Friday, April 23, 2010

A good reminder!

A good reminder about the importance of manners!  It's easy to get frustrated, but really good manners starts with each of us.  If you give a rude person a smile and gracious response, you may save another from the same rude response.  You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!

www.hillbillyhousewife.com/blog/?p=3325

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


I Peter 3:16--Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

I Peter 3:8-16 talks about doing what you are supposed to do and not rendering evil for evil.  Then is talks about having a good conscience.  It struck me that it is so easy to "get back" at others or to be unkind and really, we not only hurt others but ourselves as well!  When we are unkind, we will have that on our conscience and it really isn't worth it to have to remember how you were unkind.  The moment's satisfaction you may get by snapping at somone is going to be spoiled by the guilty conscience. 

Now to remember this ALL the time!!!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

A New Job--the novel

My job has been becoming increasingly difficult, largely due to budget cuts that have affected our business, causing lay offs and an increase in patient loads.  We have seen our nursing department cut by 34% since November.  This has been pretty difficult on my heart.  I have been praying about finding another job, even begged God to give me peace about changing jobs and cried more than a few tears over my job--largely for the people whose lives have been/will be affected. 

About a month ago, God gave me peace to look for another job.  I put in a couple of applications, one I was really interested in, the other not so much.  I prayed that I would only get called to interview for the job that God would give me. It became apparent that I probably wasn't going to get either job, so I went ahead and applied for another one that would be a nurse manager over ENT and Audiology.  I really didn't think I was very interested--after all, all they do is take out tonsils and put tubes in ears.  Not to mention, snot and spit aren't all that appealing!  The more I prayed about it, though, the more I felt I should apply, so I did.  I put my application in a week ago Thursday. 

On Monday, I got a call for an interview.  We set it up for Wednesday at 9am.  On Monday and Tuesday night, I did some research and discovered ENTs do everything from tonsils to face and neck reconstructive surgery to cosmetic surgery to treating cancers.  Audiology also works with people with balance problems.  I also enjoy working with deaf people.  This was sounding a lot more interesting!

On Wednesday, I had to go to Human Resources first to meet with the recruiter.  When I got there, they handed me a ten page job description written in legalize to read.  This wouldn't have been so bad, but they had me sit in the lobby area with three people talking rather loudly about their home renovations and all the difficulties they had and how mean the electrical inspector was, but how nice the building inspector was.  It is not easy job to read and comprehend legalize when you are nervous and have people rather loudly carrying on a conversation! Next, I went over to interview with the gentleman who would be my boss and the recruiter and didn't really feel like my answers were all that great.  I answered their questions honestly.  It was rather nerve racking.  I don't know if I've just blocked out other interviews, but they asked questions like "What is your management style", "If you get this position, what will be your first priority?"  They also asked questions that were really three parts in one!  I remember my brain hurting.  They were really impressed that I had done some research. They told me they had another interview after mine and that they were planning to set up some more interviews for Friday, so I would hear the beginning of this week if I was a "final candidate." 

In the mean time I had really been praying about whether I should tell my boss I was looking for another job.  I knew that conventional wisdom is not to, but felt deceitful a little selfish not letting her know.  I didn't have peace about not letting her know, so when I got back to the office, let her know that I was looking for another job largely due to the insecurity of my current job.  She understood and told me that I had her permission to do what I need to do to get the job, including not giving a four week notice (I had been concerned about needing to give a four week notice because they currently don't have anyone in this position and are anxious to get someone.) 

I went back to my office and my phone rang, it was the clinic calling to see if I could come in on Friday to meet with the doctors because they had liked me at the interview.  Of course, I said yes. 

