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| The Blessing of Work |
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24So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (New Living Translation) Today I am coming home from work feeling pretty good. For those of you that don't know what I do, I have one of the most stressful jobs going. I am a mortgage loan officer. One of the hardest things about being in my career is that there are so many demands! Demands on time, demands on expectations, demands from realtors, attorneys, title companies etc...not to mention that I work comission so if that loan doesn't close or if it gets tied up that means I am not getting paid. Talk about stress! This whole month I had not closed a loan and we were into our thrid week of the month! I had plenty of loans I was working but none were moving, customers were getting cranky, I was getting weary and life on the horizon didn't look all that bright. Well anyway, in the last 2 days I had 3 files go to closing and I still have 3 or 4 more for the month that I anticipate on closing. So that is not a bad month at all!
So as I was driving home tonight I felt grateful. The last few weeks, I have been tired, frustrated, and irritable about the whole mess and am ready to tell the customers to take their loan and go somewhere else! Once I get home for an hour or two I can become myself again. But today,
I felt like the Lord moved mountains for me and things got done. Now I am still a little behind, but the good news is that these files that were stalled out like Tropical Storm Fay are moving on and I can now dedicate my time to others. I was driving home grateful to the Lord for a job. There are times I don't like it, but I realize that there are many in my field of work that are starving and being laid off etc...In fact much of our company has down-sized but because God has blessed me as a good producer my job is safe for the time being. I really have much to be thankful for, but it is amazing at how I get grumpy and selfish I become when things don't go my way.
Wise King Solomon was right when it comes to work. It is good to relax eat a good meal and enjoy your work and feel satisfied in what you have accomplished. This is truly a gift from God. With God life is so much better, and I see that it is He that gives me the health, the mind, and the skills to work. He is the one that gives me the customers, and the right underwriters, and the right appraisers etc...to work with so things will come together. Without Christ I can do nothing! But with Him I am more than a conqueror I am an overcommer and I can do all things! So tonight, I want to go on public record and say that I am thankful to God for the blessings of work even if it does wear me out because the satisfaction of a job well done is a feeling like no other and this is a gift from God. |
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| To add a comment to "The Blessing of Work" |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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Todd, love this blog. My job is stressful, particularly this time of year. But thank God and praise him I have a job. And it could certainly be 1000x worse. BTW, I love Ecclesiastes. The first book I ever "taught" to other adults. (Not saying I did it well, just that I stepped WAY out of my comfort zone to present some things I learned.) Star for you bro! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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"nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work" How about that. Not only is work a means to a blessed end, but work is part of the overall blessing! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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My job doesn't pay monetarily......but there are times I am soooooooo stressed, yet I have no clock to say it's time to go home and unwind, lol......today was one of those days for me, our COBRA papers came today and while trying to read through all the legal terminology......mom calls to chat about the news, her friends, what's for supper, how she slept, etc... then she hatefully says "What's wrong with you, are you depressed?".....I explained about trying to get this paperwork done......mom is getting harder to deal with, really getting hateful and childish.....geeee, she's only 85.
So, I guess we're all going through it, LOL |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| Wisdom + Humble Spirit = Blessings; which is why Solomon was so prosperous and why you, Todd are so blessed! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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I don't have a job and worked for over a month not expecting anything but got a vehicle out of the deal. I've been out of work since April of last year so I figure God doesn't want me working. I'm cool with that as long as he meets my needs. Today I tried to go to help at the city Life center and had a flat. On top of that one of the bolts broke as I was trying to take the wheel off. Another one kept turning freely and I was getting frustrated. I managed to cut and drill it off, but then the wheel was stuck and would not come off. I had to go out later with my 28 Oz. framing hammer and bang it off. All that said and done I still am blessed. I can smile about it because I know what I was being kept from. Tomorrow is another day! Keep up the good work Todd! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| Amen, Todd! Work is a blessing! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| Being satisfied on a daily basis is so hard, but what He wants us to do...thanks for the reminder... |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| I work because I have to. LOL |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| His hand of provision is the greatest blessing, although embracing what we are called to spend time doing in order to recieve it, might be our greatest test.I am grateful for moments to steal away into his presence in the midst of the business at hand, and He always meets me there! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| I am retired and LOVE IT! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| Yes Brother Todd having a job is a blessing from God, and I THANK GOD for the job that He has blessed me with...I've worked for the State of Maryland for 14 years now and I LOVE MY JOB.....A lot of people can't say that.....I believe my boss loves the job that I do too, because He always gives me an Outstanding Evaluation. You see when we go to work...we are to work as unto the Lord....When we do that GOD sees fit that we get blessed financially. You see when GOD blesses you with something, He also gives you the strength and ability to do it...He gives us the power to obtain wealth that His covanent may be established in this earth....Oh yes my friend...Work is a blessing. I mean if we don't work..we ain't suppose to eat.....I LOVE TO EAT ..LOL....LOL |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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Mike: So what kind of work do you do? I am thankful for my job too eventhough I would trade it right now for a pastorate. Anyway, I love Ecclesiasties too! Such wisdom and depth!
Juan: You said it so well! Work is a means to an end. We thank God for the blessings that come with hard work. So how do you get to stress first? I used to say, I eat stress and adversity for breakfast, but now i am old and tired! LOL Not really old or tired but not as cocky as I once was! As for being close I can lend in most states including yours. But, that's OK armano there are plenty of loans out there. But if you ever need free advice I am happy to offer that. |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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Mike: Work is not so bad...even though it was part of the curse!
