tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79921956121930017802024-03-12T18:06:01.967-05:00Woman Typing BadlyRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-6785891120822377352019-08-04T01:10:00.000-05:002019-08-05T01:12:19.831-05:00Maybe, just maybe on the other side of Heaven.....<style type="text/css">
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A year ago today my Dad (step-dad if we go with technicalities) took his last breath on earth and his first breath in Heaven. By all accounts it was completely unexpected. He is missed and mourned by many and yet God has graced us with strength that we didn’t know we had and a profound appreciation for life, friends and family that we previously took for granted. It changed each of us in ways that even now remain to be seen. </div>
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As the date neared for my first grandchild to be brought into this world, I flip flopped back and forth between wanting her to be born on 8/4 and hoping she wouldn’t be. If she was born today then there would be a sort of redemption of this painful date and time of year. If she was born yesterday, then today still has a gut wrenching sadness to it that has to be endured every year on August 4th.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Coraline was born a couple of hours short of midnight on the 3rd and the joy, wonder & happiness this has brought my Mom, our family and our friends has spilled over to the 4th and will continue into the days to come. As my Mom held her for the first time last night, hours after a c-section delivery, she cried and spoke of how much Dad would have loved her and spoiled her if he were still here. I can’t help but think he already met her before we did when he got to Heaven.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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As a believer in and follower of Christ, I take my hope of that from this scripture:</div>
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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5)</div>
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God is in Heaven, and my Dad is in Heaven, too..... So maybe, just maybe, Coraline, who is obviously a gift from Heaven, got to spend a little time with her Granddaddy before we ever even knew she was coming.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> It's something to think about that makes my soul smile. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-converted-space">Blessings, y'all,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-converted-space">Robin McNew</span></div>
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-60909511946875266332018-01-19T10:54:00.000-06:002018-01-19T10:54:53.344-06:00Might Have a Million Bucks. Might Not.Back in December I decided to check out a new salon that had opened up nearby. I had not heard any reviews or first hand accounts of the services offered and I was in the neighborhood so I decided to drop by. I no longer color my hair and am letting it grow out but I still get it trimmed periodically. Since they were new, I thought I would maybe throw my business their way and that of my friends and FB fam.<br />
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As I walked around the shop looking at their retail items, I stopped by the register to speak to the cashier; who is also one of the owners. I had noticed there was not a menu of services nor any prices anywhere so I asked. The owner told me that having never worked in the, "type of place," that had price/services menus before, they decided not have them up in their salon either. She rolled her eyes a bit as she said this, and with a little shake of her head then told me the price of a haircut. The overall tone was a bit condescending and as though she had already decided that if I had to ask I couldn't afford it. I smiled, said thank you and left.<br />
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In actuality, I can afford to receive salon services there but will choose not to. I got the impression that this person thought I was wasting their time. Maybe it was my casual attire, or my age, or maybe it was simply the question about pricing. My husband and I are good stewards of our money and will pay for quality even though there might be a cheaper alternative. As most women know, a good stylist is worth their weight in gold and worth paying more for. In the end, not only was my future business lost but potentially dozens of people that I would have recommended them to. Maybe more than dozens, who knows?<br />
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I guess the moral of the story here is to treat everyone who walks in your doors like they have a million bucks to drop into your cash register because you never know; they just might.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-13075010287788711082016-06-13T14:21:00.000-05:002016-06-13T14:21:02.025-05:00Orlando: Live Like It's Your Last Ten Minutes<div class="MsoNormal">
I have waited to say much on my own behalf regarding what
has happened at Pulse in Orlando. I had no words in the beginning [those who
know me know this to be a huge abnormality] and what feeble words I had seemed
to fall woefully short on every front. All I really felt qualified to do was
share information and the posts of others on my FB page in an attempt to help
from where I was. And I felt helpless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I waited. I waited and watched the horror unfold as the
number of dead and injured rose, as the commentary, memes and chatter gobbled
up my newsfeed on Facebook, read the opinions of gay haters, gay lovers, the
indifferent, the horrified, the agenda pushers, the peacemakers, the Christians,
the Christian haters, the left, the right, the middle grounders, the young, the
old, the educated and the not so educated. And it made my head spin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I count many in the gay community among my genuine friends,
people whom I love. [If this offends you as a Christian I am ok with that. No
need to let me know. I don’t care, just keeping it real.] I am watching the gay community hurt, trying
to process such violent acts of hatred against them because they are gay and too, because they are Americans. And my heart hurts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, I am left with this. An inexcusable act of
violence, terrorism and hate was perpetrated against gay Americans on American
soil. I do not believe it will be the last but for 50 people at Pulse this
week, it is the last act of terrorism they will experience on this earth. What
if their families, acquaintances and friends could have those 50 people back
for ten minutes? Would they love them or debate gun control? Would they hold
them tight or push them away over petty disagreements over political
affiliation? Would they pray for them if they felt they were wrong in some
areas of their lives or verbally beat them down? I ask this because in this
age, Pulse can be any of us at any given time. How are you treating others? How do you think those who lost someone in
this tragedy feels about their last chance to interact with their lost one?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Newsflash, none of us are exempt from the bullets and bombs
of madmen</u></b>, not the heterosexuals, not the Christians, the atheists, the LGBQT, the
religiously apathetic, the do-gooders, the do-badders, the children, the
educated, the ignorant, city folks, country folks, Democrats, Republicans,
Independents, the women, the old, the young and the concealed weapons carriers.
[Did I leave anyone out?] <b><u>We are all under advisement that we are targets
because we are NOT a part of radical Islam and this has been NO secret for
quite some time.</u></b> [9-11-01 anyone?] So I do not believe this is the last time that
this will happen to us as Americans in the land of the free and the home of the
brave. I cannot change nor stop a terrorist but I can change me. I can love
harder, seek peace as much as I can, express myself verbally and in writing with
respect to differing views and lifestyles, build a bridge when it would be
easier to walk away, find common ground with others rather than focus on where
we disagree, and above all, as cliché as it sounds, be the change I want to see
in the world and not point fingers at everyone else for the world going to hell
in a handbasket. If we all spent half as much time working on ourselves and how
we treat others as we do pointing out what others need to change/fix/do away
with, the world would see immediate change in record time. If you do not agree
with someone in your life, treat them with love, kindness and respect anyway. Even
if they do not extend that same courtesy to you. Spend your time productively changing
what you have control over, which in the end only happens to be YOU. We are not promised tomorrow and how you treated someone the last time you saw them might be the only chance you ever have to treat them any way at all. </div>
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Are you ok with the last ten minutes you spent with your kids? Your spouse? Your family? Your parents? Your friends? Neighbors? Co-workers? If not, look at Orlando and make it right. Reconcile where you can and agree to disagree on the rest, The friends and families of 50 people in Orlando do not have this precious chance. Don't waste it.<o:p></o:p></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-17910023482085853002016-02-16T17:16:00.001-06:002016-02-16T17:17:05.704-06:00Let's lose it!Getting back on track with my weight loss blog. Great recipes, funny memes, and cool stuff. Come see me and give it a follow!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_285243507"><br /></a>
<a href="http://bigbuttmountain.blogspot.com/2016/02/wellit-has-been-minute.html">http://bigbuttmountain.blogspot.com/2016/02/wellit-has-been-minute.html</a><br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-91572270770831291322015-07-16T12:46:00.002-05:002015-07-16T12:46:52.780-05:00So Much More Than A Decision To Go Gray.Sometime in the last year I was looking at the white roots under my flaming red hair and wondered what it looked like all over with no color on it. Was it all white a la Paula Deen or was it salt and pepper, a la Jamie Lee Curtis? Maybe it was just white and silver on top and still light brown everywhere else, which would not be pretty to me.<br />
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I mentioned it to my husband and for the first time in our 20yrs together he looked at me and said he would love to see it. If you know my husband, then you know red hair is his all time favorite. Hands down. No other color mattered. If you know my husband, then you also know he says what he means and means what he says. <br />
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At first I thought he was joking. Or eying the budget, as he is very thrifty with the wallet and maintaining such a gorgeous red color without a white skunk streak of gray going straight up the middle is not cheap or time efficient. He was neither. He was serious, and not only supportive but encouraging me to look into what it would take to gracefully navigate such a big transition in my appearance while maintaining 3 jobs that put me working with the public and needing to look my best. So began our discussions about it. It was our son's senior year in high school and I really wanted to maintain the red until after graduation pictures in case I did not like the gray or was in some hideous mid-transition phase. [Vain, I know, but it's the truth.] As we would watch TV or be out and about, we would notice beautiful gray, silver and white hair more and more often and wonder if that was what was waiting for me under all this red.<br />
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I began to research it and found out that gray, or "Granny Hair" was a trend right now and that many women, old and young, were flocking to salons to get it done or taking matters into their own hands and doing it at home. If the time was ever right to do it, it was now. So I began to mention it to others. Here is a sampling of the feedback I got.<br />
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Men:<br />
"You're going to look old."<br />
"It won't look good."<br />
"You're going to hate looking old."<br />
"Why would you do that and age yourself?"<br />
"You don't want to do that! You will look so much older!"<br />
"Your husband won't like it because you will look so much older."<br />
"Your husband is actually ok with it?" <br />
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Women:<br />
"I wish I had the guts to do that."<br />
"Aren't you afraid you will look old?"<br />
"If I knew it would look good, I would do it too."<br />
"I've thought about it a lot but never done it."<br />
"I've wanted to do it for years but just can't bring myself to do it."<br />
"Go for it!"<br />
"OMG you are going to do it? Can't wait to see it!"<br />
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I am not hating on the guys. Honestly, I can only recall positive feedback from my husband and not another single man I spoke of it to. [Including my stylist] And I did get a couple of negative comments from women but they directed those at themselves, not me. The feedback, while some of it hurt my feelings, helped me get a better handle on my own feelings about more than just my hair.<br />
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I AM getting older. I'm not 32 anymore, or 25, or 18. I live in a world which values, at the very least, the appearance of youth and does not seem to have much regard for the appearance of gray hair, wrinkles, or age. I am in transition as my son finishes a huge chapter in his life [high school] and begins the next [college, locally] so he needs me less. My daughter is working on "moving out," strategies. I left my job of over 15yrs less than a year ago. I have recently started a new job that is unlike any other job that I have had as I am not already good at what they want me to do upon hiring me. I am having to learn the ropes in a long distance, hands-off fashion and it is scary, nerve wracking and exciting. My husband has a new schedule which has doubled his time home, something we have wanted for years. We are happier than we have ever been together and it keeps getting better all of the time. We are beginning to down size both financially and materially to plan towards his retirement. After much God-seeking and prayer, we have finally put down roots in a new church and I am gearing up to start at least 2 new ministries. My childhood/lifelong best friend has moved literally into my neighborhood after living apart in different states for 30 years. So much change. So much transition. I have never been one to freak out over aging, so I don't think about botox, plastic surgery or lipo, although I do want to be healthy and a lot smaller. So far, no mid-life crisis, here. <br />
