What I've learned: CAREERS

I'd like to think that I have an extensive amount of work experience for someone who's only been in the work force for 5 years. Not just because of my full-time jobs, but because each one of my previous part-time jobs have led me to something greater and allowed me to further my career. I was recently offered a position at another company and while I'm making the transition (Monday is my first day!) I've been reflecting on the path that got me here. I thought I'd organize my thoughts and share some things I've learned during the early stages of my career.

Part-time jobs matter. 

Sure, your first job as a pizza delivery boy will probably give you no experience for the CEO of a Fortune 500 company that you aspire to be, right? Wrong. Every job will teach you something, whether it's a skill like patience, or a fact about yourself you didn't know.  One of my first jobs was a secretary for a flooring company. There, I learned about different types of carpet which, at the time, seemed pretty irrelevant to my life, little did I know that 3 years later I'd be picking out carpet swatches for the property management company I worked for. Next, I worked at Hibbett Sports for a short time, and what I learned here was the importance of good shoes. This was extremely significant, and ironic, because my job after that was at a hotel, where, of course, I'd need good shoes. At the hotel I learned some extremely important things. First was customer service and patience. People don't play about where they sleep. The hospitality industry is a lot like food and retail, it sucks but definitely has it's perks. I met some great guests and built lots of friendships. I learned how to be firm with someone while still being polite. I learned how to successfully negotiate prices. I learned how to handle invoices and A/R accounts. I also learned how identify bed bugs (which we never had, thank God). That job prepared me for the one I'm leaving Saturday, which coincidentally has prepared me for the one I'm starting Monday. Isn't it crazy how God makes everything work? 

Experience is everything and can (sometimes) trump a degree. 

This goes hand-in-hand with #1. Experience is so important. Many full-time employers will base your starting salary on your experience. This sets the mood for your whole employment. If you're experienced, they'll value you, meaning a good salary. A happy employer and a happy employee are so important for a successful career, no matter what the job is. 

I haven't graduated college - yet. However, because I have a lot of experience in the job field that I'm in, I've been offered some great jobs. I'm not saying a degree isn't a good thing, because in a perfect world, you'd graduate with an automatic 5 years of experience and be able to find a job within your major the semester after graduation, but unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way today. Obviously, there are some things you have to have a degree for. It's a lot like the board game LIFE. You can risk not going to college and still get lucky and pick a great salary, but if you go to college which takes a little extra time, on paper you're qualified to do just about anything (in the game). The decision is yours. 

Computer Literacy

If you're under the age of 30, not being comfortable with Microsoft Office is not acceptable. We learned how to use this program in middle school. Take the time to invest in learning standard computer programs. You should be able to successfully create a memo, power-point presentation, essay and basic spreadsheet with no problem. Any other program that would benefit you in your field would be helpful, also. Again, employers want experienced employees. 

References

Go ahead and put references on your resume. They're only checked about 50-75% of the time, but they take up space and look nice. Obviously, make sure they're good references. And put people who know your skills the best and are relevant to the job your applying for. 

Interviews

Practice your interviews. Look up questions online and prepare answers. Always make eye contact with the person interviewing you and smile. You want to seem friendly, yet business oriented. Wear black, unless something related to the job would be better (ie. applying for a position at a college, you could wear that school's colors). Be 10 mins early (no more, no less) and always bring a copy of your resume. Most importantly, DON'T LIE. Don't make it seem like you're capable of skills that you aren't. It's okay to say you aren't comfortable with something as long as you're willing to learn. 

Sometimes, it really is all about who you know. 

Unfortunately, networking is important. For someone like me, who has a severe case of social anxiety, meeting people and leaving lasting (good) impressions is dreadful. But out of my past 6 jobs, only 1 of those have been with a company where I knew no one, and my employment was completely based on my experience and capability. Even though I was completely qualified for each job, I am convinced that knowing someone who was already employed with company had a positive effect on the decision as to whether or not I was offered the position. I guess my point is to "network" with as many people as possible, because you never know when you're going to need that connection. 

Co-Worker Relationships

Never have a romantic relationship with another co-worker. Most companies forbid this in their employee handbook, anyways. Chances are, you are not Pam and Jim from The Office and you will have sacrificed your reputation at work for a 2 month-long fling that everyone knew wasn't going to work out anyway. 

