A New Role

From last October until January, I worked as an Acting Case Worker as often as possible.  Having been Custody Staff for over 11 years, I was absolutely ready for a change in my life.  As Cusdody Staff, my role with the Inmates was 70-80% enforcing the rules and only 20-30% on interacting, role-modeling, mentoring, etc.  As a very introverted and empathic person, this role was a difficult one.

To be honest, I originally started working with the Nebraska Department of Corrections in January of 2006 and quickly realized how challenging the role would be for me.  In fact, it was a job that I only applied for because my unemployment insurance from leaving Active Duty was running out.  Being someone who is a natural mentor and shepard, this role made me feel like a big, square peg being forced into a small, round hole.  More than a little awkward.

Now, don't misunderstand...  I was very good at my job.  By nature, I have always been a thorough and fair person.  The Inmates soon learned that they could always know what to expect from me.  Though many Inmates hated me for enforcing the rules, they respected me for being consistent and treating everyone equally.  Many coworkers and supervisors respected me for this, too.

Having been a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) for years, I always strove to utilize on-the-spot corrections whenever possible, be it staff or Inmates.  Some highly respected me for this, others didn't.   But, they typically did not try to force me to do differently.

Although I was very good at my job, it did not give me much personal satisfaction.  As an INFJ, such a role was extremely draining physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Because of my growing dissatisfaction with work, I would often become bitter with God for the job He put me in.  Sometimes I was able to "grow where you are planted," but that was more the exception than the rule.

Although I am still not thrilled with where I am at, I am more accepting of my role as Unit Case Worker.  It has a much higher focus on problem solving, mentoring, etc., that I have a more positive view of my work and role.  Being that I work in a prison, I will always have a strong focus on security.  However, it is now closer to 20-40% of my work, not the main focus.

What is interesting is that many of the Inmates have quickly adjusted to this new role of mine.  In fact, some of the Inmates who were respectful in the past would not talk with me much at all.  Now, however, many are more willing to talk and receive my feedback.  I am still quick to correct unprofessional/inappropriate comments.  For example, one Inmate would always say, "Hi, buddy!"  After correcting home several times by saying, "I am not your buddy," I finally took him to the side and explained why his comment was inappropriate.  The 'light went on' and he has talked with me correctly ever since.  And this was over 2 weeks ago, and this person is a friendly person by nature.

Although working in Corrections is hard for me, being a Unit Case Worker seems to be a better fit.  I am not excited about work, though when I was acting Religious Coordinator,  I was.  But, that is a different story for another time.

In Chist,

RC

A New Change in Work

This past Wednesday, I received some awesome news!  While working my usual post, Housing Unit 2CD Control, one of the Unit Managers came into my ‘office.’  He proceeded to inform me that I had been recommended for promotion to Case Worker, if I still wanted the job.  Needless to say, I said, “Yes, I definitely am!”

At this point, I probably need to clarify some things.  For the last 11+ years, I have worked for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) at the same institution.  And, for this entire time, I have been working as Custody Staff.  (Some people would call us, in a derogatory manner, ‘cage kickers.’  This is far from the truth!)  Although part of my role is to role model appropriate behavior and responses to stress, my primary role is enforcing rules.  Well, in a prison, all staff have an obligation to enforce rules.  However, as Custody Staff, that is approximately 80% of my job.  While I do have occasional opportunities to mentor Inmates, teach staff CPR/First Aid, mentor new staff, etc., that is a much lesser role than enforcing the rules.

Over the years, I have always felt out of place with this role.  As an INFJ, I am not using my natural gifts and personality very much.  In fact, functioning in this role often leaves me extremely drained emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  This is often compounded significantly due to the stress of working in an extremely dangerous environment (the Inmates at my institution are Medium or Maximum Security, many of whom have a violent to very violent background).  Unfortunately, this less very little emotional and physical energy to take care of my family, take care of things around the house, etc.

The amount of draining does depends greatly upon the place that I am working.  If I am in the Clinic, Skilled Nursing Facility, or working in the Gatehouse, I usually am not as adversely affected.  However, if I am working in a Housing Unit Control Center (most days), working on a gallery in the Special Management Unit (SMU), working in the Kitchen, etc., this is usually the case.