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In reality, Granny hair being a trend is not why now is the best time to do it. It is because I am in a serious transition stage and embracing the aging process feels like the right thing to do. I've decided to EMBRACE IT ALL. I am fast approaching 50 and I am excited, embracing what I look like and loving what I feel like. The hair color was the tip of the iceberg, the first indicator of what is going on internally. I will most likely look older, because guess what? I AM older. I'm ok with that. I have aches, pains and stiffness that I didn't have 10 years ago. I am not happy about that but I am happy I have the life experience, wisdom, compassion, and grace for others that comes from living life into the late 40s. I am not allowing the negatives of aging to be my focal point in life, primary topic of conversation and my banner flying over my head everywhere I go. Instead, starting with my hair, I am embracing life, including aging and valuing others, in a way that I did not before. As for my hair? The nuts and bolts are below.<br />
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It took me several months and lots of inquiries to find a stylist who specialized in going gray. Her name is Joyce and she owns the Colorbar in Panama City Beach. After a consultation she feels my hair is gray along the lines of what Jamie Lee Curtis has. We will go gray in several stages.<br />
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The first stage was to go from this:<br />
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To this:<br />
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All in one day.<br />
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Joyce began the process at 10:30am and we finished at 5:00pm. She did two 90 minute bleachings and one toner session using two different toner colors. This is stage one.<br />
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After 6 weeks I will go back and she will look at my gray growth and begin highlighting. I will go back every so often and she will decrease the number of highlights each time until my gray has completely grown out. In between I am using a blue/purple toned shampoo. <br />
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My husband really likes stage one, which is funny as he has always been very anti-blonde hair. As for me? I love it and can't wait to be done to see the final result! My new growth is already showing and it is fairly white. I am wondering if it will end up being more like Emmy Lou Harris? We'll see. In the meantime, I will be posting progress here! <br />
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Blessings, y'all!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Robin </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyceatthecolorbar?fref=ts" target="_blank">The Colorbar Facebook Page</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.vagaro.com/theColorbar35" target="_blank">Colorbar website</a> </span><br />
<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-28549100557562979452015-03-23T23:40:00.000-05:002015-03-23T23:41:30.182-05:00God's Bait and Switch.<br />
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I laughed because out of all the people in this bar, I was the one he picked, as I spent my first 2-3 years of band photography using disposables. So I said sure and he motioned to the lady. At this point she turns to him and begins adjusting his tie, his scarf, his lapels, his everything. He looks at me sort of sheepishly and shrugged at which point I started laughing and said, "you know, there are times when it just can't be anything less than perfection." She is nodding and saying yes, yes over and over again, and he starts laughing too. So as I stood there, watching this lovely little lady with a glorious head of silver hair and lines beyond count on her face lovingly fussing over this gentleman, it began to dawn on me that maybe I was not down here in the lobby of this hotel in the middle of the night for what I thought. Maybe God has me here for something else.</div>
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So I watched and smiled and counted them down for the picture. They were both very grateful and gracious although she never said anything other than yes, yes. I do not think she spoke English much. </div>
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It then occurred to me that maybe I could do more. I offered to take a picture with my phone and message it to him. His face lit up and he turned and explained it to the little lady. There were some more yes, yeses, and some nodding on her part. The part that I loved so much was when he told her, "now it won't take two weeks for me to send the pictures to you." In that moment I realized I could give them this tiny little gift that I take for granted every day, a simple picture that brings instant gratification unlike back when I used disposables for the band. Who were they? Were they in this hotel meeting and soon to part for who knows how long? The picture was very important to both of them. In the grander, bigger scheme of things I take thousands of photos for parents, families and friends of school kids who rarely have to wait very long for them and yet these two lovely people were going to have to wait two weeks or so for these to be developed and mailed. </div>
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I thought I went downstairs for a coke, but really, God sent me downstairs to give a gift to two people who will soon be parted, so they could hold on to this one moment in time until the other moments are developed and mailed. </div>
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I didn't go back upstairs with a diet coke but I did go back upstairs blessed. Thanks, God. </div>
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Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-1910083873366401602015-02-04T22:39:00.000-06:002015-02-04T22:39:05.242-06:00So I just decided to go with what I know....In August of 2014 I left my job of over 15yrs at the local affiliate of the BBC, GC 90.7FM. That blog post can be found here:<br />
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<a href="http://womantypingbadly.blogspot.com/2014/08/yesterdays-ending-is-todays-beginning.html">Yesterday's Ending is Today's Beginning</a><br />
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I loved the people I worked with, still do. I was told that the door is always open for me to come back and maybe someday I will, if that door remains open. But for now, at my husband's urging and encouragement, I have decided to go with what I know .<br />
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Around 6 years ago I began giving advice to teenagers needing jobs tips to successfully land those jobs. I was in the perfect position to do so as I volunteered with a local high school marching band program and in my church's youth group. They seemed to want to hear what I had to say and as time passed I saw success after success with those kids. I was very passionate about the success of young people and I was so excited to see them progress from no interviews to several interviews and from no job to picking the job they wanted from more than one offer.<br />
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Band parents and church members began asking me to help their children and I began coaching kids who would not have normally approached me. Kids began to bring other kids to me that they knew were struggling to find employment and word of mouth spread. Then a strange thing happened. Adults began to approach me to help them, too. I initially felt a little weird about that, especially when it was folks who were in professional career positions. I guess it was because it meant broadening my horizons a bit and getting into more complex and challenging resume preparation as well as coaching people who had a lot more experience with job hunting and employment than the average teenager. I wasn't sure they would trust my instincts and I am certainly not in possession of a degree that says I have been certified to job coach. To my surprise those coaching sessions went as well as the teen/first time job seeker sessions did. And so it began. <br />
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Fast forward to the second half of 2014. I felt like things were coming to a close at the radio station, and I was really not sure what to do with myself. I also work as a substitute teacher and during the summer of 2014, the school district placed limitations on the number of hours subs could work each week. This meant that subbing would only play a part time role in my life, which I am ok with as I do not believe I am cut out to be a full time sub. Trust me when I say that high school students can be a very tough crowd. What to do?<br />
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My husband and I met at our favorite coffee haunt, Chez Amavida, and hashed ideas. We both felt that there is something out there for me but were not sure what it was. Suddenly my husband looked at me and said, "Baby , just go with what you know! You are already helping all of these people and you offer a valuable service. Let's explore the job coaching thing." I was a little dumbfounded but the more we talked about it, the more I realized he had put forth a great idea and it was well worth exploring.<br />
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I started with Teen Workforce Prep Services and my brain trust [read: circle of trusted friends and smart people I admire] felt it was too narrowing in scope and advised me to drop the teen part. so I did. Next was make a Facebook page and see if there was any interest. I also updated my LinkedIn profile to reflect the new business and crossed my fingers. I contacted the kids that I had worked with as far back as I could remember and asked for letters of recommendation, which many wrote with excitement and gusto. Many kids I coached I did not know as they were referrals from other kids so I am missing quite a few letters but I just figure if it is meant to be it will work out without those letters.<br />
<br />
So here I am, on the eve of a launch campaign to get the word out, blogging about what led me here. I don't know if I will ever be able to make a living at it but I am sure going to put myself out there and see what happens.<br />
<br />
If you or someone you know is in need of my services, from resume to interview to beyond, contact me at my Facebook page and we can sit down and see what it will take to get you where you want to be.<br />
<br />
Blessings, y'all!<br />
<br />
<br />
Robin<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Workforce-Prep-Services/732357343502044">Like my page on Facebook!</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tpM8pmrM-0/VNLyt3k5fzI/AAAAAAAAAWY/E27mr49QdE4/s1600/63961_603390276439238_6216532555873890251_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tpM8pmrM-0/VNLyt3k5fzI/AAAAAAAAAWY/E27mr49QdE4/s1600/63961_603390276439238_6216532555873890251_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-68576539789001142942014-11-16T19:41:00.000-06:002014-11-16T19:41:18.065-06:00Ryan? We didn't understand but we cared......<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Understanding and caring are not the same thing. While I
know that many students and adults are hurting over Ryan's suicide, I cannot say that I
understand all the different ways this is affecting them and even myself. I cannot
say that I understand what Ryan went through mentally and emotionally to arrive at suicide and I cannot say that I
understand how to even begin to help our band family pick up the pieces. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I can say is that I CARE.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I CARE if a band student or an adult is struggling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I CARE if our band family is experiencing depression, tears,
confusion, guilt, anger, anxiousness, pain, isolation, rage, trauma, or feeling
withdrawn, fragile or burdened.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I CARE about how this has affected you, whether you were
close to Ryan or were not because everyone at Bay High has been impacted by his
decision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can I say with certainty that someone who didn’t know
Ryan shouldn’t be affected by his decision? Just like with Ryan’s own internal
struggle, I really do not know what others struggle with privately in their own
mind and heart. AND NEITHER DO YOU. I caution all who read this to be careful about looking at
anyone reacting to this tragedy with judgment or criticism because
for all you know that person you are judging could have been considering suicide
also and this has struck a nerve deep within. It may be utterly shocking for
them to be here, alive to see the fallout from such a huge and tragically permanent decision. Don’t judge
those you feel do not have the right to be affected by this. You do not walk in
their shoes and do not know their battles. I saw Ryan oftentimes every day of
the week, took trips with him, snapped many pictures of him, subbed his classes
and hung out in the same geographical locations with him for 4 years and never
saw this coming. While I was geographically close to Ryan often, [i.e. band
room, Bay High campus, Tommy Oliver Stadium, bus trips etc] I was not in his
inner circle nor was I close to him emotionally. I didn’t know the depths of
his situation and yet had Ryan told me, he would have known very quickly that I
and others around him CARED, adults and students alike. We might not have
understood the whys or even understood how to help him, but it would have mattered
to us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Ryan’s death matters, even to
people who did not know him. Parents who didn’t know Ryan will grieve for the
loss his mother and step dad feel. Students who didn’t know Ryan but have siblings
will grieve for the loss his sisters must feel. People who have suffered loss
through suicide in their own families and communities will grieve along with us
from a place in the heart that holds all the hurt from those other losses, even
if they never even met Ryan. Reserve judgment and lavish compassion and
kindness anywhere you can. We all need it, even those who remained strangers to
Ryan at his death. I CARE enough to choose compassion and kindness even if I do
not understand how we have come to the place we are in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students outside of our band family at Bay High School have
been affected, too. Ryan’s choice has made a ripple in the fabric of our school
and community that may defy understanding for weeks, months, even years to come.
