Christian Values in the Workplace By Coreen Trost

I’m a small-town girl with Christian values and high morals.  Ok, not a young girl, as a matter of fact, my children are all grown, and I no longer live in a small-town, but that’s where my story begins. I always considered myself a Christian mom while raising my sons with the values that were not only taught at home but in the church that we attended weekly as a family. 

The church I’m referring to was back in my hometown, the same one I attended as a young person and learned the values I still have today.  This church was where I taught Sunday School and all three of my boys were confirmed as Christians after attending 3 years of confirmation classes. While they were growing up and learning right from wrong, both at home and in school, this church assisted me in reinforcing those Christian values. 

What are Christian values?  Historically, the term Christian values refer to the teaching of Jesus and taught by Christians throughout religion history. A Christian, which I consider myself, is a person who believes in God and tries to follow the Christian teachings of Jesus.  I say ‘tries’ because no one on this Earth is perfect; we all make mistakes and even fail at times. 

Christian values to me are something we should all strive for in our everyday life.  These include hope, righteousness, love, being kind to one another, having compassion and empathy for those in need, and putting God first.  Evidence of someone having, or not having these values come from our deeds and actions.  These deeds, actions, and treatment of others are not only in one’s personal life, but in our businesses and community involvement.

“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that of the good people.”  --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Asperger Syndrome short survey

Asperger Syndrome family and friends, please take my survey. Asperger Syndrome Survey: https://lnkd.in/eijteqw
This voluntary survey is for a Communication Research Methods course I am taking at Creighton University. The purpose of this survey is to collect observation data from those who know someone with Asperger Syndrome. The results will be used in my final class paper. Please complete the survey questions honestly, including the demographic questions. All responses are anonymous and will be held in confidence. Thank you to those who participate! Your insight is much appreciated!

God, what is the plan?

"God's plan for  your life far exceeds the circumstances of your day."

I'm sure all of us, at one time or another, have wondered what God's plan for our life is.  I know I have many times.  I've been through a lot, yet I've always come through each situation stronger and wiser.  Still, I constantly wonder what God's ultimate Plan for my life is.

I know we're not suppose to question God's plan, which is hard for me at times.  I get impatient while waiting for his timing.  I loss faith when people I care about are in sad, stressful or tragic situations.  

We're to have faith and believe that God knows what's best, accept his timing and pray for strength.  It sure would be easier if we knew where he will eventually lead us or what our lives will be like later on.

What I do know, or believe without fail, is that God doesn't want us to be in hard situations forever.  He wants us to learn the lessons we need to grow, for our greater good, which will lead us to the ultimate goal of God and that is to be caring, compassionate and above all Happy.  

"Be willing to leave everything behind in order to pursue God's plan for you."

I've been in situations more than once, where I had to leave everything behind to pursue God's plan for my self, as while as my youngest son.  None of those times were easy, however I can honestly look back without regrets, fully seeing now the better plans God had for us.

Those memories give me hope during difficult situations and restore my faith that God once again has a plan. A plan bigger and better than what I can think of myself.  So I'm praying for guidance and strength to help me through once again.  Believing with all my heart, that things will work out better than I can even imagine in my dreams.

 Praying that all my friends, current and past.  Believing there is a plan and a better tomorrow for us all.

Random Thoughts... with no one person in mind.

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"Random thoughts are received with no context for it, no per-conceived notions or bias." ~unknown

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Just so you know... there are times
... when all you can do is blog. :-)

Just so you know... I blogged less
... I lost my inspiration/muse for a time.

Just so you know... I believe my blog
... gives strength and hope to many.

Just so you know... I often write
... when someone is on my heart.

Just so you know... my Intuition & Heart

... are what I follow the most.

Just so you know... I always pray
... for those on my heart.

Just so you know... coincidences
... are really signs from God.

Just so you know... I believe
... the signs are his directions. 

Just so you know... I know
... some ignore the signs until it's too late.

Just so you know... I wonder
... where their family and friends are.

Just so you know... I wish they would help
... break the cycle of drama and manipulation.

Just so you know... enabling
... doesn't help anyone in the long run.

Just so you know... finding peace
... is what everyone needs to be happy.

Just so you know... sometimes you need distance
... so you can see think clearly.

Just so you know... I worry

... because it will only get worse.

Just so you know... I've been there
... so I truly understand.

Just so you know... I'd reach out
... but I was warned not to.

Just so you know... reaching out I'm told
... isn't always the right thing to do... or is it just not the right time.

“You can’t always stay in your corner waiting for others to come to you.  Sometimes you have to reach out to them first and let them know someone cares.”

If there's someone...

"Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous."~Albert Einstein  

If there is someone...

