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" Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.
Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.
Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness."

~Psalm 119:33-40

I have to keep telling myself, "God, Thank You." In spite about how I feel about my current job and how every day I am learning truly learning more and more when it comes to dealing with customers how we as consumers...we as people in this world are truly a bunch of spoiled, inconsiderate brats. I'm learning that we feel like we are owed "every thing" and not responsible for our actions. We live in a time where company rules and policies do not apply to us. I have never worked at a job where I truly look forward to my days off and each day it makes me long for a job where I do not want to hear or deal with customers. But through it all I have to say, "God, Thank You."

I'm learning to thank Him because it is showing me what's in my heart that needs to be worked out. I have never used foul language under my breath until working there so I need to stop fighting it and ask my Lord and Savior for temperament, patience. I used to have it but when you begin to drift from His Word, His Ways slowly but surely you begin to those "Fruits of the Spirit".

I'm learning that now whenever I receive wonderful service over the phone that instead of saying just, "Thank You" I should ask for the individual supervisor or manager and acknowledge them, I should begin writing letters of gratitude for the excellence service. I'm learning that even though it's an individual "job" to help me that it's not my job not to put them through the ringer when I am (the customer) is having a bad day. It is teaching me as a consumer that when I am not happy with a company that it's not the customer server agents fault of the rules and policies and not to become nasty with them.

I'm learning that as a customer to be have as much information as possible when needing assistance. It breaks my heart that when customer calling in for help how many of them make it so hard to help them. They do not have paper or pen handle...they do not do research for themselves to get prepared. It's so sad, we have information at our finger tips through the world wide web and yet are some of the laziest people around and I have to include myself in the bunch but after taking call after call of people thinking they do not need to do their part (something simple as getting a zip code of the hotel where they will be staying) goes a long way in helping a customer's research.

Now I know the first thing people are going to say is, "if we had all of those things why do you need you in customer service? I mean, we pay your salary!" Funny, I have said that before myself and here is what I have learned in the process...

We need "live" people to correspond with when it comes to business transactions because that makes us (the customer) feel like we are not just a "quota" to meet a percentage each month. Now as a customer it may be my right to be a jerk to someone who is helping me or jump down a Customer Service Representative throat when they make a mistake but should I be surprise when I get mediocre service? I'm learning it's about "Doing Right" and not "Being Right". I'm learning that it's not all about me, it's about what that customer service agent is going through day in and day out when dealing with different personalities, different attitudes day in and day out.

This does not excuse bad customer service because there are some people that should not be in that field of work because that may not fit them and some do not have people skills and maybe they should choose another line or work. We can could go back in forth in regards to the "Customer" and "Customer Service" relationship but what I'm learning is that you have to have empathy for customer service workers. You think I would have learned this lesson from working 6 years as a Houseman in the hotel business...but I guess I forgot the core lesson and God had to remind again. Ouch

I may not like what God allows me to go through but in the end I'm learning that when I put it in His hands he shows me what I need to learn and how to become a person from the situation I'm going through at the moment.

Be Blessed, Be Safe
& Have a Wonderful Weekend and Work Week.

~DarrenKeith

{to listen: click here | to download: right click}
[to subscribe copy and paste this rss feed into iTunes]

Track Title - Artist(s) - Album Title
01. He Reigns - Kirk Franklin{from the "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" LP}
02. Letter From Home - Chi{from the "Sun Lake" LP}
03. Never Again - Kingz Jewel Feat. King Bull{from the *"First Step" LP}
04. There's a Monk In My Garden! - Oystein Sevag{from the "Sanctuary: 20 Years of Windham Hill" LP}
05. Love Liberty Disco - Newsboys{from the "WOW 2000" LP}
06. Morning Ride - Ken Navarro{from the "The Best New Age, Vol. 6" LP}
07. More Than Conquerors - Praiz{from the "The Take Over" LP}
08. Where Lovers Walk - Jonn Serrie{from the "The Best New Age, Vol 6" LP}
09. Speak to My Heart - Donnie McClurkin{from the "WOW Gospel 1998" LP}
10. Daydreams - Schonerz & Scott{from the "Sancturary: 20 Years of Windham Hill" LP}
11. He Reigns - Newsboys{from the "WOW Hits 2004" LP}
12. Wide Asleep - Michael Manring{from the "Drastic Measures" & "Sancturary: 20 Years of Windham Hill" LP}
13. Spoken For - MercyMe{from the "WOW Hits 2004" LP}
14. Zuni Rain - Michael Gettel{from the "Narada Smooth Jazz" LP}
15. Don't Cry - Kirk Franklin{from the "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" LP}

