tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15329186100615912622024-03-05T18:26:05.409-05:00My Life as a Super Extra Ordinary MomShatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-8443254916246155082020-01-13T09:28:00.001-05:002020-01-13T09:29:04.880-05:00Are Your Time Management Skills Not Allowing You To Be Great? New Habits for the New Year.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"How do I look?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Several months ago, I was on business travel and was using FaceTime to connect with my husband prior to making my way to the first scheduled session. I had just finished applying my last bit of makeup and I knew he was going to tell me how beautiful I looked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I flashed my winning smile and tilted my head, waiting for the anticipated response.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You look LATE!" was his quick reply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My lips pouted for a moment because I felt as if that was not a fair statement. But in all actuality, he was right. I was late, once again. He was often telling me "The time to be ready is not the time to get ready." And, "You get what you prepare for."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had grown accustomed to his attempts of "helping" me with my time management skills but was not putting application to work to orchestrate changed behavior.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fast forward a few weeks later. While the family was sitting at the dining room table, enjoying dinner together, my husband asked each of us to share some highlights of our day. It was our 8 year old's turn and she said,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Well, my day was terrible. I was tardy because of Mommy."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My heart sank and my mouth fell open. That last minute decision to do "one more thing" caused the kids to be a few minutes late to school earlier that morning. I felt horrible! Now keep in mind, that was the FIRST tardy they have had </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as a result of me dropping them off late, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in their entire elementary school careers. Nonetheless, my daughter's disappointment certainly stung! I needed to make a change and fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to Psychology Today, <b style="background-color: white;">Time management</b><span style="background-color: white;"> is the ability to plan and control how someone spends the hours in a day to effectively accomplish their goals. This involves juggling </span><b style="background-color: white;">time</b><span style="background-color: white;"> between the domains of life—work, home, social life, hobbies.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a new decade and I have been working on a few tips to improve my time management skills. If your time management skills are not allowing you to be great, consider these tips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">“If you don't pay appropriate attention to what has your attention, it will take more of your attention than it deserves.” </span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">David Allen, author of Getting Things Done.</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H75St-0wUYg/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for up" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="112" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H75St-0wUYg/maxresdefault.jpg" style="background-color: white; background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(239, 239, 239) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239) 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239)), -webkit-linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(239, 239, 239) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239) 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239)); background-position: 0px 0px, 10px 10px; background-size: 21px 21px; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Eliminate Distractions</b> - "Ooh, squirrel!" The dog in Up, one of my favorite movies, reminds me of how easy it is to get distracted. How often are you working on a task and become distracted by a completely different task, or perhaps an email or a phone call? It is imperative to remain focused when working on a task and to tune out as many distractions as possible. That may mean turning off notifications on all devices or using the "do not disturb" function whenever possible. It may mean closing your office door when you are facing a tight deadline or closing email altogether. Whatever may cause a distraction, disable it to allow yourself to focus.</span><br />
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<a href="https://jixifox.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/times-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for time is up" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="143" src="https://jixifox.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/times-up.jpg" style="background-color: white; background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(239, 239, 239) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239) 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239)), -webkit-linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(239, 239, 239) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239) 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239)); background-position: 0px 0px, 10px 10px; background-size: 21px 21px; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Over-Estimate Time </b>- Under-estimating time can be a trap.<b> "</b>Let me do this one more thing" usually causes a domino effect of delays in other areas. Attempting to squeeze every minute out of the day can be risky. Under-estimating the amount of time it takes to accomplish a task or travel to a destination is a recipe for disaster, especially if you reside in Atlanta and have to face traffic! Additionally, you may have to remind yourself that you are in control of your schedule. Blocking time off on your calendar to handle important or time intensive tasks may be needed to allow ample time to complete these tasks. For example, if you estimate it will take you 15 minutes to respond to new emails, add an additional 10 minutes to guarantee some buffer time. <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); white-space: pre-wrap;"> Adding more time into your schedule to accomplish tasks will enable you to pivot if necessary instead of being crammed for time. It will feel odd at first, but the payoff is great</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0EiNclhNBUNmuhR7jPmfRIJWnQ565o4ys-3YlGDKO9qGC5kxe&s" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Related image" border="0" class="irc_rii" data-iml="1578924429942" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0EiNclhNBUNmuhR7jPmfRIJWnQ565o4ys-3YlGDKO9qGC5kxe&s" style="height: 168px; margin-top: 0px; width: 168px;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>T'was the Night Before</b>...What can be done the night before? Thinking through the following day and reviewing tasks the night before can help eliminate some of the hustle and bustle you may experience at the onset or throughout the day. If there are tasks that can be done the night before to help with a smoother tomorrow then do it! Procrastination is not your friend. Prepping the night before will also allow you to prioritize tasks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Employing these tips will impact your overall productivity and can also reduce time-induced stress. And remember, it's better to be an hour early than a minute late!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-13455746508613606022020-01-08T22:30:00.001-05:002020-01-08T22:30:23.061-05:00Entertaining Angels<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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As the last day of 2019 drew to an end, a recent experience placed me in a self-reflective state.<br />
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While in Iowa to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from Iowa State, I rose early and headed to the hotel lobby to take care of a few business-related tasks.</div>
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I immediately saw my cousin, who had traveled to Iowa as well for the celebration, enjoying a bite to eat and I chose a seat across from her at a table not far from the breakfast area.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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A gentleman at a nearby table turned around to chat with us. He shared he was there for his granddaughter’s graduation and that he was retired. We all continued to chit chat for a few more moments until my cousin politely excused herself from the table to return to her hotel room and prepare for departure.<br />
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Now with my cousin gone, I expected the friendly stranger to return to his cup of coffee at his own table. Nope.<br />
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Much to my chagrin, he continued to chat with me. Remember, I was supposed to be taking care of some work-related tasks. At one point, I got up to get some juice and physically turned my body in the opposite direction so as not to encourage further chatting.<br />
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It didn’t work.<br />
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All of a sudden, he said, “May I share something with you?” as he began rummaging through a small stack of weathered papers that were nestled on his wheeled walker. “This is something someone shared with me once.”<br />
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He began to read...<br />
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A Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.</div>
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0130/8502/products/PENC03_a_2000x.jpg?v=1571438555" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for pencils" border="0" height="200" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0130/8502/products/PENC03_a_2000x.jpg?v=1571438555" width="200" /></a>“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”</div>
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One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand.</div>
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Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.</div>
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Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.</div>
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Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.</div>
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And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.</div>
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The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.</div>
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Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.</div>
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One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.</div>
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Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.</div>
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Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.</div>
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Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.</div>
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And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.</div>
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<b>Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.</b><br />
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With tears running down his cheeks, the friendly stranger looked at me, slowly nodding his head as if in agreement with what he had just read. I offered him a tissue, which he graciously accepted. And then, without words, he gathered his belongings and left the lobby. I never saw him again but his words had a long-lasting effect. Lord, are you trying to speak to me?<br />
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As you reflect on 2019 or even yesterday, what messages have you nearly missed because you were focused elsewhere? Are you pausing to truly enjoy every moment and those who are in your presence?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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This verse comes to mind:</div>
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Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”<br />
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Sometimes, exactly what we need to hear comes in the most unexpected forms.<br />
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Shatanese resides in Atlanta with her husband and their four Littles. Their adult children are off making their marks on the world as an ISU graduate and a Marine.<br />
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Shatanese, owner of Shatanese Reese, LLC, a HR consulting firm, enjoys helping others to find the extraordinary in everyday moments through engaging workshops.<br />
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-84448885543019711072019-01-04T10:35:00.001-05:002019-01-04T10:35:22.481-05:00What's The Sweet Sauce In Virtual Teams?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a member of <a href="https://www.forrestjohnson.com/" target="_blank">Forrest Johnson Recruiting</a>, a 100% virtual team, I understand first-hand the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a team virtually and being an active member of a virtual team. What is the sweet sauce to successful teams? What are the ingredients that make a virtual team effective? Just in time for the new year, I have a special recipe for success for you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqBnq7oGgeo3hsBJtZWdz-0XHKWEeRz2qbWqNUitFLdjsuHHsC48PAgIhwzsslAgcwAJrF1Sx1a6rNSYCzT1aZMdk8Hv6S8Spc8EaTA6YmU2uGtITUN2p7OXJD3m4Ym1FpvzKn8IUtVE/s1600/NylkhLTLRWeTTWfD%2525pVUhQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqBnq7oGgeo3hsBJtZWdz-0XHKWEeRz2qbWqNUitFLdjsuHHsC48PAgIhwzsslAgcwAJrF1Sx1a6rNSYCzT1aZMdk8Hv6S8Spc8EaTA6YmU2uGtITUN2p7OXJD3m4Ym1FpvzKn8IUtVE/s320/NylkhLTLRWeTTWfD%2525pVUhQ.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">For the purpose of this article, a </span><b style="background-color: white;">virtual workplace</b><span style="background-color: white;"> is a </span><a class="extiw" href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Workplace" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255);" title="wikt:Workplace">workplace</a><span style="background-color: white;"> that is not located in any one physical space. It is usually in a network of several workplaces technologically connected (via a private network or the internet</span><span style="background-color: white;">) without regard to geographic boundaries. Employees are thus able to interact in a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_working_environment" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255);" title="Collaborative working environment">Collaborative Working Environment</a><span style="background-color: white;"> regardless of where they are located. A virtual workplace integrates hardware, people, and online processes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">According to <a href="http://www.upwork.com/" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">Upwork</a></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">, the largest freelancing website, remote workforce is on the rise. The organization </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">released the results of its second annual </span><a href="https://www.upwork.com/i/future-workforce/fw/" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Future Workforce Report</span></a><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, which explores hiring behaviors of over 1,000 U.S. managers. The discovery? As companies struggle to fill the skills gap, they are embracing agile, remote teams to get work done. In fact, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of companies today have remote workers and 55% of hiring managers agree that remote work has become more commonplace than compared with three years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://buffer.com/about?utm_source=open&utm_campaign=blog_header" target="_blank">The Buffer Team</a> shared in their <a href="https://open.buffer.com/state-remote-work-2018/" target="_blank">State of Remote Work 2018 Report: What It’s Like to be a Remote Worker in 2018</a> that 90% of remote workers plan on working remotely for the rest of their careers and 94% of those surveyed indicate they would encourage others to work remotely. So, what is needed to prepare for this type of workforce and its demands?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Here is a Recipe for Success:</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_gBCAGtaSJKnR-lQYULTOIRvQE6XzoMYfoRt02Z560ViKvfFgWzyqLedfAy9RZvgKM85J7NkdZdGprPFU6_bEmoIcd3FC0s0DxlGeDGNNs_d3q4Z-b-HgAHpunSk7ojILlN1E2dYwwE/s1600/KVTvWZZORKSjKD%2525%2525K5ddwQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_gBCAGtaSJKnR-lQYULTOIRvQE6XzoMYfoRt02Z560ViKvfFgWzyqLedfAy9RZvgKM85J7NkdZdGprPFU6_bEmoIcd3FC0s0DxlGeDGNNs_d3q4Z-b-HgAHpunSk7ojILlN1E2dYwwE/s200/KVTvWZZORKSjKD%2525%2525K5ddwQ.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj6CSdoToq1MYKUFi1BBXbqPc3Bzt_hqMXKPbFdKKDPgw-Mv-5eKb81-DwedCELruoMjDrLO2LflM_SVDPt28pwIIh5nIczX48SGg0hGBsdER9G-By-5OLg2CaMm1B1nT923TluBE9QI/s1600/kAgnqNgSQMGPQBNJazk3Rw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj6CSdoToq1MYKUFi1BBXbqPc3Bzt_hqMXKPbFdKKDPgw-Mv-5eKb81-DwedCELruoMjDrLO2LflM_SVDPt28pwIIh5nIczX48SGg0hGBsdER9G-By-5OLg2CaMm1B1nT923TluBE9QI/s200/kAgnqNgSQMGPQBNJazk3Rw.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step One: Add one tablespoon of </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Accountability</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. In the book </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QWLLV2/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Traction</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> by Gino Wickman, the author discusses the accountability chart in its "The People Component" chapter. Each member of the team should understand their role and what they are required to do to make the team a success. Holding members accountable facilitates processes and ensures everyone understands what is expected of them. With the Forrest Johnson team, we have been engaged in the process of defining seats and ensuring everyone who holds a particular seat not only has the desire for that role but also the capacity. "People need to be able to take the ball and run with it" (page 99).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiRppxhJHM1ToJ7rSMaXWRKIrAVMS-JyxV4LX1awsp9tP-9NIJqEY-5SP8vix6zM_EmHQy_a43RsK_uKNWnsRL4ot7ZNLBhRUJoW8D8_QO67m97wd8-Py-27IaYARhlR6_yABH07R858/s1600/JBfJafdSQh%252BWrwK1FggXhQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiRppxhJHM1ToJ7rSMaXWRKIrAVMS-JyxV4LX1awsp9tP-9NIJqEY-5SP8vix6zM_EmHQy_a43RsK_uKNWnsRL4ot7ZNLBhRUJoW8D8_QO67m97wd8-Py-27IaYARhlR6_yABH07R858/s200/JBfJafdSQh%252BWrwK1FggXhQ.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5mqdXH8PSqqgnUFIcsrxZayNms2RsXPt1wgeNx6WJvIwBrfx4HRmONcKdRy-dUKNSFVx5LvqXpzo6gC9BaTyzMZmi2FeRXjbhqMMu70l5_8V4NWms2Yrf1UJJCoiOCnVqF7c0sqLuWc/s1600/WoYGvYgFScWM32GhkYz%252B7A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5mqdXH8PSqqgnUFIcsrxZayNms2RsXPt1wgeNx6WJvIwBrfx4HRmONcKdRy-dUKNSFVx5LvqXpzo6gC9BaTyzMZmi2FeRXjbhqMMu70l5_8V4NWms2Yrf1UJJCoiOCnVqF7c0sqLuWc/s200/WoYGvYgFScWM32GhkYz%252B7A.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step Two: Add three dashes of <b>Connectedness</b> and </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">two slices of <b>Opportunities for Fun</b>. In brick and mortar teams, r</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">elationships are typically deepened through conversations that occur near the water cooler, outside team members' cubicles, or in the restroom. With that in mind, it is essential to find times throughout the year where the team can connect in person for quarterly meetings but also regularly as a team for FUN. As a member of the FJ team, I look forward to our quarterly meetings where we strategize and review the previous quarter's efforts. I also look forward to our annual holiday gatherings where we have the opportunity to connect without discussing work. Additionally, during our weekly meetings, we use the Level 10 Meeting agendas, as described in the book Traction, to spend a few minutes sharing about our personal events over the last week before diving into the week's business tasks. All are efforts to foster community.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Hxz-jcuZRRyacAs8rgNz8J5si-tk3jtWfVRJtCW61H2aghH76RI-TYjcuY9R081DJDfHWt_W0n2cPix4sYm8rXnHZlxsD8p8WhJWbibIBLkukuT6Ml5YCABmcBgP9V_btXI7YQa4jc/s1600/wYZLuAUpSxyy9qiv3rdPWQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Hxz-jcuZRRyacAs8rgNz8J5si-tk3jtWfVRJtCW61H2aghH76RI-TYjcuY9R081DJDfHWt_W0n2cPix4sYm8rXnHZlxsD8p8WhJWbibIBLkukuT6Ml5YCABmcBgP9V_btXI7YQa4jc/s200/wYZLuAUpSxyy9qiv3rdPWQ.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step Three: You will need a cup of regular <b>One on One Meetings</b>. Regular one on one meetings serve multiple purposes - the opportunity to check -in, enforce accountability, identify and address any issues as well as discuss steps for future actions. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewmjohnsonii/" target="_blank">Drew </a>and<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinjohnson/" target="_blank"> Erin Johnson </a>do a phenomenal job of checking in weekly with each team member to offer support and implement adjustments as needed. Having a regular check-up allows for ongoing communication and the ability to reinforce expectations, a MUST for remote teams.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCsGxtCKAf6oj2BWYTU8GQrVBo7ZxQ-SUQou0YClpHy4hkIPTYNdCon6oJktu4GjsND4fPrVrHSycPF71S_upsh2xeKEhhk1G05Cw2Ef8flZ7Ue70pgBLNyNy6XjRBcpJmv86ZgIi1To/s1600/glnovZXdQYqiCXzvbgcitg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCsGxtCKAf6oj2BWYTU8GQrVBo7ZxQ-SUQou0YClpHy4hkIPTYNdCon6oJktu4GjsND4fPrVrHSycPF71S_upsh2xeKEhhk1G05Cw2Ef8flZ7Ue70pgBLNyNy6XjRBcpJmv86ZgIi1To/s200/glnovZXdQYqiCXzvbgcitg.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBlOEpYSnNFqR3Hcc40lUMMGOucC2u3-dT0KohZASJZL1bQjXFGqM4MdE8HB1dyii-wXitkrigFFARwvVYJDiY0q0VbF7NWRCes70vHakTbAIMdSESHx91fPHC5NIlSRQ_Nk7EwV39ww/s1600/F2Cj1hVSQW6MQTEs3R6dLQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBlOEpYSnNFqR3Hcc40lUMMGOucC2u3-dT0KohZASJZL1bQjXFGqM4MdE8HB1dyii-wXitkrigFFARwvVYJDiY0q0VbF7NWRCes70vHakTbAIMdSESHx91fPHC5NIlSRQ_Nk7EwV39ww/s200/F2Cj1hVSQW6MQTEs3R6dLQ.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step Four: Apply <b>Vision</b> liberally and work it in! Once everyone on the team embraces a vision it is easier for the team to head in a specific direction. Jim Collins, in his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0066620996?aaxitk=8hmCsmV8ir-X03cFBG1KAw&pd_rd_i=0066620996&pf_rd_p=3ff6092e-8451-438b-8278-7e94064b4d42&hsa_cr_id=7358313170201&sb-ci-n=asinImage&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-na.ssl-images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F913d0uqSoPL.jpg&sb-ci-a=0066620996" target="_blank">Good to Great</a>, discusses the metaphor of "having the right people on the bus" and ensuring the bus is headed in the right direction. Vision offers the ability to provide direction to teams and companies. The success of a remote team is contingent upon the vision and if it is applied liberally and infused in every aspect of the company. As this image above illustrates, vision must be worked in every nook and cranny! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Final Step: Mix until the mixture thickens. Putting all these aforementioned ingredients together requires care and attention. Managers and leaders will need to work diligently to cast the vision, check in regularly and provide instances for remote team members to connect whenever feasible. This effort all takes time, repetition, trial, and error. As with a recipe, tweaks may be needed to fit the needs of your business or team.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The finished product is a well-balanced team, where everyone knows their role and what to do to achieve greatness for all! Do you have the right ingredients for your remote workforce?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">**Special mention to my husband who allowed me to capture his efforts while preparing dinner to help drive home the points shared in this article. His images were WAY better than photo stock images! :-)**</span></div>
Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-72742326311288184462018-12-11T12:01:00.002-05:002018-12-11T12:01:29.265-05:00Puzzle Pieces, A Lesson For Marriages
