it on my own.”
“That’s very admirable,” Martz said to him, “But what do you have against your father?”
“My father was a good man and worked hard, but I suppose I resented him,” he said. “My father came up the hard way. And he thought he should be tough on me. I guess he wanted to build self-reliance in me or something. When I was a boy, he never encouraged me. I can remember playing catch with him out in the yard. He’d pitch and I’d catch. We had a game to see if I could catch ten balls in a row. And, Doctor, he’d never let me catch the tenth ball! He’d throw eight or nine to me, but he always threw the tenth ball into the air, or into the ground, or where I couldn’t’ catch it.” The young man paused for a moment and then said, “He would never let me catch the tenth ball – never! And I guess I had to leave home and the business he started because I wanted somehow to catch that tenth ball!”
Lack of encouragement can hinder a person from living a healthy, productive life. But when a person feels encouraged, he can face the impossible and overcome incredible adversity. And the person who gives the gift of encouragement becomes an influencer in his life.
Become a positive influence in someone's life today. Perhaps your son or daughter - or wife or husband - needs an encouraging word. Or perhaps it is a co-worker that needs some encouragement. Find something to compliment them on. It can make their day. And you may be get a positive comment back. It could change your day.
Happy Hump Day!
Blessings!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Dreams - do they mean anything?
I read my son's blog yesterday after I had written mine, and I remembered a dream I had had the night before. Talk about weird!
This is all I remember of it -
I'm laying in a hospital bed - but I don't know why. I'm texting my boss and I don't know what I sent her, but her response was, "Next they will tear out your toenails."
I started texting "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" and as I glanced down at my toes, two were bandaged and only one nail was showing still there. Still screaming 'NOOOOOOO!!!' I woke up.
Talk about a weird dream. I came into the office yesterday and told my boss about it - and asked her if she had some sort of vengence against me. She laughed. Not a sinister laugh,but still, a laugh.
What makes us dream such stuff?
I must admit, it made me think about it - wondering if it had a meaning to it. Is something going to happen that is going to be like pulling toenails? That severity of pain?
I don't know. I couldn't think of anything. But then, I have no control over life.
Heck, I barely can control my eating habits! But I did good on day one. Hopefully I can survive day 2. I was disappointed in my weight and body fat percentage yesterday- but I can't deny what the scales said. It is what it is.
But I will do what I can to change that.
Rain is coming into town today. We've already received notices from work that we may be asked to work from home within the next couple days. I'm going to take my computer and work home with me tonight. Going to see about cancelling a couple meetings scheduled for Thursday - one is a lunch meeting and we have outside docs coming to it. I'd feel bad if the building was closed (our basement flooded the last time) and food arrived or the docs came. May be able to move it to next week.
Be safe out there today - have a good day!
Blessings!
This is all I remember of it -
I'm laying in a hospital bed - but I don't know why. I'm texting my boss and I don't know what I sent her, but her response was, "Next they will tear out your toenails."
I started texting "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" and as I glanced down at my toes, two were bandaged and only one nail was showing still there. Still screaming 'NOOOOOOO!!!' I woke up.
Talk about a weird dream. I came into the office yesterday and told my boss about it - and asked her if she had some sort of vengence against me. She laughed. Not a sinister laugh,but still, a laugh.
What makes us dream such stuff?
I must admit, it made me think about it - wondering if it had a meaning to it. Is something going to happen that is going to be like pulling toenails? That severity of pain?
I don't know. I couldn't think of anything. But then, I have no control over life.
Heck, I barely can control my eating habits! But I did good on day one. Hopefully I can survive day 2. I was disappointed in my weight and body fat percentage yesterday- but I can't deny what the scales said. It is what it is.
But I will do what I can to change that.
Rain is coming into town today. We've already received notices from work that we may be asked to work from home within the next couple days. I'm going to take my computer and work home with me tonight. Going to see about cancelling a couple meetings scheduled for Thursday - one is a lunch meeting and we have outside docs coming to it. I'd feel bad if the building was closed (our basement flooded the last time) and food arrived or the docs came. May be able to move it to next week.
Be safe out there today - have a good day!
Blessings!
Monday, September 15, 2014
New Week, New Weight Loss Plan.... sigh....
I think I am finally motivated to do something about my weight. Maybe. I get motivated and then I fall off the wagon. I'm addicted to food, just as much as an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol. I love food. I love fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried okra, french fries, fried potatoes, fried anything. I love potatoes - baked (with lots of sour cream and butter) and fried (especially if pats of butter has drizzled over it while frying). I love pies, cakes, ice cream - and most things chocolate.
Moderation is a difficult word for me. Easy to say. Hard to follow.
But, last week some of the people in my area (which does have a few 'fluffy' people) decided to start a weight loss challenge in our area. I've wanted to start one since the beginning of the year and couldn't get HR to give me a response (as it was going to be company wide)so I just gave up. This one is just the area I work in - I'm not sure how many are going to participate, but there are about ten of us I think, that would. The cost is $20 and 'winner takes all' and it is based on body fat percentage lost only. Now, if a couple of these people are really serious, they could easily walk away with the $$ as they have more to lose than I do. But, with being based on body fat percentage, I do stand a chance. And even if I don't, I will still be a winner if I can get some of this weight off.
The fifteen pounds I lost the other year in our weight loss challenge here at work, well, I easily gained back this past year. I blame it on stress (I am a stress-eater) and all the issues going on within family situations. It didn't matter if I was in the middle of it or not, it affected me. And so, I ate. and Ate. and Ate. And now I'm fat again. I'd really like to lose about 30 pounds, but I'm not going to stress out on that - if I can lose that 15 I think I would be ok. At least my clothes would fit me better - and some would fit me once again. sigh.
