Pray In CommUNITY!

The First Thursday of May - National Day of Prayer events happening in Wabash. 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

Click here to see the history of the National Day of Prayer.

Join together as we meet for "CommUNITY" throughout Wabash County. 

Four Ways To Prepare for Life at Work!

Everyone needs to show up for life. It’s not good enough just to wait for life to come to you but it’s important that you take initiative to engage.

As I’m reading this article I’m well aware of our current economic times. Post Covid, uncertainty about our economy, and a global threat of world powers. The world is a very uncertain place. What matters most is how we respond to these incredible times of which we live.

Nearly 35% of the workforce have retired early. Even if they’re pension and financial portfolio was not complete they found it easier to step out of their jobs. There’s another large cluster which is estimated to be as many as 30% that have also stepped out of the workforce but for very different reasons. These are families with double incomes who have found it easier to step away and live on less. It is estimated that this 30% will return to work. That leaves an estimated number of average Americans working which crops up the economy and continues to build our country‘s wealth. On a global scale, these numbers pail given the average income of the rest of the world is at about 1% of the economic scale.

I’m running into people all the time that are looking for new employment. They are either dissatisfied with their current situation or their current situation has shifted making them eligible for employment. Just this past year I have made personal referrals of over 30 people who approach me looking for new opportunities. There are sincere reasons that people give for leaving. One of the best summaries of this can be found here. There are many who want to help you. All you have to do is ask! 

Therefore, I thought I would take some time to encourage those that are out looking for the next job. There are four categories of which we need to prepare for when entering the application process.

These four categories are not new. They are categories that help an employer properly screen an interview potential employees.

1. Calling. What is your mission and purpose in life? Organizations of all types are looking for people who will fit their business model and work culture. They are looking for a sense of loyalty as they begin the hiring process. It’s expensive for employees when employment transitions occur.

When going into an interview be sure to know why you’re making application and how it fits your life calling and training.

2. Competence. Employees are looking for people with skill and understanding of the marketplace. They need to be certain that you know what you’re doing that can benefit the company. This is a time for you to share what you know and what your certification training demonstrates.

 It’s equally important to understand how your skills have benefited other Employers that you work for. It’s important that you do not come across with a large eco. You can read more of that in a related article that I wrote a while ago. Check it out here.

3. Character. There’s probably other ways of saying this but integrity in the marketplace matters. Can you be trusted and are you reliable. All of us have a reputation that follows us from one job to the next. Of course the company is going to check your references but they’re looking to find out if you could be trusted.

In today’s world these are very complex times. Companies have every right to look into your background to determine if you’re a good fit within their organization. It must be noted that companies cannot call your former employer without your permission although they can ask our references  leading questions the build upon your skills and those things that help determine your character. Strengths and weaknesses, positives and negatives will be talked about when citing your references. 

4. Chemistry. Perhaps this is not talked about enough. Are you able to get along with others either on a team or with fellow coworkers? Nobody wants disharmony in the workplace, especially a manager or supervisor. Well conflicts do occur it’s important to understand how you would handle those negative situations.

Uniformity is not the goal but cooperative behavior and a peace filled environment should be expected. One of the greatest pressures that most employees feel is with their supervisor. Research indicates that the number one reason for people leaving jobs has to do with management. While it is never easy, perhaps that’s why they call it work, it’s important to balance the objectives with a sense of harmony through humility.

These thoughts can hopefully enhance your opportunities. I would highly recommend a career coach who can guide you through the principles for finding employment, putting together your cover letter and résumé, as well as better preparing you be at your very best. I also would encourage you to have a life coach who will guide you through my‘s most complex issues  that impact both of your career, your family, and your personal life. 

Bottom line. Every decision is a spiritual one, especially one as important as your life calling. Everyone should consult the top expert (GOD who created you) because He knows you best! (Matthew 6:33-34) 

Planned Obsolescence.

Willy Wonka was a genius. His creation of the Everlasting Gobstopper would have been an epic invention if it wasn't just a kids movie. His genius was not only in his invention but this make-believe character also broke the rules. While every other industry makes things that will not last forever, Willy Wonka main things that would last forever!

Products made today become obsolete quickly. It's like a planned obsolescence. Many are surprised to discover that lightbulbs were by design made to not last forever. The history of these inventions might leave you a little cynical as you think about the next time you pick up the purchase of the incandescent.

Curiously, even a council was established internationally to determine how long a lightbulb should last in order to keep competition under control. 1924 a group of investors and inventors met to create a plan so that lightbulbs would fail at a certain point. Watch this video about the planned obsolescence.

Things don't last forever. Of course we know that things don’t last forever yet we hold on tight as if it does. We are often surprised when something fails. Recently I’ve had several things break and I have not been able to repair them. I’ve had to purchase new items to replace that which is worn out. It’s frustrating but true.

Yet, there is something of great value that will last! In God's economy, His Love & Word is eternal. God's promises are everlasting. God has provided eternal hope of salvation in Christ. (Psalm 117:2)

While many look to temporal things that are planned for failing, others can look to God for what will last forever! God’s plan of salvation is eternal. 

What needs fixed or replaced for you? What do you value most?