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From Our Hearts~by Dolly and Patty

Meet the Supporters of Working for the Lord~Christian Working Mom U

Proverbial Ethics~Walk Down the Right Path by La'Tara Ham-Ying

Instructions from the Lord~Jeremiah 29:11

Acknowledging Christ~Tips for Christians in the Workplace by Dolly Hooker

Christian Resource of the Month~Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Fishers of Men~Lesa Witherington of Print Design Studio

The Basics of Life~Legend of the Dogwood

Special of the Month~Career Impact

The Great Commission~Mercy Ministries

Meet the Supporters of A.C.T. at Work~

Career Impact
Christian Working Mom Coach
JERPAT VA Coaching's "Failure is NOT an Option; Guide to setting up your Virtual Assistance practice SUCCESSFULLY!"

Click Here if you know someone who would benefit from this newsletter, and send them the link!

Dear A.C.T at Work Family,

God is so good! If this is your first issue, we would like to welcome you once again to Acknowledging Christ Together at Work. Our first membership drive proved to be a success as we added several new members. Our thanks to all of you who invited people to join our ministry. We especially want to thank those who donated prizes for our gift basket. We received some awesome items and one lucky member is sure to be pleased!

If you haven't already joined our discussion group, you will want to be sure to send an email to membership@actatwork.com so we can get an invitation to you. This is a private, member-only group where we share prayer requests and other information with our members.

We still have some volunteer positions available if you are looking for a way to serve the Lord. To see a listing of current volunteer positions, please check out http://actatwork.com/volunteer.htm. You may have another area not listed where you would like to serve. If so send us an email at info@actatwork.com.

We are having a special on Sponsorship spots for the month of April.  All A.C.T. at Work members get a special discount of 75% off the regular rate.  View the details at the end of the Meet the Supporters of A.C.T. at Work by clicking here.

As Easter quickly approaches, we would like to remind you of God's unfailing love for you. He allowed His only Son, who was without sin, to come walk among His creation, to be brutally tortured and die, taking our sin with Him. The darkest day for all humanity doesn't end there. Praise God! God's love for us is so amazing that Christ rose from the grip of death and is ALIVE today, sitting at the right hand of God, still interceding for us.

Praying you have a blessed Easter!

Dolly Norris-Hooker
dolly@actatwork.com
www.moretime4u.org

Patty Benton
patty@actatwork.com
www.virtualvacoach.com

Wondering how to you can support Working for the Lord for only $10?  Visit us at www.actatwork.com/sponsorshipreq.htm for all the details!

Christian Working Mom U
Becoming the Woman Gods Wants You to Be
http://www.christianworkingmom.com/cwmu_sales.htm

Are you a mom who finds that you have a crazy schedule that wouldn’t fit the “normal” coaching program?

Christian Working Mom U is an online coaching program. People have different needs and learn at different rates. Although, the program will be a standard set of lessons you can customize them to meet your needs. I will be encouraging you to see how God can use you in all areas of your life and to see who you are as a child of God.

Walk Down the Right Path
By LaTara V. Ham-Ying
www.s2s4christ.org

Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it. Turn away from it and pass on.  Proverbs 4: 14-15

Let's face it. This world is ruled by Satan and in the business world, evil runs rampant. Price gauging, embezzlement, unfair working conditions, stealing credit card information, spamming, business start-up scams, lying about income potential; you name it and within the business world it has been done. It makes being a Christian in business very hard at times.

For me when I decided to take my business online, my main issue was who to trust. The internet can be a rather scary place and I was not sure where to go. I was not sure what opportunities to believe in or what companies to use for services I needed. I found myself not quite sure if this is where God wanted me.

I had to seek God as I entered this unsure place they call "cyber world" and as I did, God gave me some direction. Direction to keep me from following the path of evil.

Here are the directions I received and I want to share them with you today:

1. Seek God first and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33. Give all of it over to Him and He will direct your path so that you do not turn towards evil.

2. Do not be conformed to the ways of the world or look to it for advice or examples on how to conduct your business (Romans 12:2).

3. Do not mix with people who have no good intention and only want to think of themselves and what they can gain (2 Corinthians 6:14).

4. Delight in the Law of God and keep it in your heart (Psalms 119:69-70).

5. Remember who you are and whose you are (Psalms 13:13-14).

6. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in all things give Him thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

The directions are simple. There are no secrets and if you follow the guidelines, your business will surely be led by God. It is Him, after all who gave you the ability to be able to do what you do. It is God who provides for all that you need to even have a business, so why not follow His directions.