On Friday, I met with the doctors.  The gentlemand who would be my boss introduced me to them  and others (telling on of the docs they had found me "delightful" at the interview--think he must have been at a different interview because I certainly didn't feel delightful--I did pray afterward that God would allow them to only remember the good things I said and forget the other things) as if I was going to get the position and let me know that I was the only applicant they had brought back.  I was pretty excited.
On Monday afternoon they offered me the job.  I asked about going to the Grand Canyon this fall and they are fine with that.  :o)

God answered my prayers in so many ways.  I had prayed that God would give me a job making at least a dollar less than I do now, He gave me a pay raise!  I also prayed that I would get at least 3 weeks vactation, but really didn't think I would get it--He gave me 18 days!!!  I also have benefits including:  health insurance, dental insurance (totally paid by employer), life insurance (totally paid by the employer), long term disability insurance (totally paid by the employer), continuing education budget for myself, the option of tuition reimbursement, and 7 paid holidays.  I also won't be putting all the miles on my car for work driving around to client's houses and branch office.  :o)

I still have a lot to accomplish at my current job before May10!  I am really going to miss the people I have worked with. 

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Think On These Things Thursday


Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Following God's Leading

Proverbs 3:5-6--Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I have been praying about finding a new job for about a year.  God has not given me peace about moving on, so I have stayed put.  Last month, He gave me peace about pursuing other jobs.  I had an interview this week and that is a whole other story, which I will tell you if I get the job.  :o)  I have been praying about whether to tell my boss or not.  I have worked at my current job for over seven years, we've been through some pretty interesting times together and there is the possibility that decisions could be made that would be made differently if she knew I was looking for another job.  I know that conventional wisdom is not to let your employer know, but I didn't have peace about following this.  I told her and she was sad, but understanding and told me she would do whatever she could to help me get the job, including not having to give a four week notice.  Giving a four week notice has been a big concern for me because I know they want to get this position filled ASAP.  I am so happy I followed God's leading.  I have much more peace of mind and no longer feel deceitful.  I am in no way saying you should always let your employer know that you are looking for another job, however you SHOULD follow God's leading.

I think it is wonderful to be able to leave God in charge of our lives and leave the worries to Him!!!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

How to Make Your Dog a "Helper" in the Kitchen/Free Dog Treat

We have a rather spoiled, VERY well loved dog who allows us to live in "his" house.  :o)  He enjoys being in the kitchen when I cook, I'm sure to keep me "company." 

I hate cleaning out cans/jars so they can be recycled.  He enjoys cleaning out cans for me.  A win, win.  I have a can opener that does not leave any sharp edges.  When I have a can or a jar that needs to be cleaned out and the contents are safe for dogs, I give him the can or jar and he very cheerfully cleans it out for me, then I just pick it up when he is done and put it in the recycling. 

Ways this is a helpful:
  1. I don't have to do a chore I don't like.
  2. I'm saving water.
  3. It keeps my dog busy and out from under my feet.
  4. I hate having anything left in the jar, now I can feel less guilty because I am providing nutrition to my dog.  (I still get as much out as I can with a spatula)
  5. I often get my feet warmed up in return.


Now I just need to teach him to take the can/jar TO the recycling!

Here is a link to a website that has a list of not safe foods for dogs:  www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

For more great Kitchen Tips, visit:  www.tammysrecipes.com/easy_avocado_dicing

Our crazy dog, Duke:



Monday, April 12, 2010

Prayer Request

Please pray for me on Wednesday morning.  I have been praying about making a major change in a certain area of my life and I have to meet some people to see if they would be willing to allow me to do that.  Sorry for the "code".  I'm not sure who all reads this and those who know about this will understand and hopefully those I would rather not know right now hopefully won't.  :o)

Early Morning Walk

"T" decided last night that he would like to start going for walks in the morning.  Something that I've been "meaning" to do.  I had to run to the store last night to get an essential item.  He went to bed before we could discuss it further.  When hubby and I went to bed, there was a note on our alarm clock from "T", letting me know he had set his alarm clock for 0630 so we could get in a 20 minute walk.  :o)  We went for our walk the dog even behaved, only needing to be reminded twice to walk nicely (NO pulling) on the leash.  It was a nice time together.  Now to stay motivated to keep this up!

P.S.  I'm torn between being ashamed of myself for not doing this before and being proud of "T" for motivating me.