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The Sanctification of Self-Promotion

As jobs become more scarce, as the bar is raised higher than ever before and as the need for “advertising” one’s self and one’s skills becomes greater and greater, self-promotion is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. But for Christ-followers, this goes against what we have been taught. In many cases, those teachings were correct; in others, I believe they were way off course!

I will start by saying adamantly that I believe that EVERY skill, talent, ability and breath that I have is from God. Even in my greatest moments of creativity, passion and desire I could not have come up with them on my own nor could I have mustered up the very breath it took to breathe in those moments. He alone is the Giver of Life and the Creator of all. He formed me, molded me and led me every step of the way to accomplish the purposes for which He formed me, molded me and led me. (Psalm 139)

Yet, I’m sure we all know where it leads when we focus on the abilities, skills and talents more than we do the Giver of those gifts. Pride takes over and we begin thinking we had something to do with acquiring those gifts. Yes, we may work hard, resulting in a promotion, and yes, we may succeed in our careers, resulting in acclaim. But the very breath required for living through each day comes from God and the knowledge and strength to excel is a divine gift.

However, as my journey of joy has taken me through the village of  “Job Search, USA” recently, I have recognized the importance of knowing what those skills, talents and abilities are. Enter: “the need for self-promotion.” But I was saddened when I recently attempted to guide a client through these steps: “In what areas do you feel that you excel?” The reply? “Oh, that would be prideful to state that I’m good at something.” As the teens in the youth group are saying right now, “WHAA? WHAAAAT?”

This is where we went astray. As Christ-followers, what better praise can we offer back to our Creator than to acknowledge His gifts of life, skills, talents and abilities through the fullest possible use of them? And how can we use them to their fullest if we feel it is somehow “sinful” to acknowledge them? No wonder we so often accomplish so little.

I want to close by sharing the saying I often told my former music students before their public performances. It basically summarizes how our need for self-promotion in today’s society can be “sanctified” and used properly:

Confidence is knowing that God gave me the abilities to do this. Arrogance is thinking that I had something to do with it. – bls 

Take a moment today to think about the gifts God has given to you. Identify them. Be grateful for them. And then use them to their fullest!

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(I encourage you to read my mom’s little book Biblical Self-Image [affiliate link]  for additional insights to proper thinking on this subject.)

By Petals from the Basket | October 4, 2012 | Ebooks, Life Changes |

Guest Post: My One-Room School

Don’t you just love hearing your parents share memories of days gone by? I do! And I’m glad it’s the last Friday of the month so that our guest blogger, my mom, can share some fun memories—and important lessons—with all of us!

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Lorraine Strohbehn“I’m old enough to go to school!” What an exciting time it was for a five-year-old girl to go to school with the big kids. They were smart and knew how to do so many things that I didn’t know how to do. Now I would learn those things too!

The one-room school I attended is the same one my dad attended as a young boy. Many of the things he remembered from his school days had not changed even by the time I got there. Probably one of the things most remembered by all who had attended there was that about one-third of the way from the door to the front of the room the wood floor was warped. As youngsters, we could hardly wait for a visitor to come speak to us, walk up the aisle, and trip over the hump in the floor.  We dared not laugh, but caught each others’ glances as we held back a giggle! It was not major enough that anyone ever fell, but there was always a hesitation as though a fall were impending!

Growing up in Wisconsin where there was no iodine in the water, the county superintendent would often come on Friday afternoon near the end of the school day to hand out an iodine tablet to every student. As many times as she went over that spot on the floor, it seemed she never failed to be on the verge of tripping. Of course, that made our day!

That warped floor isn’t the only memory of attending my one-room school. As a second grader, I remember listening to the older students recite their lessons, research important facts, and take oral or written tests. I also learned as I listened.

The classroom was heated in the winter by a large furnace in the corner of the room. It had a “jacket” around it, and on cold days we took turns as classes putting our feet on the jacket of the furnace to get cozy and warm.

Out in the yard was a hand pump. We took turns at recess or noon getting to pump the water so everyone could have a glass of fresh, cold water from the well.

Recess was an especially fun time of playing games of various kinds: tag, anti-over the schoolhouse, and hide and seek—with everyone coming up with new and unique places to hide.

Yes, I learned many lessons at my one-room school, but one stands out to this day. It was the lesson of kindness. I walked to school, as did everyone who attended. One day it turned quite cold and windy during the day, and an older girl gave me her head scarf to wear home, which meant she did not have one for herself. That act of caring taught me more than many days of book learning. She became someone I looked up to and admired.

How often do you and I take time to put ourselves into the shoes of another and fill the need that person may have—even if our own comfort is lessened? The Lord reminds us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). Romans12:15 says,” Rejoice with those that do rejoice, and weep with those that weep.” Feeling, then meeting the needs of another person, when it is done to honor our Lord and Savior, speaks far louder than words.