Some students have voiced fear and concern over being left out of the grieving
process because they are not in band. I CARE, although I cannot control nor
predict how the grieving process will unfold corporately at Bay High. If this
is you, please talk to a teacher, or go to the office and tell them you are
hurting, you are grieving and help the administration to understand how
impactful Ryan’s decision has been to Bay High, not just to our band family. Bay
High CARES, teachers, volunteers, lunchroom ladies, administrators, coaches and
custodial staff ALL CARE. Please seek them out even if you don’t understand why
you are feeling the way you do or are afraid of your feelings. Give them a
chance to care for you hands on and in a real and tangible way. They will even
if they don’t understand it, because they care. Chances are, they are hurting
too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A young girl stopped at my table at dinner the day Ryan was
found. I did not know her nor did I see her until I heard this tiny voice say, “Are
you finding comfort in food too?” I looked up, then at my son thinking she
was a friend of his. He looked at me and I realized he didn’t know her either. I looked at her red shirt, then asked if she went to Bay High
and was she referring to the events of that day. She said yes and the tears
welled up. I stood up and hugged her tight, tried to make some jokes and
introduced her to my son. She was not a band student, nor did she really know
Ryan but she was hurting too. I was glad she reached out and tried to connect.
I may never see her again but in that moment she knew I cared, I knew she
cared, and sometimes that is going to be the best we can do for each other. Hug
it out and grieve together. And that’s ok. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were all robbed of the chance to show Ryan how much we
cared until it was too late and the only ones who will know are the survivors
he left behind. Hopefully, seeing the outpouring of care, love and concern over Ryan's death will speak to the hurting hearts of those who are quietly and secretly contemplating suicide themselves. Please don’t rob me or the people around you of the chance to
show you how much we care by choosing suicide. It always is and always will be
the wrong solution to the difficulties you are facing. Give hope and caring a
chance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)</div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-10541978476640972202014-08-14T00:53:00.001-05:002014-08-14T00:53:30.511-05:00Yesterday's ending is today's beginning.Two weeks ago, after much discussion with my husband and a couple of close friends, I made the decision to leave my job of 15yrs at GC 90.7FM at Gulf Coast State College.<br />
<br />
I originally started out as a student in the Communications/radio/television program and was approached fairly early on by then station manager Frank Sundram to come on board as a part time employee after a brief stint as a volunteer. Together we started the Community Calendars and in better economic times the calendar actually split into 2 calendars, Cultural and Community due to the abundance of underwriters wanting to fund it. I also had the pleasure of serving as producer for some of the Emerald Coast Almanac shows for Professor Armstrong in the 90's.<br />
<br />
Eventually I added website contributor to my resume as we moved the calendars to an online format, served at meet and greets with our listeners, and embraced the social media movement as a valuable tool in public awareness of who we were, what we did and what our vision was for the community. I asked for and got permission to take on our social media presence as a personal responsibility and increased our page numbers, created graphics, wrote content, and eventually served as admin on 6 separate pages. My love for photography came into play as I photographed the staff working, playing and just being themselves. Those photographs always garnered the most attention on our FB pages. It has always been a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
As the years passed, our staff size decreased and our local show line up increased. Meetings were held to keep the staff abreast of all changes as they became known and I felt like maybe there was something more than calendars, photography, fund drives and social media for me. Maybe I should throw my name in the hat to step up and find a place hosting if I was needed.<br />
<br />
I met with Harley, our Operations Manager, to see if it was something worth pursuing. All he asked is that it be a genre of music that I was passionate about. That happened to be funk music, which was already in the local, Saturday night line up on Funk 180. It was also Harley's concept, creation and one of a few shows already being hosted by him. To my surprise he gave it to me almost without hesitation. I was in shock. I went from never hosting anything to 3 hours of content that was all up to me and me alone.<br />
<br />
I was jazzed!<br />
<br />
I was stoked!<br />
<br />
I was IN OVER MY HEAD!<br />
<br />
The first show took me 9 hours to put together. It was only 3 hours of music but my love of the genre did not mean I had a huge working knowledge of funk music, just the songs that I really liked already. And we had almost a thousand songs to choose from. Time passed and under Harley's patient tutelage I eventually got a better handle on how to use the technology and how to put together a good show, both content-wise and flow-wise. Hosting Funk 180 has probably been the best part of all these years at GC 90.7 FM and I am very grateful for the opportunity to do it. If you're reading this, THANKS HARLEY!<br />
<br />
I want to say that I feel very lucky to have been a part of the family at GC 90.7 for so long. I could not ask for a finer group of people to work with anywhere.<br />
<br />
I never finished my degree in Communications but I hope to do so in the next couple of years. I will also continue to work as a substitute teacher at Bay High School here in Panama City. I will continue to blog but will be deactivating my professional FB page. My last Funk 180 show is August 16th and it is non-stop my favorite funk tunes for 3 solid hours so make sure you tune in!<br />
<br />
Blessings, y'all!<br />
<br />
Robin<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vySNFyTkyjk/U-xM6MlPNyI/AAAAAAAAARg/et-scI-qr9s/s1600/1536443_469345416510392_1079974796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vySNFyTkyjk/U-xM6MlPNyI/AAAAAAAAARg/et-scI-qr9s/s1600/1536443_469345416510392_1079974796_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-29320454534148532692014-08-10T13:49:00.000-05:002014-08-10T13:49:39.308-05:00New blogI have added another blog to my stable of blogs that I do not write upon nearly enough.<br />
<br />
It is entitled, " Does This Mountain Make My Butt Look Big?" and oddly enough it came from a conversation about just that one afternoon in Pigeon Forge TN. with some lovely friends of mine.<br />
<br />
It went on to become a blog on a message board that had quite a bit of positive interaction so I am bringing it out of the message board and online publicly. Lord help me!<br />
<br />
Here is the address:<br />
<br />
http://bigbuttmountain.blogspot.com/<br />
<br />
If you are interested in being added to the email list that will be sent out when I post please email me here:<br />
<br />
robinmcnew@aol.com<br />
<br />
Thanks and come over and check it out!<br />
<br />
Blessings, y'all!<br />
<br />
<br />
RobinRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-73641053569977419842014-02-24T23:51:00.000-06:002014-08-26T09:42:38.283-05:00Stay in your lane.I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and then one of my friends voiced it just last night.<br />
<br />
"I'm glad I'm a leader and not a follower." ~Garrett<br />
<br />
Now, Garrett is a young, twenty something, highly anointed man of God. By most standards I would say he is successful. He owns his own home, has a great marriage, is an ordained and degree-holding pastor and finds favor in every area of his life on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
In work, in ministry, and in their personal lives, Garrett and his wife Erica both do their own thing rather than the thing everyone else is doing. They pray and look to their own creativity, the Lord's inspiration and each other for new and innovative ways to do the things that are important to them. Garrett and Erica really are leaders, not followers.<br />
<br />
Two of my other friends seem to have this same trait. Nick and Kelly , whom I met through the band program at our local high school. Both lead rather than follow. They, along with Garrett seem to be focused on new and innovative ways to do what they are called to do rather than looking around for what someone else is doing and copy it. Nick is doing some highly innovative stuff in the area of fundraising and it is working. Kelly has taken the leap to free lancing her vast skills and is building upon success after success. They both lead, they do not follow. They, along with Garrett and his wife Erica, are constantly brainstorming and praying about what God wants for them and their callings. They do not scramble around looking at what everyone else is doing. They don't have time. They are busy working on their own stuff.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, from my own perspective, it seems like if folks focused as hard on what THEY need to do for their OWN success, as what they are on what someone else is doing, they would have a higher level of growth and excellence in their own program/ministry/organization. And maybe they wouldn't have any idea what the Garrett/Erica, or the Nick/Kelly, or the [fill in the blank] are doing because they are just too busy, successful, and focused to care.<br />
<br />
Just some random thoughts that have been rolling around in my head for a while.<br />
<br />
Blessings, y'all!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-86524735056307542632013-12-10T00:12:00.000-06:002013-12-10T00:12:38.378-06:00The 3 R’s of Seasonal Living.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The 3 R’s of Seasonal Living.</div>
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In recent
months God has been dealing with me about the seasons of my life, and how best to
recognize, respect and respond to the season He has me in. Sometimes I do not
see or understand what exactly I am supposed to be doing and when it should
begin and end. Fortunately I serve a very patient God and He is gracious in
giving me time, wisdom and discernment with which to figure the seasons out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He has been
schooling me in the 3 R’s of seasonal living. [Sounds like a furniture store
advertisement, doesn’t it?] Recognize [a skill], respect [a mindset] and
respond [an action] to the seasons as God changes them throughout our lives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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First, I need
to recognize the season I am in. Just as I would not wear winter clothes in
July, nor a bathing suit in February, I need to pay attention to the signs of
my seasons. [Although this IS Florida and our seasons are so messed up we could
swim in Feb. and freeze in July sometimes, but--for the purposes of this blog
we will pretend Florida has normal weather. AS IF, lol.] Recognition comes from
being informed, being informed comes from paying attention to myself, the
people around me, and most importantly, the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The
seasons of life and living are not always as obvious as leaves falling off of
the trees or flowers blooming. Am I in a season of rest or a season of heavy
work? What am I doing that bears fruit and what seems to be chaff on the altar?
