Business/Relational Management

The other day, Gwen, Steph and Rachel and I were on the back lawn tanning and we started to talk about business and being relational at the same time. This is something I've been working through especially this last month of May. During May, I had 3 part time Jobs working for Distance Education, Admissions, and for Willow Creek along with trying to move into my apartment, start learning the Cafe, and get somethings ready for the dorms. I was exhausted from the constant work, but the work load wasn't going to go away. What suffered were my relationships with people and the obvious, with God. It seemed like that was all I could think about too, just getting stuff done. Its what I talked about, thought about, and once dreamed about. All that I wanted to do was get stuff done to the point where I could fully rest without feeling the anxiety and pressure of having un-done tasks. And if you know me, I am absolutely that personality that has to get things done!

When I came out of that time, I've realized one important lesson: Business will NEVER end, so its all in how you handle it and manage it. On the back lawn, we talked about how in College, the business level is "self" controlled, you manage it. When you get a family, the business is "others" controlled which will be much more difficult. What makes a difference is staying content and relying on God's strength as Paul so confidently shares in Philippians! His peace will bring contentment in any situation in life. So, even though the month of May was kind of a strike out for me, I am praying daily that though the business never goes away, that my heart would stay content even if I can't get things done, especially for this next school year. I was watching a movie once... and I'll never forget this quote: The only thing you can control is your attitude.

So, God I pray for even for today as you constantly challenge me on this aspect and I KNOW you are challenging the rest of us that we would be able to remind ourselves that you have a bigger strength capacity and we are only responsible for how we look and act on it. Lord let us this year be examples of good busy-bodies who can still remain a healthy attitude towards people and love towards you! Amen!

Reply to "Influences" Blog

Steph,
This site was being crazy and wouldn't let me post my reply, so I'm posting it as a blog instead.
Here's what I commented:

"I would have to say my mom.

Mom trained us (my sister, Chelley, and I) to be strong, independent women, who needed no one but our own selves. Yet, if we were to include someone in our lives, it would only be by our choice, not because we needed them - only after we are fully secure on our own selves, can we allow someone else into our lives (financially and emotionally speaking). She also trained us to fully devote our time and selves to serving and caring for other people before ourselves. There are alwasy people out there hurting worse than we are, thus we need to help them before we take care of whatever issues are going on in our own lives.

I'd say this sums me up. Thanks, mom."

our influences

This is an interactive post that includes us all posting something... 


Who has been the most influential person in your life to date? 


How has this person contributed to who you are today? 


Being in leadership and the positions that we will be in this next year we will naturally influence those that we are around. Lets take some time, post and share about a person in your life who has been a huge part of who you are, and how they have affected your life. 


Be creative with this! :) 

Why do we worry?

Growing up I was always told that I was a worrywart. I was someone who always had to make sure things were right and I worried "what if it doesn't turn out the way it's suppose to?" or "what if no one likes it?" One of my biggest fears a few years ago was, "What if I don't make a good leader?" I believe God used others to tell me that there was no need to worry. As long as I was doing my best and leading with spirit of Godliness, God would handle the rest.

Last school year, something that seemed repetitive to me was so many people saying that worrying is fear and fear is sin. I knew that but I just kept hearing it which brought me to the point of questioning why so many people kept saying it. They weren't all saying it to me; I even said it to people a few times. I didn't realize just how much it had been engraved into my head but maybe not so much my heart. Worry is something that we all deal with at some point.

One thing that I have really been asking God for direction in is in my leadership of the dance team. There are some significant changes that have happened and with this one-month summer recruiting trip coming up I wanted to make sure that I was renewing my leadership capabilities and strengths and knowledge with God. A few weeks before school ended I had questioned my own leadership. I came home for summer and in the second week of being here, everything seemed great; I was looking forward to starting the summer trip and I felt like I was renewed as a leader. As the weeks went on, I began to question my leadership again and I didn't know why. I now know it was because of fear.

Last night before going to bed, I did my devotions..little did I realize that because I had been doing it on the internet the time had changed to be todays devotions-God however knew that he needed to give me some reminding. I journaled on Romans 14:23 where it says, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." I received a phone call today updating me on a few things that also gave me the encouragement to take on more responsibility starting that moment. Right then and there, fear took over. I sounded happy and excited but fear and worry set in. "Am I going to be a good leader? Will they be able to answer to my authority? Will I be respected? Will I be heard?" were just a few of the questions of worry circling in my head. Then I went back to what I read in my devotion, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." If I am worrying, I am sinning. Trusting God completely even though I don't know what is ahead of me is what I need to be doing. I may not know but God does and as long as I put my faith in Him and His plan and know the He has got it all under control, there is no need to be worrying or fearing anything.

That is my prayer for all us. We don't know what the new school year will bring. We don't know about any of the situations that will come up or about any of the crazy, happy moments we are going to have but we do know that God has it all under control and our faith is what will sustain us.

Lord, I pray for every woman reading this right now. I ask that you continue to shape us in your ways and guide us to continue to walk in your plan. Please help us to remain faithful and remember that you have it all under control in times of worry. Help us to not worry or fear what is ahead of us or fear the unknown but have faith that no matter what it is, you are there. I know we are starting of this year on such an amazing note, growing deeper in you, together. Thank You for amazing friends and for the amazing relationships we are making and the ones we will make with all the current and incoming students. Help us to shine you and represent you in every step we take. I love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.