Jamie Blevins's Blog, page 3
September 12, 2025
ANW's Fruitful Friday
How do you protect your focus and thoughts?
If not careful, negative influences can take away your focus, along with "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-anything [that] is excellent or praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8).
After a period of time, negative influences aka toxic working conditions began to take a toll on my focus and thoughts. Whatever was true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (see 4:8) was being wiped out. My focus became interrupted with exhaustion and distractions; and my mind became foggy and began to wander. Then, I started to hate a job and career that I absolutely loved; and did not want to go work anymore. The incivility was stripping me of my focus and tainting my thoughts. Fortunately, God pulled me out of this toxicity that created this psychological spiral; and since then, I have not been "anxious about anything" and continue to "pray about everything" (4:4, 6), as He, now, guards my heart and mind (see 4:7).
So, if you, too, want to maintain your focus and have a mind filled with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (see 4:8), might you consider letting Him protect your valuables from being stolen. #ThinkAboutSuchThings
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
If not careful, negative influences can take away your focus, along with "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-anything [that] is excellent or praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8).
After a period of time, negative influences aka toxic working conditions began to take a toll on my focus and thoughts. Whatever was true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (see 4:8) was being wiped out. My focus became interrupted with exhaustion and distractions; and my mind became foggy and began to wander. Then, I started to hate a job and career that I absolutely loved; and did not want to go work anymore. The incivility was stripping me of my focus and tainting my thoughts. Fortunately, God pulled me out of this toxicity that created this psychological spiral; and since then, I have not been "anxious about anything" and continue to "pray about everything" (4:4, 6), as He, now, guards my heart and mind (see 4:7).
So, if you, too, want to maintain your focus and have a mind filled with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (see 4:8), might you consider letting Him protect your valuables from being stolen. #ThinkAboutSuchThings
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
September 11, 2025
ANW's Thoughtful Thursday
What do you do with your laments?
A great deal of "wickedness" (Lamentations 1:22) has taken over this world; and because of this state, there is a great deal of "groaning" (1:21).
Causing constant "[distress], "torment [from] within, and a "disturbed" "heart" (1:20), is bad behavior aka Incivility within Nursing. The pain, sorrow, and grief that Nursing has caused is overwhelming, yet continues to be disregarded and ignored. After lamenting, for many years, to Nursing, with no resolution, I took them to the Lord. When I did, He removed the distress and torment from within, and, in time, healed my disturbed heart.
So, if your laments are not being heard or answered, might you take them to the Lord, and He will take care of the "wickedness [that has] come before you" (1:22) and ease your sorrow and pain. #CryOnHisShoulder
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWAdvocatingForHealthyLivesHomesAndWorkEnvironments
A great deal of "wickedness" (Lamentations 1:22) has taken over this world; and because of this state, there is a great deal of "groaning" (1:21).
Causing constant "[distress], "torment [from] within, and a "disturbed" "heart" (1:20), is bad behavior aka Incivility within Nursing. The pain, sorrow, and grief that Nursing has caused is overwhelming, yet continues to be disregarded and ignored. After lamenting, for many years, to Nursing, with no resolution, I took them to the Lord. When I did, He removed the distress and torment from within, and, in time, healed my disturbed heart.
So, if your laments are not being heard or answered, might you take them to the Lord, and He will take care of the "wickedness [that has] come before you" (1:22) and ease your sorrow and pain. #CryOnHisShoulder
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWAdvocatingForHealthyLivesHomesAndWorkEnvironments
September 10, 2025
ANW's Wisdom Wednesday
What do you do when powerless?
One of the most powerful things that you can do is pray.
After exhausting everything I knew how to do to try and improve toxic working conditions, I prayed; and once I did, I never stopped, because He heard, listened, and answered me, unlike those who I was trying to help. Unfortunately, I was not able to change the toxic work environment; but, I still, continue to pray, in every circumstance, and has yet to fail me.
So, when you “do not know what to do”, put [your] eyes…on [him]” (2 Chronicles 20:12) and get the help and support that you need through prayer. #PrayInAllCircumstances & #GetPowerfulResults
#RRRChallegeYourself
#ANWAdvocatingForHealthyLivesHomesAndWorkEnvironments
One of the most powerful things that you can do is pray.