Am I effective in this season or ineffective? However this applies to you, take
it, pray about it, and listen for God’s answer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He changes times and seasons; he removes
kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who
have understanding</i>;” --<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Daniel 2:21
ESV</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Second,
respect the season I am in. Live in the moment as it happens, because we are
not promised tomorrow. Look for the “Jesus,” in the harder seasons because He
is always there. Respect what God is doing in this season in the here and now.
If I get too focused on the seasons past or the seasons yet to come, I can miss
entirely what God is trying to do in my season here and now. I can slow down my
own growing up process both spiritually and in the natural. Embrace the now, right
here, today. Respect that God is trying to rework us into something way more
beautiful and valuable than we were in the season prior, even if it doesn’t
feel good, look good or sound good. Respect what God’s plan is for us and we
cannot go wrong. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour
out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah”</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">--Psalm 62:8</b></div>
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Last but not
least is respond to the season I am in. This is the most active part of
seasonal living under God’s hand. Respond promptly and trust God! If He is
telling us to lay something down, lay it down. If He is saying start something
new, do it. Pray, and pray a lot! Then trust God wholeheartedly. Dance if it’s
the season, mourn if it’s the season, sow seeds into the lives of others in due
season and harvest when the season comes as well. God is faithful. He will
honor your response to the season He has you in. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Time for Everything</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:</b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“2 a time to be born, and a time to die;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what
is planted;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time to break down, and a time to build
up;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to
gather stones together;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time to embrace, and a time to refrain
from embracing;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time to keep, and a time to cast away;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">8 a time to love, and a time to hate;</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a time for war, and a time for peace.”</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">--Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, English Standard
Version (ESV)</b></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-13999805656925270502013-12-09T23:58:00.000-06:002013-12-10T04:28:57.400-06:00Today I got to thank the doctor who recently saved my husband’s life.<h1 class="entry-title">
<span style="font-size: small;">Face to face–Because melanoma is no joke and not to be trifled with.</span></h1>
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And Bill was diagnosed with melanoma 3 weeks ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our family doctor, Dr. Heather Shaffer, is one of
the most thorough and attentive doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of
meeting. She has been our regular family practice physician for close to
3 years now. During routine visits she always asks if we have had this
exam, or that test done due to our age/jobs/medical history etc. She
does a skin exam once a year, and during her October 30<sup>th</sup> exam of Bill she found a suspicious looking mole on his shoulder. She removed it and sent it off for testing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On November 8<sup>th</sup> I received a phone
call on my cell from a number I did not recognize. I was at work and
normally do not answer calls from numbers I don’t know but something
said to take it. Dr. Shaffer’s voice sounded a bit shaky as she told me
Bill had to come in right away for surgery as his results came back
melanoma, a fast moving, aggressive form of skin cancer. She calmly told
me he could not wait 28 days to get back from work; he had to have
surgery NOW. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it happened, everything lined up perfectly because Bill was transitioning to a new boat so it wasn’t hard to get a relief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was home within 24hrs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Veterans Day we went in for a consultation with
the surgeon, Dr. Mockler. He gave us a thorough education on melanoma.
If caught in time it can be cut out of the body. If not, there is
nothing to do but get your affairs in order. Dr. Mockler explained to us
that there are several layers of skin and below that is fat. Within the
fat is blood vessels, veins etc. Once melanoma has developed on the
skin it moves molecularly deeper into the skin layers. There is good
treatment for that. He advised us that there was very little to no
effective treatment for it once it reaches the fat layer. When it hits
that layer of fat, it immediately spreads via the bloodstream to organs,
the brain, it goes everywhere, creating tumors and death. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is impossible to tell by the naked eye how far it has gone. It requires
incisions and flesh samples. The labs test the outer edges of biopsy
and if it tests positive for melanoma the dr. does a larger sample,
hoping the next sample will contain all of the cancer. If the edges test
positive then another is done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said the results of his biopsy would mean one of 3 options for Bill, either another surgery, a clean bill of health, or a directive to get our affairs in order. We were stunned and pretty shaken up.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On Nov. 12<sup>th</sup> the procedure was done and
the sample sent off. Nothing to do but pray and wait. Bill is an
extraordinarily private person and decided that the situation would be
kept between us and very few prayer partners/our pastor until we knew
for sure what the outcome was. He was adamant that our families would
not be in a state of worry and upset until we had a “for sure” answer.
