Mark_18

Alrighty... It seams I'm growing up.

God is really making big moves with me right now. My life may be starting to piece together now and in the near future - what I'd call very rapidly.

Last night I went for a nice bike ride, listening to my MP3 player, praying, and worshiping as I rode. I stopped by my work about a 25 minute ride away. "The Real Canadian Superstore". I sat at the back of the building still listening to music and praising God, and took time to pray over that building and what I do and say there. You guys know about the young ladies who I am friends with there - I prayed for them and for me to be filled while I work and reflect God in their eyes. I prayed that I could do great things there.

Well today I went to work for 9:30AM. I was quite filled and very happy about what God was showing me, and the confidence I had in his works. I worked really hard for the first hour and decided that things are going to change and I'm going to become more disciplined and work harder, even though I always have been - If I may say so myself - probably the best thing that's happened to the department in years. I work in "Home Meal" I might add. It's right in there, pretty much one with the deli - but I won't get too far into the details there.

After the first hour or so and all my excitement for big change in myself, I talk to the deli supervisor who I work with and have known for the (over)two years I've been there. He's been my trainer/ mentor/ buddy in the past and has watched me grow from a lot less than what I am now. He gave me some very interesting/ shocking/ exciting/ sudden news. First of all - He is leaving to take a higher position. He will be just 5 places under the main owner of the Superstores in Canada, and will answer to nobody in MB or even Saskatchewan. He told me the details of his job and it will be so great for him. I was happy for him. Second - My supervisor is leaving! He has been getting into trouble lately, probably because he planned to quit anyways, and now he has given his notice.

So the Deli supervisor tells me to go for it! And I have been all day and still am, seriously considering applying for the supervisor position. This is my first job which I started when I was 16. My friends are there. I can see God doing amazing things with me that have already started, and I can continue to really witness to my friends and everyone there. I know they see some really cool changes in me already. I must say I talk so intelligently, I can communicate much better, I have a better sense of humor, I'm less nurvous, I'm more confident, more kind, and I display my values and priorities much better - to name a few. I now have authority in my words and actions knowing that they are true.b I see this as the tip of the iceberg. Glory to God for all of this. He is changing me in so many ways. Thank you Lord!

So the job would pay $30,000-$33,000 / year plus $3K-$4K typical bonus each year. I would work weekdays plus one weekend every month. I would be in charge of everything in the department. Hiring and firing. The payroll. Orders. I'd have responsibilities like being prepared for health and safety inspection. Training. All the paperwork. Everything. God has given me so much confidence and I know how quickly I can adapt and grow to do great things. I know I can do this Job if I decide to and get it.

It will mean leaving school. I would be short of graduation a few classes because I have these classes I'm in plus the one I had to go back for next year. Highschool is not required for the job though. My thought is that I get out into the work force about a year earlier than I otherwise would have. I don't have a girlfriend or a child and I'm living at home, so in that year I figure I could easily put away at least $15,000 savings. Then I keep saving for a 3 or 4 or 5 or however many more years, and I make a huge down payment on a house. So the headstart on things is appealing to mine, and my future family's financial future. And I don't plan to tie myself down anytime soon. Not to mention - I really don't like school. Heh. Don't get me wrong though, it is not that I'm anxious that is driving me to want to do this. anxiousness aside, with responsibility in mind, and looking at all aspects, I am really feeling driven to do this. Later if I want to move up or move to something else, I have the option of night or online classes to finish highschool while I'm working. The thought of not graduating doesn't look good, but I really think I can make something of this. I really feel driven to do this and feel that God has great plans for me and even wants me to stay at that store.

I'm not the university/ college type. I'm a simple guy who wants a simple wife, err, I mean life and to enjoy the beautiful things in this world. God is really showing me how beautiful the simple and unnoticed things are and how exciting everyday life really is. Every day really is a new day and when you're walking with Him you never know what oportunities and things you may run into. I believe He has a woman in His plans for me that will appreciate things I do and it will just work. I believe He will teach me to be wise with my money and every major decision in my life and at work. In fact I'm so excited about the thought of doing that job. I can finally put my creativity, deep thought, and faith in God into running the department, hiring people, and handling everything. I see so many ways that I'd be good at it.

I know applying for it doesn't gaurantee I'll get it. I do have to decide carefully because I could get it, but I know not to expect anything. I asked the deli supervisor what the chances might be and he said basically: "Well, you've been very reliable and hard working for two years. You've been added as a trainer for the department. You have me as a reference. You just need to talk to (Name Here) and have an interview with (Name Here), and I can't tell you for sure, but you're chances are good."

Also, my dad who has known God before, and who's salvation I'm praying for is going to see me go and tackle this which he never would expect and think I'd be bold enough to do, because he doesn't really know about the great changes in me yet, and I'd tell him the truth. I'd tell him God drove me to go for it and I have no doubt I can do it and do it well. I'm telling you - he will see huge changes in me and I can tell him exactly how things have happened, and it will impact him in a great way. I just know it! I believe I am experiencing many promises from God - You can really tell when He's promising things to you!

Well when I think about something too much it eventually all becomes a blur and I can't think about what else I have to say, and that means it's time for a break so I'll post this and take a break from thinking. I believe one thing God is doing right now is helping me increase my brain capacity and my thinking skills. I can just tell! Not that I'm dull or intelligently impaired, but it's another way I'm growing even more, just by do what He tells me.

Oh, also I am really noticing how when I walk with God and really really obey, I don't have to worry because I "blend in" in the right ways, but also "stand out" in the right ways. You know? You stick out as a great person with great respect, values and well-placed priorities, who gives all the glory to God, but you blend in as in you seam like a normal, cool, intelligent, and down to earth person. I don't know if that makes sense lol. Those all are ways to blend in and stick out at the same time... Whatever, my brain is cooking. Oh, and it's so exciting - Days when you really really obey and see God are just sooo exciting!

So I'm praying that I'll make the right decision and that I do get the job if I'm supposed to. Amen.

Done for now.

God *YAAAAAWN* Bless Ya'll.

Mark


Oh yea, I was going to semi-seriously say "So ya maybe God WAS telling me to drop out of school back when I made a thread on just that."

lol.

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Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

violet

Boanerges

Mark if I may suggest this- finish school first. That way if you change your mind alter you will have a degree and that will give you the opportunities to do so. Also with 30 pus years in a retail environment I can honestly say it is much easier to reach co workers as a fellow laborer than it is as their supervisor. I would advise you to finish your education unless God directly tells you to move in another direction.

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Anything that dims my vision for Christ, or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps me in my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult, is wrong for me; and I must, as a Christian turn away from it. – J. Wilbur Chapman

Dusty

God Richly bless you dear Mark. You have some serious decisions ahead but I can see that the Lord is directing your path and as you pray and ask for His direction , you will never be sorry as He has plans for you to prosper and not to harm you.

I enjoyed reading all your thoughts and yes you are growing in the Lord as I can see from your post.

The main thing is to keep your focus on Him.... He will open the doors for you and He will shut other doors. Sometimes we do not know why the doors are shut but He alone knows the reason and as we trust Him for the outcome He will provide for our life in greater ways that we can comprehend.

So my dear Mark, keep trusting Him, puttting your focus upon Him and putting Him first in your life.... He will satisfy your every need. God Bless you my son. I love you Mark.You are in my prayers.

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