photo: Luis Lauranzon
outro underscore music: Nicolay

*CORRECTION - In the podcast I said Kingz Jewel album was named "The Contact" but it's actually "First Step"...my apologies

Reflections from today's Our Daily Bread devotion
& Biblegateway.com passage
photo from Luis

I really like this devotion because it truly speaks the truth when it comes to Followers of Christ, we are "deep thinkers". It's funny how the secular world thinks that Christians are some "mindless zombies" that fall for anything where it's really the opposite. When you study God's word, pray to God, listen to God(yes, I said listen because sometimes we talk and talk and not take time to hear God's response, His guidance for our lives) listen to great teachings of God's word we realize what the world is truly made of and we can move with ease of mind.

One thing is what today's devotional makes clear, it gives us clear discernment when it comes to people actions: how non-Christians respond to issues in their lives, how they interact with people. These past two days has been a eye-opening experience for me because I have not been viewing my current job that way. At first I thought it was just the fact that I would be away from my job for the next five days that was bringing me joy and it was making the hours go by smoother but it wasn't because if it was I would have been more anxious and more tense but it has been the Holy Spirit giving me peace, having me realize that when people get upset, when people do not listen they are so wrapped up in their own lives that they are not thinking of someone else feelings. When you are a "Thinking Christian" you view yourself as a servant of God and you look for Him for peace, for words of wisdom, to think before you speak. Yesterday instead of saying mean things under my breath I began saying, "Thank you Jesus" and "Lord, Bless Them" and I really get what the latter means because when you say it from the heart you can do nothing but smile and laugh. God knows I need this job because I have small things I have to take care of: you know like paying bills, providing a roof over me and Mrs. head...stuff like that. (come on people, it's okay to laugh, God gave us laughter.)

When you are a Thinking Christian you know we live in a falling world caused by the "First Adam". You begin to realize that you do not make excuses for someone rude, deliberate actions but you understand why they do it because of the hurt they are going through, the lack of training they may have received as a child, how many times we have been taught that the world revolves around "us" and the heck with anyone else. When being a Follower of Christ you begin to think of working for God and not your manager, not your team lead and your day goes smoother.

You will have rough patches some days but you get the mind frame that you are there to shine for Him and not for yourself...when you shine for Jesus Christ everything that you deserve truly falls into place...it may not happen overnight but it will come. Now does that mean that you stay at a job no matter what the conditions are? No. But when you finally move on from that "tent" to another(sometimes you have to think of your job{not your occupation}as a tent because sometimes we get wrapped up in the moment and that can be frustrating)you would have passed that "test" and when heading to another job you will not have to go through it again because believe me God will have you go through it again until have that, "Oh, I get it! Thank you Jesus" moment.

Yes being a Thinking Christians and working for Christ Jesus truly has its rewards...now that is true "Trickle Down Economics" that works.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Thursday

~DarrenKeith

One thing about God is when you truly seek Him...His way, His word it comes to you and all you can say is, "Wow!" Yesterday on my daily walk I was hoping to find a way to a way to really not dreading to go to work because of the job I have at the moment. I try not to complain in regards to my occupation, but it is a job and I know that is not my final vocation, I know I have to pay bills, keep a roof over me and Mrs head...I know I'm only there for 8 hours a day and not 10-12 hours a day but to deal with people day in and day out that make something simple as to setting up a reservation drives me crazy at times.

