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Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category

60 Days…2010 Joseph Project

Posted in Economy, Encouragement, Job Search on December 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

For all of you that have joined us in this 60 Days of Prayer journey, you must read on.

One of the highlights of our 2010 was experienced yesterday at the 50th session of The Joseph Project in 2010! It was incredible. Over 80 people between jobs, their spouses, and alumni of The Joseph Project (TJP) attended this year-end Christmas finale.

Watch this 5News video.

2,310 people have attending the weekly Wednesday meetings in 2010! There were over 500 unique participants and 102 of those (that we know of) have secured a new job! We have had 36 different speakers (volunteer their time) in 2010 to equip and encourage those struggling between jobs.

But most important, WorkMatters has tried to show Christ to these hurting people. Hurting people who have lost homes, separated from their spouses, and worked part-time jobs they never imagined working. But through it all, The Joseph Project was there, week in and week out, to offer job resources, networking and encouragement. To deliver on our mission “ to alter the journey of business people between jobs”.

It was so moving to listen to person after person tell their stories of what The Joseph Project has meant to them.

So, as we pray today, will you pray for those still between jobs. For Butch Scruggs, our WorkMatters teammate, who so faithfully leads TJP. For the resources we need to keep this ministry running in 2011. And, for God’s will for The Joseph Project.

“Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” Psalms 112:4

Thank you and God bless,

David

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HR Heaven

Posted in Adversity, Economy, Job Search on October 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life TODAY?

If you know someone who is between jobs, you can do just that.

I rarely (never?) promote something we are doing at WorkMatters on this Blog. But today, it’s imperative.

If you are located in northwest Arkansas, The Joseph Project is hosting FIVE HR leaders this Wednesday to answer the difficult, always wanted to ask questions of those looking for their next great job. The details are here and on our website. Make the effort to ensure that you or your friend attend this session!

Join us from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

John Brown University Rogers Center

New Member Orientation:

If you are new to The Joseph Project, please join us for a 30 minute orientation from 8:30am-9:00am.  You’ll gain valuable information about our mission and vision from the leaders of our organization.

October 13, 2010
Panel Discussion: “Tricks of the HR Trade”


On the Panel:
Kris DeLano:  Human Resources Director for Marshalltown Company
Denise Cate:  Senior Vice President/Human Resources Manager, Arvest Bank
Rhonda Houser:  Human Resources Manager, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Carol Jones:   Personnel Manager of Employment Services, University of Arkansas
Debbie Wheeler:  HR Generalist, McKee Foods Corporation

Here’s a sneak peak at some questions that will be answered:
At what point will you need to explain a “gap” in your employment?

If you were “fired” from a job, should you avoid talking about it or should you mention it?

What are the best ways to respond when told that I am “overqualified?”

What is the secret for getting my resume noticed and searchable on line?  What can I do to get noticed by a potential employer?  How can I get my “foot in the door”?

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Daniel Leadership

Posted in Bible, Economy, Faith and Work, Heaven, Honesty, Integrity, Leadership, Seven Pillars of Faith and Work on September 8, 2010 | 2 Comments »

I have been blessed to build a friendship over the past few years with a business leader who “gets it” about as well as any I know. Donnie Smith, new CEO of Tyson Foods (located here in northwest Arkansas), has worked at Tyson Foods for 30 years.

On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal published a feature interview with Donnie. I have enclosed excerpts of the interview here (the entire interview is here). This is powerful. Whether you are just out of college and getting started in your career, a millennial trying to decide how you want to live at work, or a boomer still “working it out”, Donnie’s words will inspire you.

Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” Daniel 6:5

———————————————————————————————————————-

Mr. Smith, who teaches a Sunday school class, says one of his most important jobs as CEO is to promote an ethical culture. The company employs 120 chaplains and he blogs about integrity.

From his egg-shaped office, Mr. Smith shared his views on leading his flock.

Excerpts:

WSJ: What’s your management style?

