Equipped for the Workplace

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20 / Proverbs 13:12

Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, yet our training and teaching focuses on areas where we spend much less time. The workplace is the greatest mission field of our day, yet we do not train workplace believers how to effectively integrate their faith into their workplace. The wall between Sunday and Monday still exists. Most workplace believers do not understand that all of life is spiritual, not just life on Sunday.

A recent study found that 50 percent of Christians have never heard a sermon on work, 70 percent have never been taught a theology of work, and 70 percent have never heard a sermon on vocation. Why do we focus on the fringes rather than the center where most people spend most of their time–the workplace?

God is removing the wall of separation by speaking to pastors and workplace believers all over the world. A pastor recently shared how his church ordains their workplace believers for their calling to the workplace. Another pastor described the church’s commitment to integrating training for their workplace believers on the theology of work. Another told how they began a workplace ministry within their church for their workplace believers and even integrated Sunday school programs specifically geared to help workplace believers understand their calling in the workplace.

We are entering a new era in the Church when workplace believers are seen as a remnant of the Body of Christ who need to be mobilized and trained for the work of the ministry to their own mission field–the workplace. Are you one of the men and women God is raising up for this task? Pray that God will help pastors understand and affirm this calling, and that they will respond by training people in their churches for their own ministry to the workplace. When we reclaim the 70 percent, the remainder will be reclaimed automatically.

Reprinted by permission from the author. Os Hillman is an international speaker and author of more than 10 books on workplace calling. To learn more, visit http://www.MarketplaceLeaders.org

You’ve Got Mail

Is your inbox overflowing?

How does a busy woman stay on top of email without falling beneath its weight and volume? Here are a few quick and fast rules to control inbox clutter instead of it controlling you.

* Delete all junk email without opening. Do not waste your time.

* Touch an email only once if possible. Do you recall this tip from snail mail organization? It works the same for cyber mail too. If the email requires thought or additional time to gather information, respond with a quick reply. Some advise closing the email and letting it sit with no response until you are ready. This is ignoring the issue and while not professional, it will just result in further problems down the road. Even if it involves a difficult situation, a quick response can be as simple as:

“Thank you for your email. Let me think on this issue and get back with you in _______.”

Be honest and state your response time in terms of hours, days, or months. Save the email as new and move on to the next one. The sender will appreciate your courtesy and you will have the time you need.

* When composing a difficult email never, ever put any address in the Send To box other than your own. How many horror stories have we heard of entire address books receiving private correspondence or someone receiving an email that was more about letting off steam than finding a solution? By placing your email address in the Send To box you will safeguard against any slip. It will allow you the time to compose, edit, and tweak priority emails without worry. Any slip will find the email back in your inbox and not everyone else’s.

* When time is tight, save all blog and newsletter emails to folder called To Read. This will clean out your email box and place reading material in one location for easy retrieval.

* If email requires the input of others who are in the information loop, save time by copying your reply to those involved instead composing numerous separate emails.

By responding quickly and using the delete button liberally, you will bring order to a overflowing inbox and put yourself back in charge.

Keeping Life in Sync

I remember reading a quote that went something like this…“Life is what happens while you’re planning something else.” A statement that could not be truer for a working mom. Life can come in the minor inconvenience of a mid-morning phone call from the school nurse asking you to pick up your sick child right now, a leaky roof that a repair man has to come investigate, or an otherwise reliable car that suddenly will not start. Or sadly, life could emerge in heavier situations such as the need to give permanent care to an elderly parent in your home, or God-forbid, one of your children is gravely ill, or you become a widow.

When you are in the throes of life and hip-deep in work, how in the world can you be expected to keep an organized home, balanced by a peaceful schedule? Is that even realistic?

“God never gives us more than we can handle” always floats to the top of my spirit when life throws me a curve ball that misses my swing and vibrates my world. Since God is in control and is in every event that happens to me, I know He has equipped me to push through (whether I realize it at the time or not).