So anyway, the contest starts today - we get weighed in this morning between 8-9AM. I have been good thus far. I had my protein shake for breakfast and I brought a light lunch. I told hubby I will figure out dinner when I get home - it takes too much thinking to try to figure out what to have in the morning for that night. Since he hasn't been fixing dinner until I get home anyway, I may as well think about it on the way home, and then get it started.
Oh yeah, hubby decided he is going to do diet with me and has gone back to the gym this morning. Of course his doctor had told him to work out four days a week - so he needs the motivation too. I do have my treadmill at home and I will be utilizing it more. I do belong to the gym and I will go there as well, but like tonight, I think I will do the treadmill tonight after dinner, then go to the gym tomorrow night so that I can do the circuit. Planet Fitness is only $10/month and there is a new one at 35th Ave & Peoria. It is really different than 24 hour fitness. I mean, you don't have the extra room for zumba, or bikes or whatever else they did in there. You have treadmills, bikes, stairs, a circuit or two, some weights. They also have sections around the gym that you can focus on certain areas, i.e., abs, circuit training, shoulders, legs, etc. that contain that equipment. I'll see how all that works for me once I get going. Again. I haven't been for a few weeks. Stubbornness I guess.
But, if I want to be a winner I am going to have to exercise. I don't know of any others here that exercise - and if they do it just by diet, I stand a chance to win. If I remain focused. But then again, some do the Atkins Diet and they do lose the weight quickly. This time frame is from today (9/15) to December 5th. Why stop then? Our Christmas party is December 13th and the goal is to 'look good' at the Christmas party.
So starting today I am getting back on track. What about you? From the challenge I had issued the first of the year my son in law and daughter both won by losing 10% of their body weight by June 1st. It looks like they are keeping it off and/or losing more so I may be out another couple hundred by the end of the year. Good for them. My son challenged me, but unfortunately, I didn't take him up on it. Unless it was by the end of the year and I still stand that chance. 16.5 pounds (Yeah, I'm at the 165 mark) - I have time to do this!!
Join with me - let's do this!! Let's get healthy!!
Blessings!
Moderation is a difficult word for me. Easy to say. Hard to follow.
But, last week some of the people in my area (which does have a few 'fluffy' people) decided to start a weight loss challenge in our area. I've wanted to start one since the beginning of the year and couldn't get HR to give me a response (as it was going to be company wide)so I just gave up. This one is just the area I work in - I'm not sure how many are going to participate, but there are about ten of us I think, that would. The cost is $20 and 'winner takes all' and it is based on body fat percentage lost only. Now, if a couple of these people are really serious, they could easily walk away with the $$ as they have more to lose than I do. But, with being based on body fat percentage, I do stand a chance. And even if I don't, I will still be a winner if I can get some of this weight off.
The fifteen pounds I lost the other year in our weight loss challenge here at work, well, I easily gained back this past year. I blame it on stress (I am a stress-eater) and all the issues going on within family situations. It didn't matter if I was in the middle of it or not, it affected me. And so, I ate. and Ate. and Ate. And now I'm fat again. I'd really like to lose about 30 pounds, but I'm not going to stress out on that - if I can lose that 15 I think I would be ok. At least my clothes would fit me better - and some would fit me once again. sigh.
So anyway, the contest starts today - we get weighed in this morning between 8-9AM. I have been good thus far. I had my protein shake for breakfast and I brought a light lunch. I told hubby I will figure out dinner when I get home - it takes too much thinking to try to figure out what to have in the morning for that night. Since he hasn't been fixing dinner until I get home anyway, I may as well think about it on the way home, and then get it started.
Oh yeah, hubby decided he is going to do diet with me and has gone back to the gym this morning. Of course his doctor had told him to work out four days a week - so he needs the motivation too. I do have my treadmill at home and I will be utilizing it more. I do belong to the gym and I will go there as well, but like tonight, I think I will do the treadmill tonight after dinner, then go to the gym tomorrow night so that I can do the circuit. Planet Fitness is only $10/month and there is a new one at 35th Ave & Peoria. It is really different than 24 hour fitness. I mean, you don't have the extra room for zumba, or bikes or whatever else they did in there. You have treadmills, bikes, stairs, a circuit or two, some weights. They also have sections around the gym that you can focus on certain areas, i.e., abs, circuit training, shoulders, legs, etc. that contain that equipment. I'll see how all that works for me once I get going. Again. I haven't been for a few weeks. Stubbornness I guess.
But, if I want to be a winner I am going to have to exercise. I don't know of any others here that exercise - and if they do it just by diet, I stand a chance to win. If I remain focused. But then again, some do the Atkins Diet and they do lose the weight quickly. This time frame is from today (9/15) to December 5th. Why stop then? Our Christmas party is December 13th and the goal is to 'look good' at the Christmas party.
So starting today I am getting back on track. What about you? From the challenge I had issued the first of the year my son in law and daughter both won by losing 10% of their body weight by June 1st. It looks like they are keeping it off and/or losing more so I may be out another couple hundred by the end of the year. Good for them. My son challenged me, but unfortunately, I didn't take him up on it. Unless it was by the end of the year and I still stand that chance. 16.5 pounds (Yeah, I'm at the 165 mark) - I have time to do this!!
Join with me - let's do this!! Let's get healthy!!
Blessings!
Friday, September 12, 2014
Respect - what do you do with it? Do you give it? Do you receive it?
There was a woman who moved to a small town. After being there a short time, she complained to her neighbor about the poor service she received at the local drugstore. She was hoping her new acquaintance would repeat her criticism to the store’s owner.
The next time the newcomer went to the drugstore, the druggist greeted her with a big smile, told her how happy he was to see her again, and said he hoped she liked their town. He also offered himself as a resource to the woman and her husband as they got settled. Then he took care of her order quickly and efficiently.
Later the woman reported the incredible change to her friend. “I suppose you told him how poor I thought the service was?” she declared.
“Well, no,” the neighbor said. “In fact – and I hope you don’t mind – I told him you were amazed at the way he had built up this small town drugstore, and that you thought it was one of the best-run drugstores you’d ever seen.”
