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Today's Thoughts/Prayers
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Sep 10, 2009 3:25 am
678 Views
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People Choices - by my pastor, Mark Evans, New Life Church, Trumbull, CT
I posted this in my blog today because I think that he wrote this with ME in mind! LOL! (Probably NOT, but that's the thought I had as I read this today). See if it speaks to you too.
When God wants to bless you, He puts a person in your life....When Satan wants to destroy you, he puts a person in your life.
Today's Word
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? ~Amos 3:3
Today's Thought
You can't partner successfully with somebody who doesn't share your goals. When you feel passionately about something, but the other person feels complacent, it's like you're dancing the Macarena with somebody who only wants to Waltz. You picked the wrong dance partner!
Never walk anywhere with anyone who doesn't share your passion for what you're doing together. Some issues can be corrected through teaching and leadership - but you can't teach somebody to care! And if they don't care, they'll affect your environment, ruin your productivity and break your rhythm, with constant criticism and complaints.
It's a mistake to use optimism or pressure to force somebody into accepting your goals. They can't run on your fuel or become what they're not, simply because you want them to or believe they can. They must have their own motivation or they'll drain you!
The key to recognizing the right relationships for your life is - listening! People know themselves better than you do, and they'll generally tell you who they are before you get involved with them.
But you've got to listen. If you fail to hear their self-assessments or their confessions because you're too busy giving them your positive-thinking, "Oh-no-that-can't-be-true" speech, you'll miss what you should be hearing. Listen to them - and to the Spirit of God that's within you - and you'll save yourself years and tears of secret disappointment.
Today's Prayer
Father In Heaven; Teach me to Listen to Your Guidance; Give me confidence to trust what "I" hear. I know that I am who I hang out with! So lead me to the "Right" relationships for me and Your plan. Direct me by Your Holy Spirit! In Jesus Name. ~Amen.
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The Miracle
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Sep 8, 2009 3:43 am
531 Views
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I have to tell you about baby Marcos. He is 18 months old. He was in the car with his dad - the car was sitting in the driveway at his house. He was in his little car seat. His dad was distracted, talking with someone who was not in the car. Baby Marcos somehow undid his seat belt and climbed out of his seat. He then climbed out of the car window. Dad didn't realize it. He backed up the car over the baby, who was under the car.
The baby was rushed up to Yale in New Haven. His prognosis was poor. They were trying to save him, but things didn't look good. Marco's dad is best friends with a guy that comes to my church, New Life church in Trumbull, CT. Lenny called the church to ask for prayer for the family. The church started praying. I don't think there was a dry eye in the church as our pastor told us about this situation. Last Sunday night during worship, Pastor Mark felt led to have everyone in the congregation pray. He stopped everything, said, "People, we need to lift up baby Marcos right now in prayer and ask God for a healing for this baby!" Everyone prayed.
Tuesday night one of the pastors went up to Yale to visit the baby, and the nurses told him "he's not in ICU - he's down the hall!" He went to the baby's room, and there he was, playing with his mother with his toys on the floor! No tubes, no monitors on him!!! The mother spoke first and here's what she said: "There must have been an awful lot of people praying for Marcos, because on Sunday night things changed. He started to get stronger and stronger and now it looks like he's going to make it!" The pastor snapped a picture of the baby and mom and they showed it to us this past Sunday morning on the overhead. You would never believe he had been thru this ordeal - he looked like a "normal" baby!!!
God's compassion was moved by our prayers. Bless God! Praise Him!!
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Choose Victory
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Sep 7, 2009 5:01 am
516 Views
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Today's Thought (From my Pastor, Mark Evans, New Life Church, Trumbull, CT)
Every day we have the opportunity to choose thoughts of life and victory or choose thoughts of defeat and despair. God promises that when we choose His ways, we are choosing life and victory.
Imagine that you're holding a glass of dirty water. It's full of all kinds of particles, sand, and dirt. If you were to start pouring good, clean water into that glass and let it overflow, eventually, all the dirty water would be gone and you would have a glass of perfectly clear water.
Your life works the same way.
You are renewed by the washing of the water of the Word of God.
You may be carrying particles of dirt from the past. You may have old destructive habits or mindsets that you are trying to get rid of. But the more you pour God's Word into yourself, the more clean and alive everything becomes. Don't choose to sit around with that mucky, dirty water on the inside of you. Allow His Word to cleanse you by reading and applying it to your situation every day.
As you choose His Word, you choose His life, and you'll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never dreamed!
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of life and blessing. I choose life in You today and invite You to wash me with Your Word. Help me to stay close to You always. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.
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New Job, etc.
