Confessions of an office manager, Part 2

(or)  Be Careful What You Wish For

Continued from yesterday (click here for Part 1)

     So, I had hired three people. I was overwhelmed and couldn't keep up with training, project scheduling, quality control. It was clear that I was struggling.

     The boss's son stepped up. It seemed innocent enough, almost like he wanted to help by giving the new people work to do, taking them out to field measure, etc. Then, we got approved to move forward with the biggest, best project we've ever gotten and I'm the one who brought the project to the table. My boss was going to create the preliminary design on Saturday, and I was going to start on the project on Monday. (I had stopped working Saturdays during the Great Recession for obvious reasons.) When I got to work Monday morning, somehow the boss's son had the project. He had gone into the office on Saturday, and I imagine he said he wanted it and so he got it.

     That's when I realized that I was no longer in charge. Everything had changed. I fought tooth and nail every step of the way to the point where I felt like our three newbies were children of a messy divorce. We fought over them, over what they could do, who's project they would work on. I was miserable, stressed out, depressed. I was paying a therapist to help me deal with all of this until it dawned on me that I was fighting a losing battle. It was time to let go.

     I went on a job interview thinking it would be for an Autocad drafter. I was willing to take a cut in pay to have the privilege (and peace) of being able to just draw. I was done with being in charge. When the potential employer started talking about what all of my responsibilities would be, it made me feel on edge, reiterating that, at this point in my life, I just want to draw.

     As I drove back to work, I realized that I had that opportunity at my present job, if I would just quit fighting you-know-who. And, it wouldn't require a cut in pay. The other company wasn't ready for me to start there and after a lot of praying and reflection, I began to let it all go. It wasn't long before I realized that I was happier, less stressed.

     In January 2020, I went to a Missions College conference and my whole life was changed. Someday, I'll get the book published that is the result of that conference, of what God let me know is my mission. It's my belief that He will bless my writing, allow me to get published in a capacity that will allow me to write full-time for Him. 

     This week, He reminded me of all of that. I have a greater purpose in this life than to draw pizza joints. I believe my purpose is to help draw people closer to God, through writing and prayer, and maybe even, eventually, speaking engagements. With that reminder, I was able to completely let go of my need to be in charge at my day job. If the book(s) take off and if God makes it so that I can write full-time to bring Him honor and glory, then I believe that's the better definition of "success" than my 1990s definition.

     I've prayed for so long for a way to break free from that overwhelming life and at every obvious opportunity it never happened. I think since it's been so many years, I just forgot I prayed for it. God didn't forget, though. His perfect timing is always so amazing to me.

     So many tiny events had to take place to get me to this point. Everything had to happen in a certain order, at a certain time. I feel blessed that I can see it all unwinding and am praying that what I believe the intended outcome will actually happen.

     God has opened so many doors this week that I've just been blown away time and time again at His involvement in my life. I am grateful. I am blessed. So, I guess it's no so much "be careful what you wish for" as, "remember what you prayed for."

     Whatever your work problem is, ask God for guidance and wisdom. He will provide.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

Be in prayer for:

G

K

S

W

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Confessions of an office manager

 

I wanted to share a personal experience that goes with yesterday's Bible Verse...I've just had this AHA moment thing going on all week. God is just so amazing! I pick the topics based on talking to others, or something that catches my attention in a Bible study, or sermon, or even based on what's going on in my own life, but once in a while, I'm reminded that it's God who is picking the topics for me.

     Over the past several years, my boss's son has been taking over my job. He has assumed responsibility for everything and we've been butting heads at each turn. At some point, maybe a year ago, I just gave up the fight. Ever since then, I've felt more at peace and have had a better attitude at work. 

     A couple of days ago, I gave up the last managerial duty that I had been clinging to. It was so hard to do and I prayed about it diligently. Afterwards, I felt more at peace and it was then that God reminded me...this is what I asked for years ago. He then showed me a plan unfolding, one I've been praying for without realizing it, one that I had been working toward but not really believing in.

     Back in the 90s, my goal in life was to be "successful". In my mind, that meant being in charge of a company, having an office, making good money. I achieved that but with it came a burden that I never anticipated. The stress and anxiety of being "in charge" was overwhelming. On the plus side, the company was more organized, made money, grew and prospered. On the negative side, I had to deal with difficult, irate clients, situations that my boss didn't want to deal with, collections, etc. I even had to learn all the ins and outs of computer repair, software glitches, and wireless networking. 

     I worked long hours, six days a week. As a manager of a small company, I wore all the hats. I couldn't imagine a scenario that would get me out of that situation because I had made myself irreplaceable.

     When the Great Recession hit (2007-2009), I thought this is how it will end. But my boss worked like I've never seen him work before, or since, to drum up business for us to keep us afloat. That's when I started praying about a way out. 

     Then, the boss's son graduated from college (for architecture) and I figured he would start honing in on my job so I went back to college and got my Bachelor's degree. He didn't seem interested in taking over, which made me feel a bit conflicted. On one hand, I wanted out, on the other, I knew he couldn't/wouldn't put his blood, sweat, and tears into the company like I had. 

