Lasting Impression Teams - We exist to create a welcoming experience thru serving with excellence

Have you ever had the feeling that something was going on behind your back? I've had that feeling at work for the past 3-4 weeks. I thought it had something to do with one of my staff considering transferring to another location. That was just a very small piece of the puzzle.
While I was on vacation last week, there were at least 2 managers in my department asking questions about me. This was confirmed, separately, by two sources. (neither of which was interviewed) I made an appointment with HR to ask what was going on - this was my life and my career someone was messing with!
Turns out, someone in my department, filed a complaint with HR that my "religious behavior" was offensive and they felt threatened by it/me. I am not a "bible thumper" by any means. I have been at this same office for 9 years. During that time, I have invited coworkers to our Christmas Tea, as well as our Family Fall Festival or other special occasions. I do not post anything in the common areas of our facility; I keep all of my "religious material" in my private office.
Since HR can not break the confidence of who filed the complaint, I can only speculate what is going on. As I mentioned before, I have been in this office for 9 years. I am no different in the way I act today, then I was when I was hired. Because of that, I still feel it stems from the employee transferring. The doctor that she supports is very "high maintenance" and is quite upset that she is loosing her nurse. The doctor first tried to get 3-4 other doctors together to file a complaint that I treat employees poorly and force them to transfer. In my nine years, I have had 2 employees transfer to other locations (both were in corrective action due to poor job performance) When the other doctors wanted nothing to do with this scheme I believe she (the doctor) either filed the complaint herself, or coached another nurse to do so.
I have been seeking the wise council of several friends, and am still seeking how God wants to me proceed in this matter. I am not sure there can be a pleasant ending no matter what I decide to do. I could be forced to remove all "religious material" from my office and still keep my job - an option I am not happy with; and because this complaint will always be in my file, if I ever try to proceed with corrective action on any future staff member, they could bring this issue up. I could quit, but then I wouldn't feel vindicated, especially since I feel this stems from a personal vendetta.

Posted in: on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at at 10:35 AM 1 comments  

Posted in: on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at at 3:03 PM 1 comments  

I am really enjoying my daily devotional - "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I've actually only missed the weekends. "Lazy Mode" kicks in - since I am not obligated to get up (like I do on a work day) at 5:30AM - I sleep thru my morning quiet time!
I bought a DVD - Yoga for Beginners - well, what can I say? I can't even be classified as a beginner! I couldn't complete the first pose - sitting cross-legged on the floor! I am facing the sad, sad reality that I am really out of shape. I am now hunting for a DVD to help me stretch and increase my flexibility.
Unfortunately, the walking hasn't started at all. I have nothing but lame excuses. Since the walking hasn't started, neither has the weight loss. I am considering a little extra help in this area - can anyone say pre-packaged diet food????
So far, the cruise is still on - although my deposit got re-directed to an unexpected repair bill on my rental unit in TN. I'm not sure how long I will be able to keep it a secret though. One of the port stops in Alaska had a note that vaccines are required. I am familiar with vaccines for port stops in foreign countries, so I found this a bit surprising. Something for Nancy Drew to investigate.

Posted in: on at at 2:55 PM 2 comments  

Daily Journey Ministry was started over 10 years ago. It was Butch and Ann Whitely's vision to equip the church members with the resources and tools needed to have meaningful communication with God daily.
Butch, Ann and their team have spend hundreds of hours together and in prayer to shape this ministry. Through this time, the team has put together several workshops and classes.
One of their workshops - Quiet Time - will be held on January 26th with a follow up session on February 3rd. This is a great class for not only new Christians to establish a quiet time, but for "older" Christians to be exposed to additional tools to improve and refresh their quiet time.
Our Senior Pastor - Mike Burns - has told the DJM team that "Every single decision, every important major decision I have ever made, I have made in my quiet time when I have been alone with God."
Recently, Ann shared with me the DJM brochure that she has been working on for some time. I can tell how much thought and prayer went into this project. The brochure highlights the DJM purpose, vision and mission statements. Also listed are the teams' core values. It is easy to see that the team takes these core values to heart. They are dedicated to what God is doing at Journey, within their team and within themselves.
I am especially encouraged by the value of "Ministry Support". It states "We commit our time, energy and resources to enhance the service opportunities God has given us at Journey, including providing classes, materials and working at the DJM counter. Butch, Ann and team - you exemplify this core value! I am privileged to serve along side of you!

