Having Joy in the Stillness

Sometimes when you're in a situation, you have to find patience deep within you to keep you calm, collected and joyous.  Whatever the situation, trusting God will do all that and more.  I have to remind myself that everything is fine, everything will work out the way it is supposed to, and that this is the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson, better myself as well as grow in my faith. 
Faith. Patience. Joy.     What does it mean to have these things in the face of troubled times?
I've been attempting to seek out the answer most of my adult life and the more challenges I face, the more I seek the answer.  I watch people I know in troubled times and see the difference between faith and trusting God compared to people who don't want to or forget how to.  I don't want to be the latter, ever.  God will test you, Satan will tempt you.

Drawing closer to God in this time is what God wants.  With drawing from your life and becoming depressed is what Satan wants.  
Trying Hard to focus on Him.
Blessings,

Stand back, bully. My God is BIGGER than YOU.

I have a topic that is in the news frequently, and has always been a serious concern around the world.  Shootings in various schools, colleges, malls exacerbated by Bullying.  Sadly, there is no law against it.  No state bill, No federal bill, and workplaces are more concerned with protecting their pocketbook than protecting you.

What many of us face everyday at school, at work, or around your city in different situations can be overwhelming in the sense that you are dealing with Satan at its worst day in and day out.  The fear is what will the bully say to me or what will he/she do?  The challenge we all face is not what is coming out of the bully's mouth, or what they physically do BUT how we handle it everyday.  It is always easier said than done when someone says, "Stand up for yourself."  or  "Don't let it affect you".

 

The best thing is prayer.  What?!?! I know, but the reality of a situation can only get much worse if you head into it with negative energy, attitude, or thoughts.  Prayer.  Be patient, be compassionate, but Be Strong.  And the kind of strength you need... DOES NOT come from within.  Hear me when I say this, it comes from ABOVE.  God will not leave you, God will not fail you, and you have to call upon him everytime you're being bullied.  Bullies are just bullies.  At the end of the day, in the dark, the only person they have to bully is themselves.  Think about it.  A bully projects his/her many insecurities to one person or many people in order to feel taller, bigger, more important, exert their control, and/or to prove something.  What a bully does to you or says to you is not important.  God wants YOU to be unafraid around a bully.  What is important, is how you handle the situation and the bully.  Oh, of course, many things are easier said than done.  But, once you realize that you alone cannot fight physically or mentally a bully, than you will most certainly realize that you need God.  All bullies are not the same.  Different looks, ages, mental states, etc...  Sometimes, you don't even realize you are being bullied.  Maybe, you experience positive and negative situations with this person and it confuses you.  We all at some point have either been a bully or been bullied.  Yes, we all.  The whole world.  Unless you live under a rock or on an island. 

 

Never sacrifice who you are just because someone else has a problem with it. - jbt

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Bullying FACTS:

160,000 American Youths Skip School in Fear of Bullying

70 or 80% of Americans report rudeness and incivility at work

41% of workers having been psychologically harassed at work at some point

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I'm positive even less than that have reported to their higher ups at work.-jbt

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Bullying Facts cont. ~~~~~~~

Imbalance of power - Typically those who engage in bully-like behaviors use their strength, popularity or power to harm, control or manipulate others. They will usually target those who are weaker in size or may have a difficult time defending themselves.

Intent to cause harm - A bully is a person who does not do things by accident. The bully intends to physically or emotionally injure a person or group of persons.

Repetition - Typically incidents of bullying are not a one-time thing. Bullies target the same person or group over and over again.

Typical signs of bully in children and adults:

Becomes frequently violent

Has trouble controlling anger

Is manipulative and controlling of others and situations

Is quick to blame others

Does not accept responsibility for their actions

Needs to win or be the best at everything

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In our past as children, it was at school.  In our adult lives, it's at the workplace. -jbt

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Work shouldn't HURT.

 

Excerpt from link here (credits)....  Read this below:

 

Tragic consequences

Avoiding a workplace bully might seem easier than avoiding a school bully, given that employees can quit their jobs. But workers get caught in a cycle of stress, Namie said. An online survey of targeted workers by the WBI found that they put up with the abuse for an average of 22 months.