Since last October, I have had the opportunity to work as acting Case Worker.  Although I have had a few rough days in the role, my work has not affected me nearly as bad has working as Custody Staff.  Just like when I have worked as acting Religious Coordinator, I always felt like I had accomplished a lot and greatly impacted other peoples’ lives in a positive manner.  This was even after a long, rough day.  Whether as an acting Religious Coordinator or as an acting Case Worker, I seemed to draw upon my natural gifts and talents, as well as my Spiritual Gifts and ministry training.  So much so that I might be tired when I get home, but not ‘absolutely wiped out!’

Something else that I have noticed is that that Inmates seem to have adjusted to me working as an acting Case Worker very positively.  Most have not had a problem at all.  I am sure that a lot of it has to do with the positive rapport that I have with many of them.  And, having been there for so long, most of the Inmates know what to expect from me. 

Needless to say, I was extremely excited and shared this news with several co-workers.  One co-worker, who is a Case Worker that I have worked with, made an interesting comment.  She said, “I would wish you luck, but I know you don’t need it.”  Yes, that definitely did get my attention.  When I was leaving work, I texted my wife, “I got it, praise God!”  Yes, she immediately knew what I meant, and was overjoyed!

So, I will start my new position early next month.  Not only will I still be on first shift (which is what I am working now), I will (finally) have Saturdays and Sundays off!  Which means my family and I will finally be able to do things, as a family, on the weekend.  And, I will be able to attend church on a regular basis.  Yes, I am very, very excited about this!

My eventual goal is to become a Case Manager.  Case Managers do a lot more with an Inmate’s programming, work positions, room assignments, etc.  But, actual Case Worker experience will be extremely helpful in preparing me for becoming one.  We shall see what happens.  It’s all in God’s hands.

In Christ,

RC

Challenging Times

I apologize ahead of time if the grammar or spelling is off.  I am doing this entry via my smartphone and cannot guarantee how well it will come out.

I am currently on vacation, though it is mostly a 'stay-cation' since I will be home for most of it.  But, a break from work is just that, a break from work.  And, considering just how stressful and draining my work is, it is very much a greatful break!

And, I am still job hunting.  Come the end of this month, I will have a total of eleven years with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.  Though it is very steady employment, I am ready for a change.  I am prayerfully looking for a ministry job that isn't too far from our current location.  Though I am looking at other possibilities, ministry is my heart's de sire.

Speaking of ministry....  I will be starting a Bible study at my church on Purpose Driven Church.  Because of all the new changes in our church, including a new building and new pastor, we are prayerfully seeking God's guidance with directions in ministry.

I am currently at 17+ years with the US Army, most of it has been with the Nebraska National Guard.  Four years of Active Duty, four deployments (three combat deployments to Iraq), etc., it has been quite a trip.  And, I am feeling it most every day.  Not fun...

This past weekend, my family went to Kansas for a family reunion.  It was a great time, although my back started acting up, painfully so.  Had to cut the trip short because of it.

In spite of the challenges, I am trying to keep my focus on Christ.  It is not easy, let me tell you!  But, strive I do...

Vacation Time

I know that I have not been very regular with my writings these last few months. In fact, it is now April and I have only made two prior blog entries. Unfortunately, I have had many other obligations to take care of. Since I blog on the side as a creative outlet, things like my job, my Nebraska National Guard obligations, family, etc., all have to come first.

As you can see from this title of this blog entry, I am currently on vacation. Last week, my family and I spent time at Walt Disney World. We left on April 6th and returned this past Sunday, April 15th. It was a great vacation, though there were quite a few ‘challenges’ along the way.

Probably the biggest challenge that I am still facing is an inner ear infection that I picked up a week ago. When I was a kid, I would occasionally get a bad ear ache. I remember laying in bed, crying, because of the pain. Usually it was one ear or the other. But, at least on two different occasions, I had an ear infection in both ears at the same time. Needless to say, that was a very miserable week or so. Although I had a lot of pain, I did not have any major problems with vertigo along with my ear aches. However, this time, it has been a major problem for the first few days. Since Friday, vertigo has not been nearly as big of an issue. However, the first few days…

The ear ache asides, it was a very enjoyable trip all together. It was definitely wonderful getting away from my full-time job at the prison. And, it is always nice being able to spend time with the family ‘making magical memories.’ There are several things that really stand out in my mind that were memorable. Of course, my wife and two kids may not agree with my choices.

One of the perks with being in the Military are the discounts that it opens for us. Because of this, and the fact that my wife is very good at finding deals, we were able to enjoy a lot of things that were within our budget. One splurge that we did indulge in was staying at the Yachtclub Resort. Because we were both celebrating a birthday this month, and because we will be celebrating 10 years or marriage later this year. At, let me tell you what, it was definitely worth it! What a wonderful, and roomy, corner room we had! Although we didn’t have the pull-out bed that we were hoping for, the extra room was definitely appreciated. That was a real highlight for the trip!

