Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

The interview process for the Employee Relations Consultant position is complete. Initially, I didn't think that I wanted the position because I was content to work two jobs for now. Even though I will still work the part-time job at my church on Saturday nights, I really want the position. It is an opportunity to develop my knowledge and exercise my decision making abilities while advancing my career.

The panel interview consisted of three (3) individuals currently serving in different roles in the company but each began their careers in the role for which I applied. Next was a writing sample issuing a disciplinary letter for an individual whose attendance record continued to decline. (In theory, this should have been a breeze but it has been over two years (2) since I have actually written one of these letters. I had to pull the information out of my subconscious!) Finally, I met with the director. She was a very nice lady. A little spacey. She reminded me of my former VP. She advised that background checks must be completed before an offer of employment is presented as the company does not extend offers contingent on the clearance of background checks. Collectively, the initial phone interview, the first-face-to-face with the two Employee Relations Managers (one of whom left the room during the interview and returned when it ended), the panel interview, and the interview with the director, will determine if an offer is extended.

That about sums up my afternoon yesterday. Additionally, I scheduled an interview for Monday with a different company but after much thought, I have decided to cancel the meeting. The company is over 40 minutes away, one way. Further, the position does not offer any growth opportunity.

So, here I am again: waiting..............................

The Lord is my Shepard. I shall not want. Psalm 23: 1

Rounds 3 and 4

I received a call today to continue in the interview process for the Employee Relations Consultant position.

Tomorrow, I will interview with a panel and then move on to meet the director.

"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."
James 1:5 NKJV

Again, I wait...

Well, I had my interview today for the Employee Relations Consultant position. I think that it went well. I was much more relaxed and the questions were straight forward rather than behaviorial based. There was one scenrio that I had to read and give my opinion of how I would handle the situation.

The environment was warm and inviting and I actually felt comfortable while waiting. The office is about 20 minutes from my house but I can take the surface streets to avoid traffic. The downside is the hours are 8a-5p Monday thru Friday. I would rather work 7a-4p so that I can have a little more time in the evenings. But that is a minor issue.

While in that interview, I received a voice mail message about another position. When I spoke with the manager of that company later that afternoon, he scheduled an interview with me for Thursday (which I will be re-scheduling due to a conflict.) It is reassuring to know that God has this all under control. I am blessed with two really great part-time jobs that do not conflict with one another nor do they tire me out. I would really like to get the job I interviewed for today. I could see myself working there. That company will help me fill in the gaps in my resume which will lead to my director or vp position.

But for now, once again, I wait...............


13 [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living!

14 Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14

Preparation

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

My interview for the Employee Relations Consultant position is tomorrow at 2:00pm. Unlike my interview with Target, I have not prepared at all. I have not spent hours researching the company or various types of interviewing techniques. In fact, the only preparation has been prayer and deciding what suit to wear. Because I have relied on God for to meet EVERY need, I am okay with whatever happens tomorrow. I have salary and work hours requirements that must be met. If the company is not willing to meet those two conditions, then I will continue to wait on the Lord-plain and simple.

On a lighter note, it was a beautiful day Saturday. So I opened the door to the balcony and put the screen door in place. Today, as I prepared to go to the balcony to put a load of clothing in the washing machine, I opened the door and walked right in to the screen door.

Heck of a Week

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:30-33 The Message

I began my new job on Monday and this has been a long week. As I sit here writing a blog entry, instead of working on my ECON Excel project, I was just thinking about how truly blessed I am.

While grocery shopping alone (the kids were at daycare) and singing and dancing up and down the aisles, I received a call to schedule a face-to-face interview next week for a position as an Employee Relations Consultant with a fairly prominent company here in the Valley of the Sun. Lately, I have had more calls about jobs "than a little bit" (that is phrase I learned from my cousin while living in Atlanta.- HA!) But why have the interviews starting pouring in? Because I followed Jesus' advice in Matthew 6:33. I stopped seeking for a job and started seeking after Him. All my needs and wants are met.

