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INSIDE THIS EDITION: MAKE YOUR SERVICE SKILLS STRONG HUMILITY IN RELATIONSHIPS SON OF GOD STORIES WHAT IS FOCUS?
April 2014
Easter
Is April 20th
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writers: carl townsend lloyd macwhorter jr. Gary Sullivan Sandy Mayberry Rachel Shumaker Andrea Lewis designer: andrea lewis
make your service skills strong 4 agent of the month 5 humility in relationships 6 Son of god stories 8 what is Focus? 14 Recipes of the month 16 crossword and wordsearch 21 outstanding performance 22 prayer requests 23
Humility in Relationships
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featured
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Son of God Stories -3-
ake
our
by Carl Townsend
ervice
kills
trong
We must remember that we are only one bad experience from losing any customer. That is why providing excellent customer service is so critical. Your tone, lack of enthusiasm, or how short your are with a customer can totally turn them off. Sears and Roebuck branded their store with the promise ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed or your Money Back.’ That brand impression made them one of the top retailers for an entire century. Some of the most important things to remember is:
Customers View customers want solutions, as people. They have not excuses. feelings just like you do. If you treat them like you don’t care if they are Treat customers as calling or not, they will if your survival depends hear it. upon it. No matter where you are in the company, it is important for you to know that you’re part of a team. Everyone at ISA is imporDo the simple tant to getting the job things in an exdone. ceptional way.
Sales get customers, good service keeps them. -4-
Customer service is either good or bad, there is no in between.
ISA ’s A
gent of the Month
Congratulation to Drae Lofgren, our AGENT OF THE MONTH! Drae has been with ISA since December of 2012. He has held various positions in the Outbound group and has done an EXCELLENT job in each assignment. He was born and raised in Tampa, Fl and moved to Lynchburg in 2011 after proudly serving in the United States Navy for 6.5 years. He was stationed in Sicily, Africa, Wilmington NC and at the Pentagon in D.C. His hobbies include playing basketball, working out and watching football and basketball. Drae has always stepped up to ANY challenge presented to him with a very positive attitude and work ethic. We are very pleased to have him on OUR team. Once again CONGRATULATIONS Drae and Thank you for all you do for ISA!
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Humility in Relationships All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1st Peter 5:5b Your feelings are easy to get hurt. Perhaps someone speaks to you harshly or embarrasses you. I have been the recipient and the person that has done it. It is painful. I have often had to eat crow and go back and ask for forgiveness. Sometimes people never express their feelings so you don’t know what
to expect from them. They just clam up. Then you have the person that goes the other the extreme and you never know what they are going to do. Often it is a matter of pride. I recently took a course at my church to discover personality types. I saw in myself many of the traits that were shared in the course. The one thing that stood out to me was when I went into anger frenzy it came from a couple of different reactions. I think you may have experienced the same thing.
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First: Feeling like you’re not respected. Others not following through and ignoring you. Ignoring something that is important to you but they didn’t comply with your request or need. Being portrayed as not important or weak is an awful feeling. It provokes people.
Third: No Follow through. Often people overreact to get attention. When you don’t take others seriously and do what they ask you to do your going to get a negative reaction. My wife may nag me to do something but if I continually not do what she asked, I’m going to provoke her to anger.
Second: Not listening to you. Ignoring someone is so disrespectful and saying ‘I didn’t know’, when they were told but ignored you. Avoid this. it is a major aggravation point.