During that week’s wait we did a lot of examining of our affairs, and
our lives up to that point. We’ve always prayed together about various
things but we prayed more often and with more urgency. I laid my hands
on my husband several times every day and off and on throughout each
night and just prayed for his health
and peace of mind. It was hard not to worry but we felt the presence
and peace of Jesus throughout this entire time. We decided that
regardless of the outcome we were going to begin taking vacations, and
doing the stuff we had put off for so long. A lot of things changed last
week. All for the better.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On November 18<sup>th</sup>, Dr. Mockler gave us
the good news that Bill was cancer free. He also told us that once a
patient tests positive for it, there is a great increased risk of it
coming back so we have to stay vigilant about moles and our skin. He
also said to go back to Dr. Shaffer and thank her for saving Bill’s
life. We immediately took her a card and flower arrangement,
too. We were so grateful for her insistence on managing our total
health, from skin to within. And today I got to tell her that.</div>
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Life is short.</div>
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Live it to the fullest, now, today, for we are not promised tomorrow.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DeTRgYf5zw/UqatWe4E1mI/AAAAAAAAAMU/qjcP7o1cI8I/s1600/hubbahubba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DeTRgYf5zw/UqatWe4E1mI/AAAAAAAAAMU/qjcP7o1cI8I/s320/hubbahubba.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-12275920636374702102013-12-09T23:22:00.001-06:002013-12-09T23:47:33.563-06:00My blog has moved BACK! a.k.a., OK, I changed my mind. ;]I'm going to maintain blogs at this location and http://kingdomforming.com/category/woman-typing-badly/<br />
<br />
I've missed having this site and have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a larger group of writers at Kingdom Forming, too. <br />
<br />
I feel like the Lord is bringing me into a new season of writing and blogging and I am preparing myself for that.<br />
<br />
Let's catch up!<br />
<br />
<br />
Blessings, y'all,<br />
<br />
Robin<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4LkLmNDUZg/Uqak-MkDURI/AAAAAAAAAME/eRmcQsPkthM/s1600/1452527_10153434612025274_204769253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4LkLmNDUZg/Uqak-MkDURI/AAAAAAAAAME/eRmcQsPkthM/s320/1452527_10153434612025274_204769253_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-28755087787926657352013-02-13T23:53:00.000-06:002013-02-13T23:55:26.924-06:00My Blog has moved!In the year 2000 I was radically saved and forever changed at a "not your usual" Easter program at Springfield Methodist Church in Panama City, FL.<br />
<br />
In the ensuing years I was blessed beyond measure to serve under Pastor Perry Dalton. Under his reflection of Jesus onto my life I learned, grew, ministered and experienced the best years of my life. He was then and forever will be, the Pastor of my Heart. His wife, Anne, became a very dear friend as well. <br />
<br />
Following Perry's retirement several years ago, another pastor came in and I learned a lot from him, too. Pastor Alan Ferguson was a blessing to me in the few years I served under him and I loved him and his wife very much. .I now serve under Pastor Bobby and Sherry Thompson at the non-denominational Elevation Life Church. I am called to youth ministry in particular under Pastor Garrett McKenzie and his lovely wife Erica. <br />
<br />
I never completely lost touch with Perry and Anne even though they retired to the peach tree dotted countryside some two hundred miles away in Alabama. Our bond has always stayed strong in my heart and mind. Recently, the opportunity to once again serve under Perry's leadership has presented itself. Perry asked me to start a blog at his new web minsitry, www.kingdomforming.com.<br />
<br />
I happily accepted! A direct link to my new blog is below. <br />
<br />
<br />
http://kingdomforming.com/category/woman-typing-badly/<br />
<br />
<br />
I am beyond excited to minister once again with him and several other
bloggers who were a very large part of some of the best years of my
life.<br />
<br />
I hope you follow me from here to there and I will be putting a lot of prayer, time and thought into whatever it is God wants us to do at this new location. <br />
<br />
Drop me a line in the comments section so I know that you found me, if you feel like it.<br />
<br />
Blessings, y'all!<br />
<br />
<br />
RobinRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-69779028526683374082012-02-10T00:52:00.000-06:002012-02-10T00:52:37.161-06:00How Bad Do You Really Want A Job? Part One<div class="MsoNormal">How Bad Do You Really Want A Job? Part One</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part One of Three—Who Are You?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the last couple of years I have been very fortunate to coach a few kids on job hunting, follow up and the interview process. In that time I have posted many, many job listings on my Facebook wall to help them out as well as other kids and adults who are seeking employment. I also have spoken with or personally know many people in management/hiring positions who give me feedback on applicants that they see at their jobs. Honestly, a lot of people THINK they are looking hard for a job but really, it is more of a “browsing,” for a job type scenario. How can you really tell which one you are doing? Let me help you with that because it is very important to figure out who you are in the employment seeking scheme of things. Please keep in mind this has been my personal experience as well as the stories told to me by people in hiring positions all over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Job Hunter [SERIOUS about getting a job] Vs. The CASUAL Job Browser [Casually committed to finding a job]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The Job Hunter gets up early in the morning and is dressed and out the door by 8:00a.m. at the very latest. No excuses.</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The CASUAL Job Browser wakes up whenever, gets on Facebook for a couple hours, skypes for a bit, plays a little bit of a video game, chitchats on the phone a while, answers a few emails, might make it out of the house by noon, more likely 1:00p.m.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The Job Hunter treats LOOKING for a job like it is a FULL TIME JOB, actively seeking and filling out job applications from 8:00a.m. til 4:00-5:00p.m. EVERY. DAY. Stops for an hour lunch somewhere.</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The CASUAL Job Browser rides around for a while looking for hiring signs, meets friends at Starbucks for coffee, goes back out looking for signs, goes to the mall to hang with friends a bit and put in a couple of applications. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The SERIOUS Job Hunter will put in no less than 20 applications per day. Some online, most in person. </div><div class="MsoNormal">*The CASUAL Job Browser will put in 2-6 job apps in one day and take about 2-4hrs to do it. This person will also feel like they have put forth serious effort in looking for a job but in reality this is pretty minimal effort. Most CJB’s don’t realize this because they don’t know any better or have never had anyone coach them or teach them otherwise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The Job Hunter will dress to impress, even if it is just McDonalds or a gas station application. Ladies in a skirt, dress or dress pants, dress shoes…. Gentlemen? Collared shirt and tie, dress pants, dress shoes.</div><div class="MsoNormal">*The Job Browser will wear jeans, t shirts, flip flops, cut off shorts, [yes someone I know wore cut offs to job hunt] mini skirts, low cut, super tight spaghetti strapped tops, etc…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think you are probably starting to get the picture. The above is not written to criticize or belittle, it is written to educate. Educate who? The Casual Job Browser who thinks he or she is a Serious Job Hunter. I’m not going to point out the problems without offering solutions. I’m also not thinking of anyone in particular when I write this [so if you are getting offended it REALLY isn’t all about you, this is a compilation of self-defeating behavior that I am aware of firsthand myself or through conversations with management/hiring type people. ] Reading this series of blogs can only help you if you take them to heart, don’t take them personal, and put this information to work in your job search.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Onward. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me give you some quotes:</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I walked in to ask for an application and the manager looked at me and said, “You are the most professionally dressed person I have seen coming in here for a job. If you pass an interview you have a job.” ~Job Hunter, in their 6<sup>th</sup> hour of putting in job apps that day. Currently employed. </div><div class="MsoNormal">“Mrs. Robin, the manager was so impressed I wore a dress shirt and tie. I felt really confident.” ~Job Hunter, currently employed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“There are no jobs out there Mrs. Robin. I stopped by ___ and _____ and _____ to put in applications after my ball game yesterday but no one is hiring.” Job Browser, who was sweaty and wearing a tank top and shorts and sneakers when she stopped in to those businesses. She stopped to apply as an afterthought, not as someone with the goal of getting a job. I had spoken to one of their managers a few days earlier and they were hiring at that time. Makes me wonder if her appearance had anything to do with it? You be the judge. [currently unemployed by the way.]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Mrs. Robin? I keep asking around and nobody knows if anyone is hiring. I’m just going to keep an eye on your Facebook page.” ~Job Browser, currently unemployed and has been “looking,” for a job for 2 years now. Depends on others to figure out who is hiring rather than go out and actively apply for jobs with any real consistency. [currently unemployed]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The people that I job coach are NOT people you want to compete with for a job because they are going for excellence and success. So if you are a Job Hunter and want to see what the employment competition looks like click on the blog link below. If you read this and realized maybe there is a reason why your efforts are not being met with success, you probably need to click the link below as well. There is never any shame in striving to bring more excellence to your situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://womantypingbadly.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-bad-do-you-really-want-job-part-two.html">http://womantypingbadly.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-bad-do-you-really-want-job-part-two.html</a><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings, y’all!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Robin</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-37584354782679897092012-02-10T00:49:00.003-06:002012-02-10T06:24:32.212-06:00How Bad Do You Really Want A Job? Part Two<div class="MsoNormal">How Bad Do You Really Want A Job? Part Two</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part Two of Three—SELL! SELL! SELL!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you really want a job and are willing to do what it takes to get one, then keep reading. </div><div class="MsoNormal">If you would like to find a job, but are not willing to do some in depth self-analysis of your strategies and see if there needs to be changes, STOP NOW. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading further will not help you. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Often people watch others gain employment and wonder why it’s not them. I want to help you with that if you want to be helped.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Sale:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Applying for a job begins the minute you walk through the door and ask for an application. From that moment on you are being sized up. Applying for a job is the selling of a product. The product is you, as the next hired employee for that business. If you have poor sales strategies, product packaging and skills, chances are you will remain on the shelf, unsold [READ: Unemployed] while someone else comes in who understands the rules of the game and makes the sale, becoming the next hired employee for that business. Many times a manager will ask the employee who took your application what you looked like or their opinion of you when you came in. [If you did not get to speak to the manager personally] Their employees will usually tell the truth, which means that first impression will make or break you. Make your first contact work FOR you, not AGAINST you. Remember what Mom said: You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Mom is absolutely RIGHT. We will cover some first impression skills later. For now, let’s look at the packaging, also known as your visual first impression and thereafter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Packaging:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hot Topic or Spencer’s applicants- ignore everything I post about appearance and do your own thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tips for ladies:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hair-CLEAN and brushed, if it looks like you just rolled out of the bed it will most likely be assumed you did. No one wants to hire a slacker, no matter how cute she thinks she Is with her bed head, who is without enough self-motivation to put her best hair forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nails- fingers and toes need to be CLEAN, free of chipped polish and honestly; funky colored polish makes an immature first impression. Tone it down and clean it up. No polish is fine too as long as there is no dirt under the nails.