WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE TRADER JOE'S COMPANY

 

     When I first heard they were opening a Trader Joe's in Columbia, SC, I was very excited. It is located directly across the street from where I was working at Chick Fil-A on Harbison Blvd. I will admit I was hesitant about applying for a job. I applied 3 times in New York; I was interviewed twice and rejected all three times. I never understood why but accepted the fact that it was not God's plan for my life at that time. In front of this new Trader Joe's in South Carolina was a QR code so you could apply for a job. I decided to give it a shot. Within a few days I was asked to call to set up and interview. I interviewed with two "mates" and then with the General Manager. The very next day I received a phone call congratulating me that I was hired. My first day was December 9, 2025, and as of March 16th it is now my one and only job.

     All I can say about this company is they do things right. This blog is not intended to blast any of my previous jobs, but just to simply say that The Trader Joe's company is very impressive in how they handle business. When I hear about workers being there 15-20 years and still enjoying their job, you know things must be amazing. In fact, one of the "Mates" at our location has worked at Trader Joe's since he was attending college and decided to make it a career because of how he was treated. Some of the fringe benefits are amazing also. You get a discount for working there at any Trader Joe's in the country and if you ever decide to move or relocate, you can transfer to any Trader Joe's anywhere!

     So, what makes this company so amazing?  Here are some areas:

TRAINING:

At our orientation, you are trained in every area of the store. How to bag and work the register, how to open and close boxes, how to enter "Shares" in the computer (Trader Joe's shares food items to local food banks), how to clean the floor with a Zamboni like machine, how to "face" the store, where items need to go once you've stocked the shelves, how to do maintenance and how to search for expired food. 

ENCOURAGEMENT:

The leaders are referred to as "Mates" and the Leader running the shift is a Cruise Director just like on a ship. They are all extremely encouraging. They don't yell and scream at you and they are not standing over you ready to correct you. When they do correct, they do it in private in a gentle way. They even tell you that if you have a problem with a customer while on register, ring the bell three times and they will handle it. Not once have I ever heard of someone raising their voice to a Mate. They are all very encouraging and you know they are your biggest cheerleaders. They want you to succeed!

WHAT NEEDS TO GET DONE:

Right in the front of the store where the mates work from, they have attached a clipboard that lists all the workers names. It tells you where you are working for your entire shift. You never have to ask, "Where do you need me" because it's listed in black and white. I have worked other jibs where you need to hunt down a leader to find out where you need to be. Not at Trader Joe's!

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR CUSTOMERS & THEIR KIDS:

Trader Joe's has activities for families. They recently had an "Earth Day" celebration where they had crafts for kids and Corn Hole Games set up outside. They love drawing families in!

THE CUSTOMERS ARE RESPECTFUL:

Unlike other companies I gave worked for, I have never had any run ins with any customers. Our Mates have told us that is their job to deal with difficult people, not mine. I appreciate that a whole lot!

HUDDLES:

At the end of our closing shift, everyone on our team gathers for what we call a "Huddle." Everything that needs to be communicated to us takes place at our huddle. We are told of things we need to watch for, how we can improve at our job and if any special events are happening. I find it very encouraging. I wish this did happen at other jobs I was at. Many times, I had to "guess" what needed to get done or even how to make a particular drink. The communication was not there. It was frustrating.

     I am not saying Trader Joe's is perfect in everything they do. They are not. I have never ever had a perfect job. I do appreciate the approach they take in making my job easier. I do not feel stressed or anxious working there. I have learned a lot, and I know I am still learning! 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!

THE SLUMP

 

     Athletes go through it. It happens to everyone. I have seen it in baseball. I have seen it at work and yes, I have seen it with Christians. I remember in the 1980's when Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez was in a miserable batting slump. He couldn't buy a hit. After one game he called his dad and said, "Dad, what am I doing wrong?" His dad told him he noticed that whenever Keith swung his bat at a pitch during that particular game, he could see the word "Mets" across his uniform chest. When he was hitting well, you didn't see the teams name on his uniform. His dad told him to hold his bat higher and swing higher. In making that adjustment, Keith was out of his slump and actually started a long hitting streak. His slump was over!

