Job Qualifications

~~ Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) ~~  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

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by Carley Cooper

Microsoft Office Copyright Free Images

I went to a small business college, and I graduated with a diploma that, at the time, qualified me to be a Computer Programmer and an entry level Accountant; topped off with some business courses.  After I graduated I had a very hard time finding a job.  For a very long time I heard the same old thing from every potential employer “Sorry, but you don’t have experience.  Come back when you’ve have some experience.”  Not one of them, though, told me how I was supposed to get experience without being hired somewhere  

So, what job did I finally get?!  I’m glad you asked.  I ended up working at a job that I was over qualified for; Mary Brown’s Fried Chicken, in St.John’s, Newfoundland, as a kitchen / counter worker.  I don’t even know if the job actually had a title.  It was not at all what I had dreamed about, but it helped pay the rent on my first apartment.  A few years later, I finally did get a great office job that I loved; after I moved to Barrie, Ontario.  It happened to be with The Salvation Army; a Christian charitable organization, so I felt that I had an even bigger purpose than just enjoying the work.  I loved it so much that a big chuck of my time there were extra hours as a volunteer, and it didn’t even occur to me to mind that I didn’t get paid for so many extra hours. 

Then, life took a big unexpected turn.  I was in a nasty car accident that turned my life upside down and left me in physiotherapy for two years.  It was a six-car pileup on an icy Ontario highway.  My injuries lead to other health issues, and eventually, I had to leave my job.  Around that same time my marriage ended.  My health issues got worse; and the end result is that I’ve only had work-at-home jobs since (either helping to run a business, or doing something creative).  I’ve technically been out of the workforce for a long time now.  Though, I still have health issues, I would love to get back into it.  I don’t want to sacrifice my writing for it, but the problem is that now I feel under qualified for anything and everything.  I did get some further education in more recent years, but even still, my education is way out of date, and I don’t have recent experience.  That is, outside of a volunteer job that I do one day per week at the church office.  I figure that no one in any industry that I would want to work for would take me seriously, let alone take a chance on hiring me.

It is the same feeling that I get when I think about being called to work for God.  I don’t feel qualified.  I don’t even feel like I’m taken seriously by those around me let alone hope to get a ministry; or a position, where I could lead someone to Christ or to discipleship.   I’ve made so many mistakes in life; committed so many bad sins.  Most of the time I don’t even feel qualified for an entry level position, let alone to be have a dream career! 

The other day someone left a comment that said “Carley, As usual another AWESOME Blog.  It seems as though you have become my Spiritual Life Coach.  What would I ever do without you?  Blessings my friend.”. 

Another person left a comment on one of my other blog sites that said “Carley... You are the best blogger ever!!  You are smart and funny!  I just found your blogs and can't wait to read the rest... Thank you.”

I replied with a thank you and telling the people how much it meant to me and how honored I was to receive such compliments.  It humbled me more than I can say.  I know that in God’s eyes, humility like that is a very good thing.  However, it makes me feel a little confused as well.  Sometimes even a little dishonest.  That’s because the truth is, that most days I feel like I’m treading water and sinking fast.  How could I coach anyone when I don’t know what I’m doing myself?  I can’t imagine that I am the ‘best ever’ anything.  Well, except the best Carley; but that could potentially lead me to a whole series of other thoughts and questions, which I’ll leave for another blog.  There are those that have way more education, experience, intelligence; and a better relationship with God than I do who aren’t the best ever.  I have no clue where I’m supposed to be in life, or what direction I’m supposed to go in.  I feel like I’m probably the only one who’s still so lost at this late date in my life.  Most people I know seemed to have figured out so much at an early age.  Why haven’t I?  Where did I get lost?  The only things I know about myself with much certainty are that I have some sort of a gift in written words, that my heart desperately aches every day for a relationship, and that I do feel vastly different from the rest of the planet (which traces back to my Social Anxiety and Bipolar Disorders).

Each and every one of us is called to the job of spreading the gospel (Mark 16:15 NIV84), and to create disciples for Jesus (Matthew 28:19 NIV1984).  As unsure I am of my own qualifications; I know that God doesn’t see me as being incapable.  I love Him, and I want more than anything for my heart to be like Jesus; the way God wants it to be.  I’m willing to let Him change me; even though it’s hard.  The bible is filled with characters that were inexperienced, sinful, and even willingly ran from their calling.  However, God chose them to do the job anyway.  He loved them nevertheless.  We don’t need prior experience, or knowledge; before He is willing to hire us.  You see, He not only has already planned and prepared our jobs for us, but He provides us with on the job training.  I really want this job.  How about you?  The benefit package is out of this world!  