Once you have been blessed with a career and then promoted into motherhood, God has equipped you to become a multi-tasking genius–one that can delegate, be diligent with meeting self-imposed domestic deadlines, and find the time to relax a little. The rub can be whether you have become conscious of it.

Here are a few tips:

* Help! It’s such a simple word, but one many of us are too prideful to use. One mistake working moms make is embracing the fantasy they should do it all. Refusing to ask for help when you need it is not noble.

* Stealing moments during lunch or breaks from the office to take care of personal errands and responsibilities can go a long way towards freeing time that you could use at home. Do some light grocery shopping and drop off dry cleaning during this time. Even taking time to plan your meals for the week will save time down the road.

* The dread of having to concoct delicious meals every single day and night can be a doozie. For help, click here, see mouth-watering recipes, many of which can be prepared on a Saturday for you to refrigerate and enjoy during the week. Planning your nightly meals a week at a time will give you freedom you never knew possible.

* When it comes to chores, it’s much easier to conquer a little each day instead of all at once. Allow ten to fifteen minutes a day for cleaning. When you get a chance, visit flylady.com for tips on how to stay on top of household chores by dedicating a few minutes a day. Create a daily chore chart for you, your husband, and your children that will not overwhelm everyone. Delegating is a gift that benefits you and your children. It can give you a much needed break from a particular chore, but more importantly, it can teach your children responsibility that will carry them through adulthood. Proverbs 22:6 says to “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

* With your husband, prayerfully determine the number of activities your children should participate. Idle time is a wonderful time for children to stretch their imaginations and be creative with their play. Camps, little league teams, girl scouts, etc. are fabulous, but too much can overwhelm your child and put a strain on your family schedule.

* Schedule quiet time with your husband and children. It may sound cold to have to book time with your family, but the reality is working moms are pulled in every direction by every person they brush up against during the day. When sacrifices have to be made, protect the quiet time appointment you have with your kids. Require that they protect the time on their calendar as well.

* Relax. Put into perspective what is really important to you and your family. Your kitchen isn’t as clean as some model homes? Maybe you think something is growing in the toilet. Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Keeping your life in sync requires a deliberate and dedicated spirit that embraces flexibility while knowing when to ask for support. Make your schedule elastic when possible. You will always have to make sacrifices and for a working mom, it’s a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, work-life conflicts never go away but through prayer, careful planning, and diligence, navigating can be easier.

Rita Stone Smith
Currently a stay-at home mom, Rita Stone Smith is a former public relations professional. She is married with two children.

Sit, then Serve

I have a confession to make–I am a workaholic! I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Man works from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.” That’s me!

One day, some 32 years ago, in all of my flurry of activity my husband politely asked me to sit down on the couch. After giving him my to-do list and why I couldn’t and shouldn’t, I finally complied. Then he sat down on my lap. It’s a good thing he didn’t weigh very much! The point–he wanted to talk and spend some time with me–he wanted my undivided attention.

Confession number two, it has taken time to find the balance between sitting to listen and standing to serve. Honestly, some days I do not have that balance.
Life is all about priorities and choices. Daily we all have to make them. Some are no-brainers, other choices require weighing our options–and choosing what we think is the best thing to do. The story of Martha and Mary is an excellent illustration regarding the contrasts of the words “sat” and “serve” (Luke 10:38-39). What can we learn from these two women?

First and foremost, Jesus equally loved both women (John 11:5). Next, both women had faith in Jesus (John 11:24-27; Matthew 26:13). Thirdly, both were uniquely gifted. Perhaps their gifts were hospitality and the gift of mercy or teaching. Finally, they had to make a choice regarding their priorities.

The word “sat” comes before the word serve in the dictionary. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and “heard His word” (Luke 10:39). Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 7:33). When you and I sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His word, we grow in our relationship with Him and receive our instructions for the day–how and where we are to serve. When we don’t, we become just like Martha, “distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40).

