Vivian On Life

The Christ-Centered Approach to Employment Success

2009-11-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

A search for a Christian job may be difficult. With unemployment at nearly 15 million, there is no doubt that you or a family member needs prayer and support. In a very practical way, we can also offer help individually to people. Not everyone is an employer, but many people are associated with someone who hires or can recommend the hire of someone. Have you been actively helping others who need a job? If you are not sure what you can do, why not buy them a book called, "The Christian's Career Journey." The Christian's Career Journey will help them answer the question: "Am I doing the work God desires for me?" and more. A Christ-Centered approach to receiving God's power and peace during every step of the transition period. It is full of time-tested truths,practical tools, and fresh insights that will help you to conduct an effective job search that aligns with your Christian walk.

Some ministries have recently made it their business to step up to the plate and help. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” ~Matthew 9:37-38. Crossroads Career Network , Crown Financial Ministries, Career Transition Ministries Network, and Christian Coach Academy are four ministries that have partnered together to provide support services during the transition period from the loss of one job and the pursuit of a career that is God honoring.

Looking for jobs in Christian-based organizations, Christian church jobs, ministry, or other Christian job openings at Christian JobSpot

It's Time to "Wean" Back -Part 1

2009-09-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Why is it that people cannot just be satisfied with what they have? We are on a constant quest for more and more (M&M), better and better, newer and newer. Our forefathers and ancestors seemed to be able to get along with a lot less. Marriages were stronger. Families stayed together and truly helped one another. Communities looked out for the health, safety, and well-being of all of it's residents.

I could blame media. I could blame politics. I could blame people from other countries. Or, I could just take responsibility for my own actions. As in voting, where every votes counts, in decision making, every decision counts. Each and every time a person makes a decision, it impacts their world and the world around them. Don't you think it might be time to "wean" back.

Let's take a look at employment. In the pursuit of M&M, we feel no sense of loyalty to the company who fed and clothed our children, paid us enough to get our dream home, and set up an awesome pension plan. And the company feels no sense of loyalty to make sure the decisions they make in developing their business don't put people out on the street. Then, there is the sheer greed of it all; the "love of money." We all need it. But, at what cost?

Looking for new job posts in a Christian-based organization, a ministry, or a church at Christian JobSpot

Working in a Christian Environment

2009-09-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Several years ago a friend of mine was hired in the marketing department of a church. At first, she was very hesitant about working in a Christian environment. She felt as though people would be judging her every move. Quite frankly, what she felt was true. People did judge her every move. But, not because "church people" are more judgmental; most people are just accustomed to being judgmental. And because the work environment is Christian, people (being judged) feel "more guilty" when their own actions and behaviors are "out of sync" with a Christian lifestyle.

Working in a Christian environment should lift up a person's spirit. Many Christian companies have loving, giving people who care, respect, and encourage staff members and clients alike. These organizations freely hire "non-Christians" for support staff and administration, media and production, sales and marketing, engineering and accounting, as well as many other positions.

As a Christian, we are to take God's Word seriously when he says "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ( Romans 12:2). People, especially in Christian work environments, who continue to say things that are judgmental, give all Christians "a bad reputation."

Looking for new job posts in a Christian-based organization, a ministry, or a church at Christian JobSpot

Hunger and Thirst for the Word of God-Alive and Well

2009-08-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

God promises never to leave or forsake us. But, how many people are actually listening to His call. Well, at least three families have answered God's call to worship. After 18 months of meeting in Bible studies, the families of Steve Ebersole, Andy Green and Bob Green felt led to start a more public community style meeting. So, beginning in April 2007, starting with 19 people, St. Helena Community Church was birthed.

The people of St. Helena Community Church are not new to Christianity. They are faithful servants of the Gospel from various denominations. Both Ebersole and Ron Wicker were raised in the Catholic church, but both sought something more in their worship experience. With a hunger and thirst for the Word of God, they left Catholicism. Wicker did a short stint with the Methodist church and still found no fulfillment. Finally in 2008, totally committed to finding out "what saith the Lord," Wicker left the Methodist church to join Ebersole in, St. Helena community Church.