The stress of the bullying may itself lead to bad decision-making, Namie said. A 2009 study in the journal Science found that stressed-out rats fail to adapt to changes in their environment. A portion of the stressed rats' brains, the dorsomedial striatum, actually shrunk compared with that region in relaxed rats. The findings suggest that stress may actually re-wire the brain, creating a decision-making rut. The same may occur in bullied workers, Namie said.

"This is why a person can't make quality decisions," he said. "They can't even consider alternatives. Just like a battered spouse, they don't even perceive alternatives to their situations when they're stressed and depressed and under attack."

Sometimes this cycle ends with tragedy. Namie works as an expert legal witness on bullying. In one upcoming case, he said, a woman put up with daily barrages of screaming abuse from her boss for a year. By the end, she was working 18-hour days, trying to shield the employees under her from her boss' tyranny, Namie said. Finally, she and several of her co-workers put together a 25-page complaint to human resources. Nothing happened, until she was called in for a meeting with senior management. The woman knew she would be fired for making the complaint, Namie said.

"Rather than allowing herself to be terminated, she bought a pistol, went to work, left three suicide notes, and she took her own life at work," he said."She was like that rat stuck in a rut," he added. "She didn't see any alternative at that point."

While all workplace-bullying cases are not so extreme, it does seem to be a common problem, said Sandy Herschcovis, a professor of business administration at the University of Manitoba who studies workplace aggression. Between 70 and 80 percent of Americans report rudeness and incivility at work, Herschcovis told LiveScience. Fewer are systematically bullied, she said, but the best estimate puts the number at about 41 percent of American workers having been psychologically harassed at work at some point.

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The deck is stacked greatly against the targets.  The best solution is not always the easiest solution.  There are no laws against workplace bullying, but there are several states who have pending bills in 2012.-jbt

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BE the CHANGE



 

For employers it's a problem, too. Often, it is the least skilled who attack the best and brightest workers because of the perceived threat they imagine. When the perpetrator has the power to deprive her or his target of a livelihood, and the economic and health security the job represents, bullying is an abuse of authority. U.S. employers are loathe to stop bullying, let alone acknowledge its existence. -- excerpt from...(credits)

Special Links, Info, and Credits:

Facebook: Healthy Workplace Bill And, passing a bill will save livelihoods, save lives, and help stop people who are bullying with no consequences.

 Bullying Stats

Your Boss may be slowly killing you

How to Deal with a Workplace Bully

Bustin the Office Bully

Healthy Workplace Bill - Texas

True Story from Today ~ Kevin M from U of Virgina commits suicide

Bible Verse of the Day: 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

 

 

 

The strength you need comes from ABOVE. Amen.

 

Blessings,

1 Peter 4:10

It's another ... maaaaaagic Mondaaaay!

This morning, I awoke at 8:20 and have to be out the door by 8:45am, I know what you're thinking...but I have perfected getting ready fast- probably since I walk to my office and to boot, this morning I did not want to get out of bed.  When it's dark outside...I want to stay in bed period...  I have to work on that if I ever get a job where I have an ugly commute...Yes, and I'm not a morning person.  I try to be, does that count???



Whatever, I'm late anyway

(Don't have that attitude it's better to attempt to be on time! "attempt" haha!)

 

It is A Beeeauuutiful morning...and instead of "manic monday" I would like to say MAGIC because I plan on creating magic everyday....Mondays are challenging and you should create something fun for you to look forward to after you leave the office, whether it's working out, meeting up with a friend or staying in and eating 2 bowls of ice cream for dinner. Me??? I would never do such a heinous thing as eat ice cream for dinner;)

 

 

Weekend Shenanigans- worked late Friday  went by my lovely parentals and went home to relax--yes, a single 30 year old is at home on a friday night - dont judge me , work wears me out :) , Saturday is The Mix at 5:30 and was late oops- had a blast with Kristin and had so much fun with the kids, Sunday- Worship Team both services and then took the rest of the afternoon to myself to relax and catch up on things, for one my blog!:) Very uneventful, but VERY fulfilling :)