That woman’s neighbor understood that people respond to respect. In fact, most people will do nearly anything for you if you treat them respectfully. And that means making it clear to them that their feelings are important, their preferences are respected, and their opinions valuable. It means giving them the benefit of the doubt. Or as poet-philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “Every man is entitled to be valued by his best moments.”
Where love focuses on giving to others, respect shows a willingness to receive from them. Respect acknowledges another person’s ability or potential to contribute. Listening to other people and putting their agenda ahead of your own reflect your respect for them and have the potential to make you and them more successful. According to a recent study by Teleometrics International reported in the Wall Street Journal, executives understand the power of respect. Among the sixteen thousand executives surveyed, the researchers concentrated on a group of high achievers. Within that group, all had positive attitudes about their subordinates, frequently sought their advice, regularly listened to their concerns, and treated them with respect.
If you have had the opportunity to work in many environments, and you have worked bot both types of people – those who have and those who have not shown you respect – you understand how motivational respect can be. And you also know that you are more easily influenced by people who treat you well.
I have both types of people here in my office. I have a director who is not respectful of others. She will send horrible emails in which she will say 'you will do this or there will be consequences'. No if, and, or but. When I worked in that department, I received that (along with the rest of the department) email and it wasn't directed at me personally, but at one person who wasn't working. This person is no longer here, but at that time she would watch videos on her computer, do her homework doing work hours, use the printer for personal business... in fact, I think I have written about her a couple years ago. Anyway, I forwarded that email to my current boss and told her that this type of email should not be going out - it was disrespectful.
Within minutes a second email came out from the director that said "if you were offended by my first email, too bad. I mean what I say". Nice. Disrespectful. We all knew who it was directed at, and yet, we all received the same email and felt the same beaten feeling. I was appalled that a director level person would send such an email.
Disrespect. Respect.
If you want people to respect you, then you need to treat other people with respect. You should never criticize to tear down to your level, but build up and encourage. The better they succeed, the better you look. Why? Because you are a part of their lives.
Sometimes we try to live life through our children, encouraging them to be successful and pushing them to excel in everything. Sometimes that is detrimental for that isn't where their heart is. And when you focus more on one than the other, it makes the other feel less important (providing you have more than one child). If that one child should fail, it could crush them beyond repair, for their disappointment is not in what happened, but that you were disappointed in them.
Then there are those we don't encourage to become anything at all. Why? Because we didn't know how to. We were never encouraged as a child, so how would that be a learned thing? Unfortunately that will pass on to generation after generation unless someone will step up and begin the art of encouraging others and teaching them to respect others. When you show others respect, you will receive it as well.
I think that is one of many reasons I love my boss. She is an amazing woman. She and I always encourage each other to succeed in different things, we build each other's ideas up, we present opportunities to succeed. I am who I am today because of the model she has given me in the professional world. I succeed because she shows me by example how to do my best. I often tell her my job is to make her look good. I don't want her to fail, therefore, all I do is to make her look good. And she acknowledges my efforts.
Choose today to acknowledge how someone does their job, choose to build up and not tear down. Choose to see yourself as someone who is to be respected.
Blessings!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Remembering 13 years ago.......today.
This morning as I came out of the back part of the house after getting ready for work, my hubby was sitting in a chair in the front room watching TV. That in itself isn't unusual for he watches the news each morning while I'm getting ready. This morning, though, it was different.
The TV was showing the horrific scene taken 13 years ago when the twin towers were hit by the airplanes and, after a short while, falling to the ground in dust. People were covered in gray ashes, walking around, bewildered, confused, hurt, not understanding what had just happened.
My hubby was fighting tears, as I was, standing there watching it all happen.
From September 11 thireen years ago, life changed for so many people. Families were ripped apart. Never to see each other again, with one parent, or both, or a child, perishing that day. For many of us so far away from that scene it still seems unreal. How could something like that happen in this great country of ours? Haven't we always felt safe here? Who had dared invade our country and do such a self-centered and horrible thing?!
It did happen. My heart still breaks for those who are still hurting so badly from their loss. There are many who are still suffering from breathing the particles of air that was pushed from the buildings. There are many still dying because of what happened that day.
And many hearts grieve for these families.
But life does go on. We are still alive, still able to make a difference in this world. What are we doing? Are we sitting on the couch and waiting for other people to step up and do something? Or are we seeing things that we can do and touching lives however we can? Are we making a difference?
I like to think that most people are making a difference, and not finding excuses. People have always been full of excuses. They will throw in a dollar or two when a specific charity is needing donations, but ask them to participate in doing something, and they balk. I must admit that I sometimes fall in that category. I used to throw myself into charities and do things and be really involved. I can't tell you exactly what happened. Why I quit participating. I know even my little bit did make a difference, but, I don't do much anymore. And that makes me sad. I used to go feed the homeless at the shelter. That group disbanded. I helped with special olympics. The group I was with did other things after that. I helped cook and serve food at a men's shelter. The small group I was involved with disbanded. I was involved with many other activities helping others. I retired from that company.
Where I am at now has done a couple things like packing boxes at the food bank (but it is on the way south side of town) and collecting Easter baskets for a shelter (which I helped with) and adopting a couple families at Christmas. I've tried to encourage participation in other activities, but I don't get the warm vibes so I just hush. So I look to see what I can do on my own. But then, I haven't gotten that involved either. I have my own reasons for NOT getting involved, but do what I can, when I can.
I like to participate in the 5Ks that come up for different things. Not just the fun ones, but for those that have a meaning. I don't want to do them on my own, can't afford to pay for more than one, and no one else wants to do it. I do donate blood or platelets whenever I can. I feel that helps someone, somewhere. Maybe I just need to search further, to see what I can do.
I want to make a difference. What about you?
Blessings!
