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Woman, do you ever feel like a dead tree, even though you know God has filled you with living water and knowledge/wisdom that needs to be shared? Well, be encouraged. Do what's necessary to go from feeling like a dead tree to BEing/sharing the fruitful, flowering tree that God has made you and wants to contiue to make you. Isaiah 61"For the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me;.." https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/Isa.61 Products: www.etsy.com/shop/becmin |
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Recently, I saw a car parked over the line.
Yep. One of those. Luxury car. One and a half spaces for one car. Before I got my present car, every time I saw situations like that, I would slide my smaller cars right into the space they were half-way overtaking. I made sure to leave enough room for the doors on both cars to open without touching the other car (which was their goal). I also made sure to be the one who had to do the most squeezing to exit the car. My goal was to let them see that someone was going to park in the space anyway, no matter how hard they tried to take more than one space. If they don't want their car dinged, then park at the end of the lot, so far away that no one will want to park beside them! Note: Yes, I had a goal just like they had a goal. I don't want to hear it about it from you! (Take that in a nice way, but for real!) When I returned to my car, I approached the lane from behind. The luxury car was still there and I saw that the back of the car was very damaged. Old damage. Rust on the spots where the paint was knocked off. The trunk was so bashed that surely it wasn't able to open. I stood there wondering how the driver had the nerve to give that 'look' when we were getting out our cars, as if their car was more precious and better than others, yet it had all that damage on the back that had not been fixed. Protecting the smooth side, while ignoring the damaged back end. Maybe this is a stretch but it's what came to my mind: Revelations 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Revelations 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched, ad miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: Humans that make comparisons, can look down on others as if they own thing/life is better than someone else's, yet also knowing they have huge issues on the backside of their life. Luxury car. Beautiful finish on the driver's side. Back end smashed in. I wouldn't have seen the smashed backside if I hadn't walked past the row I parked on and approached the cars from behind. Let's not be smug about anything in our life. It's right to try to keep what is good, good. It's also important to try to fix/heal the damage that isn't easily visible. Books and jewelry on etsy.com/shop/becmin
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The link is DEEP!!!
We know we are responsible for our actions, reactions, and pro-actions (the work it takes to not let someone else's mess towards us make us become a monster). Yet, we fail and become monsters sometimes. You don't?!? Well, what about that time so-and-so posted something you didn't like, so you got at them the next time you were in their presence? It wasn't even about you. It was not even your business. A monster...even if only for a moment. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7z9xhJYY1TN4z7jG/ Some have the burden of being expected to fulfill the ideas of someone else's desires.
They want you to be an accountant, lawyer, mechanic, flight attendant, usher, tour guide, trustee, doctor, professor, plumber, or politician. Why? Because they are, their Mom was, or the neighbors need to be impressed. You have other plans. You have knowledge that your path is supposed to be different. Pressure. Issues. Arguments. Fights. Frustrations. You may even know they're right about your future, but you want to get there by the route prepared specifically for you. You may agree, but don't want to hear "I told you so" once you understand they are right. You certainly do not want to deal with them taking off at the speed of lightning giving you instructions on how to get where you both agreed you're supposed to go/be/do. The problem? You feel/believe/KNOW that if you allow them to drag/drive you NOW, they will be dragging/driving you for the rest of your life! They'll think everything they think you should do is right since they were right about that one thing! When do you get to breathe? When do you get to live without them breathing down your neck about it? People are so determined to make their life your life...and do it their way...that even if you agree, you dread the coming 'ride'! There's also the self-imposed guilt. You care. You go and do their desires for you because you don't want them to be hurt or disappointed, and all the while going, you're trying to figure out how to 'cut through the bushes' and get off the track to have a moment to yourself and your own thoughts. The solution: Be honest with God. Be determined to do things God's way, no matter what happens. If you're hated, uninvited, constantly reminded that you 'are going the wrong way', be determined to go alone without their encouragement, money, support, presence, time, etc. When we DETERMINE to do things God's way, God comes ready to work with us. WHAT IF God agrees with them about you going the route in life that follows their route? You'll accept it because you've already determined and concluded that you will follow God. God will be there to take you on the route and will inform others that he, not they, chose the route (even if it's the same as theirs) because God is not going to let them take credit for you being who you're supposed to be. God will be there to block/run interference for you, fight them in a way that keeps you out of the hot seat, back you up with what you told them God told you to do, and make them apologize to you for being wrong about the whole thing or about little things they disagree with along your path that God is taking you. Determine you will go God's way. Period! Be willing to take the rejection and the angry arrows. You'll get the blessings and those trying to mold you into what they want will fail and will know they failed and won't be blaming you because they will know God led you. I remember someone telling the story about how he tried to tell his little boy what to do on the football field. His son said to him, "I have a coach." Parents would yell instructions at their kids during the games, practices or at home when studying their sport. The coaches were frustrated. Kids were trying to figure out who to obey, even as they played on the field and heard their parents' voices giving instructions. That little boy's