Jesus Wept. Let's Be Human

Jesus wept.

The shortest statement in the Bible. Jesus the Creator of the Universe, the Word of God, Miracle Worker, with the power of life and death, He wept. Wept at the side of a dear friend who was now dead.

He wept, showing His humanness, the split second of distance and loss was enough. Even though moments later, He would raise his friend from the dead. 

Please weep with us, be human, try to connect with the pain. Don't be afraid, we don't blame you. Just Be Human. God has given us a heart of flesh, let's use it today.

Encourage someone, Reach out to a friend, Check in, that's what we do. Be Human! Blessings!

Happy Birthday - Daddy | Tribute to Richard Lee Anderson Sr.

Wishing You a Happy 70th Birthday

Today would have been your 70th Birthday, I miss your smile and childlike impulsive behavior. Although you were my dad at a very early age I noticed we were kindred spirits and had ALOT in common. We both loved to dance, sing and most of all we had a mutual love of music. You lived your life with wounds from your past and I would like to believe you did the best you could. Addiction curbed the success and stability you had the ability to provide and our family lived with the lack that this deficiency caused. I'm not bitter and have NO REGRETS, I made amends with you and was able on several occasions to provide for you in your time of need. 

Dad and I at my home in Mayport, Florida 

You fell seriously ill only months after these pictures were taken. I miss you and wish you were still here. You lived your life out loud, though haphazard at times, never a dull moment.

One incident we talk about often was when we took you bowling. You were on a mission, we had to get you your own lane so you didn't have to wait on anyone and bowl at YOUR OWN PACE. Hilarious to watch!

Your love for God and people was evident. You were like the mayor in New Orleans, we couldn't walk five steps without you getting into a 20-30 minute conversation. Your high school education and challenging background didn't prevent you for teaching me lessons that I have never heard from any other person. I appreciate the time we had although I wish we had more. I know you are in a better place and I will see you again. Until then, know that I love and miss you. Happy Birthday Daddy!

How I Got Here

Proverbs 3:5-6      

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This new venture began as a career change

Prior to the program, I was a Navy Chief Petty Officer, having spent the better part of 23 years in the military, I learned I was gifted in teaching, coaching and motivating others. I looked at the teaching and counseling fields. It took me a year of deliberation before I chose Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). I loved the idea of attending a Christian program and I was amazed at how psychology and Christianity were integrated.

Several in the program have asked me if I feel I was jipped by attending PBA and I can say without hesitation NO I was not. This program is focused on the content but not to the neglect of developing the heart of the counselor. I believe this facet makes it my top pick of counseling programs for a Christian.

We learned from the first class that we are “Wounded Healers”, when this is personified in a counseling relationship it is invaluable.

Three things

·        Trust – I have learned to trust God and rely on him even when I felt I could go no further. We all know too well that life gets out of balance and sometimes we go days and months without coming up for air. We talk about balance but working and going to school full time on top of internship doesn’t leave much time for balance.

      I recently heard a story about a business man who hired a Navy SEAL to train him in his daily life for 30 days. The biggest lesson he learned is that when you think you are done you are only 40 percent done. I will agree to that, I had a lot more in me than I ever realized.

·        Leaning on God – I learned to wait on God and stand on his truth. Believing that his plan is perfect when I go through setbacks, confusion and difficulties. Having changed jobs several times, experienced financial stress, and plagued with several automotive accidents in a short period of time, I’ve had to rely on him to give me the strength and knowledge to carry on in spite of the issue of life.

·        Acknowledging God – This by far is the been the most instrumental in my development through the program. When I have been confused, disappointed, angry, disrespected – I have brought my whole heart to God. I have sought his face and every time he has been faithful to direct my path. 

"Batter, Batter, Batter, SWING!" Help for your job search woes. Get the INTERVIEW and the OFFER!

 I would like to pose a question....how many times are you swinging the bat? I am a career changer and know first-hand how hard it is to get the interview and then get the offer. My last three offers transpired as follows (over the last 2 years): 1) application on site without introduction or recruiter, 2) internet application leading to an interview and 3) referral from a recruiter to an interviewer without a resume or initial application. I was offered the job in all three instances on the spot. Having a goal for your career is paramount, employers are looking for mature individuals that know what they are looking for and can articulate. Interview skills are also indispensable, being honest, straight-forward and professional are my strong points. Last but not least, keep swinging the bat, take chances and apply for jobs that you may not have all the skill set for, these give you an opportunity to grow and have a chance of getting a yes nonetheless. I hope this helps, "Batter, Batter, Batter, SWING!”

SO, why should you hire US....?

Odie, has proven techniques and experience dealing with the issues that disturb the learning process. Student success is the main focus of most educational institutions, but many are falling short with no end in sight. That's where he comes in! These techniques are not program based, it is more like a philosophy, and when implemented properly, you will see the results IMMEDIATELY. For more information contact Odie today!

The NEW site is Up!

Hey, just wanted you all to know the new website is operational. Please take a look around and most importantly get the workout! I am ready to get to work for you. Have a great day!

- Odie

Veterans: Be prepared for Corporate America when you transition from military service

Hey Fellow Veterans, 

I'm Odie Anderson 22 year Navy veteran who will agree Corporate America is a different animal. I am currently working in education. The transition to civilian work for many of us 'lifers' will be tough as it is for me. A few things you need to be aware of are:

Politics are a constant issue. You will be considered an outsider and will need to forge connections that benefit you. Be aware there will be push back. Your vast experiences make you a perceived threat to everyone around you. Although we don't do what we do for glory that's the way it may be perceived.

You may need to relax a little. I love to work plain and simple. I don't like chit chat so when I'm at work, I WORK! But civilians ebb and flow a bit more. Take some breaks, drop in to see that buddy to chat for a few. I still haven't found the time to do that but it would help everyone appreciate me more.

Look for areas outside of your primary job to give back. Years of collateral duties and extra-curricular activities have made us "Jacks of all Trades". Most of us enjoy change and challenge and you may find initially your job doesn't provide enough. Volunteer, join a mentoring group, coach little league, do something! You will be healthier and happier.

If you want a more candid expression of what I have encountered over the last two and a half years transitioning from the military PLEASE contact me. I would love to help. Let's not lose the camaraderie we gained during our service to this great country.