     I hate it whenever I get into any kind of slump in life. It really irritates me, but I also know it is a part of life. We all go through it at various points in our life. I remember frustrations while in elementary school, junior high school and high school. Even as a Bible college student I went into a slump or as some people call it a "rut". I found myself going for long walks just trying to "clear my head." I even remember one time thinking about taking a break or a "sabbatical" from college just because I needed a break from my studies. I soon discovered that is what the Christmas and summer breaks were for! I'm glad I never did that.

     In the last month I have found myself in somewhat of a "Spiritual slump." No, I am not walking away from my relationship with our Lord. I will admit I have had a lot of what I would call "strong conversations" with God. There are things happening that I am scratching my head over. I left Chick Fil-A last month hoping to get more hours at Trader Joe's. Because we are a new store I have been getting less hours along with other workers, so I know it's not just me. In the last 4 months I have had three episodes with kidney stones. I was hoping those episodes would be over with. I realize many others go through much worst when it comes to life situations. Sometimes you just want everything in life to go easy and not be complicated. I was frustrated, angry, fearful, anxious and worrisome during this slumpy season. It was not fun. There had to be a way out of this! 

     So how do we get out of this slump? I wish I could give you a "This will never fail for you" formula that works for everyone. Since we are all different and all go through our "stuff," all I can say is what has helped me. I have learned it is a battle, but I also know from scripture in 2 Chronicles 20:15 that the battle is not ours but the Lord's! I realize that my best option when I struggle in my life is to always put God first, leave it in His hands, rebuke the devil and invite God's presence into my life. The Christian life is not easy. We all go through trials, and we all have faced that dreaded "slump." The good news is we always get out of it. Not because of what we do, but because of who Jesus is. He is the one who gets us out of that slump and back on track.

     I hope this blog encourages you as much as it encouraged me writing it. We all need accountability in our lives. I pray you all have a blessed week! Thanks for reading!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!  

PRAYER WALKING

 

     I don't consider myself to be a "Super Christian" or someone who knows it all, I am just a regular guy who loves Jesus and who wants to do the right thing. There is, however, something I have been doing lately that I feel God is leading me to do here in South Carolina....Prayer Walking!

     I started "Prayer Walking" in New York right after I joined the staff of Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship in Rocky Point, NY in 2022. Our church met in a VFW hall in the center of town. Before our Tuesday Bible study, I used to take time to walk through the town and pray for the people of Rocky Point, the local businesses and for God to move on the hearts of his people. I also prayed for members of our church. Very rarely did I ever have someone join me which was okay. I was not looking for accolades or a "pat on the back" from the Pastor, I just wanted to be obedient. I used to pray "radical prayers" as I walked past one particular bar and pray that it would shut down and one day become a new church plant. I did have one answer to prayer. I walked past a New Age store that sold their paraphernalia and after some time that store closed its doors. Praise God! I prayer walked in Rocky Point for over two and a half years up until I moved. 

     Fast forward to 2026. I now life in a middle-class neighborhood. There is a great mix of people with various nationalities, colors and creeds. Let me be honest. I only know one of my neighbors and that is not on purpose. Life is different in 2026. When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey and New York, I knew who my neighbors were. Granted I was young but still, I knew who lived in my neighborhood. I only know my one neighbor who I call "The Neighborhood Mayor." He seems to know everyone and has told me stories about each neighbor. Everyone is busy. Most people work crazy hours...maybe even 2 jobs to make ends meet. Honestly, the weather gets so hot in the summertime it is better if you stay indoors in the air conditioning then sit outside in the extreme heat. You rarely see kids playing outside. It's not like the 1970's or 1980's.  

     I have always had a heart for people. I guess that is why God called me to be a Pastor. After meeting my neighbor and praying about where God was leading me to do, I sensed God was calling me to prayer walk around my neighborhood. I'm sure many of you reading this are probably wondering, "Why do you care so much about people you don't know?" The reason is very simple. There are people in this world who are going to hell if they don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. I can't literally walk up to every door and have a discussion with every neighbor. I just don't have that kind of time and truthfully the energy. What I can do is pray for them!