coach (and I'm sure many others, as well) taught his team of little players, "Listen to me. Tell your parents you have a coach." Son, Daughter, Person - Whether you are called to do something different from everyone else or from what is expected or if called to do the same thing, those who have gone before and think they get a say in your future profession, first remember to LISTEN TO THE COACH aka GOD. Genesis 37 -Joseph, Son #11, was hated by his brothers. Why? Jealousy. Jacob's favorite son. Jacob made him a coat of many colors, showing favoritism and that Joseph would be a great leader. Joseph had two dreams interpreted as confirmation that he would be a great leader over his family. Joseph's brothers planned to kill him, put his body in a pit, and tell Dad that a beast ate him. Reuben talked them out of killing him, but agreed to placing him in a pit so he could save him later. Later, Judah suggested they sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites. Genesis 37:36 - And the Midianites [used interchangeably with the Ishmaelites; half siblings; same Dad Abraham]; sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard. Genesis 39:1-4 - Joseph was taken to Egypt. His master saw that the Lord was with him. The Lord made all in Joseph's hands prosper. Joseph was made overseer over all his master's house. Genesis 41:39-41 - And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. Hated Brother. Put in a Pit. Twice Sold. The Lord was with him. No weapon formed against him prospered. Gift made room for him. He was promoted to be second only to the Pharaoh. We've all been a Joseph or Josephine before. Whether a 3yo in day care who was hated because she dressed like a princess every day, a college student who started a small business claiming she or he would one day have one of the biggest companies in the country, a Gospel singer who became known all over the world as the greatest, or a Youth who knew he would rise to be the Lead Usher at church. If we did not let the dream go, we stayed the course and went on to be victorious. We've all been in a group who recognized and targeted a Joseph or Josephine - that one person who stood out, for no reason of their own, by no calling of their own, but by God's doings. Joseph/Josephine: Called to be the best and brightest in the group. Unctioned by God to walk in the door that no one on the other side expected or wanted them to walk in. Called to be the best golfer. Thrust into the role of Club President. Gifted to be the anointed singer. Setup to be the Valedictorian. Selected to be the right hand of the leader. Wearer of the most beautiful natural crown of glory. Winner an expensive car. Offspring of the richest in the land. Anything others deemed glorious that one did not choose for themselves. The characters in Joseph's story: They. Reuben. Judah. The Ishmaelites/Midianites. Potiphar. Question: Of those characters, who have I/you/we chosen to be to the Joseph/Josephine we've met? They hated Joeand wanted to kill Jo with words, accusations, false stories, snubs, misinformation, deceptions, and detours leading them in the wrong direction. Reuben sought to spare Joe's life, rescue him, refute the lies, and restore Joe's character to the lead on the job, department, business, group, teacher, coach, etc. Judah wanted to keep his hands clean but also wanted to be rid of Joe. So, Judah passed the bad words, accusations and lies on to the next group so that group would carry out the hate and he kept blood off his hands. The Ishmaelites/Midianites were fine with purchasing Jo and treating him badly because they believed all the things they were told about Joe. Potiphar comes along and decides to take Joe off the Ish/Mid's hands and treat him like the pleasantly appealing person God has put in his heart that Jo is since the Ish/Mids seem to have had bad intentions for Joe. Apparently, the Ish/Mids decided they didn't have the time/it wasn't in their plan to take on another person to enjoy mistreating at that particular time. Will we be a 'they' and try to kill Joseph's/Josephine's reputation in the office, school, family, social club, study group, college class, Senior Living tower, warehouse, salon, basketball/golf/running/exercise/friend group? Will we be a 'Reuben' and attempt to save Joe's reputation and livelihood? Will we be a 'Judah' and send Jo to someone else to be mistreated? Will we be a Ishmaelite/Midianite and offer to be the bad guy so a Judah won't have to be to one of his own? Will we be a 'Potiphar' who will gather Joe up, with the purpose of making Joe who Jo is destined to be by the company owner, the boss, the manager, the teacher, the Professor, the club President, the community, and God? When encountering a Joseph/Josephine, which character have you been or will you be? Illustration: freepik.com Books and Jewelry: www.etsy.com/shop/becmin Why go from peace, moving around almost effortlessly but not carelessly, cooking right, cleaning properly, eating well, and enjoying life,
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Example of a need for setting and enforcing huge boundaries when God says "Times up": A friend, acquaintance, or relative steals lawn equipment from our shed or makeup from our bedroom. We know it, yet we fellowship with them, anyway. We find out they're sharing with their friends what they've stolen from us. Still, when they and their friends visit, we fellowship with them knowing they and their friends use our items in front of us - the lawn equipment at the house across the street and next door or wearing makeup while they sit in our house! Set and enforce boundaries! Use these examples to plug in the people, what they take from you (in the place of lawn equipment, makeup), and how you give or deal with them anyway, knowing they've taken things from you. Set and enforce boundaries! Some will say they will freely invite people to continue to be around them out of the love of Christ. Yes, walk in the love of Christ. Let a known thief and a pickpocket watch your purse or wallet? I bet you would not. Allow the one who stole from you many times to sit your home or clean your storage areas? Sure. Go ahead. Eventually, you WILL set boundaries after you, your staff and your family have been violated by disrespectful people many times. Even if we keep them around in order to have a chance to lead them to Christ, guess what? We're going to say or think something, either to them or about them, to the effect of "I hope you/he/she will stop stealing, disrespecting, dodging me now." Come on. Yes, you will. Set and enforce boundaries! Illustrations from www.freekpik.com Books and Jewelry on www.etsy.com/shop/becmin |
My husband has played chess since he was a kid living in the Bronx. He was and still is very good at chess.