After exhausting everything I knew how to do to try and improve toxic working conditions, I prayed; and once I did, I never stopped, because He heard, listened, and answered me, unlike those who I was trying to help. Unfortunately, I was not able to change the toxic work environment; but, I still, continue to pray, in every circumstance, and has yet to fail me.
So, when you “do not know what to do”, put [your] eyes…on [him]” (2 Chronicles 20:12) and get the help and support that you need through prayer. #PrayInAllCircumstances & #GetPowerfulResults
#RRRChallegeYourself
#ANWAdvocatingForHealthyLivesHomesAndWorkEnvironments
September 9, 2025
ANW's Takeaway Tuesday
What are you ashamed of?
There is much to be ashamed of, but not when it comes to having faith. Yet many are; and hopefully, it is because they just do not know Christ.
Thankfully, I have known Christ all my life; but, what I am ashamed of is not getting to know Him better so that I could grow my faith even sooner. But, unfortunately, it took suffering a broken heart to realize this. Shame on me. As I have grown my relationship with Him, so has my faith in Him; and, now, I see His omniscience more clearly than ever before, along with His sacrifice, as He has restored and given me my "power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7) back, along with so much more.
So, if you would like to grow your faith, might you consider getting to know the "testimony about our Lord" and "not be ashamed" (1:8) of it; but, instead, embrace it so you can let Him "guard what [you decide to entrust] to him" ( 1:12). #NothingToBeAshamedOf
#ProudAndBlessed
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvionrments
There is much to be ashamed of, but not when it comes to having faith. Yet many are; and hopefully, it is because they just do not know Christ.
Thankfully, I have known Christ all my life; but, what I am ashamed of is not getting to know Him better so that I could grow my faith even sooner. But, unfortunately, it took suffering a broken heart to realize this. Shame on me. As I have grown my relationship with Him, so has my faith in Him; and, now, I see His omniscience more clearly than ever before, along with His sacrifice, as He has restored and given me my "power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7) back, along with so much more.
So, if you would like to grow your faith, might you consider getting to know the "testimony about our Lord" and "not be ashamed" (1:8) of it; but, instead, embrace it so you can let Him "guard what [you decide to entrust] to him" ( 1:12). #NothingToBeAshamedOf
#ProudAndBlessed
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvionrments
September 8, 2025
ANW's Meaningful Monday
How willing are you to tell and hear and heed the truth?
Raw truth is uncomfortable and ugly; yet, at the same time, authentic and attractive.
Exposing my work environment's toxic culture came at a full faculty meeting, with department heads in attendance, while performing a SWOT, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, of our Nursing Program. For two or so hours, and with a great deal of reluctance and hesitation, the SWOT was filled out; and the results were not pretty. At the end of the meeting, the department heads announced that SWOT information would be compiled and discussed at our next meeting. Unfortunately, that meeting never took place or discussed ever again; and status quo remained, if not worsened.
Revealing the truth was gratifying and hopeful; and, then, seeing it suppressed was defeating and disheartening. After that, I sought the truth elsewhere. Through my pleas and petitions, I found someone who embraces the truth and does not dismiss or run from it.
So, if you want to grow and know where you belong and stand, then, might you seek "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), Jesus. #UndeniableTruth
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenviornments
Raw truth is uncomfortable and ugly; yet, at the same time, authentic and attractive.
Exposing my work environment's toxic culture came at a full faculty meeting, with department heads in attendance, while performing a SWOT, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, of our Nursing Program. For two or so hours, and with a great deal of reluctance and hesitation, the SWOT was filled out; and the results were not pretty. At the end of the meeting, the department heads announced that SWOT information would be compiled and discussed at our next meeting. Unfortunately, that meeting never took place or discussed ever again; and status quo remained, if not worsened.
Revealing the truth was gratifying and hopeful; and, then, seeing it suppressed was defeating and disheartening. After that, I sought the truth elsewhere. Through my pleas and petitions, I found someone who embraces the truth and does not dismiss or run from it.
So, if you want to grow and know where you belong and stand, then, might you seek "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), Jesus. #UndeniableTruth
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenviornments
September 7, 2025
ANW's Savory Sunday
What compliments your independence?
Often seen as a weakness, instead of a strength, is dependence; and with this mindset, you hurt and limit yourself.