Your co-workers can be your friends, but leave some of the friendship aspects at home. Of course you want to get along with your co-workers, just don't talk about anything super personal at the office. Save that for a lunch break or get together after work. You don't want your boss to over hear you talking about the great deal you found at Victoria's Secret do you? (NO) Work is for work. 

Social Media and Your Job

Again, if anyone under 30 doesn't know this concept I'm going to be forced to start a Business Etiquette Workshop to teach you so-called "millenials" the basics. The rules of social media are simple: Don't post anything bad about your boss, co-workers or anything regarding your job. Personally, I believe it's best to leave anything about your job off of the internet. It's just safer for you and your company. 

Leave on Good Terms 

Always give at least 2-3 weeks notice. You can give 3, but anymore than that is too much. Any less than 2 is pretty inconsiderate. Your 2 weeks doesn't have to be a page long essay, it can be short and sweet, but not rude. Thank your employer for the opportunity and move on. 

If you think you are about to be fired from a job, offer to resign immediately. When a company fires an employee they have to pay unemployment if that employee files, so a lot of companies will wait until the employee just quits. If you offer to quit, they won't have to pay your unemployment and you won't have to put that you were terminated on your resume. Depending on why they're firing you, I'd think twice before putting them on your resume. 

Don't feel bad for Leaving (if you're leaving for a good reason) 

Leaving for reasons such as better pay or relocation is a valid decision. Any reason that is allowing you to better yourself and career is alright. However, there are many bad reasons to leave a job. For example, you don't get along with one of your co-workers because she got promoted and you didn't. If you leave because of this everyone will remember you as the person who pouted when you didn't get your way. If you think you deserved the position more than she does, then show your boss why he made the wrong choice through doing amazing work and being even more dedicated to the company, not quitting. 

What are some things that you've learned throughout your career? Do you agree or disagree with any of these points? 

Get to know us!

I wanted to do another fun little post so Tanner and I answered these questions Monday night while watching The Voice (Cole Vosbury better win!). His answers are in blue, mine are pink.

1. What was your first impression of me?
She's wild.
Nice jeep. 

2. What is your idea of a truly romantic evening?
A back rub. That's it? Yeah. 
Anything with fondue. Lots of fondue. 

3. Which fruit or vegetable do you think I resemble and why?
A banana because you're hard to unveil....but you're sweet. ;) What does that even mean?? 
An apple. You're pretty solid. 

4. How have you coped with break-ups in the past?
Play golf. 
Play the latest Taylor Swift album over and over and ugly cry. 

5. Which decision do you regret the most?
Selling my first gun. 
Getting the Posh/Victoria Beckham haircut. 

6. What's the best decision you ever made?
Being baptized.
Getting involved in church again! 

7. What’s your favorite time of the year? Why?
Hunting season. But then I love golf. Next?
Christmas! I'm allowed to wear glitter. So much glitter. 

8. If you had one day left to live, what would you do?
Makes sure the dishes were done. Jk, spend it with family. 
Spend the whole day with my family on the river. 

9. What is something you did as a child that your parents don't know about?
In 7th grade when my class was selling candy bars I kept all of the money and never ordered the candy. 
When I was probably 7 or 8 I thought I was using the bathroom but I peed in the bottom drawer of my dresser while I was sleepwalking. 

10. What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?
(fart) I don't know, Racheal. I'm trying to watch The Voice. 
Some squid/octopus thing at a Hibachi Buffet. 

11. What things do I do that irritate you?
Your hair is everywhere. And you think Adam Levine is a good singer and good looking. 
You never close anything. Drawers, cabinets, drinks, etc. 

12. If you had to wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Blue. I like blue. It brings out my eyes. (His eyes are green.) 
Black. I love it. 

Documentation, Documentation, Documentation

I've always had a sense of respect for the people who always remember to take pictures. I can't think of how many times I've taken a trip somewhere and forgotten to get a single picture. Or prepping for a special occasion for months, only to leave my camera in the car throughout the entire event. Last year, for my birthday, Tanner bought us tickets to see Rascal Flatts and a brand new camera. After an hour of standing in line, we finally got to our seats and I realized I left the camera at the hotel. I want to be one of those people. So, as of now, I will take my camera and/or phone everywhere I go and I will document everything.