These are the three key reasons why people over react according to Pastor Rick Warren. Pastor shares that it is always best to share your feelings with that person and be humble with them. -7-
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Stories of How the Movie Son of God Transformed Lives
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cross the country hundreds of lives are being touched by the film, Son of God. People who were once seeking answers are reminded of the truth of God’s love, forgiveness, and faithfulness. Images can often speek so much louder than words, and the Scripture that is brought to life in this motion picture is speaking clearly to the broken hearted as well as those who thought they had it all figured out. Here are just a few of the testimonials of those who watched the film: “I am currently a Junior in High School. I have recently watched the movie called “Son of GOD” and it changed me in many ways. My faith have gotten stronger than before and I’m no longer scared to tell others that I am a Christian. I think the movie made me have a better bond with the LORD, because it showed me visually of what he went through to safe me from Satan.. well for all HIS people. Throughout the whole movie, I felt like he was next to me, watching me and saying, “This is what I have done for you my child”. As a Junior in high school, this is the year where you feel lost
and don’t know what to do with your life and worrying about SAT and ACT. You feel stressed out and forget that GOD is there to help you. And in tough situations, instead of running towards JESUS, you end up taking out your anger in many bad ways. The movie reminded me how I should rely on JESUS more for everything I do. “ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” ( Proverb 16:3) There was once a time where I have lost my faith in JESUS. It was when my dad had to leave my mom, brother and I to go to China for his his business work for the second time. I
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been separated from my dad for about 5years now. He comes for a visit, but it is not the same as living under the same roof. I was disappointed at GOD because I prayed so much that he will never get separated from his family. But when I heard that he is going back to China for his work, I was angry, sad, and very disappointed. I just didn’t know what do to stop it from happening. After that event, I just didn’t want to go to church, I didn’t want to do anything that GOD wanted me to do. I just felt like he didn’t want me as one of his daughters. I felt abandoned. But later on, I realized that everything he does has a purpose
and it is part of HIS plan. While watching the movie I noticed that GOD has done nothing wrong , but it was me who was being selfish and just walked away from HIM. In the movie, there is a part where JUSUS says he will forgive all the sins that we have committed and he will be always with us. I felt like all my sins have been erased and I have not been abandoned by HIM. I realized my silly mistakes and now I know He is with me every step of the way. Always leading me to the right path when I’m walking away from the path he has made for me. I am very grateful to be able to watch the movie that made
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me believe he is ALIVE in me. I think the movie was one of the greatest impact that have happened to me. Letting me know that what I believe is not a lie but a wonderful TRUTH. I hope this can movie can be seen at Korea, where many teens are most likely going though tough situations in school, family, friends, and more. I believe this movie can be an encouragement for them. Thank you so much for letting me experience something that will last throughout my whole life.” Chaeeum L. ••••
“...I took my 9 yr old & my 5 yr old to see it last weekend.... The movie showed the love & the grace of Jesus, how much his followers adored Him & how He adored them, even in the failing ways. And then the scene came where they beat Jesus. I watched my children carefully throughout this entire movie, but especially closely when this particular thing was about to happen. All of us were in tears. My 9 yr old wept & said to me “Why couldn’t they have just left Him alone? He didn’t do anything wrong”. My 5 yr old was so broken that she asked to sit on my lap so I would hold her. I asked her if she wanted to leave
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& she said no. And as Jesus took the stripes & carried the cross, as they nailed Him to it, my 5 yr old baby girl looked up at me with tears streaming down her face & said “Mommy...for me?” I’m pretty sure the directors of this film are not professors of theology in any denomination. And I’m sure they didn’t have the intent to spark debates between such man made organizations, but I’m thankful they took the time & used their money to have a dying world to focus, even if for a 2 hour time period, on the life of a perfect man who
became sin for us & to quote the Bible & the movie, IS “the life, the truth, and the way”. I’m thankful they didn’t invest in yet another vulgar movie about drugs & sex & and how skanky a person can be & get away with it. None of us have everything perfectly figured out about the Bible. We study it, and yes, there are absolutes. But for once, can we not beat down what may be the only bible that some people will ever hear & see?? Can we focus on the fact that even my 5 yr old, who is raised in a Christian home with all of
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the rules that us Christians think are important, some because of man made tradition, and goes to church every time the doors are open.. Got it. She saw it. She got it. Oh praise The Lord !!!! He did it all for me!!! And that is all I have to say about Hollywood & their version of the life, death & resurrection of Jesus.” - TaRanda G. •••• “Mark Burnett and Roma Downey created a moving and inspirational movie adapted from “The Bible.” Built from scenes from the ten-hour
mini-series, “Son of God” was so powerful that I didn’t realize almost 2 ½ hours had gone by. I loved the montage of photos at the beginning with Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, David and Goliath, etc. that quickly set the scene, and the montage at end that summarized the life of Christ. Likewise, the narration by John, the beloved Apostle, in the beginning and throughout the movie, and again at the end when Jesus appears to an older exiled John, was a unifying thread. There were so many passages from the New Testament
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that I’ve heard at daily Mass. How- ever, knowing and hearing the story, and then seeing it portrayed visually made it so much more meaningful. Although all of Jesus’ miracles and parables were not represented, the multiplication of loaves and fishes, walking on water, raising Lazarus from the dead, the woman caught in adultery, and other scenes highlighted the most well-known events. I thought it was very effective to use a stone instead of writing with a stick on the ground, and the challenge Jesus gave to those standing around saying in similar words, “I will throw my stone when those of you who
are without sin throw theirs.” The script gave an accurate account of the facts and dialogue, while the additional lines made it even more meaningful and personal. For example, when Pilot remarks to the servant, “It is almost as if He expects to do this.” In some scenes, the words were modified and made it more contemporary. The troublesome political times, and the letter of the law of the church hierarchy set the scene of what would follow. The excellent casting of Diogo Morgado who portrayed Jesus, Roma Downey who portrayed Mary, as well as all the other actors and actresses brought the story to life. The scenery,
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designs, and costumes were very authentic. Jesus and his followers were portrayed as loving, compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth people. Jesus’ willingness to undergo His suffering in the Garden of Olives, His scourging at the pillar, and crucifixion touched me very much as it showed His deep love for me personally. The film score, including the background music and sound effects, added to the overall production and enhanced the emotional impact. The concluding song, “Mary, did you know that your baby boy . . .” brought tears to my eyes. During the consecration at Mass, the day after viewing “Son
of God,” I was reminded of the images of Jesus breaking bread and sharing the wine with His Apostles. Peter’s comment to the other Apostles at the conclusion of the film left a reminder that like the early followers I have work to do to spread the Gospel of Christ.” - Ted W. •••• The movie Son of God has made over 58 million dollars in box offices nationwide. It will run through the week of Easter. For more testimonials visit SonOfGodStories.com
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What is Focus?
