Who Does the Work?

My kids decided they wanted to GO BIG this year with the Christmas tree. "Let's get a 9 to 10 foot tree this year!" they begged. "It'll be fun to decorate and we can use ALL our ornaments!"

The thought of getting out all of our decorations didn't appeal to me. Some of them should have been disposed of years ago...but then there are the treasured bulbs from friends and family, not to mention the ornaments the kids made at school throughout the years--the hand prints from pre-school, the framed pictures from elementary school, the snow globe ornament my youngest made last year......maybe a BIG tree wasn't a bad idea.

The complaining started as we struggled the get the tree through the front door. Once we had it in the house the kids starred up at it and said in unison "This is a BIG tree!"

"Let's get to it," I said as I called the pizza delivery number. I envisioned a few hours of Christmas carols, pizza, and hot chocolate as we decorated the tree.

At first the kids seemed thrilled to join in on our annual ritual, even if it meant a few more ornaments would be broken this year because of the bigger tree. As a matter of fact, everything was going well until the pizzas came.

We took a break to eat, and then I told them: "Okay, let's get back to the tree--we have a lot of decorating to do!" What followed were a litany of complaints of stomachs being too full and the tree being too big. "But, this is the tree you guys wanted!" I reminded them. "Well, we didn't know it would take all night to decorate," chimed in my youngest, "Anyway...Hannah Montana is about to come on and I want to see it." My oldest simply disappeared to his room....he said he was going to check email messages...I've heard this before and knew I wouldn't see him for the rest of the evening. Dad had a meeting to get to, so there I stood before this huge tree with 10 bulbs hanging and 500 to go!!

I thought of just leaving the tree as it was and waiting to see if anyone would decorate it. But, I have tried this approach with overflowing trash cans, so I knew it wouldn't work.

I did the work...I decorated the tree.

This morning, when my family got their first good look at this decorated monstrosity in our living room, they applauded my effort.

"See mom," said my youngest, "I told you the bigger tree was better!"

Thankful For Work

"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude."

E.P. Powell

Of all the blessings we thank God for this week of Thanksgiving, I bet work isn't high on the list. Maybe because we work at a job we hate, or with people we can't stand. Maybe because our paycheck barely covers our bills. Maybe because we have to spend stressful hours on the freeway commuting to work (not to mention the increasing cost of fuel). Or, maybe our work consists of changing diapers and sweeping floors and we are tired of it.

This week, and throughout the holiday season, many of us will take on extra 'work' as we shop, decorate, prepare the house for guests, and cook lavish meals! Some may even get a second job to help pay for Christmas expenses.

So you see....it can be hard to be thankful for 'work' that leaves us tired, broke, and stressed.

However.....thank Him anyway. There are results (seen and unseen) from the work that you do. Work as if working for God. Bless others with your work. Find the good in your work, whatever it may be. And, this season of Thanksgiving, strive to 'work' with an attitude of gratitude.

The bottom line is...in this time of economic uncertainty...be thankful if you have a job!

A Daring Adventure

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
- Helen Keller

"Go for broke" is a phrase that either exhilarates people, or frightens them. Many times it is easy to go with the status quo--especially in work environments. We may be afraid to stand out from the crowd, or pursue something radical. The thing is...we serve a RADICAL Savior!

We work for Christ, which means we can not just sit back and accept life, and work, as-it-is. We have to actively work to make our lives...and the lives of those around us...better! At work, this may mean:

1. Going back to school to learn a new skill.
2. Proposing a different way of doing things to your boss or company heads.
3. Working on a volunteer project.
4. Starting a new job that better reflects your gifts and values.
5. Finding a niche and starting a business.
6. Delegating more to give those around you a chance to shine.
7. Starting a workplace ministry or Bible study at work.
8. Speaking up about the wrongs in your current work environment.
9. Joining with like-mined people to change the world!

Get radical...expand His kingdom....at work and everywhere else!

Matthew 5

14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Learn From Failure

"For every failure, there's an alternative course
of action. You just have to find it. When you
come to a roadblock, take a detour."
- Mary Kay Ash


Failure is not fun...but, it is a learning experience. Have you experienced failures related to work? A project that didn't turn out right? A client or boss that you disappointed? A trusted co-worker or business partner who stabbed you in the back? A sought after promotion that you didn't get? A firing? A downsizing?

Scripture tells us:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Learn from failure....don't let it beat you down.

Never Too Late

"It's never too late to become the person you might have been." George Elliott

Are you who you wanted to be? What dreams have you put on hold?

I put my dream of being a writer on hold for many years, but thank God I finally pursued it. And...you know what I discovered...it wasn't just a dream...it was my gift and my calling!

We don't follow our dreams because we are more concerned with money and status....or with what other people think of us! However, I think it is mostly money and LAZINESS that keeps people in careers they hate.

I know a number of people who would like to teach, but feel the income is too low for teachers. I know people who would like to work with the disabled, or seniors, or plants.... but they can't give up what they are doing now. Also, I know lots of people who would like to go back to school and learn something new...but, instead they spend their evenings in front of the television.