Kristin & me :)

 



Saturdays @ 5:30pm Jr/Sr High Worship after the Main Service Fellowship Grapevine

Obsessions Right Now- boots boots boots like everyone else except my obsession lies with "boot illusion" off shark tank Boot Illusions - ps has anyone seen that show it's ridic it's crazy it's so much fun-makes me want to invent something and apply ;)





this would save SO much $$$$$$$$



This is my ideal Fall outfit



Blessings Right Now- my health since I'm feeling much better, fam, friends, my church family, and met up with a beautiful friend of mine I have not seen in months tonight, Plus I'm starting a Study with Shereadstruth.

 



Blessings....



 Prayer Requests- that God will allow people's schedules to not get in the way so they can make it to Flavour, for students that attend regularly and for the students that have yet to visit The Mix, for my career

 

 

"WOW MOMENT".... American Idol.....

Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj??!! no words... I sang Mariah Carey when I got grounded...I would just pop in that cassette and get it going in my bedroom (we're talking 9 yrs old, not last week...) ;)

 

 

 

Bible Verse of the Day-

 

Blessings,

 

 

1 Peter 4:10

Prayerful and Thankful!!!

Jesus said: 'If you are embarrassed about me, I will also be embarrassed about you before my father.'  What powerful words those are.  That is the type of verbage that motivates one to reach out and do as God wants you to do...

 

On Thursday, September 13, 2012, a few of the Flavour Sisterhood girls went to Dawson State Jail.  My thoughts leading up to this particular visit were entangled with prayer, nerves, excitement, and questions.  I know, without a doubt that there will be ladies who will not want to hear what we have to show and/or what we have to say, but on the other hand, there will be those who are believers and appreciate strangers coming in to minister and devote precious time to them.  When I arrived at the jail, the parking lot was packed full of cars and guys and girls dressed in uniforms talking loudly around the cars.  I assumed shift change, of course.  When I walked inside, I saw many people inside the waiting area and in the center of the room stood a security setup much like the one you see at the airport that you have to walk through and also, set your belongings in a bin to go through on the conveyor belt....only we are not in Kansas anymore, Toto.  So, I checked in and retrieved my Visitor's Badge and went across the room to sign in for Fellowship Volunteers.  Each time our group visits the jail, you have to get your badge and sign in first and then, you get with the leader that night to find out which group and what floor is assigned to you.  I was assigned to a group and 8th floor.  There were four of us...  After we all got through security, the guards have to unlock this heavy HEAVY door with a small glass window to get to ... the other side.  The other side, you ask?? The Dark side if you ask me.  Once you go through the door, there is a small room with vending machines and on the other side is the locked entry to the front guard's (receptionist essentially) office.  There is a small table with coffee if you feel thirsty and the elevators are in front of you...and that's why you need to know which floor you're going to.  You certainly don't want to end up on a floor that you're not supposed to be on.  Like the 10th floor... which reminds me...

 

FLASH FORWARD....One of the ladies who lives on 8th flr, She explained to me ALL the logistics behind the scenes and forgive me, but I may not remember it all.  She said each lady in the prison is classified with a number that guards use to identify them as well as being classified by J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 ~~ with J1 (the girls that have the best conduct) up to J5, yep you guessed it, the ladies who have the worst conduct and make "bad decisions" she said.  In addition, the uniforms they wear also are used to identify their behavior and sometimes, floor.  The white uniforms are for J1 - J4 I believe and the tan/beige uniforms are for J5.  And, their uniforms could be mistaken for scrubs unless I didn't look closely enough, well, the pants look like scrub pants, maybe the shirt was button up -I'll have to pay better attention next time.  There is so much to take in when you are there....