For years he had a chess board in every room of his and then our living spaces and in the trunk of his car, always prepared to play a game with a friend or stranger. He's always stated his goal to train others so well that they beat him at the game. He has truly meant it.
When we teach, parent, disciple, or mentor people to be better, stronger, wiser, and more knowledgeable, what is our reaction when they get the lessons and use all that on us? Are we/AM I/Are you glad or offended? We should be glad because they've learned and are bold enough to stand for themselves and in what they've gained, even when they disagree with or have come into better knowledge or wisdom on a subject, act or personal decision.
Our reaction to them walking in light we've taught, brought, modeled or facilitated, will indeed clarify our motivations for leading them.
Let's not have the superior attitude that "I taught you. You can use it on others, but you can't use it on me". Hmmm...♟♟♟
July 3, 2024 10:17pm
Have you dealt with numerous transitions of leadership?
Have you dealt with numerous transitions of leadership? In any one place - over days, weeks, months, or years - in any are of your life? Transitions that were completely out of your control? Have you been the victim of numerous leadership changes or additions to levels of leaders? Are you tired of it?
On the job, transitions come through new leads, supervisors, assistant managers, managers, and other positions on the organizational chart.
In your immediate or extended family, has there been another new step/foster/adoptive parent, grandparent or significant other who, by nature of the relationship title, automatically steps into a leadership role in the family?
Housing: A new landlord every six months-to-a-year, especially these days when investors buy properties, hold them for six months to a year, then re-sell them for a profit. I had a friend who ended up not knowing who to send payments to because owners changed and payments were due while changes-in-ownership paperwork were still in process, to the point that neither the previous nor future owners were cleared to take payments.
Community, Churches, Religious organizations: Politicians don’t change during their term very often, so this one might not be relevant for constituents but could be relevant for employees of the office of the political role. Pastors changing frequently leaves churches dealing with a balancing act of values and memberships.
School Students: Replacement mid-semester/term of a professor who teaches a series of courses - example Church History I, II, and III – so there is not the continuity of pedagogy, upsetting the flow of the students who have completed perhaps I and II, looking forward to the same Prof for III. Teachers/Administration: turnover of Superintendents, Administrators, Directors, Department Leaders, Student Activities, and/or Athletics.
Numerous transitions in leadership, whether the change or addition of leaders, must be dealt with by each individual under the leader. The mind, body and soul of each individual needs to adjust to the new personality, new rules, new issues, new like-ability, new dislike, new tasks, new demotions, re-mix of responsibilities dished out by new leaders, etc.
The revolving door of people leads to evolving or devolving, emotions, mindsets, issues, blessings or aggravations.
With each new leader, those under or subject to the NEW go through a range of emotions, AGAIN, that end on a high note or a low note. Notes high or low, over time and many leadership changes, can lead to transition fatigue. Although people can start with a smile and excitement and deftly maneuver each feeling related to the expressions in the illustration below; eventually, with numerous new or additional leaders (revolving door, high turnover), the initial expression can skip the smile, go straight to the frown with hands on the hips or the ‘what is going on’ expression, and land on and remain on the third “I can’t take these changes anymore” expression in regard to each new person who comes through the door or is pushed or runs out the door.
Fix the root of the problem so the revolving door is not utilized often; solid, long-term policies, duties and relationships can be established; and victory will win over defeat.
Scripture references:
The Kings of Israel and Judah
I Samuel, II Samuel
I Kings, II Kings
I Chronicles, II Chronicles
...
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clipground.com/pics/getsecond
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