I know when you complain it makes the day longer, it wreaks havoc on your spirit, physical, and mental being but still it makes me angry from time to time. So imagine my surprise when hearing these two-part message from Dr. Charles Stanley, "How to Ge the Most out of Your Work". It hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm glad to hear these messages because if I kept complaining soon it will reflect in my work, how I feel toward people in general and in the end it will only hurt one person...myself. Some things have helped me cope with what I do like and I hope they will help you and in the process it's helping me as I write these pointers.

a) Don't look at your day of work as the "Entire Day" but just the hours you are there.

I began the mind set of only being there "8 hours a day" instead of a all day event because lets be honest, we are not there all day. Now I know some people may work 10 or even 12 hours a day but begin looking at it that way it may take the weight off your shoulders just a little bit and may change your attitude toward each day.

b) Break Your Day up in 4 quarters.

This has really helped throughout my day. I map it out now as: 2 hours before break/2hours before lunch/2hours before last break/2hours before heading home for the day. When I think of work in small increments it helps my mindset because of me thinking, "I have 8 hours of dealing with this mess" it helps me realize that I will have a time to "rest" even if it is only 10 minutes (lets be honest...if you work in a call center a 15 minute break is not a 15 minute break because once you walk from your desk, go use the restroom, go find a place to rest your mind 5minutes have past already) By you thinking of smaller portions it helps me deal with what I have to deal with day and day out.

c) When You Have a Break or a 30 minute lunch find a place that is quiet to rest your mind.
It's amazing how when sitting at a desk and hearing complaints after complaints how it drains you not only mentally but physically. I like to get somewhere by myself and not hear another voice. The only voices I wish to hear is God's voice, my beautiful wife or my geek brother or a positive message but many times I will go somewhere to rest my mind, my thoughts. I've found out when I do this I get rejuvenated, it helps me get a new game plan for the second half of my work day.

d) Get enough REST!!!

I am truly realizing that when I get proper rest I get up refreshed, well rested. I'm learning that when it's time for me to go to bed I go to bed. I'm learning that when I focus on my body, taking care of my health it helps me feel much different when I am sitting at my d

e) Get A Marine Mind Set.

Everyone that know me that I love NCIS and I have learned some things from Mark Harmon's character and one thing I have learned is this: either follow orders or retire. If you get to a point where what I have suggested you cannot use to help your job day in and day out it's time to move on find something else(and keep this in mind, it's better to find a job when you have a job than when you DO NOT have a job). Now I know there are times when you have to leave because of a situation where you know you can't take it anymore but for the most part hang in there because in the end it is teaching you how to treat the person that works in customer service because they really do have a tough job. Now I know there are some businesses where customer service is lousy but what I have learned that when I have had a bad experience to start off by having the mindset and let the person know, "This is not aimed toward you ma'am/sir but here is my issue with the company" and I am learning that the best way to let a company know you are not satisfied with their business is to vote with your wallet and now with the web voice your opinion via social networking.

I hope this helps you when dealing with your job and I ask you is to pray for me to remember what I have shared with you because it's sometimes easy share wisdom but when you are going through it yourself sometimes reasoning flies out the window but I am learning I will always be a work in process but I also have to learn I have to be a example not only for my readers but for the love in my life and most important Christ Jesus

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Weekend

~DarrenKeith

The five Principles that Dr. Stanley Shares in his 2-part message "How to Get the Most out of Your Work"(I have links to the messages...I'm burning them to a CD and play it from here on when heading to work everyday)

"How to Get the Most out of Your Work, Part 1"
http://itm.edgeboss.net/download/itm/audio/radio/2009/itm20090907.mp3{right click here}

"How to Get the Most out of Your Work, Part 2"
http://itm.edgeboss.net/download/itm/audio/radio/2009/itm20090908.mp3{right click here}

5 Ways To Get The Most Out of Our Work
[Coming from Col 3:22-4:1]

1. When We View Ourselves As Servants

2. I am to work as For The Lord

3. To View Christ as Our Authority

4. See Other People as Worthy Persons

5. We are to View our Rewards "Present" and "Future"

(inspired by this devotional & passage)

The cool thing about putting these podcast together is that it makes me reflect on how blessed I am in regards to think about what I am or what I have gone through...even though I may want to gripe and complain about what my job puts me through, how cruel some people can be, the coldness of some people heart that makes me want to not deal with the outside world I can hear a passage from the Bible, read a devotion, chat with my online buddies I know I am not alone and even if I could not do that knowing the goodness of my Lord and Savior always gets me through my rough times.