Mr. Smith: I’ve got this little saying: the answer is always in the room. We have to free people up to operate in an environment where there is no fear. We are going to make mistakes. Don’t worry about it. Let’s fail fast and fail forward. Then take that empowering spirit, and let’s go solve some problems.

WSJ: On your internal company blog, you mention the Bible as a favorite book. Does your faith affect the way you manage?

Mr. Smith: I don’t think you can say, “I do all my church stuff on Sunday between nine and noon, and the rest of the time I am either out for myself or running my business.”

My faith influences how I think, what I do, what I say. There are a lot of great biblical principles that are fundamental to operating a good business. Being fair and telling the truth are biblical principles.

WSJ: How moral can a company be?

Mr. Smith: We are going to do what is right. And we’re going to do what is right for one reason: because it is right. Now listen, we’ve got 117,000 people. There might be somebody that steps out of line occasionally. We will correct that.

WSJ: The Bible says the chances of a rich man getting into Heaven aren’t good. Can a Fortune 500 CEO get into Heaven?

Mr. Smith: This one will, because I did what the Bible said I had to do to get into heaven. Feeding people is a laudable purpose in life.

WSJ: The recession has brought widespread complaints of Wall Street greed. What do you think?

Mr. Smith: There seems to be this attitude that big is bad. And it really does bother me. Big banks are bad. Big Ag is bad. And you know what? We’re not bad.

We provide jobs for 117,000 people around the world. We make great, safe food products.

WSJ: Last thing: Which of your beef customers makes the best hamburger?

Mr. Smith: There is zero chance I am answering that question. No, I will tell you who makes the best hamburger: I do.

WSJ: So it’s not McDonald’s? Burger King? Wendy’s?

Mr. Smith: On my grill.

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Demon of Discontent

Posted in Adversity, Economy, Faith, Trust on March 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Lord, you have assigned my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  Psalms 16: 5-6

I was talking with a group of folks the other day about the present state of our economy and all that goes with it.  For the most part people were pretty negative about our collective state of affairs.  I’m sure you have been in those kinds of conversations.  It can really bring you down and at times that is not what I need to hear.  So it is always refreshing to run into another friend of mine who when asked, “How’s it going?” he always replies, “Things couldn’t be better.  I am blessed in so many wonderful ways.  And the point is, he REALLY means it.

It is such an encouragement to bump into someone every now and then who is content with his or her lot in life.  As we keep plowing ahead in this economy, many are being challenged to think deeply about what  brings real contentment. Many as well work continuously to acquire more and more, thinking that the secret to a happy, contented life is having more toys.  Then when adversity strikes and they suffer loss, the level of discontentment soars.

The problem is that the covetous can never be content. Their desire is insatiable.  Some people are satisfied with little while others are dissatisfied with much.  And no wave of the wand of wealth will bring contentment.

Many have learned like Paul to be content whatever the circumstances.   He knew sorrow and joy; distress and comfort.  Yet he learned to be independent of all external circumstances.    Centuries before, David had made the same wonderful discovery.  He said, ” The Lord….makes my lot secure.”  And with this knowledge, he was happy and content in life.

As we find ourselves tossed about from all kinds of external circumstances, make it a part of your daily devotion to rehearse all the things that you are thankful for and this will usually silence the demon of discontent.

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2010 ADVANCE Workshop–The Joseph Project

Posted in Adversity, Economy, Encouragement, Job Search, Relationships on February 8, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

What an incredible day it was last Wednesday, February 5th at the Joseph Project 2010 Advance Workshop!   There was great anticipation during the weeks leading up to this kickoff event.  Seems like what you hear is how the economy is recovering.  That may be true in some some quarters, but there are many others who are still trying to recover from the loss of their job.  Another 300 people in fact were released from Wal-Mart the day of our event.

The room was packed with close to 100 people participating in the event.  Lots of people came who had never been to a Joseph Project meeting before who hopefully have now found a welcoming environment that will provide helpful job search skills, networking opportunities, as well as hope and encouragement.