I missed out, for years, and ended up getting badly hurt, because I always saw dependence as weakness. How ignorant and arrogant was I thinking that I could turn a toxic work environment in to a healthy one by myself. For this mentality, I became "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), because I was not humble enough to ask for help or lean on someone. After having taken a great deal of time to process this, I am just now understanding what this all means. Because of my experience and enhanced wisdom, I have become have become fully dependent on Him and His "kingdom" (Mark 10:14).
So, if you, too, want to do great things or make a difference, dependence is necessary to be able to do so; and there is no better person to lean on than the Lord. If you "allow him to "bless [you]" (10:16) and "place his hands on [you]" (10:13), you will see the amazing things that you can do and accomplish when you ask for help. #DependOnDependence
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
Often seen as a weakness, instead of a strength, is dependence; and with this mindset, you hurt and limit yourself.
I missed out, for years, and ended up getting badly hurt, because I always saw dependence as weakness. How ignorant and arrogant was I thinking that I could turn a toxic work environment in to a healthy one by myself. For this mentality, I became "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), because I was not humble enough to ask for help or lean on someone. After having taken a great deal of time to process this, I am just now understanding what this all means. Because of my experience and enhanced wisdom, I have become have become fully dependent on Him and His "kingdom" (Mark 10:14).
So, if you, too, want to do great things or make a difference, dependence is necessary to be able to do so; and there is no better person to lean on than the Lord. If you "allow him to "bless [you]" (10:16) and "place his hands on [you]" (10:13), you will see the amazing things that you can do and accomplish when you ask for help. #DependOnDependence
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
September 6, 2025
ANW's Soulful Saturday
How do you get justice?
Often, wrongs happen; and when they do, the natural instinct is to want to retaliate and get justice.
I, like David, wanted immediate justice, too, for being badly hurt by a toxic work environment. A few months, and still recovering, I sought a lawyer for help; but sadly enough, the lawyer advised me that it would be an uphill and losing battle. Adding to the anger, I, then, reached out to Nursing Incivility experts, whom I thought were colleagues, only to be told that they were sorry and could not help me either.
Then, thinking to myself, why did I not seek the Lord first. He was the one who cared enough to help and save me. From that moment forward, I gave my petitions to Him and asked him to "save me according to [his] unfailing love"; and since then, I rest in the fact that "this be the LORD's payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me" (Psalm 109:20).
So, if you struggle with injustices, might you, like me, "not take revenge...but [instead] leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 2:19). For "those who know [his] name trust in [him]...The Lord is known for his justice" (Psalm 9:10, 16 NLT). #JusticeWillBeServed
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
Often, wrongs happen; and when they do, the natural instinct is to want to retaliate and get justice.
I, like David, wanted immediate justice, too, for being badly hurt by a toxic work environment. A few months, and still recovering, I sought a lawyer for help; but sadly enough, the lawyer advised me that it would be an uphill and losing battle. Adding to the anger, I, then, reached out to Nursing Incivility experts, whom I thought were colleagues, only to be told that they were sorry and could not help me either.
Then, thinking to myself, why did I not seek the Lord first. He was the one who cared enough to help and save me. From that moment forward, I gave my petitions to Him and asked him to "save me according to [his] unfailing love"; and since then, I rest in the fact that "this be the LORD's payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me" (Psalm 109:20).
So, if you struggle with injustices, might you, like me, "not take revenge...but [instead] leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 2:19). For "those who know [his] name trust in [him]...The Lord is known for his justice" (Psalm 9:10, 16 NLT). #JusticeWillBeServed
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
September 5, 2025
ANW's Fruitful Friday
How well established are your boundaries?
When boundaries are not set or fences are not built, you put your freedom in jeopardy, as you open yourself up to others invading your space.
Not protecting its boundaries is Nursing, as it has allowed Incivility to enter in and cause a great deal of destruction. Due to this breach, I found myself having to reestablish my boundaries and rebuild my fence, one picket at a time. Taking seven years to restore and rebuild, I am now, once again, able to "live and prosper", because I "walk in obedience to all that the LORD [my] God has commanded [me]" (Deuteronomy 5:33). From here on out, there will be no more boundary breaches or broken fences, as they are safe and secure.
So, you are struggling to establish your boundaries or build or mend a broken fence to secure your freedom, might you consider "[holding his] teaching" and if you do, "then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32); and allow you to "live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess" (Deuteronomy 5:33).
#ProtectYourSpace & #BuildYourFence
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenviornments
When boundaries are not set or fences are not built, you put your freedom in jeopardy, as you open yourself up to others invading your space.