Have you ever known someone whom you can't get off your mind.  No matter how hard you've tried. :-)

There are reminders of them when you lease expect it.  You may see them from a distance or run into them in the most surprising places.  You may be somewhere where your worlds are overlapping, and even meet people that are far less then 6 degrees of separation.   The universe putting people and situations together making connections... that it's hard for me to believe they are coincidences.

"The universe is always sending us signs and messages through coincidences.  Look around and Believe."

Then if I found out through mutual connections or friends, that things weren't going well for them, I would wonder what it was that God wanted me to do.  I always feel I find out these things and keep being reminded of them, because I'm suppose to do something.  It used to drive me crazy knowing they weren't making decisions that are best for them or going the wrong direction.  

Many times people make major life decisions out of guilt or fear, instead of what their hearts are telling them.  Sometimes our heads rationalize our actions and ignore where are hearts are trying to lead them.

Often we ask God in prayer 'What is the plan?"  Forgetting that he gives us 'signs' or answers, all the time.  With 'not so chance' encounters, mutual friends, dreams, intuition and hearts that feel... even hurt.  Ignoring our intuition, hearts, and coincidences that are really signs or guidance, will never lead any of us to the path that God wants us to take or the eventual plan that he has for us.   

God does have a plan for each of us, however he gave us free will so it is up to us on whether we 'listen' to the 'signs' and fulfill that plan.   So if someone is on your mind and don't know what God wants you to do.  Pray for them... with all your heart.  That really is how God moves!

"The universe is always speaking to us... Sending us little messages, causing coincidences and sereudipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else, something more."~Nancy Thayer

In your lifetime you will find...

In your lifetime you will find...

The most precious possession that ever comes to a person in this world is a another's heart.  There are many who may say they love you... but only a few people are truly capable of unconditional love and fewer still can show it.  These are the ones  that God has places in our life's path that are who we should have in our life to feel fulfilled and happy.  Those that help us be the best we can be and are good for us..  It's up to us to realize who they are.... before they've moved on and you realize later in life... who they were.

Follow your heart and not your guilt or fear.  The path that leads to true love and happiness.  That is the path that God wants for all of us... his children.

God, what is the plan?

"God's plan for  your life far exceeds the circumstances of your day."

I'm sure all of us, at one time or another, have wondered what God's plan for our life is.  I know I have many times.  I've been through a lot, yet I've always come through each situation stronger and wiser.  Still, I constantly wonder what God's ultimate Plan for my life is.

I know we're not suppose to question God's plan, which is hard for me at times.  I get impatient while waiting for his timing.  I loss faith when people I care about are in sad, stressful or tragic situations.  

We're to have faith and believe that God knows what's best, accept his timing and pray for strength.  It sure would be easier if we knew where he will eventually lead us or what our lives will be like later on.

What I do know, or believe without fail, is that God doesn't want us to be in hard situations forever.  He wants us to learn the lessons we need to grow, for our greater good, which will lead us to the ultimate goal of God and that is to be caring, compassionate and above all Happy.  

"Be willing to leave everything behind in order to pursue God's plan for you."

I've been in situations more than once, where I had to leave everything behind to pursue God's plan for my self, as while as my youngest son.  None of those times were easy, however I can honestly look back without regrets, fully seeing now the better plans God had for us.

Those memories give me hope during difficult situations and restore my faith that God once again has a plan. A plan bigger and better than what I can think of myself.  So I'm praying for guidance and strength to help me through once again.  Believing with all my heart, that things will work out better than I can even imagine in my dreams.

 Praying that all my friends, current and past.  Believing there is a plan and a better tomorrow for us all.

Making a difference...

"One is not born into this world to do everything, but to do something."~Henry David Thoreau

Feb. 22, 2014

It's been a busy couple of years volunteering, making new friends and lots of connections.  All while trying to make a difference and even change the world one step at a time.  I've met some interesting, strong and amazing people.  I've found my voice and became more outgoing and assertive than I've ever  been.

Passionate toward your future?

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."~Nelson Mandela

passionate-sean-howard-photography

Are you passionate toward your future? No matter the circumstances of someone's past experiences or current situations, everyone has dreams of a better future.  From having a better job; a bigger house; a better relationship... the list goes on.

There is work involved in creating any kind of change.  To get that life you dream of, you need to set the needed steps into motion, do the work involved, and make things happen that will move  you toward the future you want.  

"The hear of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of meaning, joy, purpose and passion."~unknown

We all need to find something or someone that awakens a passion within us.  When someone is passionate about what they want, it's much easier to find the time... energy... motivation and dedication to follow through to fulfill their dreams and desires.

Close your eyes and visualize the future you most desire.  How much does it look like your current life?  What can you do right now to bring these dreams to life?  It is within you reach.  Start to make it happen - you can do it!

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."~unknown 

The Right Circles...

