You've seen people wearing the hats, t-shirts, using the coffee mugs and displaying the phrase on anything and posted everywhere in recent years. But, really it is, isn't it? Life......is.....Good....
I am in a real thankful mood this morning and after a vigorous hike taking in God's beauty on earth I am grateful that I get to live life!
Well, if life is good, then God is great, isn't He?
Just my thoughts on this Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 16
Wednesday, September 2
Being Christ in the Workplace
It's no secret that I haven't been happy with my job this past year, and I have struggled with the type of work I've been given and how to handle the every day interactions with my new co-workers. I recently subscribed to Christians in Commerce (CIC) and now receive daily emails with words of encouragement for working Christians. This was in my InBox this morning and I could relate as similar events have happened with me. It is hard to explain how your feel when this occurs because you don't want to sound egotistical, but when you put a lot of work into something you want to be acknowledged or at least know that your actions won't go unnoticed by those that evaluation your performance. Well, I guess in all circumstances the one thing for certain is that when faced with encounters like this, we should pray. If only I prayed before I spoke, my words may sound less defensive, aggresive or boastful. Read this excerpt from the email I received from CIC today, hopefully it will help you be Christian in the workplace!
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:26-27
"A close friend of 20 years and former business partner once offered me a job, which I accepted. The job in the high tech industry is in neither of our areas of expertise. To help facilitate our learning curve we interviewed several high tech firms in our region. We spent several weeks interviewing CEOs, CFOs, presidents, and vice presidents of these companies. Each of us wrote a 6-page summary after the interviews. My boss collated the summaries into a final report for presentation at our 40-member Advisory Board meeting. Prior to the meeting she gave me a draft of the final report to review. Much to my surprise, on the title page only her name was listed. I felt hurt that after we had both spend hours interviewing and recapping the site visits, her name was the only one on the final report.
I am blessed to have a CIC sister, Debby, working in the office next to mine. "I need to pray". I told Debby my woeful tale. I explained that public recognition and accolades are not career values that I hold. I knew this was a small issue and that it really didn't matter in the overall scheme of things. I told Debby I wanted to be a shining light for Christ, a loving friend and good coworker, so why was my heart so troubled? My sister looked me in the eye and said, "I guess we're only human", bowed her head, and led us in prayer. I felt a weight lifting from my heart and a sense of profound peace. The Holy Spirit was present and taking the trouble from my heart.
I recently read that God wants us to develop the habit of reflecting prayerfully on the circumstances that we face everyday. He wants us to hold fast to his word and let him guide our hearts. As I remember this prayer time with Debby, I am again filled with a renewed sense of peace."
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: When are you most vulnerable to the world's influences? How do you handle it?
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:26-27
"A close friend of 20 years and former business partner once offered me a job, which I accepted. The job in the high tech industry is in neither of our areas of expertise. To help facilitate our learning curve we interviewed several high tech firms in our region. We spent several weeks interviewing CEOs, CFOs, presidents, and vice presidents of these companies. Each of us wrote a 6-page summary after the interviews. My boss collated the summaries into a final report for presentation at our 40-member Advisory Board meeting. Prior to the meeting she gave me a draft of the final report to review. Much to my surprise, on the title page only her name was listed. I felt hurt that after we had both spend hours interviewing and recapping the site visits, her name was the only one on the final report.
I am blessed to have a CIC sister, Debby, working in the office next to mine. "I need to pray". I told Debby my woeful tale. I explained that public recognition and accolades are not career values that I hold. I knew this was a small issue and that it really didn't matter in the overall scheme of things. I told Debby I wanted to be a shining light for Christ, a loving friend and good coworker, so why was my heart so troubled? My sister looked me in the eye and said, "I guess we're only human", bowed her head, and led us in prayer. I felt a weight lifting from my heart and a sense of profound peace. The Holy Spirit was present and taking the trouble from my heart.
I recently read that God wants us to develop the habit of reflecting prayerfully on the circumstances that we face everyday. He wants us to hold fast to his word and let him guide our hearts. As I remember this prayer time with Debby, I am again filled with a renewed sense of peace."
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: When are you most vulnerable to the world's influences? How do you handle it?
Wednesday, August 26
Renewed
Ever feel run down, unmotivated and just plain defeated? Well, lately I have been feeling like that; to put it bluntly, I feel under attack. Does this come from my lack of faith? Is it real or imagined? Am I playing the victim? Yikes, what is going on?
It wasn't until this past week while on vacation and removed from my normal daily routine, that I was able to analyze and look clearly at the problem.