Not protecting its boundaries is Nursing, as it has allowed Incivility to enter in and cause a great deal of destruction. Due to this breach, I found myself having to reestablish my boundaries and rebuild my fence, one picket at a time. Taking seven years to restore and rebuild, I am now, once again, able to "live and prosper", because I "walk in obedience to all that the LORD [my] God has commanded [me]" (Deuteronomy 5:33). From here on out, there will be no more boundary breaches or broken fences, as they are safe and secure.
So, you are struggling to establish your boundaries or build or mend a broken fence to secure your freedom, might you consider "[holding his] teaching" and if you do, "then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32); and allow you to "live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess" (Deuteronomy 5:33).
#ProtectYourSpace & #BuildYourFence
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenviornments
September 4, 2025
ANW's Thoughtful Thursday
What unfinished work needs completed?
Life can sometimes get in the way of what you are meant to do; but it does not mean that you cannot or will not be able to do it.
I had to take a seven year pause to figure out what I was and where I belong, even after a 28-year career that I dearly and wholeheartedly loved; but almost took my life. Thankfully, the long pause brought clarity and direction, an even greater purpose. Now, I am able to resume, once more, but with more strength, wisdom, and faith than I have ever had before. Just as "Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord" (Ezra 7:10), so have I by continuing to advocate for healthy lives, homes and work environments with daily words, repurposed items, and dishing out dishes and decorations with love-all because of his "gracious hand"...on [me]" (7:9).
So, if you have unfinished work that you would like to complete, might you, like me, seek His hand and let Him help you finish it. #PickUpWhereYouLeftOff
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
Life can sometimes get in the way of what you are meant to do; but it does not mean that you cannot or will not be able to do it.
I had to take a seven year pause to figure out what I was and where I belong, even after a 28-year career that I dearly and wholeheartedly loved; but almost took my life. Thankfully, the long pause brought clarity and direction, an even greater purpose. Now, I am able to resume, once more, but with more strength, wisdom, and faith than I have ever had before. Just as "Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord" (Ezra 7:10), so have I by continuing to advocate for healthy lives, homes and work environments with daily words, repurposed items, and dishing out dishes and decorations with love-all because of his "gracious hand"...on [me]" (7:9).
So, if you have unfinished work that you would like to complete, might you, like me, seek His hand and let Him help you finish it. #PickUpWhereYouLeftOff
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
September 3, 2025
ANW's Wisdom Wednesday
How willing are you to go to battle; and if so, what are you willing to fight for?
It becomes very hard to fight and win, especially when you are outnumbered, as it becomes an uphill and, often times, losing battle.
With support quickly falling off, I remained fighting the Battle of Nursing Incivility; and for as long as I could, I fought and fought hard. But, after many years of fighting, the battle became so much that it almost cost me my life. Pulling me off of the battlefield was the Lord, because, I, like Paul, prayed to Him to "be kept safe from the unbelievers" (Romans 15:31); and He did. After taking time to heal and recover from the battle, I, now, work in a much safer and healthier environment.
So, if you care enough about your wellbeing and others too, then might you consider "[joining] me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (15:30) and others who are trying to make Nursing or anything better; because no one person can conquer battles alone, as every abled soldier is needed to make a difference. If not, then may "The God of peace be with you" (15:33). #HelpAndSupportOneAnother & #TolerateNoMoreCasualties
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
It becomes very hard to fight and win, especially when you are outnumbered, as it becomes an uphill and, often times, losing battle.
With support quickly falling off, I remained fighting the Battle of Nursing Incivility; and for as long as I could, I fought and fought hard. But, after many years of fighting, the battle became so much that it almost cost me my life. Pulling me off of the battlefield was the Lord, because, I, like Paul, prayed to Him to "be kept safe from the unbelievers" (Romans 15:31); and He did. After taking time to heal and recover from the battle, I, now, work in a much safer and healthier environment.
So, if you care enough about your wellbeing and others too, then might you consider "[joining] me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (15:30) and others who are trying to make Nursing or anything better; because no one person can conquer battles alone, as every abled soldier is needed to make a difference. If not, then may "The God of peace be with you" (15:33). #HelpAndSupportOneAnother & #TolerateNoMoreCasualties
#RRRChallengeYourself
#ANWadvocatingforhealthyliveshomesandworkenvironments