As your business grows, Satan will come at you with all sorts of tempting offers. When this happens remember the words in Proverbs 4: 14-15 and turn away from the evil that will surely ensnare you if you choose to follow its path.

LaTara Ham-Ying is a wife, homeschooling mom, author, and a woman on the move for God. As the co-founder of Sister 2 Sister 4 Christ, www.s2s4christ.org; a ministry dedicated to bridging the gap to cultural healing, through the strength of women. As the owner of MBS Connections for Life and Biblical Business Development, her goal is to be a resource for enhancing the life of women one day at a time. MBS Connections Message Boards can be found at http://xsorbit30.com/users5/heznmechristiannetwork/index.php  and the blog is located at http://heznme.typepad.com/heznme_christian_network. LaTara is known as the “Creative Communicator for God” and “The Woman’s Coach” because of her zeal in ministering to the whole woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit. To reach LaTara by email you can go to lhamying@s2s4christ.org. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".  Jeremiah 29:11

We all make plans, but do our plans go hand in hand with the plans God has for us? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us God has already made plans for us. We must rely on our faith and trust in God for our future. If we are willing to allow God's will in our lives we will benefit from the plans He has in store for us. God wants us to prosper. His plans can give us hope and a future of spending eternity with him.
 

Tips for Christians in the Workplace
by Dolly Hooker
http://actatwork.com

Does religion have any place at work? All over the country people are bringing their religion to work. People have become a lot more open about sharing their faith. Christians are finding their faith can play a big role on the job.

So what's behind worship and faith in the workplace? I believe workers are realizing they can't rely on companies or careers for security. In past generations employees worked for the same company most of their lives before retiring. The secular workplace has let people down. The stress of big business and their bottom line (profit) has caused numerous health problems for American workers.

You may be wondering what's so unusual about believers in business? Haven't Christian companies endorsed principles of honesty, integrity and loyalty throughout history? The sad fact is during the 20th century companies have been more concerned about their profits. Just as recent as the 70s and early 80s many large corporations closed their doors on Sundays. I remember the days when you couldn't run to the grocery store on Sundays. Today it's an exception to find a retail store that isn't opened for business. Big business has traded it's values for the goal of making more money. Christians on the other hand are realizing we need to turn back to our values. Christians are beginning to send a clear message that they not only care about their jobs, companies and coworkers, but they also stand firm in their beliefs in God and the family unit.

How can we as Christians acknowledge Christ at work? The following are some tips to help you in fulfilling the words of our Lord: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

1. The most important thing to remember is your real boss is perfect in every way. As Christians, we are working for God, not men. Colossians 3:23

2. Begin your day with prayer, remembering to give thanks for your job. Pray for your co-workers, boss, clients & customers. Keep a list posted near you and as you speak with people and hear of a need, add it to your list so you will remember to pray for them. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

3. Do what you were hired to do, know what is expected of you and do it with excellence.

4. Honor your earthly boss. Remember authority was established by God. Romans 13:1

5. Establish friendships. There is a saying, "People don't care how much you know. They want to know how much you care." A friendship is the most intimate and comfortable way for you to show Christ's love to a person.

6. Do your job to the best of your ability. Improve your skills. People may be able to ridicule you for being a Christian, but they can’t ridicule you for doing a good job. . Ecclesiastes 9:10

7. Be honest in dealing with your boss, co-workers, and clients; even if it means putting your job in jeopardy, because the Lord is in control and will never leave nor forsake you. Leviticus 19:11 & Deuteronomy 31:6

8. Be aware of the example you are setting. Matthew 5:14-16

9. Ask people if you can pray for them and then follow up with them after you've prayed. Here again people want to know how much you honestly care.

10. Find a way to serve those you work with. Look for opportunities. Offer to pick up a co-worker when you here they are having car problems. Send a card of encouragement. Buy an extra cup of coffee on your way to work and give it to the parking attendant or someone you share your office with.