When I worked as a front desk attendant at a large hotel chain, one of the biggest things I learned was the art of documentation. There was a large red notebook that was to stay on the front desk at all times. We called it "the book" and it was the hub of all communications. Any time a guest had a request, complaint, or question it was to be written in the book. If there was a leak or a crisis, it went in the book. If two employees got in a fight, it went in the book. The weather? In the book. I mostly used it for drawings to make the night shift laugh, but there were times when it literally saved my job. Especially when we were under inspection.

I'm hoping this recent commitment will help me practice blogging more often. Today, I documented my lunch. A pb&j, carrots with ranch, yogurt, cookies and water. I call this gourmet dish "Brown Bag Speciale". It is important to note that the carrots and ranch may be replaced with grapes for a side high in natural sugar.

Bon Appetit! 

OOTD!!

Since this blog is scattered all over the place, I'd like to throw in some fun posts. The goal is start an OOTD (outfit of the day) series.  Like a typical girly girl, I love clothes, makeup and all things pink so I'm really excited about this, not to mention it'll be a nice little break from the heavier posts. Shopping is one of my absolute favorite things to do but I am most definitely a bargain hunter. I never buy anything that isn't on sale, I just love a good find! I have to say that this was a spur of the moment idea, so today's picture is from my iPhone. I promise the rest will be much better quality. I should also mention that I'm not endorsed by any brand (especially Old Navy, although about 75% of my closet is from there).

So this is what I wore Monday, 10/28/2013. I absolutely despise wearing my hair up, but I had a large case of the Mondays and woke up considerably late so up it went!

Scarf - Walmart $6.96

Cardi - Old Navy $20

Shirt - Old Navy $10

Jeans - Old Navy $15

Flats - Old Navy $18

Watch - Charming Charlies $19

Earrings - Walmart $4.99

What's Happening to Me?

I've never really been the type of girl who dreams about their wedding from age 5. I've always said I didn't want kids and I've looked forward to having a career where I get to wear business suits, have an office, a real reason to carry a briefcase and an assistant to get me coffee even though I really don't like it. However, over the last 6 months I've felt this weird urge inside of me. It started out as a little pangs of longing usually brought on by a YouTube video of a cute baby or one of my friends pinning something extremely neat on their Pinterest wedding board. Now it has grown into this huge volcano of baking, seasonal decorating, overly-coordinated outfits and intense organizing (my office, supply closet, bedroom, vanity room, kitchen, bathroom, etc.) that is sure to erupt at any moment if something doesn't give.

I realize that this urge is probably just my maternal instincts coming forth and the need to nurture rearing it's ugly head, with perfect curls and precise makeup, smelling like Clinique Happy. I just can't help it. I want to be a wife. I want children. And worst of all.......I want to be a stay at home Mom. This is what really scares me. The fact that I actually want to trade in my business pantsuit for jeans and a burp cloth.

I don't want to be a stay-at-home mom because I think it will be easy. Anyone who can spend their day picking up toys, preparing meals, washing and folding clothes all while making sure their kids don't kill themselves deserves a medal of honor. I've just always heard that the perfect job is one you love doing, and one you don't look at as a job. To me, a stay at home mom would be just that. I could focus on the things I'd love most, my husband, my kids and I could do so much more at church! I could put all of my energy into those things, instead of sitting in an office making someone else's dreams come true.

 I mostly blame Tanner for this shift of outlook. On our second date I told him I didn't want to have children. His response? "Well we should probably just end this now because I have to have a little boy...". Right then, I knew. Maybe, deep down, I always did want all of these things, I just needed someone I could see it happening with to realize what I wanted. When I think about 10 years from now, I see a floor scattered with toys and dishes in the sink and I hear the laughter of kids who's parents love them so much. Some days will be full of silliness and I'll think I have the greatest kids in the world, other days will be full of messy hair, tears and I'll wonder if karma has come to repay me of all the bad things I did as a youth through my children. But no matter what, I promise to thank God for every minute of it.