In a recent advertisement by 5-Hour Energy, the question, What is focus? is answered: • It’s an extra measure of clarity and alertness. • It’s knowing you got what it takes and seeing five moves ahead. • It’s finding your groove, picking your spot, and nailing it. • Focus is keeping your head while those around you are losing theirs. • Focus is making your own breaks and finishing out front. • Focus is Momentum. • Focus is Control.
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To see it in action go to 5hourenergy.com/commercials.asp
Make
it
Personal:
What do you need to focus on? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ How do you stay focused? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ What makes you distracted? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ How can you limit those distractions? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
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Dave’s Low Country Boil This is a recipe that my family has used numerous times and everyone loves it! The last time we used it was for our Family July 4th get-together. My husband spent 25 years living in Savannah, GA and the dish is very popular in that area. - Sandy Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®), or to taste • 5 pounds new potatoes or red potatoes • 3 (16 ounce) packages cooked kielbasa sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces • 8 ears fresh corn, husks and silks removed (Or Frozen ears can also be used • 5 pounds whole crab, broken into pieces (We don’t use the crab usually, the dish is great with or without the crab) • 4 pounds fresh shrimp, cleaned without heads-but we leave the shell on for more flavor. • 1-2 whole lemons cut and place in the pot-depending on your families’ taste • 2-3 medium onions, cut into quartered and placed in the pot for more flavor. Directions 1. Heat a large pot of water over an outdoor cooker, or medium-high heat indoors. Add Old Bay Seasoning to taste, and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, and sausage, and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the corn and crab; cook for another 5 minutes, then add the shrimp when everything else is almost done, and cook for another 3 or 4 minutes. 2. Drain off the water and pour the contents out onto a picnic table covered with newspaper. Grab a paper plate and enjoy! (Have mustard and butter available for your guests.) Recipe makes 15 servings.
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Easter Egg Nests Hands down, the kids will give these a “thumbs-up!” Let them help make these little coconut cookies with their thumbprints to create the perfect edible basket to fill with holiday jelly beans! We’re talking tasty fun! - MrFood .com What You’ll Need: • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3 to 4 drops yellow food color • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 2 cups flaked coconut • 36 jellybeans What To Do: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, beat sugar, egg, vanilla, and food color with an electric beater on medium speed until well blended. Beat in flour until smooth then fold in coconut. 3. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Flour your thumb and make an indentation in the center of each cookie to create a “nest.” 4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Remove from oven and gently push 2 jelly beans into each nest. Let nests cool slightly on baking sheets then remove to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers. Makes about 18 small nests.
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Month of : April Inbound agent—Rosemary Mendoza Ani Revenue—Shawn Bryant Fla Agent—Yessenia Monzon BA of the month—Dean Pruitt Agent of the Month- Dre’ Lofgren
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Congratulations to Jeannine Campana!! Just Married in Florida Prayer Request: The following are former employees who have passed away, pray for their families: William Richardson Sr. Charles McCray Cherita Dews Former employees Parents that passed away: Mother of Melissa Levesque Father of Jackie Wilkes Prayer request for current employees and their families: Lameka DBoise Byron Edwards son of RA Janice Jackson Karen Dillard’s mother Ciara Gillespie & children Solieh Kpadeh - traveling mercy-out of country David Njoroge - traveling mercy-out of country Diane Thompson Virginia Rickard Nanette Baker’s daughter Thea Boston Shena Haskins Sharaya Mitchell’s son Veronica Nowlin Jane Rising Candice Saunder’s uncle Barrett Molina’s wife
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ISA Store! Did you know InService America has a store in the Break Room?
We Do! Now serving coffee in the mornings! Drinks Coke, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Powerade, Mt. Dew, Fanta, Ginger Ale, 5-Hour Energy Shots, and more! Food Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Coffee Cake, Muffins, Cookies, Candy Bars, Trail Mix, Chips, and more! You can also find a number of specialty products, books, and other items all on sale! The best part is that you can purchase everything on credit. The cost will simply come out of your next pay check!
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