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.

My random thoughts... just so you know ;-)

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

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Just so you know... I've missed blogging
... it's hard to find the time anymore

Just so you know... I've missed 'you'
... my blogging friends most of all.

Just so you know... I'm very busy
... putting in lots of hours at my new job.

Just so you know... I like what I do
... except for the extra stress at times.

Just so you know... I've been dating again
... It's been interesting and fun.

Just so you know... he's very nice
... I really like the sweet attention.

Just so you know... the bar is raised
... because I know what I deserve.

Just so you know... I'm determined
... for my dreams to come true.

Just so you know... I'm very happy
... and moving forward with my life.

Just so you know... I'm trying hard

... to keep the past behind me.

Just so you know... caring then
... felt like the right thing to do.

Just so you know... I see
...the lessons in everything.

Just so you know... I cared
... for all the right reasons.

Just so you know... I still pray
... for us both to find true love.

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person.  Love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”  ~unknown

More Random Tuesday Thoughts...

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

http://diyphotography.net

Just so you know... I've been waking up early lately

... way before my alarm, but I think I know why.

Just so you know... I feel at peace right now
... even though there is still so much for me to do.

Just so you know... doctors are just people

... they are not God and they are just human.

Just so you know... everyone has an opinion

... we have to remember it's just their opinion.

Just so you know... I don't trust people who gossip
... I know how it can hurt people and destroy lives.

Just so you know... I'm still naive at times

... I assume people have the same character & heart.

Just so you know... I know I make mistakes
... however my heart is truly in the right place.

Just so you know... I miss a special friend
... and I hope we can talk soon. ;-)

HAPPY TUESDAY!!! :-)

Can you feel me Praying for You?

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Someone, Somewhere

Life has been such a struggle for me,
Nothing is going right.
I am so weak, lost and afraid,
My days are dark as night.
I cry out to God but just can't find the words,
 This pain just won't go away.
Then hope fills my soul and I start to believe,
That things will get better today.
I know that someone is praying for me,
I can feel it in my heart.
Tears filled my eyes and I almost gave up,
My heart felt so ripped apart.
But someone, somewhere said a prayer for me,
God knew just what to do.
For He knew my struggles and sent me someone,
To pray to get me through.
I know that someone is praying for me,
Cause I couldn't do it myself.
Then in an instant I felt so free,
He took care of me by Himself.
He asked someone loving to answer His call,
Someone who really does care.
To lift me up to our heavenly Lord,
A dear friend out there somewhere.
Life is still a struggle for me,
But I get on my knees and pray.
Although I am weak I'm much stronger now,
There's sunshine back in my day.
It makes all the difference knowing someone,
Really cares about me.
For God sent me someone, somewhere out there,
To pray on behalf of me.
If the Lord leads you to pray for someone,
A friend or someone unknown,
Don't look away for God needs your help,
And to you He has shown.
Your love and kindness could change someone's life,
Although they may not know you.
The life that you helped could have been mine,
And to you I say, THANK-YOU!
I know what it's like to have someone, somewhere,
Ask the Lord to guide me.
I felt so alone, but that prayer changed my life,
And set my heart so free.
I'll keep my heart open and listen for God,
Then I'll pray to Him for you.
For I want to be that someone, somewhere,
Who God can use for you.

Nancy Burr

Everyone Needs Someone

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Everyone Needs Someone

People need people and friends need friends

And we all need love for a full life depends

Not on vast riches or great acclaim,

Not on success or on worldly fame,

But just in knowing that someone cares

And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers-

For only the knowledge that we're understood

Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good,

And we rob ourselves of life's greatest need

When we "lock up our hearts" and fail to heed

The outstretched hand reaching to find

A kindred spirit whose heart and mind

Are lonely and longing to somehow share

Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware

That life's completeness and richness depends

On the things we share with our loved ones and friends.

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Prayer for my Friends...

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”The true friend is the one who’s coming in the door while everyone else is going out. Friends are the ones who love you when you’re hard to love, stand by you when it’s not the popular thing to do and are there for you when you need it, even if it means they don’t get anything back.” ~ Author unknown

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Prayer for my Friends

I will pray for you, my friend.

I will name you in my heart before God and ask all His blessing be upon you.

I will be concerned for your safety and your daily mood.

