Back to the Real World

Whew! My head is still spinning from my past week at training. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. So, when I found out we were having a test each morning and homework each night, I was slightly perturbed.

I found it very difficult to be a family man and be a part of this training. I usually had to wait until 9:00pm each night to start my homework.

Just to give you some background on this training; It's a two and a half week intensive to become an Offender Workforce Development Specialist. Basically, it's a training to make me a better advocate for offenders in the workforce.

The practicum is pretty intense. I have a log I have to keep, so they know I'm doing the work, assessments to administer to my residents, a ten minute presentation on a topic from the training, and a thirty minute interview session with an offender using the skills from training. I have two weeks to complete the practicum. I'm only slightly nervous.

My hope is that I can use this training to help me progress not only where I am, but beyond. I love what I do. I couldn't ask for a better position, but we all know the pay is less than I deserve.

When I finish this certification process I will have a credential to my name, college credit hours, a network of individuals in the field across Ohio and better facilitation skills necessary for teaching/training and giving presentations. Pray I keep my sanity.

Goings On

This week I am off to training in Delaware to become a certified Offender Workforce Development Specialist. It consists of three training weeks and lots of homework. By the time I'm finished I will have a certification and college credit. I'm really excited because this will propel me into the future. I will have a weighty credential that will help me look up and out.

Today we are taking Caden and Ethan to Marmon Valley for hayrides, and petting zoos. Should be lot of fun for the kids. Caden's preschool is sponsoring the event.

Tonight, I play with One80 at the Vineyard Cafe on Cooper Road in Columbus.

Thank you doesn't seem like enough to our friends who have blessed us this week and last with money and food. You know who you are. We bless you and thank you and love you.

Who Is He?

Man was I suckered today! I was in the Women's wing observing an encounter where we address someone on their positive, or in this case, negative behavior. One of the counselors in the women's wing tricked me into thinking the next activity was going to be a "Who Is She?". A tool we use to give someone positive affirmations. So, of course I'm just waiting for it to start and she announces to the community that Mr. Clay needs to go have a seat in front of everyone for a "Who Is He."

My back is facing the community, so I don't get to see who is addressing me.

All of the women(14) gave me positive affirmations. Some of it was funny and others were very heartfelt.

I cried.

I didn't cry because I wanted to hear those things to be able to do my job or because I feel I deserve them. I cried because I know God has sent me there to work with people. He knows that I love to see changes in people and to hear them get ahold of something they never had before. He certainly didn't send me there to make money. I love people!

Everyday, I see brokenness, destruction, bitterness, yearning, striving, healing, mourning, love, jealousy, hate, tragedy, enjoyment, etc...

God brings me close to those things and lets me see them face to face. And as He does I see my world and my life and my faith start to change. I see more of myself in them and I can relate.

I couldn't have asked for this job to be created. He just knew my heart and gave it something really good.

Calling It

Have you seen the new commercial for "Carpoolers". The one where all four guys are sitting in the car looking ahead and doing their own quirky little habits on their way to work , meanwhile listening to Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight". Right when the drums kick in they all start air drumming. I called it before they started air drumming. But that was predictable. What I'm going to talk about isn't predictable.

I'm not clairvoyant(there's a word I haven't heard in a while) nor do I believe I'm psychic. I believe the Holy Spirit has been giving me little hints of things to come.

For example, the women residents wanted to give me a "Who is He" where they tell me all of the positive things they like about me. I thought about it earlier and heard a voice in my head say, you are going to get a "Who is He" today. I scoffed at it and passed it off as wishful thinking. But later, there it was written up on the white board for all staff to see. A Mr. Clay-Who is He.

I have been sneezing my head off for the past two weeks due to a head cold and allergies. I went to my father-in law's house and as we were talking that same voice said, "don't worry, he is going to give you some medicine." A few minutes later, he gave me allergy medication.

As most of you know, I'm a big fan of Rush. They are in concert tonight and I have been pretty quiet about not being able to go. Lawn seats are $31.00 and we haven't had enough money to buy food and gas. So, I was hoping for a miracle. I had pretty much told myself I was wasn't going to the show even though I was heartbroken. My friend I play music with called me and left a message asking if I was going to the show. Before I called him back I heard that voice again say he may give you a ticket. Once again, I scoffed. When I called him, I told him I couldn't because of my money situation. He said he wanted to give me a ticket. His wife didn't really want to go and he would be very happy if I took the ticket. I was really blessed.

These situations let me know God is still there. I am not great at hearing His voice. That is something I have struggled with deeply. I just have been hearing it and it has come to pass. We have been blessed richly through Him in the last few days. God has really come through even when we don't ask.

Looney Tunes Spotlight Collection: King

absolutely one of my all time favorites. Cartoon violence is great!!!