Life has a way of putting stones and stumbling blocks on our path so we have to make choices and possible change our course or figure how to get over the barracades. Where is my path headed and the stones I have encountered, should I proceed over or change my course?
This is what I have determined - for one, I haven't been too faithful in my personal time with the Lord; two, I've been allowing outside influences to alter my moods; and three I continue to try and 'fix' my problems instead of laying them at Jesus' feet!
Vacation is good! Fresh air, no schedule and the ocean breeze has a way of renewing and refreshing my outlook. During my time away, I wasn't burdened with the hustle and bustle of a busy work day, evenings figuring out dinner or dealing with finances, phone calls and other miscellaneous 'things' that tend to be placed on my path and clog my mind preventing me from focusing on what is truly important.
As I return from my time away I've decided to use this list when deciding which path to take or when feeling attacked so I can focus on what is truly important:
God first
my husband and family next
then me
work and whatever else
When I put my focus on God, all the else seems to fall into place and becomes clearer and gives me strength to face the challenges of life! Releasing my life to the One who is truly in charge makes choosing the right path a little easier and most often ensures a smoother path than the one I would have chosen without His guidance and protection!
I am thankful for the time to be away from the daily grind to focus on my relationship with Jesus and the importance of putting Him first in my life -
It wasn't until this past week while on vacation and removed from my normal daily routine, that I was able to analyze and look clearly at the problem.
Life has a way of putting stones and stumbling blocks on our path so we have to make choices and possible change our course or figure how to get over the barracades. Where is my path headed and the stones I have encountered, should I proceed over or change my course?
This is what I have determined - for one, I haven't been too faithful in my personal time with the Lord; two, I've been allowing outside influences to alter my moods; and three I continue to try and 'fix' my problems instead of laying them at Jesus' feet!
Vacation is good! Fresh air, no schedule and the ocean breeze has a way of renewing and refreshing my outlook. During my time away, I wasn't burdened with the hustle and bustle of a busy work day, evenings figuring out dinner or dealing with finances, phone calls and other miscellaneous 'things' that tend to be placed on my path and clog my mind preventing me from focusing on what is truly important.
As I return from my time away I've decided to use this list when deciding which path to take or when feeling attacked so I can focus on what is truly important:
God first
my husband and family next
then me
work and whatever else
When I put my focus on God, all the else seems to fall into place and becomes clearer and gives me strength to face the challenges of life! Releasing my life to the One who is truly in charge makes choosing the right path a little easier and most often ensures a smoother path than the one I would have chosen without His guidance and protection!
I am thankful for the time to be away from the daily grind to focus on my relationship with Jesus and the importance of putting Him first in my life -
Wednesday, August 5
We've Come A Long Way Baby!
Boy does time fly! I was reading Leanna's blog today - she just celebrated her 12th wedding anniversary with Jared! Wow, where did the time go? Jason and Corynn also celebrated an anniversary, their 4th. It is hard to believe that our children are grown up and married! Uh-oh, that means we are getting old! As I sit here catching up with friends and family on Facebook, my lovely husband of 32 years is snoring loudly on the couch - boy, could life be any better?
Really, I barely can remember back to that day in November, 1977 where Otto and I walked down the aisle and become husband and wife. When I see our children in their marriages, watch their struggles and triumphs and think back to when we were their ages... wow, we've come a long way. Life is Good!
Tuesday, August 4
No Vacancy
Well, the Stuck Hotel is at full capacity and we are hanging up the 'no vacancy' sign yet again. We recently welcomed Tina, Kaya and Eden to our humble abode here in the southwest. Hopefully they will find some peace and restoration that is much needed after the unexpected and crazy events that have plagued their family these past few months. Eden and Kaya were excited to be able to spend some time with their cousin, Delaney at the beach in San Diego, then back in Phoenix for the day. They've spent almost every day in the pool and we even camped this past weekend at Lake Pleasant. We've been busy!
So far, we have been constantly reminding them that they need shoes on even if it is just to go outside to get the mail, and sunscreen, even if it is just to go outside to get the mail..... get my drift! Goodbye Minnesota, hello Arizona!
The girls are registered in school and have 'meet the teacher' next week on Wed and Thur, and school starts on the 17th - they seem excited. Eden is going into 3rd at Las Brisas and Kaya 7th at Hillcrest. Tina's gone on two interviews and is now in the waiting mode for those, and still holding out hope to hear from SV. So, as things settle down and the hustle and bustle of emptying and rearraging rooms and filling them up with girlie things diminishes, we have to stop and take a breath and offer thanksgiving that we we are able to help out and provide a safe and somewhat peaceful environment for them.
