:: Sisters' Weblog: It Bloggles the Mind! ::

Sue's blogchalk:
United States, Tennessee, Humboldt, English, Susan, Female, 36-40, Christianity, Bible Study, church, music, trumpet, CD's.

Katie's blogchalk:
United States, Tennessee, Humboldt, English, Katie, Female, 30-35, Christianity, Bible Study, church, mom with two kids, full-time student.

[::..Button..::]
[::..Interview..::]
Sue at Diary-X
[::..Hits..::]
[::..Blog Archive..::]
Archive
[::..Search Site..::]
Pico Search
[::..Guestmap..::]
Sign Here
[::..Favorite Blogs..::]
Avoiding Evil
Holly the Blog
IreneQ
Meremadness
[::..Recommended..::]
Google
WayFM
Northbrook
[::..Music..::]
Crimson Light
[::..God Blogging..::]
Blogs4God
Exodus
Joy
[::..Blogrolling Etc..::]
Blogroll Me!
[::..Blog Stuff..::]
Ageless Project
Blizg
Blog Universe
Blogarama
Blogger
Bloginality
BlogMatrix
Blogshares
Blogwise
Daypop
Diarist
Geoblog
GeoUrl
Get Linked
Globe of Blogs
Haloscan
Pepys Project
Top Blogs
Wanderlust
[::..Links to Us..::]
@ Blogs4God
@ Blogrolling

:: Saturday, November 09, 2002 ::

Where to Hammer in My Nail?

Back in August the message at church was "Being Servants in a Selfish World" as part of a series: Being Churched in an Unchurched World. Our church has been working its way through I Corinthians and the message back on that August day was centered around I Corinthians 4.

Paul, one of our full-time pastors, broke the chapter down like this:

I. Servants are faithful (1-5)
II. Servants will be judged (6-7)
III. Servants will suffer unjustly (8-13)
IV. Servants are held accountable (14-21)

He made the point that Christians are servants of God and we are to be faithful only to Him. He alone will judge us. Paul had us view a scene from Gladiator, the scene where the Gladiator's were being picked. I learned from that that Gladiator's were not the prime elite of the military force, they were basically despensable humans that would make for some good entertainment as they were killed. That was there purpose for being thrown out into the arena. They were told they would go out to the sound of applause. Paul had us think about "going out to the sound of applause...hopefully of God." Paul also shared that servants are held accountable. What God entrusts us with in the way of gifts and talents, he gave to us with an intent for us to use them to better the church and to glorify Him.

At the end of the service we were instructed to take a nail. Sure enough at the exit was a large bucket of nails. We all took a nail...about a 12 penny nail I'd guess. I still have it in Jeepers, my jeep. We were asked to think about where we are to put our nail in Northbrook, and that at the annual Covenant Renewal, we will be asked to "hammer it in". I'm not all sure how it's gonna play out, but I have been thinking about where to put my nail.

At Northbrook in order to become a member you must attend a new member class, Northbrook 101. In it people learn the Mission of Northbrook Church, the Biblical Values, and what members are expected to do, things like attend services regularly, participate in SaLT groups, use talents and gifts to edify and build up the church. Paul is having us figure out how we are to apply the principles of I Corinthians 4 personally, to the church. Think about where to put our nail.

I attend services and love SaLT group. At one point I was involved in 3!!!!!!!!!!! I have also wanted to find my niche, a place where I might use my gifts and talents. I found one way to contribute a bit as I will be helping to administrate a message board on the church website. I'm not sure I understand exactly what my responsibilities will be, but I'll learn it no problem. I got involved when I emailed the webmaster and made suggestions about the site.

This week I found another way to help. I was asked to help out with the Ministry 2 Women Newsletter. I'm excited!!!! Just another way God is going to use my talent and interest in computers to edify the church! Woooohooooooooo!!! Can't wait for my first issue to be hot off the presses!!!!!!!!!

So little by little I am hammering in my nail.


:: Susan 11/9/2002 08:28:38 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

SaLT=Connection

Robin called me at work. He called just to tell me he and his wife were thinking of me and praying for me. He knows that work has been a struggle for me.

My spirits were lifted from that simple phone call. God tells us to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2 Today, my SaLT group carried my burdens, and they did feel a bit lighter!