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Make up-Keep it professional. Leave the smoky eyes and neon pink lips for the Club. Less is more. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Outfit-The best possible scenario is a skirt or dress. However, lots of girls nowadays don’t wear them so dress pants are good too. Professional and well fitted=YES! Sexy and skin tight/low cut=NO! </div><div class="MsoNormal">NEVER wear wrinkled or dirty clothes to job hunt.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not wear backless, strapless, spaghetti-strapped, belly/chest revealing tops. Skirts should be at the knees or lower. Think Church Sunday best clothes. If the clerk is trying to hand the job application to your chest, chances are your top is too revealing.You want to be taken seriously and sexy won’t achieve that in the workplace.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shoes should be flats or heels. Flip flops, no matter how dressy, are simply too casual for job hunting. No Crocs or Hobbit shoes, as I like to call them.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wear coordinating jewelry if you have it. Don’t overdo it on the earrings, bracelets or rings</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bra straps are underwear, not outerwear. Knowing you are wearing a PlaidCheetahPrintHello KittySailorMoon bra will only decrease how seriously you will be taken as a potential employee. Again, underwear is not outerwear, no matter how common the trend is at school/the mall/beach/Club LaVela/among your friends. Go look at what successful people are wearing to good jobs. That stuff ain’t hanging out.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tips for guys:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hair- CLEAN and brushed, if it looks like you just rolled out of the bed it will most likely be assumed you did. If it is shaggy and out of control, get a haircut, look your best, because if you don’t, some other dude who took the time to do that will get that job.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nails- fingernails need to be CLEAN. I cannot stress that enough. I was in Publix the other day and a young man was asking about an application and his nails looked like he had been playing in the dirt. I will be really surprised if he rings up my groceries one day. REAL SURPRISED.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pants-clean and pressed, DRESS PANTS ONLY. Khakis are fine, make sure you have a belt. A Burger King Manager told me last summer that if someone asks for an application and they are wearing jeans she throws their application in the trash as soon as they leave. What? Burger King? It’s just slinging burgers and fries, right? To that manager, it is more than that, her employees are the ambassadors of her store and she understands that employees can make or break her customer service reputation and sales so she wants people who are taking her job opportunities seriously enough to dress for success. Believe that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shirts-must have a collar, clean, pressed WITH A TIE. If the best you can do is a short sleeved polo type shirt then that will have to do but you can bet that your good first impression will disappear from memory in the light of the, “shirt and tie dude,” that walked in after you.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shoes-Dress shoes, no sneakers, skater shoes, high tops, sandals, tore up shoes, muddy boots, and especially NO FLIP FLOPS. Make sure they are clean dress shoes, and in good condition if possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal">LEAVE THE CAMMO AT HOME. [If I hadn’t seen it myself, I wouldn’t have to write it]</div><div class="MsoNormal">What if you don’t have any clothes/shoes like the ones mentioned? What if you don’t have the money to dress this way? Well, you do have options if you stop and think about it. Borrow them from friends and family. If you told the Pastor of your church you needed clothes fit for job hunting and interviewing; I’d bet money he or she would help you out. Ask your school guidance counselor or principal for help in this area. They sometimes have access to resources you cannot imagine. Goodwill stores have 50% off all clothing on Mondays from noon til close. You can get a dress for 3 bucks and ties for less than that. Most churches have clothing closets for people who need clothes. Call and ask them.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Guys and Girls:</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have piercings that impede your speech, TAKE THEM OUT. Actually, I would recommend NO facial piercings left in while job hunting. It brings attention to your lifestyle, rather than your merits as a potential employee--unless you are applying for Hot Topic or Spencer’s, in which case go back and read what I said about your appearance if applying for a job there. You want your potential boss to look at you and see YOU, not how you’ve decorated your face. No funky contact lenses. I know a guy who lost his real contacts and all he had left were these crazy gold and black cat eye contacts. He never could get a job wearing those. NEVER.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Brush your teeth, clean out your eyeball corners, [eye boogers] & wear deodorant. Go easy on the perfume/cologne if you wear any. Carry breath mints [not gum] with you and use them throughout the day. Gum chomping is off putting. Brush your teeth again after lunch. It’s very hard to get a job when you have the breath of a dead camel. Take the deodorant with you as you may need to reapply throughout the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Got tattoos? Cover them. Again, that brings your potential employer’s attention to your personal lifestyle, rather than your professional potential to represent his company or product well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Skills:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you have nailed down the packaging of your product [YOU!] then you are ready to put your skills forward and make that first impression. When you enter a business, ask for a job application, not whether or not they are hiring. It is preferable to go to customer service if they have a desk. Smile, make eye contact, be confident. Always thank the person who gave you the app. I would suggest filling out the application in your car and immediately return it or taking it with you and bringing it back the same day. [Maybe fill it out at lunch] This means they have now seen you twice in one day. When you return the app, ask if anyone is available to discuss a possible job interview. This is bold, it sends the message that you are serious and that you are confident in what you are selling. [YOU]. If not, ask when that person is available and a name. Again, THANK the person giving the info. They will remember it and if a manager is watching from nearby or through a one way mirror they will notice your positive, friendly interaction with their employee. If the hiring manager is available ask to speak with him/her. Tell them that you just returned a job application and would like to schedule an interview. A good majority of the time they will say no because they haven’t even seen your app yet. ASK ANYWAY. It will send the message that you are a go getter, and serious about a job with their company. Thank him/her for their time and let them know you will follow up with them later so that they have time to look over your application. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Strategy:</div><div class="MsoNormal">In doing the above you have shown your face twice and hopefully at least once to management.</div><div class="MsoNormal">You have shown persistence and a go getter attitude but in a polite, enthusiastic way.</div><div class="MsoNormal">You should be able to turn in at least 20 applications during an 8hr job hunting day and unless a lot of them are online, there is time to do this with every face to face application.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Keep a notebook with the names of the businesses where you turned in apps and managers you need to contact. Get the phone numbers from the phone book/internet. Do not write these things down while in the store/business.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Follow up is a must!!!!! Let’s say Monday you filled out and turned in apps. Tuesday you follow up. Go back to every place and ask for that person whose name you wrote down, feel free to call first and see what time they come in. Don’t announce who you are. You are going to sort of ambush them. If you filled out online applications then call those businesses and ask who their hiring manager is and when they will come in. Then go to the location itself and ask to speak to them and request an interview appointment. Let them know you are following up on an online application submission. The worst that can happen is they say no. The best is you walk out with a job on the spot. It CAN happen. Never give up on following up until they look you in the eye and say that they are not interested in hiring you personally. YOU. PERSONALLY. Follow up no more than twice a week. Do not stop following up until you have a job or a rejection. “We’re not hiring right now,” is not a rejection. It is a deferment, sometimes it’s an excuse. Maybe they really are not hiring. But they will remember you coming back each week and not giving up, looking your best and always with a smiling, positive attitude. Money can’t buy that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Never flirt with someone giving you an app or an interview. Do not flirt back if they are flirting with you. This can lead to problems and misunderstandings down the road. It also makes the applicant look unprofessional and superficial.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not look for jobs with a buddy or a gang. Employers have no interest in group hiring and it gives the appearance that you are more about hanging out with your friends than focused on finding a job. My understanding is people who make looking for a job a group effort are not taken seriously at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not cuss or swear.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not shop or eat at the business in the same trip that you made to get an app or follow up. It makes you look like the application was an afterthought, and you’re not serious.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not carry food or drinks with you to get applications; do not buy them while you are there<br />
.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not ask friends to get you a job or put in a good word for you. You might think your friend is great but their boss might think otherwise, no matter what your friend says. This means a connection with them might cost you the job. A lot of people have no idea they are on their way out of a job until the pink slip is given because they are clueless. I know one person who made it through 2 interviews without mentioning a friend that worked there. Things were looking good and that friend HAD to let the manager know they were friends. The manager point blank told the applicant that anyone hanging out with that person was not welcome there and the friend was actually fired right around that time. The applicant was furious because the connection cost her the job. Let YOU be your own best reference in how you conduct yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have a car that’s great but if not, learn the local public transportation system and use it. It is way cheaper than car ownership and will usually get you where you need to be or very close to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jobs are a game of numbers. For every so many applications you fill out, say 15-30, one will call you back. Sometimes this number is higher, sometimes lower. The more apps you have out there, the more follow ups you do, the greater your chances of getting a job. It is simple math. At least it is if you are representing yourself well on the first impression part. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope the first 2 blogs in this 3 part series has been helpful to anyone missing the mark with the job search. You probably know people who do many of the things that I listed as no-nos and still get a job. I would encourage you, however, to look at what I have written, especially if your job search is stalled out. If you can strive for and achieve excellence why settle for mediocrity? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part 3 will be about owning that job interview. It will not be nearly as long as the first two but it will be helpful and informative. </div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-90806498975936655232012-01-17T23:35:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:38:09.808-06:00God's Provision --AMPliFy Bible Study/Discipleship Group<div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I often sit back in awe and quite frankly a feeling of "face-palm-duh" when I see the coming together of God's plan on His timing from completely unrelated sources. </div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">AMPliFy Bible Study/Discipleship Group started on a wing and a prayer, OK, LOTS of prayer, in the fall of 2011. The first thing I noticed was some of the kids either did not have bibles or had bibles that were so difficult to read they could not understand them. As a matter of fact, so difficult to read that I couldn't even read and explain them. My preference is the New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible. They cost an average of $25.00-$65.00 apiece. I needed at least four and did not have the means to get them.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i> James 4:2, "...yet ye have not, because ye ask not."</i></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">I mentioned it on Facebook and within a day I was asked to pick up a check that would cover 4 of them. I was so excited! </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="txt-sm" style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b> Matthew 6:8<sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-23291">, </sup>....for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.</b></i></div><span class="woj" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today I received an email asking for my physical address because an author who had written a book on grief from a Christian perspective wanted to send me a couple for any need I might have of them. It just so happened I have a wonderful young woman in my life who is dealing with a tragic loss right now. The offer came totally unexpected. I didn't even know the author had written a book on grief although she is more than qualified to have done so. Before the need was even fully known God had arranged the provision. </div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Face-Palm-Duh" anyone? I am not saying that God is a wish granting Genie. Certainly I am not saying that the unanswered prayers of others mean they are doing something wrong and I am doing something right. I have many as yet unanswered prayers right now myself.<b style="color: red;"> I am here to TESTIFY!</b></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God doesn't do things like this because I am so great or AMPliFy is so great; <i>He does these things because HE is so great and His faithfulness extends beyond my small ability to humanly comprehend</i><b><i>.</i></b> I have no idea what God is going to do next. How do I even begin to figure that out when He is making provision before the need is actually presented? How exciting is THAT?!</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is God making provision in your life? Leave some comments and share the goodness! </div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Blessings, y'all!</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Robin</span></div><div style="color: #073763;"><br />
