What Want Ads Really Mean


One of my side interests is helping individuals write resumes and prepare for job interviews. I know what great satisfaction and relief a good job and career can do for ones self esteem. Since I have presented numerous seminars on the subject, I am a bit fastidious when it comes to hiring practices. I came across a cheat sheet (if you will) that will assist individuals in understanding job want ads.  I’ve added a few of my own from past experience. Keep this with you when you search your next job site or newspaper want ads.

“Competitive Salary”
We remain competitive by paying you less than our competition.

“Join our fast-paced company”
We have no time to train you.

“Casual work atmosphere”
We don’t pay enough to expect that you will dress up; in fact, a couple of the real daring guys wear earrings.

“Some overtime required”
Some every night and some every weekend.

“Duties will vary”
Anyone in the office can boss you around.

“Must have an eye for detail”
We have no quality assurance.

“Career-minded”
Female applicants must be childless (and remain that way).

“Apply in person”
If you’re old, fat or ugly you’ll be told that the position has been filled.

“Seeking candidates with a wide variety of experience”
You’ll need it to replace the three people who just quit.

“Problem-solving skills a must”
You’re walking into perpetual chaos.

“Requires team leadership skills”
You’ll have the responsibilities of a manager, without the pay or respect.

“Good communication skills”
Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they want and do it.

“Chance for Advancement”
You’re starting at the bottom, the only way is up.

“Excellent Benefits”
We give you a few personal days to use anytime but they can’t be used on; Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, Memorial Day, 4th of July or your birthday.

“Work independently”
Management is in Cancun or some exotic beach location on all holidays while you work.

“Stock Options available”
We invest your money in our private stocks as safe as Solyndra and Enron.

I hope this assists you on your quest for the perfect job.

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What Still Small Voice?


At the national broadcasters convention in Dallas some years ago I was fascinated with a display. It was by an innovative sound proofing company and it was twelve feet long. It was a small hallway that was lined with baffled foam pieces. Open at both ends, what fascinated me was as you walked in the entrance and turned right, after two steps you heard absolutely nothing. I mean it was as quiet as cave. The unique design filtered out all the sound in the noisy convention hall even with the end doors wide open.

I often wish I could surround my life with such foam tiles. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah endured three separate challenges few of us have had to endure one at a time, let alone all three. Winds so fierce it broke stones apart were followed by an earthquake, then a fire. It was in the aftermath of these calamities, overwhelmed he heard God’s voice described as “still and small.”

How in the midst of our chaotic lives can one ever hear that same voice for ourselves? Today as I ran appointments, I had a car pull up beside me blaring music so loud my molars were involuntarily dancing. As I sat in a fast food restaurant the overhead music of screaming guitars and voices was more than I could take. Where can one find quietude anymore?

I visited an upscale church of a friend of mine who touted a revitalized church service with a band and energetic praise music. As I saw people singing, dancing, and jumping up and down I found the remarks of my pastor friend amusing. For at the end of the song service he said, “You all must listen to God’s still small voice.” With my ears ringing throughout the service for it’s shouting and singing, and two hours thereafter, I figured I’d have to wait till evening to tune into that “still” voice. When he inquired how his service compared to mine, I told him, his was on steroids in comparison.

So how important is silence to you? I recall the story of a man who had come to church alone and as he walked up the front stairs the pastor asked him, where’s your wife? Turning around a bit befuddled and seeing his car empty he exclaimed, “I must have left her at home. Thank goodness preacher, I thought I was going deaf.”

Seek out moments to be quiet this week, you may be surprised by what you hear.

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The Ultimate Recognition


One of the greatest motivators in life is to be recognized. Most everyone I know loves to be lauded for doing a good job or for being an outstanding person. Yet society doesn’t say thank you enough. For me, I hate being praised publicly, I’m kind of shy in that department. But give me a little thank you card and an Olive Garden gift card, and I feel as if I’ve won the lottery.

Big businesses that want to recognize their employees tend to get it wrong. I am on the road a lot so I eat at a host of various restaurants. Each time I visit them I cringe at the multitude of ways companies try to honor hard work as long as they don’t have to part with any of their money.

As an employee, I could care less if my face isn’t plastered on a brick wall with a caption touting, “Employee of the Month.” All that does is make other employees hate me because I get a better parking space for thirty days.

The fancy titles given to make employees feel prized is laughable. If a person makes salads, they’re not a “Freshness Officer”. If a person makes cheese, they are not a “Shredded Cheese Authority.” And if I order a simple two-bit sandwich, I don’t want my server to be called a “Sandwich Artist.” You have got to be kidding me. Half the servers put more effort into blowing their nose than making my sandwich. But if the sandwich maker is truly an artist, I advocate they be given a little more Monet.

Even as a member of the clergy we can get caught up in titles: Bishop, Archbishop, Right Reverend, Elder, the list can go on and on. So since I am a member of a fraternity that includes thousands if not millions of “Men of the Cloth” what kind of recognition should I accept?

I did say earlier that I loathed employee of the month plaques, but what if God were to send me a stone tablet with the words “Employee of the Month” with His autograph? What would that be worth? Where could I possibly put it where it wouldn’t draw unwanted attention to me?

I think that’s the reason why His words of affirmation, “Well done good and faithful servant” is the ultimate recognition. Unlike the big conglomerates of the world, I have found when you work for God, titles mean nothing. However if you can spare a minute, I’d love to share with you His astounding benefits.

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What Does Love Look Like?


The old barn had never been so festive. It was filled with decorated tables and little accent lights. Adorning the walls were country decor and standing below the art stood the caterers ready to serve the guests at their appointed time. But right now the center of attention rested solely on the beautiful bride slowly walking down the aisle with her daddy. As they drew near the rustic stage, the groom stepped down and took her hand in his. But not before the father kissed his daughter on the cheek as if to say to the nervous groom, “I’m releasing her to you.” It was the final moment a father and daughter would share the same last name. It had been Frey for 25 years but today, the bride would become a Harrison.

The young woman who now stood before me was like a second daughter to my wife and me. She is the best friend of our own daughter and early on had asked me to perform her wedding one day. That day had finally arrived this Memorial Day weekend.

The best part of performing a wedding ceremony is you get the best seat in the house, literally. You see what the groom sees; a breathtaking bride radiating confidence, excitement, and adoring love. Sometimes I feel embarrassed that I am imposing on such a sacred an intimate moment. As if this pairing of hearts would best be viewed from a distance with a shaft of filtered light casting its glow only on them. An audience of two just for God.

Yet as I looked upon the bride, I saw love at it’s finest. There was no hesitation with the vows, each promised to be faithful through sickness and health, good and bad. I have performed countless weddings, but this one gave me great confidence. I know it will last. They came to this little country barn prepared. They carried three things in their heart: God, love, and trust. The three strands that makes any relationship strong and lasting.

I kept my message brief but offered this counsel. Never stop dating each other, always make each other laugh at least once a day, and always strive to affirm and respect each other daily.

I wish you could have been where I stood Sunday. For I was in the presence of God. In a little barn in central Tennessee a couple pledged their undying love to each other in front of family and friends. My eyes conveyed what my heart could not. I shed a few tears because for a brief moment, everything in the world was alright and I’d forgotten what that felt like. No wonder my heart was happy.

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