Thank you Robin, Tanya and SaLT and Light on Sunday night! I love you guys!

-Sue


:: Susan 11/8/2002 11:10:47 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

I'm draggin'!

I love what I do for a living. I told my DM that. I also told him that right now I hate working here! It is probably true that anyone who answers to corporate from the field feels like corporate has no clue what goes on in the stores. I did not used to have that attitude. A year ago I was looking toward the future and the direction my company was moving. I was proud to work for them, I still am, but right now I am tired. I feel defeated. I am required to do waaaaaaaaaay more than I am able. I am a perfectionist so it is driving me crazy to leave work when things aren't done.

It is not possible that I can get done what needs to be done. I told my DM that I can't do it. I am also having a problem finishing non-essential tasks when other things take priority in my store. Corporate is still demanding those stupid non-essential things get done. I can't help it...I was hired to use good time management and to be able to prioritize. I am good at that. I have proven I am good at that. I do it. I decide that it is more important to use the labor hours given to me, which are minimal mind you, to help customers find what they need, to make sure product is out and organized, more than taking time to write "dummy" schedules through the first of the year! It's true. They are called advanced schedules...just a "rough draft" of the upcoming holiday schedules. They mean nothing. NOTHING! I make the stupid schedules, which took a total of 3 hours, and each week I will continue to write the week's schedule as usual. What a waste of 3 hours. Wonder how many customers I could have sold stuff to in that time?

I don't want to be a backroom manager! I hate it! I hate it! I want to be on the sales floor! I can't even teach my new people anything because my head is buried in paperwork!

I feel better now that I blogged that. I want to be head of the company for a month, no, maybe a whole quarter. My first priority will be to eliminate the unnecessary mountains of paperwork and meaningless tasks. I know I could do it! Get back to the basics of customer service!

I don't know if I'll make it through the holidays.


:: Susan 11/8/2002 10:42:55 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

Addicted to Blogs

My name is Sue and I am addicted to blogs. It's been 5 minutes since I read my last one. I read many a day, but I have found myself really addicted to two right now.

It is enjoyable for me to read about other Christians sharing the same struggles on this earth as I. It is also fun for me to ponder the thoughts their blogs bring to mind. At times, they make me laugh!

The Daily Drivel is the blog of a 20 something single man. He has some interesting things to say about "churchianity" and his own quirks, especially when it comes to women. I like reading his blogs because they make me ponder, and they also give me hope that there really are decent, Christian men in existence. He's not perfect, but I can tell he has a love for the Lord and that is exciting! I keep telling Katie he's her future husband! LOL Not really, he's a bit young for her!

The other blog I find myself reading time and again is from a college student at Wheaton, holly the blog. She has a very neat website so you can check it out for the cool effects! One reason I am addicted to her blog is because she cracks me up! Just some of the off the wall stuff she comes up with! LOL

I'm also addicted to blogging myself. It's fun. I gives me a chance to recollect experiences from the day, week, or whatever. I think my mom enjoys me blogging too! HI MA! :-) It's keeping her up to date with what's going on with me and then I don't have to type it all out on AOL IM again! LOL

I also like to blog because it's fun to say...blog blog blog.

:: Susan 11/7/2002 09:17:58 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

My Blessing continued...

I received an email from a reader of my blog. She expressed concern for my decision to walk with a stranger, across a dark Mall parking lot, to the ATM. It's crazy I know. It's also faith.

I can't defend my decision because it was based on faith. A faith God has given me.

On my way home, I was thinking some things about the encounter. I had talked with the man, a bit more than I shared in my blog. I learned that he was a carpenter by trade and had been for 14 years. He is currently employed by a construction company just down the road. I kept thinking about Matthew 25:40
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' I thought it was cool that he was a carpenter, just like my Jesus!

I also thought about Luke 10:33
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." 36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." I try to do as Jesus teaches. Just like the Samaritan who thought more of the man in need than of himself. Would any of us ever do anything if we always stopped to consider how it will effect us? That's what Jesus taught over and over again..."Do unto others", "Love one another", "sell your possessions and give the money to the poor".