11. Be joyful. You won't send a very positive message if you are constantly complaining about your family or job.

12. Watch what you say and how you say it. Choose your words wisely. Be willing to apologize if you've offended someone.

13. Keep calm in all situations. Our example does truly speak louder than our words.

14. Remember the fruits of the Spirit. GAL 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

“Whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 ALL that we do, EVERYTHING we spend our time on, should be done as though we are doing for our Lord. It doesn't matter if you are serving hamburgers, working from home or the CEO of a multi-billion dollar corporation, our actions will do one of two things. They will either glorify God and set the standard He has set for us, or they will misrepresent our Lord.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
http://www.billygraham.org/

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association exists to support the evangelistic ministry and calling of Mr. Graham to take the message of Christ to all we can by every prudent means available to us.

In the bottom right corner is the free book of the month.  These are quality books and changed monthly!

Can the Flu be a Learning Tool for Our Kids?
By Paula Dodds
http://www.PSDodds.com

It seems that everyone in our city right now is battling a “killer flu” bug that has a lot of people down for weeks. One of the local high schools even closed for a day for antiseptic cleaning because more than 200 students were absent.

Between the physical effects, the fatigue, the lethargy and the inability to go more than twenty feet or so from the bathroom, it seems that most people are battling a severe case of the “Crankies.” Both of my daughters, as well as two out of the other three children in our carpool, have had stomachaches. Tempers are flaring with every little thing that goes wrong. Even mothers at church and school, who are usually perfectly polite, are snapping at their children in their fever-induced hazes.

While having a three-year-old and a six-year-old running around our house along with me trying to recover from my bug, I’ve been trying to use parts of this illness as a “real-life learning experience” supported by Scripture. While finding a couple of passages that I’ve been using a lot with the girls, one has really caught on:

When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. ~Colossians 4:6

Having a business of my own, that I work from my home office, gives the girls an opportunity to often hear my “work voice” on business calls. Recently, my six-year-old said that I’ve been using that voice with everyone – even friends and family – on the phone. She noticed that right before I answer whatever call is coming in or lift up the phone to place one, I take a deep breath and put on a smile. She started laughing now when I catch her watching me!

I have been trying so hard, especially with everyone being so cranky, to try to always put my best face – er, voice – forward…even when I’m feeling like I could pass out at any moment. Most of my clients and the school-moms I’ve spoken to this week had no idea I was under the weather or anything was out of sorts in our household.

The new rule for our house, that goes hand in hand with this passage, we’ve adopted is “no snapping, no insults, no name-calling, only kindness and respect – even when disagreeing.” While this is resulting in more time-outs that ever before thanks to the “Crankies” that have invaded, it’s also resulting in more of a feeling of togetherness and helpfulness than ever before. Once the three of us “girls” started putting on a cheerful face for talking and relating to others, it’s permeated our being. We’re staying in our cheerful moods even when we’re not trying to converse.

Finding learning tools in everyday life is one of my missions as a mother. With this bug that’s floating around, it helped to find something that would help my girls grow. And being able to find a Biblical basis for these lessons makes it that much more rewarding.

Paula Dodds is a devoted WAH wife to her husband Skylar and mother to her two daughters, Brady and Emma. She runs her own Virtual Assistant business www.PSDodds.com; and she’s also an Independent Consultant for Kat’s Coffees & More (her sales site is at
www.TheCoffeeNut.com).  For comments, questions or re-print information, please email Paula at paula@psdodds.com.

Would you like to be featured in Fishers of Men?  Send your request to editor@actatwork.com.

Name:  Lesa Witherington

Location:  Eight Mile, Alabama

Family:
My family consists of just my children at this point:  Brandi (16) was born August 11, 1989.  After 10 years of living with me and seeing her father only 4 times a year she moved to her father’s in Marion, AL, but visits often.  I cannot stand being separated from her, but understand that she needs to spend some time with her dad.  Dustin (10) was born May 4, 1995.  He is very active in baseball, football and cub scouts.  He is my big teddy bear…lol!  He has sleep apnea and sleeps on a machine.  This is also the reason I home school him.  Kenny (4) born April 1, 2001 is my little elf.  He is very small for his age, but is a bossy little bully…lol!  He is playing t-ball for the first time this year.