Just like my memory of that cold windy day at the one-room schoolhouse, memories of those acts of kindness will continue teaching and blessing the recipient far longer than we may imagine.

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Thank you for taking time to read “My One-Room School.” I’d love for you to leave a note for Mom (Lorraine), and I’ll share them with her!

By Petals from the Basket | September 28, 2012 | Bible Reading, Family, Guest Posts |

A Gratitude-O-Licious Kind O’ Day!

As I sat down to write something earth shattering (which I know would be a first!), I began by taking a moment to pray and thank God for the many blessings that were mine this morning. The desire to author the “earth-shattering” post grew dim in my amazement at the things for which I am thankful today.

So instead of an earth-shattering post, I thought I’d just list (brain-storm style) some things for which I am thankful this morning…

…the changing colors of Fall; my Savior, Jesus Christ; new mercies each day; godly parents; laughter; forgiveness; love; the color yellow (seriously, it brings me joy); siblings who care; awesome brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews (including -in-laws and greats) that I adore; the smell of maple syrup and the sale during which I purchased the bottle for 30 cents; sunshine; my balcony; fresh haircuts; health; strength; hope; a great church; a great church family; the impact of the writings of Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer and Nancy Leigh DeMoss; friends; technology; fun dishes; antiques; an email containing work; God-given talents and skills; a clean apartment; clean sheets; time to craft, time to read and time for walks;    Scripture; writing; and, of course, readers and subscribers of PetalsFromTheBasket.com!

Is there one thing for which you are particularly thankful today?

By Petals from the Basket | September 26, 2012 | God-and-I-Time, Life Changes |

Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Pinterest . . . and Me

This is not a post with snazzy SEO-focused content. There is no catchy title with the words “Five reasons to…” or “How to….” It’s longer than a good blog post should be, and it’s got more than the advisable amount of info, explanations and links. In other words, it’s just me . . . bein’ me . . . and veering off the path! 🙂

I’ve written about my support for social sites before, but recently I have seen first hand the positive sides of social networking and the beneficial use of technology. As with anything in life, moderation must rule supreme. Social networking can be a huge time waster—or a ginormously helpful tool!

Here are some personal shout-outs for the positive benefits of some of the most popular social networking sites and other tools of technology:

Twitter: I follow the tweets of a man by the name of Michael Hyatt, the author of Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World. He’s a strong leader with strong principles and I have chosen to learn from what he has to teach. One day he “re-tweeted” (posted someone else’s post as a means of sharing it with others) a notice that a company was looking to hire additional virtual assistants (administrative assistants who can work for someone via remote from any location, thereby cutting costs and permitting greater focus and productivity). Because of the information on that re-tweet, I found, researched and connected with an awesome company that involves the work of two business names: The Miles Advisory Group and eahelp.com. These are great people, and I will unreservedly point prospective clients and prospective executive assistants in their direction! Bottom line: I doubt I would have learned of them had it not been for Twitter. [I “tweet” about twice a day, and I limit my time on Twitter to ten minutes per day. My twitter name: BrendaStrohbehn]

Facebook: Earlier this year I posted this article about my support for Facebook. However, my appreciation for this site  has only grown since that time as I have now established three business “pages” on Facebook in addition to my personal account. Through those “pages,” I have been able to share information about the three websites I currently have: my wedding planner, my freelance proofreading and editing and about this blog. For those who “like” these pages, information appears on their news feed when I post something new to those pages. This also allows me to keep my personal page free from business—though I do “share” to my personal wall a link for what I have posted on a particular page that day. [Since most of the information on my pages involves links to my websites or short pieces of information, I am able to limit my total time on Facebook to approximately 15-20 minutes per day. I pop on frequently throughout the day, but rarely for an extended period of time, and rarely do I exceed 15-20 minutes per day.] These are the links to my Facebook pages:

The Organized Bride (theorganizebride.info is the Facebook name) – the wedding planner

PEP Writing Services – freelance/contract proofreading, editing and publishing preparation

Petals from the Basket – the Facebook page that goes hand-in-hand with this blog

Blogs: Here is where I could spend much more time than I have available to give! I love to learn from others and that poses a problem when there are so many awesome blogs to read! Thankfully, those who truly “get” the purpose of their blogs and truly have something worth saying can usually keep the post concise in its content. I’ve added a few new blogs to my “almost daily” list to read (in fast, for most blogs, I “subscribe” so that they come straight to my mailbox). [I spend approximately 15 minutes per day reading blog postings and blog-related emails.] I am including links to three of my new faves in case you are interested in adding those to your lists as well:

michaelhyatt.com – Michael Hyatt is a leader who shares what he learns—and I like that. He’s done it well, and if reading his blog posts will teach me something new in the process, then count me in!

pilgrimontheloose.com – I met this gem of a woman at my Tuesday Bible Study this summer and enjoyed reading through her very practical and authentically written Christian blog.

fotoseli.smugmug.com – Although not a blog posted in words, this site has some beautiful photographic art. Though there are many “photographers” today, Liz has a unique and heartfelt style that invites you into her scenic pictures. She’s very good at what she does, and I encourage you to visit this site as well!