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Aug 29, 2009 9:37 am
598 Views
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I started the new job and have worked 7 days so far. All's well. I'm learning the software and the different "rules" at this company, and my only complaint is that they don't seem to be as "customer friendly" as I'm used to. I've heard that some employee's actually say things like, "I HATE these people" after talking to a customer. I say that if your living is made by doing customer care you'd better LOVE the customers! This is my one frustration (so far).
I treated myself to a left over 2009 BMW 328i - Bright RED! Oh my goodness - what a car!!! When I was married, I drove a BMW and when I got divorced, I knew I had to get a "practical" car to drive - and I bought a Subaru (all wheel drive) wagon in dark blue (It was used and the "best value" on the lot). For two years I drove that car, never feeling like it was "me". I've been dreaming of owning this new car for a while...I walked into the dealership last Saturday - my 54th birthday - and shopped. God put me and a Christian "client advisor" (that's less scary than "car salesman") together and he was absolutely excellent. He paid attention to what I said, and he gently steered me to my dream car. He never pushed or pressured...he was great. And now I'm driving my HOT & SEXY car!
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Hey All
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Aug 18, 2009 2:02 pm
774 Views
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Hi everyone,
Just checking in with you and saying a hello.
I left the last job and start the new one later this week on Thursday. A strange day to start a new job, for sure, but I think it'll be good. Two days on a new job (stress!) and then 2 days to take it easy before going back.
The summer has gone so fast. I got to the beach a couple of times - not nearly as much as I wish I had - but we'll have warm temps in CT thru September, so there's time.
I am so happy that I am helping people achieve their dreams of weight loss and helping them get those wonderful feelings of attraction and acceptance. I feel that God put me here for this purpose. As I continue to grow emotionally and spiritually, I feel God using me more and more. I'm in a very good place right now. PTL!
I re-joined a gym last week; I used to faithfully work out for years, but part of the aftermath of my divorce was to "let myself go" and finally! that's over. I've dropped 15 pounds and last time I checked, 18 inches overall. My body is loving what I'm doing and I have more energy now than I did ten years ago. I'm up at 6 and in the gym by 7 (and I'm not working yet!)
So - hugs to everyone. I will try to get to the blogs more often and keep up with you all.
Donna
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Not a Christian Nation? (For Americans)
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Jul 23, 2009 2:55 am
880 Views
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I got this sent to me and wanted to share it with you all - my fellow Americans. Visiting Canadians and others are welcome, but it's posted for my fellow Americans.
President Barack Obama said in Turkey: "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
Do you know the Preamble for your state?
Be sure to read the message at the bottom!
Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences....
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution..
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution
Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...
After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for thought' send to as many as you think will be enlightened as I hope you were.
(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God. Although they absolutely should.)
GOD BLESS AMERICA
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Opening My Heart
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Jul 11, 2009 7:51 am
995 Views
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Something I read on another blog today made me want to open up and be 'real' with you, my BC friends.
I came to Big Church because I've not found the love in life that I have always dreamed of. We dream, us humans. I have a few of them...I want great health, I'd like some wealth, I want to be loved thoroughly by a man, cherished, adored. Sort of like I think Dr. Phil loves his wife, Robin. (I'm a big fan of his.)
But once I joined this site, I got scared. Maybe anxious or nervous is a better word. I changed my profile about ten times from the first time I set it up. It now reads that I'm here to make friends, that I'm content without romance in my life.
There are times that I long for it...to be loved.
In 1985 I met someone very special - I was 30 years old, had been married once, had a child, but had never known what it was like to be loved as described above. This very special man, David, came along and swept me off my feet. We fell very hard for one another very quickly. It was like, "ah, there you are!" We got engaged after three months, and started planning the wedding. Unfortunately, he was killed in a motorcycle crash a few months before our wedding.
As I write this, tears come to my eyes, probably because I feel sorry for myself. I had finally met the one, the one I had dreamed for, believed for, and he was very suddenly gone. I was still so young - so many years ahead, God-willing, and I was facing this intense loss. Several months after he died, a friend introduced me to a man. The same month my fiance died, his marriage of 11 years had ended. We were both very wounded people. We were easy with each other...we were both gentle with each other's hearts...we ended up marrying. Ten years into the marriage, I realized what a mistake I had made, but it was too late.
I was married to a man that I loved, but who wasn't in love with me. Oh, he loved me (loves me still), but like a family member. There is none of the intimacy that I crave and cry for. There is laughter, there is comfortableness, but there is not the intensity of relationship that I want and dream of.
When I divorced him, I thought it was the right thing to do. After all, I was in my 50's and time was getting shorter. I thought, "if I'm going to do this, I need to do this now!" And I had a few relationships that I had hoped would lead to fulfillment of my dream of a Great Love once again. None of them worked that way.
There was "S", a man in his early 40's that had never been married, never had children, who I thought I would be a good match with. When he broke up with me, I experienced such intense grief, I lost about 20 pounds in a very short time. One of the trainers at the gym I used to go to congratulated me on the weight loss and asked me how I did it...the answer - 'grief'.