The kids have adjusted to their daycare very well. I knew that NyCee would be okay but Tyler took a couple of days to grow accustom to the new arrangement. But working this week has afforded me the opportunity to really stop and think about a full-time job. Right now, I get off at 2:00p and by the time I pick up the kids, get home, cook dinner, read stories, give baths, and goodnight kisses at 7:30p, I am pooped. My job is only 10 minutes away and the kids daycare is down the street from my job (about 5-6 mins). After all of that, I have to sit down at my computer and attempt to complete my school assignments before 10:00p so that I can shower and get some sleep. So now, I am trying to figure out if a full-time job is worth all of that right now.

So that was the "WAHOO" part of my week. The "boy that sucks" part is that I failed one part of my CDL exam so I have to return to the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) next Friday and retake it. It was a four part exam and I failed the one part by one question. ALWAYS GO WITH YOUR FIRST THOUGHT! But it's okay. I will zip thru it next time.

Back to the excel project.....


But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. John 16:13 Amplified Bible

Faith Walk

Moving to Phoenix, this time around, was truly a walk of faith. I knew in my heart that moving was the right thing to do. It just took a WHOLE LOTTA faith to actually do it seeing as how I didn't have job, no job prospects (other than substitute teaching which I really did NOT want to do), no interviews lined up-nothing. I packed up my kids and moved on faith.

Now, some people thought that I was being "Flighty Dayna" and just flying by the seat of my pants. I promise, that this time, I put a lot of thought and prayer into this decision.

Since moving, I have had seven, yes, seven job interviews. Two of which came this week. Now, given the current state of the economy, I consider that a true blessing from God. When I didn't get the job two weeks ago, I was bummed out because I thought that I "needed" a full time job to take care of me and my children. Wrong! What I needed to do was stretch my faith and remember that God feeds the birds surely He will take care of us (Matthew 6:26-31).

I have received blessing after blessing. All my bills are paid in full and on time. Remember, I just started working on 09/18 and 10/20 respectively.Financial blessings have come to me to meet that need. Yesterday, I received a call about a full time position and had a phone interview. I am not really interested in the position but I do not pass up opportunities to brush up on my interviewing skills. Today, while in training, my phone rang and it was another company calling to conduct a phone interview. Again, I am not interested in the position but will seize the opportunity for a face-to-face interview if one is offered.

I am not interested because my current situation works very well for me. I work one part-time job Monday-Friday (2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon) and my other part-time job on Saturday nights. The kids are in daycare all day and I have time to complete my schoolwork during my down time. This opens up my evenings for rest and time with the kids. Actual quality time with them. And if by the time I complete my doctoral program, NyCee will be in Kindergarten thereby reducing my daycare cost.

One of the pastors at my church teaches, "Short term pain reaps long term rewards." What am I saying? It would be better for me to stay at my part-time job (for which I am receiving state retirement points and matching 401k benefits) and complete my doctoral program rather than take a full-time job for $40k and drive myself mad trying to be superwoman. Yes, in the short term, I will be on a strict budget. But the long term reward is worth it!

I just think about how awesome God is to have even opened the doors of employment opportunities. It just reminds me that He has everything under control. But I had to do my part which was act on my faith.

The Flutist

For the past several days, NyCee has been walking around the house playing her "flute." Which of course are highlighters clipped together. What amazed me is: 1. she actually knows the colors of each highlighter. She said, "Look Mommy. Pink, orange, yellow. I play the flute." And then she starts to hum a little tune. The second thing is that she is recalling an episode of Dora the Explorer. She can nearly replay the entire episode out loud. The little tune that she hums is what Dora hummed while playing her flute.

NyCee even uses Spanish words, in the correct context, on several occasions. That little girl is so smart. I was thinking that next year I will get her involved in some sort of activity. Either playing an instrument or sports. I think I want to get her involved in swimming or gymnastics.

Fabulous

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with my mother in which I told her that I have lost a lot of weight. So much weight, that all my brand new suits are too big. I had four pairs of the pants altered but they are still too big and the jackets look sloppy. So I will be giving them away to someone. I don't know who but I am sure someone can use them.

