Archive for category Career Care Ministry

Going Forward, Not Looking Back…

Going Forward, Not Looking Back…I made a huge step in the last 24 hours…I switched from Microsoft Outlook to Gmail! To some of you this may not seem like a big deal, but to a 58 year old male that has been using Outlook since Al Gore invented the internet, it was a HUGE deal. Yes, I meant to scream the word huge…some of the blogging lingo that I am learning as well. The migration from Outlook to Gmail took roughly 8 hours. Why, you say? Because I am a “pack rat”. You see, I save everything…even emails. After all, you never know when you might need to refer to the old stuff. I had emails arranged in my nice neat Outlook folder system dating back to 2001, when I first started at the church. After all, I could not delete emails just in case someone had a question on the 2001 church budget!! So, after 8 hours… the migration was complete…14,280 emails were migrated into Gmail. Hooray, man was I happy…now all I had to do was go through and “clean things” up a bit.

Well, last night, after suffering through most of game 1 of the World series (yes, I am a Yankees fan)…I deleted about 600 emails, one by one. Then I decided that this was crazy! I was saving stuff hat I would never ever use again. The migration included my contacts and and my calendar…which are really important to me…more so than the old emails. So, I did the only logical thing that any normal 58 year old man in my situation would do…I deleted all of the remaining migration files. Yes, I wiped the slate clean. I am starting over. I realized that the baggage of my past was holding me back from moving forward! So, now I am looking forward. I have made myself a resolution to keep my inbox clean, not save old emails and use the archive system provided in Gmail. I am not looking back. I am going forward.

A great spiritual application…how many times in our lives do we dwell in the past? We beat ourselves up by drudging up our past behavior. God is not interested in the past. If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, He has forgiven us of our sins. He is more interested what we will do from this day forward. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your personal Saviour, now is the time. God knows that we are sinners and cannot live without sin…that is why He sent His Son to die for us.  He wants us to repent and turn away from sin, not dwell on it. Although, we must understand that there are consequences of our past sin. We cannot escape those. He wants us to move forward through His leadership…that requires the surrender of our past and the surrender of our present lives to Him. Join me…wipe the slate clean and move forward.

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Humble Yourselves…

Humble Yourselves…

Last night a group of leaders met at North Side and discussed what we have been studying about Biblical Eldership. The attribute that we studied was humility…sounds pretty contrary to the popular opinion that is out there today. Popular opinion has it that as a leader, we should have all the answers. Not so…in the church, Christ is the true leader…we are stewards of His church and are allowed to lead the church as the Holy Spirit leads us.  The church belongs to Christ, not us. It is not about our leadership as much as it is about our “followship”. In order to follow Christ and His leadership, we must truly humble ourselves before Him.  There is clear Biblical instruction for church leaders, that elders are to be humble servants. We are to lead with humility demonstrating the example to our congregation that Christ set for us during his life here on earth. Here are Peter’s instructions to the elders in the early churches…

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,  casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7 (NASB)

We lead others by influence…and our influence is clearly spoken through our actions more so than our words. Therefore, humble yourselves…

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Hear My Cry, O Lord…

Hear My Cry, O Lord…it is the opening verse of Psalm 61. A time when Davis went to the Lord in tears because of his distress. However, as he prays to the Lord through this Psalm, he ends it with praise. As David put his focus on the Lord, his personal distress grew strangely dim. God renewed his distressed spirit as David prayed and focused on the Lord. Read this Psalm as a prayer to the Lord and receive His comfort.

Hear my cry, O God;
Give heed to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength against the enemy.
Let me dwell in Your tent forever;
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.

For You have heard my vows, O God;
You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
You will prolong the king’s life;
His years will be as many generations.
He will abide before God forever;
Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him.
So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may pay my vows day by day
Psalms 61:1-8 (NASB)

The Lord is our Refuge, our Rock, our Provider, our Healer, our Salvation…our Saviour. Praise Him!