 

OK, FLASH BACK... So, we ride the elevator all the way up to the 8th and when we step out there is a short hallway that we walk thru and I see to the left some large glass windows and it looks like another guard's office (it has a TV with camera showing a hallway and two desks) which was dark, probably due to shift change.  We happened to see a guard walking by and we asked her if she would let us in.  So, then our team leader walked in front and pulls several times on this blue door and when she does it keeps sticking so I noticed the guard inside the office pushing this button and apparently that's how it is unlocked.  So, we all have to walk in at the same time and are in this tiny tiny space with another door in front that also has to be unlocked.  Finally, we are through and on what appears to be the main floor only when I look around I see a bunch of doors on both sides of hallway but I quickly realize that this is not where the girls live, this had to be some sort of common area.  I asked our team leader about what was in this area and there was a gym, a classroom, and few other rooms that they didn't know what they were for.  It was cold, and the door to the room that we were going to use was locked.  Finally, the door was unlocked by a guard, and the two ladies that had been waiting to help us set up went in and began grabbing chairs.  Someone had said to me, "Let the girls set up that's their job"  but they had to unstack 50 chairs and move several long desks so another girl and myself decided to help them.  I felt like I shouldn't stand around and watch them work, that would of been awkward so I asked them if we could help out.  They (being the two helpers sent early from the 8th flr) were so nice and openly communicated about some things.  We placed on each chair a card that allowed them to write a prayer request.  We showed a Flavour video and Aubrey spoke on Obedience, and the girls were very receptive and attentive.  Only did I notice a couple of girls fidgeting about.  After the 55 mins that we had them in there were up, the guard came and said "It's time".  I could tell the girls were heavy about leaving.  I made a couple of attempts to say a few encouraging words to a few before they walked out.  And, that was it.  Just like that, it was over.  It went so quick.  And, my heart, though elated about the time we had, was heavy too. 

One experience stands out to me...  One of the girls told us that the jails do not have enough staff on hand, are only fed twice on Saturday/Sunday and to boot, wanted us to pray over each of the dorms and said that the devil was present...said alot of ugly things have been happening and we are already inside here - "Why do we have to be disrespected even more?"  I could of cried.  But, I remembered that I'm not supposed to act surprised about anything that we are told...so I kept it together. That's on my prayer list and made me so thankful for the life that I have and will have...

 

Some terms that are used:

Church- which is from what I understand, always on the 8th floor.

Godpod- 9th floor where the ladies are involved in more than just church, have bible studies and have the opportunity to have a mentor.

Dorms- there are five forms on each floor (except 6 and 10)  with 54 women living in there.

Daycamp-they call there building the daycamp, I assume because LewSterrit Prison is across the street and apparently is much worse. 

 

It pains me to hear of such things that I came across in this article but believe that the volunteers make a difference and give them hope. Dawson News - from CBS 11 News.  Hope and Faith are all they need.  One person can make a difference.

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I don't know much, but I do know that if I lean on Him than everything will be great!  I pray that we will reach the unreachable, to make the impossible possible, and to love the unloveable...All is up to God and I'm doing my best to listen to his voice. What an awesome night of worship, and met a few great people.  I'm honored to be a part of this and look forward to the next time I go.

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

1 Peter 4:10

Obedience is the only answer!

Yes, it's Friday, but for me, it's my Thursday...I work every weekend and have for the last two (almost) years.  It's the usual for me, so HO-HUM to all you "TGIF'ers" ;-)  One thing's for sure...  It. Is. Fall. Fall. FAAAAALL!!!  I know that most everyone agrees with me in that it's the best season! :)

FALL!!!! After the rain, giving thanks to our God for the beautiful day :)

 

Sooo, I have had a long week, full of reflection (forced mostly due to me being "under the weather" ;) ), devotional time, and a trip to the Dawson State Jail which blew my mind completely.  What has been placed on my heart this week, is our obedience to God in positive and negative times in our lives.  One of my new favorite quotes is written in my Women's Devotional Bible...

What I got from it:  When we are suffering, we have to find the beauty in the situation that God has purposefully placed us in.   If we can have FAITH that the end result will always be the best result, well, then there's no stopping us, now is there?!  We can never stop believing in miracles, or we will let the enemy win!!!  How great is our God to orchestrate our journey through life and watch out for us and protect us from the unknowns that we as humans can't possibly know! Amen! 