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<span style="font-size: small;">My Sister in Christ, the beautiful Nakita Williams, facilitated an exercise a few weeks ago during</span><i style="font-size: medium;"> We Honor Marriage</i><span style="font-size: small;"> at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">I am still thinking about the insights gained during our time together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYMStwrp7em3klJ7wDVpeRMScEsdWqD8KwXGySQkjXTc3Kt_kwsbk2dwl449haQDNqKHwc9fhCUzQFtl2IOlgh2__bYONTdIKv0SMNN8A7BVTx5bVKR1T4NKOLVC-iJrJ4L3ULwXQPhY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_16b0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1242" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYMStwrp7em3klJ7wDVpeRMScEsdWqD8KwXGySQkjXTc3Kt_kwsbk2dwl449haQDNqKHwc9fhCUzQFtl2IOlgh2__bYONTdIKv0SMNN8A7BVTx5bVKR1T4NKOLVC-iJrJ4L3ULwXQPhY/s320/fullsizeoutput_16b0.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">She divided the class into four groups and gave each group a puzzle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She told us to work together as a group and assemble the puzzles that were inside each box as quickly as we could.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We only had a few minutes to assemble our puzzles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In our group, we strategically began tackling the sides.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I immediately could tell we did not have all the pieces we needed to complete our puzzle and I said to the group, “We are missing some pieces.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Everyone looked at the image on the box and assessed all of our pieces.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We kept working. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All the while, Nakita was walking around and calling out the remaining time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We could hear at least one group cheering as they were nearing the end of their assembled puzzle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The pressure was on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Not to be outdone, our group continued to put together as many pieces as we could, because we wanted to WIN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Nakita announced Time Was Up!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As I looked at our puzzle I could see we had done our best with what we were given.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A great deal of the puzzle was assembled but there were gaping holes in certain areas and there were a number of pieces discarded off to the side, clearly not belonging to our puzzle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">During the debrief, we learned some of the puzzles were in fact missing pieces while other groups had fully functional puzzles. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">One member of our group shared that even though I had mentioned we did not have all our pieces, she did not want to believe we were missing pieces and was convinced we could still assemble the puzzle.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Key takeaways?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. When you marry, you each may be missing something that will impact your ability to build a solid foundation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2. While tempting as it may be, focusing on other marriages can be distracting, even though they may be celebrating their success.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Everyone’s marriage (puzzle) is different.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The comparison game will get you every time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">3. You and your spouse may have a different perspective on what is missing or what’s needed to build your marriage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The key is to respect each other’s perspectives and to do your best with what you have.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or agree to seek out whatever is needed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">4. We were in a tight circle as we tried to assemble the puzzles.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our hands bumped into each other often and occasionally we nicked one of our teammates with our nails.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>During the debrief we marveled at how easy it was to forgive those minor bumps and nicks from our teammates but when married, it’s sometimes much easier to become offended.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">5. Even when well meaning couples or individuals are offering advice (other puzzle pieces), you have to be mindful as those pieces may not fit or may not be right for your marriage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">6. Sometimes it’s not about winning but instead is about the process and the journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">How are you and your spouse at building your marriage?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is there one person offering direction or are you both attempting to figure out what goes where?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Do you both see the same image/vision for your relationship or is one of you focused on only one portion of the picture? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The new year is right around the corner.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s a great time to take stock in how you are connecting with your spouse and how you are working together to build your puzzle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Shatanese is the owner of Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC, a HR Consultancy that delivers leadership and development training with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Shatanese resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to encourage others to find the extraordinary in every day moments.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Invite Shatanese as your next guest speaker or trainer!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com</b></span></div>
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-1412490378998123182018-11-17T14:45:00.002-05:002018-11-19T05:05:10.679-05:00Performance Management Doesn't Have to Be a Bad WordIt's near the end of the year and many companies have begun their performance management cycle. Unfortunately, this process is still being mismanaged and mishandled by many well-meaning employers, thereby causing employees to view the process in a negative perspective.<br />
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In fact, according to <a href="https://workplacetrends.com/the-global-workforce-leadership-survey/" target="_blank">research released in 2015 by Saba and WorkplaceTrends.com</a>, only half of employers surveyed actually conduct annual reviews at a minimum. Although, according to a <a href="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/technology/pages/performance-management-platforms-trends-.aspx" target="_blank">SHRM March 2018 article by Dave Zielinski, </a>there is hope as employers attempt to improve their performance management processes using technology. Performance management does not have to be seen as a necessary evil. With intentionality, employees and employers can have meaningful dialogues about performance and what adjustments can be made to reach organizational and professional goals.<br />
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<a class="irc_mil i3597" data-noload="" data-ved="2ahUKEwicx8PPzMTeAhXSct8KHUc2DRsQjRx6BAgBEAU" href="https://clearreview.com/what-is-effective-performance-management/" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;focus:irc.rl" rel="noopener" style="background-color: #222222; border: 0px; clear: left; color: #660099; cursor: pointer; float: left; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><img alt="Image result for performance management" class="irc_mi" height="213" src="https://clearreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Performance-Management.jpg" style="background-color: white; background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(239, 239, 239) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239) 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239)), -webkit-linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(239, 239, 239) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239) 75%, rgb(239, 239, 239)); background-position: 0px 0px, 10px 10px; background-size: 21px 21px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65) 0px 5px 35px; margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div>
When you think of performance management what comes to mind? Do you view it as an exciting opportunity to showcase your talents with your supervisor? If you are a manager, do you view it as a wonderful time to highlight your employee's accomplishments? Many are facing this time of year as simply a checkbox. And if there are not merit increases associated with the dialogue, employees are hard pressed to view the benefits of the review.<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "georgia"; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures;"><b>What exactly is Performance Management? </b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Performance Management can be defined as a</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n integrated approach to ensuring that an employee’s performance supports and contributes to the organization’s strategic aims. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whereas Performance Appraisal is defined as setting work standards, assessing performance, and providing feedback to employees to motivate, correct and continue their performance.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nearly 6 decades ago, performance management and appraisals were typically used to identify pay associated with what an employee does. Fast forward to today and you will see companies are attempting to redefine the performance management process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Follow the Cycle</b>. </span> </h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzZBIUYLe0B8UsNEkaZ_y9gjoqpbIu1lfrl4zel31fO_xXLBlMKx3gepHD7YD5hIRe48tvjuIeDa80N6mulCRRbDMiXafjo2aCJ8-OSgpuVw3QYuSxEyHs_ykA_F9qD0h8DdebpW5D-w/s1600/Performance-Management-cycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="411" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzZBIUYLe0B8UsNEkaZ_y9gjoqpbIu1lfrl4zel31fO_xXLBlMKx3gepHD7YD5hIRe48tvjuIeDa80N6mulCRRbDMiXafjo2aCJ8-OSgpuVw3QYuSxEyHs_ykA_F9qD0h8DdebpW5D-w/s320/Performance-Management-cycle.jpg" width="320" /></a>There is a natural cycle associated with performance management. Many models exist and <a href="http://thepeakperformancecenter.com/business/performance-management/performance-management-cycle/" target="_blank">The Peak Performance Center</a> offers an easy to follow model with four stages: <b>Planning, Monitoring, Reviewing, Rewarding</b>. Each portion of the cycle has tasks associated to help the employee succeed.<br />
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<b>Planning</b> - The first stage in the performance management cycle is planning. Goals are established and expectations are discussed. The goals identified should support the strategy of the organization.<br />
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One way to effectively plan for the year ahead is to first understand how your employees are motived.<br />
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Motivation is the psychological quality that leads people to achieve a goal. Employers need to know if their employees are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated. This is key during the planning stage as it will help direct the goals that are established. Keeping <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs" target="_blank">Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of basic needs </a>in mind will help with ensuring employees are being viewed as wholistic beings.<br />
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Intrinsic - because of the interest and enjoyment in the task itself.<br />
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Extrinsic - because of the outcome that will result by doing the task.<br />
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Do you know how your team members are motivated? If not, now is a good time to ask them!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Use <b>SMART G</b>oals to Establish Clear Expectations.</span></h4>
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Once motivation has been understood, SMART goals can help teams clearly define what needs to be done, who needs to be involved to accomplish the goal and identify a specific timeframe for completing the goal. Asking questions such as, "What do you want to accomplish?" "How do you know when you have reached it?" and "Is this a realistic and relevant goal?" will ensure the goals established are focused and meaningful.<br />
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<b>Monitoring - </b>Once an employee's motivation is understood, and goals are established, it is time to shift to the monitoring stage. During this stage, performance is measured and feedback is offered to the employee. Periodic feedback is critical as it allows for corrective action prior to a significant amount of time passing. Effective communication is essential at this stage. Correcting, and encouraging behaviors are needed to reinforce previously established expectations.<br />
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<b>Reviewing - </b>During the reviewing stage, managers have the opportunity to assess efforts employees have made towards their goals. This is when the appraisal occurs. The appraisal should not be a surprise. Employees should receive a copy prior to the scheduled meeting, a conversation about their performance should occur, and any corrective steps should be outlined. Feedback should be specific and focus on the behavior and not the employee. What should they STOP, START and CONTINUE should be discussed at this stage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvH0x6tnZiE29m9DaTx0uAb_dXI1ZkjFM_8ASPLktbBwRQLHDJwfaUS86tm1MFC_CcreN2DTHiqq7pKTgb2O_whyphenhyphenvpwmckjJr6pneOTWCF2ODpMtycAGAmn8VK-mLRvoY-rSwu4BXWOA/s1600/rewards.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="330" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvH0x6tnZiE29m9DaTx0uAb_dXI1ZkjFM_8ASPLktbBwRQLHDJwfaUS86tm1MFC_CcreN2DTHiqq7pKTgb2O_whyphenhyphenvpwmckjJr6pneOTWCF2ODpMtycAGAmn8VK-mLRvoY-rSwu4BXWOA/s320/rewards.jpeg" width="320" /></a><b>Rewarding</b> - Acknowledging and confirming desired behavior is important and occurs during the rewarding stage. Being creative in lean times is essential, especially for those employees who are extrinsically motivated. There are a number of great ideas out there. Check out this list of <a href="https://www.snacknation.com/blog/ways-to-reward-employees/" target="_blank">121 Creative Ways to Reward Employees by SnackNation.</a><br />
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By following this cycle, employers and employees are well on their way to engaging in meaningful conversations about what is working, what's not and what needs to be done to make changes. Performance management does not have to be a bad word or a checkbox or a necessary evil. It can be an opportunity for growth.<br />
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</style>Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-53421604497071284802018-03-11T10:49:00.001-04:002018-05-20T22:19:43.935-04:00Virtual Interviews-The Wave of the Future<h2>
Virtual interviews are becoming more commonplace in the recruiting process. Are you prepared?</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgfK5meFaoSUgP05RPz3gH6xc-LsmBFzqKnbx3C7lFNEkc1EiDh9gMkRP5APCXi2O6KPfbxw04u_RsagkHJ4i41aJJk-Kyw5ul-TlaLhNtzxtRjO6pKV3XcyY3Ka820bhtIia2y4Nv8s/s1600/IMG_5408.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgfK5meFaoSUgP05RPz3gH6xc-LsmBFzqKnbx3C7lFNEkc1EiDh9gMkRP5APCXi2O6KPfbxw04u_RsagkHJ4i41aJJk-Kyw5ul-TlaLhNtzxtRjO6pKV3XcyY3Ka820bhtIia2y4Nv8s/s320/IMG_5408.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">As a Senior Recruiter with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.forrestjohnson.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Forrest Johnson Recruiting</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.749019607843137);"> </span>I </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">am currently using virtual interviews for my initial </span><span style="background-color: white;">phone screens of candidates.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: source serif pro, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif;">The individual you see in the photo happens to be my </span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif;">daughter and it illustrates the wave of the future in </span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif;">recruiting-virtual interviews.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.75); font-family: "source serif pro", serif;">Virtual interviews are a great way for recruiters to ascertain the candidate's poise, ability to use technology and ease in responding concisely to questions. You might be surprised by the number of people who are ill-prepared for their virtual interview.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Virtual interviews can be in the form of either pre-recorded videos or live interviews. During pre-recorded virtual interviews, a candidate must respond in a certain time-frame to pre-recorded questions. During live interviews a candidate is speaking directly with an interviewer, simply virtually. In either case, it is easy to become nervous and not perform at your best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below are a few tips to keep in mind if you find yourself facing an upcoming virtual interview.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Attire:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Unless otherwise specified, attire for a virtual interview should mirror the attire you would wear for an in-person interview, ie. business casual to business attire. If you are not certain, you can always ask the person who is scheduling the interview about their recommendation for attire. Your hair should also be presentable for the interview, i.e. not wearing a baseball cap or other item that would obstruct your vision. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Location, Location, Location:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Be certain you are in a space with no distractions. There should not be a television playing in the background, nor anyone walking back and forth behind you, or people knocking on a door attempting to get your attention. There should be no interruptions or distractions. If possible, select a room in your home or office (Not in a bathroom stall. Yes that actually happened!) where the environment can be controlled. Taking the interview in your car is ok, but not preferable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You also want to be aware of the backdrop behind you. Pictures, books, quotes and other items on the wall or bookshelf, all say something about you. Be certain they are telling the story you want to share at this stage in the process.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 3.2rem; margin-bottom: 3.2rem; margin-top: 3.2rem; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Device Positioning:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If at all possible, have the device you plan to use in a stationary position, not in your hand. You run the risk of the device shaking throughout the interview if you are nervous or it slipping from your grip, leaving the interviewer to look at the ceiling, or the side of your face, or worse, up your nose. A stable position for your device will minimize the chance of any embarrassing situations that could occur.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prior Preparation</span>: Do not have your resume near you for you to read directly from it during the interview. You should be able to concisely convey the most recent 5-10 years of your experience. Prior to the interview, practice reciting your experience or offering an overview of your experience to anyone who is willing to listen. Ask them to assess how well you articulate your background and make adjustments as needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For pre-recorded questions, take a deep breath and do your best to respond in the time-frame offered. It is strongly encouraged that you use the practice feature if offered, to have a sense of how the question should flow within the designated time-frame. Practicing only helps hone your ability to share your thoughts in a concise manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Application Choice</span>: I have used FaceTime, Skype and Google Hangouts for my phone screens. I have had the best success with FaceTime, and Google Hangouts as there are fewer delays that occur with these two applications. GotoMeeting, Zoom and join.me are also applications that are being used frequently. Using these platforms allows the interviewer the ability to type comments during the interview. If you are not familiar with the application that is selected, please download it and test it a few days<em style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>before<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></em>the interview to ensure you are comfortable with how to interact with the application.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 3.2rem; margin-bottom: 3.2rem; margin-top: 3.2rem; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Technology Glitches</span>: Be prepared for technology glitches. Whether the call drops due to connectivity issues or the audio/video clarity wavers, glitches are bound to occur. Attempt to cover all aspects of what you wanted to share in the time remaining once you have recovered from the glitch. If too much time elapses in-between recovery time, you can certainly request a time to reschedule the interview.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Username: </span>If the chosen application requires an user name, it is recommended that you use some variation of your name such as sreese or sreese2018HR for example. While "dropemlikeitshot1999" may be really cool, it is distracting to the interviewer when they are attempting to locate you within the application. Use every opportunity to make a good impression.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Notifications: </span>Turn off your notifications and use the "Do Not Disturb" feature on your device or computer 30 minutes before and during your interview. There is nothing more distracting than text messages and / or FaceBook or email notifications floating across your screen as you are attempting to describe your best professional assets. Another distraction can be in the form of the notification sounds. The “ding” could be so loud it would drown out what you are attempting to share. Using the "Do Not Disturb" feature should address this concern.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 3.2rem; margin-bottom: 3.2rem; margin-top: 3.2rem; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion</span>: It is recommended that you have a few prepared questions to indicate your interest in the role and highlight your effort to conduct some research on the company / role. Reiterate your interest and be certain to inquire about next steps in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though it is a virtual interview, it is suggested that you still send a follow-up email or a thank you note. A thank you goes a long way and definitely sets you apart.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PYZYEfgLRMwBFAoCFxVwSB97hFHSqAyudkC5ZVsjrTkzFHqX6Mxg5bYZnKVPZyi90UokjbQjGBI6VkiAYOJKrK_-aeAARkykGo9JXYpE7r4VEFlc-yvbVlMAPV1UUt8wsZs4VCR3SYM/s1600/IMG_5414.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PYZYEfgLRMwBFAoCFxVwSB97hFHSqAyudkC5ZVsjrTkzFHqX6Mxg5bYZnKVPZyi90UokjbQjGBI6VkiAYOJKrK_-aeAARkykGo9JXYpE7r4VEFlc-yvbVlMAPV1UUt8wsZs4VCR3SYM/s320/IMG_5414.PNG" width="180" /> <span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.75); font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 700;">Most important-be yourself and have fun!</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Shatanese is the owner of Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC, a HR Consultancy that delivers leadership and development training with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Shatanese resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to encourage others to find the extraordinary in every day moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Invite Shatanese as your next guest speaker or trainer!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow Shatanese on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.</span></div>
Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-37420456488708503182017-11-28T17:08:00.002-05:002017-11-28T17:08:32.055-05:00Taking The Leap of Faith-Tips From A New Small Business Owner<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDxVQtF4fbZOMqngaFwIGcNqqOxTPPzLLs2HYU80NAWi24nwQyqak-xQEjNT_ZiScHaF6rkMuKlvDhyphenhyphenr2Edn9jSTPuu06rAUvwu26e9arN7e5kbrQJoZDdJWbqxMFl3uAwobntSTuoWM/s1600/IMG_5451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDxVQtF4fbZOMqngaFwIGcNqqOxTPPzLLs2HYU80NAWi24nwQyqak-xQEjNT_ZiScHaF6rkMuKlvDhyphenhyphenr2Edn9jSTPuu06rAUvwu26e9arN7e5kbrQJoZDdJWbqxMFl3uAwobntSTuoWM/s320/IMG_5451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son, Joshua, illustrating taking a leap of faith.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been a small business owner since September 1, 2017 and the experience has been similar to a roller coaster at an amusement park-full of ups, sharp curves, downs and thumps. Sounds fun, right?? Like with riding roller coasters, you have to have a "stomach" to launch out on your own. I am sharing my experience in the hopes of encouraging others who may be on the verge of taking that first step or leap of faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <b>Dream, catch the dream and take the step-</b> I am a firm believer of pursuing one's dreams. My pastor once challenged us to think about a cemetery in terms of all the unwritten books, businesses never launched, screenplays never created and other dreams that never came to fruition. Do not let life pass you by while you sit on your dream. Take the first step!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b>Set Goals-</b>As a first time business owner, it was clear to me immediately that I needed to have clearly defined goals to ensure I was on track for success. The SMART process is one that I employ to help me identify what needs to happen and when. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The acronym </span><b style="color: #222222;">SMART </b><span style="color: #222222;">was originally attributed to Dr. George Doran, and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> has taken on several slightly different variations. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">S</span> - specific, significant, stretching</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">M</span> - measurable, meaningful, motivational</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">A</span> - agreed upon, attainable, achievable, acceptable, action-oriented</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">R</span> - realistic, relevant, reasonable, rewarding, results-oriented</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">T</span> - time-based, time-bound, timely, tangible, trackable</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <b>Establish and maintain a schedule-</b>Now that I am not reporting for work at a designated time, I realized I needed discipline to establish and maintain some semblance of a schedule. Since my business is home-based, it is very easy to get side-tracked and find myself, after a period of time, lost in household tasks or simply </span>procrastinating. A schedule is key!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <b>Establish an organization method</b> to track leads, next steps and goals. A dry erase board, any form of electronic method such as Evernote or Apple Notes, or a good-old fashioned spreadsheet are methods to consider. Essentially, if you do not have a method to track your progress, you will instead feel like a hamster in an exercise wheel, going in circles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <b>Have accountability partners-</b>Not only do I have my husband's support, but I also have a prayer partner who prays with me daily for my business needs and aspirations. Additionally, I have another individual who offers coaching as it pertains to my business. Remember to factor in the coaching suggestions you receive and to keep up with the "homework."