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~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You so much for creating a job position especially for me.  Please let me feel Your peace within me with each and every day of doing Your work that goes by.  Give me confidence in my abilities, and help me to have stronger faith in Your leading.  Please keep me in humility, and let me feel joyous in every duty that I fulfill.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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International Women’s Day – It’s Time to Pick Up Your Torch!

~~ Genesis 2:18 (ERV) ~~  Then the LORD God said, “I see that it is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make the companion he needs, one just right for him.”

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by Carley Cooper

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD).  Here in Barrie, Ontario the IWD event is hosted by the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie.  I’ve become more aware of this day and why it is important in the last couple of years through an Abuse Survivors Support Group that I go to at the shelter’s outreach office.  I want to share you something that I learned about International Women’s Day in another country that has inspired me to realize how blessed I am, and yet it reminds me of how far I’ve come, and how far I have yet to go.

 

I was at the doctor’s office about two weeks ago at the hospital.  I think he’s awesome, and I tell my doctor about all the big things that happen in my life.  After my appointment was over, I was literally on my way out the door when I remembered something so I turned around and said to him “Oh, I forgot to tell you... I’m going to be speaking at the International Women’s Day event with my Abuse Survivors group next month.”

“Is that the thing on March 8^th?” he asked.

“Yea, that’s it”, I said

With a big wave of his arm to motion me back into the room, he said “Well, come back in here and sit down.  I have to tell you a story.”

So I went back in, shut the door and he told me his story.

Doc is originally from Pakistan.  Back in 1990 he was still living there, he worked for a large international conglomerate.  I don’t remember the name of it off hand, but it’s one that we’ve all heard of, and their purpose is to help people around the world.  He said they had to decide on an event for IWD.  A few ideas were tossed around, and he suggested that they have a parade through the city with people carrying torches.  Sound’s awesome, doesn’t it?!  At the end of the meeting, this was the event that they chose to do.  However, this raised some problems.  The big one being “Where do we get torches?” 

He said “I mean, who uses torches anymore?” 

They figured that they would have to make them, but how?  They decided on clay pots shaped much like a bowl that could hold a ball of fabric filled with kerosene, and placed on a stick.  They searched the city for someone who could make these pots and there was no one.  They searched elsewhere around the country and found, in a small remote village, an old man who made his living hand-making various types of clay pots.  He helped them design a pot that could be shaped such that it could be placed on top of a stick and still hold some fabric and kerosene; and the torch for IWD was born.  Doc told me that, from that first parade until today, the torch has become the symbol of IWD throughout the whole country; and it all started with an idea by one man that is now one of my regular doctors right here in Canada.  Awesome idea, Doc!  Thanks!

At first I just thought it was a cool story, but I couldn't stop thinking about it.  More ad more I realized just how profound this symbol of the torch really is.  Granted, I’m not a sports minded person, but up until I heard this story every time I saw a picture of a torch I thought about the Olympics.  From now on, when I see this symbol, I will be reminded of how far women have come in our world.  We can look back to our history books, the bible, or even just to talk to our Grandmother’s; to see the extreme changes and advances that womankind has made through over the years.  The torch will be a symbol for me to think about how proud I am not only of all my sisters around the world and throughout history, and all these changes, but of how much I have overcome in my own personal life as well.  I have overcome so much that I’m writing a book about my story. That's a big accomplishment, if I do say so myself.

However, I don’t think that the important message of the torch stops there.  We are incredibly blessed to live in an age and in a society where we get so many advantages and opportunities; especially here in North America.  That being said, it would be really nice if winter would just GO AWAY so I can take out my tank tops and flip flops.  Uh, well anyway, it’s important to remember how far we have come in our own personal struggles and through womankind as a whole; but we can’t forget to remember our sisters in other parts of the world who don’t have the privileges we have here. 

Even as survivors of abuse; and certainly some  of our stories are absolutely horrifying and horrendous mainly due to the men in our lives; we have access to resources and social benefits that can help provide us with everything from food, to a home, legal support, protection, medical care and so much more.  I certainly don’t want to make light of those who are in situations who cannot leave an abusive situation because it is just too dangerous.  That happens all too often even in every neighborhood in North America.  However, I think that  often, we take it for granted that we can function either as a married person or as a single person and it is OK.  As women, are getting closer and closer all the time to being equals with men whether the man next to us collects garbage from the curb or he runs the whole country.  For the most part, we get to openly worship God in any way we choose.  We can walk up to any person on the street and start a conversation if we so choose to do.  We can choose to go to school and educate ourselves.   We can dress how we want to.  We can be proud to be female and feminine.  Personally, I love to be girly, and dress in things that are pretty and sexy.  I see no problem with having an extra button or two undone on my blouse.  If it’s done in the right way with the right outfit and fashion sense I think it is overwhelmingly beautiful. 