Befriend An Enemy

How often do we try to "win" over people with debates about Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of the Bible? What if I told you that debates don't win Christians.

When asked about recently coming under fire for the type of people he associates with, Rick Warren, a well known evangelist, said this:

You cannot win your enemies to Christ; only your friends, so we must build bridges of friendship and love to those who believe differently so Jesus can walk across that bridge into their hearts.

First of all, let's stop saying the word "win". People are people, not prizes.

Rick is saying that we have to become friends with someone, first and foremost. Not just be friendly, but have a true friendship with this person. One where you can be honest with each other and most of all, you care about the other person. It may take weeks, months or even years, but I think if you really build a relationship with someone and they see that you care for them and that you live a Christian life, God will take care of the rest.  So, in summary:

Step 1- Build Friendship using honesty, compassion and love.
Step 2- Let God handle the rest.

How simple??

Jump Start My Heart

You know the feeling you get when you hear your favorite worship song? The one that moves you to tears or makes you feel so close to God that you could close your eyes and see him? That is one of the best feelings in the world.

Being brought up in a Christian home, I've always had a relationship with God. He's been my friend, my diary, my shoulder to cry on and all things in between. And even though I've considered myself a Christian my whole life, there was a time where I just couldn't find Him. I couldn't get that feeling. I felt totally disconnected and began to wonder if all of the mistakes I'd made in the past couple of years had pushed me to such a dark place that even God himself couldn't reach me. So I began to pray. I prayed that God would show me something. Anything. Something to make me feel close to Him again. Something that made me feel alive, because spiritually speaking, I was dead.

Ironically enough, it was death that God used to revive me. Glenn Taylor was diagnosed with cancer on May 10, 2013 and died exactly 2 weeks later on May 25 at 2:15am. There was a moment that morning, as we sat in my Grandaddy's living room with his body and the hospice nurse. My mom, my aunt and uncle, my Grandma and Tanner. I was sad, but for some reason I was extremely at peace with the situation. And that's when it happened. The feeling. God was there. He was so close I could feel Him in my heart. Once the funeral was over and all details taken care of, I felt this insane urge to do something. To get involved. To  make a difference. To live. I knew, then, that this was my answered prayer. I had to go back to church but this time I didn't want to just sit. I wanted to lead. I wanted to plan.

Death affects everyone in different ways and I still get upset when I think about my Grandaddy not attending my wedding, but maybe it was what I needed. Maybe an intense surge of emotion and tragedy was what I needed to jump start my heart's connection to God. I'm still not really sure what came over me, but I do know that God was with me through that time and He's still here. And as long as he continues to answer my prayers, whether it's how I think they should be answered or not, I'll continue to serve.

Generation Y: Y We're Screwed

So I was recently watching a Miley Cyrus interview with Vevo and as she was explaining her profound concept behind the "We Can't Stop" video, I got really frustrated. She was talking about how the video was something that only "her generation" could understand and she wanted to display the "glam and gritty" side of living in LA, where they party all the time and do whatever they want. After watching that and thinking of my fellow Gen Y's, I can't help but wonder how I missed the election to vote these total boobs as representatives for our generation. I began to wonder when it became the norm to do drugs and party all day, every day. And why people aspire to do that? And why are we so lazy? As I wrote in one of my previous posts, I used to party a lot. I spent a year of my life under the influence of whatever, but I always knew that it wasn't what I was supposed to be doing. I knew that eventually I would have to get it together and be an adult.

I guess my problem with our generation is our sense of self-entitlement. Why does everyone think they are owed something? When I was younger, my parents taught me that in order to have nice things, you have to work for them. You have to earn things, not just money, but trust, respect, credit. Today, it seems like Gen Y feels like they should already have these things.

I recently saw a news clip that spoke about Gen Y's self-worth. A study that began in 1965 showed that each year, college students' sense of self-worth rose. That's good right? Confidence, self-respect and all that? Well, it is if the student's self-worth reflects his work ethic and ability. What the study showed was that while today's generation has the highest sense of self-worth than ever, their work ethic and ability to do work related things are much less than. So basically, we think we're smarter and better than any other generation before us, but we don't wanna get our hands dirty. I find this completely accurate.