This week, my faith has been tested, my trust tested and I feel challenged by the devil in my thoughts---but I grasped ahold of what I know to be true and have said Move on out Satan, you're not welcome here!  "Godfidence" is KEY and I'm so thankful for the growing Godfidence in my life.  What is important, What matters... is not the big things in your life, but the little things.. We all know that, but remembering it, and reminding yourself of it is important.  The reoccuring theme of this week was about trusting him, having faith, and being obedient and it was all tied together through the different encounters and communications I had with old friends, new friends, and representatives of my church, Fellowship.  I have to learn to be patient and walk by my Father's voice, not by sight. That's my prayer for myself, and for everyone else too.  Don't give up on God, have faith that He knows what is BEST for you. Have Faith...

God will purposely hide His plans from you to teach you to walk by faith (what He's saying) and not by sight (what your natural eyes see). Don't ask questions, just keep following His voice.

 

Highlight of my Week:

My Dawson State Jail Trip with the Flavour Sisters from Fellowship Grapevine - AND you better believe I had no idea what to expect! I plan on writing all about it soon.  This one I'm EXCITED to document and look forward to becoming a mentor soon...

Obessions Right Now (Random Thought ha):

Bright colored Hair extensions!!!!!! Wish Corporate America would be impressed with these kind of hairdos! ;-)

Blessings Right Now:

My family, My friends, My continuously growing family at Fellowship Grapevine, and the opportunity I have had recently to connect with the ladies in jail that are lacking consistency and support

Prayer Requests:

Margo, Andrea, Keisha, Denise - 4 of the many ladies at Dawson State Jail that I had an opportunity to meet and talk with for a few minutes.

I, more than welcome anyone who has a prayer request for me to pray on and pass on to my prayer warrior friends...

 

 

This is how I feel when I finally leave the office...haha..I have conquered yet another day! Lord, help me to impact each and every person who walks through my office door...



Bible Verse of the Day:

It came from an article my friend, Chante Truscott wrote, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24) You can read the article here: Who is our Boss?

I want to write one last thing, and it is that God only knows my challenges with my career and this was absolute Godperfect timing. Chante didn't know, and this was written some time ago but it spoke to my heart and soul. God, bless the people who deliver an indirect impact to those in need and bless my friend, Chante who has been an inspiration to me indirectly through the words that you pour through her. Amen, Amen!!!! :)

Tomorrow's my "Friday" and I'm looking forward in anticipation to serving with my brothers and sisters at Fellowship...literally I get to serve with my pretty sister Kristi Brooke on Saturday nights at ~ The Mix ~ (the jr. and sr. high worship night at our church) and it's going to be a fun journey--how amazing is that!

Blessings,

1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” 

I'm so GLAD you're here!!! :) Welcome!!!

Introducing my first blog and my first blog posting... After thinking, thinking, and more thinking about the whole blogging trend while scoping out family, friends, randoms and retailers who are laying out the journey of their lives, thoughts, or experiences through this... I AM ON BOARD.  What an extraordinary idea it was years back... and I haven't taken the precious time to jump on the blogging train...until NOW :)  I haven't decided the focus yet, nor what my aspirations will be because this is so brand new to me.  I do want to write about my life experiences and speak on pertinent topics that will encourage and inspire.  I want to write about my passions, my beliefs, and what moves me on a day to day basis.  There's so much to write about and if it can impact one person, help one to smile, show someone a new perspective, give humor to a negative situation, encourage one to move forward, inspire someone to learn more about our Wonderful Father Lord Jesus, help someone find a reason to give back and volunteer, or maybe, just make them laugh at a few jokes...then, I should of started blogging years ago. 

Keep in mind.......this blog is a ____ and, all of us in this world are a ____ :

 

 

 



I am happy I finally decided to create a blog, and I hope this is more than just a place of secular creativity as it is for many blogs I have seen on Blogger.  I want to open another door to share about how great our God is and what it has done in my life, in yours, and how, having "Godfidence" in life can make a difference no matter where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing. 

 

Deceit me, and I may not believe you. Betray me, and I may not like you. Lie to me, and I may not trust you. Encourage and Inspire me, and I will never forget you as long as I am here on Earth.

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

 

1 Peter 4:10  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.”