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Mondays…

Mondays…it’s raining, is chilly and its Monday! Ugh! I am a spring and summer guy, not a fall and winter guy. Early this morning, I received a devotional thought that hit me between the eyes. I wanted to pass this on to you. It is from the group…Lead Like Jesus…http://www.leadlike jesus.com

For anyone in a leadership role, it can be easy to start the day off on the wrong foot.  Lack of sleep, worry over decisions to be made, relationship issues, and economic concerns often greet us with the sunrise.  However, beginning the day with praise to the Lord sets the stage for a positive perspective all day long.

But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  Psalm 59:16

Prayer:  Lord, right now I praise You for Your unconditional love towards me.  I thank You that You are strong even when I feel weak or overwhelmed.  I am grateful that You surround me with Your protection as I walk through this day.  Help me keep a song of praise in my heart and on my lips today as I lead others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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Encouraging Others…

Encouraging Others…People Need Encouragement…have you looked around lately? have you watched the news? read the newspaper? There is a lot of bad news out there. We are constantly being bombarded with bad news. People need encouragement and we can encourage them. We should encourage them!

I am reminded of the time that my son Eric, taught me a lesson on encouragement. It was in his hospital room, late one Friday evening. Eric had just had five long, brutal days of chemotherapy. You know, that is the stuff  they put in your body to kill the bad cancer cells which also has tremendously bad side affects. Anyways, it was bout 10:00 pm that Friday evening and there was a faint knock on the door and a small voice said “housekeeping”. Eric mustered the strength to say, come on in. She came in, cleaned and mopped his room very diligently and quietly. She was an elderly lady and looked very tired. It obviously had been a long day and probably a long week for her. As she finished her cleaning and gathered her supplies to leave the room quietly, trying not to disturb Eric, I heard him say “Thank You!”. Boy, the smile that came across her face was something to behold. Eric had made her day. She was encouraged. She has a thankless job, and someone took the time out to recognize that. I was overwhelmed…tearful…proud…and thankful all at the same time.

I wonder how many times during the course of the day, that I miss opportunities to encourage people. Think about all the opportunities that we have to encourage those around us…

  • the check out clerk at Wal-Mart
  • our fellow workers
  • our spouse
  • our children
  • a telemarketer (now that is a tough one)
  • the trash man
  • our pastor
  • a waitress
  • our Mom and Dad
  • a worker at the take out window
  • our brothers and sisters
  • the list goes on and on…

Sometimes, encouraging people requires us to be intentional. It requires us to slow down and spend time with people in order to encourage them. Eric taught be a very important lesson that Friday evening…in spite of our own circumstances, let us never neglect encouraging others.

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Storms of Life…

Storms of Life…we all experience storms. They are those unexpected turbulent events that occur in our lives.   Storms  disrupt our routine and many times alter our plans for our life. Storms can be relatively mild or, at times, can be catastrophic. Many times the storms of our lives are unpredictable and appear out of nowhere.

We can argue how effective our meteorologists are today in their predictions. However, when we see a a large green mass to our west on a radar screen, we are pretty sure that rain is coming our way. When we seen yellow and red on that screen, we know that the storm is going to be very turbulent and potentially very violent. Unfortunately, but maybe fortunately, we do not have a radar screen for the storms of life. These storms come at us unexpectedly. The storms can be a sudden illness, a job loss, a serious diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, and the list goes on and on and on…

It is during these times that I am reminded of Jesus’ disciple in the midst of a storm…

When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”  He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. Matt 8:23-26 (NASB)

Oh, how many time have I said, “Save me Lord, I am perishing!”.  As I draw close to the Lord, I am reminded that He is above all..even my storm. Maybe today, you are in the midst of one of those storms of life. Maybe, you are not, but one may be right around the corner. You too can take confort in knowing that Jesus is above all. He can calm the winds and the storms of our lives.  We must rely on Jesus Christ, not the things of this world for comfort, peace and endurance through the storms of life.