I partially blame the parents. Sorry, but everyone shouldn't get a trophy. Second place isn't as good as first. Competition is healthy. It provides a goal, whatever the prize may be. Competition teaches kids that life isn't fair, but if you work hard and dedicate yourself, you can do anything you want. Somewhere along the way, parents began to tell their kids that we could do anything we wanted, leaving out the working hard, life isn't fair part.

I also blame technology. Today, everything is instant. Send a text, it's delivered. Order a pizza online, track it's progress and in 30 minutes or less a 16 year old, acne-prone kid is knocking at your door. We've been spoiled. In our world, everything is instant. You just have to ask for it, or steal.

Obviously, not all parents ruined us. There are a few good apples in the bunch. And not all technology is bad, we've just learned to use it in bad ways. Call me anti-feminist, call me a conservative Republican, call me an ignorant wannabe southern belle, all those are fine. I won't be afraid to admit that I still believe in the American Dream. I just want to know why family values, morals and good work ethic is so hard to find in a generation that was supposed to be the one to change the world. Maybe the advanced kids aren't so advanced after all. What if we were, and dare I say it, average??

A Lesson from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

I don't really claim to be a Star Wars junkie (not sure if there's a name for this fandom), but I do enjoy a good battle between both sides of The Force every now and then. Yesterday, Tanner and I started to watch Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (or the Star Wars where the little boy races in the flying machine, as I referred to it) and I had a mini-revelation. Right in the beginning of the movie when The Federation (the bad guys) has begun to invade the planet of Naboo (kinda like Earth) , Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) saves a creature by the name of Jar Jar Binks. Jinn tells Jar Jar he almost got them killed and asked if he's brainless to which Jar Jar replies, "I speake!", meaning he's not brainless since he talks. Then Jinn (Neeson), who, as always plays the all-knowing, kick-butt, fighter dude, says the quote that led to inspire this post:

"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent..." 

MIND BLOWN. I know it's pretty simple, but how many people can you think of that you wish you could say this to.  Just because you can talk, doesn't mean that you should. Just because you have a thought, doesn't mean it should be said out loud. There is tons of scripture about taming your tongue, I saw a few out that I think could best be used in this context.

Proverbs 12:18     There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I made the Varsity Volleyball team, which seemed like a pretty big deal at the time. I was the youngest on the team and I felt really uncomfortable because I didn't know any of the other girls, and when I'm uncomfortable I tend to make light of situations by joking around or playing pranks on people or whatever (a trait I've gotten from my mom, we both have really disturbing definitions humor... think wry, English humor). Anyways, so to try to bond with the other girls, I'd call them out on silly things they did or do impersonations of them, and I thought everyone enjoyed it, until one day the coach asked me to stay after practice. She sat me down and explained that everyone on the Varsity team had come to her and said I'd hurt their feelings with harsh words, jokes and such. HOW EMBARRASSING!! I was mortified and I felt like the biggest jerk in the entire universe. Not only did I have to sit through that lecture, the next practice while we waited for our coach to arrive, I decided I really needed to apologize to everyone, so I did. Unfortunately, that didn't really help and I spent a lot of my team bus rides sitting by myself. It was a terrible season, but a lesson well learned.

Sometimes we may not think our words hurt, but they do. Take an extra few seconds to really consider these three things before you say anything:

1) Does this need to be said out loud? 

2) Does this need to be said out loud, by me?

3) Does this need to be said out loud, by me, right now?

If the answer is no to any of these, just keep it to yourself.

Liam Neeson actually pulls off the half-ponytail if you ask me. 

Failure to Excommunicate

Relient K was my all-time, hands down favorite band in middle school. I first saw them on a WOW DVD that was played at a week of camp and after I heard their song "Chapstick, Chapped Lips and Things Like..." I had to find out more about this band. Today, while wasting time at work, I decided to revisit some of their old songs and stumbled upon one of my most loved songs by them. After listening to it again and again, I decided that it would be the focus of my entry today so if you enjoy lyric analysis then keep reading. You can listen to the song HERE

It's the principle it's the issue 

that your principal would dismiss you.

 Because you don't fit into that all-American Box.

That coffin created for creative thought.

It's disgusting his priorities

And how we're entrusting him with authority.

His gavel's gone down before he looked in your heart. 

