Archive for September, 2009

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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“Transitions”…launched

Today, a new ministry of North Side Baptist Church was launched…Transitions.

Transitions is a ministry to equip and encourage pastors. The reality is over 70% of our Southern Baptist churches have either plateaued or are declining. Churches are dying. Pastors are discouraged. The ministry was launched through a day long workshop led by Jeff for pastors of the Laurens Baptist Association. Jeff shared his 25 years of experience of leading Kingdom change in the local church with 15 pastors and the Director of Missions. The information was insightful and well received by the attendees. Jeff, in the way only he can do, encouraged the pastors to continue to do what God had called them to do in ministry.  The result…pastors were encouraged and left with some food for thought for an action plan.

Resources will be provided to pastors through our Transitions blog on the North Side website. Watch for updates.

This ministry has been on the hearts of our leadership team for years. It is now a reality and we can’t wait to see what God will be doing through it. Please pray for this new ministry.

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Endurance…

Endurance… the Merriam-Webster On-line dictionary defines endurance as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity”.

This week, I have been especially burdened by the endurance required of pastors. It has been another tough week as I once again we have heard of several discouraged pastors who have resigned their positions with no place to go. It must be a pretty desperate situation when a pastor says “I can no longer endure the stress, hardship or adversity” of the local church and resigns without another position. The writer of Hebrews (some scholars think that this may have been the Apostle Paul) provides encouragement…

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of  faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NASB)

Endurance comes through fixing our eyes on Jesus. Amen!

However, we too can play a role…by encouraging our pastors and praying for them daily!

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Thank You Lord…

Thank You Lord…

When was the last time that you thanked the Lord? In First Corinthians 15:57, Paul said, “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ“. Too many times in my life, I spend my time with the Lord giving Him my shopping list of prayer requests. I often fail to recognize what He is already doing and how He is already working in my life. I was reminded of His goodness and how He works in our lives, this week,  as we received news that the donor stems cells had engrafted 100% in Eric, our son who is battling cancer. I have marveled at the whole stem cell process and how researchers and doctors can figure all of that stuff out…well, it is God. I was overwhelmed watching 400,000,000 stem cells being infused in our son’s body three weeks ago…giving him new life. I am speechless at the unselfishness of a donor that would give their stems cells to Eric.

I have spent this entire week thanking the Lord for so much in my life…so here goes…let me share with you…

  • Thank you Lord…for the encouraging report on Eric’s stem cell grafting.
  • Thank you Lord…for the donor that you provided.
  • Thank you Lord…for the researchers and doctors that you have gifted in cancer treatment.
  • Thank you Lord…for the loving and caring wife that you provided for Eric.
  • Thank you Lord…for the loving and caring Mom that you provided for Eric.
  • Thank you Lord…for the fighting spirit that you have given Eric.
  • Thank you Lord…for the loving and caring siblings (and their spouses) that you have given Eric.
  • Thank you Lord…for the loving and caring in-laws and extended family that you have given Eric.
  • Thank you Lord…for the the love that you have shown Eric through family and friends.
  • Thank you Lord…for the loving wife that you have provided me.
  • Thank you Lord…for the loving and caring church that you have provided us.
  • Thank you Lord…for the opportunity to serve you here at North Side
  • Thank you Lord…for giving us your Son.
  • Thank you Lord…for dying for my sins.
  • Thank you Lord…for giving us the Comforter, in the name of the Holy Spirit.
  • Thank you Lord…our Creator..our Deliverer…our Sustainer…our Comforter…our Saviour…our King…our Lord.

How about you…have you given thanks today?

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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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Seasons…

Seasons…as I walked around our yard last night, I felt the freshness of Fall in the air. Ever notice that Fall has a unique smell to it, as well as the other seasons? I could not help to think about how incredible our God, our Creator is to put all of these things in such order. But also, it reminded me of the seasons that we all go through…sickness, disease, loss of a family member, job loss, caring for parents, troublesome children and so on. Solomon writes in the Book of Ecclesiastes:

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? 10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.
Eccl 3:1-10 (NASB)

At this time,  we are all in various seasons of our life. Whether it is a “good” or “bad”, it is a season and it will change.

If this season is an especially difficult one for you…be encouraged by God’s Word..for it is a season.

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