Anyway, my mother asked me what size am I currently wearing. I replied, "A 4." She exclaimed, "A 4? Are you eating? Do you have money for food? Why didn't you call if you didn't have money to buy food?" I laughed and told her that we are eating. We eat three meals a day plus two snacks. I have been small all of my life with the exception of after NyCee was born. (I think that was because I went through a phase of depression due to all the drama in my life at that time.)

Even though my world was a bit chaotic during my pregnancy and after Tyler was born, I exercised everyday and ate fairly healthy while pregnant with him. So today, I like how I look. I love my life and quite frankly--I look absolutely FABULOUS as a size 4. So mommy, this picture is for you:

"Look at what I can do at 6 months old."

"It's been six months since I entered the world and already, I try to have tantrums by stiffing my body and screaming until mommy comes into the room. (Notice I said try because usually mommy ignores me and doesn't respond until I act like I have some sense.) I play with my toes, fingers, and oh yeah, some thing between my legs that I haven't figured out how to work yet. I pull my sister's hair and try to eat it. I have learned how to roll on my stomach but then I have to stay like that until mommy comes to help me.

Today, mommy took my sister and me to a place named Childtime where we will go on Monday because my mommy starts her new job. I will like it there I am sure. So far, my life is good. I was born in Michigan, visited Georgia, and now I am home in Arizona. Life is fabulous and getting better each day."

Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe

When Tyler woke up early Saturday morning, around 6:00a or so, I walked into the room to get him. In the process, I noticed that NyCee was in "her" spot in my bed. I do not even remember her coming into my room. Normally, she yells my name at the top of her lungs and then climbs into my bed.



But the kids are making progress with respect to sleeping all night in their own beds. When NyCee wakes up, depending on what time it is, I put her back in her bed. Last night, she slept in her bed all night. She walked into my room this morning and exclaimed, "Mommy. I wake up" as she stretched her arms in the air. As we were walking out the bedroom, she turned around and said, "Mommy, Shhh (with her finger on her lips). Buddy is sleeping. We tip-toe, tip-toe (as she walked on her tip-toes out of the room).

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Valley Visitors

My friends Dacia and Stephanie surprised me with a visit today. When I was in Atlanta, I was unable to see Dacia due to schedule conflicts. Therefore, it was so good to see her.

We just caught up and enjoyed each other's company. We swapped baby delivery stories and other "unimportant" life events. They both told me that the "Valley of the Sun" really agrees with me. While walking around the mall, I snapped this photo of NyCee. I don't even have words to type. Those little legs crossed are too much for me.

Now, I just have to get my other friend Allie, along with her children Mallie and Max out here. And my friend in Chicago. Maybe now that the weather is cooling off, they will take a trip out here.

Dacia and Stephanie also helped me figure out all the features of the stroller that I purchased for the kids. I didn't realize that Tyler's car seat was not supposed to be placed on the stroller itself. Once I removed the car seat and just strapped him in, it was so much lighter and easier to manuver. Also, both seats recline! Who knew? Yes, I know: I had another infamous "Little Red Stick" moment.

The Blob

NyCee wanted some cookies so I thought I would try my hand at making a batch. How hard could it be, right? I opened the package, added the egg and the butter, mixed until smooth and used two teaspoons to place it on the cookie sheet like Sandra Lee taught me. But Sandra's cookies do not turn out like this:



I will just stick to either Vaniila Wafers or the cookies that you just place on the cookie sheet and bake.

My Cup is Full

The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Psalm 23 (Amplified Bible)

After spending nearly 30 plus hours thinking of myself as a failure, I decided that was enough. Now that the funk cloud of failure has lifted, I can clearly see that I really didn't want the job with company #1. It just didn't feel right. Neither did company #2. What I wanted was the stability of a consistent paycheck. Well, I have that.

The part time job that I will start on 10/20 will actually work very well for me. Because I still have two classes to complete my MBA, I will be able to work on my school assignments during my down time. The kids will be at daycare and that will free up my evenings to spend some time with them before bedtime. So it truly is all in how you look at it.

I wasted all those hours recapping every failure in my life. Well, what good did that do? What snapped me back to reality was the vision of Jesus on the cross. He looked defeated also but He knew the end of the story. Oftentimes He stated, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body" (John 2:19-21).