It's amazing how you can hear lyrics or a melody and it can lift you out of a funk...it can make you smile, cry tears of joy, dance like you never danced before because at the end of the day you realize that it can really be worse. I'm a work in progress and I am learning that my work day is an 8 hour day and in the end I'm asking God to help me focus on just those 8 hours and not let 8 hours rob me of my joy and peace for the other 16 hours of my day because I have a wonderful wife, my freedom, God's word and the tools to be able to produce these in the comfort of my own home...for me that is something to be a smile to my face.

I hope these 15 tracks reflect on the goodness of Christ and to pay attention to what you have, who you have in your life and as Zig Ziglar says, "Every day is a great day...if you don't think so you just missing one of them."

Be Blessed/Be Safe &
Have a Wonderful Day

~DarrenKeith

[to listen to podcast, click here | to download right click]
to subscribe to iTunes copy & paste this rss feed to your "Subscribe to iTunes" box

info on the artist's albums click below
delicious.com/myloveformusic/04Sept09Playlist

01. All About the Love - Lamar Campbell
02. In The Middle of the Night - Dave Grusin
03. Never Seen the Righteous - Donald Lawerence & the Tri-City Singers
04. Hot Beach - Interior
05. Hey - LaShun Pace
06. Blue Orleans - Michael Manring
07. The Way I Feel - 12 Stones
08. People Make The World Go Round - Steve Rodby & Ross Trout
09. Love, Peace, & Happiness - Out of Eden
10. Diamond in the Sand - Special EFX
11. Pierced - Audio Adrenaline
12. Spare Change - Michael Hedges
13. Everyday - Darwin Hobbs
14. Honeymoon Nights - Mark Isham
15. Take My Life - Micah Stampley

dig my podcast, become a fan of MFLM

intro underscore track: Where He Leads Me{from Kirk Whalum's LP, "The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1"}
ending underscore track: Blessed Assured{from Kirk Whalum's LP, "The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1"}

photo:InterfaceLIFT

Another gem from the Daily OM today....

I feel such gratitude for the people who add to my life!  Thank you! :)

 

 

Magical Moments

 

Most of us are adept at seeing the big picture. Caught up in the hectic pace of modern life, we feel compelled to immediately distinguish what is important from what is not. The assessment is an easy one to make when we are mired in the daily grind—everything relating to success seems significant and everything else seems comparatively trivial. But what is most precious in this life cannot be measured in affluence or influence. The truly noteworthy events in our lives are often the least momentous yet the most wonderful. They are the magical moments in which we are simply awestruck by the wonderment of life. Though our perception of magical moments may be blocked by worldly concerns, our days are filled with such moments. To experience them fully, we need only open ourselves to their existence.

Magical moments are not measured by the composition of an experience but rather by our reaction to it. Since such moments come and go quickly, they should be consciously savored and noted. They stick with us only when we recognize the impact they have had on our mood, our day, and our lives. In such instances, we may find we are suddenly and blissfully aware that we have evolved or that those around us have changed in some positive way. We may stand in awe at the beauty of a familiar object or derive great pleasure from an everyday activity. Or we may witness incidents of supreme kindness and compassion that do not directly involve us yet touch our hearts intensely. Nature is a constant source of magical moments. When we cherish such occurrences, we condition ourselves to take note of them when they happen and appreciate the value they add to our lives.

 

 

This is from the Daily OM email I got a few days ago.  I LOVE this! wow....

 

When a door opens, walk through it. Trust that the door has opened for a reason and you have been guided to it. Sometimes we have a tendency to overanalyze or agonize over the decision, but it is quicker to simply go through the door and discover what’s there as that’s the only way to know. Even if it doesn’t seem right at first, opening this door may lead to another door that will take us where we need to go.