"Friendships that support you and your values, are your needs answered."~Danish Proverb

This is so true.... sticking with those with shared values, morals and principles is important for so many reasons.  You also find your voice, confidence and courage to stand up for what you believe in when you are surround yourself with liked minded people with principles and integrity.

"Your voice is your tool and represents you.  It's important to have a good circle of friends where you can use your voice, be understood and supported."

"One piece of log creates a small fire, adequate to warm you up; add just a few more pieces to blast an immense bonfire, large enough to warm up your entire circle of friends; needless to say that individuality counts but team work dynamites."~Jin Kwon

Facing our fears to move Forward

"Sometimes you can't move forward until you come face to face with the fears that have been holding you back."~Me

coryreese.blogspot.com

My greatest weakness in life has been the ability to stand up for myself.  It's been pointed out to me time and again that it's because no one ever stood up for me as a child.  That is when children are suppose to learn that vital skill by watching adults stand up, even fight for them.  That would explain why it's always been difficult for me and why I would rather be the peacemaker than the fighter.

After feeling suppressed and even trapped at times, I needed to leave my comfort zone in order to get to a better place both physically and emotionally.  Being pushed to overcome fears in order to stand up for myself and move forward.  Fears of consequences, making the wrong decisions, steep learning curves and even security.

I can clearly see now where facing each of those fears has been the best for me every step, every time.  
I shut the door on people and environments that were not good for me; opened up opportunities; gained more job skills; and stood up for myself more times than any other period in my life.

In every situation where I face a fear and put myself in a new situation or environment, I meet amazing people that inspire me to find my voice more and more while fighting for what I believe in.  I've formed new relationships with people that have the same values, morals or beliefs that I do.  Those with the integrity and character that I strive for and want to associate with.

There have been no regrets when looking back this past year.  I believe I needed each experience, situation, person and lesson to be where I am right now.  Every fear I face leads me to opportunities to use my voice to fight for what I believe in.  Facing our fears does move us forward!

"It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hid them; more strength to relate to people than to dominate them; more integrity to have thought-out principles rather than blind reflex; more character to do what's right than to follow the crowd."

Every Life has Value

"Every life has value, and so the message of pro-life is not just about abortion, it's about celebrating every life as having great value, a gift from God with a special purpose." ~Gov. Mike Huckabee

with Gov. Mike Huckabee

"He who saves one life saves the world.  That one life does matter."~Gov. Mike Huckabee

 I volunteered at a Celebrate Life event over the weekend.  I subject and cause very close to my heart and soul.  There were some amazing people who spoke about both heart-wrenching and heartwarming stories.  Throughout the day I was moved to tears many times, as well as cheers at other times.

Gov. Mike Huckabee was the special guest and key note speaker.  What a down to earth, genuine good soul and unwavering Christian man.  He drove himself to the event, then walked in the front door of the church with no entourage or fan fare.  He immediately started shaking hands, posing for pictures and talking to everyone for as long as they wanted to talk to him.

His key note lasted about a half hour and moved everyone in the audience.  He spoke from a Christian prospective, explained the value of life... all human life and why we can't waiver or compromise on what we know is right.  At one point he said if the 'tent' doesn't stand with those values... then he'll leave the tent and put up his own... adding that we all need to do what is right and not waiver on what we know is wrong.  Inside every human being, no matter how small or what problems they may have, have value and treasures to be unlocked.

"I think at the heart of the pro-life movement is the idea that all people are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights starting with life."~Gov. Mike Huckabee

"I'm pro-life because I believe begins at conception, and I believe that we should do everything possible to protect that life because it is the centerpiece of what makes us unique as American people.  We value the life of one as if it's the life of all, and that's why we go out for the 12-year-old Boy Scout in North Carolina when he's lost, that's why we look for the 13 miners in Sago, West Virginia, when the mine explodes, that why we go looking for the hikers in Mount Hood, because we value life, and it's what separates us from the Islamic jihadists who are out to kill us.  They celebrate death.  They have a culture of death.  Ours is a culture of life." ~Gov. Mike

Celebrate Life Event Videos

True Leadership with Intergrity

"Let this be our time in history so that someday we can tell our children and grandchildren that we were there, that we changed the course of history for the better." ~ Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

Naomi and I with Gov. Scott Walker

"We need leaders who think about the next generation (our children), not the next election." ~Gov. Scott Walker 

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, is a person with conservative values, integrity and one whom does not sway from their principles or beliefs; despite relentlessly hostile political environments at times.  He and his family have been stalked and threatened; yet he did not back down or go against what he felt was right.  

He has taken often difficult, bold steps to bring economic freedom and prosperity to the his state.  Never giving up or giving in, makes him a true fighter and a great example of leadership.  It was a thrill and honor to meet and speak with him tonight.