It's not to late to follow God's desire for your life! Make things better... get off the couch!

Whose Life Are You Living?

"It's never too late to become the person you might have been."
- George Elliot

Whose life are you living?

Your parents...your friends....your spouse? Are you working at your current job or career because of someone else? Did you join the family business, or select an occupation based on your parents wishes? Are you trying to impress your friends with your current job? Did your spouse push you to accept the job?

If any of the above are true, you may be denying your God-given talents and the life HE would have you to live...to please others. We may sometimes have 'in the meantime' jobs...but we have to be true to ourselves and God when choosing a career.

Labor of Love

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. "

Hebrews 13:20-21

Right now...as I write this...I can tell you that I am doing what I love. However, earlier today...when I was trying to rid my trash can of a nasty odor...I was NOT doing what I love. I guess this is the reality of life! I once heard a minister say that as we are cleaning or doing chores...we should thank God that we are able to do it. I know there are some people who sing or whistle while they work. Some just daydream!

On this Labor Day my thoughts are with those that labor so that others will be comfortable. We are having an extreme heat wave today..yet there are those outside working to restore electricity...or fighting fires....or protect others. I also think of our soldiers in Iraq who are laboring in extreme heat.

I think even the worst labor can be a labor of love if we use it to uplift God's kingdom. There will always be unpleasant situations in the workplace ...sometimes we have to sing, dance, pray, whistle, or daydream...to get through it.

Do what you can to make your work bearable...remember you work for God not man....

Think Before You Speak

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. "

James 3:9-12

There are those who believe it is their 'Christian duty' to tell others exactly what they think. The trouble with these kind of folks, is that their thoughts are usually judgmental, and sometimes just plain wrong!

It can be hard to bite your tongue when you want to tell someone off....especially in the workplace. Yes, there are times when you must speak up...but, weigh the situation carefully. How will your job be affected? How will the relationship with the person change? Will the person's behavior get better...or are you just wasting your time? Could you be wrong and the other person right? And, most importantly...will you be a reflection of Christ with what you are about to say to the person?

Think before you speak!

Direction

As a Christian, one of the things we often pray for is discernment and guidance.

Discernment to choose between options, to know whom to trust, and to think clearly (and not emotionally...okay, I'm talking about myself)

We also pray for guidance on the journey! This is especially true concerning our career. Sometimes it's hard to choose between two jobs, or two projects, or even two careers! We want to follow our calling, but we also want to be successful and prosperous.

Concerning my career, I pray A LOT! It is a little clearer for me now because I know my writing and speaking are indeed my calling. I have learned that I MUST follow it. However, this doesn't mean earthly concerns are totally put away. Still I keep going in faith.

Here is a scripture that helps me:

Psalms 128:1-2 "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."

God Bless

At Last

Okay...I'm ready to get this started...by that I mean, post on a regular basis. All of the pieces are coming together. I have a lens on Squidoo (www.squidoo.com/Godonthejob/ ) and the main website (http://www.godonthejob.com/ ) has been reformatted. Check out Squidoo...it's great! (http://www.squidoo.com/ ) So much going on with the web these days...it's hard to keep up. I think we really are in the midst of a revolution with how we communicate, market, and learn.

As if I don't have enough on my plate, I signed up for http://www.barackobama.com/. I even joined a few groups. More on this later.....Check out his website and by all means get involved in supporting SOMEONE in 2008. (of course, I believe he is the best candidate) Again, more later.

Are you trying to start your own businesss or ministry? It isn't easy, is it? Let me hear from you...your prayers, hopes, and desires.

Be back real soon...Linnie

My First Job

What was your first job? Cutting grass? Baby sitting? Helping out at a family business?

What about the first job you got solely on your own merits…a job that didn’t involve family, neighbors, or friends?

I remember an early job when I was right out of high school. It was the summer before I entered college. I hadn’t planned on working that summer, but my parents informed me that they would no longer pick up the tab for gas in my car.

I applied for and got a job at a snack bar that was attached to a large retail store. The snack bar was outside, and I thought it would be fun to work with people and serve hotdogs, snacks, and ice cees. The other workers were around my age and the first couple of days were fun.....getting to know everybody and learning how to operate the machinery and serve the food.

It really wasn't bad, except for the TOTAL lack of hygiene exhibited by many of the workers. (You would think that I would never eat out again after some of the things I saw...but, of course this wasn't the case.) By the second week, I refused to eat anything that came from that snack shop.

Eventually, I transfered to work as a sales clerk inside the store. It was better, but not something I wanted to do forever. It DEFINETLY encouraged me to continue my education.

How about you? What are your memories of your first job? What did you learn? Did you like the people you worked with?

Coming Soon....

Okay guys....bear with us.... We will be launching soon and discussing topics such as:

• Are you working with the enemy?
• Hard-to-love co-workers;
• Being passed-over by incompetents;
• Do they know you are Christian?
• Religious discrimination;
• Are your actions speaking louder than your words?

Hang on...we'll get started and spread the word soon...

Linnie