Develop Your Own Set Of Work Rules

     Recently, I was asked by two of my co-workers, "How do we get ahead on the job?"  I have never given such a topic much thought, simply because I was raised in a household where working and eating went hand-in-hand!  As I pondered their question, I realized that so many people are not happy on their jobs and are not prospering the way they should be because they violate basic work rules  that are really life rules

     So here you go!  Here is my attempt at defining some of the rules that I have developed over the years for myself that have helped me.  No, I am not where I would like to be career-wise, but I try to make sure that I adhere to these rules.  There are more of course, but I've limited them to my Top 10.  I encourage you to develop your own set of work rules for your job and for life!

DEVELOP YOUR OWN SET OF WORK RULES

SHEDRICK’S WORKMAN CREED

 

1.       Always put forth work and effort that is pleasing to God, adheres to your job responsibilities, and representative of a good work effort.

2.       Always treat people fairly and with the respect they deserve as a human being.

3.       Always try to develop “relational” experiences with co-workers and superiors that show them that they are more than “just a number.”

4.       Always try to handle problems that fall under your realm of responsibility within a timely manner.

5.       Always deliver what you have promised, and when you cannot, immediately explain to the individual “why”, re-evaluate the request, and give a realistic timeframe for a response.

6.       Always allow people time to develop and be willing to confront poor development issues within others and yourself honestly.

7.       Always deal with conflict at the earliest convenience.

8.       Always respect the authority of those over you and the roles of individuals with whom you have contact with.

9.       Always ask for feedback about your work performance from superiors and co-workers with an emphasis on improvement.

10.   Always ask for and require the amount of pay that is applicable to your work responsibilities.  Never accept less.

"An Appropriate Response" To The Killings At Sandy Hook Elementary

     2012 was a year in which there were incredible accomplishments in the areas of politics (the re-election of President Barrack Obama), science (the discovery of the "God Particle" - an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass), and medicine (advances in the areas of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease).  Perhaps what most of us will remember is not what happened at the beginning of the year and/or in the middle of the year, but the tragedy that took place in the latter part.  The senseless murders of 28 innocent children and adults who started their day with the expectation of a productive school session at Sandy Hook Elementary. 

     In the aftermath of the slayings, I refrained from commenting simply because there were no words that I could come up with to make the situation any better.  I felt powerless and began to think about all the families that were affected and the damage that will probably take years to overcome.  Since that time, I have reflected on the episode and I realized that my shock and sadness came largely as a result of the sheer number of children who lost their lives in one single act of cowardness.

     So how does one respond to such a tragedy?  NEVER FORGET!  It is a fact that for whatever reasons these random acts of violence have increased exponentially over the years.  They have increased in frequency, as well as, scope and intricacy.  The cowards who commit these crimes are going to great lengths to plan and implement their sinister plots.  Society has a habit of labeling them as being "bullied" or "picked on" by others early in their childhood, thus resulting in their acts of rage.  I have a different perspective.  Could it be that these individuals are "spiritually deprived" thus creating this indifference they have for human life?  They have no sense of God and His saving grace that comes through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior, therefore life to them is no more valuable than the dirt they walk upon.

     In the end, the parents, children, husbands, wives, siblings, and friends of those killed in Conneticut will have to somehow, someway begin to put their lives back together.  It is our prayer that God will use believers to help in this process.  We can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.  Sandy Hook, we love you and are praying for you!

    

MANIFESTO 2013

Definition:  manifesto (man e fes to) - noun
 - A public declaration of intentions or principles, esp of a political nature.

     It was the prophet Habakkuk who wrote that the Lord instructed him to "write the vision he had seen and inscribe it on tablets, so that the person who reads it may run; for the vision is yet for an appointed time." (2:1-3).  Each year I sit down with God in a nice quiet place around November and write out my "manifesto", the things I will accomplish in the coming year. My list has never been less than 5 goals but, no more than 10 for the year. I like the term "manifesto" because it sounds "old" and majestic.  It is a proclamation to the world that God has a plan for my life and I am an active participant.

     I just finished reviewing the final draft of my manifesto for 2013 and I must say it is very challenging, to say the least.  I do not have a clue as to how any of my declarations will turn out, but I do know one thing, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me" and, with that belief, I will endeavor to reach my objectives.