The TV was showing the horrific scene taken 13 years ago when the twin towers were hit by the airplanes and, after a short while, falling to the ground in dust. People were covered in gray ashes, walking around, bewildered, confused, hurt, not understanding what had just happened.
My hubby was fighting tears, as I was, standing there watching it all happen.
From September 11 thireen years ago, life changed for so many people. Families were ripped apart. Never to see each other again, with one parent, or both, or a child, perishing that day. For many of us so far away from that scene it still seems unreal. How could something like that happen in this great country of ours? Haven't we always felt safe here? Who had dared invade our country and do such a self-centered and horrible thing?!
It did happen. My heart still breaks for those who are still hurting so badly from their loss. There are many who are still suffering from breathing the particles of air that was pushed from the buildings. There are many still dying because of what happened that day.
And many hearts grieve for these families.
But life does go on. We are still alive, still able to make a difference in this world. What are we doing? Are we sitting on the couch and waiting for other people to step up and do something? Or are we seeing things that we can do and touching lives however we can? Are we making a difference?
I like to think that most people are making a difference, and not finding excuses. People have always been full of excuses. They will throw in a dollar or two when a specific charity is needing donations, but ask them to participate in doing something, and they balk. I must admit that I sometimes fall in that category. I used to throw myself into charities and do things and be really involved. I can't tell you exactly what happened. Why I quit participating. I know even my little bit did make a difference, but, I don't do much anymore. And that makes me sad. I used to go feed the homeless at the shelter. That group disbanded. I helped with special olympics. The group I was with did other things after that. I helped cook and serve food at a men's shelter. The small group I was involved with disbanded. I was involved with many other activities helping others. I retired from that company.
Where I am at now has done a couple things like packing boxes at the food bank (but it is on the way south side of town) and collecting Easter baskets for a shelter (which I helped with) and adopting a couple families at Christmas. I've tried to encourage participation in other activities, but I don't get the warm vibes so I just hush. So I look to see what I can do on my own. But then, I haven't gotten that involved either. I have my own reasons for NOT getting involved, but do what I can, when I can.
I like to participate in the 5Ks that come up for different things. Not just the fun ones, but for those that have a meaning. I don't want to do them on my own, can't afford to pay for more than one, and no one else wants to do it. I do donate blood or platelets whenever I can. I feel that helps someone, somewhere. Maybe I just need to search further, to see what I can do.
I want to make a difference. What about you?
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
It's gonna be a cherry pie night! Hopefully!
One of my Princesses is coming over tonight to make a cherry pie. We were going to do it Monday evening, but with not feeling well, and not wanting to inflict my cold upon her (assuming that is what it is), I asked her to wait until Wednesday. And that is today. My "cold" has gone from sneezing and a really bad runny nose to this morning where it has settled in my chest and I'm getting the occasional 'cough'. Ick. Oh well, this too shall pass. Right now I'm going from hot and sweaty to cool and comfortable. What's up with that? Office temperature never suits me anyway. It's going to be one of those days. Yesterday I wore a sweater most of the day. Partly to hide my fat belly (I know, do something about it if it bothers me) and partly because I was chilly.
So tonight she and I will be getting together to bake cherry pie. She wants to make it for her boyfriend for his birthday - which is today. Sadly, I am making her wait a day to give it to him, but that is the way it is. I gave her the recipe over the weekend (although I found a much easier one yesterday and plan to use that one) so if she really wanted to give it to him on his birthday, she could have done it herself. But I like her reasoning for waiting to do it with me. "so we can spend some time together." My grandchildren know exactly what to say to melt my heart.
I love the memories we make at Christmas time making cookies and Christmas mice and whatever else I can come up with. I can't believe how quickly (yet, not really quickly) this year is flying by. It seems that way because of additional expenses and money going out faster than we can make it. And I'm concerned about what am I going to do about Christmas. I'm not sure how it will work out, but I will work it out. At least my boys are fairly easy - cookies, salsa and chips. :-) And I love making it for them. And, as I'm learning some of the grandchildren like the salsa pretty good, I might be able to work that with the older ones as well. It sure helps to give them something they "want" and not just another t-shirt.
Anyway, I'm thinking about making a couple extra pies to bring in to work tomorrow. It's a simple recipe and I can easily get them done. But our priority is getting the pie baked for the boyfriend. Of course, if one of my boys stops by on his way home from work to pick up his birthday gift, there might be a pie about ready that he could take with him if he wanted. Depends really on when we get started on the pies, and when he finishes up his work. They might coincide.
Well, it is time for me to get to work. Running a little late this morning getting out of the house, then ran into more traffic than usual. Got to work a little later than usual, which is really no big deal. I believe that God allows me to run late so that I could miss any 'could be' accidents that I would either be involved in, or caught in the traffic. Every morning we pray for my safety to and from work (as well as my son whose job is to travel all over the valley) and my other children and grandchildren as they travel. Got my two reports out already and here I am. But it is nearing 8AM and I do need to get to work.
Hope you have a great day.
Blessings!
So tonight she and I will be getting together to bake cherry pie. She wants to make it for her boyfriend for his birthday - which is today. Sadly, I am making her wait a day to give it to him, but that is the way it is. I gave her the recipe over the weekend (although I found a much easier one yesterday and plan to use that one) so if she really wanted to give it to him on his birthday, she could have done it herself. But I like her reasoning for waiting to do it with me. "so we can spend some time together." My grandchildren know exactly what to say to melt my heart.
I love the memories we make at Christmas time making cookies and Christmas mice and whatever else I can come up with. I can't believe how quickly (yet, not really quickly) this year is flying by. It seems that way because of additional expenses and money going out faster than we can make it. And I'm concerned about what am I going to do about Christmas. I'm not sure how it will work out, but I will work it out. At least my boys are fairly easy - cookies, salsa and chips. :-) And I love making it for them. And, as I'm learning some of the grandchildren like the salsa pretty good, I might be able to work that with the older ones as well. It sure helps to give them something they "want" and not just another t-shirt.