Top on my list, and probably also for my wife, was having dinner together sans (without) kids. We did this on Wednesday at the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse. This was very fine dining, indeed! Our waiter was a gentleman from Haiti, and he really went out of his way to make our meal very memorable! We each received a complimentary glass of champagne in celebration of our 10 Year Anniversary. We also received an anniversary version of the menu that we could keep, which he rolled up and tied with a bow.

Another thing that I really enjoyed was ‘touring the nations’ at Epcot and having snacks from ‘around the world’ for supper. Some of the meals we enjoyed more, others not so much. But, it was a real learning experience tasting different kinds of foods from different countries. Unfortunately, by nightfall, my ear was starting to really hurt, so I returned to the room early while my wife and kids stayed for the fireworks.

As a high sensing introvert, I kind of struggled at times with being at Walt Disney World in October of 2016. I pretty much felt overwhelmed every day at some point. Although that did detract a bit from enjoying the vacation, my wife worked with me. At one point, she utilized one of my skills of maneuvering quickly through a crowd. As an INFJ, one of the more unique things that I can do is judge spaces and who people are moving in a crowd pretty well. Because of this, I was able to guide us from the middle of Magic Kingdom to a ride on the far end in a fairly short amount of time. If memory serves, this enable use to enjoy a ride twice. Once, because the lines was short at the moment, and once with a Fast Pass.

This time, I tried something a little different in order to make the times at the parks more enjoyable for me. Because of my love for writing, I decided to do a journal of our trip. It was of things that I experienced, so things that my wife and kids did might not have been included. Because my wife is very extroverted, and we have two young kids, she planned things out so that we were very busy throughout four of the 5 ½ days at the parks (including half a day at Disney Springs). So, I often found myself writing while in line, sometimes while actually walking. So, some of my writings are quite readable, and some of them not-so-much. There were times, though, where I was able to write fairly well even though I was walking. But, this was an exception, not the rule. But, it did serve its purpose. Not only was I able to document a lot of the things that we did, when we did it, and how well we liked it, but also was able to get some ‘introvert-time’ in. In fact, it worked so well that I did not fell very drained at all during the trip. My only regret was not being able to have more time to write my reflections.

One of the new rides at Animal Kingdom was the Pandora ‘Flight of Passage.’ We did that Monday afternoon and it was greatly loved by all! If you have not watched the movie Avatar, it might be hard to understand. In a nutshell, you are able to ride a flying creature called a banshee as it flies around the jungles of their world. It is 3D, and exceptionally well done! Both my wife and I watched several videos on this particular ride, either people talking about their experiences or someone actually doing the ride. We both agree that the videos that we watched *do not* do that experience justice!

I could write pages and pages and pages of our experiences, but I think I will hold off for now. It was a really wonderful time, in spite of the challenges. Speaking of challenges… As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog entry, I started having a really bad earache during this trip. In fact, I am still suffering from it. Although the pain has mostly subsided, unless it is getting close to my next round of ear drops, I still cannot hear well out of my left ear. And, when you ear is ‘stuffy’ and you have tinnitus, the ringing becomes more than just a little noticeable. Thankfully, I have a follow-up appointment with our family doctor tomorrow about it. The sooner I can get it healed up, the better.

I hope that this entry finds all of you doing well. I have quite a few things saved for blogging on. Although I have many other things that I have to do, I hope to do at least one more blog this week. If not this week, hopefully next week.

Changes

Well, the first day of fall was last Thursday, September 22, 2016. It wasn't until a few days later that the weather really started feeling like fall, though. For me, fall and spring and the most enjoyable times of the year. Everything in nature is changing, the weather is more mild, and seasonal activities are drawing to a close or just starting.

I am not sure which I enjoy more, spring or fall. Both bring about all sorts of awesome changes. Animals start migrating, leaves either change color due to dying off or buds are starting to appear, etc. I especially love the cooler weather. We can often leave the windows open all day long and the house stays cool. Little to no need for using the AC or furnace. At an extra layer of clothing like a long sleeved shirt, a sweater or light jacket, and you can walk around outside very comfortably.