     Another woman at our company also graduated from a college in architecture, around that time, so it was kind of the hierarchy of: my boss, me, and then the boss's son and she were on the same level, even though she was and is very talented and knowledgable and does an exceptionable job. Then, she went to work for another company and I had to hire three people to replace her. That opened Pandora's box. We were so busy, and I was trying to get work out and train three people and still do everything that I had to do outside of those responsibilities. So, that was his chance to "step up."

To be continued. 

A just balance and scales are the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Proverbs 16:11

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

*********

Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Workplace environment

 

So many people have been sharing stories of their work environments lately. Some are struggling with the fact they are unequally yoked with their co-workers and supervisors. Others are being treated badly by their managers, having to endure what amounts to verbal and emotional abuse. Still others have to deal with people who are just plain cruel.
     My heart goes out to all of them. As Americans we spend approximately 30% of our lives working; so to be miserable for that amount of time is absolutely heartbreaking.
     The only advice I can give, and what has worked for me, is to diligently pray. Not only for the situation but also for the people involved. We'll dig a little deeper throughout the week.

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Please be in prayer for:
B
L
J
K
T
S
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Ask and receive"

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #prayer #peace

Rest at the end of a bad day

Yesterday was just an awful day for me and I didn't handle it well. It seems like whenever I'm consistently in the word, and in prayer, whenever I'm at peace, resting in God's grace, Satan has to step in stir the pot. He stirred up a lot yesterday. It started as soon as I got to work and I never could calm down after that.
     There's a lot of stress with drawing building plans for a living because once the drawings are finished, we have to send them in for plan review which can take up to 30 days. The way the system works plans examiners can then reject the plans for whatever reason they want. They can reject them by sending out a list of things for us to "fix" that are already on the drawings, but because they rejected it, we have to respond to it. Most of the time our clients understand this but every so often we get one that calls us every single day to see if we're finished. They lay guilt trips on us saying they're losing all of this money every day that the project is delayed, etc. The stress is increased when they hound my boss because then he doubles the pressure on me.
     I realize that this is so very trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it kind of falls in with what we're praying about this week. I had rest and peace and stillness in the Lord, but I let this one series of events get the better of me. I didn't like the anger and resentment that filled my heart for the entire day. I felt horrible about the thoughts that went through my mind. I felt ashamed at how I handle the whole thing.
     Today is a new day and I can begin again; refreshed from a night of rest and from time in prayer with my Lord and Saviour. I pass a church sign on the way to the office that says, "Peace in the Lord is your strength". I'll meditate on that peace before heading to the office today.
     Whatever you're going through, big or small, know that God is there for you.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for rest for the weary. Pray that they receive a peaceful heart and mind.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for rest

Words aren't coming to me this morning; possibly because I'm tired, or possibly because God is making a point, or, a little from column A, and a little from column B. God did show me this Bible verse which is probably at the root of the problem:

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,

 eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:2 ESV

As I get older, I honestly feel like time is moving so much faster than it used to. There seems to be less time to get things done. Days seem shorter; weeks and even months are here and gone in a flash. The only remedy that I can see is to stay up later and get up earlier. Sacrificing sleep seems to be the only area in my life where I can squeeze out a few more minutes. Honestly, though, I just end up hitting the snooze button more times than before and then rush through getting ready for work which leaves me frazzled as I fight through traffic on the way to the office. This then sets the tone for the day and even sometimes for the entire week as one of feeling rushed, stressed, behind schedule.
     Then, God shows me something, like the bible verse above and I realize that my solution isn't working because it's my solution, not His. I need a certain amount of sleep each night. It may be more than others need, but that's okay. God is sovereign over all things and I can take everything to Him in prayer, and He will answer. If you need rest, pray about it. If you know someone who needs rest, pray for them. Rest is so important, and it isn't just sleeping. Rest is quiet time, stillness for our minds, our bodies, our souls.
     Our Lord created rest for a reason and even He takes time to rest, or at least He did one time that we know of:

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, 

and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, 

because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Genesis 2:2-3 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for rest for the weary. Pray that they receive a peaceful heart and mind.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Think first

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, 

and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Proverbs 11:29 ESV

Think before you act; the results of your actions impact more than just your own life.

Update and love for the children

I'm going through a lot of personal "stuff" with my family right now and so it's been difficult to blog and keep up with posts, so please stick with me while I try to work out my schedule. I would hate to lose everyone at this point. I so love being able to pray together and share Bible verses and reading plans and exchange inspiration and testimony. May God bless you and keep you.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

Children's rules of divorce

I found a really good article that I feel is worth a read.

The article and photo can be found at the Huffington Post blog by Kara Bishop 12/29/2011 updated 12/6/2017 "If Your Kids Could Make the Rules of Divorce". This is just one article of an 8-week series entitled "Children of Divorce and Changing Families".