Anyway, I'm thinking about making a couple extra pies to bring in to work tomorrow. It's a simple recipe and I can easily get them done. But our priority is getting the pie baked for the boyfriend. Of course, if one of my boys stops by on his way home from work to pick up his birthday gift, there might be a pie about ready that he could take with him if he wanted. Depends really on when we get started on the pies, and when he finishes up his work. They might coincide.
Well, it is time for me to get to work. Running a little late this morning getting out of the house, then ran into more traffic than usual. Got to work a little later than usual, which is really no big deal. I believe that God allows me to run late so that I could miss any 'could be' accidents that I would either be involved in, or caught in the traffic. Every morning we pray for my safety to and from work (as well as my son whose job is to travel all over the valley) and my other children and grandchildren as they travel. Got my two reports out already and here I am. But it is nearing 8AM and I do need to get to work.
Hope you have a great day.
Blessings!
Monday, September 8, 2014
And I call in sick.....
I'm rarely sick. And I rarely call in sick. Even when I'm sick, and I stay home, I will work from home rather than take a sick day. Why? I have no clue. Probably because I usually have a lot of work to get done.
But I started with a sore throat Saturday evening, and it has become a sinus cold of sorts, including a fever. I didn't sleep much last night - got up about 3-ish so I wouldn't wake hubby up. Found a couple leaks so got buckets under them. Yep, we have a deluge of rain coming down. All night. Shortly after I got up there was a huge crack of thunder and lightening and all the power went out. But it came back on a couple minutes later. I felt miserable. I began to weigh the 'should I work from home, go to work, or just call in sick' questions. I decided to call in sick so that I could just rest and not sit at the computer all day.
So I text'd my boss about 4-ish that I would not be in to work, that I was sick. She text'd me around 6AM that the building was flooded and they were having people work from home.
I would have already been enroute to work as I would have left a little early due to the rain. And, judging from the news, would have been in the parking lot on I17 and I10 - both routes I take to work. Both have areas under water and people are sitting on both sides of the water. IF I had made it to work, I would have been unable to get in - and would have been turned away. I would have had no place to go as I probably could not have gotten back home by then.
You can think what you want, but I feel God allowed me to get sick so that I would make the decision to stay home today sick. Sick enough to stay home and make that decision, but not so sick that I have to stay in bed. He protected me by keeping me at home. And yes, I believe that.
So the rain has been coming down all night and looks like it is starting to let up. I heard another storm was on its way in.
I wonder if my son has attempted to drive his truck to work - I don't think he will make it. But, I checked with him and he plans to attempt the drive. Wish he didn't have to, but it's up to his boss, not to his mom. :-(
Saturday was a son's 43rd birthday. My daughter reminded me that I usually type something about their big day, how it came about, etc. I didn't get on the computer Saturday nor Sunday, which is why it didn't happen. I scanned back a couple years and I guess I don't always write about the birth-days.... maybe another time. This is getting long.
So now I'm going to take another 'feel good' pill, and go curl up on the couch with a good book. Until I fall asleep again. After all, I really AM sick. Stay dry, stay well.
Blessings!
But I started with a sore throat Saturday evening, and it has become a sinus cold of sorts, including a fever. I didn't sleep much last night - got up about 3-ish so I wouldn't wake hubby up. Found a couple leaks so got buckets under them. Yep, we have a deluge of rain coming down. All night. Shortly after I got up there was a huge crack of thunder and lightening and all the power went out. But it came back on a couple minutes later. I felt miserable. I began to weigh the 'should I work from home, go to work, or just call in sick' questions. I decided to call in sick so that I could just rest and not sit at the computer all day.
So I text'd my boss about 4-ish that I would not be in to work, that I was sick. She text'd me around 6AM that the building was flooded and they were having people work from home.
I would have already been enroute to work as I would have left a little early due to the rain. And, judging from the news, would have been in the parking lot on I17 and I10 - both routes I take to work. Both have areas under water and people are sitting on both sides of the water. IF I had made it to work, I would have been unable to get in - and would have been turned away. I would have had no place to go as I probably could not have gotten back home by then.
You can think what you want, but I feel God allowed me to get sick so that I would make the decision to stay home today sick. Sick enough to stay home and make that decision, but not so sick that I have to stay in bed. He protected me by keeping me at home. And yes, I believe that.
So the rain has been coming down all night and looks like it is starting to let up. I heard another storm was on its way in.
I wonder if my son has attempted to drive his truck to work - I don't think he will make it. But, I checked with him and he plans to attempt the drive. Wish he didn't have to, but it's up to his boss, not to his mom. :-(
Saturday was a son's 43rd birthday. My daughter reminded me that I usually type something about their big day, how it came about, etc. I didn't get on the computer Saturday nor Sunday, which is why it didn't happen. I scanned back a couple years and I guess I don't always write about the birth-days.... maybe another time. This is getting long.
So now I'm going to take another 'feel good' pill, and go curl up on the couch with a good book. Until I fall asleep again. After all, I really AM sick. Stay dry, stay well.
Blessings!
Friday, September 5, 2014
Sometimes I just want to feel sad....
Yesterday morning I received word that a close friend here at work was let go. I've known this man for about ten years and he is just like a big teddy bear - really! He is about 2 ft taller than me (ok, maybe 1- 1 and 1/2 ft) and buzzes his hair, has a goatee, is a huge man - literally! He was one of our managers here.
He always liked to embarrass me when he introduced me to any of his people - it was always "this is the only woman who can talk me into donating blood". That comes from when we worked together at my last company I got him to donate to the Blood Mobile, using the words of 'if your child needed a transfusion, would you want someone to step up to give them one? 'Don't you think someone wants you to step up and donate blood for their child?' It worked. He has told me he still donates blood.