Jesus also told me, "In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world" (John 16:33, The Message). Walking around with my head hung down about a job that I didn't really want is ridiculous. So like Sandra Lee says, "I am going to put on a pretty little party dress" and be of good cheer.

I am reading a book titled, "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer and it is so good. I suggest everyone read it because how you see yourself in your mind really does control your actions and behaviors. "For as a man thinks in his heart, so his he" (Proverbs 23:7a) If I allowed my mind to replay failures, then a failure I would be. However, I "Do [not] fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies" (Phillipans 4:7-9 The Message).

Besides, who could stay in a depressed funk with this kid around.

The Wait Is Over

I didn't get either position that I interviewed for on Friday. I knew that when I left each company on Friday but it doesn't make it any less disappointing.

I will just have to work two jobs to take care of the kids. It just feels like I can not get a break. But God said,

"Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
Jeremiah 1:5

I want to cry. I want to scream. I want to give up. But I can not bring myself to do any of those things. My kids didn't ask to be here so I have to keep moving forward for them. Sadly, people would rather see me fail; rather than to encourage me. I think that is what hurts the most.

Bold

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it] (Hebrews 4:16).

Last night while I was getting ready for bed, I heard NyCee shuffle out of her bed and tip-toe into my room. She looked at me and climbed into my bed, getting into "her" spot, curled right up, and went to sleep. The entire scenario lasted about 5 mins but it was so profound to me because that is what God expects for us to do. NyCee knew that she could crawl into my bed and find comfort and peace to rest. So we ought to know that we can boldly approach God's throne for help to endure every situation in life.

My morning started at 300a with a text message with some rather unsettling news. It was not unto death, meaning no one died or anything. But it was just something that I didn't need added to my plate. Let me back up.

God has really been awesome by opening several doors of employment opportunities. I have a part-time job where I work on Saturdays nights and began that job on 09/18. Wednesday, I received another job offer for an additional part time job that is 4 hours a day 5 days a week with a little higher pay. Today, I had two job interviews. Both were openings by God. For the first company, I received an email from the recruiter who was trying to contact me but because I changed my cell number. Therefore, she sent me an email. My cousin put me in touch with her neighbor who has worked for the company for 18 years and she provided me with some insight and spoke very highly of the company. Then on Monday, I received an email from the second company I interviewed with today, stating that there was an opening for a position they felt I was better suited for versus the one I submitted my resume for. So of course, I was so excited at the blessings God granted me.

Now, think about it. Some people are trying to find one job and I have 4 job opportunities. That is awesome! But today, the news I received at 300a was only the beginning. I went to the interview at Company #1 and was subjected to three rounds of interviews with 2 interviewers in each session. The problem: the facility is 35 minutes away from my house and is open 24/7 which means I could be required to report to work at various times on various days. Obviously that would not work for me as a single mother.

When I arrived at Company #2, the recruiter advised me that just this morning, the requirements for the position had changed and while I was a strong candidate, I no longer fit the criteria that the hiring manager is looking for. Nonetheless, I still met with the hiring manager and he was honest and told me that I meet the requirements 80% but he needs someone with the other 20%. However, he will keep my resume in the "mix" for consideration.

So now, I have a choice. I can either continue to believe that God opened these doors for a reason and because He is Omnipotent, He knew the work hours of Company 1 and the requirements of Company 2. Or I can be like the Israelites who God delivered out of Egypt, provided all needs while traveling to the Promised Land, confirmed that the Promised Land was in fact what God said, "We went to the land to which you sent us and, oh! It does flow with milk and honey! Just look at this fruit! (Numbers 13:27), but never entered the Promise Land because of doubt and unbelief. Isn't it safe to assume that God knew there were giants in the Promised Land when He told Moses, "Send men to scout out the country of Canaan that I am GIVING to the People of Israel?" (Numbers 13:1). So it is safe to assume that God was well aware of the giants that I faced today, right?

Last night, I didn't fully understand what God was showing me. Today, I do. I have to stand boldly on His word and His promises in order to enter my Promised Land.

Too Much Time There

You know you spend too much time in one place when your two year old asks, "Mommy, we go to Wal-Mart" when you pull in the parking lot.