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Plan a Launch Party</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">-My husband and I hosted a launch party to announce our new business. Our </span>goals<span style="font-family: inherit;"> were to celebrate a new chapter in our lives with the start of the business, </span>explain<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the purpose of the business to friends and family and to offer networking opportunities to all who were in </span>attendance<span style="font-family: inherit;">. We met our goals! To view our launch, visit: </span><a href="https://youtu.be/DUxu5Blizr8" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Super Extra Ordinary Mom Launch Party</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Network, network, network-</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't miss an opportunity to network with anyone you meet. Even if they cannot use your product or service, they may know someone who can. When filing for my business license, I missed the opportunity to meet the city's Mayor. He was escorting</span> a guest to the lobby when our eyes met. He nodded his head towards my direction as a greeting and I waved back awkwardly, with my back glued to my chair. As I watched him disappear down the hallway to his office, I kicked myself mentally for a missed opportunity. It never hurts to m<span style="font-family: inherit;">ake your requests known to whomever you meet. You just never know where that may lead you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Pray-</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">For me, prayer is important in all aspects of my life, especially in my professional life. I have been praying for open and closed doors-"Lord, if this opportunity is not in your will, then shut it down!" The challenge, I discovered, is to be prepared for when those </span>doors<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are closed. Closed doors may sting the self-esteem a bit and the tendency is to focus on that door and why it is closed. I learned that I had to shift my focus from "Why not?" to "What's next?" It is also important to take time out during the day for spiritual renewal, whatever that may mean to you. I </span>usually<span style="font-family: inherit;"> start my day with spiritual renewal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Brainstorm future ideas-</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I learned very quickly that it is important to stay two to three steps ahead in my </span>planning<span style="font-family: inherit;">. For example, my goal is to have content available for my social media outlets on a weekly basis. I have to think 2-3 weeks ahead and also be nimble in the event </span>something<span style="font-family: inherit;"> happens in the world that may require my attention. I also asked </span>myself<span style="font-family: inherit;">, "W</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ould I hire me?" and "Would I fire me?" to think of ways to enhance my offerings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. <b>Make time for exercise-</b>Managing your own business can produce a great deal of stress. Exercising will help combat the stress. I attempt to build in walks throughout my day to give myself a break and to minimize the amount of stress I encounter. Joining a virtual exercise group such as on Fibit or MapMy Run can also </span>help hold you accountable to daily exercise goals. #behealthy<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Don't focus on what's not coming your way-</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Similar to dealing with closed doors, focusing on the contract that is not being approved fast enough or that one key relationship that you think will skyrocket your business will not be helpful and will produce negative energy. It will be important to channel your energy on things that <i>are </i>happening and any wins, big or small, that you experience in your business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. <b>Every moment matters-</b>As a small business owner, you have to be ever-mindful of how you spend your time. By asking the question, "Will this put money in my pocket?," can help you to determine if the task you are entertaining is worth your time. I recently heard a speaker state that unless the activity you are doing on Facebook is making you money then it is "Wastebook". I am not </span>suggesting that you are to <i>never</i> spend time on social media or t.v. or any other activity where you are simply zoning out. I challenge you, however, to be strategic with your time and make certain each moment counts.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">13.</span><b style="font-family: inherit;"> Fight discouragement during the waiting game</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">-It can be downright frustrating to wait for responses to your proposals or requests for networking as well as receiving rejections during that process. Counter</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> discouragement by keeping your goals at the forefront of your mind and relying on your accountability partners and support system for encouragement. You will need encouragement regularly so definitely </span>make certain you have the right people in your corner. In terms of rejection, awhile ago my colleague <a href="http://www.execuprep.com/" target="_blank">Dethra U. Giles</a> created a FB group called "The Rejection Project." Our task was to ask for things throughout our day where we would typically expect to receive a NO in response. The experience was liberating as I read others' stories and shared my own experiences of receiving a YES when I expected a NO. Each no gets you closer to a YES.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. <b>Watch simmering pots-</b>I am not a cook nor a chef but as a new business owner, I have become adept at watching simmering pots which is a phrase my coach, <a href="http://monicamotivates.com/" target="_blank">Monica McCoy</a>, likes to use. You will have a business deal percolating over here, and one over there and one in the works over there-all simmering pots that you are waiting to boil over into successful closed deals. Watch and wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Don't entertain negative energy-</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I had an unfortunate </span>experience<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of being blocked by an </span>individual<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I had just met on LinkedIn. I </span>won't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> bore you with the gory details but I found myself brooding over the incident attempting to identify what went </span>wrong. Then I realized I was putting forth way too much effort on a situation that may have been a blessing in disguise. It is important to recognize energy drainers and to remove yourself from that energy immediately. It is a waste of your now very precious time and not where your efforts should be.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">16. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Circumstances can make you lose focus-</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Depending on your personal situation, your </span>business<span style="font-family: inherit;"> may be your <u>only</u> or <u>main</u> source of income and the contract procurement process can make you lose your mind. I will certainly admit that there have been times where I second-guessed my decision to launch out and wondered if I would fail miserably. It is at those times that I recognized the negative thoughts going through my mind, STOPPED the thoughts, and changed my focus. As my mentor <a href="http://www.careerspa.net/" target="_blank">Tom Darrow</a> stated during the night of our launch </span>party, that if we fail, we will fail forward. #focus<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">17. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Create your own water cooler environment </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">or holiday gathering-After years of being in the office, it is very different to now only have my family members around me for the majority of my day. Admittedly, I had grown accustomed to the </span>occasional<span style="font-family: inherit;"> conversation that would occur near the water cooler at work or even the holiday party where everyone brought in a covered dish. I discovered that working at places such as the library, Starbucks or McDonald's offered the limited social exposure I sought. If your business is a home-based business, it is good to get out among the living every now and then. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">18. <b>Marketing plan</b>- I have been fortunate to participate in a business class that is offered through my church. The <a href="http://www.nhbbi.org/" target="_blank">Bronner Business Institute (BBI)</a> has helped me tremendously with identifying and creating a marketing plan, understanding my customers and positioning myself for success in the market as well as a host of other business-related skills. If you have been fortunate to take business classes throughout your career, awesome! If not, I highly recommend getting connected to a business class to further support your efforts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">19. <b>Don't wait for others to create opportunities for you-</b>Waiting for return phone calls and emails can be daunting. While waiting, think of ways to create your own opportunities for business, whether that means hosting a webinar, offering your product in a unique way to a target audience or collaborating with another colleague in your field/industry to further your business. You will be amazed at how creative you can become. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">20. <b>Make the decision, focus, enjoy the journey-</b>Enjoy the natural excitement that comes with owning your own business. There is no other feeling like it in terms of the freedom it brings even if it is like riding a roller coaster. #scarybutfun</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2AlbFtqckAuMfn9mJRWo1Y3wxzb21m8rELvsRihprEp2NbpAcUBt5ceGGPmORZiRNnYkoX-h9bPPmcQGAJ-tRdirC0rvlBAXraqlougoRSi5HFhe-WbDVmIfsZjAb-S6gY1xTRtchs4/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2AlbFtqckAuMfn9mJRWo1Y3wxzb21m8rELvsRihprEp2NbpAcUBt5ceGGPmORZiRNnYkoX-h9bPPmcQGAJ-tRdirC0rvlBAXraqlougoRSi5HFhe-WbDVmIfsZjAb-S6gY1xTRtchs4/s320/IMG_3962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shatanese is the owner of Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC, a HR Consultancy that delivers leadership and development training with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shatanese resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to encourage others to find the extraordinary in every day moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Invite Shatanese as your next guest speaker or trainer!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com</b></span></div>
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-57941667950128122222017-11-17T15:10:00.002-05:002017-11-17T15:34:27.062-05:00Exercising Their Minds During The Holiday Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0hQxFQalLZ5QSyzs1ygr3DDCXmcvyJWCBHfkDrGcgbbat5mOnPvtuYdTaCbqOzx8CK8dpkr43T07_Za4R7dzhqw-EynPsrLOqr5KN0d3aqIR73Y4evr06Vr1OGHQnuCSbMpwX0HWJpE/s1600/happy-holidays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="632" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0hQxFQalLZ5QSyzs1ygr3DDCXmcvyJWCBHfkDrGcgbbat5mOnPvtuYdTaCbqOzx8CK8dpkr43T07_Za4R7dzhqw-EynPsrLOqr5KN0d3aqIR73Y4evr06Vr1OGHQnuCSbMpwX0HWJpE/s320/happy-holidays.jpg" width="320" /></a>The holiday season is upon us and school bells will be ringing a final time as students race home to begin their holiday breaks. Research has shown that children's retention is impacted during school breaks. Why not incorporate fun activities that can involve the entire family to keep those skills sharpened during each break? The alphabet game and a pile of leaves can do wonders! Check out these suggestions...<br />
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<b>The Alphabet Game</b>-As your family makes its way to various <br />
locations during the holidays, encourage everyone in your vehicle to participate in the alphabet game. This happens to be one my family's favorite past-times when we travel.<br />
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<b>How to play:</b> Each participant attempts to find road signs that begin with every letter of the alphabet. Any sign is fair game-restaurant signs, interstate signs, advertisements, etc. You can even decide as a group to use words found on other vehicles, especially semi-trucks, which are oftentimes rich with muli-word text. Keep in mind you may struggle with various letters within the alphabet such as Q, X, Y and Z. The group can decide to be creative with how words will be identified for those letters.<br />
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<b>Holiday Dinner Math-</b>When you finally arrive at your destination, you can stir up the kids' math skills by discussing the number of guests and various items on the menu.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hPVm7oBkzQEkTk9sCmJBI7zG2kMCNDzSbL9m_GwvvbZsxET5xE0UFg7AUNmYDMl33gGE5Q1X85ImI73RG7nUi1W0VJN_6ifWYRU3JqIxRDk8DrRg5es4tEji9yqb2YEo_0ivk0xLDqo/s1600/o12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hPVm7oBkzQEkTk9sCmJBI7zG2kMCNDzSbL9m_GwvvbZsxET5xE0UFg7AUNmYDMl33gGE5Q1X85ImI73RG7nUi1W0VJN_6ifWYRU3JqIxRDk8DrRg5es4tEji9yqb2YEo_0ivk0xLDqo/s320/o12-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>How to play: </b>As you are waiting for dinner to be served or as you are preparing your plates, ask the kids to think about how many of the guests will enjoy each of the side dishes. For example, they can count the guests and the side dishes and offer a guesstimate of which side dish will have the most eaters or a timeframe of how soon it will be consumed as a result of the number of guests who enjoy it. You can also ask them to determine how many slices can be cut from a pie, a cake or even the ham or the turkey. One other activity could be to ponder the number of fluid ounces of gravy or egg nog which are being consumed by guests. Of course, if niblets have been added to the gravy, a discussion regarding the amount of space each niblet takes in the gravy could occur as well. Lastly, you and the children can discuss the colors they see among the delicious spread of food and how each dish complements each other as a colorful palate.<br />
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<b>Pile of Leaves-</b>Once the meal has been eaten, friends and family may be looking for a way to work off some of those calories. Take the family outside and engage in a Pile of Leaves game!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ycev2hRsjj59YXYyip4L4sxO0seHnMdfQNAuqtzGI2Q0jjFkmNsG2CMh3h3yEQts6LiNmQ4bovFBoCEqiNk2SyyJv3QmdNO7ac5bt_ugbn3KC6hTlP1vloB0A4Hlli619kKJJsGfaK8/s1600/iStock_000022343186_Medium-e1445020358982-797x385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="797" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ycev2hRsjj59YXYyip4L4sxO0seHnMdfQNAuqtzGI2Q0jjFkmNsG2CMh3h3yEQts6LiNmQ4bovFBoCEqiNk2SyyJv3QmdNO7ac5bt_ugbn3KC6hTlP1vloB0A4Hlli619kKJJsGfaK8/s320/iStock_000022343186_Medium-e1445020358982-797x385.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>How to play: </b>Encourage the kids to rake the leaves into four equal piles. They can then guesstimate how many leaves are in each pile. Ask the kids to determine the fraction of leaves that are each color, i.e. brown, orange, yellow, etc. You can also discuss velocity and projection as you ask the kids to determine how far the leaves will fly if they run at various speeds through the leaves or jumping into the leaves. Of course, at the end of these games, the best fun is to have all of the leaves in a huge pile and invite all friends and family to take a quick plunge. We love this part!! :-)<br />
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<b>Count The Blessings: </b>Counting blessings during the holidays can serve as a reminder of challenges the family has overcome throughout the year and the opportunity to experience life as a team. The children can add up the number of blessings shared and marvel at the goodness the family has experienced. <br />
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These quick and fun games are a great way to keep everyone entertained while maintaining skills obtained during the school year.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking for more creative ideas to use </span>during<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the breaks? Watch your pumpkins scramble to decode these yummy words! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For more fun with<a href="https://www.education.com/worksheets/ela/" target="_blank"> </a></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.education.com/worksheets/ela/" target="_blank">spelling</a> go to </span><a href="https://www.education.com/" target="_blank">Education.com</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Answer Key: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shatanese is a the owner of Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC, a HR Consultancy that delivers leadership and development training with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. <br /><br />Shatanese resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to encourage others to find the extraordinary in every day moments.</span></div>
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-72010083454311161242017-11-03T12:53:00.000-04:002017-11-03T12:53:33.453-04:00Career Tips from a New Marine, My Son<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_N05612r5akmKuTH2t4Roms80ivRX8Lt7lr8pXP93oAydGfiHmewLc1mUhk2nDrJnvYfq1B1Oe-dmWqXgc0f00JqOL8nyqVagVeNW7rHuTFt5yV6IBtmSP7JtrlGN5BG25T0zGEjyRs/s1600/IMG_4918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_N05612r5akmKuTH2t4Roms80ivRX8Lt7lr8pXP93oAydGfiHmewLc1mUhk2nDrJnvYfq1B1Oe-dmWqXgc0f00JqOL8nyqVagVeNW7rHuTFt5yV6IBtmSP7JtrlGN5BG25T0zGEjyRs/s320/IMG_4918.JPG" width="240" /></a>My son, Azaan, recently graduated from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) bootcamp, one of the most traumatic transformations of his life. I asked him about his experience and was delighted to hear some of the tips he learned while on Parris Island. These tips can be applied to all aspects of life, especially our work lives.<br />
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<b>1. Always give 100%.</b> <br />
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Azaan was required to give his all at all times throughout the grueling 13 week transformation. While most of our work environments are not like the US Marine Corps bootcamp, I am certain there are days when we all feel like giving up and quitting. At those moments, attempt to assess what is causing the duress. Once that assessment is made, you have the opportunity to determine if you can change the situation or if it is outside of your control. My son only had control of his attitude during bootcamp and in many cases, our attitude is exactly what we may need to change to allow ourselves to give 100%.</div>
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<b>2. It's never just about you. </b><br />
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As a recruit, Azaan had to learn how to work with each individual in his platoon. He learned very quickly that what he was experiencing was not about him and that he had to factor in others with each decision and action he took. He also had to look out for anyone who was struggling. "No man left behind" was the motto he embraced during bootcamp and still carries in his heart. <br />
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In our work environments, it usually is not just about us. Of course, there are those moments when we are receiving accolades for a job well-done but most of the time, we are to have an outward focus. What do our customers want? What are the expectations of our shareholders? What goals are being attempted by senior leadership? Those questions should influence our actions and approaches to problems. The moment we lose sight of this perspective is the moment we jeopardize the overall effectiveness of our companies.<br />
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<b>3. Don't be stupid. </b><br />
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Simple, somewhat crass and yet powerful. Azaan shared that he had to be mindful of every action and decision he made during basic training and his drill instructor reminded them regularly (and loudly) "Don't be stupid." One false move could have caused his entire platoon to experience an afternoon of extra PT (physical training). As such, he was careful to be deliberate and intentional with his interactions. There was at least one instance when my son was caught sleeping during instruction. He said he wanted to instantly disappear and did his best to recover from the embarrassment of waking up to find his classmates and drill instructor staring at him. <br />
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At work, we too should be careful not to be "stupid." Whether that means not responding to an email while we are angry or not intentionally ignoring a company policy, being mindful of our behavior is critical to our professional success. </div>
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<b>4. Pay yourself first.</b><br />
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When the recruits finally became Marines and were given Liberty, personal time, they were instructed to pay themselves first. Not necessarily monetarily, but with time for family and vacation time. I thought this was a novel idea because too often we find ourselves at work but not at 100% in terms of our mental health. We will put our companies, our families and our stresses front and center before we decide to take care of ourselves. Mental health is key and sometimes it is ok to simply take a mental health day. The benefits far outweigh any reason not to do so.</div>
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<b>5. Seek self-improvement</b>. <br />
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Self-improvement is now a way of life for my son. He is regularly seeking ways to improve his time for the last mile he ran, or the number of pull-ups he can complete in a designated timeframe. A little bit better is on the other side of initiating self-improvement. <br />
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Our approach to our careers should be similar. I understand that not everyone has the desire to be the "super employee" at their place of employment. I am encouraging everyone, however, to be aware of ways to self-improve. Even the slightest positive change can go a long way.<br />
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<b>6. Push yourself especially when you feel like you can't. </b><br />
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My son shared numerous instances where he believed his body had been pushed to limits he never thought possible. He described grueling marches which consisted of several miles in extremely warm weather. He highlighted the difficulty of dragging another platoon mate who was asked to "play dead" and how he thought he was crawling in the sand forever with the extra weight while the entire time thinking of going home. <br />
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There will inevitably be days at work where we want to pack up our items and go home. Or months when we feel as if we are not making the progress we desire in our careers. Or like my son, where we feel as if we are carrying colleagues who are like dead weight. Don't give up. Keep pushing yourself, especially when you feel like you can't.<br />
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I hope these tips offered by my new Marine not only encourage you to be your best at work, but also encourage you to be always faithful to your goals and dreams. #semperfi<br />
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Shatanese is a the owner of Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC, a HR Consultancy that delivers leadership and development training with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. <br />
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Shatanese resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to encourage others to find the extraordinary in every day moments.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Invite Shatanese as your next guest speaker or trainer!</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com</b></div>
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Follow Shatanese on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.</div>
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-50011806227084313822017-10-30T10:59:00.001-04:002017-10-30T10:59:34.815-04:00The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Creating Memories<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of us have heard the childhood lullaby "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." In fact, it sounds a little something like this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8buVaQfhEIRI-Bnm8xscf4_OpaK5bIB8BlB-9_Q_LMOgLiDGs_5dDwvVEVnoZnyWKXHpZ8PmFgwJT7nSG600qVgtqcs_vh27sD4F2vwtZ9RJIQdyxDVKXLgpULrg09_EPSdlNRpmS5NA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2e7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8buVaQfhEIRI-Bnm8xscf4_OpaK5bIB8BlB-9_Q_LMOgLiDGs_5dDwvVEVnoZnyWKXHpZ8PmFgwJT7nSG600qVgtqcs_vh27sD4F2vwtZ9RJIQdyxDVKXLgpULrg09_EPSdlNRpmS5NA/s320/fullsizeoutput_2e7.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The itsy-bitsy spider</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Climbed up the water spout</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Down came the rain</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">And washed the spider out</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Out came the sun</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">And dried up all the rain</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">And the itsy-bitsy spider</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Climbed up the spout again</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I've often wondered why the </span><span style="color: #333333;">itsy bits </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">spider climbed up the spout again, but that is for a different blog on a different day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Recently, the kids and I visited our local library and we were excited to find arts and crafts were underway. Representatives from </span><a href="http://artivityzone.com/">Artivityzone.com</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"> were on hand to assist the children with a cute activity which turned egg cartons </span><span style="color: #333333;">and</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> pipe cleaners into itsy </span>bitsy<span style="font-family: inherit;"> spiders. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I watched my little ones complete the guided tasks, I was struck by the importance of arts and crafts. Not only were the children enhancing their creative abilities but they were also building memories. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I personally happen to LOVE arts and crafts. I think pouring oneself into an activity that produces a beautiful piece of art as an end result is peace in itself. So it is </span><span style="color: #333333;">only natural for me to engage our children (and any who visit our home) in some type of arts and crafts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">The most recent craft created in our home was a vision book, where the kids cut out images from magazines to highlight items they would like to have sometime in the future. They selected images of homes, vehicles, types of food as well as activities such as playing professional sports. They were encouraged to share the contents of their books with each other and we displayed them proudly in our home for several weeks for visitors to view. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">They also made flowers to welcome their older sister home from college. Tissue paper was carefully selected, folded and scented to give the appearance of a bouquet. The vision books and flowers, like the itsy bitsy spiders they recently created, will contribute to loving childhood memories.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wikipedia describes memory as, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">"Among its other roles, </span><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">memory </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">functions to guide present behaviour and to predict future outcomes. </span><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Memory</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> in </span><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">childhood</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the </span><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">memories</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> formed and retrieved in late adolescence and the adult years."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">I want to impact the memories upon which my children will draw in as many positive ways as possible. Research shows that positive memories are directly linked to positive emotions and positive thinking. An article appearing in the Harvard Health Publishing states "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">There is power in positive thinking. Positive emotions are linked with better health, longer life, and greater well-being."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How awesome is it that creating itsy </span>bits<span style="font-family: inherit;"> spiders will lead to a memory which will foster a greater well-being for my children! With the amount of negativity that is prevalent in our world today, as parents we must be intentional about exposing our children to positive experiences and people, even if it is as simple as taking a </span></span><span style="color: #444444;">trip to the library. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ask yourself, when was the last time you created something that allowed you to push pause on the busy demands of life? When was the last time you created a positive memory? Make it a point to take </span>advantage of your creative side and create a long-lasting positive memory. Trust me, your body will thank you for it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Parents! Are you looking for a creative activity to do with your children? Check out this special activity provided for our readers by <a href="http://education.com/" target="_blank">education.com</a>, a resource our family uses regularly. </span><br />