"Looking at American's history, ordinary people did something extraordinary.  Leaders risked their lives for freedoms that we take for granted today.  That's what instills confidence.  That's us.  We will move forward and prosper because that's who we are as Americans." ~Gov. Scott Walker

Gov. Scott Walker Recall Election Victory Speech

Rules of Life... such good advice! :-)

"The values by which we are to survive are not rules for just and unjust conduct, but are those deeper illuminations in whose light justice and injustice, good and evil, means and ends are seen in fearful sharpness of outline." ~Jacob Bronowski

A New Year is a Fresh Start

"A New Year represents a Fresh Start.  It is where the slate from the previous year is wiped clean of mistakes and trials; leaving only the lessons.  Each new year is full of new beginnings." ~ME

We should take advantage of every opportunity to make every day a fresh start.  Resolve to make each day the beginning of a new year, a new morning, a new adventure... believing there are infinite possibilities.   

Look at a New Year as wiping the slate clean and taking us back to zero where we can be filled up again with faith, hope and love... enough for everyone we meet throughout the year.

Another fresh new year is here...

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest...

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

~William Arthur Ward

Random Thoughts... for 2012

"Our life always expresses the results of our prominent thoughts." ~Soren Kierkegaa

This past year has flown by faster than any I can remember.  As a new year it about to begin, I have hundreds of thoughts and memories running through my mind each time I sit to write in my journal or work on my book.  Since I've been too busy to blog much in the past year, I thought I'd add a few of them now.  

• 2012 started Happy, had highs & lows & ended Great.
• The trials in between had much needed lessons.
• Everyone has experienced trauma in their life.
• We should all have more empathy and compassion.
• Traumas can transform if allowed to push us forward.
• I have shared experiences with my best of friends.
• We must leave our comfort zones in order to grow.
• That was needed for my new career and direction.
• We often stay in jobs and situations out of Fear.
• Have Faith! You don't know, what you don't know.
• Sleep deprivation is everyone's worst enemy. 
• Negative environments are not worth the damage.  
• Unhappy people find fault with each other.
• Hurting people, hurt others.  Don't let them hurt you.
• Showing kindness, can stop the negative verbiage
• Standing up for yourself shows self-respect.
• Immature people push blame and want revenge.
• Mature people try to understand why things happen.
• Respect, the words used and tone of voice do matter.
• It takes 10 positives to make up for 1 negative.
• Nikki Haley is my example of strength and leadership.
• She has character and someone I'd like to emulate.
• Being strong annoys the people who want control.
• We're suppose to put our children First!
• No amount of critisisum over the years helped us.
• Volunteering and getting involved is so rewarding.
• I meet the most amazing people when I volunteer.
• We all need our own friends, interest... Lives.
• No one should depend on you for their happiness.
• Anymore than you should depend on someone else.
• When you're direct and honest; don't ever feel guilty.
• It's more important what someone does than says.
• I'm not emotional any longer because I'm not afraid.
• I'm not afraid of dying or the future; I have Faith.
• When I see death, I pray for the souls and families.
• Kindness and Compassion are a Hugh part of my job.  
• The last job prepared me for my current career/job.
• Having the passion for it, makes me really good at it.
• So much accomplished... so much more I want to do!

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." ~John Burroughs

 What we overcome... helps us Grow

Footprints on our Heart...

"Be mindful that today is a gift and tomorrow isn't certain.  So lets try to leave loving footprints on the hearts of every soul we meet." ~ME

Footprints In Your Heart

Many people will walk in and out of your life,

But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Handle yourself, use your head;

To handle others, use your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;

If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas,
Average minds discuss events,
Small minds discuss people.

He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Friends, you and me.
You brought another friend,
And then there were three.

We started our group,
Our circle of friends,
And like that circle -
There is no beginning or end.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.

That's why it's called the present.*

Eleanor Roosevelt

Christmas with Love...

"Christmas is a time for unconditional Love for yourself and all those around you!" ~unknown

What a wonderful, happy and fulfilling couple of days.  Feeling very Loved thanks for my special friends and amazing sons.  Love and appreciate you All so much!!  XOXO

 "May the festive season of Christmas make all our relationships grow stronger and longer.  Reminding us to appreciate and love each other all through the year." ~ME

Our Faith in Christmas 

Searching for Happiness

"We search so much for the right choices, the right paths to walk through, the right time, the right reasons, and the right person.  But life isn't just about searching for things.  It's also about letting the unexpected happen and finding joy in things and people we never searched for..." ~Author Unknown 

"While we search our whole lives to find happiness, we sometime miss the opportunities around us.  We're too busy searching for something specific that we think will make us happy.  We need to stop searching long enough to appreciate and enjoy the spontaneous surprises of each day.  Only when we embrace all of life's experiences, large and small, can we find what we.re looking for... happiness that's already inside each of us." ~ME