St. Helena Community Church is bible-based. Members believe that Jesus Christ is the foundation and cornerstone of the church. Services include singing, corporate prayer and Bible studies that illustrate the everyday application of scriptures. As a Calvary Chapel affiliated church, St. Helena's Community Church is an outreach of the Cornerstone Ministries in Napa. They are currently seeking a pastor to serve in a part-time capacity.

David and Gail - In Sync

2009-08-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

David was furious when he discovered that all that teaching and preaching to his workers about being kind, compassionate, and honest had gone completely unnoticed. How dare that guy! Just because he's rich; who does he think he is. Mr Bigshot had the nerve to say, "David, who is that?" After all David had done to safeguard Mr. Bigshot's stuff and keep his own guys on their side of the fence. "Well, I'll just show him who he is dealing with," David roared. "Let's go fellas. We'll just have to take Mr. Bigshot down a peg or two or three or four."

Meanwhile, Gail heard about the mistreatment. She knew exactly what could happen if she did not intervene in the situation. She was sparked into action. "Lori, help me get these things together. I want a feast big enough for 600 people. Let's get the best wine and get some of those good cakes we all like," she said. When everything was ready, they loaded up and went out to meet David on the road. They got to the spot just before David and the fellas were heading out.

"Cmon David. Here, I brought you and the fellas some real good food. And a little insight. Mr. Bigshot is not too bright; if you know what I mean. He's technically illiterate and full of hot wind. You know that God has always been on your side. I hope you will accept this token and call it even. Because, I would hate to see you mess up your future prosperity and success. Don't block your blessings now," Gail reasoned.

David listened and heeded Gail's wise counsel. Although, he had let his feelings get in the way of rational thinking, God sent him a messenger just in time to remind him of his position, character, and integrity. It's a good thing that he had enough sense to listen to her. David let go of his stress about the situation and forgave Mr. Bigshot.

Your feelings are your own and it's okay to have them. It's really important that you do not let your feelings control you, though. When you walk in the confidence of God in troubled times, he will give you the victory.

Visit It's Tough Being a Woman (the Esther Bible study by Beth Moore).

Stress Contributes to Many Diseases

2009-08-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

Aches and pains in your joints, frequent migraines, over-eating, fear, anxiety, and depression often have a common underlying cause. Unforgiveness. The study of the effects of unforgiveness on a person's health and well being is a well researched field in clinical psychology. Over 1, 200 published studies have been conducted on the subject of forgiveness/unforgiveness. Science now confirms what the Bible has always taught. Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."

There are many reasons for human beings to exhibit these character traits; not the least of which is for the sake of physical health. An unforgiving heart eats away at your subconscious mind and causes stress. This stress is often manifested by resentment, hostility, bitterness, and anger. And because there is usually little or no contact with the offending party, these feelings fester. You feel the results in aches, pains, anxieties, and fears. Your family and friends get a taste through your behavior toward them; often driving them further and further away from you. The resulting loneliness turns into addictions and diseases of all sorts.

Additionally, mental health and emotional stability are greatly impacted by a person's capacity to forgive. Your thoughts may be consumed by the person who wronged you or you are doing everything in your power to eliminate that person from your thoughts. Either way, the person whom you won't forgive, is affecting your freedom, your actions, your decisions, your very life. You refuse to go to a certain place, because "they" will be there. You turn opposite direction because you seen "them." You reject invitations to social events. You shop across town. All the time you are building up more and more anger, more and more resentment, and more and more rage.

In a recent article written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, she states, "Withholding forgiveness can lead to bitterness, rage, and hostility; which in turn can lead to physical ailments such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and heart disease." DeMoss authored the book "Choosing Forgiveness" which specifies strategies for putting God's grace and mercy into practice by forgiving others.

Forgiveness is not very easy to do when you have never put forth the effort. But, here's a tip. First think of all the people who have hurt you (one at a time). As you think of each incident, say a short prayer to God. "Lord, I give this situation to you. The load is too heavy for me. In Jesus' name, Amen." Go through each and every situation of unforgiveness. It may take some people days or weeks to release everything. Just keep doing it. Every time you think about one of these situations again, say the same prayer again. Over time, you will begin to leave each problem with the Lord. This exercise may sound very simplistic to some people (and it is). But, I know that it works. And you will know it too, when you decide in your heart to forgive.