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<a class="gmail-download-link" href="https://www.education.com/download/activity/17628/make_a_patterned_story.pdf" style="color: #13659b; display: block; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kindergarten Reading & Writing Activities: Make a Patterned Story" class="gmail-main-image" src="https://cdn.education.com/files/306901_307000/306952/make-a-patterned-story-slideshowmainimage.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); max-height: 389px; max-width: 301px; width: 296px;" /></a></div>
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Ever notice how many “early reading” books have phrases that repeat over and over? You may remember, for example, classics like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” or “The Three Little Pigs.” Turns out that these books are more than just cute: reading patterned stories with repeated sentence structure or refrains builds important reading skills, including word recognition, prediction skills, memory skills, and knowledge of sentence structures. And of course patterned stories are still lots of fun. Even beginning readers can predict the text and join in on the reading fun!</div>
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Encourage your <a href="https://www.education.com/games/ela/reading/">kindergartener</a> to read and re-read a favorite patterned story so that she can build confidence as a reader, and become an expert on the story. That’s when the fun begins. Now she can use a similar pattern to create her own patterned story – perhaps even one about her family!</div>
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What You Need:</h3>
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<li>Digital camera</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>glue or tape</li>
<li>blank paper</li>
<li>stapler</li>
<li>pencil</li>
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What You Do:</h3>
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<li>Choose a favorite patterned story (one with repeated text on each page) that your child has enjoyed reading in the past, such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin, Jr. or the always popular Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Re-read it with your child and invite her to join in. Be sure she is comfortable with the pattern of the story.</li>
<li>Invite her to take the same pattern from the story, and replace some words to make it a new story. For example, try inserting family member’s names into the text. In a story like Brown Bear, it might sound like this: “Mommy, Mommy, what do you see?” Practice this out loud with her to see what fun ideas she can come up with.</li>
<li>After she has an idea for her story, provide her with blank paper and a pencil, and invite her to begin writing her story. Encourage her not to worry too much about spelling, but to get the words down on paper. Continue in this manner, until she is satisfied that the text of the story is done.</li>
<li>Now assist her in taking digital pictures of the family to match the text. Have fun! The whole family gets to be actors and play out each scene in order to help her get just the right photos! Print and crop the pictures as needed, and glue or tape them onto the pages.</li>
<li>Finally, have her read her new version to a younger sibling, a relative, or a friend. Don't be surprised if her friend joins in on the reading fun, too!</li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">Shatanese is a business owner and author of future books who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Invite Shatanese as your next guest speaker or trainer!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">Follow Shatanese on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-8852741065837178292017-10-13T00:37:00.000-04:002017-10-15T17:23:20.844-04:00Finding the Extraordinary in Every Day Moments<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin-bottom: 3.2rem; margin-top: 3.2rem; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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It has been a month since I launched my new business and I am learning a great deal about myself as well as learning about being a business owner. Tasks such as establishing structure in an unstructured environment and having accountability partners have been crucial for my early beginnings. I will expound on those topics in a later post. Today, I want to talk about why I began my own business and how you can find the extraordinary in every day moments.<br />
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Are you enjoying your professional life? There are 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week. How much of that time are you doing exactly what you truly enjoy doing? I have always been a firm believer of encouraging others to operate in their gifts and their passion and I realized awhile ago that I was not using my gifts to their fullest potential.</div>
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You may be wondering why the title "Super Extra Ordinary Mom" and does she know that extra ordinary is actually spelled as one word? And how exactly does Super Extra Ordinary Mom tie in with HR consulting? </blockquote>
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Well, here’s the story. Years ago, I decided I needed a method to express what I was experiencing as a working mother. I wanted to write a book. Mommy guilt and the stress of building a career while managing a family were very real for me. My children were giving me regular topics as material to share and discuss. Especially, my youngest daughter, Nina Sophia. (Nina Sophia is our spirited 4 year old who stretches my husband and me as parents). :-) I was on a quest to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Therefore, in 2015 "My Life as a Super Extra Ordinary Mom" blog was born. I thank my colleague Jowanna Tillman for the recommendation of using the blog as a way to get my voice out there and heard.</div>
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From a professional perspective, throughout my career with each position that I took on, I felt as if there was something more and I realized that I couldn't force myself to fit into either a square peg or a round hole. For example, have you ever purchased an article of clothing and on the store rack it looked fantastic but then when you got it home it felt a little snug or it was altogether too big? Or better yet, if I may borrow the words of my instructor from the Bronner Business Institute who said recently, "I couldn't make myself small enough to fit into those roles." </div>
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There were certainly aspects of every role that I enjoyed but I started thinking there's got to be something more. I am destined for something more. I asked, What is my purpose? Why am I here on this earth? My husband will tell you that we talked about this, to his chagrin, often. </div>
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Of course I'm here to serve as a wife and a mother but I also felt a calling to do something else. And so I began thinking and thinking and thinking about starting my own business. I talked to people who had their own businesses. I watched webinar after webinar after webinar about starting out on my own. And I prayed about my purpose and timing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrrsyRzPtQ2ChkBuZf3P-_w-6RBU8avOA8d9SJ5EiU9QzVrIy8yUIAOR_OOYrv9j5InmtF_1d4TgRUHfH6m1dnS0yPYWA9LjsFSMIpL4sYrWyvY2oLABZ8U1WeB13qU-8nCUzz-oYv4o/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2ad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrrsyRzPtQ2ChkBuZf3P-_w-6RBU8avOA8d9SJ5EiU9QzVrIy8yUIAOR_OOYrv9j5InmtF_1d4TgRUHfH6m1dnS0yPYWA9LjsFSMIpL4sYrWyvY2oLABZ8U1WeB13qU-8nCUzz-oYv4o/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ad.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I recall one day I was standing in my corporate job’s office looking out the window, watching Atlanta traffic pass by. (If Atlanta traffic doesn't cause you to rethink your life, then I do not know what will!). I thought…. the time is now.</div>
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I have wanted to be a public speaker, author and business owner for quite some time. The minute I made the decision that it was time to pursue my dream it seemed as if the universe said, "FINALLY we have been waiting for you all this time to take the first step!"</div>
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Now don't get me wrong that first step was extremely scary. My husband and I had to weigh all of the costs. Some might call us crazy for putting it all on the line. Our faith, however, is bigger than our fear. Plus, it truly seems as if things have been falling into place since I made up my mind. Admittedly, I was someone who lived and operated in fear for a very long time. I finally decided to just do it. I also feel that deep down inside, we are already wildly successful.</div>
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The timing has extra significance because a year ago I was recovering from a double mastectomy. Guess what-I’ve still got some fight left in me.</div>
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I want to share some encouragement with you today if you are in a place in life where you are asking for more.</div>
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#1-<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Consider the costs.</span> Of course I am talking about considering the costs to your family and finances when you are on the brink of making a life altering decision. But I am also talking about considering the costs if you do not do it. Will you have a sense of regret? Will you look back over your life and wonder, “What if?” A recent Gallup poll states 68% of American employees are disengaged at work. Meaning only 32% are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace. That means 68% have mentally checked out. Are you one of those individuals? Make the decision today to make some changes.</div>
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#2-Secondly, I encourage you to <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Live Every Moment</span>. What I mean is for you to be present. My cancer diagnosis brought me to my knees-literally and figuratively. When faced with challenges, I began asking myself what really matters? In the big scheme of things, how important is this issue? Being present also means having an attitude of gratitude. My colleague Monica McCoy challenges her clients to approach their day with an attitude of gratitude and to express thankfulness for at least three things. How is your mental being when you wake up? Live every moment.</div>
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#3-Lastly, <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just Do It</span>. We have all heard the sayings that “time flies” and “tomorrow is not promised.” This is never more true than it is today. Especially in light of recent social unrest and weather tragedies. Are you living your best life? Perhaps you are waiting to launch your business. Or waiting to visit the doctor for that full report. Or waiting to take that big trip overseas. Or maybe you’ve been sitting on that book idea for years. Just do it. I guarantee you once you have made the decision in your heart and begin to take active steps towards that goal, you invoke positive vibes and will begin to attract momentum.</div>
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In closing, I hope reading this entry has ignited a fire which will allow you to consider the costs, live every moment and to just do it. Ask yourself the question, "If money is not an object, what work would I do and would not care that I am not being compensated for doing it?" That is when life becomes extraordinary. </div>
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Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC is a HR consultancy that focuses on leadership development and diversity and inclusion topics. Our signature presentation will help companies assess training needs and enable us to deliver customized training to address those needs. </div>
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The next time you hear a colleague say “Gee, I wish I knew someone who could train on diversity and inclusion or on leadership development," think of <a href="http://superextraordinarymom.com/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #827be9; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Super Extra Ordinary Mom, LLC. </a></div>
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My name is Shatanese Reese and I'm a super extraordinary mom! I encourage you to find the extraordinary in every day moments. </div>
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-57873477186259220202017-09-19T22:27:00.000-04:002017-09-19T22:45:07.595-04:00No More Bullying! Are Our Schools Equipped To Address This Issue?"Mommy, the kids in my class and on my bus say they think I am a girl and ask if I am gay." <br />
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I've had enough! Too many times has my son come to me with a down-cast look, his shoulders slumped and near tears after hearing an onslaught of taunts from his peers throughout the day.<br />
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The definitions of <i>bullying </i>range from "abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable" to "unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance...the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time." <i>Harassment </i>is defined as "causing the person alarm or distress." <i>Teasing </i>is defined as "to laugh at and criticize someone in a way that is either friendly and playful or cruel and unkind." Either of these definitions can apply to what my son is experiencing and I want it to stop. <br />
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I don't think our schools are equipped to handle this issue. At least not the school where our children currently attend. Why do I say this? Because the behavior continues to occur without ceasing. <br />
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This is not a discussion about sexuality or gender identity. It is a discussion about my son feeling ostracized and targeted at a place where he spends the majority of his day. I don't like it.<br />
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My husband and I read each of the newsletters when they come home with our children and I do not see any workshops being offered that address bullying. The school offers themed weeks to deal with drug abuse, team spirit and even future vocation choices, but not one on how to deal with a bully or the consequences of bullying. Our children even come home discussing the active shooter awareness sessions in which they have participated but not once have I heard about discussions dealing with bullying.<br />
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I am tired of telling my son to ignore the comments and "it's not what you are called but what you answer to." I am sure he too is tired of hearing, "Someone is always going to have something to say about you so you have to deal with it." Deal with it? How?<br />
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What am I to do as a parent? Our attempts to appeal to the school's administration on our son's behalf seem futile. Move him to another school? Will that truly guarantee that he will no longer experience taunting? Am I to home-school him until he reaches a certain age? These choices all seem as if it is my son's fault for his experience. Or perhaps I should boycott the entire school system until the perpetrators are "brought to justice."<br />
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I know my son is not the first to have this type of experience nor will he be the last. This fact does not lesson the aggravation, disappointment and sheer sadness I feel each time I hear my son recount his day at school. <br />
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A recent report shared on dosomething.org states that over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. There are equally stark statistics regarding how many teens attempt to take their lives due to bullying. Bullying unaddressed manifests itself in terrible and ugly ways, even into adulthood.<br />
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Please hear my son's voice...<br />
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<b>"I don't appreciate you calling me those names. It feels disrespectful and hurtful. In the Bible it says to treat others as you want to be treated. Would you say mean things to your mom?"</b><br />
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Something has to change.<b><br /></b>
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Shatanese is a business owner and author of future books who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments.<br />
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<b><br /></b>Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-7614553849470712392017-09-06T23:47:00.000-04:002017-09-19T22:29:35.563-04:00My First Day As A Business Owner!On September 5th, I began my first day as a business owner. Filled with excitement, I met with my first appointment of the day at 8:00 am. As I thought about my journey to becoming a business owner, I realized I had some tips to share with others who might be venturing out on their own, or who simply are attempting to achieve a major milestone. <br />
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Don't have time to read the full blog? Check out my video on YouTube where I share the three tips.<br />
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#1. Make the Decision-Today, make the decision to accomplish what you are wanting to achieve. If it is owning your own business, decide today. If your goal is to return to school, make the decision today. Or if you are an aspiring author, decide today that you <i>will </i>achieve your goal. Once you make up in your mind that you are going to do it, you invite positive energy to channel your way and things will begin to fall into place. Every action thereafter will be a step closer to your dream.<br />
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#2. Keep Your Focus-It is easy to become distracted by life and to get off track from what you want to accomplish. Goals must be established to help you reach your dream. I also suggest you identify some accountability partners-people who will hold you accountable to what you have set out to accomplish. You need individuals in your corner who will call you and ask you about the task you stated you were going to tackle a week ago. If you are a person of faith, I highly encourage you to get connected with a prayer partner. There is nothing like covering your goals and aspirations in prayer.<br />
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#3. Enjoy the Journey-Once you have made the decision to go after your dream and choose to remain focused, keeping track of your journey will be beneficial as well. By deciding to become a business owner verses an employee, your mindset will undergo a major transformation. Choosing to become an author instead of someone who <i>dreams</i> of writing books is a significant step. Becoming someone who possesses a degree instead of someone who <i>hopes</i> to go to school one day will be a tremendous change, an important journey. Your journey should be documented either by capturing what you are experiencing in a blog or via video snippets or by simply journaling. Capture it!<br />
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So, today, make the decision to go for it, remain focused and enjoy your journey. You will be glad you did!<br />
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Shatanese is a business owner and author of future books who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese's goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments.</div>
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<b>Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com.</b></div>
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-77894141490336154562017-08-29T00:40:00.000-04:002018-03-11T15:14:03.875-04:00"I Don't Know How You Do It!"My husband and I are often asked, "How do you two do it? How exactly do you manage to get everything done with such a large family?"<br />
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We attempt to keep life simple and have found the following tips have worked for our family.<br />
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1. <b>Empower the Kids-</b> We really encourage the kids to be as independent as possible and allow them to meet their own needs whenever possible. If they can use a stool to get something to drink or grab a snack, that is exactly what we want. We have taught them to make a few kid-friendly food items such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or Ramen noodles. We also instill in them the importance of assisting each other as often as possible. Having this level of independence definitely helps when we are involved in other tasks that require our full attention.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josiah enjoys cleaning the tables.</td></tr>
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2. <b>Keep them Engaged-</b>We expect the kids to help around the house. We tell them that we are a team and that we need to work together to keep the house maintained. From the youngest to the eldest, they all have roles. Josiah, our two year old, knows how to wipe off tables with paper towels, while Nina (4) assists with clearing the table, vacuuming and putting away the silverware once it has been washed and dried. Hannah, age 6, likes to vacuum as well and also helps put up dishes and wipes down the fridge and microwave. Our 4th grader, Joshua cleans the stove, the countertops and helps wash the dishes. Azaan and Amali, our teens, when they are home, offer overall leadership for their younger siblings. Ultimately, the teens make certain everything is done before bedtime. <br />
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Additional responsibilities the kids have include: taking out the trash, making their own beds and cleaning their bathrooms. Nina actually enjoys cleaning the toilet with the little toilet brush. Hannah cleans the bathroom countertops and floors while Joshua is responsible for the bathtub and the mirrors. <br />
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Typically my husband does most of the work and oversight of cleaning our home but keeping the kids engaged helps offload some of those routine activities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina Sophia adding a little personality to chore time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah J is busy cleaning off the fridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys are tackling the dishes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big brother Azaan offers tips to his younger siblings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Older sister Amali is adding some dramatic flair to "shutting down the kitchen."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josiah is determined to showcase his sweeping skills.</td></tr>
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3. <b>It's OK-</b>Both as a mother and as a woman, I sometimes have to tell myself "It's OK." It is OK if the floor is not perfectly cleaned or the kids' blankets on their beds are not absolutely taut. It is OK if the vacuum lines in the carpet are not perfectly straight. <br />
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There are times, however, when it's not OK and at those times, it is important to articulate expectations and reinforce acceptable outcomes. With the kids involved in household tasks, there are of course varying levels of ability. Therefore, I have to be careful not to crush their efforts- "Hey kid, you suck at making your bed." That would be bad, very bad. So, sometimes it is simply okay. <br />
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The goal is to have a functioning household with happy well-adjusted kids versus a house focused on perfection. And as long as the kids are trying to do their best, there is always room for grace. It is OK not to be perfect. It is also OK to recognize when you just need a break. A quick nap can make a world of difference!<br />