Pinterest: Crazy fun! Ideas galore! Free! To register or to simply view ideas posted by others, go to pinterest.com.  [I limit myself to a maximum of ten minutes per day on Pinterest.]

All said, I spend less than an hour a day (on the average, 30 minutes per day) learning from and enjoying what I truly believe to be tools of social networking and technology. I hear and read a lot of negative about these sites—usually from those who haven’t tried them—and thought I’d take a break from the norm and share with you some POSITIVE feedback on these helpful tools!

As I stated before, social networking can be a huge time waster—or a ginormously helpful tool! As with anything, you get to choose!

 Disclosure: Affiliate compensation is received for purchases made via the links on this page (for Platform only).

By Petals from the Basket | September 25, 2012 | Ideas, Life Changes |

Freezer for Rent

Actually, there are no longer any vacancies in my freezer, but not too long ago, I could have hung that sign on the front of it! Losing my job six months ago brought about changes and blessings I never expected when driving home from my last day of work. Yet, truly knowing that my God is sovereign and loving and caring and in control and . . . well, SO much more than even THAT, I truly had this heaven-sent knowledge that His way is perfect!

I hesitate sharing stories that sound like I’m crying “poor me” or making life all about money, but I trust that you will read the following true events and see in them the full hand of God pouring out its riches into my very empty hands. And by riches, I don’t mean a full bank account, a new car, or any “earthly luxuries” that might come to mind when you read that word. I mean TRUE riches!

My previous work was for a non-profit organization. Because of that, I was not able to receive unemployment during the months I was looking for work. For many, that can provide much-needed resources for maintaining life’s basics during the time of transition. However, the majority of churches and other non-profit faith-based organizations do not pay into unemployment, so I could not receive any of the benefits from that program.

Because I spent almost four months looking diligently 24/7 for full-time salaried employment and ended with zero results, I came before the Lord and asked Him to help me get work using the talents and abilities He has entrusted to me. It was at that point that I began PEP Writing Services so that I can freelance or do contract work using my training and skills in proofreading and editing. Some weeks I work 30 hours; some, only two. Any business or freelance/contract work takes time to build, and so I continue my pursuit of additional clients and more steady means of necessary income.

To say the least, things got lean. I determined, however, that since God had clearly allowed the event to occur, He would be faithful in providing for its resulting outcome. Again, please note that I write this ONLY to praise the One Who is Jehovah-Jireh! I have clothing, food, shelter and more, and I consider myself blessed beyond measure!

I am writing this particular post to share three specific, very personal but true, wonderful things in praise to the One Who provides in hopes that they will encourage others. Yes, He prompted human instruments to care for the physical aspects of these, but I know by the specific answers that He is the Ultimate Provider:

1. I needed a new computer program for my home computer. I had used the program at my previous office and now I was without the much-needed program for preparing my resume, cover letters, etc.  The cost was $150.00 to purchase this suite of programs, and an extra $150.00 was nowhere to be found. I prayed on Wednesday morning, telling the Lord I would not ask anyone for money, but that I was trusting Him to supply this as it was truly a necessity. Two hours later I went to the mailbox and found a gift from some dear friends…for $150.00. I praised Him for answering so quickly, and then realized, no, He kept His Word and answered before I asked—they mailed it on Monday!

2. Another very specific need for $100.00 arose. A need, not a want. Same thing as before. Exact amount. Mailed three days before I asked Him to provide.

3. Food has at times become a “luxury item” over the last few months. Yes, I have the necessities, but I will humbly and honestly share that there were a couple of mornings when I opened a can of green beans and carefully divided it into three bowls—one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for supper. Again, I don’t share this as a “poor me” but only to relay to you what God has done, is doing and will continue to do! A couple of weeks ago, I received a gift of frozen meats that the giver had pre-cooked and pre-packed into one-person servings. It was enough to fill an entire large Coleman cooler! As I have had a VERY busy week of editing (another HUGE provision of work from the Lord), I have cried tears of joy with each packet I remove from the freezer and thaw to have for a ready-made healthful lunch or supper! Therefore, there is no more need for a “Freezer for Rent” sign to be hung! Instead, the door of my freezer holds a Post-it note that reads: Jehovah-Jireh (God, my Provider)!

He keeps His Word. That’s the bottom line. In Matthew 6:25-33, He reminds me that I am to put Him first. The rest is up to Him to provide for because He can,  He does and He will!

 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

By Petals from the Basket | September 21, 2012 | Bible Reading, Life Changes |