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</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-73651173905335011962012-01-16T08:57:00.001-06:002012-01-16T12:59:14.576-06:00Coming Full Circle<div style="color: #741b47;">Man! I just LOVE teenagers and 20-somethings! Lot's of folks have called me crazy for the teenager part, but I cannot deny it or even pretend it is something it's not. And I love every minute of it. </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">For around 5 or 6 years I have been involved in the local high school band as a volunteer and my church's youth group. Through these decisions I come in contact with many, many teenagers plus the occasional 20-something. In 2011 the Lord led me to begin a small discipleship/bible study group. As much as I love teenagers I thought I had lost my mind. Huge consistent responsibility, and I had never stepped out in a formal way like this to actually teach in a small setting. I do not consider teaching to be one of my gifts. Discipleship, however, IS, and I have been discipling teens for a very long time. And so AMPliFy was born. </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">I believe discipleship isn't about sitting down with the bible and learning. I believe it is time spent and invested in relationship. It's coffee at Starbucks, hanging at my house cooking together or watching movies. It's extending invitation after invitation to just be together even though I know I may get rejected some. It's about responding YES to the last minute phone call for a ride needed when I can, a quick hug at school when the day isn't going well, and shutting up and listening when a teen just wants to talk. </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Bear with me as I jump around a bit.... </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">A few months ago I was invited to attend a small, college aged group called Captivate. I politely declined the first few times [ I am 43, although I don't think the group leader has NOTICED haha ] but the group leader [an awesome 20-something himself!] was very persistent. Finally I reminded him that I was not the right age for this group and he assured me that neither he nor the group cared. He just wanted me to come. So I went. And kept going. Eventually I felt like the Captivate was a good fit for a couple of my AMPliFy kids so I took them one Tuesday evening. They loved it and kept going back on their own. </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Individual prayer is often given at Captivate and one of the AMPliFy kids, whom I have known for 4yrs now, came straight to me to pray for me at prayer time. His prayer was simple, powerful and sincere. I know that the Lord heard it and answered it. He was so bold and it really wowed me. My investment of time, teaching, discipling and prayer came back around to me in a powerful and definitely unexpected way. Talk about coming full circle!</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #741b47;">If I had felt like teenagers were less than I because their number of days has been shorter then I would have missed out on so much joy and just so much GOD in the last several years. I am so grateful to the Lord for this calling on my life and His equipping to walk it out. </span><br />
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<div style="color: #073763;">1 Timothy 4:12</div><span style="color: #073763;"> </span><br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #073763;"><div class="txt-sm">New Living Translation (NLT)</div></div><span style="color: #073763;"> </span><br />
<div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="color: #073763;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29720">12</sup> Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. </div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html "></div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="color: #741b47;">Blessings, y'all! </div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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</div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html "><span style="color: #741b47;">Robin</span></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-44848257547932817392012-01-10T01:16:00.002-06:002012-01-10T01:24:33.036-06:00Things Change<div style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>It is always sad to close a chapter in your life, because it means that things change: However, it is good to move at the will of God~Pastor Bobby Thompson, [Former District Superintendent West Fla Assemblies of God, Current Pastor, Elevation Life Church.]</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
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</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The above quote is from a man I barely know, whom I have only met a handful of times in the last 3 weeks. Even though he tweeted it many months ago I could have posted it word for word myself as a commentary on my own life in the last few weeks. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>A chapter in my own life closed in November 2011 but really, the beginnings of the closure go back to around 2009...My husband told me at that time that he felt as though our season at our church had come to a close. My beloved church where we all got saved, we all thrived in the presence of God, saw miracles, friends became family, leadership skills and spiritual gifts were developed, and we were taught how to love people unconditionally, that serving others was so much more rewarding than serving ourselves, and God's love, mercy and grace endure forever. This was our church home for 11 years under the leadership of 2 wonderful and anointed pastors. I could not even wrap my mind around what my husband was saying. So we waited.</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>My husband extended grace to me in the form of time. He gave me as much as I needed. No pressure, no criticism, no rush, just time to pray, time to assess my own "hearing," from God and time to discern. He knew he was right but did not force the issue. I thought he COULD be right but I was much too emotionally entangled in our church to see or hear clearly. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>And so time passed..and his patience did not wane. Some doors closed, some doors opened. People I loved left and people I came to love eventually arrived on the scene. And still Bill waited, lovingly firm in his assessment and unwaveringly loving towards my difficulty in seeing things the same. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Finally in mid-November 2011 I came into agreement with him, our children had felt the same way for a while already. I was the last holdout, evidently. What changed?</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Well.....I guess the answer to that is ME. Our church is and was a wonderful church with wonderful people in it. There are opportunities to minister and give of yourself, ample times to receive ministry, the praise and worship is lovely, the pastor and his wife loving and fun to be around....In particular, I have to say the pastor has been very good to me and my family and I love him and his wife very much. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>But no matter how much I love the people at the church I knew it was God's will as soon as I came into agreement with Bill. I felt relief, sadness, excitement, and unified with my husband for the first time in a really long time. We began to pray and ask God where we were to go, what were we to do? We've never "looked" for a church before. Heck we weren't looking for a church when we found this one. I went to a play there and God ambushed me. My daughter got saved on the spot, then me, then Bill and our son after that....So we were clueless. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The hardest part was telling my best friend. We had founded and shared leadership of many ministries in the church and I knew it would be so hard. And it was. She cried, I cried, but she told me it was the right decision and that she knew it deep inside. She had been my mentor, best friend, sister and confidante for 11 years and while we knew that our place of worship was not what tied us together, it was still difficult to imagine not worshiping the Lord in the same body of Christ. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Through a lot of prayer Bill and I agreed that there were 2 churches that we felt the Lord presented to us as His options and we are attending both as we wait to hear from God. Both are wonderful and filled with wonderful people. Now it's up to God as we walk in obedience. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>It is sad to close this chapter in our lives. It is good to move at the will of God knowing that we left when we were all in agreement as a family. We left fully in the will of God, not angry or offended at anyone or anything, excited at what God is leading us through and to. Being in the will of God outweighs any sorrow, fear, or sadness at departing our first real home church. It also means that even if we don't know where we're going, God does, and that's all that matters. </b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<h4>Ecclesiastes 3</h4><h5 class="passage-header">A Time for Everything</h5> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-17336">1</sup> For everything there is a season,<br />
a time for every activity under heaven.</div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Blessings, y'all!</b></div><div style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
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</b></div><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Robin</span></b>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-38289133065626641752011-11-29T08:57:00.000-06:002011-11-29T08:57:44.607-06:00Judge Each Day Not By The Harvest, But By The Seeds You Plant.<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many years ago I worked as the director of a non-profit food bank here in Panama City, Fl. My pastor at the time, Pastor Perry Dalton, put me in place for the job, trained me, encouraged me and turned me loose. It was awesome! I loved doing seminars and training sessions, on site inspections, coordinating food deliveries, raising hunger awareness in the press, and even working closely with the USDA. We doubled the number of non-profits that we worked with during the first year. </span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day he walked into my office and brought a large picture. I do not recall what prompted the loan of this picture but he propped it against the wall on one side of my desk and said, "Here. This is going to help you. I'm going to leave it here for as long as you need it." I looked at it and read the script out loud:. "Judge Each Day Not By The Harvest, But By The Seeds You Plant." It was a profound moment for me. It was like God Himself had whispered in my ear and even though I am sure the reason he brought me that picture was work related I knew that God intended for me to understand who He was calling me to be in the bigger picture. </span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was a fairly new Christian and wanted so badly to see everyone get saved RIGHT. NOW. And I wanted to be the one to lead them to the Lord. Not out of personal pride or tracking numbers but because my salvation experience had been so radical and life changing that I really wanted to be a part of that kind of transformation in the lives of the people I cared about. There was a man in our church named Jack and it seemed like all he had to do was say the name of Jesus to a total stranger and they got saved. I wanted that SO BAD! So I poured Jesus into everyone I came in contact with. I was SO EXCITED about God! And then they would go to another church and get saved. Or a revival. Or a visit with another friend would become their salvation experience. I would be so excited for them but inside I would wonder what I was doing wrong. [Like God's timing for the salvation of others was mine to choose, right? Um. Wrong. lol.]