Still Coming Soon

Update -- The book is still coming soon.

The first cover design just didn't work. It was back to the drawing board with a new idea. I think this one will work.

Trusting God's perfect timing for the release.

Thank you for your patience!

Garden of Love

From Garden of Love...

Some people have been so hurt they put up a prickly exterior to keep others away. This gives the appearance of being an undesirable weed when nothting could be further from the truth--we are all really beautiful, wonderfully made children of God.

and

We can't change the weeds; only the Holy Spirit can tranform. We can be careful to stay out of His way and not cause harm. We can show compassion and grace, just as our Father has shown us. We are all flowers in God's Garden of Love.

Lunchtime Prayers

This is a snip it from Lunchtime Prayers --

Do you have a friend whose prayers seem to impact your life in a powerful way? God has blessed me with special friends whose prayers have changed my life in countless situations.

The key ingredient is the love inserted into their prayers. I can pray like crazy for myself, as I had been doing in this situation. However, it was when I opened my heart, shared my concerns, and let my friend who loves me pray, that God really was able to move in a powerful way. Prayers from a heart of love change the world. Lunchtime prayers can change the course of your day.

Waiting

Time is ticking away. We are one day closer to spring and one day closer to the book being published. The book is in interior design, and I expect to see the first draft (including my first peek at the book cover) this week!

Thank you Chinyere for praying for my book this morning after Sunday school.

We are talking about faith in the workplace on Sunday mornings at Abundant Life Church. Everyone is welcome to come out and join us. After a four-week session on Sunday mornings we are going to start a small group on Wednesday evenings. Again, anyone is welcome to join us. Contact me if you are interested in either.

Thank you Pamela for purchasing the first copy of the book! No, it is not officially for sale yet. The book price hasn't even been set yet. But, you bought one anyway. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I also appreciate your comment on how the book will stimulate conversations that are not happening in the workplace, but that need to be. I just appreciate you!

Many have said you would like to purchase a book when it is available. Thank you. I appreciate each and everyone of you.

God bless, Shari

Book Update

Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace is in design phase! I hope to see what the creative geniuses at West Bow Publishing have come up with for a cover next week.

Not Just a Smile

I was talking to my friend on the phone this morning. (Happy birthday, again, Heather). She told me a story about how a smile made a difference to someone. Such a seemingly simple act of kindness can make a huge difference in some one's day. I've included a story in my book, Walking in Faith, about a time when a smile made a difference in my day. Here is a quick peek:

"It's like that in the workplace; we often have no idea what the next person is going through outside of work. I was feeling the double whammy more than she could have known. I didn't rest my head on her shoulders that morning on the steps, but I appreciate that I could have. However, I did catch up withe her later and let her know I was hurting and how much I appreciated her welcoming smile."

Smile at someone at work tomorrow, for no reason. Make a difference. You see, it's not just a smile -- it is a small act of kindness that has the potential to change another person's whole day (who in turn might choose to smile at the next person; therefore potential to change the world).
God bless,
Shari

Stay or Go?

I hesitate to give advise, I don't want to give the impression that I have all the answers, because I don't. When I teach, I like to get a good discussion going. This is where we collectively can come up with great answers.

Based on my experience...

Lots of questions surround faith in the workplace. I'd say the number one question goes something like this: I'm being challenged and struggling at work. Does that mean I'm in the right place and God is using me to change my workplace or using my workplace to change me? I'm thinking the struggle means it's time for me to move on. What should I do?

Pray. Ask a friend to pray for you. Prayer is always the best defense. Pray for wisdom. And then:

Ask yourself two questions (your answers to these questions will guide you):

1. Am I positively impacting my work environment?

2. Have I begun to let my work environment negatively impact me?

If you are positively impacting your environment, please prayerfully consider you are exactly where God wants you to be!

If you've been worn down to the point your work environment is negatively impacting you -- if your behavior, thought, and actions have become negative, it may be time to let God move you on.

If it's time to let God move you to a new place, it's time for the One Open Door Prayer. I like to ask God to open only one door -- His door -- and to close all others.