Denomination: Non-denominational

Company name: Print Design Studio

Title: Owner

If you are comfortable doing so, please share your testimony:
I was born and raised in Mobile, AL.  After graduating high school in 1987, I attended Judson College where I met and married my fist husband Robert Holladay.  After the birth of our daughter Brandi in 1989, I returned to Judson to complete the requirements for my BA in English in 1992.  Shortly thereafter my husband and I divorced and I returned to Mobile with my daughter.  Since that time I have held a variety of jobs in a number of fields, everything from secretary and administrative assistant to welding trainee in a ship yard.  I was also a dealer in a casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a number of years.  While there I gave birth to my second child Dustin in 1995.  In 2000 I completely gave myself to Christ and was baptized along with my children.  At this time I also met my second husband Marty Witherington.  Unfortunately, I misinterpreted the direction God was sending me.  I found out after our marriage that he was a pathological liar.  I did my best to make the marriage work, for the sake of our child Kenny (born 2001), but it was a losing battle as it takes two people to make a marriage.  It was after our separation that God intervened in my life to give me a way to take care of my children and to provide for them.  I inherited a house from my Great Aunt who passed away a month after the separation.  I was able to find the money to replace the business printer that had been kept by my ex-business partner and to start my new printing business Print Design Studio.  I also found 15.Net, International and joined them.  God has been with me every step of the way, and without him I would never have been able to provide for my children.

How has being a Christian affected your business?
Being a Christian has led my decisions and choices.  I get most of my orders through WAHMs from Christian WAHM lists.  My decision to work with 15.net was based on my personal knowledge of the owner’s views and morals and those of my sponsors.  Both of whom I knew were strong Christians.  I am praying that God will continue to lead my business and to shape them into successful ventures…lol!

What is the hardest thing about being acknowledging Christ in your business?
Because of the fact that I’m still small and have a limited clientele, I’ve not had any problems acknowledging Christ in my business.  For me personally, the hardest part is to sit back and listen before I jump to do something new.

What has been the greatest blessing for you as a Christian working for the Lord?
Just knowing that he is there for me and that I can do anything through him.

Do you have any words of encouragement you would like to share with our readers?
Remember the Lord will always provide for you.  It might not be in the way you think is best, but it will be exactly what you need.

Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about you or your business?
I am working very hard to grow my business, both the printing and 15.net.  I will work very hard to make sure that you are happy with any work that I do, or to answer any questions you may have.  I offer quality work at affordable prices.

(Do you have an article, poem, or story you would like to submit for consideration for The Basics of Life?  Send an email to ieditor@actatwork.com.)

Legend of the Dogwood

An old and beautiful legend has it that, at the time of the
Crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree
And other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and
Strength it was selected as the timber for the cross, but to be
Put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree.

Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle pity for the sorrow
And suffering of all said to it: "Because of your sorrow and pity
For My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large
Enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it will be slender, bent
And twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross- two
Long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each
Petal there will be nail prints- brown with rust and stained with
Red- and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns,
And all who see this will remember."

-- Unknown

Career Impact

Coaching's AMAZING Offer-Exclusive to A.C.T. at Work!
http://actatwork.com/aff/careerimpactcoaching.htm

I am so excited by the gracious offer Dr. Scott Rosenthal approached us with.  He is willing to offer a Career Coaching package at a discounted rate to ONLY those coming from A.C.T. at Work.  Not only is he giving a discounted rate, but he is donating 100% of the profit to A.C.T. at Work.  If you are sick and tired of quick tests, simple advice, look at ads on the internet and the classifieds – If you want a proven step-by-step (yet tailored to your unique situation) system for gaining vocational clarity and obtaining more rewarding work …you have come to exactly the right website! Check this amazing offer provided to A.C.T. at Work's members and visitors and help support our mission while gaining guidance in your career!

(Mention Code 3-06ACT and get an additional 10% off for the month of April, 2006 ONLY!)

Mistake in last months Special of the Month (We are rerunning last month's special because we forgot to provide the link to this special offer.  Please accept our apologies!)

 Healthy Computing E-book
Stay Healthy and Avoid Injury While Working Long Hours on Your PC
http://actatwork.com/aff/healthycomputingwflnspecial.htm

Normally $9.95 but for the month of March, 2006 April 2006 get it for
ONLY $5.95
100% of the profits from this sell goes to Acknowledging Christ Together at Work!

Be it a free time or working hours many depend on a computer to get their jobs done.  After revolutionizing the world, the health hazards of long time computer usage became a real revelation for the millions of computer users.  This guide has everything you need to know about the computer work hazards and the preventive techniques you need to follow to make your stay in front of the computer, trouble free.