Please pray for employment for Tina (a job with benefits!) and a smooth transition for the girls into their new schools.
So far, we have been constantly reminding them that they need shoes on even if it is just to go outside to get the mail, and sunscreen, even if it is just to go outside to get the mail..... get my drift! Goodbye Minnesota, hello Arizona!
The girls are registered in school and have 'meet the teacher' next week on Wed and Thur, and school starts on the 17th - they seem excited. Eden is going into 3rd at Las Brisas and Kaya 7th at Hillcrest. Tina's gone on two interviews and is now in the waiting mode for those, and still holding out hope to hear from SV. So, as things settle down and the hustle and bustle of emptying and rearraging rooms and filling them up with girlie things diminishes, we have to stop and take a breath and offer thanksgiving that we we are able to help out and provide a safe and somewhat peaceful environment for them.
Please pray for employment for Tina (a job with benefits!) and a smooth transition for the girls into their new schools.
Wednesday, July 15
The Trailer
Well, just to keep you updated on what's happening here in AZ, the Stuck's are now the proud owners of a Jayco Feather 25ft trailer. We've been talking, looking, saving and talking some more about graduating from our pop-up to a bigger trailer for a few years now and I thought I would share our news. Otto's been looking for awhile, but we kept putting it off, saving more, but I finally gave in and went looking with him a few months ago. Whew, what a task, in and out of trailers, this lot, drive across the city to the other one, in and out of trailers, several times - not so smart in the Arizona during the summer!
We quit looking for awhile and then one weekend last month he convinced me again to head to the lot. Lucky for us someone just traded in a trailer that fit just what we were looking for.
A few days later, we were the proud owners, and we brought it home, spent the weekend cleaning it and putting the 'stuck' touch to it. We found a storage lot where we can 'house' it close by since it won't fit in our garage (bummer, but I do get to put my car in there once again!).
We are really excited about taking it out soon, may not be till beach camping in CA, but none the less, we are very excited!
Thursday, July 9
God's Perfect Timing
Why do we try to undermine our Father? His timing is perfect, yet we try to manipulate and control things that are really out of our control ~ He has a plan for us, we just need to listen and wait.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It is hard, sometimes to just sit and wait for the Lord. We want to jump in and help out wherever we can. I'm not saying we should always sit idly while someone is in need, but we don't always have to try to fix things! I am a fixer. I can't help it sometimes, I just want people to be happy and for some reason, I feel I am the person who will bring happiness. Wow, how conceited is that?
Really, I am inclined to jump in and help out whether that is what God wants me to do or not; it takes a lot of restraint not to just jump in and give my two cents (or more!)
My prayer for you today (and me, of course) is that we stop, wait and listen for the Lord, His timing is perfect and if we give Him the chance, He will work all things for good!
Update on Dean ---- He is being moved to a long term care facility where he will begin the process of physical and hopefully, some behavioral therapy! Tina, along with his parents are driving him there this morning. Kaya and Eden will be flying to Arizona to spend some time with Grandma, then Tree will pick them up and go to California for a few weeks - the kids need some vacation time and this will give Tina a chance to get things in order. I'll fill you in on his progress, please continue praying for his strength to fight this fight!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It is hard, sometimes to just sit and wait for the Lord. We want to jump in and help out wherever we can. I'm not saying we should always sit idly while someone is in need, but we don't always have to try to fix things! I am a fixer. I can't help it sometimes, I just want people to be happy and for some reason, I feel I am the person who will bring happiness. Wow, how conceited is that?
Really, I am inclined to jump in and help out whether that is what God wants me to do or not; it takes a lot of restraint not to just jump in and give my two cents (or more!)
My prayer for you today (and me, of course) is that we stop, wait and listen for the Lord, His timing is perfect and if we give Him the chance, He will work all things for good!
Update on Dean ---- He is being moved to a long term care facility where he will begin the process of physical and hopefully, some behavioral therapy! Tina, along with his parents are driving him there this morning. Kaya and Eden will be flying to Arizona to spend some time with Grandma, then Tree will pick them up and go to California for a few weeks - the kids need some vacation time and this will give Tina a chance to get things in order. I'll fill you in on his progress, please continue praying for his strength to fight this fight!
Friday, June 26
No Limits
There are no limits to the what we can experience through God!
"He is able to do far more, exceedingly, abundantly, above all we could ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20
Update on Dean~
He has regained most of his memory is talking, but tires easily. He now is dealing with the long road to recovering his motor skills. Please continue to pray for Dean's improvement and also for his girls, Tina, Kaya and Eden as well as the rest of his family.