He finished this race(ism) before he reached the start.

Jesus loved the outcasts.

He loves the ones the world just loves to hate.

And as long as there's a heaven, there'll be a failure to excommunicate.

The world just keeps you at an arm's length.

Every week you work up the strength to fight the flames that are hurled.

Let your faith shine right through.

You know it's the world versus Jesus and you.

 It's disgusting, their priorities.

And how we're entrusting them with authority.

Their gavel's gone down before they looked in your heart.

They finished this race(ism).

Let's think about what the word "excommunicate" means. The Free Dictionary defines it as
1. To deprive of the right of church membership by ecclesiastical authority.
2. To exclude by or as if by decree from membership or participation in a group.

Now, most of us will say "Glad we don't do that in our church" or "that's so wrong and un-Christian" and while most of us attend church where anyone is supposedly welcome, how many times do we mentally judge or dismiss a newcomer to our congregation? Or how many times do we purposefully not invite someone to an event simply because we don't like them or don't feel like dealing with them? We may not be forbidding someone to have communion but we're certainly excluding them from what could be the fellowship that they need to get them through the next month, week or even day. As Christians, it is our duty to stand up, stand together, and spread the word about Jesus Christ. How can we do that if we dismiss people so easily just by their clothes, opinions, etc?

Another way to think about these lyrics are to apply them to today's government. Because of the current state of America, I feel like this song could have been some crazy, coincidental foreshadowing about what our country would be like in a few years. Political scandals rock the internet almost daily and it seems as if Christians are slowly becoming the minority, but how amazing is it that as long as we have faith in Jesus and we don't give in to this world, he's always by our side no matter what? Idk...

Let me know what you think about this. Did I completely miss the point of the song or do you agree?

Album - The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek 

Jesus was a Freak

Before you're offended by my sac-religious title, hear me out.

Sometimes I like to wonder what Jesus would have been like if he were here today. What would he wear? How would he talk? Would he cut his hair or wear it in a ponytail? Would he be a Republican or a Democrat? What kind of music would he like? Who would he hang out with?

Many of us would like to think that Jesus was a cool kid. That he would be the popular guy, the one invited to all of the parties, the one who would walk down the halls in high school giving everyone high fives and fist-bumping teachers. But, for a few reasons, I don't think this is the case.

I think Jesus would have been labeled a freak. A loser. A nerd. Or whatever kids call each other these days. Think about it, Jesus didn't hang out with kings and queens, he hung out with prostitutes and lepers. He was friends with adulterers and tax collectors. Jesus hung out with the kids (people) who were different. The ones who had bad home lives, the alcoholics, the trouble makers. And he was literally persecuted for that.

I think there are three reasons for this. The first is obvious. He was trying to show them God's love. He was showing them that despite whatever sin they were defined by, God loved them and there was more to life than what they had been shown. And even when they weren't accepted by their own people, God accepted them and had a reward so great that no amount of acceptance on Earth could compare.

The second reason is also quite obvious. If Jesus was "cool" and accepted, then there would have never been a crucifixion, because everyone liked him. There wouldn't have been riots and he wouldn't have had people spit on him. If someone wanted to persecute him everyone else would just say "Jesus? He's cool. Let him chill for a bit." and that would have been the end of that. But instead, Jesus was an outcast. Thus, leading to one of the most brutal deaths our dear Savior could have endured.

The third reason I think that Jesus was a freak is to be an example to us, right now, in modern times. Even all those years ago, he was showing us that it's ok to not be apart of the crowd. It's ok to stand out. It's ok to invite the co-worker that no one likes to watch MNF.  It's perfectly fine to talk to the girl sitting by herself at lunch, in fact, God wants you to do that! He wants you to reach out to those who have never known his grace and love. Today's world is all about status and gain. We're in such a rush to be the same as everyone else and to fit in.

Let's go against the grain. Let's be Jesus to the freaks. Embrace them. Show them there's more. Tell them that there are much better things ahead. And most of all, love them. Love them just like Jesus would have done.

My Response to "Why Millenials are Leaving the Church"

If you haven't read this article yet, go check it out here.