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Preparing for a Job Fair

PREPARING TO ATTEND A JOB FAIR

Prepared by: Ron Damer

  1. Why do you attend a Job Fair?
    • Identify hiring companies
    • Identify companies that use your skill sets
    • Get an interview
    • Plant your resume’
    • Network with other job hunters
  2. What should you take to a Job Fair?
    • At least 10 copies of your most recent resume’
    • Business cards with your name, address, capabilities and objectives to give to recruiters and network contacts
    • Your “elevator speech”
    • A notepad or memo pad to record contacts made
    • A cell phone camera if you have one, to take pics of job postings off bulletin boards
    • Your calendar (hard copy, in your cell phone or PDA) to check dates you are available for interviews, follow-up.
  3. What should you wear to a Job Fair?
    • For salaried positions – Suit and tie
    • All others – “Business Casual”  — collared shirt and dress or casual pants.  No jeans, shorts,  or T-shirts.
  4. What should you do at a Job Fair?
    • Submit your resume’ to as many plausible openings as possible.
    • Leave your business card with all recruiters, company representatives and networking contacts that you encounter.
    • Find and take home copies of all material that may be helpful:
    • Job Market publications
    • Job Postings
    • Other Job Fair Announcements
    • Recruiter advertisements/handouts
    • Websites learned about
    • Contact info for network contacts
    • A listing of all participating companies (usually handed out at the door
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That’s me…

That’s me…just took a new Personality Pattern test…http://psychcentral.com/personality-patterns/

Here are my results…it nailed me.

Conscientious

You feel it’s important to work according to a plan and finish every task, to do things correctly and thoroughly.You are not the kind of person who abandons a project before finishing it, or slacks off when you’ve lost interest.

Organized

You like to think a task through before you embark on it. If it’s the slightest bit complicated, you make a list (even if it’s only in your mind) and methodically work your way through it. When you have a goal in mind, you’re not satisfied until you reach it.You are not one of those people who ignore the details, and you don’t understand how anyone can get anything accomplished without thoughtful planning ahead of time.

Calm

You rarely become irritated, generally accept people as they are, take things as they come, and feel relaxed in most situations.You do not let a minor annoyance escalate to a confrontation. You don’t regularly snap at those around you or fly off the handle with little provocation.

Introspective

You like your own company; you’re a very interesting person. Tracking your own mental processes, knowing what you’re thinking and why you do what you do, is important to you. Often, what’s going on in your mind is more compelling than what’s going on outside. For the most part, those with a high score on the “introspective” trait enjoy reading, taking long walks, learning new things, and other solitary activities.You are not someone who is constantly looking to be among a group of friends; you never feel bored when you are by yourself.

Down-to-Earth

You think that many of those who claim to love art are just being pretentious. As long as something does the job, whether it be a couch, a coat, or a kitchen cabinet, it’s “beautiful” as far as you’re concerned. Those who have a high score on the “down-to-earth” trait often hold positions in which they have the opportunity to exercise their organizational expertise.You do not think that having “good taste” is such a big deal, or even that there is such a thing as good taste; nor do you claim that you “can’t live without” art, beauty, or good design.

Rational

You see the world clearly and objectively. You know there’s a logical explanation for everything, and a logical solution to every problem; which is why you’re such a good problem-solver.You do not take your sweet time when presented with a new task to complete or problem to solve. You don’t avoid assignments that require you to learn new skills.

Assertive

You behave in a confident and forceful manner, take charge of the situation, raise your hand in class, stand up for what you think is right, and lead others. Among those who have a high score on the “assertive” trait, many have jobs in which they are valued for their organizational skills as well as their talent for supervising others.You are not interested in fading into the woodwork, leaving everything to fate, taking more time than necessary to accomplish a task, or avoiding confrontation.

Understanding

You are willing to take the time to find out what’s going on with other people, especially if they’re in distress. You’re a good listener, you don’t criticize, and you offer unbiased, respectful, honest advice when it’s requested. With a high score on the “understanding” trait, it is likely that you are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.You don’t feel the need to impose your standards on others or say things that, even though true, cause pain.

Scrupulous

You are an honest, fair person. You don’t lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return.You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Responsible

You fulfill your obligations and responsibilities, are true to your word, and generally obey the rules. While the majority of those who have a high score on the “responsible” trait enjoy traveling, they are usually very happy to return home — and don’t mind staying put for a while.You’re opposed to making hasty decisions, you don’t insist that you’re above the rules, nor do you feel compelled to color outside the lines.