Doors open when the time is right for us to enter a new space, metaphorically speaking, and we can have faith that walking through is the right thing to do. Sometimes we linger in the threshold because we are afraid of leaving our old life for a life we know nothing about. We may have voices inside of our heads that try to hold us back or people in our lives saying discouraging things. These voices, internal and external, are known as threshold spirits, and they express all the fears and doubts that arise at the beginning of a new life. Nevertheless, none of these voices can hold us back, and they will fall silent as soon as we cross the threshold.

There are many doors that open in the course of our lives, leading us into new relationships, jobs, friendships, and creative inspirations. Our lives up to this point are the result of all the doors we have walked through, and our continued growth depends on our willingness to keep moving into new spaces. Every time we walk through an open door, we create a sense memory that encourages us to move into the new fearlessly. When we enter the new space, we almost always feel a thrill and a new feeling of confidence, in ourselves and in the universe. We have stepped across the threshold into a new life.

My son & I both lost our fathers within 2 months of each other.  Josh's Dad died of cirrhosis of the liver in Nov. '95.  Josh was 15.  His Dad was only 39.

My Dad had lived a long life & was 87 (I think) in January '96 when he passed away.  He was in a convalescent home & we knew he wouldn't be around too long.  But it was still a shock when it happened.  Fortunately we had about 12 hours "warning" from the nursing staff & I had a chance to get there and say goodbye before he left.

I tell you this as an explanation of why we haven't celebrated Father's Day for about 14 years.  It's just something we sort of ignore when it comes around.  But the commercials & newspaper ads don't let you "just skip it".  You're inundated with messages for almost a full month before the big day arrives.  So I can't help but be a little melancholy at this time of year.

Today I came across an article that just really warmed my heart.  THIS is what being a Dad really means.  THIS selfless act reminds me that there really are some good guys out there, who step up to the plate regardless of biology or any other reason that some Dads use to bail out on their responsibilities. I hope this touches you as much as it did me.  And if you have a Dad or "father equivalent" you will be celebrating with this Sunday, remember: no matter how difficult your relationship may be (as mine was), he's still here & he won't be forever.  Try to find a way to love him in spite of his flaws (you have some too!)  Years from now you'll be glad you did. :-)

Here you go: (CNN doesn't seem to let you copy/paste)

Sometimes I'm right and I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my song
The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I'm in
I am everyday people, yeah yeah

I am no better and neither are you
We are the same whatever we do
You love me, you hate me, you know me and then
You can't figure out the bag l'm in
I am everyday people, yeah yeah

There is a yellow one that won't accept the black one
That won't accept the red one that won't accept the white one

And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee

Hello neighbors!  It's your long-lost-friend MusicChick2!  I'm sorry that I haven't posted in so long.   I WAS moblogging my posts, but months ago I tried to update my moblogging address & somehow screwed it up.  8-/   (My PC is very temperamental, so I use my "smartphone" 9O% of the time.

 ANYWAY, several of you have P.M.'ed me, asking how I'm doing.  I must tell you how much that's touched me, that you've thought about me.  Thank you!

One of the main reasons I haven't posted is because nobody enjoys reading about someone's ills & infirmities.  How depressing!!  If you feel that way, thank you for reading this far, & I'll post something more cheerful next time.  Something cute about my kitties &  their silly antics.  8-D  Now skip down to the puppies & rainbows.

For the rest of you I'll try, as BRIEFLY as I can, update you on what's been going on.  The beginning is grim, but it gets better at the end.  :-)

You may remember that I was scheduled for knee replacement surgery in July.  Prior to surgery every patient must go through some routine blood tests, x-rays, etc.  My blood tests came back with an anomaly which was tentatively diagnosed as thrombocytosis.  This means I have elevated platelets, low white count,  low iron & anemia .  This condition can cause hemorrhaging or blood clots which could cause a stroke.  So until this situation is resolved, surgery is too risky.  :- /

The next step is a CT ("CAT") scan in an effort to determine WHY my blood is doing this.  The hope is that any unknown condition would be revealed through the CT scan.  And IF after exhaustive tests are run nothing is found, they can give me a medication which will bring my blood chemistry back to normal.  Of course if some baddy disease is discovered, then they'll treat me for THAT.