     So I've seen this article circulating around Facebook and Twitter and I'd sort of neglected reading it, because sometimes articles like these make me angry, mostly because they tend to lump a bunch of people into one large group. However, when I saw that it was by Rachel Held Evans, an author I saw speak at Peace College in Raleigh once, I decided to give it a read.

      Rachel touched on a subject that has been weighing heavily on my heart for a while now. I attend a traditional Church of Christ, where we sing hymns from 100 years ago, we have communion, take offering, the preacher brings the message then we split, ready for a Sunday lunch of fried chicken, potatoes and green beans.  Now, please, please, please don't take offense to what I'm trying to say here. There's nothing wrong with how we do things, but it's impossible to not notice the decline in the size of our congregation. And yet, as we continue to do the same things every single Sunday that we've been doing for the past 50 years, we still wonder why we aren't growing. I know that many of you (including myself) will have a hard time grasping this concept, but: Change is good. It's good! The only thing that never changes and never will is God, but he's allowed to do that because, well he's the one and only Lord, and in a world that changes every day we need him to be consistent, and he is.

    Like Rachel, I'm not saying that a rocking worship band or coffee stand will do the trick, I mean a deeper, inner change. The answer to the problem of millenials leaving is simple: BE PROACTIVE. It takes such little effort to sit in a pew for 2 hours once a week, yet so many people do that and once the invitation hymn is over, they leave, feeling good about themselves and feeling like they've done their part. But there is so much more to being a Christian than that.

When you have a plant you want to grow, you don't plant it then just hope it sprouts. You water it, you feed it, you make sure it has enough sun, etc. You nurture it. The church, and people, need to be nurtured. Be the sunlight that helps your church grow. "How do we do that?", you ask? I'll tell you....

Right now, Christians don't have the best reputation. We're known for being hypocritical and judgmental. Christians are more known for what we are against, rather than what we stand for. In a time that no longer calls for Hell-fire and Brimstone, we need to show love. Jesus Christ was the ultimate example of love. Think about the prostitute Jesus met at the well. He knew what she was, but instead of telling her how wrong she was, he loved her and he helped her. Have you ever heard the saying, "You'll catch more flies with sugar than vinegar" ? That is the mindset we need. Instead of turning our nose up at someone who is gay, why can't we show them love and show them how amazing Jesus is? I'm not saying accept it or look the other way, but I'm most positive that Jesus would choose to show them love rather than point and stick his tongue out pretending to gag at the thought of homosexuality.

That is how we change the world's perception of Christianity. We show love and we get involved. We volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School even though we really don't like kids. We agree to be chaperons to CCYC even though long car rides make us sick. These little sacrifices shy in comparison to the big sacrifice that Christ made, and it's during these events and every day life that the love we show people draws them to Jesus, not PowerPoints with sound effects.

Let me know what you guys think and if you agree, or disagree, with what Rachel said.

Good Morning!!

It is 8:40am and I am so late for work. I haven't even dried my hair or done my makeup.....I highly considered going in late (unexpected dentist appointment, maybe?) but I know I'll be glad if I go ahead.

It is so hot here in little old North Carolina. When it rains, the steam comes up from the road and its like a sudden fog that goes all the way up to the tops of the pine trees. How can a girl dress for this type of weather? And I'm still not sure why I continue to do anything with my hair when by the end of the day it's going to look like I stuck my hand in an electrical outlet. You know what, maybe for lack of time and creativity, I'll rock an updo today.......

Hello!

I'm Racheal.


I'm 21 and I have a cat.


I also have a boyfriend, Tanner, and two best friends: Lyndsay and Kimberly.


I work as a Property Manager for a small apartment complex in Eastern North Carolina.


And I have no idea what I'm doing.





Currently, it is 3:24pm on a Monday afternoon and I'm typing this pointless blog while I should be doing other things such as checking vacant units and taking inventory of the Maintenance shop. But instead, I am here. I tried tumblr, but I just get sidetracked by really weird things (JJ the Jet plane gifs, anyone?) . Hopefully, this is something I'll be able to keep up. I can't count the number of diaries I've started and never made it to Day 2.


The title sounds a little sad, I know, but it's not to say that I'm lame or boring. I'm just a pretty average person. The only thing fabulous about me is, well, that I really love the word fabulous.