We all experience things in life differently. We all have our different perspectives and experiences that color how we perceive the world around us. We all appreciate different things about nature, other people, animals, even the world around us. Because of these rich differences, some will enjoy one thing while others will enjoy something else.
While some people focus on cleaning out their house during the spring, I am doing some of that this fall. Going through piles and piles of boxes, getting rid of things that are no longer wanted or needed. It can be a real challenge sometimes, especially if someone doesn’t like change.

But yet, change is unavoidable. It will happen. Throughout life, our bodies change. We change from babies, to toddlers, to children, to teens, to adulthood, etc. Our bodies go through stages of becoming stronger and then slowly growing weaker due to injury, illness, or even old age. Change can come gradually, throughout a lifetime, or suddenly because of the birth of a child, a change in employment, or a sudden illness or injury.

Just as the seasons will change, so will our lives. Relationships will come and go. We will get new jobs, get promoted, laid off, or something else. In fact, favorite hobbies and genre of music can change greatly over time. We will never know until that change comes.

Though change will come, one thing will always stay the same. God’s holiness and God’s love for us. God will always be a holy and righteous God, punishing evil and sin, and seeking justice for those who are oppressed. And, God will always be loving and compassionate, willing to forgive those who repent.

Though there will always be change in our lives, is it not wonderful that God never changes?! I encourage each of you, as you rake the leaves, dig out the long sleeved clothes, find your sweaters, brew your hot apple cider and/or coco, etc., take time to reflect on this. Even if fall might not be your favorite season, do take some time to admire how God is painting a different scene around you. Take time to breath in all of the new smells, feel the changes of weather, etc. Also reflect on how God has brought you from where you used to be, to where you are now. Even if you are facing many difficult, seemingly overwhelming challenges, God does not change. What He has brought you through so far, He will continue to bring you through. The changes and victories may be small, even unknowable right now. Just like the slow, subtle changes in the weather, the length of day, etc. But, over time, may God open your eyes to all that He has done, and still will do.

Some Thoughts

It is just after midnight where I at in the Middle East. Once again, I am having one of those nights wheren though tired, I am not able to fall asleep. Since I have not made a blog entry for a whilen I figured that I would do so now.

For what ever reason, this deployment semms to have just dragged on. Unlike my other three deployments, which gelt like they were going quite quickly. And add to the mix a lot of back pain...

I recently put in an application for transferring to another unit in the Nebradka National Guard. The position was Behavioral Health NCO. The more I read sbout the position, the school, and the MOS, the more excited I was about the position. It sounded like it would be a perfect match for my personality, training and experience. But, alas, God did not open that door for me.

Am I disappointed? Yes. But, I trust that God closed that door for a reason. Therefore, I will continue to walk in faith. I do not understand, but I am striving to be obedient.

Worship at the Chapel was pretty good today. The Chaplain used Acts 2:41-47 as the basis of his message. The main theme was on the Early Churches' primary goals.

In fact, he had us do a ministry audit. On a sheet of paper, he had at least 13 different emphasis of ministry, including worship, Biblical teaching, fellowship, etc. What he asked us to do was rate each of them grom 1-4. One would be of least importance and four being most important. He wanted the feedback so that we as a Body of Christ be more focused and effectibe in our ministry on this particular base. I will share more about that later.

Thanksgiving is this week. One of my favorite sayings is, "Give thanks you are not the turkey!" And, yes, that is meant as a joke. But, it is also meant to get one thinking. "About what?"you might ask... Quite a bit, actually.

My hope in making such an absurd comment is to help people look at life from a dlightly different perspective. And, that is something thatvi often have a hard time doing. Being an INFJ, I am sensing the world around me. Not just sounds, colors, smells, but also reading body language, sensing how people feel, etc. When there is a lot going on around me, my senses can easily get overloaded. When that does happen, I have to take several steps back and refocus. Or, sometimes I just have to have alone time to process things and recharge.

During the holidays, it is so easy for a person to get so wrapped up I n the plsnningn preparation, the entertaining, etc., that he/she looses sight of the actual meaning of the celebration. We all do at times.

If you do celebrate Thanksgiving, I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on what you are thankful for. Whether by your self, or with friends and family, make a list of thankfulness. Even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, you csn do this.

When you make your list, post it somewhere where it can be seen. That way you can use it during times of stress to refocus.

As a Christian, God wants me to have a thankful attitude towards Him and towards others. This can be extremely difficult to do. Especially when we are going through difficult times. But, with His help, it can be done. Sometimes, we have to make lists of His blessings as a reminder. Sometimes we have to use humor to change our focus. What are you thankful for?