Martha may have had her priorities out of order that particular day. I’m sure you have been there just like I have. The to-do list is so overwhelming that if you don’t get started the minute you get out of bed, it simply won’t get finished. But the truth is when you choose to sit with Jesus, you will accomplish exactly what He has for you to do that day. We must not forget Martha truly had a servant’s heart. She graciously opened her home and poured herself into the lives of others. She is an excellent model of biblical hospitality.

This Christmas and throughout the new year, don’t let the word “serve” come before the word “sat” in your life. Instead let the story of Mary and Martha be a gentle reminder to choose the better part–a commitment  to sitting then serving–together they bring true balance to our lives.

Keeping the Tongue in Check

Beba Schlottmann

Nothing will tarnish your testimony more than engaging in back-stabbing gossip and slander with co-workers. I recall one of my husband’s assignments to minister at a church–we had just been hired and were having lunch with the staff. The pastor could not come with us so for the entire meal we listened to the staff members talk about their pastor. It was the most uncomfortable experience I’ve had.

My husband and I could not get up and leave because we had ridden with some of those attending so we were at their mercy. However, after a while of complete silence from both of us it finally dawned on them what was happening. They changed the subject and we finished our meal. I tell you though, the damage was done. We felt detached from this group of people for the first few years of our ministry at that location. It took a long time for them to gain our trust.

A word of advice, don’t gossip! It affects the people you talk about, but it also affects those around you and your image and testimony. Most of all, it brings shame to the gospel of Christ.

Politics in the Workplace

Beba Schlottmann

Avoiding office discussions on politics these days can be hard to do with all the attention our government is getting. Politics is one of those discussions that can lead to arguments which can cause bad blood between co-workers and make the workplace a dreadful place each day. Try to focus conversations on subjects that will encourage and inspire people. There is nothing wrong with having challenging discussions among colleagues, but know how far you need to take your conversations and when to draw the line.

The Working Woman’s Audio Book Collection

Beba Schlottmann

I have put together my personal selection of audio books for the working woman who lives in the fast lane.  Traffic jam?  No worries, bring out your audio book and be happy!

The Book of God by Walter Wangering, Jr.

This is probably my favorite audio book. It is the Bible as a novel told in a way that leaves you wanting more.  Beautifully illustrated stories make us feel as if we were living in the moment.

TNIV Full Bible

You can’t go wrong with the Word of God!  What I like about this selection is the introduction to each book.  It is told as a short devotional and each book is read by a different person.

Mere Christianity

by C.S. Lewis

What an amazing intellect and honest approach to life. It definitely has helped me to understand Christianity in a whole new way.

A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis

I could feel the pain in his writing and the strength of his character as he shares about his marriage and the death of his beloved wife.

Developing the Leaders Around You

by John C. Maxwell

Maxwell gives insight into styles of leadership, what you should model after, and tips for successful team work.

The Shack

by William P. Young

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read this past year!  As tough as it is for us to ask the hard questions and to try to understand why the righteous suffer, I find at times it is harder to accept that God loves us. God’s love may be the deepest message beautifully written in this fictional novel.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen Covey

If you struggle with organization and finding time to get things done, this is a good tool in helping you work with a system of important and unimportant items.  It is a definite must have for a working woman!

10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking by the Princeton Language Institute and Lenny Laskowski

This was a short book which I completed in three days.  Loved it!  It has simple and practical tips to help you feel more confident when speaking in front of an audience–be it small or large.

Fodor’s German for Travelers (CD Package), 2nd Edition (Fodor’s Languages for Travelers)

This is an audio book I do for fun. I have taught English/Spanish in the past and I would always tell my students that the best way to learn a new language is by listening and speaking it whether you pronounce it well or not.  The more you listen to another language, the more accustomed you ear becomes to the accent and the phrasing until; you become fluent before you even know it.   You can find all kinds of languages at any bookstore or iTunes.

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

by Mignon Fogarty

If you enjoy writing, this is a great tool to help you sharpen your skills.

Additional Listening

I listen to our church choir CD’s and work on vocal training techniques using audio podcasts.

Downloads or CD’s?

The links included in this article are for CD’s. If you have an iPod or MP3 player, you will want to visit iTunes for downloads.