That’s not to say that any of us are finished our fight for equality.  As a matter of fact it’s far from it.  The truth still lies in media head lines that tell us that women are judged when she wears a skirt too short, or a top too tight, or she takes birth control, or she would like to  apply for a job in a typically male dominated industry or she has too many lovers or dating partners.  There are still thousands of people, men in particular, that still don’t understand that women are not a commodity, that we are not here for the purposes of pleasuring or serving men.  Some of our sisters around the world are still living under practically prehistoric conditions.  There are places in the world today... right now in 2012... where a woman is not allowed to walk down the street side by side with a man.  She has to walk behind him to show her status in society.  She is not allowed to have a conversation with a man who is not her family member.  She has to dress to keep her whole body hidden and often that includes most of her face as well; never mind showing a little extra leg or cleavage to feel pretty or sexy.  These women know nothing of these feelings or feminine experiences.  She’s not allowed to speak out and give an opinion, let alone worship God, be an entrepreneur, get an education or live a single independent life.  If she does any of these things the men in her life have a every right to punish her; or worse.  Then, there's the issue of human trafficking and the sex slave industry, which is a massive and extensive problem in practically every country in the world. 

I hear stories like this all the time and I get so overwhelmingly angry.  It touches me to the pit of my soul.  This is why I think the torch is so important.  All women are beautiful mind, body and soul; and we should be cherished and encouraged to be share, be open, and equal.   We are here for God’s purpose and  His pleasure; not man’s.  Ephesians 2:10 (TNIV) says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  God made us to be a partner for man; not his maid, sex slave, chauffeur, cook, or his punching bag. 

My dear sisters, you may think that you haven’t done enough in your life to fill a whole book about it; but that doesn’t matter.  I guarantee that you, that you have accomplished enough to carry a torch and be very proud of what you’ve accomplished and survived.   It’s fun to be a girl!  Enjoy every part of it.  You are beautiful and you deserve the torch.  Pick up your torch, let it shine brightly, and march with the rest of us if you haven’t joined in already.  We will not give up marching, and we will not let our torches go out until the abuse, discrimination, and cruelty stops; and safety, respect, and equality is achieved.  And, while you’re marching, don’t ever forget to say lots of prayers for our sisters not only around the globe in other countries, but in your own neighborhood, who feel they are trapped in a hopeless world who need us to pray for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to move in their lives every single day.  They need to know Jesus.  They need to know that they are beautiful, loved and there is a way out for them.

(If you or a woman you know is in an abusive situation and can’t get out, contact your local Women and Children’s Shelter.  They will help you put together a Crisis Plan that will get you out and get to safety.  I know you may think you're trapped and it looks impossible, but God loves you, and we love you.  There are resources in place to get you out!)

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~~ Dear God ~~ Thank You so much for all the blessings that we get in our society today, but we are still suffering so much from abuse, discrimination and cruelty by evil men in our lives.  Please put Jesus in the center of each and every situation.  Please send your best angels to surround and protect each and every woman who is in danger and needs protection.  Keep all of us close to Your heart, Lord; and let each woman know that she is special and that she is beautiful and loved by You.  ~In Jesus name, AMEN.

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The Perfect Masterpiece

~~ Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) ~~  From the Life Application Bible ~~  We are God’s masterpiece (work of art, workmanship).  Our salvation is something only God can do.  It is his powerful, creative work in us.  If God considers us his masterpieces, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work.

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by Carley Cooper

Painting by my Grandmother, Laura H. Mercer
(Painted in her 80's shortly after she first started painting
with no education or previous experience)
Title unknown
Photo by Carley

Are you a creative person?  Maybe you do some sort of art work; painting, sculpting, pottery.  Perhaps your talent lies in music; and you are a musician or a singer.  Then again, you might be a designer; of clothes, houses, gardens, cars, teddy bears, or graphics.  Possibly you are a writer, or an architect.  Even if you are none of these, or you feel that you have no creative talent, I think that everyone knows what it feels like to put your whole self into something you are doing.  You work hard on a project.  Every part of your being; mind, body, and soul goes into it.  For me, when I am writing I can completely forget about the world and not even be aware of what is going on around me.  There are other projects that I have worked on that kept me focused on one thing for weeks at a time.  Often, I am even at the point where I forgot to eat because the only thing on my mind is this one mission. 