I will be sympathetic to your personal needs and desires in each day of your life.

I will wish you well in your learning, or your work, in your domestic round and your happiness.

I will think of you at the close of each day and pray that God’s peace be with you.

If you have been especially kind or helpful to me then I will make my gratitude known to you.

If you are in trouble or difficulty of any kind, or simply tired and worn down, I will do all and anything I can to lift your spirits.

I will ache for you in your sorrows and disasters and rejoice with you in your joys and triumphs.

I will love and care for you as I love and care for myself.

~ Author unknown

Half Full and Aloha Friday Question...

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"Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame -- or one that is conducive to loving-kindness." ~Pema Chodron

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different." ~Katherine Mansfield

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

This week I'm Happy and Thankful for:

• For the many projects I have planned in the next few weeks!! :-)

• For Google Analytics! I had forgotten it was attached to my blog, until 3 weeks ago. Best 'tool' ever!!!! :-)

• I'm happy for my outlook on life and my hope for the future!!!

"Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious." ~Bill Meyer

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key." ~The Eagles, "Already Gone"

My question:  What is your 'key' to happiness?

My answer:   I would say my 'key' is:  learning, growing and giving back to others.  I believe that if you are honest with yourself... you can always see a 'lessen' that helps us grow after each life experience... good or bad.  When we grow, we learn more understanding and compassion.  Motivating us to give back to others.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

Have a Wonderful Weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs!

~ Coreen

Building Character

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"We aim to develop physique, mentality and character in our students; but because the first two are menaces without the third, the greatest of these is character." ~ Joseph Dana Allen, Headmaster

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The CHARACTER COUNTS! approach to character education doesn't exclude anyone. That's why Character Counts.org base their programs and materials on six ethical values that everyone can agree on — values that are not political, religious, or culturally biased. Use the points below to help young people understand the Six Pillars.
For a more detailed discussion of the Six Pillars, consult the book, Making Ethical Decisions.

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer
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"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece—by thought, choice, courage and determination." ~ John Luther

Character Counts.org

Good Character.com

Character in Action.com

4-H Building Character activities for Children

52 Character Building Thoughts for Children

4-H and Military Partnerships Character Education

Forgetting my reason.............

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It has been rough the past month.  We've had many trials and stresses, along with numerous changes in our lives.  Many were support systems or people that have left for one reason or another.

This past week, especially has been life changing.  However, I am at a place in my life where I turn all the situations I experience as lessens and grow from them when ever possible.

Since this month and week was particularly tough for me, I turned to some wonderful, caring friends to uplift me.  It of course helped immediately because they are all so caring, loving, understanding and supportive.  I also trusted them because they accept me, emotions and all, and truly know my heart and intentions in life.  I feel they all have the same heart and soul as I do or I would not have never opened up to them.  I am so very grateful to have them in my life, even if they are all so far way.  I know they are only a state, a phone call, an email or a 'blog' away. 

As I was getting much needed advice and encouragement this week, I was told many times to keep writing in my journal and to blog about what's on my heart and effecting my journey in this life.  The one think I have always prayed for, will eventually bring me to my hearts desires.  It reminded  me that I had forgotten my original reason for blogging.  To tell my stories, open my heart and let it pour out, in the hopes of helping others. 

It turned out when I first started doing that though, it helped me continue to grow and heal even faster than ever before.  I realize, and was told last week by 2 of my best friends (& angels),  that I am not the same person I was 2 years ago and not even 10 months ago.   They both said that they had seen the most healing, growth and self-love in me over the last 10 months.  How nice of them to share that outside opinion with me!  They are so right too!!

I will continue to focus on the positives in my life and post my most popular Friday "Happiness" posts.  However I am also going to remember the reason I started my blog in the first place.  Writing in the hope of helping other people with my 'true life stories'! 

I am going to include some of my journal entries like before and write about the things that are dear to  my heart and drive my passions in life.  Letting you all into my inner self once again. 

I hope you will all continue to join me on my journey and share my heart felt post with someone who may need to know also.  Reminding them that they are 'never' alone in their struggles, trials or heartache!

I love you all, both in my blogging world of friends and those who have known me for a long time and read my journey on Facebook.  Thank you!!  

BIG HUG!
~ Coreen