Take the test…http://psychcentral.com/personality-patterns/

Could be a good tool for self assessment, staffing, job searching, career direction…

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Waiting…

Waiting…it is something that we all must to do from time to time. Some of us do it well, some do not. Whether its…

  • waiting at a red light,
  • waiting on in line to pick a child up from school,
  • waiting on a spouse to get ready to go somewhere.

At times, the waiting can become more difficult as we are…

  • waiting on an answer from a job interview,
  • waiting for a doctor’s appointment,
  • waiting on a loved one to get well,
  • waiting on a medical test result.

Waiting can be a very long, difficult process if we dwell on the outcome. It can be a very anxious time as our mind runs wild with the possible outcomes. Will I get the job ? If I get this job, then my problems will be solved. If I don’t get the job…then what? When will my child overcome this sickness? What will the doctor say? What will the test results be? What if it’s ___________? What if it’s not? Waiting can be a process that creates doubt or skepticism…or it can be a process that develops trust, dependence and strength.

Those of you that know me, know that the verse of Scripture that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5&6…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

So, we wait and we trust…we trust and we wait. We trust in the Lord. We use the waiting time to draw closer to the Lord. Make it a time of meaningful prayer…”your will be done Lord, not mine”. Maybe, just maybe it is a time of spiritual growth where our dependence is on Him and His will…not a time of our independence and our will!

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Work Ethic…

Work Ethic…I consider myself very fortunate that my Dad instilled a very strong work ethic in me. As I look back over the years, I can see how my Dad instilled this in me, through actions more so than words. Oh, there had been words of reinforcement…but he spoke volumes through his actions.

He is the father of five children and was the sole provider. Mom stayed home and kept us kids and the house in order. Dad’s vocation was called a “Machine Repairman” for a large forging company. This company actually provided all of the large ring fittings for the Alaskan pipeline. The fittings were 10 to 12 feet in diameter, so you can just imagine the size of the machines it took to manufacturer them He used to tell  us that some of these machines were larger than our two story house. Huge! His responsibility was to figure out what went wrong when a machine did not work and then fix it. He would work tirelessly when one of these machines went down until the problem was found, repairs made and the machine was back up running.

Dad never complained about his job…he just did it. He never had aspirations of greener pastures or climbing the corporate ladder. In fact, several times during his 30+ year with this company, he was encouraged to move into a supervisory or management position. Dad would say: “Nope…that’s not for me…too many headaches…I just want to fix the machines”. He retired after 30 something years as a machine repairman. Dad did not complain…he just did his job…no matter the task or what it took…he did his job…that was what he was paid to do…so he did it.

There were times when I helped Dad with some repair or renovation around the house or some side job that he was hired to do. It was during those times Dad would say, “Kenny, if you are going to do something, you have to do it right. If you are going to work for someone, you have to do the job that you promised them…no shortcuts”.

I thought about these conversations with my Dad this morning as I was putting in some new kitchen light fixtures for Gail. I installed one without any problems…but the second one was a little persnickety. When I finally had it installed, i realized that I left out a very important part…the cover for the electrical box that I installed in the ceiling. For a fleeting moment,I considered just leaving the cover off…after all no one would ever know but me.  Then, I thought about the words of my Dad…”Kenny, if you are going to do something, you have to do it right. If you are going to work for someone, you have to do the job that you promised them…no shortcuts”. I took the fixture apart, installed the box cover and did the job right!

As I was finishing up the job with some touch-up paint, Colossians 3:23-25 came to mind…

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.  For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.


It may be a stretch to make a direct application on my little job to the verse…but I do believe there is an overriding spiritual application to do whatever we do as if we are doing it for the Lord.

My goal in this life is just that…to do whatever I do as if I were doing it for the Lord. Imagine the work ethic!  I am not there yet. But, what if we all approached our jobs, our marriages, our families, our relationships and our service with Colossians 3:23-25 in mind?

Ummm….wouldn’t  that be “giving our life away” as Jesus taught us?

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