How did you feel once you completed your vision, or accomplished a goal?  It is an incredibly awesome feeling, isn’t it?!  To know that I created a masterpiece brings a feeling that I can only describe as fulfilling.  Its existence came about from something that started as just a thought in my brain.  I find that to be a fascinating concept.  A painting... did not exist, now it does.  A book, or a song, or a building, or a dress; started simply as a notion in someone’s mind.  Then it was developed into an idea, followed by a plan, and then the work to create it.  It is enough to make one feel incredibly proud.  You might even say you love it, since you put your whole heart into it.  It is called ‘good workmanship’ or ‘taking pride in what you do’. 

Now, imagine how you would feel after completing the biggest project of your life that took you days, weeks, or years of your time working on.  You put all your blood, sweat and tears into this venture.  Visualize that this project was something that would change the life of your family, city, or county for the better.  Maybe you built a new house for your family with your own bare hands.  Perhaps, you helped design a new building for low-rental housing in your own community.  Possibly you wrote a hit song to raise a lot of money that will help benefit hungry people in your own country.  Now, picture the person you love the most in this world... the person you would give your life, literally, to protect.  Imagine this person showing up with a group of their friends and destroying your masterpiece, without a good reason for doing so.  It does not even sound logical, does it?  Why would someone you love, and who loves you, do that to you?  The new house that you built was burned to the ground; or that new low-rent high-rise was levelled, or the only copies of that potential hit song have been erased.  The only explanation you got from the person who did this was something like “I thought it would be fun”.  How would you feel?  It would be like a knife in your gut.  Your life’s work; all the resources, energy, work and sweat that you put into this work of genius.... all for nothing.  It would be devastating.  Personally, I would feel angry and betrayed just to start with. 

Well, guess what?!  That is exactly what we are all doing to God’s masterpiece!  He created this world to be the perfect place for us to live in harmony with Him.  Then, before the planet was even populated, we walked in and wrecked the place!  Almost immediately the laws that He put in place for it to operate properly were broken.  We succumbed to temptation and willingly sinned.  Not only that, but we continue to do it.  We change God’s laws, as if we know what we are doing, to suit our own purposes; and have the gall to call them ‘good’ because ‘the times are changing’.  Then, to top it all off we do things that are slowly and continually helping to destroy, not only the planet but our own bodies as well.  Dangerous gases are allowed to flow into the atmosphere.  All sorts of electronic waves are filling up the environment around us.  Garbage and chemicals are being dumped into the earth.  The worlds resources are being used without thoughts of replenishment, as if there will be no tomorrow.  Governments and big business make laws based on profit; not on what is best for the people, the earth, or our future.  We drop bombs on things and people just to prove which country is the ‘toughest kid on the block’.  We continually pollute our minds with all sorts of filth, which is all around us.  Our bodies are slowly dying, because we eat things that our body was not designed to consume.  We over-process the life out of our food supply by filling it with medications, chemicals, preservatives, and hormones.  We are killing ourselves and the earth. 

Much of humanity does not realize it, but justice must be done.  We broke God’s laws and damaged creation.  By God’s very nature, He cannot be in the presence of sin.  We are all sinful.  He loves us and wants to be with us, so ths issue must be reconciled.  We have to be made aware of the magnitude of the harm we have caused, and then be held accountable.  In God’s court we are guilty of a lot of serious crimes.  Not one of us can be found innocent.  Romans 3:23 tells us that “...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. 

However, all is not lost because there is hope!  We are blessed because we do not have to worry about paying a big fine, or doing jail time.  Our sentence has already been taken care of.  We have a wonderful Friend who loves us so much that He was willing to take our place; pay our fines and do our jail time for us.  His name is Jesus.  Invite Him into your heart to be your saviour, and He will be your Friend too!  He lived a perfect sinless life.  Then He willingly went through a horrible death; taking our place upon the cross in the sentence that was ruled for us.  But, Jesus conquered death and rose again.  He is alive today.  Without Jesus, you will have to pay your own fine and do your own jail time.  Jesus is the only possible way out of this sentence (John 14:6 NIV84).  He loves you so much, that even if you were the only one; He would have done this for you anyway!  How awesome is that?!  How could anyone not want Him as a friend?  Even though we walked away from God and damaged His wonderful masterpiece He forgives us.  That is because, He loves us and He can fix it.

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~~ Dear God ~~  Your word says that You are the Potter, and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8 NIV84).  Please mold me, shape me, and make me into a masterpiece that You can be proud of.  Please forgive me for all my many sins that contribute to the destruction of the world, my mind and my body.  Please teach me how to live a healthy life so that I am not disrespecting You, myself, other people, or the earth.  Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus; to pay the penalty for my crimes to You.  Do not ever let a day go by in my life when I am not thankful for this incredible gift.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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