The reader of my blog wondered if he was a con man. Maybe he is. Maybe he isn't. If he is a con man, he is a dumb one because he gave me his address, offered to show it to me on his cellphone bill, he had ID, and he had his wife's prescription. He also mentioned that he had gone into some other churches who basically sent him on his way. I didn't want to share that because it is not edifying, but it was for some of these reasons that I chose to help him. It was the right thing to do.

Yes, it was risky, but living for Christ is risky business. I believe that had I been beaten and robbed, I still did the right thing by God. He knows my heart and He is who I have to answer to.

Jesus did not teach that following Him would be easy. Matter of fact, He explained that it wouldn't be easy at all, but it is always right. Did Jesus ever do anything to please Himself?

I am troubled by this world. So many Christians out there didn't, and won't help the Rick's of the world. Have you ever found yourself in need? I have, and I am so thankful that God placed people in my life to help cover that need. I know that it is not possible for one person to help everyone and everybody, but isn't it possible that if we all looked to God for guidance on that, He would be able to get everyone's needs met! Imagine it! If we all "loved one another as ourselves" it would really work! I can see a time where there would be no need at all! Will it start with you? me? Who then?


:: Susan 11/5/2002 10:56:05 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

Exercise

I exercised my right to vote today. It's the only exercise I will get for another year.

-Sue

:: Susan 11/5/2002 09:31:24 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

The Blessing

I worked a double today. One of my associates was ill. I knew she was ill, she didn't look good yesterday, so I wasn't surprised when her mom called. I hope she is feeling better. None of the associates I called were available to work, so I worked from 8:14 until 9:40 tonight. I love my job, but I LOVE HOME TOO!

Work has been so stressful lately. Way too many tasks to be doing and I do blame Corporate. I don't think sometimes the "pencil pushers" really know what's going on in the field. They expect miracles and those don't come frequently in the field of retail! Anyway, I am feeling very defeated like I will never be on top of things in my store again. Christmas is coming up and I am so far behind now it seems hopeless. My DM, although he does understand, still needs this turned in by last week and that turned in yesterday. I told him today "I am not the manager I want to be! I love music retail, I love it, but right now I hate being here!"

I was tired. Cranky. Stressed. Worried about all the things not getting done. Starting to feel quite apathetic about it all anyway and then God sent me a stranger. I had a little over an hour until the store closed, the moment I was anticipating more than any other this day, and that's when God sent me a blessing. It gave me appreciation for what I did have. It helped me feel like God was watching over me. It helped me realize Whom I work for. I remembered my purpose for being there, in my store in TN.

God is so awesome. The stranger probably went away thinking I helped him...when, actually he allowed me to gain a blessing. God set it all up. It's what He does. He's the Master!

A man came into my store and asked if I was the manager. I told him I was and he told me he needed a favor. As a manager I hear this stuff all the time...they want donations of product or whatever I can give. I asked him what he needed. He said "My wife is very sick." I started thinking..."oh, here we go!""She needs medicine and Tenncare doesn't cover it." (I believed that! LOL) He told me he asked the pharmacist if he could work for the medicine, but was told he couldn't because of "insurance regulations" or something like that. The man said "I have nothing. Only my cellphone bill to prove that it's mine. I'll let you keep it until I can pay you back. I will work for it. I have asked so many and no one can spare $27, could you please let me borrow $27. All I have is my word that I will pay you back. If you can't help me, do you know anyone who can?" I could tell by this man's facial expression that he was sincere. I could see the desperation in his eyes. This man was willing to do just about anything to get this medicine for his wife. It broke my heart. I told him "wait here, I will help you."

I went to get my bank card. I was praying to myself because what I was about to do could have been very dangerous. I was trusting this man, but more so I was trusting the Lord to protect me. I told my associate that I was going outside for a few minutes and would be right back. The man kept saying "this is so embarrassing. I have a job. My wife, she is so sick and has been out of work for so long, we have lost almost everything." As we were walking over to the ATM across the Mall parking lot, I was aware that I was taking a stranger with me over to the ATM and withdrawing some money. I was asking God's protection as I entered my pin number. The man kept trying to give me his cellphone, drivers license and show me his bill to prove he owned the phone. He was attempting to prove his cause was legit and give me "collateral" or something. I motioned with my hand to put that stuff away and explained "I said I told you I am trusting your word." The man's eyes welled up with tears.