 So why is it March & this is still "in limbo"?  Because it's difficult to get an appointment with the Hematologist / Oncologist.  And because I've been stubborn & foolish & lazy.  If I'm in too much pain or just not feeling well I'll cancel & reschedule appointments.  Repeatedly.   I know.  It's REALLY dumb & self-defeating.  I think I'm just terrified to find out that I have cancer or something!  So I keep putting it off.

I think when last we "spoke" I was still getting around with my (rolling) walker.  Since the holidays I've "graduated" to a wheelchair which I gratefully received at no charge through a local disability ministry.

 My legs are now bent at approximately 9O degrees, basically a sitting position.  My feet & hands are gradually becoming more & more disfigured. It's easier now for me to compose a post or "tect / type" via my phone.  As you can see in the photo below, my fingers are curling in & I am unable to straighten them. So typing on the regular keyboard is limited to my index fingers. And my feet are getting so weird that I can't get a normal shoe on.  So I've ordered ballerina type slippers so I have something to wear to doctor's appointments, etc.  This arthritis can be a tricky disease, achy & bothersome for some, crippling for others.

My most recent acquisition is a "transfer chair" so that I can get in & out of the tub & take a proper shower.  I never really appreciated the joy & relief of a simple shower until I couldn't stand in one anymore.  Doing the "sponge bath" thing & washing my hair in the sink was a p.i.t.a. (p.ain i.n t.he a.ss).  So I am happy to have this new contraption, yet sad that I need it.  Ya' know?

 

Otherwise, life has been pretty uneventful.  I am trying to switch to an anti-inflammatory diet, eliminating foods that cause inflammation in the body.  Mostly ANYTHING with flour or sugar, & all animal products (milk, cheese, eggs, meats) are inflammatory.  Plus, because of the arthritis, I should also avoid "nightshade" vegetables:  potatoes, peppers, eggplant, & tomatoes.   I've only been eating this way for a week, but I'm cautiously optimistic.  But with all these restrictions it's difficult!  I've been reading "Super Foods", as well as other info online (from reliable sources like the Mayo Clinic, etc.)  So far I haven't eliminated dairy, but as I use up what I have I'll try to replace it with soy products.

 I'm pretty much nomming off and on all day.  Things like yogurt (regular & frozen), nuts, fresh fruits & vegetables. & whole grains (like oatmeal in the morning, or brown rice) I add in poultry or fish for real meals.  But I still haven't gained any weight.  I've been hovering at 11O lbs. for about a year.  8-/ (And 3 ½ years ago I weighed 215!!!)  If any of you out there are Nutritionists, I definitely welcome advice & guidance!

(I had a puppy that looked just like this when I was a kid.  After a year my Mom took her to the pound while I was at school because "she shed too much")

The weather here in Seattle is still pretty rainy & drizzly but Spring is determined to pop out all over.  The barren bushes outside my window are now bursting (literally!) with new leaves.  And the ball fields in the park behind my apartment are teeming with kids in sparkling new baseball uniforms, team parents hauling the huge barrels of drinks and snacks.  Brightly colored flags are hung around the perimeter of the fields & shouts of "Play Ball!" & "Hey-batter-batter-batter" can be heard almost every afternoon, especially Saturdays!   I have a ringside seat to all the games!

Need to get some binoculars though.  I'm sure some of those Dads out there are single & cute!  ;-)  Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

I miss "talking" with all of you & I promise to try to catch up on what's been happening on YOUR blogs.  And my "babies", Pooh & Tipper, miss posing for pics to share with all of you.  More kitty pictures, comin' right up!

Thanks for being out there, neighbors!  Sometimes I just need to talk to someone!!  And a special thanks to those of you who have kept in touch via email. Especially my dear Carlisa, who has been doggedly determined to get me to talk & not just hibernate, & help me figure out the mazes of Medicare & Medicaid. *mwah*  

I'm hoping this hasn't been too tedious or boring for the rest of you! 

I love you guys, I really do.  I hope you're all well & happy.  And to our neighbor Judi (YGRS), you are in my prayers daily.  I pray that your heart is beginning to heal, and that you know without a doubt that you are very loved.  By all of us. *gentle hugs*