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4. <b>Have Fun-</b>Our family likes to have fun. Sometimes we put on music, "traveling music" as I call it, when we're doing chores. We let the kids let loose sometimes. For example, I recently learned my husband allows the kids to stand on one of our low coffee tables as a performance stage. After my initial response of surprise, I reminded myself of my previous paragraph-it's okay! It is absolutely important for our kids to see balance; structure and responsibilities coupled with fun and letting loose. Check out our video of us having fun on a Wednesday night! <br />
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By empowering the kids, keeping them engaged, and realizing that everything does not have to be perfect while having fun is how we manage to keep our sanity and enjoy our large family. #TeamReese</div>
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Shatanese Reese is a blogger and author of future books who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments.<br />
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Invite Shatanese as your next guest speaker! Contact shatanese@superextraordinarymom.com.</div>
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Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram.<br />
<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-80064845773367384582017-07-04T14:15:00.000-04:002017-08-22T22:52:34.559-04:00My Son, The Marine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TaWhk4MMk-fUzsyu_L6go-CFmDecl09rr58tJEMgt9HLfFri8fOAs_Hemh-cCL3qwD_HNK_HvsB7spXilDgD3btCV2k053_5pBvxJz5MdDrYKwNSSTkw5_3iIdA78naXuJf89_dQPa4/s1600/AJ+Grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TaWhk4MMk-fUzsyu_L6go-CFmDecl09rr58tJEMgt9HLfFri8fOAs_Hemh-cCL3qwD_HNK_HvsB7spXilDgD3btCV2k053_5pBvxJz5MdDrYKwNSSTkw5_3iIdA78naXuJf89_dQPa4/s1600/AJ+Grad.jpg" /></a>In just a few days my son will leave the comfort of our home to travel to Parris Island, South Carolina. This is not a vacation adventure. No, the trip is for basic training...to become a Marine.<br />
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I fully support his decision to serve our country and have known for several months that this day would come. So why do I have a lump in my throat and feel churning in the pit of my stomach?<br />
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Recently, I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) and the featured story of the hour was the involvement of the United States Marines Corps in World War I. The Battle of Belleau Wood was cited as "one of the bloodiest and most ferocious battles U.S. forces would fight in the war." This historic battle, which occurred near the Marne River in France, is where our soldiers received the nick name, "Devil Dogs." This term of endearment was a result of the soldiers' diligence, ferociousness, sacrifice and valor exhibited during the battle.<br />
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To hear the full story, visit: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/06/30/534980339/france-to-honor-les-sammies-uncle-sam-s-world-war-i-trooops" target="_blank">Morning Edition: NPR, France to Honor, 'Les Sammies,' Uncle Sam's World War I Troops</a>.<br />
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As I listened to the gory details of the battle, it hit me. All of the emotions I had been loosely managing up until that moment bubbled quickly to the surface. The realization that my oldest son would soon be training to possibly fight in future similar battles came crashing over me like a giant wave thrashing on rocks near a shore.<br />
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Fighting back tears, I wondered how I would cope. How was I going to release my son to the United States Government and simply trust he is going to be okay? I came up with a few ways to cope.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNWvU-K5Bxv9zrnbWjbwqRkcA6KeTVWpK6cCYTaQPD5O72ELpwxyReWB7-4tvUIW-h51_W5Ok4x4y6UqSDPHaOKXzQZK2EPmrGehi3zAjRYQKK9rRtXTANZyvl4cMD8UWTQK1jUqjBl8/s1600/AJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNWvU-K5Bxv9zrnbWjbwqRkcA6KeTVWpK6cCYTaQPD5O72ELpwxyReWB7-4tvUIW-h51_W5Ok4x4y6UqSDPHaOKXzQZK2EPmrGehi3zAjRYQKK9rRtXTANZyvl4cMD8UWTQK1jUqjBl8/s320/AJ.jpg" width="240" /></a><b>Be Present-</b> As the days pass with fierce quickness, I am intentional about the time I spend with my son. Not only will he be without his cell phone during basic training, but he will not be allowed to write for the first 2-3 weeks. No immediate contact? Wow. Breathe, mom, breathe. This reality pushes me to soak up as much of his presence as I can while he is still at home. I am taking in every detail I see-his smile, his laugh, his quirkiness and his positive, brave attitude. I am hugging him a little tighter and listening a little more intently. I am being present.<br />
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<b>Focus on the Positives-</b>It would be easy to focus on the state of our governmental affairs and the possibility of war. I have to be intentional about thinking on other aspects. There is no doubt in my mind my son is going to change tremendously as a result of this new chapter in his life. I will focus on the positive changes. I will focus on the great life lessons he will learn, the people he will meet and the level of maturity he will gain as a result of basic training and beyond. He has aspirations to make the Marines his career. I will focus on the successful career he will definitely have.<br />
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<b>Pray-</b>I do not underestimate the power of prayer. I will pray for my son's experience at basic training and will continue to pray once he begins his tours. Specifically, I will pray Psalm 91 over him.<br />
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<u>Psalm 91</u></div>
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1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High</div>
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will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</div>
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2 Azaan will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,</div>
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my God, in whom I will trust.”</div>
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3 Surely he will save Azaan</div>
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from the fowler’s snare</div>
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and from the deadly pestilence.</div>
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4 He will cover Azaan with his feathers,</div>
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and under his wings Azaan will find refuge;</div>
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his faithfulness will be Azaan's shield and rampart.</div>
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5 Azaan will not fear the terror of night,</div>
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nor the arrow that flies by day,</div>
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6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,</div>
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nor the plague that destroys at midday.</div>
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7 A thousand may fall at Azaan's side,</div>
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ten thousand at Azaan's right hand,</div>
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but it will not come near Azaan.</div>
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8 Azaan will only observe with his eyes</div>
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and see the punishment of the wicked.</div>
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9 If Azaan says, “The Lord is my refuge,”</div>
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and you make the Most High your dwelling,</div>
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10 no harm will overtake Azaan,</div>
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no disaster will come near Azaan's tent.</div>
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11 For he will command his angels concerning Azaan</div>
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to guard Azaan in all his ways;</div>
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12 they will lift Azaan up in their hands,</div>
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so that Azaan will not strike his foot against a stone.</div>
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13 Azaan will tread on the lion and the cobra;</div>
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Azaan will trample the great lion and the serpent.</div>
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14 “Because Azaan loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;</div>
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I will protect Azaan, for he acknowledges my name.</div>
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15 Azaan will call on me, and I will answer him;</div>
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I will be with Azaan in trouble,</div>
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I will deliver Azaan and honor him.</div>
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16 With long life I will satisfy Azaan</div>
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and show him my salvation.”</div>
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In Jesus' name. Amen.</div>
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By being present, focusing on the positive and praying, my son's upcoming departure will be just a little bit more palatable.<br />
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Shatanese Reese is a blogger and author of future books who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. <br />
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-4364716861654505742017-03-09T19:32:00.000-05:002018-07-15T22:48:29.588-04:00Covering Our Children in Prayer During the Month of March<br />
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Join us during the month of March as we cover our children in prayer. We will use Stormie Omartian's "The Power of a Praying Parent" study guide as a resource. <br />
#ProtectOurSeed.<br />
#IBelieveTheChildrenAreOurFuture<br />
#PrayingParents<br />
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<b>Day 1</b>-<b>Becoming a Praying Parent</b><br />
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Father, as we commit the month of March to praying for our children we begin by praying for ourselves as parents. We release any feelings of guilt and condemnation we have felt in the area of parenting. We thank you for covering any mistakes we may have made and for your grace and mercy. You have selected each of us to serve as a parent. We do not take that for granted and know that we can do all things through you, even being the best Mom and Dad our children need.<br />
Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood and with that knowledge we stand with our armor of God ready for the fight. We know that in James 4:7 we are to resist the enemy and he will flee. So we are joined together as parents prepared to successfully resist the enemy's plans for our children. Give us discernment on what to pray specifically as it pertains to our children. In Jesus' name. Amen! #LetsDoThis. #CoveringOurSeed<br />
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Tomorrow we will pray about "releasing our children into God's hands." #JoinUs. #PrayerWarriors<br />
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<b>Day 2-Releasing Our Children into God's Hands</b><br />
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Heavenly Father, thank you for our gifts, our children. You tell us in your word that children are a heritage from you and that they are a fruit of the womb (Psalms 127:3). Today, we release our children to you. Just as in the photo of the Lion King, the enemy will be lurking nearby. We know our children will be in good hands and that you love each of them more than we do. We rebuke the spirit of worry and know that you did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). We ask you to be in control of our children's lives and release any reason that would cause difficulty in fully releasing them to you. You tell us in Isaiah 65:23 that we shall not labor in vain and that we did not bring forth our children for trouble. They shall be descendants blessed of the Lord! In Jesus' name! Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow we will pray for "securing protection from harm."<br />
#PrayingParents. #Warriors #Covered. #OurSeed<br />
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<b>Day 3-Securing Protection From Harm</b><br />
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Lord we pray for protection from all harm, danger and disasters for our children. Reveal to us any hidden dangers. May we exercise discernment when our children express a fear to us. Grant us a supernatural ability to truly hear any concerns and to respond appropriately. You tell us in Psalm 112:7 that we will not be afraid of evil tidings and that our hearts will be steadfast, trusting in you. Show us anything we need to do to increase our children's safety. We thank you in advance for peace in this area. You have been a shelter for (your child's name), [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] and we will trust in the shelter of Your wings as described in Psalm 61:3-4. We will never be shaken! In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow (yep, on the weekends too!) we will pray about our children "feeling loved and accepted." #PowerInPrayer. #PrayingParents. #Covered. #AlwaysOnAlert<br />
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<b>Day 4-Feeling Loved and Accepted</b><br />
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Have you told your child/ren how much you love them? Do they believe you?<br />
Lord, you tell us in Isaiah 41:9 that you have chosen us and not cast us away. Show us how to help our children believe that they are chosen by You and that you will always be with them. Reveal to us how our own childhood experiences may be influencing how we show love to our children and what to do if those influences are not positive. We absolutely want our children to feel loved so give us the courage to ask them how they want to be loved and the willingness to follow through in creative ways. Enable us to address any rejection issues our children may feel and to exercise discernment to determine if the concern is real. We cover our children in advance for any uncomfortable social situations they may encounter where they may not feel accepted. Help us to remind them of their identity, Father, and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow's prayer will focus on "establishing an eternal future" for our children. #JoinUs. #PowerInPrayer. #PrayingParents<br />
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<b>Day 5-Establishing an Eternal Future</b><br />
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In John 6:40 we are reminded that "everyone who believes in Him may have everlasting life." Lord, we want this for our children. We pray for any of our children who have not yet accepted you as their Savior and ask for the courage to talk freely about you and your goodness with them. Help us to see how our own relationship with you affects our children's relationships with you. We desire our relationship to be an inspiration to our children to draw them closer to you. We understand the spiritual value of an eternal future and we want our children to have access to that value. We want them to have the power that is described in John 14:12-14 where whatever is asked in your name you will do for those who believe in you. Lord, thank you for speaking to the hearts of our children. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow's prayer may be considered a "big one"-"Honoring parents and resisting rebellion."<br />
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#JoinUs<br />
#KeepingThemCovered. #PrayingParents. #PowerInPrayer<br />
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<b>Day 6-Honoring Parents and Resisting Rebellion</b><br />
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Lord, we rebuke the spirit of rebellion in our children. Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs us to "honor our mother and father so that it will go well and we may enjoy long life." We want our children to enjoy long lives and pray against any idols that may be in their hearts. Instead of rebellion we pray for obedience and submission. Instead of pride we pray for humility. Replace selfishness with selflessness. Father, we know that delayed obedience is a form of disobedience and we pray for guidance on ways to stop that behavior in our children. We realize that we struggle not against flesh and blood and therefore are prepared to put on our whole armor daily for our children (Ephesians 6:10-18). We thank you in advance for rescuing our children from the hands of their enemies (Nehemiah 9:26-27). In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Join us tomorrow for a prayer to "maintain good family relationships."<br />
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#StandingTogetherInTheSpiritRealm. #PrayingParents<br />
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<b>Day 7-Maintaining Good Family Relationships</b><br />
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Father today we are seeking prayer for the ability of our children to maintain good family relationships. If there are strained, fractured or severed situations in our families today, we ask you to restore them. We know that breakdowns in familial relationships can negatively affect our children and we pray for protection against that negativity. Lord, you tell us in Romans 14:19 to pursue the things which make for peace. Help us to be examples of peacemakers in our families, illustrating the power of prayer over damaged relationships. We cover the key relationships in our children's lives which are especially crucial to our children's happiness. We desire lasting and loving relationships with each one of these people. Help us to reflect compassion for our family members, to be tenderhearted and courteous as you instruct us in I Peter 3:8, not returning evil for evil. We thank you in advance for the peace and happiness our children will experience in this area. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow we will cover "attracting Godly friends and role models."<br />
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#PreventivePrayers. #PrayingParents<br />
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<b>Day 8-Attracting Godly Friends and Role Models</b><br />
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"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." </div>
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Proverbs 13:20</div>
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Heavenly Father we come before you in the spirit realm to cover our children's ability to attract Godly friends and role models. You tell us in your word that "the righteous should choose his friends carefully for the way of the wicked leads them astray." We pray for limited to no contact with those individuals who bring out the worst in our children. We know that blessed is s/he who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly but instead delights in the law of the Lord. We thank you for those wise friends. If there is any strife that exists between our children and a friend replace it with peace. May our children easily forgive and allow us to mirror what that looks like. Father we seek Godly role models for our children; strengthen the ones already established and bring new ones that need to be replaced. We pray (enter your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Josiah, Hannah and Nina] will love their enemies and always seek to forgive easily as described in Matthew 5:44. Lastly, we pray for any relationship that is troubling or upsetting our children. Make it clear to us if we need to intervene or not on behalf of our children. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow we will pray about our children "developing a hunger for the things of God."<br />
#PrayingParents. #CommittedToThem. #CoveringThem<br />
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<b>Day 9-Developing a Hunger for the Things of God</b><br />
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"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"</div>
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Psalm 34:8</div>
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Lord, we pray our own lives reflect a healthy fear of you in our children's eyes. We pray against any influences that threaten to draw their attention away from the things of You. Father, take away the desire for those things that compete with you for our children's attention. You tell us in Proverbs 10:27 that the "fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened." Give our children a healthy fear of you, Lord. May they hate what you hate and desire what you desire for their lives. Help us to teach, instruct, train, and encourage our children in the things of God. We know that there is no want to those who fear you, Father, and that those who seek you shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:9-10). We don't want our children to lack any good thing! We pray that (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] will taste and see that You are good and have a greater hunger for You! In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow-praying our children are "being the person God created."<br />
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#PowerInPrayer. #PrayingParents<br />
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<b>Day 10-Being the Person God Created</b><br />
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"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb."</div>
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Psalm 139:13</div>
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Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you have bestowed upon us in the form of our children. May we help them to understand who you have created them to be. Help us to nurture their God-given gifts and talents and for them to use them to further your kingdom. Father, whenever we see our children striving to be something they were not created to be or straining to do something that will never fulfill them, remind us to be gentle in our approach. We want our children to know with certainty that they belong to you as described in Isaiah 44:5. We rebuke the spirit of comparison in our children's lives and in ours as well because we recognize the impact unfavorable comparison to others has on our children's attitudes about themselves. Lord, we want our children to experience the blessings you promise in Isaiah 44:3-4 for those who thirst for you, blessings that span generations. Thank you in advance for these things we ask, in your son's Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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<b>Day 11-Following Truth, Rejecting Lies</b><br />
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Lord we know that "lying lips are an abomination" to you and "those who deal truthfully" are your delight (Proverbs 12:22). Help us to teach our children not to lie. Lord, if any of us as parents struggle with this issue, we pray for your grace and mercy as you deal with us and convict our hearts to do better. Help us to communicate to our children the severity of telling lies and the rewards of telling the truth. Reveal the root issue of wanting to protect themselves by lying and the benefits of being set free. Pour out your Spirit of truth on our children as described in John 14:16-17. We decree that our children's hearts belong to You and no parts will be surrendered to the enemy, the father of lies. Reveal to us any time our children tell a lie so that nothing will be hidden. Help us as parents to establish appropriate discipline when lying does occur. We thank you for our children's ability to follow truth and reject lies. In Jesus' name! Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow we will pray about our children "enjoying a life of health and healing."<br />
#PrayingParents. #IfWeDontPrayWhoWill<br />
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<b>Day 12-Enjoying a Life of Health and Healing</b><br />
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Lord, our hearts ache when our children are sick. You tell us in Matthew 8:17 that your son "took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." We pray for healing today, Father, for all physical ailments that are affecting our children. We thank you in advance for answering our prayers in this area. Lord, sometimes we do not see immediate healing. In those instances we know we "walk by faith, not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7). We know of countless accounts in the Bible where people's faith was key to their healing. Remind us to have faith in all matters especially in the area of healing and health. Lord, if our faith lacks, increase it. Give our children a faith strong enough to believe for your healing power to flow through their lives on an ongoing basis. We pray for supernatural healing specifically in the area of (insert your concern) [migraines, Down syndrome, allergies and athletic injuries]. We also pray a hedge of protection against any future sicknesses developing or injuries happening. James 5:15-16 tells us that the "prayer of faith will save the sick" and the "fervent prayer of a righteous man (or parent) avails much." We are fervently praying! In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow's prayer-"Having the Motivation for Proper Body Care"<br />
#PrayingParents. #WeWillNotStop. #OurSeed<br />
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<b>Day 13-"Having the Motivation for Proper Body Care"</b><br />
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Lord, we know exactly what it's like to struggle with poor eating or exercise habits, smoking, drinking, or other kids of neglect or abuse to our bodies. For these reasons, we are taking a stance as praying parents to pray our children will have the discipline, self-control, and wisdom to eat right, exercise regularly and take good care of their bodies. We know that our bodies are temples and that we are to honor God with our bodies. Help us to convey that concept to our children. May they take hold at an early age the importance of honoring their bodies. Father, as we cover our children in this area, help us to remember our own bodies so that we can serve as positive examples for our children. Help us to discern quickly any tendencies our children exhibit in the form of abuse or neglect with their physical bodies. You tell us in I Corinthians 10:31 that "whatever we eat or drink to do so all for the glory of God." We know that if "anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred" (I Corinthians 3:17). In light of this, we wholeheartedly pray for our children to take care of their bodies. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow-"Instilling the Desire to Learn"<br />
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#PrayingParents. #Power. #PrayerWarriors. #TheFewTheProudThePraying<br />
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<b>Day 14-Instilling the Desire to Learn</b><br />
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"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."</div>