These are excellent rules and go back to what I was saying in Monday's post that the kids need to have a voice. They don't need to be a part of the messiness or be told your every thought and feeling about their other parent.  I hope you find the article helpful. You may want to google: children of divorce Christian. There are so many great resources available. My stepson is getting help by turning to Focus on the Family.

With all humility and gentleness, 

with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:2

Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the children of divorce. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in their lives and how to help them through a difficult transition. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.

I'll post a daily reminder to pray on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Instructions for families

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Colossians 3:20 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, 

but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21 ESV

Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the children of divorce. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in their lives and how to help them through a difficult transition. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.

I'll post a daily reminder to pray on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for the children of divorce

This week we will be praying for the children of divorce. I can't speak from direct experience on this, only as an aunt, sister-in-law, grandmother, etc. The effects I've seen on the kids are these: they can appear completely fine with the whole situation and then years later show signs of depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Some have attempted suicide.
What I believe is this: our children see and hear too much. In our efforts to be open and honest with them, we sometimes forget their mental, emotional, and physical age. I don't think it's a good idea to vent in front of them, or to them about their other parent. I think it does a lot of harm when we speak badly about their other parent. Obviously, there are negative feelings and tension, but keep in mind that they love both parents. They need to know that they can talk openly with someone about their feelings. Family members should reinforce that.
Divorce happens and the kids will live through it, but beyond the initial shock of it, we need to continue to nurture the children and remind them that it wasn't anything that they did or didn't do.
Spend quality time with them and ask them if there's anything they want to talk about. Most of all, love them and pray for them and teach them the gospel.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins

1 Peter 4:8 ESV

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the children of divorce. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in their lives and how to help them through a difficult transition. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.

I'll post a daily reminder to pray on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

January Blues

January blues seem to be a yearly thing for me. It's amazing how I can go from feeling energized with all of the exciting things I'm going to do in the new year, to depressed - completely depressed - within the first week.  This January hasn't even been bad, weather-wise; well, today is.

Typical Ohio winter day: grey, wet, dark, cold, windy...it sucks the energy right out of me. I tend to overthink things, too, which doesn't help. It lends itself to getting overwhelmed easily, which leads to a type of psycho-paralysis (my term, not literally paralyzed) and so I just sit, and think, and worry, and stress. It becomes a vicious cycle that is difficult to break away from.

Luckily, when I decide that enough is enough, I can work out of my funk, in one of several ways:

• Count my blessings. I am so grateful for everything in my life, and for my life, but sometimes, I lose sight of that, so I literally make a numbered list of everything that's going right in my life, and praise God for His grace and mercy.
• Find something in my everyday life that makes me laugh. There's a man who stands out on a corner in downtown Dayton and dances for the traffic. He was even out in the rain dancing and smiling. The squirrels outside my window make me laugh...today one was running up the side of a house across the street. He ran up to the window sill, sat (and actually looked like he was peering in the window) and then climbed back down, ran over to a tree, ran up and then down, and then repeated the whole thing. Yes, I realize this makes me look terribly pathetic, sitting around watching a squirrel, but, it helped, so :-P
• Call someone - on the phone - not a text, or an email, an actual, person to person interaction.
• Meditate. Sometimes I just need to clear my mind of all that clutter. So, I sit quietly, close my eyes, and just focus on my breathing. More often than not, God will use that time to show me or tell me what to do.
• Pray. I am sure to praise God, and thank Him for everything, first; then, I speak to Him about whatever is troubling me.
• Read the Bible. All the answers are in there.
• Write. I have an ongoing journal that I keep and just let it all out. I can say whatever I want; no one is going to judge me, and it really relieves a lot of anxiety. If it doesn't work, I write in my paper journal, with a pen; I think it works better than typing, but that's just me.

If you have any ways that you work through depression, feel free to share them in the comments.

Unsettled

Today was just one of those uncomfortable, slightly stressful days that leave you feeling kind of yucky and glad its over. It was a typical winter day in Ohio: grey, bitterly cold, windy. Every little thing was irritating, and not just to me; everyone seemed to be out of sorts today. Maybe its some sort of pre-storm thing. Tomorrow we're suppose to get 3"-5" of snow. Everyone, egged on by the media, packs the grocery stores and cleans out the staples like we're going to be snowed in for the next 3 months. I try to stay away on crazy days like this, but of course, I ran out of coffee, so I had to go. Survived that.

Ken was on edge. It was his first day of radiation, which he did great with - no problems there, but 2 or 3 different people told him he would need a wheelchair, and that just set him off. Needless to say, we will not be bringing home a wheelchair. The physical therapists are hurting him and he's just so uncomfortable. I feel helpless.

My dad got bit by his dog and his hand got infected.

Then, I get home and Velvet just wants to bark out the window all the time. I just lost it. I put her straight to bed.

Needless to say, I didn't get much "reflecting" done today. Could not focus enough to even try.

Tomorrow is a new day and I'll try again. I'm wanting to pay better attention to what I do and the choices I make and how I feel. Maybe, after the storm passes the sun will shine through and make everything bright and beautiful.