</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At times like this God would bring that picture back to my mind. He used that to show me HIS plan for me, as opposed to what my own plans were. Jack is what I call a harvester. I am a seed planter. It's clear to me that it is so important for each of us to know God's call on our life and for us to not try to walk in someone elses call. As I embraced my calling, to be a seed planter, an encourager and an instrument of God's love to others, I began to clearly see the fruit of my labors. I looked at each day and asked myself if I planted any seeds of Christ in others rather than did I lead someone through the sinner's prayer and salvation. And Man! I have to say it feels GOOD to walk in my calling and on the path God has for me. Teenagers and young adults seem to be my "kingdom" destiny and the Lord draws them to me without fail. I have the honor and privilege of spending countless hours with them, planting kingdom seeds in them, encouraging them, and loving them unconditionally as best I can. </span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Recently I got a phone call at about 11:00p.m. from a young man who I have spent a good bit of time with, loving him, encouraging him and doing my best to answer his questions about God. He came to me over and over and over again, but never took that step to Jesus. After 3 years of planting seed in his life, encouraging him about God, loving him and praying for him, he accepted the Lord at a young adult home group. I was so excited! And he called me right away because he wanted me to be the first to know! God was extra good to me in that! And that's not all!</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An awesome young lady came to my house the night before Thanksgiving and told me she had gotten saved and baptized while away at college! Hallelujah! It was so exciting to sit with her and another young woman of Christ at my kitchen table to hear all about it and rejoice with her! I am in awe of what God is doing! Our relationship began when she was a sophomore or junior in high school and has continued through her second year at college in another part of the state. I have loved her, encouraged her and prayed for her. I know that God has orchestrated our friendship. God is so faithful!</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's all so exciting to me, to see years of seed planting come to bear fruit. I can so clearly see the path the Lord has for me and I am joyfully walking it out. And you know what? It never even crosses my mind to look for harvest opportunities anymore, I'm too busy planting those Kingdom seeds and having a blast doing it!</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blessings, ya'll,</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Robin</span></div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-7950799015145886632011-06-10T12:11:00.000-05:002011-06-10T13:15:51.573-05:00Adventures in Employment Chapter 2 "Alyssa's Story"<span style="color:#330099;">I was taking pictures and helping out at the Auxiliary Camp in April when I saw my daughter come rolling through the band courtyard on her bike. Now normally I would not find that unusual but she was supposed to be at work. She parked her bike and as she walked towards me I could see that she was upset. I asked what was wrong and she told me that she had just been fired from her job.<br /><br />Like me, Alyssa loves her job. She has been working at this theatre for just over a year and really could not believe that she was let go. She was in shock and terribly upset. Here is her story.<br /><br />The manager called her into his office that morning after a staff meeting and let her know that he had to let her go due to her exceeding the number of write ups over a certain period of time. The write ups were over things like being short a couple of large soda cups when inventory said she should have had more or maybe her cash drawer being over or under. After a certain amt. of time they" time out" on her record and are discarded but hers came too close together. He was upset because he did not want to let her go but his hands were tied by corporate rules. She left and decided to "ride" her frustration and disappointment out on her bike for the afternoon. She had no idea that I was at Bay High so it was very much a Divine Appointment that she would roll through and find me there.<br /><br />I hugged her and comforted her as best I could, then took her to lunch. We prayed together and left it in God's hands. I went back to Auxiliary Camp, she went to ride her bike some more.<br /><br />Later that evening she received a call from her manager and things began to fall into place.<br /><br />The manager was so troubled by having to let Alyssa go that he went back and rechecked every single write up against cash and stock balances for that day. On two of those, both by the same manager, the stock and cash drawers balanced perfectly, yet that particular manager wrote Alyssa up anyway for her drawer not balancing. He was fired not long after that so he was no longer available to ask about the discrepancies.<br /><br />The past suddenly came into glaring focus for Alyssa. She began to recall the following.<br /><br />*She was written up for those 2 shifts very early in her employment, and the manager had pulled her cash drawer, took it to the office, counted it and wrote her up. The very next shift a different manager pulled her cash drawer, then came running back out of the office and told Alyssa to immediately go count her drawer as she was not supposed to pull it til after the employee counted it. Alyssa mentioned that the other manager did not let her count it. The lady manager seemed surprised at this and told Alyssa to never let anyone, even a Mgr., pull her drawer without Alyssa counting it first. Alyssa was so new she didn't think anything about it, trusted the other manager that wrote her up as being honest and it never happened again.<br /><br />*When this particular Mgr. was let go, he got a job at a place that a friend of Alyssa's worked at. When the friend asked the former Mgr. if he knew Alyssa he said some terribly derogatory things about Alyssa, telling the friend that he could not stand her. When this news got back to Alyssa she was surprised and confused, he had always been very nice to her face-to-face.<br /><br />The Head Mgr. was relieved and glad to find those write ups to be false and asked Alyssa to come back if she still wanted the job. Of course she said yes.<br /><br />What Alyssa learned from this:<br /><br />She learned that God's favor is greater than all the verbal protests and pleadings she could have done for her job.<br /><br />She learned that God is her champion and defender, she need only call on Him.<br /><br />She learned that God is a God of justice and can see His justice all in this situation.<br /><br />And most importantly, she could see that God moved on her behalf and ordained and orchestrated her steps that entire day. He sent her bike riding to the exact destination she need to be at to receive prayer and have her focus turned to Him, not her circumstances.<br /><br />The Head Mgr. had no peace until he did deeper investigation. That's God! He also discovered that other write ups had expired but were not removed from her file. So Alyssa has a virtually clean slate and a tremendous testimony about her God. Go Alyssa and GO GOD!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."<br /><br />Proverbs 21:15 ESV </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;"></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9ohPS6VeIs/TfJcr5iyggI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/lazMKbqzXRw/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616653594535297538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9ohPS6VeIs/TfJcr5iyggI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/lazMKbqzXRw/s200/IMG_1776.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;"></span>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-46032877132284976202011-06-10T10:57:00.000-05:002011-06-10T11:53:47.898-05:00Adventures in Employment Chapter One [Jeremiah 29:11]<span style="color:#ff0000;">It's been a crazy week.
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<br />Many of you know I have worked for the local affiliate of National Public Radio for 12 years. I am happy there. I LOVE my job. I have always felt appreciated at my job and work with a great group of people.
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<br />Two weeks ago a huge amount of funding got cut from Public Radio and in a second round of cuts at the state level, Gov. Rick Scott cut ALL funding to our station. The losses totaled about $150,000.00. That's a LOT of money and our station took some serious hits job wise and funding wise. My job was one of them.
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<br />I work very part time and our livelihood is enhanced by my income, certainly not dependent on it. The financial impact was not nearly so huge as the emotional impact. I have always felt like Gulf Coast State College was to be a part of my life for a very long time in some capacity so I began to question that maybe I had misunderstood God. I had a short term identity crisis--I had been this person doing this job for so long, what did this mean for who I was going to be now?
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<br />Over the course of many years God has repeatedly brought me back to a very simple concept, it's not about what I DO, its about who I AM. And the Lord brought this front and center in my thoughts immediately after I was told my contract was not being renewed. I was not surprised as I had been following the news. I WAS surprised at the identity crisis since I thought I already had a good handle on the "being" vs, "doing" concept. And yet here I was, once again, wrapping up such great investment in what I "did".
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<br />So I wrestled with it and with God's voice over that 2 days or so. My husband and I prayed together and individually. We prayed that God would work all this out according to His plans and purposes, not ours. And both of us knew very clearly that I was to wait. Do nothing, and see what He would do. That meant no job hunting, no putting my name and/or situation out there with an announcement, just WAIT.
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<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">In the meantime I wrote my Division Head and my Programming Manager letters of thanks for the awesome 12 years, reassurance that God would take good care of me and others affected by the loss of funding, and expressed my own compassion for them and the difficulties they have faced in trying to financially keep the station afloat while making the hard decisions to let some of us go. I had peace, REAL peace about everything. And my JOY remained intact too. I am fairly certain that people who know me had no idea I was going to be leaving the college in a few short weeks. God was so near to me and just so GOOD to me during this time. My time with my husband home could have been overshadowed by the news but instead God made our time even better than it has ever been. Crazy in the face of all that was going on but in my experience God shines the brightest when things look the craziest.
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<br />6 days later I went to work to begin the process of transitioning my responsibilities to the Programming Manager but the station got knocked off the air repeatedly that day so he was in crisis mode and unable to spend time with me getting the transition started. I was a bit disappointed, I was ready to do this and excited about whatever God was going to do next and this seemed to hinder the moving forward component of things for me.
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<br />7 days later I receive a phone call to go see my Division Head next week and sign a 1 year renewal on my contract. I was blown away! I certainly did not expect to continue employment but I did expect God to move somehow. Talk about unexpected!
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<br />So even though I will continue to "do" what I've been doing for over a decade; I will do it with a fresh understanding that producer, writer, website contributor, voice, those are things I "do" not who I "am" and I am extremely grateful to God for how He has moved in this tough situation. </span>
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<br /><p><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blessings, Ya'll,</span></p>
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<br /><p><span style="color:#ff0000;">Robin</p></span>
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-49470750589486465712011-01-13T00:19:00.000-06:002011-01-13T00:21:22.416-06:00My first Zumba class today......<div style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><h2 class="uiHeaderTitle"><br /></h2></div><div style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="clearfix"><div class="mbs mbs uiHeaderSubTitle lfloat fsm fwn fcg"><br /></div></div><div style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p>The college is offering free Zumba classes for employees so I got my courage up and decided to go for it.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I was so proud of myself at my first Zumba class today,</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>the music started,</p><p>I felt like I caught on quickly,</p><p>managed to avoid looking at my roly-poly self in the mirror,</p><p>was getting down and boogieing....it was fun!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>....after a while I was sweating and really feeling it but I was thinking, man, this isn't as bad as I thought.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>then I saw the clock....we had only been doing it for 4 minutes.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TRUE STORY....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>after that I thought this class is NEVER.GONNA.END..... D: !!!!!</p></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7992195612193001780.post-22362400515494062132010-12-01T00:52:00.000-06:002010-12-01T00:53:22.880-06:00Forgiveness.....?<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIStory_Message">"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."<br />— C.S. Lewis</span></h3><br /><br />Wow. 'Nuff said......Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863045101932627485noreply@blogger.com0