But anyway, yesterday I received word that he was let go. I wasn't really surprised. I feel sad he was let go, but I knew it was coming. I have talked with him numerous times about reports that I need for my meetings (which he wouldn't do) or for my VP's meetings (which he didn't do) or my our director's meetings (which he didn't do). He would try to talk and bluff his way through the agenda, but nothing was getting accomplished. I've been in this position for nearly a year and I caught on real quick. I even started going to him early in the month that we would need specific reports and beg him to work on them, giving him a 'heads up' on what was needed. Nothing.
So, yesterday it happened. And I feel sad for him. He has two children and a beautiful wife. I know he has been looking for the past few months for another job - but the offer had not come through yet. I wish he could have stayed until it did - but then, we would continue to have to fight to get reporting. My boss had finally taken over one of his departments because we needed reporting and wasn't getting it. One of his people has been made a supervisor. They won't fill his position for awhile. We really need someone who will want to work.
I really think the entire problem is what I read years ago in a book called The Peter Principle.
The Peter Principle is when someone gets promoted into a position for which they have no skills. They have either bluffed their way in to the position, really believed they could do it, or just thought it didn't matter. Regardless, they get a position for which they are not qualified or know how to complete. They become overwhelmed because they don't know what to do first, they just don't know what to do, period. So they do nothing. They talk big, they do all the visiting of people they need to do, they go to all the meetings, but they don't work.
Eventually it catches up.
It's like here I am as an Admin. If I didn't know how to type letters. Didn't know how to look things up on the internet. Didn't know how to put meeting binders together. All these things and so much more (like making meetings, setting up food, and much much more) - if I didn't know how to do that and didn't seek out how to learn, I sure wouldn't be in this position very long. They need someone in this position who is on top of things. Someone who can prepare agendas, meetings, minutes, greet people, etc. Some people think that being an Admin is an easy job. Trust me, it is not. It is easy to get overwhelmed. I have, for today, 7 sets of minutes I need to get completed as soon as I can (and they won't all get done today) - and as I am typing minutes from previous meetings, I have new meetings to attend and then add their minutes to be typed. Continuous cycle. I always have work to do. But I enjoy it, and I look for new ways to learn how to do things.
What about you? Are you in a position for which you are qualified for? Are you doing it by rote because you don't have anything else you can do? Do you have a dream of being or doing something else but gave up your dream because of circumstances? So are you doing what you are doing because you need a job - or because you find fulfillment in it? Mine is both answers. I enjoy my job, love my boss, and I need a job. :-)
And now it's time for work. Just some reflection for today. I will miss my friend for I don't know if I will ever see him again. But I wish him success in his journey to find another job, and I pray that it will be one that brings him joy and fulfillment.
Blessings!
He always liked to embarrass me when he introduced me to any of his people - it was always "this is the only woman who can talk me into donating blood". That comes from when we worked together at my last company I got him to donate to the Blood Mobile, using the words of 'if your child needed a transfusion, would you want someone to step up to give them one? 'Don't you think someone wants you to step up and donate blood for their child?' It worked. He has told me he still donates blood.
But anyway, yesterday I received word that he was let go. I wasn't really surprised. I feel sad he was let go, but I knew it was coming. I have talked with him numerous times about reports that I need for my meetings (which he wouldn't do) or for my VP's meetings (which he didn't do) or my our director's meetings (which he didn't do). He would try to talk and bluff his way through the agenda, but nothing was getting accomplished. I've been in this position for nearly a year and I caught on real quick. I even started going to him early in the month that we would need specific reports and beg him to work on them, giving him a 'heads up' on what was needed. Nothing.
So, yesterday it happened. And I feel sad for him. He has two children and a beautiful wife. I know he has been looking for the past few months for another job - but the offer had not come through yet. I wish he could have stayed until it did - but then, we would continue to have to fight to get reporting. My boss had finally taken over one of his departments because we needed reporting and wasn't getting it. One of his people has been made a supervisor. They won't fill his position for awhile. We really need someone who will want to work.
I really think the entire problem is what I read years ago in a book called The Peter Principle.
The Peter Principle is when someone gets promoted into a position for which they have no skills. They have either bluffed their way in to the position, really believed they could do it, or just thought it didn't matter. Regardless, they get a position for which they are not qualified or know how to complete. They become overwhelmed because they don't know what to do first, they just don't know what to do, period. So they do nothing. They talk big, they do all the visiting of people they need to do, they go to all the meetings, but they don't work.
Eventually it catches up.
It's like here I am as an Admin. If I didn't know how to type letters. Didn't know how to look things up on the internet. Didn't know how to put meeting binders together. All these things and so much more (like making meetings, setting up food, and much much more) - if I didn't know how to do that and didn't seek out how to learn, I sure wouldn't be in this position very long. They need someone in this position who is on top of things. Someone who can prepare agendas, meetings, minutes, greet people, etc. Some people think that being an Admin is an easy job. Trust me, it is not. It is easy to get overwhelmed. I have, for today, 7 sets of minutes I need to get completed as soon as I can (and they won't all get done today) - and as I am typing minutes from previous meetings, I have new meetings to attend and then add their minutes to be typed. Continuous cycle. I always have work to do. But I enjoy it, and I look for new ways to learn how to do things.
What about you? Are you in a position for which you are qualified for? Are you doing it by rote because you don't have anything else you can do? Do you have a dream of being or doing something else but gave up your dream because of circumstances? So are you doing what you are doing because you need a job - or because you find fulfillment in it? Mine is both answers. I enjoy my job, love my boss, and I need a job. :-)
And now it's time for work. Just some reflection for today. I will miss my friend for I don't know if I will ever see him again. But I wish him success in his journey to find another job, and I pray that it will be one that brings him joy and fulfillment.
Blessings!
Thursday, September 4, 2014
What does it take to simplify our lives?