Mercy Ministries
http://www.mercyministries.org/

Mercy Ministries exists to provide opportunities for young women to experience God's love, forgiveness and life-transforming power.

Mercy Ministries is a non-profit organization designed to assist and meet the needs of young women who face life-controlling problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, addictions, depression, eating disorders and unplanned pregnancy.

We provide a free residential treatment program designed to address the whole person: spiritual, physical and emotional. Our non-conventional approach to treatment changes more than behavior; the Mercy Ministries program changes hearts and stops destructive cycles. 

Wondering how to you can support A.C.T. at Work for $25 or less?  Visit us at www.actatwork.com/sponsorshipreq.htm for all the details!

Career Impact
Dr. Scott Rosenthal
http://www.careerimpact.org
Offering career and life coaching to enhance your personal and professional life, all from the perspective of a Christian. As well, providing you with cutting edge books and programs that provide biblical solutions to your work-related challenges.

Christian Working Mom Coach
Kimberly Chastain
http://christianworkingmom.com
Kimberly Chastain is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Kimberly provides coaching services to women and men to encourage, support, and hold them accountable in achieving their goals. Kimberly encourages her clients to work from a Biblical worldview and not what the world is telling us. Be prepared to be encouraged and renewed for whatever is going on in your life.

Failure is NOT an Option; Guide to setting up your Virtual Assistance practice SUCCESSFULLY!
Patty Benton
http://virtualvacoach.com/vaguide.html

Patty Benton shares her experience in setting up a virtual assistance business in this no nonsense, no fluff, direct e-book.  She guides you through the steps of getting your virtual assistance business set-up successfully.  Depending on your time and commitment, you can have your VA business set-up and ready to go in a couple of weeks or a couple of months.
 For more info click here!

Month of April Sponsorship Special
50% discount to Non-Members (NM)
75% discount to A.C.T. Members (A.C.T)
Conditions of Special Offer:
Additional Weeks not included in this special
Regular 10% discount for A.C.T. Member may not be applied to this special offer
Offer only available for the month of April (ads must be placed by April 30, 2006 to receive the discount on Sponsorships spots excluding the Newsletter Sponsorship spot, those ads must be placed by April 25^th to be included in the April 30^th newsletter)
Regular spot rates are for 2 weeks in the selected spot. (Sponsors may only be in a spot for 4 weeks and then they must reapply for sponsorship.)

View our Sponsorship Page at http://actatwork.com/sponsors.htm.
View our Sponsorship Requirements at http://actatwork.com/sponsorshipreq.htm (Please note: This only lists our requirements and does not reflect this special.)

First Spot on the Top Sponsor List (Listed in monthly newsletter.)
Top sponsorships are placed at the top of our sponsorship page.  First spot is guaranteed to be the first sponsor on this list.  (click here to view).
1 First Spot Top Sponsor only
Regular Rate=$25
Special Rate= A.C.T. $6.25, NM $12.50
Additional weeks for $6/week

Additional Spots on the Top Sponsor List (Listed in monthly newsletter.)
Top sponsorships are placed at the top of our sponsorship page.  Placement is based on order of ads submitted (click here to view).
2 additional Top Sponsors only
Regular Rate=$20
Special Rate= A.C.T. $5, NM $10
Additional weeks for $5/week

Sponsorship
Sponsorships are located on the A.C.T. Sponsors page after the Top Sponsors.  Placement is based on order of ads submitted. (Click here to view the Sponsors page.)
5 Sponsorships only
Regular Rate=$10
Special Rate= A.C.T. $2.5, NM $5
Additional weeks for $3/week (A.C.T. Members will receive the $2.50/week discount on additional weeks for this spot only!)

Newsletter Sponsor
Newsletter Sponsors are located in the "Working for the Lord" newsletter published monthly.  All newsletters are archived and Newsletter Sponsor ads will remain on the site as long as the newsletter the ad was published in remains archived.)  Newsletter Sponsors are also listed on the A.C.T. Sponsors page for the month the ad is placed in the newsletter.  Placement is based on order of ads submitted. (Click here to view the Sponsors page.)
2 Sponsorships for each published newsletter only
Regular Rate=$10
Special Rate= A.C.T. $2.5, NM $5

Additional Information:
All Top Sponsor Ads and Newsletter Sponsor Ads will be archived on the Working for the Lord Newsletter site (promoted on A.C.T. at Work) for as long as it is being published.