     Here are my top 3.   (P.S.  I will share the rest as the year goes along....gotta have something to write about):

1. By this time next year I will be spiritually, physically, and emotionally stronger than I've ever been in my life.
2. By this time next year I will be involved in meaningful relationships with people who love me unconditionally.
3. By this time next year I will be making 3 x times what I'm making in income.

     Each day I awake I read aloud my manifesto and I do at least one thing each day to get me closer to my goal.  In time's past, I have accomplished the entire list and at other times, I barely completed two of them.  I have learned however, that the journey was more important to me than the actual attainment.

     I encourage you today to sit down with God and write out your manifesto.  Pin it up on your refrigerator, wall, mirror........wherever you will see it each day.  Allow God to make 2013 the year of your dreams!

Paradise Christian Leadership Academy 2012

Just wanted to post about a wonderful group of young people I had the opportunity to share with this summer in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  The leaders of the Paradise Christian Academy are a husband and wife team, Bro. Anthony Fulton and Sis. Dezzaire Fulton.  They are an anointed couple whose school enrollment increased this year to 50 + children and volunteers.  We pray God's continued blessings upon their efforts.  It was also an opportunity to reconnect with my good frined Min. Chris Cross.  It was like Batman and Robin together again.

To the Youth, "Stay Committed to God and the Leadeship Qualities He has placed in You.!"  I will be praying for all of you!!  Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!!

2012 PARADISE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY YOUTH

1.       Nicholas Thompson

2.       Juwon Epting

3.       Richo Rockins

4.       Christian Raishon Epting

5.       Aneisa Fulton

6.       Dasia Woodley

7.       Anisha Hall

8.       Aliah Fulton

9.       Tilaja Epting

10.   Darleisha Stigall

11.   Michaela Minton

12.   Zaylor Jones

13.   Shaun Bowers

14.   Alexis James

15.   Edward Johnson

16.   Kendrick Rhynes

17.   Isaiah Epting

18.   Madison Martin

19.   Raquel Rockins

20.   Rachael Rockins

21.   Jade McPherson

22.   Kennedy Taylor

23.   Jayla Halloway

24.   Tiana Pettus

25.   Keia’ra Smith

26.   Carolyn Fondren

27.   Isaac Triplett

28.   Braylen Fondren

29.   Darius Wilder

30.   Jeremiah McFadden

31.   Jaylin Shelton

32.   Kayla Harton

33.   Brianna Hatfield

34.   Uriah Rockins

35.   Zestic Perry

36.   Kiesha Walker

37.   Roderick Fondren

38.   Zarria McFadden

39.   Kamyah Watson

40.   Zora Perry

41.   Dylan Fondren

42.   Che’ Armstrong

43.   Quazland Hill

44.   Chloe Barnes

45.   Jahsiah Ephny

46.   Ashton Basker

47.   Kelsey Slay

48.   Kendell Ezell

49.   Curtis Phifer

Does It Really Matter?

In conversations between young adults, the subject of sex seems to come up often.  One man sums up the conflict many feel: "Recently, I had an encounter with my girlfriend, I'm told it is wrong, but I actually don't feel that it matters."

Psalms 94 reminds us that everything we do matters to God.  He's involved and He cares.  It's not that He waits to swat us when we do wrong.  He wants to instruct and teach us His law so we can find rest in the days of adversity.

The person who doesn't feel sin matters is busy digging a pit that could become a deadly trap.  God has promised that He won't allow us "to be tempted beyond what (we) are able" to resist.(I Corinthians. 10:13) But, those who don't even try to resist - and don't feel that sin matters - are headed for a painful fall

Actions To Take:  Rely on God's Word, not your feelings
2 Minute Reading:  Psalms 94:8-19

Taken from theNelson's Student Bible, New King James Version, Copyright 1929, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved

MY ADDICTION! - PLEASE PRAY WITH ME!

     For some time now, I have been trying to hide the fact that I am an addict.  My earliest recollection of when my habit started dates back to the 3rd grade, when my teacher introduced me to my unquenchable desire.  Ever since that time, I have lived with my addiction; 32 years of hiding and justifying my actions.  Today I profess to the world that I am addicted to "the library" and I am obsessed with reading books.

     Let me put it into perspective for you.  When other boys my age wanted to play ball or hang out with the guys, I wanted to read.  It became my escape and my way of exploring the world around me.  Back in the day, I would take my slender 6ft frame and crouch down in a small hallway in our home and read for hours under the light.  My mom, brother, and sisters would step over me on the way down the hall to points unknown to me.  I was oblivious to my surroundings. My lofty goal in elementary school was to read all of the books in our school library before I graduated the 5th grade.