There was "R", someone I met on a website who came to visit me from Europe. There was such a let down - there was no chemistry whatsoever. This didn't break my heart, thank goodness.
There was "T", who was extremely charming and made me feel so beautiful and sexy and fantastic! Our relationship was intense and romantic - for a time. After a few months, I began to see who he REALLY was - the True Colors came out. It was hard, but I broke up with him after six months...three months longer than I should have stayed with him, but I have this DREAM, you see.
I came back to my ex-husband. I told him how much I hoped he would let us have a second chance at doing the relationship the right way. We attended a Family Life marriage weekend retreat - we took a cruise - with my hopes that he would view this as a chance to bring intimacy, real relating to each other, into our relationship.
It's been more than two years now...and every time I face the truth, my heart hurts a little more. He's a great guy - very helpful when I need a man to help me with something around the house...he's a Mr. Fix-it; can do pretty much anything mechanical. He's very knowledgeable about how things work. He has a great sense of humor. I love to laugh, and he often says something that gets me belly-laughing.
But the passion, the dedication to each other, the committment - it's just not there, and nothing I've said or done has brought it.
We've been back in the church for several months now...my prayer has been that God will restore us, but to a place we've never been before. So far, it's not happened...and my heart longs for love. I tell myself that God's love is enough, but I yearn. And I dream.
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Crabby Old Man
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Jul 9, 2009 4:27 pm
904 Views
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When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in North Platte,Nebraska, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Missouri . The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his
simple, but eloquent poem.
And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses?....What do you see?
What are you thinking.....when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, .....not very wise,
Uncertain of habit ........with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice.....'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .... the things that you do.
And forever is losing ....A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not.......lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding ......The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? ........Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am .......As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding......as I eat at your will
I'm a small child of Ten.......with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .........who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen....with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now....a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty....my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows.......that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now ....I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide .....And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty .....My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .......With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons....have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me........to see I don't mourn
At Fifty, once more, .Babies play ' round my knee,
Again, we know children ........My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me ......My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . ......I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing......young of their own.
And I think of the years....... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man..........and nature is cruel..
Tis jest to make old age....look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles......grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone.........where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass .....A young guy still dwells,
And now and again .......my battered heart swells
I remember the joys.....I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living....life over again.
I think of the years, all too few......gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact.....that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .....open and see...
Not a crabby old man. Look closer....see........ME!!
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A new attitude!
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Jul 9, 2009 4:04 pm
785 Views
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If you read my previous blog entry, you know that I've been struggling for a while at my job with my boss. She's 'had it in for me' for about 16 months.
Yesterday there was a follow up meeting with HER boss and she & I. He was very nice - he reminds me of someone that would make a good elder in the church. I don't know if he's born-again or what, but he's very kind and listens and I don't ever get the sense he judges.
After work yesterday, I interviewed with a company I had started out in the oil industry with - they had advertised a few openings and I wrote a letter to the President (hoping he'd remember me) and applied thru their monster ad.
Well, he was waiting at the door for me! He happily exclaimed, "DONNA!" when I came through it. I was so honored that he would be there (the man is well into his 80's). We sat down and chatted and he brought in his Sales Director to talk with me as well. I'm pretty sure an offer is forthcoming!
It saddens me that my present job just won't work out, but I have prayed, and I believe God is putting me into some new things - better things in my life. I'm on the verge of some huge changes - all for the better.
Hugs to my friends! I love you...
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She's Had Me in Her Cross Hairs
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Jul 2, 2009 3:03 am
836 Views
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"B", my boss/supervisor is an ugly woman. I'll just be plain about it. She resembles a mule. She has large, ugly pores. She's got eyes that are pure evil, at times. They have red veins running thru them.
She mocks me at work. She yells, "Praise the Lord" as she pumps her hands in the air. She laughs, and other managers laugh. They all look at me. I just smile and say a little prayer under my breath.
They know my faith, but not because I walk around the office preaching. It's probably because I mention the Lord at times. I have a copy of "Our Daily Bread" on my desk.
A year and a half ago, I interviewed for a position similar to mine with their competition. She got wind of it about 8 weeks after the fact. She made my life MISERABLE at work, and actually had a girl come in, interviewing for MY job - shoved it right in my face. I was 'abused' for about 2 days, then I asked to meet with her boss. I explained to him what was going on with her - told him that if the day ever came that I left the company, it would be for one reason, and one reason only. HER.
I believe the reason I'm now on "30 day written notice" is because she's had an agenda since that time that I went to her boss. She did get "called on the carpet" for it.
This boil is about to pop!
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To link to this blog (LovebuginCT) use [blog LovebuginCT] in your messages.
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