I finished a book last night titled Simplify. 10 Practical Ways to Declutter Your Soul
In it, Bill Hybels said some really good things. Some have stuck with me, and other things will come and go as I need them, I'm sure. He mentioned about having a life verse - and talked about the below scripture.
I had to chuckle when Bill Hybels mentioned he occasionally gets in a 'de-clutter' mode. He was referring to Ecclesiastes 3 and "A Time for Everything".... more specifically, the "a time to keep and a time to throw away" statement. Here is the section I am referring to.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
I often get in that mode - not that it does much good - but I get the urge to declutter. If I could find someone to take some things - I'd give it away. I guess that is my problem. I don't want to mess with selling things unless I spent a lot of money on it and don't care if I get rid of it or not (i.e., my treadmill). But other things all anyone has to do is ask if they can have something and I'm sure I would just give it to them. Now my treadmill, make me an offer. :-) Actually, I have thought about getting rid of it as well.....
But anyway - Bill Hybels mentioned he ordered a dumpster to be delivered to his house and he wanted to start getting rid of everything they didn't need. He was tired of clutter and wanted to just 'clean house'. His wife wasn't on the same wavelength with him. His mother had made a quilt which was several years old and not in use - heaven forbid if he tried to get rid of that! I forget what other items he mentioned, but it was quite comical. I wondered how full his huge dumpster got. I don't want to throw things away - I would much rather give to someone who could use it. We've given dishes away, pots and pans, even a TV to others who lost everything in a fire. Didn't even miss the items. I know I have lots of other things that others could use - I just don't know who would want them. Or need them.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. I read through these versus and I wonder what season I could say that I am in now. I can't weep, for if I started, I could not stop. Mourning? Strong possibility. Not from a death of a person, but mourning the loss of love and respect and family. But the next season from that is one of dancing. I haven't gotten there yet. Right now I try to stay in the silent time. I see things, I read things, I hear things - and I want to respond, but the hurt is so great I can't. I have to choose to step back; quit reading things. I read something on facebook the other night that hurt deeply. I have chosen to not get on facebook for awhile. I can't handle the hurt anymore. I'm so disappointed in people. So until my heart can mend from the tears, I choose to step back.
My current 'life verse' is one that I cling to. I have several verses I read over and over - in fact, I have two specifically.
Psalm 143:6 - I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like parched land.
Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
I crave instruction from the Lord; it is He to Whom I constantly run. This morning on my way in to work the words "I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord" kept going through my mind. He alone is my help. He alone is my comfort. In Him alone.
What's your life verse? What season are you in? Is it one of planting? of embracing? of mourning? There is another season coming - don't give up. The Lord is with you even when things look like they are against you because God is looking at where He is taking you, not where you are. Trust Him.
Blessings!
In it, Bill Hybels said some really good things. Some have stuck with me, and other things will come and go as I need them, I'm sure. He mentioned about having a life verse - and talked about the below scripture.
I had to chuckle when Bill Hybels mentioned he occasionally gets in a 'de-clutter' mode. He was referring to Ecclesiastes 3 and "A Time for Everything".... more specifically, the "a time to keep and a time to throw away" statement. Here is the section I am referring to.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
I often get in that mode - not that it does much good - but I get the urge to declutter. If I could find someone to take some things - I'd give it away. I guess that is my problem. I don't want to mess with selling things unless I spent a lot of money on it and don't care if I get rid of it or not (i.e., my treadmill). But other things all anyone has to do is ask if they can have something and I'm sure I would just give it to them. Now my treadmill, make me an offer. :-) Actually, I have thought about getting rid of it as well.....
But anyway - Bill Hybels mentioned he ordered a dumpster to be delivered to his house and he wanted to start getting rid of everything they didn't need. He was tired of clutter and wanted to just 'clean house'. His wife wasn't on the same wavelength with him. His mother had made a quilt which was several years old and not in use - heaven forbid if he tried to get rid of that! I forget what other items he mentioned, but it was quite comical. I wondered how full his huge dumpster got. I don't want to throw things away - I would much rather give to someone who could use it. We've given dishes away, pots and pans, even a TV to others who lost everything in a fire. Didn't even miss the items. I know I have lots of other things that others could use - I just don't know who would want them. Or need them.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. I read through these versus and I wonder what season I could say that I am in now. I can't weep, for if I started, I could not stop. Mourning? Strong possibility. Not from a death of a person, but mourning the loss of love and respect and family. But the next season from that is one of dancing. I haven't gotten there yet. Right now I try to stay in the silent time. I see things, I read things, I hear things - and I want to respond, but the hurt is so great I can't. I have to choose to step back; quit reading things. I read something on facebook the other night that hurt deeply. I have chosen to not get on facebook for awhile. I can't handle the hurt anymore. I'm so disappointed in people. So until my heart can mend from the tears, I choose to step back.
My current 'life verse' is one that I cling to. I have several verses I read over and over - in fact, I have two specifically.
Psalm 143:6 - I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like parched land.
Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
I crave instruction from the Lord; it is He to Whom I constantly run. This morning on my way in to work the words "I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord" kept going through my mind. He alone is my help. He alone is my comfort. In Him alone.
What's your life verse? What season are you in? Is it one of planting? of embracing? of mourning? There is another season coming - don't give up. The Lord is with you even when things look like they are against you because God is looking at where He is taking you, not where you are. Trust Him.
Blessings!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Integrity is as important in family as it is in the workforce.... just saying....
I am still reading one of John Maxwell's books and this one is about influence and the current chapter is on integrity. As I read this, I see more and more how important integrity is within the workplace - and within families. Unfortunately, families are seemingly less forgiving than those you work with.
So many leaders have fallen over the years - I remember reading of several high-profile people - even pastors - who, shall we just say, "fail from grace" and lost their integrity. It's hard to gain back, although some try. In reading today's chapter, it had some really good points that I am going to share. Partly because it is time for me to get to work and I don't have time to think of anything to write - and partly because it is something we all need to think about.