     I can't tell you the exact number of books I've read, but I estimate it to be around 5,000 or so - give or take a hundred.  I can tell you that in all of my reading, I did not discover the greatest manuscript ever written until I was 21 years old.  It's title you ask?  The Bible of course!  I now realize that all those years I read, I was searching for answers to questions like, "Why am I here?," "What is my purpose in life?," or "What will I leave behind as a legacy when I die?"  Little did I know that the one book I avoided early on in life because of it's Old Testament beginning (SIDE NOTE:  I TRIED READING THE BIBLE LIKE ALL THE OTHER BOOKS - FROM START TO FINISH -- I GOT HUNG UP IN LEVITICUS!!) is the one book I cherish the most today.

     In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all other things will be given to us as well."  I found all the answers I was seeking in the greatest book ever written.  I found out that God loved me so much!  I found out that I was a sinner and I needed to repent.  I found out that I needed to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.  I found out I needed to declare my dedication to my new life to the entire world with an outward baptism of water.  I found out that I have help in dealing with the cares of this world, through the Holy Spirit.

     My addiction led me to my Lord!!  I pray that whatever your dealing with, that you turn to Him in your hour of need.  He's waiting on you!

                                                   Live - Laugh - Love, it's good for ya!

                                                   Shedrick D. Jones
                                                   Maximum Impact Blogger

P.S.  I wrote this blog while sitting in the library!!  Check out the titles I picked up to read this week.  I may review a couple of them next week.  Free Books, Gotta Love 'Em!

• Church Growth and the Whole Gospel:  A Biblical Mandate - C Peter Wagner
• Can Somebody Shout Amen! - Patsy Sims
• When God Becomes A Drug - Father Leo Booth
• What Paul Meant - Garry Wills
• The Devil, A Biography - Peter Stanford
• Praise The Lord, and Pass The Contribution - Alan Bestic
• The Religion Business - Alfred Balk

Why Do I Have To Be The Strong One?

     Recently, I had the opportunity to share in a "lock-in" setting with a group of young men at my church, between the ages of 11-18.  For anyone unfamiliar with this type of event, it typically involves a night of recreational activities, food, and fellowship; culminating into group discussions and spiritual reflection.  We asked the young men on this night, to write on slips of paper, ideas for a panel discussion scheduled for later.  The instructions were, "They could ask questions concerning their faith in God in a specific area or the Christian faith in general."  One young man wrote, "Why Do I Have To Be The Strong One?"  The only catch for the exercise was they could not place their names on the paper, therefore, this question could have come from a 6th grader, just as well as, a 12th grader.  To my surprise, it got me to thinking............
    
     The thing I thought about most was that there was some young man amongst us who had already picked up the "baggage" or "burden" of believing that he had to to be the "strong one."  The one who everyone looked to for the answers.  Immediately I identified with this young man, simply because I was the older of two sons and fell victim to this line of thinking throughout most of my young adult life. That is, until I came across a scripture that changed my life in this area.

  "I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."   --- 2 Corinthians 12:10

     The facts are (1) Infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses are going to happen to all of us, (2) We are all going to face weaknesses during these times, and (3) We may even attempt to try to handle most of these situations on our own.  The Apostle Paul presents a different point of view in this instance that reflects on our attitude, rather than our actions during difficult times.  As a Christian, we should have an attitude that takes pleasure in the fact that God has allowed these calamities, especially if it's for the sake of the Gospel.  Our first response is not to react, but rather, reflect an attitude of delight.  WOW!  Here's the liberating factor in all of this, our "weakness" during these times gives God an opportunity to show His strength through us.  WOW!

   "Are you telling me, that I don't have to be the strong one all the time?"  Exactly!!!  It's okay to cry, to lament, to let it out, to let that person know that you don't have the answers.  Once you let go of your control over life's issues, God is right there for the believer to deliver His strength.  So who is really the stronger one; the one who tries to figure everything out and be there for everyone all the time or the person who recognizes their weaknesses, gives it all to God, and allow him work it out?     
                                                                               ---I'm Just Sayin.........

                                     "Knowing your limits, helps you to know your God!"
                                                                                     
                                                                         ---Shedrick D. Jones
                                                                                   Author of the
                                                                         "Maximum Impact" Blog