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Proverbs 1:7</div>
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Heavenly Father, we want our children to succeed. We know that success depends on the ability and desire to learn. Today, we are praying for that ability and desire to be fostered in our children. We do not want them to despise wisdom and instruction. Father, if we have observed any issues in this area, we seek discernment on how to address this issue as quickly as possible. We know that happiness is associated with wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:13) and we want our children to experience the joy and rewards that comes from having wisdom. Father, we understand that you are the ultimate teacher of our children and that you promise to give them peace (Isaiah 54:13). We stand in agreement for this peace for our children and thank you in advance for the gains our children will experience as a result of wisdom and understanding. We are not parents of fools! In Jesus' name! Amen!<br />
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#PrayingParents. #ProactivePrayers. #RepairingPrayers<br />
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Join us tomorrow as we pray for "identifying God-given gifts and talents.<br />
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<b>Day 15-Identifying God-Given Gifts and Talents</b><br />
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"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."</div>
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Romans 11:29</div>
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Lord, thank you for the natural gifts, abilities and talents you have placed in our children. Help us to be keenly aware of how to encourage their further development. If there are other gifts and talents in our children that we have not seen, please reveal them to us and with clarity. As parents, we want to nurture, protect and develop those talents. You tell us in Romans 18:16 that "a man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men." Lord, we pray that the gifts and talents You have placed in (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] will make room for them and bring them before great people. Thank you, God, that our children come short in no gift and that they are enriched in everything (I Corinthians 1:4-7). Give us a glimpse of our children's potential for greatness. Help our children to excel in their God-given gifts and to be recognized and appreciated by others as described in Proverbs 22:29. Lord, thank you for blessing our children in this area. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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#OurChildrenRock #PrayingParents<br />
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Tomorrow's prayer-"learning to speak life."<br />
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<b>Day 16-Learning to Speak Life</b><br />
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"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."<br />
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Dear Heavenly Father, good morning! Today we pray for our children's ability to speak life. We know that "he who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction" (Proverbs 13:3). We do not want destruction to come upon our children! We pray our children recognize at an early age that words have power and they can either speak life or death into a situation. May they choose to speak life. If for some reason the words they speak are not positive, may they quickly recognize their error and change their speech. Lord, if our children speak negatively about themselves reveal to us the reasons why those words were said so we can address the matter effectively and as quickly as possible. Help us to encourage our children to be open and honest about their negative emotions and thoughts and show them how to pray about them. If our children are not open and honest help us to encourage more open sharing. Your word tells us that "a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matthew 12:35). We pray for our children's hearts to enable the flow of good things. Let the words of (your child's name) [Amali's, Azaan's, Joshua's, Hannah's, Nina's, and Josiah's] mouths and the meditation of their hearts be acceptable in your sight. In Jesus' holy name. Amen!<br />
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#PrayingParents<br />
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Tomorrow-"Staying attracted to holiness and purity."<br />
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<b>Day 17-Staying Attracted to Holiness and Purity</b><br />
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"For God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness."<br />
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Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to submit our petitions to you regarding our children. Today, we are praying for our children's attitudes towards living a holy and pure life. Lord, we know that instruction begins at home so reveal to us any areas where we need to adjust our own attitudes towards living a holy and pure life. Father, we pray for positive role models who also encourage our children to be attracted to holiness and purity. We know that you, Lord, are the ultimate teacher and that holiness begins with a love for you. May our children thirst for your love and earnestly seek you out at an early age. Help us to encourage our children to keep themselves pure. We pray for a new beginning for those who may have gotten off track for whatever reason and thank you for the grace and mercy you have shown in their lives. Proverbs 20:11 tells us that "even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right." We pray our children's deeds are pleasing in your sight, Lord. We know that the pure in heart are blessed (Matthew 5:8) and we desire this blessing for our children. We pray that (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] will ascend into the hill of the Lord and receive blessing (Psalm 24:3-5). Let no one despise (your child's name) [Amali's, Azaan's, Joshua's, Hannah's, Nina's and Josiah's] youth but that they are examples in "word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity" (I Timothy 4:12). In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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"Praying through a child's room" will be our focus tomorrow.<br />
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#PrayingParents. #PrayerWarriors. #WholeArmorofGod<br />
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<b>Day 18-Praying Through a Child's Room</b><br />
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"And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it; and you shall hallow it and all its utensils, and it shall be holy."</div>
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Exodus 40:9</div>
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Our children's rooms should be a sanctuary, a safe haven. Father, we cover our children's rooms today. If our children have nightmares, unexplained fears, or periods of aggressive behavior, please give us discernment on what the issue may be and how we can immediately address it. Lord, reveal to us if there is anything unholy in our children's rooms. Whether it's a stuffed animal, electronic device or a book, bring it to our attention. May we cover every item, every window and doorway in our children's rooms with anointing oil. We stand together right now, Father, in the spirit realm covering our children's rooms in prayer. We want our children's rooms to be a place of refuge and safety, therefore we guard against anything that is in their room that is not of you, Lord. Father we pray that (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] will behave wisely and in a perfect way. I pray they will walk within our home with a perfect heart and not set anything wicked before their eyes (Psalm 101:2-4). Remind us to maintain purity and holiness throughout our homes for the protection of our children. In Jesus' name. Amen.<br />
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Tomorrow-"Enjoying Freedom from Fear."<br />
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#PrayingParents. #EvenOnTheWeekends<br />
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<b>Day 19-Enjoying Freedom from Fear</b><br />
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Do any of your fears manifest themselves in your children in any way?<br />
Lord, we know that you did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). Help us to be aware of any fears that our children may have. In Luke 10:19 you gave us authority to trample "over all the power of the enemy" and so today in the spirit realm we STOMP on anything that may cause fear in our children. We stomp out insecurities, low self-esteem, the opinions of others and generational curses! There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18) and we thank you, Father, for your perfect love. The Lord is (your child's name) [Amali's, Azaan's, Joshua's, Hannah's, Nina's and Josiah's] light and salvation (Psalm 27:1) and they shall not fear anyone or anything. We pray that you will cover our children as described in Psalm 91:4-6 whenever they are afraid. We thank you for the victory our children will experience in this area. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Want extra protection in this area? Write out Psalm 91 and insert your child's name in every space.<br />
"Surely He shall deliver Amali from the snare of the fowler...He shall cover Amali with His feathers..."<br />
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Tomorrow we will pray for "receiving a sound mind"<br />
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<b>Day 20-Receiving a Sound Mind</b><br />
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Lord, today we pray against our children ever struggling with confusion, the inability to stay focused, difficulty understanding things appropriate for their age or negative thinking. We present any concerns or fears we have about the development of our children's minds to you. We know that Isaiah 26:3 tells us that you will keep our children in "perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You." Remind us to encourage our children to praise you regularly to combat self-centeredness. Remind us to encourage our children to be thankful and to glorify you as God on a regular basis (Romans 1:21). Father, we seek life and peace for our children and therefore want them to be spiritually minded as described in Romans 8:6. For you have given (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow-"Inviting the Joy of the Lord"<br />
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#JoinUs. #PrayingParents. #Power<br />
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<b>Day 21-Inviting the Joy of the Lord</b><br />
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When you observe your child's face, does it most often reflect peace and joy, or is it frequently depressed, angry, sad, moody, or troubled?<br />
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Good morning, Father! Today we are praying our children have the joy of the Lord. We pray that You will show (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] the path of life so they will experience the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). We pray that You, the God of hope, will fill (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] with all joy and peace (Romans 15:13). Lord, we know this is the day that you have made for (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah]. We pray that they will rejoice in it! (Psalm 118:24). We pray that our children manifest the fruit of the spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23-love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray that our children learn how to be content in every stage of their lives (Philippians 4:11) and that they will have merry hearts 💕 (Proverbs 15:15). Father, we pray that You will bless (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] and keep them and shine upon them (Numbers 6:24-26). We pray for healthy and positive attitudes. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow-"Destroying an Inheritance of Family Bondage"<br />
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#PrayingParents. #Covered<br />
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<b>Day 22-Destroying an Inheritance of Family Bondage</b><br />
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Is there a trait, characteristic, or habit you or your child's other parent have which you would not like to see your child emulate or inherit?<br />
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Heavenly Father, we come to you today to cover our children's inheritance. We pray against any negative tendency that runs in our families such as laziness, irresponsibility, self-pity, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, gossiping, coldness, or being critical. We pray against any sinful or destructive patterns of behavior on either side of our families which we do not want to touch our children's lives such as alcoholism, infidelity, lying, divorce, drugs or poor money management. God has given us the authority over all the power of the enemy and so we take that authority and break ALL the bondages over our families! We say that they have no part in our lives or in the lives of our children! We know we are children of God and our inheritance comes from Christ (Romans 8:15-17). We proclaim right now to the enemy that our children are heirs of God. Once we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9. May our children be quick to confess their sins whenever needed. Christ has made us free from a "yoke of bondage" and we pray this freedom for our children (Galatians 5:1). Father, we claim that (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina, and Josiah] are in Christ and they are a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (II Corinthians 5:17). We pray these things in your mighty Son's majestic name. Amen!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17308847_10210689089176756_1072250337241212992_n.jpg?oh=6093aa2ba0ddf1d9c98a9cd041700c75&oe=59628CBA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image may contain: text" border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17308847_10210689089176756_1072250337241212992_n.jpg?oh=6093aa2ba0ddf1d9c98a9cd041700c75&oe=59628CBA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shared by Bishop Dale C. Bronner of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Tomorrow-"avoiding alcohol, drugs, and other addictions"<br />
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#PrayingParents. #WeMeanBusiness<br />
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<b>Day 23-Avoiding Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Addictions</b><br />
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Lord, we pray our children will have the integrity of the upright to resist any temptation that the enemy puts in their path. We want our children to be built up in the truth of the Lord. We believe we have authority over all the power of the enemy and therefore we stand together breaking all strongholds in our children's lives through prayer. 🙏🏾. No temptation has overtaken (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] except such is common to man; but God is faithful... and will also make the way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13). Lord we pray that (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah], will not live according to the flesh which brings death but will live by the Spirit (Romans 8:13). We pray our children love the Lord our God, obey His voice and cling to Him as described in Deuteronomy 30:20 to have long life. We pray for the Holy Spirit to help our children make right choices, choices for life, every day. In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow-"Rejecting Sexual Immorality"<br />
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#PrayingParents. #CoveringOurSeed. #OurFuture<br />
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<b>Day 24-Rejecting Sexual Immorality</b><br />
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Are you convinced of the need for sexual purity in your life and the lives of your children?<br />
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Father, we pray for sexual purity today for our children. We do do not want the wholeness of their souls to be sacrificed because of giving place to the lust of the flesh (I Peter 2:11). We pray that our children walk wisely and not trust in their own hearts when dealing with sexual sin (Proverbs 28:26). Even if our children have already stumbled into sexual immorality, we pray for them to live in sexual purity from now on and to count all trials as a testing of their faith (James 1:2-3). Father, even as we pray for our children today, we ask for forgiveness for any traps of the enemy we have fallen into which have led to sexual immorality. We confess it to You Lord, even our thought life, so the enemy has no grounds for a stronghold in our lives. May our children not be drawn away from you with their own desires and enticed (James 1:14-15) but instead may they seek after your righteousness. May they walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit for we know we cannot be with them at all times. We pray that they avoid all works of the flesh such as adultery and fornication (Galatians 5:19-21) and instead operate in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) such as goodness and faithfulness. We ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Want extra protection in this area? Write out a prayer asking God to help your child exhibit all the fruits of the Spirit while mentioning each one specifically.<br />
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#PrayingParents. #WeWillPray. #GivingThemAFightingChance<br />
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Tomorrow we will pray about "Finding the Perfect Mate"<br />
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<b>Day 25-Finding the Perfect Mate</b><br />
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"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it."</div>
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Psalm 127:1</div>
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Lord, we know that you hate divorce. For this reason, we are covering our children and their ability to find perfect mates. We realize that marriages begin as simple relationships and therefore "the righteous should choose their friends carefully" (Proverbs 12:26). You tell us in your word that we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14). We pray our children and their potential mates will have a shared love for Jesus Christ. If we have experienced divorce anywhere in our families we pray to break that spirit over our children's lives. If divorce has not occurred, we pray to keep it far from our children. Father, we ask You to be in charge of our children's marriages. We are praying that our children not only find the perfect mates but that they will not enter into marriage with expectations so high that their spouses can't live up to them. Give our children positive examples of what You envision for marriage. Father, reveal Your will to our children regarding their future mates. We do not cease to pray for (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah], and ask that they may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9). In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
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Tomorrow-"Living Free of Unforgiveness"<br />
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#PrayingParents. #OurResponsibility<br />
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<b>***There are five days remaining of our focused prayers for our children. Be certain to join us on March 31st as we celebrate our children. Praise reports, pictures and positive vibes...all about our kids!***</b><br />
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<b>Day 26-Living Free of Unforgiveness</b><br />
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Does forgiveness flow freely in your family or does unforgiveness have a place in one or more family members?<br />
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Heavenly Father, as we pray for our children's ability to live freely of unforgiveness, let us first start with ourselves. Help us to confess unforgiveness so we can be set free! Help us to know what true forgiveness looks like and to walk in that freedom. Keep us free from hidden unforgiveness in the future. We pray our children find it easy to forgive and let go of unforgiveness. If there is a specific area of unforgiveness in our children, reveal it to us and give us discernment on how to address it. You tell us in your word that if we forgive those who trespass against us, you will also forgive us (Matthew 6:14). Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] and may they instead be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:31-32). Father, we pray that our children offer love that suffers long and is kind; love that does not envy nor behave rudely but bears all things (I Corinthians 13:4-7). We pray that (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] who are your holy and beloved children, will put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and long suffering in order to forgive others (Colossians 3:12-13). In Jesus' name. Amen.<br />
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Tomorrow's prayer-"walking in repentance"<br />
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#PrayingParents<br />
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<b>Day 27-Walking in Repentance</b></div>
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"He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."</div>
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Proverbs 28:13</div>
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Good morning, Lord! We are praying that our children are encouraged not to cover their sins. We pray You keep them from ever becoming comfortable with concealing their sins. Father, thank you for the times when their sin has been revealed by the look on their faces before it was discovered in their behavior. We know that even if they are able to hide sins from us, they cannot hide them from you (Psalm 69:5). Not only are we praying for the courage in our children to admit or confess their sin but we also want them to be repentant, sorry enough to not want to do it again. We want them to readily seek forgiveness from you, God. Search (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah], O God, and know their hearts. See if there is any wicked way in them and lead them in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Create in (your child's name) [Amali, Azaan, Joshua, Hannah, Nina and Josiah] a clean heart <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f6c/1/16/2764.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">❤️</span></span>, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within them (Psalm 51:10). We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.</div>
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Tomorrow we will pray about "breaking down ungodly strongholds"</div>
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<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/powerofprayingparents?source=feed_text&story_id=1782721602045074" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">PowerofPrayingParents</span></span></a>. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/3daysleft?source=feed_text&story_id=1782721602045074" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">3DaysLeft</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/windingdown?source=feed_text&story_id=1782721602045074" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">WindingDown</span></span></a></div>
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<b>Day 28-Breaking Down Ungodly Strongholds</b><br />
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"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, not hidden that will not be known."</div>
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Luke 12:2</div>
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Father, reveal to us the truth of what is going on in our children's minds and lives. If we see any patterns of misbehaving such as dishonesty, deception, greed, selfishness, arrogance, or disobedience, help us to address those issues immediately and in love. God, we pray for You to destroy any strongholds the enemy wants to establish in our children's lives. Do not lead our children into temptation but deliver them from evil (Matthew 6:13). We know we don't have to be suspicious of our children but instead we have to be wary of the enemy who is always lurking and waiting (I Peter 5:8). Father, we resist the enemy, on behalf of our children, and remain steadfast in the faith as described in I Peter 5:9. We will also remain sober and vigilant in protecting our children from the enemy's plans for he has no place in our children's lives! In Jesus' name. Amen!<br />
Tomorrow-"seeking wisdom and discernment"<br />
#PrayingParents. #Only2MoreDaysRemaining. #3/31/17CelebrationofOurChildren<br />
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<b>Day 29-Seeking Wisdom and Discernment</b></div>
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"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."</div>
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James 1:5</div>
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Good morning, Father! We pray for our children's abilities to make right choices and and good decisions. We ask for wisdom for our children. We pray that wisdom will be in (your child's name) [Amali's, Azaan's, Joshua's, Hannah's, Nina's and Josiah's] hearts <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f68/1/16/1f495.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">💕</span></span> to deliver them from the way of evil (Proverbs 2:10-12). We know that the benefits of wisdom and understanding are countless including length of days, riches and honor and peace <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f61/1/16/270c.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">✌️</span></span>(Proverbs 3:13-18). We know that getting wisdom and understanding will bring promotion, honor, grace and a crown of glory (Proverbs 4:7-9). In Proverbs 23:24-25 we learn that a wise child will bring delight to his/her parents. We are excited about that, Lord! We thank you for the ways in which we can obtain wisdom by receiving your words and treasuring your commands (Proverbs 2:1-7). We pray that our children will understand the value of wisdom and cry out for discernment, for we know You are a shield to those who walk uprightly; and You guard their paths (Proverbs 2:7-8). We thank you for being these for our children! In Jesus' name. Amen!</div>
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Tomorrow, our final day, we will pray for "growing in Faith."</div>
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<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prayingparents?source=feed_text&story_id=1783835035267064" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">PrayingParents</span></span></a>. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/onemoreday?source=feed_text&story_id=1783835035267064" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">OneMoreDay</span></span></a>. #03/31/17CELEBRATION</div>