I know that in some people's eyes I have 'fallen from grace' - and I am sorry that happened. I definitely do not put myself above any one else, and I do fail. Some people have shown sides I never expected to see out of them, I thought too highly of them. And that is what happens at times. Some times I feel I am the worst of worse - and well, that's all I'm going to say. Here is the article....... by John Maxwell...
The Benefit of Integrity: Trust
The bottom line when it comes to integrity is that it allows others to trust you. And without trust, you have nothing. Trust is the single most important factor in personal and professional relationships. It is the glue that holds people together. And it is the key to becoming a person of influence.
Trust is an increasingly rare commodity these days. People have become increasingly suspicious and skeptical. At one time you could assume that others would trust you until you gave them a reason not to. But today with most people, you must prove your trustworthiness first. That’s what makes integrity so important if you want to become a person of influence. Trust comes from others only when you exemplify solid character.
Character is made in the small moments of our lives.
~~ Phillips Brooks
People today are desperate for leaders, but they want to be influenced only by individuals they can trust, persons of good character. If you want to become someone who can positively influence other people, you need to develop the following qualities of integrity and live them out every day:
• Model consistency of character. Solid trust can develop only when people can trust you all the time. If they never know from moment to moment what you’re going to do, the relationship will never deepen to a confident level of trust.
• Employ honest communication. To be trustworthy, you have to be like a good musical composition; your words and music must match.
• Value transparency. People eventually find out about your flaws, even if you try to hide them. But if you’re honest with people and admit your weaknesses, they will appreciate your honesty and integrity. And they will be able to relate to you better.
• Exemplify humility. People won’t trust you if they see that you are driven by ego, jealousy, or the belief that you are better than they are.
• Demonstrate your support of others. Nothing develops or displays your character better than your desire to put others first. As our friend Zig Ziglar says, help other people to succeed, and you will succeed also.
• Fulfill your promises. Never promise anything you can’t deliver. And when you say you’ll do something, follow through on it. A sure way to break trust with others is to fail to fulfill your commitments.
• Embrace an attitude of service. We have been put on this earth not to be served, but to serve. Giving of yourself and your time to others shows that you care about them. Mission-physician Sir Wilfred T. Grenfell held that “the service we render to others is really the rent we pay for our room on this earth.” People of integrity are givers, not takers.
• Encourage two-way participation with the people you influence. When you live a life of integrity, people listen to you and follow you. Always remember that the goal of influence is not manipulation; it’s participation. Only as you include others in your life and success do you permanently succeed.
It has been said that you don’t really know people until you have observed them when they interact with a child, when the car has a flat tire, when the boss is away, and when they think no one will ever know. But people with integrity never have to worry about that. No matter where they are, who they are with, or what kind of situation they find themselves in, they are consistent and live by their principles.
Blessings!
So many leaders have fallen over the years - I remember reading of several high-profile people - even pastors - who, shall we just say, "fail from grace" and lost their integrity. It's hard to gain back, although some try. In reading today's chapter, it had some really good points that I am going to share. Partly because it is time for me to get to work and I don't have time to think of anything to write - and partly because it is something we all need to think about.
I know that in some people's eyes I have 'fallen from grace' - and I am sorry that happened. I definitely do not put myself above any one else, and I do fail. Some people have shown sides I never expected to see out of them, I thought too highly of them. And that is what happens at times. Some times I feel I am the worst of worse - and well, that's all I'm going to say. Here is the article....... by John Maxwell...
The Benefit of Integrity: Trust
The bottom line when it comes to integrity is that it allows others to trust you. And without trust, you have nothing. Trust is the single most important factor in personal and professional relationships. It is the glue that holds people together. And it is the key to becoming a person of influence.
Trust is an increasingly rare commodity these days. People have become increasingly suspicious and skeptical. At one time you could assume that others would trust you until you gave them a reason not to. But today with most people, you must prove your trustworthiness first. That’s what makes integrity so important if you want to become a person of influence. Trust comes from others only when you exemplify solid character.
Character is made in the small moments of our lives.
~~ Phillips Brooks
People today are desperate for leaders, but they want to be influenced only by individuals they can trust, persons of good character. If you want to become someone who can positively influence other people, you need to develop the following qualities of integrity and live them out every day:
• Model consistency of character. Solid trust can develop only when people can trust you all the time. If they never know from moment to moment what you’re going to do, the relationship will never deepen to a confident level of trust.
• Employ honest communication. To be trustworthy, you have to be like a good musical composition; your words and music must match.
• Value transparency. People eventually find out about your flaws, even if you try to hide them. But if you’re honest with people and admit your weaknesses, they will appreciate your honesty and integrity. And they will be able to relate to you better.
• Exemplify humility. People won’t trust you if they see that you are driven by ego, jealousy, or the belief that you are better than they are.
• Demonstrate your support of others. Nothing develops or displays your character better than your desire to put others first. As our friend Zig Ziglar says, help other people to succeed, and you will succeed also.
• Fulfill your promises. Never promise anything you can’t deliver. And when you say you’ll do something, follow through on it. A sure way to break trust with others is to fail to fulfill your commitments.
• Embrace an attitude of service. We have been put on this earth not to be served, but to serve. Giving of yourself and your time to others shows that you care about them. Mission-physician Sir Wilfred T. Grenfell held that “the service we render to others is really the rent we pay for our room on this earth.” People of integrity are givers, not takers.
• Encourage two-way participation with the people you influence. When you live a life of integrity, people listen to you and follow you. Always remember that the goal of influence is not manipulation; it’s participation. Only as you include others in your life and success do you permanently succeed.
It has been said that you don’t really know people until you have observed them when they interact with a child, when the car has a flat tire, when the boss is away, and when they think no one will ever know. But people with integrity never have to worry about that. No matter where they are, who they are with, or what kind of situation they find themselves in, they are consistent and live by their principles.
Blessings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)