Monday, June 22
Life Changing Events
just my thoughts....
Well, our family was hit with tragedy Saturday morning when my sister, Tina called from Minnesota to tell us that her boyfriend was airlifted to the hospital when she couldn't wake him up for work. Dean was on life support and pretty close to death the entire weekend. Talk about a life changing event. My mom flew out to be with Tina and the girls, Kaya (12) and Eden (9)late Saturday night. Wow -
Today when I talked to Tina, Dean had just woke up and had been breathing on his own for about an hour --- what a miracle!
What is going to change about their life as they knew it? What is going to be different about the way they live?
As I grow up (that's what I refer to as aging, growing up), I tend to look at things a lot differently... I relish in a beautiful day, take time to smell the flowers, use my china/crystal every day and even burn those fancy candles. I don't want to miss a minute of anything! People become more important than things, relationships do matter and boy do I want to be debt-free!
The Olivito-Karlen family is faced with this now. Will Dean look at his life differently? What can and will he change about the way he lives. How will Kaya and Eden change? What about Tina, losing a life-partner is a harsh reality, especially at 40!
I sure hope that this life-changing event will turn into a positive in their lives! It's too early to tell about the physical and mental state for Dean, but we are hoping for a miraculous recovery.
Well, our family was hit with tragedy Saturday morning when my sister, Tina called from Minnesota to tell us that her boyfriend was airlifted to the hospital when she couldn't wake him up for work. Dean was on life support and pretty close to death the entire weekend. Talk about a life changing event. My mom flew out to be with Tina and the girls, Kaya (12) and Eden (9)late Saturday night. Wow -
Today when I talked to Tina, Dean had just woke up and had been breathing on his own for about an hour --- what a miracle!
What is going to change about their life as they knew it? What is going to be different about the way they live?
As I grow up (that's what I refer to as aging, growing up), I tend to look at things a lot differently... I relish in a beautiful day, take time to smell the flowers, use my china/crystal every day and even burn those fancy candles. I don't want to miss a minute of anything! People become more important than things, relationships do matter and boy do I want to be debt-free!
The Olivito-Karlen family is faced with this now. Will Dean look at his life differently? What can and will he change about the way he lives. How will Kaya and Eden change? What about Tina, losing a life-partner is a harsh reality, especially at 40!
I sure hope that this life-changing event will turn into a positive in their lives! It's too early to tell about the physical and mental state for Dean, but we are hoping for a miraculous recovery.
Wednesday, June 17
God's Country
Just returned from a trip to Big Lake, located in the White Mountains of Arizona, about 15 miles from the New Mexico border. Lots of elk, critters and tall pines! Fishing wasn't too great because it was so windy, but still a bad day fishing beats a good day at work anytime! Right?
We left Thursday right after work and rolled in about 9:30 pm, we took the wrong Forest Road and ended up having to turn around with the trailer (oy). But, all in all, not a bad trip up there! We went through Globe this time and really enjoyed the scenery and took our time.
Friday am up early as fishermen do -- but not very lucky, the wind was howling and there were white caps on the lake. You could see the storm in the distance backed by the white-capped mountains. It was beautiful. Nothing like being one with nature. I finished a book I was reading and I think I went through about 3 lures in 30 minutes! Shore fishing sucks sometimes. Otto had a few bites, and our friend, Bob Rasmussen did catch one 13" from his canoe. So, like I said before, a bad day.....
Most of the campers showed up by Friday night and we gathered for our 'soup pot luck' yummy! Boy, it sure got cold quick. Trying to stay warm by the fire was difficult with the wind, but we managed some how. That night, our heater came on - it got in the low 40's --
Saturday brought some sunshine, but still cold we decided to hike with the Rasmussens and Gerhardts - ya never know what you're gonna get when the Ras lead the pack. The trail was about 8 miles, up and down, not too hard but so many fallen trees; took us about 4 hours! Not expecting the long trek, we were tired and out of water by the time we returned to camp! And, almost late for dinner - tonight, chili!
More campfire, then bed! Early for a Saturday night, but that hike wore us out. Sunday we got up and headed to group breakfast; pancake, sausage and egg cassarole, yum yum - followed by a prayer service by Deacon Ron and then packed up for home.
We decided to head North and take 40 to 17 through Flagstaff and hit Winslow on the way - we were Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona!!! Check that off our bucket list!
What a great weekend and wonderful fellowship with friends!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)