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Our FINAL Day!</div>
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<b>Day 30-Growing in Faith</b></div>
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Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing our prayers regarding our children over the past 29 days. Our prayer today is for their ability to grow in faith. May our children see our own faith as strong examples. We know that all things are possible for those who believe (Matthew 9:23). We know that those who doubt are like the waves of the sea <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/fbc/1/16/1f30a.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🌊</span></span>, driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:6). We pray our children do not doubt and instead ab<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ide in faith, hope and love <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f6c/1/16/2764.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">❤️</span></span> as according to I Corinthians 13:13. Father, if there are times when our children's faith wavers, remind them of your steadfast love and your ability to care for all of their needs. Help us to encourage their faith by pointing out your presence in ALL things. We pray our children exhibit strong faith when faced with difficult circumstances. Your word tells us that as long as our children have faith the size of a mustard seed, then they will be able to speak to the hardships that seem like mountains in their lives and that nothing will be impossible for them (Matthew 17:20). Lord, we thank you for our children's faith! In Jesus' name. Amen!</span></div>
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Tomorrow, please join us as we celebrate our children! We will post praise reports, our favorite pics of our children and their greatest accomplishments to date. We will ROCK social media with a celebration of our children! <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/fb4/1/16/1f38a.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🎊</span></span> <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/fb/1/16/1f388.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span></div>
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🎶 C E L E B R A T I O N Time, Come On! It's time to celebrate! There's a party going on over here...it's time to celebrate! 🎉🎶<br />
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Today we are celebrating our children! Post your praise reports, your favorite pics of your children or how proud you are of them. We are flooding Facebook with the power of positivity for our children! We learn at our church that what you focus on gets bigger. So, while all our prayers for our children may not have been answered yet, we are focusing on the positive today. #Celebrate! #PrayingParentsWhoCelebrateToo<br />
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-51722385456382715152017-01-18T16:32:00.000-05:002017-01-18T16:32:57.279-05:00Seduced and Trapped<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAsfIE9uVdM7e3rUYHSpqORQjaqUz57LJ_Mo18fr56tSf528m1YH9mMV0M-FkN7-YJKe7F3YRAVXM6Rw3LKPO1uhbkV-rxeXxNZSNuBeEzL5QCQ4WXvpdVeNWRFD3-SdV9zmBlZKNQh0/s1600/Birds+full+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAsfIE9uVdM7e3rUYHSpqORQjaqUz57LJ_Mo18fr56tSf528m1YH9mMV0M-FkN7-YJKe7F3YRAVXM6Rw3LKPO1uhbkV-rxeXxNZSNuBeEzL5QCQ4WXvpdVeNWRFD3-SdV9zmBlZKNQh0/s320/Birds+full+bed.jpg" width="240" /></a>It was a warm sunny day and our entire family was out enjoying our new community. My husband and I stopped to admire a beautiful bed of flowers near the pool gate. There were splashes of yellow and pops of purple, truly a lovely display of greenery and a warm glimpse of spring. Suddenly, sporadic movement within the flower bed caught our attention. <br />
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As we approached, scuffling and flapping noises grew louder. Upon further inspection, we discovered two birds trapped under a protective wire mesh! Mesh that was intended to keep animals out was serving as a temporary confinement for these small creatures. Clearly our presence near the bed startled the birds and caused this recent flurry of activity. It occurred to my husband and me that those two birds represent how many of us experience life- seduced and trapped.<br />
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We imagine the birds saw the flowers from afar and were seduced by what they saw. <br />
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The vibrant colors enticing them ever closer to the flower bed until they realized too late that the wire mesh would serve as a jail. The birds were trapped. Flapping around wildly, afraid of their current plight, trying to escape now that they were fully enclosed. No way of escape and no hope.<br />
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Temptation for humans comes in many forms. Temptation can look like the delicious strawberry covered cupcakes lining the display window at the nearest bakery. It can look like the sales tag on the newest and hottest pair of shoes on the shelves in the shoe section. It can look like the juicy conversation that is occurring on social media between two close friends. Temptation can also look like the loyal coworker who knows just the right thing to say just at the right time. We are seduced by the intense but ephemeral sensation we associate with the temptation. In the the birds' case the flowers represented all things that are flashy, sweet and tempting. Even if we have vowed time and time again not to engage in that particular activity we find ourselves, once again, trapped. Matthew 26:41 tells us that "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."<br />
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Thankfully, my husband and I were there on that day, at that exact moment, to carefully release them. We do not know for how long they had been in that state, without food or freedom. We do not know for how long they had wished to no longer be in that state. They were fluttering around frantically, unable to break free while expending a great deal of energy in futility. My husband saved them. He knelt down and located a tear in the mesh. He did not ask them how they got into this mess. He did not chastise them with comments about repeating these actions in the future. No questions, no judgement, just freedom. Sometimes that is exactly and <i>all </i>that we need, someone to show us the way out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGqgiRwoSg2WjM1fatbaStxnmr84i5J89m5bT35aWJeWAtM12j1AeJ-yK-nB6WtgL0kPg0kPP-sKSzWStLyxvSbe6JfvPzA3kAjf4sKVO9wWZI4STjo3swlKe6pWb3H2pfVmvmrk-qCY/s1600/Birds+mesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGqgiRwoSg2WjM1fatbaStxnmr84i5J89m5bT35aWJeWAtM12j1AeJ-yK-nB6WtgL0kPg0kPP-sKSzWStLyxvSbe6JfvPzA3kAjf4sKVO9wWZI4STjo3swlKe6pWb3H2pfVmvmrk-qCY/s320/Birds+mesh.jpg" width="320" /></a>God placed us there at that moment for the birds, to offer an escape. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." <br />
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Escape can come in the form of a phone call or text from a trusted friend just at the right moment or your phone dying just as you were about to visit that one particular website or make that purchase. How long have you been in your current state? Are you aware of the escapes God sends or are you ignoring them? If God cares enough about those birds to place us there at that time to release them, how much more does He care for you and your freedom from seduction? Look for the escape. It is there.<br />
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Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.<br />
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-21582367646129829602016-11-13T23:07:00.000-05:002016-11-15T05:33:03.312-05:00Her Name Is Nina!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrUrhQB2TW9rbiNyf8f7ApBt0jB9lYBxxXo0mC3-mwbfK_izXZ3RAph9PfMRd03mFarCme04rlKL8ifWYm4u1ojXfg8j1Ac2Q3k125DDMz_w3KMTaodC4CQQ2Z6Q74-Z5xQWCAIeJ9do/s1600/Nina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrUrhQB2TW9rbiNyf8f7ApBt0jB9lYBxxXo0mC3-mwbfK_izXZ3RAph9PfMRd03mFarCme04rlKL8ifWYm4u1ojXfg8j1Ac2Q3k125DDMz_w3KMTaodC4CQQ2Z6Q74-Z5xQWCAIeJ9do/s320/Nina.jpg" width="241" /></a>Nina, my three year-old has developed a strong sense of identity. There have been a number of instances where in my determination to not call her one of her siblings' names, I have called her "Sweetheart," "Honey" or even "Sweetie," to which she has replied, "My name is not Sweetie. My name is Nina." Initially, I chuckled at her cuteness and figured it was a one time occurrence. But she has remained consistent. Whether it is a family member or a cashier at a store who has made the mistake of calling her anything other than Nina, she has been quick to offer clarification.<br />
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I was born with the name Shatanese over 4 decades ago. My mom always told me my name came from an Egyptian queen. I never researched this information and have chosen to live with a sense of mystery surrounding the origin of my name. <br />
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<a href="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/696/overrides/whats-in-a-name-souvenir-bracelets_69631_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for souvenirs with names" border="0" height="240" src="https://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/696/overrides/whats-in-a-name-souvenir-bracelets_69631_600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a>Throughout my life, I have often been asked, "What does your name mean?" Or, "What is the origin?" These types of questions hinted at a feeling of being different but not always in a positive light. Sharing that my name had something to do with an Egyptian queen seemed to make it more palatable to be uniquely named. I have also received the question, "Do you have something shorter I can call you?," which further fostered my sense of alienation. Imagine my feeling as a child visiting a carnival or souvenir gift shop and earnestly searching for my name among the other names. I would see Ann, Eve, Betsy, Dawn, and Jessica. But not Shatanese...EVER. Did that mean I did not exist? Of course, I now understand marketing campaigns and the pupose of appealing to certain audiences but as a child marketing meant nothing to me.<br />
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I think college is an excellent time for many to discover who they are and what is important to them as an individual. Early during my college career, I can remember not wanting to be different or set apart. I instead wanted to blend in. I no longer wanted to sound "unique." I did not feel like correcting the repeated mis-pronunciations any longer. It was at that time, I began referring to myself as my childhood nickname. Over the next few years, I used my nickname to formally introduce myself. The probing questions no longer came and the requests for something shorter stopped altogether but my identity and sense of worth were impacted.<br />
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As I approached my junior year in college, something changed. I no longer wanted to fit in. I wanted my uniqueness to return. I wanted me. I began introducing myself as Shatanese again. Unfortunately, the impact of temporarily changing my identity was long-lasting. To this day, after 20 plus years, there are still people who refer to me as my childhood name, a name that was for the large majority of my life reserved only for very close family. I still cringe inside at times when I encounter someone who knew me "way back when" and they refer to me by my nickname. It is a reminder of a form of escape that I experienced long ago. It is not, however, worth the effort, and perhaps awkwardness to tell them now after all these years not to call me by that name.<br />
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At times as an adult, when I introduce myself, I still receive requests for something shorter. I have become a master at phonetics and illustrating that my name can be broken down into three syllables. I also show my name in written format as I know some people are visual learners. If all else fails, I encourage them to simply call me "Mrs. Reese."<br />
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So, I should not be surprised when my three-year old asserts her own sense of being and reminds me as well as others that her name is Nina. I admire her sense of identity at such a young age. I am awed by her ability to politely, innoncently demand respect. I am working diligently to honor her request (I need some memory vitamins!). Her name is Nina and my name is Shatanese.<br />
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#HerNameIsNina #NinaSophiaShatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-90412559495323076382016-10-03T00:54:00.000-04:002016-10-03T00:54:23.872-04:00Are You Awesome?I have a secret. I have never told myself that I am awesome. Hard to believe? I was conversing recently with friends and family when the topic of self-esteem came up.<br />
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"What exactly is self-esteem and how do you tell someone how to increase it or obtain it if they do not have it?" I asked.<br />
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"It's a state of mind," my husband responded.<br />
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"It's what you tell yourself every day" our close friend chimed in.<br />
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She continued by saying, "Self-esteem is telling yourself that you are awesome on a regular basis."<br />
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Telling myself I am awesome regularly? Hmmmm....I had to think for a moment. I realized I have never viewed myself as awesome. I mean, of course, I have viewed things that I have done as <i>pretty good</i> but not necessarily rising to the level of awesome. Could this explain why high self-esteem for me has felt at times as an elusive characteristic that only others possessed?<br />
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Intrigued, I looked up the definition of awesome and discovered descriptors such as<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB8DHF8xVEP5ZwVogSvqNLuSZxeACIAJ7adS-errM4t0ewXwUO0d7hfz8N3zCYk8yemR6u-sPr-G6A-dJoeIFE7BRG2QcSQz-lITL7B9xeKn9p5E6vFya8mF1E87cYmqai3JgwzKZhn8/s1600/WordCloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB8DHF8xVEP5ZwVogSvqNLuSZxeACIAJ7adS-errM4t0ewXwUO0d7hfz8N3zCYk8yemR6u-sPr-G6A-dJoeIFE7BRG2QcSQz-lITL7B9xeKn9p5E6vFya8mF1E87cYmqai3JgwzKZhn8/s320/WordCloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension, or fear. I saw synonyms such as: breathtaking, awe-inspiring, magnificent, wonderful, amazing, stunning, staggering, imposing, stirring, impressive; formidable, mind-boggling, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, and excellent. You get the idea.<br />
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Viewing myself as magnificent, amazing or even jaw-dropping sounded, well, as a matter a fact, awesome. What is interesting to me is that I have willingly showered others with this level of praise. Whether it was something my husband had done for me or an accomplishment the kids had obtained in school or even a task a teammate had completed, I have easily and without hesitation said, "You are AWESOME!"<br />
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I am a firm believer that self-esteem and confidence go hand in hand. I also believe that our words have the ability to build up or tear down our own sense of well-being as well as those around us. This is not simply a good idea, it's Biblical. Proverbs 18:21 states "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." <br />
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Furthermore, Ephesians 4:29 indicates, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."<br />
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So, what was my problem? What had I been telling myself? Had I conditioned myself to celebrate others while holding myself to some other much higher standard? <br />
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Awareness is the first step resolving an issue. Holding myself to a standard that may be higher than necessary is definitely an issue. I have decided to employ some different self-affirmations:<br />
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<b>I can do it</b>. Although, I can't do it all at once. How many times have I unknowingly beat myself up because I have tried to do this and tried to do that but eventually spread myself too thin? Realizing everything does not have to be done right at this moment is freedom.<br />
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<b>It's OK to cry</b>. Managing emotional health is absolutely important and to maintain a healthy self-esteem and a high level of confidence, crying may be just what the doctor ordered. <br />
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<b>It's OK to rest</b>. Sometimes sitting down and doing nothing is the best thing that can be done.<br />
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And more importantly...<b>.I am AWESOME</b>!<br />
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Are you?<br />
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Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.</div>
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-34802168756025849892016-10-03T00:52:00.001-04:002016-10-03T00:52:58.651-04:00I'm Not Striving for Perfection, I Just Don't Want to Make Any Mistakes!I have heard the word "perfectionist" used at times to describe me. I have repeatedly denied these claims as I do not ascribe to being a perfectionist. I do not wake up each day and say to myself, "I am going to be perfect today." I do, however, detest making a mistake. What I did not realize is that I was creating a nearly impossible existence for myself and possibly for others around me, such as my children.<br />
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What drives the need to avoid making a mistake? Perhaps growing up as a performance-driven, people-pleasing child had something to do with it. Achieving and doing well in school was something I could control. I was involved in numerous clubs and attempted to be the best at everything. Now as an adult, that same drive has manifested itself as a type-A personality who is seen as a perfectionist. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDNDO_up3N4p5Fw5BrMtmuz-ykMzE1rWtnTGWaecS68k11lYK-VNvCU-RipZC01l-G5y3L5c0H_nXzCPJSGitw6unRJKBDXOvXshoOLpXdjeKT3pXPPT5Dxfvka_kaOyje-wrdAUd5YU/s1600/Be-Still-and-Know-That-I-Am-God-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDNDO_up3N4p5Fw5BrMtmuz-ykMzE1rWtnTGWaecS68k11lYK-VNvCU-RipZC01l-G5y3L5c0H_nXzCPJSGitw6unRJKBDXOvXshoOLpXdjeKT3pXPPT5Dxfvka_kaOyje-wrdAUd5YU/s320/Be-Still-and-Know-That-I-Am-God-1024x768.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A dear friend encouraged me to "STOP striving and start enjoying His blessings and His love." <br />
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"He is NOT judging your performance," my friend continued. <br />
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"He loves you…period."<br />
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God is not judging my performance. He loves me. Period. And that is the key. I am not here to please others. I am here to please God. Additionally, despite what my behavior implies, God does not have a notebook where he is checking off each accomplishment I achieve. I am enough. Just as I am, even if I do not accomplish another feat. While at times I may forget this, I can always access one of my favorite scriptures, Psalms 46:10, which reminds me to, "Be still and know that I am God."<br />
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It also occurred to me that by not enjoying my blessings my focus was askew. I was choosing to focus on what I thought I needed and not what I had in the moment. I was not being content, which in turn grieved God's heart.<br />
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The same friend who reminded me that God is not judging me also shared a video with me by the artist Jadon Lavik. Essentially, the song, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZVPk1Ryl_s" target="_blank">What If</a> states I belong to God despite what I do. For someone who is accustomed to running like the Energizer Bunny, knowing I do not have to perform or please is very comforting. <br />
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If you find yourself striving for perfection, know that God accepts and loves you unconditionally. It is OK to simply be still.<br />
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Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.<br />
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-47847009792923096692016-09-11T22:20:00.000-04:002016-09-11T22:20:02.902-04:00Being In the Moment-The Sounds of Cancer and Healing Like a Fighter"The results from your tissue analysis have returned. Your right breast and lymph nodes were clear. The other masses near the cancerous tissue were benign. Mrs. Reese, your pathology report is all clear!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLvbnnw4RdcFeILA7k70UTgFUAui1bW6J16SxikLIjFSy310LlZpASjhfu5-1KjeBtW3aXYOcjYg591fBGSkLrTAWsYmRf5gQ2dOCfnpe46YKxQtQgkauvBKwGlKMIhMGez0XtA2-Glg/s1600/IJID8813%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLvbnnw4RdcFeILA7k70UTgFUAui1bW6J16SxikLIjFSy310LlZpASjhfu5-1KjeBtW3aXYOcjYg591fBGSkLrTAWsYmRf5gQ2dOCfnpe46YKxQtQgkauvBKwGlKMIhMGez0XtA2-Glg/s320/IJID8813%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a>It took a moment for the words to sink in. My pathology report was clear! Really? No radiation or chemotherapy is needed? Praise God! It all still seemed so surreal and happened so quickly. From discovering a mysterious lump in one breast to undergoing a double mastectomy to receiving an all clear report-WOW! A miracle had just occurred! Thank you, Lord! Now my focus could shift fully to healing.<br />
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Previous life experiences have shown me that healing is a process. It is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, expectations and disappointment. There is pain and relief, progress and delay. There are moments of peace as well as some exceptionally difficult moments. I do not know if I thought this experience would be any different, however, through this healing process, I discovered the sounds of cancer which in turn are the sounds of healing like a fighter.<br />
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During my second week of recovery, in an effort to relieve my husband from the driving he had undertaken as a result of my diagnosis and recovery, I drove our eldest son to his high school which is 35 minutes away from our home. This was my first time driving since the surgery and I soon realized that I had attempted too much too soon. With each turn, the pain I felt in my breasts, which seemed like sharp razors, increased.<br />
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As I made my way home, I began to weep as I thought about the pain I was feeling and the entire process of losing my breasts to surgery because of cancer. Sitting at a traffic light, I sat in that moment. I turned the steering wheel and my muscles contracted, my chest seemed to constrict further. The pain crept through my body as if I had been captured by a boa constrictor who was slowly squeezing out my breath by wrapping itself fully around my weakened body. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKLQvcRABMCmaZ8bIdVdSQAq6mWO-GIqFcVzfsBzNRC9XFjCCjGs7rRiKlKc_vU_0TaK3QIDCJHSbE5rXK_zrhaIEzhe2KJvxLOpE3buCLa-N-37k_GbmqQ_IqjH5TmoqLKVODufKI5M/s1600/IMG_0620%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKLQvcRABMCmaZ8bIdVdSQAq6mWO-GIqFcVzfsBzNRC9XFjCCjGs7rRiKlKc_vU_0TaK3QIDCJHSbE5rXK_zrhaIEzhe2KJvxLOpE3buCLa-N-37k_GbmqQ_IqjH5TmoqLKVODufKI5M/s320/IMG_0620%255B1%255D.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>
The somber reality of those thoughts then led to thoughts about how much I was missing my daughter who is away at college which in turn became thoughts of inadequacies in my roles at work, as a mom and in my marriage. I felt overwhelmed with emotions, pain and fatigue. I questioned why this diagnosis had happened to me. I questioned my purpose in life. I questioned everything.<br />
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In an effort to change the atmosphere, I switched the radio channel. Almost on cue, my daughter's favorite song came on the radio. As I listened to the words, the tears flowed effortlessly. <br />
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"I've been thinking too much. Help me," were the words the pop artist belted throughout my car's stereo system.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2hpolHn-aRAC0LLef1wh0Vw78vTjg7O6IxrrB73PxlHbNjYXD5Uq5eqGAMNfZ8SnA2ZLTAo1wFmOQPuADKVT3fFMV_rdj4qPDa3Zb-g-2nsNVuX0BiWi_-671JkpoQVwhCEWEOlG00g/s1600/IMG_0618%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2hpolHn-aRAC0LLef1wh0Vw78vTjg7O6IxrrB73PxlHbNjYXD5Uq5eqGAMNfZ8SnA2ZLTAo1wFmOQPuADKVT3fFMV_rdj4qPDa3Zb-g-2nsNVuX0BiWi_-671JkpoQVwhCEWEOlG00g/s200/IMG_0618%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a>At that moment, I felt totally alone. Even though I was in bumper to bumper traffic and was surrounded by other parents, spouses, employees, and survivors, I felt completely and utterly alone. "Help me!" is what I wanted to scream out the window at my fellow commuters. Instead, I inched my car along with the masses, allowing the tears to simply fall, weeping with no audience.<br />
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By the time I returned home, my eyes were like the animated character, Garfield the Cat. Or better yet, my eyes looked like those of a heavy-weight fighter who had just lost a round. They were nearly swollen shut from crying, wiping away tears and more crying.<br />
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"What in the world happened?!?" my husband exclaimed in shock as I entered the house. <br />
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Without a word, I grabbed a pain killer, took a sip of water and turned towards the bedroom. Under the blankets I went, clearly in need of some rest.<br />
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The following days were full of nothing. I was committed to not making the same mistake I had made a few days prior and made it a point to remain in a low energy state. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZDKkkkys4gBPzWDnnIjtjzFhO35Oo9vP2s91bYD-uJKLT_lyrI2QhO-PCmivfVSDwsXNJbKX1h7eKBcSQhLXn59yLEIQUJ_9n22zMU9AnWKE_cPRyKI_Q3cjUEuLCpAW3hhikpJqRm4/s1600/IMG_0348%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZDKkkkys4gBPzWDnnIjtjzFhO35Oo9vP2s91bYD-uJKLT_lyrI2QhO-PCmivfVSDwsXNJbKX1h7eKBcSQhLXn59yLEIQUJ_9n22zMU9AnWKE_cPRyKI_Q3cjUEuLCpAW3hhikpJqRm4/s320/IMG_0348%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Later that week, we went in for my follow up appointment with the breast reconstruction doctor and I was looking forward to having my drain tubes removed. No such luck. My body had not yet fully begun to absorb the fluid produced by the surgery, therefore the tubes had to remain in place for at least another week (which became two more weeks). The tubes had to be drained at least three times a day, carefully handled so as to not rip off skin at the insertion site, stripped and output recorded. Because of their location, I was unable to turn on either side while sleeping or in a restful state. They were truly a pain in my side-literally!<br />