Posted in: on Monday, January 7, 2008 at at 8:34 AM 0 comments  

Today is the last day of 2007. I am getting some end of the year chores done and planning some things for 2008. I got all of my Christmas present thank you's out in the mail today. I thank my grandmother for instilling the importance of thank you notes. I got the oil changed in my car, as much as I want a new car, it's not in the budget, so I need to take very good care of this one! I also went to Barnes and Noble
to spend a gift certificate I received from my Mother-in-law as a Christmas present. I purchased a few books from my reading list to get me started off, as well as a new journal and a new devotional.
I want to thank David and Kim for their kind words and assistance/suggestions for a new devotional. David had given me a few samples to look over. I was all set to purchase my own copy of "Streams in the Desert" when just one shelf a way a brown leather book caught my eye. It was "My utmost for His Highest". I flipped thru it and liked the way the entries were setup and a few titles caught my eye. Understand, David had suggested a book by Oswald Chambers, and I was dead set against it - I had tried to read his book "The Call" and I was COMPLETELY lost. Funny - I am really looking forward to my first entry tomorrow.
I will be celebrating New Year's Eve, New York style - in bed by 9:30! Tomorrow is a big day - Rose Parade, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl (need to be able to converse sports with Rod) and the second annual outdoor hockey game.
Happy New Year to everyone! Be safe and I pray you will have a very blessed 2008.

Posted in: on Monday, December 31, 2007 at at 3:06 PM 1 comments  

Every year, as many of us do, I make resolutions of things I want to change or accomplish in the coming year. I am sure many can relate, after a few weeks, many of these well-intentioned ideas, are forgotten. Maybe this year will be different! I am sharing my resolutions here on my blog, in hopes that I can better stay on track. These are in no particular order....
1. Loose 20 pounds
2. Get on a walking program - this should help with resolution #1. I read somehwere that if your dog is overweight, you're not getting enough exercise. Well, I have 4 overweight dogs - I wonder what that says about me!???
3. Find a daily devotional for 2008. I have gone thru the One Year Bible a few times, and for the past 2 years have used a book called Sacred Spaces. I am looking for something new - any suggestions???
4. To find a healthier way to deal with the stress in my life. Stress isn't healthy for any of us, in my case it makes my disease flare up - usually at the worst possible time(s). The walking should help, but maybe a yoga class???
5. To budget, as a surprise to Ken, a cruise to Alaska in the Spring of 2009.
6. To continue to improve leadership and grow the LIT team. My 2008 reading list should help with this.
7. To make my mark as I serve as the OEM for the 2008 Leadership Summit.

Posted in: on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 at at 8:43 AM 5 comments  

It's about 7Pm and I have been home from church for about 30 minutes. I have gotten out of my "dress to impress" clothes and am coming down from my "serving high". Journey Community Church hosted 3 Christmas Eve Services. It was amazing to see how well each team worked not only as a team, but also as part of the larger picture. The Decorators created a beautiful, welcoming environment. The Greeters wished all guests "Merry Christmas" and made sure they were directed to where they needed to go. Guest Services handed out information to our first time guests. The Ushers made sure all guests had a seat and worked efficiently after each service to cleanup and reset everything in about 15 minutes. Facilities (behind the scene hero's) helped with a lighting challenge, as well as helped to keep the worship center at a comfortable temperature. All of these teams and their leaders communicated clearly with each other, creating an awesome experience for our guests. It was easy to see how each one is passionate about God and about serving Him. I am proud to serve with such a dedicated and faithful group of people. Thank you for all you do; Merry Christmas!

Posted in: on Monday, December 24, 2007 at at 7:15 PM 2 comments