The program was very powerful. So much content was packed into these few hours that my head was about to explode by the end of all the sessions.  It was clear that the presenters came fully loaded with their best stuff in an all out effort to help in any way they could.  It is such an encouragement to see the heart of these people who only want to help and are willing to give so much.  Thank you to all the speakers and panelists who went all out to make our sessions rich with practical comments and real world advice.

Friends, we are really counting on you to help us get the word out about the Joseph Project. No doubt you know someone who would benefit from attending.  Please invite them and if at all possible, tell them you will come with them.  YOU are the most powerful marketing tool we possess.  Tell your church, community groups and any other organizations you are involved with about this opportunity to help so many that are traveling this difficult path of job loss. Please help us to get the word out that this is not a path you have to travel alone.  Do it today!

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Faith is…

Posted in Economy, Money, Prayer on December 7, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

What does the word faith mean to you? We tend to use this word loosely, don’t we? But what does faith really mean? The Bible give us a clear definition:

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Every December, our faith at WorkMatters gets tested bigtime. We are a non-profit organization with a very focused vision to bridge the gap between faith and work. Six years ago we were called in a powerful way to stand in this enormous and growing gap. God opened more doors for us than ever in 2009 to help men and women see Christ in their work. To see how they can be the same person on Monday they are on Sunday. Then to reflect that to others at work. What a mission field!

Approximately 70% of our annual income comes from men and women just like you who believe in this vision. They have personally experienced the pain of not living out their faith at work AND they see others with the same problem every single day.

So, like all other non-profit missions, our faith is now being tested as never before. Like all other non-profit missions, we have cut our costs everywhere we can without impacting our influence.

So now, as we simply make our financial needs known, Hebrews 11:1 must be our anchor. And, with each passing day in December, we are tested even more.

We would treasure your prayers for the next 24 days. If you feel lead to learn more about our financial needs, simply click here…

http://www.workmatters.org/donations/year_end_matching_gifts_campaign

Father, what we hope for and what we are certain of may or may not be in your will. But Lord, give us the courage to live out our faith as you have asked us to! Thank you and amen.

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Today is…

Posted in Economy, Job Search, Prayer, Wisdom on December 2, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Don’t you love talking with a man or a woman who seems to have great wisdom? They are dropping these pearls on you and they don’t even know it.

Such was the case Wednesday morning with Springdale, AR Mayor Doug Sprouse. He spoke to a room full of “between jobs” men and women at The Joseph Project.

Doug shared several gems like “God’s wisdom can overcome any lack of experience.” And, “it’s never too late to go a different direction.”

But, this is the one that stopped most of us in our tracks. “Today is preparation for tomorrow. Don’t quit on it!” He spoke about how God has a plan for our lives and that even the mundane, nothing good happened today, negative day…is preparation for what He has planned for tomorrow.

This resonates especially strongly with those suffering between jobs, when days begin to run together with seemingly nothing positive happening. But it applies to every one of us, doesn’t it?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lord, we are TAKING BACK DECEMBER from the enemy! We are praying for 31 days to make our home and our work about Jesus, not “want-based” commercialism and busyness. Thank you for helping me see the power in … today is preparation for tomorrow. Don’t quit on it!”  Amen

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What Can I Do?

Posted in Economy, Encouragement, Job Search, Prayer on November 7, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Yesterday it was announced that the unemployment rate in the country is the highest it has been in 26 years, a stunning 10.2 percent.  I read that a major school bus plant in Conway is shutting down and that 477 people will be let go. Layoffs are still happening locally as well.  We all know people who are hurting out there and have been unemployed for a long time now.

Having been through this myself a few short years ago, I understand the stress, strain and other thoughts and feelings that one has when God allows this to happen to us.  As I was reflecting on this in my quiet time this morning, Oswald Chamber’s book, My Utmost for His Highest spoke to me as it has so many times before.  Please allow me to share a few of  his thoughts with you today.