I took the money from the ATM. He accepted it I turned to him and asked him "what is your wife's name?". He said "Renee". I said "I am going to pray for Renee, and my church will pray for Renee". I also asked him his name and that I would pray for him as well. He looked into my eyes so deeply and I could see the fear and desperation in him. His eyes were teary and his lips quivered as he muttered a soft "thank you". I told him that if he needed food that he could come to my church, Northbrook Church, on Wednesday night because it was fellowship night and we will eat A LOT. There will be plenty of food for him if he has need. I gave him directions and I told him that Northbrook Church was "all about helping someone in need!" (Oh, I gave him gas money to get there too!) I explained that I know first hand that Northbrook reaches out to those in need because they did just that for my friend, for me, and for so many others.

Before that moment the man asked me for money, I had been so stressed about my financial situation. I have bills I am paying late. Late. That's all. They are late. They miraculously still get paid. This man is down right now. He was so willing to work for the money for his wife's medicine, but he needs more than medicine for his wife. He needed love tonight. Christ showed him love tonight. I am praying for Renee and Rick. I wish so badly I could have done more for the man, but it is in God's hands. I am praying that God will lead him to come to Northbrook for FWF (First Wednesday Fellowship) and that Northbrook will extend God's open arms to this man and his wife. God took my pity party for myself, and made it nothing. It is nothing. Not only did He make me realize that I have things pretty good, He gave me an opportunity to share what He has given me.

Interesting to think that if I hadn't had to work the double, none of this would have taken place.

Rick had so much humility tonight. God loves the humble. God humbled me tonight. God loves the humble.

I asked Rick where he lived. I am hoping I have enough information to find him, since Thankgiving is just around the corner.

Time to go to bed.

Thank God for all that you have tonight, and while you are at it, will you lift Rick and Renee up in your prayer?

:: Susan 11/4/2002 11:35:57 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

The Offering

Today my church, Northbrook Church, took up an offering. That was odd. There is even more to the story. I'll explain why it was odd, and what "radical" thing I witnessed today as well.

Northbrook is an Acts church. A New Testament church working very hard to be a church with Jesus as it's Head. Northbrook seeks God's Will in every decision and sometimes does some things that are "radical" to most. I say "radical" in jest because, it is never anything outrageous, it is just that we do things in our church that I haven't seen done in other churches. Like the offering today.

Northbrook does not usually practice the normal taking up of a offering. We have a "box" at the exit/enterance of the Big Room called The Gathering Place. This box is covered and has a slot in it for members/regular attenders to put their tithe in. It's rather anonymous, so nobody feels obligated to give. Northbrook works within it's financial means. The giving is obviously sacrificial because while we don't have many wealthy individuals who attend our church, we have amazing resources. It is obvious that the resources are an overflow of the blessings of God within our congregation. We only try to give back what He has given.

I've heard some people say that they don't go to church because they don't like being asked for money. Many churches pass around the collection plate and some people feel obligated to put in money. No church I have been in ever made it obligatory, but I guess those who don't understand the purpose of a tithe might feel odd about not contributing when those around them are digging in pockets and purses to add to the offering.

The tithe is a joyful giving of the resources God gave you. Everything on earth belongs to God. The tithe is giving back to God what is already His.

At Northbrook Church today we were asked to give and I wonder if what I am about to tell you next will ever make the newspapers:

As the offering baskets were passed around, people were told that if they had a need, that they were to "take from the baskets. It may be the way God is providing for you." Pretty radical!

So to those out there who don't want to go to church because you don't like being asked for money...why not try a church where if you have a need, we will do our best to take care of you?

I have seen my church care deeply for it's members, and non-members alike. I have seen Northbrook help families in financial need. I have been the recipient of some physical labor from my pastor and his family when I needed help moving. My church reaches out and touches the community around it. We are not a perfect church, but we are a church filled with people who have teachable hearts. We have a compassion team that actively pursue's those who are in need and tries to help those who are "down and out" get back on their feet. My church will respond to anyone who makes a need known. We will pray for you. Northbrook will love you.

:: Susan 11/3/2002 01:32:56 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

[::..Voting..::]

Rate Me on BlogHop.com!
help?