CinderellywhoLouPrincess: Taking care of the homefront is work and anyone that says that you don't work needs to spend a few days in your shoes. Good luck with the Mom remember let patience have it's perfect work :)
Starr: Thank you, we all are blessed in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus!
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| August 21, 2008 |
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Starr: I had a friend that said something that still makes me chuckle: You might get a kick out of it. He would say: "Humility is my finest quality."
Jay: You know I've been where you are. My wife was in a serious car accident and I had to stay home and nurse her. I had to quit work to take care of her and raise 5 kids, could not get public assistance and seemed like financial doom was in store, but God provided it was awesome! He has promised to give us what we need and we need to be like the birds of the air and the lillies of the field. I have also had days like that! Satan wants to steal our joy and our blessings, but I have learned to roll with it the best I can and take it as it comes. Two weeks ago I broke down on the interstate, some guy ripped me off for a tow of $180 went to the mechanic dropped another $100 and something and the car didn't even make it home! Sigh! Ain't nothing but a thing. If the theif be found he is going to have to repay me 7 times! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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| Lara: I have heard that mortgages in Canada are different. I think I would like that change of pace eh? Any way, there are many unscrupulous people in the financial industry, but they are paying for it now I can assure you! Those that don't do it right aren't staying in business. My true calling is to pastor, teach, preach, and evangelize, but I make tents doing this and it is my privilige and honor to bless people in this way. The only problem is: I have a pastor's heart and I give away more than I make! But, I am blessed and never hurt for referrals. God will give you wisdom in your situation Lara, you are going to make it! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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Kathy: Yes work is a blessing and so are you!
Voice: I am so glad you commented. We need to be like Paul don't we? Learning to be content in whatever state we are in!
Mariah: Work is necessary, would love to have a lugar on the playa in Puerto Rico and relax all day! But, one day when we get to heaven it will be worth it all! |
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| August 21, 2008 |
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Birdie how true! Stealing away, helps keep us in the right frame of mind so we can enjoy work instead of letting it burn us out.
Patti: In order to be retired you had to work! So you have paid your dues I am sure! I have heard that people in retirement are busier than when they were working. Is that true for you?
Marjay: I hear ya! You said a mouthful! You ain't supposed to talk or in your case type with a mouthful! LOL Seriously, what you said I echo and shout AMEN! Listen to Margie she has a lot of wisdom. One thing I would like to say, is that as Christians we need to work hard and always do a good job, as we represent Jesus Christ! You can look at me and know I like to eat! For a banker it is an occupational hazard! The phone rings..'"hey, do you want to go to lunch?" LOL |
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| August 22, 2008 |
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Hey Brother Todd I was reading your comments to Prophet Jay as you gave your testimony about your car problems....Well looks like me and you both in the same boat....Remember last month I shared with you how my car had problems and I went from one mechanic to another....3 mechanics in all....spent $260.00 only for the car to still shut off on me....Well this past Tuesday Coolant warning light comes on, in addition to the check engine light...OK....I took it back to the dealer....Spent $447.00 to fix the car cutting off problem...I get up to come to work this morning RED coolant warning light is on again...Mind you they told me something was cracked (smile)..maybe me...anyway I didn't get that done Tuesday....So here I am again without my car sick....Sigh!!!..Like you said...ain't nothing but a thing....My point is this....If GOD hadn't blessed me with work..to be able to give back to Him and others, I wouldn't have had the money to pay those folks what I did.....NOW my friend like yourself... I'm waiting on the thief (and he has been found....(THE DEVIL), to restore back to me seven fold (He wasn't hungry...for food that is) ...LOL...LOL...I NEED MY CAR FIXED!!!!!!
Again...ain't nothing but a thang....GOD has proven Himself to me time and time and time again in this area....So Lord another one of those $1,000 checks would be good about now...LOL...LOL Hmmmmm My Poem I posted yesterday Stand Still And Know may be for me....Let me go back and read that thing (smile)..Love you Brother Todd ;o) Sorry for the length...I get long winded sometimes. |
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| August 22, 2008 |
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| Marjay: Amen! Bless her Lord, and provide for her once again. If you have done it once you can do it again. Your name is Faithful and True. |
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| August 22, 2008 |
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Brother Todd, this is awesome to share your life. it helps everyone feel they aren't alone...
I pray that the Lord blesses you and MarJay and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to be blessed in a big way, in Jesus name.
I Praise God that He is our provider, of everything that we need... and to give us what is needed for His propose. |
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| August 22, 2008 |
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| So... can you find a loan in my state? Say... a.... construction loan? :-) |
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| August 22, 2008 |
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| Bless you..the meek shall inherit the earth! |
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| August 24, 2008 |
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at my job, you don't get paid money......... but i still work very hard every day............though i don't receive money, i do get paid, i am very satisfied and blessed in the job i have, the rewards are beyond anything i can compare......i could be like the world and only give 50%(after all i don't get money)....but i give more, anything i put my hands to i know that God has blessed, so i want to show how grateful i am and i give my all(a lot of times that is more than 100%)...and yes, there are lots of days that it becomes stressful(but i am not complaining).....but i do eat well and am very satisfied and the rewards i reap are great blessings in my life..... my job? i am house wife.......
i just wanted to say that MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING, there is so many jobs, that don't pay with money but are more rewarding and more satisfing..................... |
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| August 24, 2008 |
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For you that may read this later need to know that Jetta is a faithful servant of the Lord. She cooks for the church, for the sick and the famlies in berereavement. She cleans the church for free, comes in early and stays late just to make sure thngs are taken care of. She does all of this without pay! I guarentee that her reward in heaven will be great!
Jetta: I know you work hard around the house and for your family! |
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