People must forgive in order to be released from the bondage of unforgiveness. Once a person forgives others, they free themselves to become all that they can be. According to lifestyle guru, Dean Ornish, "the most selfish thing you can do for yourself is to forgive other people." Romans 12:19-21 states, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head. Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Please visit Christian JobSpot for Christian job opportunities.

Are YOU the Reason That Someone is in Pain?

2009-06-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That is a defensive statement made by millions of children every year. Yet, when these same children are all grown up, they will find that the words that were said to them as a child haunt and taunt them for many years. For some people, they are never able to get past those ugly words that a family member, friend, or enemy said to them when they were 5, 6, 12, or even 18 years old.

Ugly words hurt children. Ugly words hurt adults, alike. The Bible teaches us in James 1:26 "If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile." 80% of Americans say they are Christian. Christianity teaches in James 1:19, "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. Why then do so many people think it not wrong to "say what is on their mind.?"

In doing so, they teach their children the same kinds of behaviors. Because there is a widely held belief that "people are basically good." Somehow, people are able to convince themselves that as long as they don't put their hands on anyone, it's okay to talk. But speaking negatively toward or about anyone is NOT GOOD. We are called to love another.

Lord God, convict my heart whenever I speak ill to anyone. Even when I think ill of someone, chasten me. I want to right and I want to be ready when Jesus comes. Amen.

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Employment: My Job Ops is the Clear Choice

2009-06-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I always wondered, "Why is the cost of marketing so high?" That goes the same for the cost of prescription medicine, insurance, and interest rates. First off, of course, the companies need, want, and desire to make money. Secondly, these companies have goals and targets they are attempting to reach. Another, and more insidious, reason is that the price is at "whatever the market can bear." This simply means that as long as there are customers who will pay exhorbitant prices, the prices will be exhorbitant. Conversely, when people begin to feel the pain of those prices, they cry out and someone hears them. That someone is a discounter; a company that can feel the pain of the consumer and bring some relief. My Job Ops has recently been afforded the opportunity to relieve the pain of those who are in the business of filling job openings.

Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for an ad placement, My Job Ops has hooked up with an amazing marketing partner who will advertise your job post across the entire internet, throughout thousands of networks, including sites like MySpace Jobs, LinkedIn, MyWay, and Simply Hired for $1 a day.

Perhaps, some of you may be thinking, this is too good to be true. Only $1 a day for advertising a job that will be publicized on major networks. What's the catch? Just like any other discounted product or service, volume is the key. $1 a day listings is just about as low as you can get. So, to make this work and keep the costs low, people must be wowed by this service and tell their families, friends, and their whole circle of influence.

If you are serious about hiring the best employees possible and you don't want to spend a mint to get them, click through right now. Your post will immediately be spread far and wide over the internet.

Please visit My Job Ops. It's free. Find a job from over 5,000 networks.

A New Option for High School - 100% Online

2009-04-21T01:50:00.000-07:00

I am working with this phenomenal new online Christian high school. St. Mark's Academy is a Christian Leadership School offering quality education. We are 100% online. Because of this, students have the opportunity, flexibility, and support needed to reach their goals, at a pace that suits their individual needs. It is ideal for students who will be future leaders, families who frequently travel, and students who want to take classes on a non-traditional schedule. A student has the freedom to pursue their own individual unique interests and skills while getting a top shelf education.

St. Mark's Academy is NOT home schooling. Parents are not the teachers. The teachers are primarily subject matter experts with master's degrees and PhD's in their area of expertise. When students are faced with the challenges of advanced mathmatics (for example); parents can be assured that our 24/7 e-structors will be available to work with students to tutor, guide, and support them to achieve their intended goal.

The cost to attend this school is very low in comparison to most schools; at only $159 per month for the first student and $129 each additional student. And registration is a mere $99. You can't beat the price or the curriculum.

Even if you don't have a student who can attend right now, I would recommend that you take a look at the website. It is very likely that you will have friends, relatives, or even colleagues who will love you for referring them to this option.

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