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On our way home from the doctor's office, I was processing in my head the issue about the tubes and in all honesty, felt a great deal of disappointment. I was staring out the window, chin in hand, shoulders slumped, watching the world slowly pass by. I lifted my gaze a bit and saw Kennesaw Mountain, in all its grandeur. I have always marveled at Kennesaw Mountain because of the beautiful views one can enjoy once the summit is reached.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxkEqloFysR8j33I4fNzj5FtktOxSyf6JV_7Ib2mwkm9mnDPVS0bWRuH9dht0WWEEJ9E4pSm5JMBlPDHhk5EcdU5CxDAOJ9l0ialPzJt5XC4Tk8tJ7nASbl5x_DdmHcRusB1BLx1SRq8/s1600/Kennesaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxkEqloFysR8j33I4fNzj5FtktOxSyf6JV_7Ib2mwkm9mnDPVS0bWRuH9dht0WWEEJ9E4pSm5JMBlPDHhk5EcdU5CxDAOJ9l0ialPzJt5XC4Tk8tJ7nASbl5x_DdmHcRusB1BLx1SRq8/s400/Kennesaw.jpg" width="400" /></a>It occurred to me that I am currently facing a mountain in my life. At that moment I realized I could focus on how big the mountain is and how long it is going to take me to get to the top along with all the minor stops along the way or, I could choose to enjoy the journey with my focus solely on the view at the top. <br />
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The mountain served as a reminder of what God had already done in my life with this experience. I was not ashamed of the tears I had shed earlier that week or even the disappointment I felt just a few moments before. Those were all very real feelings and a part of my process. They represented the sounds, for me, of cancer and healing. I was thankful for the reminder to focus on those things that are pure and noble. I was thankful that God met me right where I am.<br />
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I choose to focus on the mountaintop and I will continue to heal like a fighter. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.</span><br />
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-50916658784362831622016-08-11T09:11:00.000-04:002017-07-21T12:45:09.008-04:00They Say I Have Cancer, But I Say Cancer Does Not Have Me.I was lying in my bed when my fingers came across an unfamiliar mass. <br />
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"Honey, does this feel weird to you?"<br />
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My husband's fingers carefully searched the area.<br />
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"You probably need to contact the Doctor first thing on Monday morning," he said in a concerned tone.<br />
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After the initial breast exam, I was scheduled for a detailed mammogram and an ultrasound.<br />
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"And...stop breathing...". <br />
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This phrase was repeated several times as the tech took pictures of my carefully placed breast. She returned to my side to re-position it. She was so close to me that a strand of her hair became caught in my lipstick, helpless, much like I felt at that moment.<br />
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My left breast, a piece of my anatomy that had served in a variety of capacities throughout my life, was under inspection. It had nourished six children, enticed during intimate moments and offered support to beautifully flowing dresses. Now it was being squished, stretched, pulled, prodded and pushed.<br />
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"And stop breathing," the tech said again. As I held my breath, I wondered what fate awaited me. <br />
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"Mrs. Reese, your results are abnormal. We need you to return for a biopsy." <br />
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While the breast advocate explained the procedure, my mind wandered.<br />
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What if it is the worse case scenario? What if I have a limited amount of time left? What would I want to do with my time? Will the kids remember me? Will my husband find me attractive if I begin to look sickly. What will people say about my life?<br />
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"Mrs. Reese, do you have any questions? Mrs. Reese...?"<br />
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The nurse's voice penetrated my thoughts and brought me back to this new, sobering reality. <br />
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"Um...no...I understand."<br />
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During the days leading up to the procedure, I experienced sporadic periods of crying. I spent a great deal of energy, however, keeping my mind on Christ and channeling positive thoughts and vibes.<br />
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Overall, the biopsy was not painful. It certainly did not compare to child labor experiences, that's for sure! The popping noise the biopsy tool made was unbelievably annoying.<br />
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"I'm going to remove some tissue in 3....2....1, POP!," the doctor said. <br />
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The sound was similar to the noise elongated Bar-B-Que lighters make. All the while, I had the song, "Good, Good Father," playing in my mind as a few tears made their way down the side of my face.<br />
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"Mrs. Reese, your tissue will be sent off for analysis and we should have your results by next Tuesday." <br />
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It was Thursday. On Saturday, I received the call.<br />
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"Mrs. Reese, your results have returned. I tried to reach you on Friday but did not want to leave a message. They are not what we had hoped."<br />
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My heart immediately sank and my palms became sweaty as I reached for my husband's leg who was seated next to me on the couch. <br />
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"I have you on speaker phone so my husband can hear the news as well."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdt9owVsddtjSa9dd8YiAdK9N-22bsNoDmfodPILKG7RS-Lrz35LycwA_Yyplp4cHeIwDSODiFIbuGGWaIs41QITLmfZgbEPUobPg9fWsEsyKD3P3SknjlcZp4b2qkgGzGeMp-Qhx2zo/s1600/IMG_0117%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdt9owVsddtjSa9dd8YiAdK9N-22bsNoDmfodPILKG7RS-Lrz35LycwA_Yyplp4cHeIwDSODiFIbuGGWaIs41QITLmfZgbEPUobPg9fWsEsyKD3P3SknjlcZp4b2qkgGzGeMp-Qhx2zo/s320/IMG_0117%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a>"The mass is cancerous. Thankfully, it is in stage one and it is measuring at a small amount. The type of cancer you have is called invasive mammary carcinoma. It is appearing both in your ducts and in your lobes."<br />
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I looked at my husband as he sat up to hear the doctor more clearly.<br />
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"We have you scheduled to come in on Tuesday to speak with the Doctor during a consult. I want to stress that the focus should be on the size and the fact that it is a low grade."<br />
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Once the call ended, my hubby turned to me and asked, "First, how do you feel and then what do you think?"<br />
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"There are a number of emotions right now. Relief. Concern. Amazement. Disbelief. My life has changed forever."<br />
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Our senses were on high alert as we waited for our visit with the surgeon. When we arrived, we knew we were in good hands when the attending nurse introduced herself to us as "Grace." We hear you, Lord! <br />
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The consultation went better than expected and the doctor offered some comfort in an otherwise very unsettling situation. We asked a number of questions and gained a greater understanding of my case. We were again told to focus on the fact that it was caught early and the mass is very small.<br />
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Surgery and treatment will be scheduled soon. My cancer survivor journey has begun. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Cancer does not have me!</div><br />
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Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-26690954706531149432016-05-11T06:31:00.000-04:002016-11-12T07:24:09.686-05:00Celebrating JosiahIt has been a wonderful year getting to know our son, Josiah, despite his rocky beginning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH-x7eUrCR-PUCWiCOd0vq5mxcYFfz21xto2KEFNNqVsFOJvxYovxHtFF9yWbHXDOxSGTTAdTaz8Lrzd-LxDem4YBxaDCI7i-zyMQ2y9Acj9viGU_WbLUYD2arK6FyhvZ7Mc8I8aSF-4/s1600/lil+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH-x7eUrCR-PUCWiCOd0vq5mxcYFfz21xto2KEFNNqVsFOJvxYovxHtFF9yWbHXDOxSGTTAdTaz8Lrzd-LxDem4YBxaDCI7i-zyMQ2y9Acj9viGU_WbLUYD2arK6FyhvZ7Mc8I8aSF-4/s320/lil+man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We went in for our detailed anatomy appointment at 19 weeks, full of cheer and excitement, as we anticipated learning the gender of our sixth child. We'd been through this type of visit numerous times before but due to the amount of time the tech spent on the area of the heart, I knew something was not quite right.<br />
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The call came in while I was at work. "Mrs. Reese, we discovered some abnormalities with your baby's heart. We need you to come in for more testing." I was immediately struck with fear and a sinking feeling became evident in my stomach. I hung up the phone and went to a co-worker's office and sought prayer. Tears flowed as we grasped hands asking God to intervene with His peace.<br />
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The trip to the doctor's office was a somber one. "There is a hole in your son's heart which needs to be repaired. We will need to conduct an amniocentesis to be certain of the cause." I reached for my husband's hand as the tears slowly rolled down my cheeks. I had never had an amniocentesis conducted for any of my other pregnancies but chose to focus on remaining calm. The testing revealed there were a few issues with our son's heart...and something else.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FC7xYl37gresWmNsBrG0Nwyq9t3RqFdZe5UJiuBc6E_0zvM4PnF_Gnjr74CyAkU3nsjUfTP71w6WHMZG_VP_e0RrVoMHI5Q231bbgvvy6Go8CFIVjI1IMeFYXJOZPT1NHwp0ye7SlOw/s1600/me+preggo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FC7xYl37gresWmNsBrG0Nwyq9t3RqFdZe5UJiuBc6E_0zvM4PnF_Gnjr74CyAkU3nsjUfTP71w6WHMZG_VP_e0RrVoMHI5Q231bbgvvy6Go8CFIVjI1IMeFYXJOZPT1NHwp0ye7SlOw/s320/me+preggo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"Mr. and Mrs. Reese, there is a 99% chance that your son has Down Syndrome and we won't truly know the concerns and limitations of his heart until he is born." <br />
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The words fell from the doctor's lips and onto the floor, splattering like a rotted tomato. It was difficult to focus on the rest of the words that were floating into the air. I kept rubbing my stomach and praying over our unborn child. "God...please..."<br />
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Over the next few weeks, we prayed, we researched, we talked, we cried and we prayed some more. We knew it was important to enlist the support of family and friends so we slowly began the process of sharing what we had been told with those who were close to us. I remember not wanting to accept what the doctor had said and was clinging to the hope that there was a 1% chance that our baby boy was going to be just fine.<br />
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On May 8th, 2015, I went in for a routine maternity check-up and was told to get to the hospital because there was fluid around our son's heart. The doctor wanted to begin the process of delivery before we were forced to make some hasty decisions. I checked in late that evening, Friday night, and began the wait for Josiah.<span id="goog_1792657585"></span><br />
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Unfortunately, my body was not quite ready to release Josiah and the wait turned out to be much longer than we had ever anticipated. We thought he was going to be born on the 10th which happened to be Mother's Day but that was not the case. They tried a number of different techniques to get my body to respond to the induction process but nothing seemed to be working. His heart rate dipped twice and we were informed that if it dipped again, he would have to be taken via C-section.<br />
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His heart rate dipped again and the room suddenly became a flurry of hospital staff, whisking around me and my husband to prepare us for delivery. Our five children and my mom were there, as was tradition, and I could see the look of alarm on their faces as I was being wheeled out of the room and they were being ushered to a sitting area. This was not the way it was supposed to be! I could see Steve's face, slightly tear-streaked, as I was rushed past him to OR.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyuuQtxUK2JUOF75ujCDkV3KZ2iOXkZ2djamyle2R93j_8IiB1SiWGnF3ClwHjmGz7ySS_H0mmhH9NYtaNgEaseJVMfTF-EpwRZlnuwoMs4nFKgm0zIEbNa9URdxP0yLgz6xnefGWbr4/s1600/jd+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyuuQtxUK2JUOF75ujCDkV3KZ2iOXkZ2djamyle2R93j_8IiB1SiWGnF3ClwHjmGz7ySS_H0mmhH9NYtaNgEaseJVMfTF-EpwRZlnuwoMs4nFKgm0zIEbNa9URdxP0yLgz6xnefGWbr4/s320/jd+hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a>"You're going to be Ok," one of the staff whispered to me while patting my arm. "We do these procedures on a daily basis." I had delivered all five of my other children vaginally. Needless to say, I was full of mixed emotions. I was exhausted and now just wanted him here, safely.<br />
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It all happened so quickly. Then he was lifted out of my body and offered for Steve and me to see. On May 11th, Josiah David Reese made his grand entrance into this world-Finally!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR6hkqCjWEYhn7cOVa1STT_obOxlAf7MqDIfdVXK411hitS00VXkeLCpYKaMlxJzb2jj-j5IX85zU_vcIZfExmNK8GvNBFNDcVpiLace_jmH0XAKHIQC73_wnOWgndxzSZzjzeWVMojE/s1600/us+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR6hkqCjWEYhn7cOVa1STT_obOxlAf7MqDIfdVXK411hitS00VXkeLCpYKaMlxJzb2jj-j5IX85zU_vcIZfExmNK8GvNBFNDcVpiLace_jmH0XAKHIQC73_wnOWgndxzSZzjzeWVMojE/s320/us+hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a>We were told that surgery was not immediately needed on his heart but he had to remain in the NICU after his birth due to the complications experienced during the birthing process. <br />
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Leaving the hospital without him was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do even though I knew he was under the best care. We visited the hospital daily and asked regularly about when he would be released to go home. <br />
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We were told he had to be able to breathe on his own, pass the car seat test and gain weight before he could be discharged. They were initially concerned about his hearing but he eventually passed all testing. He was in NICU for a total of three weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrP8m0fXanj_nZZUl3xgf9P86zjtbF3IA79VyPyDjrvhcurkOyQRs_ydzW4HmnfBzCivTYji60yTrNmi8vCHy3xsK7O615FXNge42bA16GSdZRWNt1xBE9TGdRDARY2IXCII8qrBreDU/s1600/heart+surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrP8m0fXanj_nZZUl3xgf9P86zjtbF3IA79VyPyDjrvhcurkOyQRs_ydzW4HmnfBzCivTYji60yTrNmi8vCHy3xsK7O615FXNge42bA16GSdZRWNt1xBE9TGdRDARY2IXCII8qrBreDU/s320/heart+surgery.jpg" width="320" /></a>Subsequent doctor's visits after discharge indicated surgery was imminent but they wanted to give him time to grow.At four months old, Josiah underwent open heart surgery. Once again, he was in NICU and had to remain in the hospital. My own heart tore a little when I saw him for the first time after surgery.<br />
He looked so small, helpless and sweet. My little man.<br />
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We soon came to realize that Josiah was a fighter, a "Little Warrior," as his Grandma affectionately calls him. His smile is contagious and his laugh is so cute! We cannot imagine our lives without him.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov8GJ8JVHhtM9_MyE1xO0LkP7vn_AkRWeKsXCAfScEh1Tl8P24lx8mfUdwJ-dZ_FtaWrH3D_xy5P3xx8GVBJHN-KIzFvtVQhMrdCSNWkXoogua3rxLsGfFS853wNms2gXsI-SZrjf3OA/s1600/jd+with+elmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov8GJ8JVHhtM9_MyE1xO0LkP7vn_AkRWeKsXCAfScEh1Tl8P24lx8mfUdwJ-dZ_FtaWrH3D_xy5P3xx8GVBJHN-KIzFvtVQhMrdCSNWkXoogua3rxLsGfFS853wNms2gXsI-SZrjf3OA/s320/jd+with+elmo.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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What about the Down Syndrome diagnosis, you ask? DS is NOT our son. He has some characteristics that are associated with Down Syndrome and is experiencing delayed growth in certain areas but we are not boxing him in a diagnosis. Yes, we are certainly remaining informed about his growth and development but we are choosing to focus on his <i>abilities</i> and not limiting him before he even has a chance.<br />
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I will admit, I was greatly disheartened when we first received the news. I did not want to hear it, discuss it or accept it. In fact, if I am truly honest, Josiah almost was a statistic, a child never born. I thank God for His grace, peace and mercy. I would not have been able to live with a decision to abort, even though it was an option freely offered by the doctors. <br />
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Each time I look at Josiah, I am humbled by God's selection of us to be Josiah's parents. He is an active baby, crawling around to keep up with his siblings and grabbing everything! He is also extremely vocal and enjoys chatting, especially with his Daddy. He is so busy!! He is a gift...a gift for our family and for the world. I love me some Josiah David Reese!<br />
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About the Author:<br />
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Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWSZ36xPQYbAXtEFmdwMPkwvKAl6cf6atMjMNQoKLaqMYUHTEzfrIXnQTeVw08g5eynggKrhB-FC-jFk5NIJGRNn4ra44lMzKkMd7LD5hfLLeZh4Xb50D_-8HlgRxg4ub-Bk-kaOAIgU/s1600/me+at+gsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWSZ36xPQYbAXtEFmdwMPkwvKAl6cf6atMjMNQoKLaqMYUHTEzfrIXnQTeVw08g5eynggKrhB-FC-jFk5NIJGRNn4ra44lMzKkMd7LD5hfLLeZh4Xb50D_-8HlgRxg4ub-Bk-kaOAIgU/s320/me+at+gsu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-86016103433898540072016-05-10T20:48:00.001-04:002016-05-10T20:48:39.838-04:00Give it ALL to God<br />
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<a href="http://www.psychologyinaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.psychologyinaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/stress.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a>It is the month of May. Within these past five months, I began a new job, there have been three proms, several track meets, we experienced our first cruise as a family of eight and are nearly finished with the process of building a home from the ground up. That list of events alone is enough to place a strain on any person. Oh...and did I mention we are preparing for a high school graduation, a Pre-K promotion event <i>and </i>celebrating three birthdays solely during the month of May? Yes, I have "Calgon" on speed dial! These events are all stressors- certainly happy ones, but stressors nonetheless. </div>
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Dictionary.com defines a stressor as an activity, event, or other stimulus that causes stress. I was beginning to feel the weight of these stressors when my husband told me to give it to God. Sounds simple enough, right?<br />
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How difficult is it to give everything to God? Are you able to place whatever may be plaguing you at His feet and just leave it? I have gotten pretty good at leaving my <i>stuff </i>and <i>junk</i> at the feet of the throne. It's the picking it back up part that gets me in trouble. <br />
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God's word tells us to "not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.<br />
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Experiencing stress can make anyone take some unhealthy actions to cope, i.e. binge eating or an exploding temper. What do you do when you feel stressed? What <i>can</i> you do? What you <i>should</i> you do?<br />
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The first step to any change is recognizing there is a problem. Usually, my eye begins to twitch and I say to myself, "Ok...something is going on. My body is trying to tell me that I am experiencing stress. What is causing me to stress out?" I then begin to assess each area in my life to determine the source. Is it a close relationship? Is it on my job? Is it an issue with my health? Is something awry with my finances? Where is that stressor? (Can you picture me searching high and low?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYj96Tp_etEnH1LulCFp3wZww1fyYxZ46jvgWZczl2-k1Wk13Rgd-s1ZkzjSDIsyVxEhnGuwYd6eqxpbfkgt3_5JBmQ_D8EZ7G4v-SmT94bm5x6fMHhOpzymYbmLqT1ZdyRWc6JGBeU0/s1600/frog.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYj96Tp_etEnH1LulCFp3wZww1fyYxZ46jvgWZczl2-k1Wk13Rgd-s1ZkzjSDIsyVxEhnGuwYd6eqxpbfkgt3_5JBmQ_D8EZ7G4v-SmT94bm5x6fMHhOpzymYbmLqT1ZdyRWc6JGBeU0/s320/frog.gif" width="320" /></a>The second step is to identify ways to alleviate the stress, if possible. It may not be possible to alleviate the stress and finding ways to manage the stress will be more beneficial. What can you do to chill out? <br />
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Could you relax by listening to music, getting a massage or participating in your favorite hobby? Perhaps you can exercise by taking a walk or doing some cardio. Talking to trusted loved ones is an option. I highly recommend writing it all down to get it out of your head. Anything you can do to minimize and eventually eradicate what is causing you to be anxious is a step in the right direction.<br />
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Ultimately, the most important step, is to give it to God. I have found that my most earnest prayers occur when I simply lie prostrate on the floor and say, "God...help me." His presence and peace are far more effective than any brand of bubble bath. Let go of those stressors and give it ALL to God.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">About the Author:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.</span><br />
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532918610061591262.post-18198209051996944802016-04-30T10:27:00.001-04:002016-04-30T10:27:20.801-04:00Push the Reset ButtonHave you ever felt like you needed to push a "re-set" button for some area in your life? Recently, my husband and I participated in our walk-through for our new home. The building superintendent showed us various features of the house and demonstrated how to use each item. One item we discussed was the GFCI outlet. <br />
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A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI outlet, helps detect abnormal current flow and opens the circuit to prevent a dangerous situation. Essentially, the GFCI outlet trips the breaker when there is too much electricity flow. You are then required to check the circuit breaker, locate the tripped switch and push the reset button. It occurred to me that sometimes we have to push the reset button in life.<br />
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Not long ago, I believed I was on the right track with my career. I had been moved to a larger office in a prime location, my role had been adjusted to include new responsibilities and I had access to key executives. I was at the top of my game. Or so I thought. Something was not quite right.<br />
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As described during our new home walk through, the superintended informed us it is important to assess the situation before taking any action. Regarding my career, I decided to enlist the services of a professional coach as well as my mentor to assist with assessing my career and current work situation. I also engaged the assistance of a few close friends for Godly counsel. This group of individuals guided me through the process of evaluating the pros and cons of where I was and helped me to identify priorities and long-term professional goals.<br />
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Throughout this process I was certain to include the impact any changes would have on my family as well as on my health. Conversely, I had to weigh what the impact would be on my family and my health if I chose <i>not </i>to make any changes. These actions were equivalent to me checking the circuit breaker to locate the tripped switch.<br />
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It was clear that energy was not flowing correctly. I decided to take steps to make the necessary changes for my career, for my family and for my health. It was time to push the re-set button. <br />
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In our current home we know we cannot fry anything in the deep fryer <i>and</i> use the microwave simultaneously. Everyone in our home knows this and adjusts their cooking plans accordingly. This may be the case with your situation. Perhaps you are aware of certain limitations and therefore only need a slight adjustment. You may decide, however, that working around a "dysfunction" is not acceptable and that a total overhaul is needed. If the situation persists, as warned by our superintendent during our walk through, an expert may need to be brought in. <br />
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You may be in a relationship where every interaction is contentious. Your health may be problematic or your finances may be awry. It is time to push the reset button.<br />
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Rely on your internal GFCI outlet and push the reset button to allow the energy flow to resume.<br />
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About the Author:<br />
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Shatanese Reese is a freelance blogger and author of a future book who resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and their six children. She enjoys walks on the beach and colorful sunrises. Shatanese’s goal is to find the extraordinary in every day moments. Follow Shatanese on YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope.<br />
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<br />Shatanese Reesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16476442361577125090noreply@blogger.com0