Romans 8:28   We  know that all things work together for those who love God….

The circumstances of a believer’s life are ordained of God.  In the life of a believer there is no such thing as chance.  God by his providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands.  God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you…..All your circumstances are in the hand of God, and therefore you don’t ever have to think they are unnatural or unique.

These word provided a great deal of comfort to me when I was going through my own long  journey between jobs.  I found great comfort in meditating on them and praying about them.

If you get the opportunity, please reach out to someone you know who is experiencing this journey and share these words of encouragement with them today.  But if you can’t do that, then please intercede for these people in prayer.  Chambers provides us with another powerful thought on this:

YOUR part in intercessory prayer is not to agonize over how to intercede, but to use everyday circumstances and people God puts around you by His providence to bring them before His throne, and to allow the Spirit in you the opportunity to intercede for them….I must do the human side of intercession–utilizing the circumstances in which I find myself and the people who surround me….then as I lift different ones to God through prayer, the Holy Spirit intercedes for them.

Finally, if you know someone going through this, please connect them with our ministry,  The Joseph Project. We want to help.

http://workmatters.org/the_joseph_project/

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I used to be a Banker…

Posted in Economy, Encouragement on September 8, 2009 | 2 Comments »

My battery croaked in my old Suburban over the Labor Day weekend. I went to a local auto parts store to get it replaced. I was met at the door by a man with a smile and a “how can I help you?” salutation. He seemed sharp, but he was obviously new. He struggled with the computer systems and wasn’t real sure about the inventory.

Even though it took him a little longer and he needed some assistance from his co-workers, he did a great job of diagnosing my battery problem, helping me select a new one and then installing it for me.

As he was finishing up, I asked him this fateful question. I said, “what did you do before working here?” I’m not sure that I have ever seen the pride and self-esteem drain out of a man quicker than I did this man. With oil and grease all over his hands and shirt and sweat dripping down his face, he said, “I used to be a Banker”.

He began to tell me his story and he tried so hard to make it upbeat. But, I could see the hurt in his eyes.

We continue to live in such difficult times. People are hurting all around us. That’s why I had to choose this scripture to share with you today. May it encourage you today. May you use it to encourage someone else today. And, if you know someone between jobs, will you invite them to attend our WorkMatters Joseph Project meetings? They are held every Wednesday morning at 8:30a.m. (http://josephprojectinfo.org/).

Sometimes, it’s hard to see God’s purposes for our lives, isn’t it? I hope this scripture will give you or someone you care about…peace.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.                         Proverbs 3:5-6   (NIV)

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Day 30 – Money, Money, Money!

Posted in Economy, Money on July 29, 2009 | 2 Comments »

…give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal.   Proverbs 30:8-9

PRAY Pic-31 Days

As we count down our 31 Days of Proverbs and Prayer, it’s seems fitting that we can focus on one of the simplest, yet most profound of the Proverbs! 

Isn’t it amazing the cycles many of us go through with our money and the impact it can have on our faith? Generally speaking, our 20′s are spent in passion and fun. Our 30′s are spent striving for success and financial independence. Our 40′s are often more of the same, until some hit a wall and begin to ask ”why I am I killing myself?”. 

Money is not evil. In fact it can be a tremendous blessing when used with a Kingdom mindset. But so often when we have plenty, our focus just naturally drifts to other more worldly treasures and away from God. Would you agree?

We claim this scripture for WorkMatters, as well. As a non-profit, no matter how hard we work to raise money for this workplace ministry, we have to learn to be content with our daily bread. Else we also risk saying, “Who is the Lord?”

Where ever you are financially, I want to challenge you to contemplate this verse today. Decide for yourself how money will influence your relationship with the Lord.

Jesus, this is such a difficult subject for us. Will you search our hearts and show us the truth? Give us the ability to see and use our money in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you for the Bible! Thank you for giving us your principles to live by. Amen…

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