     So, what is prayer walking? The definition is simple. It's "Praying with a purpose." I walk around my block twice praying for my neighbors as well as other personal requests. It is approximately 1.80 miles. I try to get up early in the morning. As I walk past a home I pray for the people who live in that particular house. I also walk past an elementary school and pray for that school. I try to prayer walk 3 times a week weather permitting. Not only do I have the benefit of praying for people, but I also get a lot of much needed exercise!  Let me just share that this is very hard. It's hard to get up early after you work 8 hours helping to close a grocery store. Most mornings, I do ask my Google home alarm, "Hey Google, snooze my alarm for 15 minutes!" As you do prayer walking, you do get attacked by the enemy. Do you really think the devil is happy you are praying for your neighbors? I have battled illness, I have felt sad and lonely and I have at times had no energy whatsoever. But to be honest, when you are praying for others and believing that God will move in their lives, it is worth it!

     I don't know what prayer walking my neighborhood will lead to. I have had thoughts of down the road inviting my neighbors to a Bible study at Lake Murray. I am praying about that. All I do know is that if I can touch even one person, it is worth it. My neighbor across the street has asked me to do a Bible study alone with him. I told him absolutely! My main prayer is that God would move on the hearts of my neighbors and show himself to each one. In my humble opinion, prayer will always be the key to success in life. I wish more churches took the time to prayer walk around their neighborhoods instead of just expecting people to show up at their church. I know prayer can also be very boring. I admit as I sit and pray, my mind wanders. While I'm walking, it helps me focus more. I am looking forward to seeing the fruit of this amazing adventure. I don't know what it is going to lead to. I am expecting God to do great things not because of me, but because of who He is! Jesus is coming back real soon. We need to make sure people know how much He loves them. If it means praying for them while walking is a way to push start this, then I want to continue! I just want to be obedient. I hope this blog will encourage you in your walk with the Lord! We need to always be obedient! But more than anything, we need to be praying!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK FRIENDS!    

     

I JUST DON'T GET IT

 

     An NBA (National Basketball Association) player is caught breaking the league's substance abuse policy by selling and using cocaine. He is suspended 30 games and is able to play after his suspension is completed. Another NBA player is involved in a domestic dispute with his wife. He is arrested, serves time in jail and is also given a 30-game suspension. He is also reinstated and even though he was arrested he basically only gets a slap on the wrist. Just in the last 10 days or so, an NBA player named Jaden Ivey expresses his opinion on Pride month stating he is strongly opposed to the NBA's promotion of Pride Month saying that we are celebrating "unrighteousness." He made the point that God did not intend a man to be with another man and a woman is not intended to be with another woman and neither together have the ability to bear a child. He also stated that we should all have the freedom to "speak righteousness" and went on to say that championship rings would not matter on judgement day. He expressed his opinion. That is all he did. The team he played for, the Chicago Bulls immediately released him from the team saying, "his conduct was detrimental to the team." He didn't break the law. He didn't sell drugs or beat his wife. He expressed his opinion and now he is no longer on the team. His teammates and others have spoken out saying, "He is mentally ill and needs help." Others have said, "He is anti-gay and hates all involved in the LGBTQ community." Sorry, I just don't get it.   

     As a kid I was a huge NBA fan, in fact my bedroom was decorated with NBA curtains and a bedspread with logos of every team. I even had an NBA bank that was a plastic basketball that I put loose change into. I have great memories of watching my favorite team, the New York Knicks on WOR channel 9 on Friday or Saturday nights. They were always away games. I loved players like Walt Frazier, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Bill Bradley and Dave DeBusschere. I remember in 1973, one month before I moved from NJ to NY watching with my sister Paula the Knicks winning the NBA Championship. Unfortunately, that was the last time the Knicks won the championship. I was nine years old! Although I loved the NBA, I always wanted to be a great basketball player, but I truthfully was awful at it. Growing up I continued to watch the Knicks, listen to games on the radio and pray that with Patrick Ewing on their team they would win another championship. Unfortunately, they ran into some guy who played for the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan who dominated the game in the 1990's. My interest in the NBA has been decreasing each year. To be honest, after this incident with Jaden Ivey, my interest is now zero. I am boycotting watching games and don't care if the Harlem Globetrotters or the Alaska Snowbirds win the championship.

     So why is it that in this crazy world we live in. we cannot express our opinions. It's almost as if Rule #1 is: YOU MUST AGREE WITH OUR OPINIONS. Rule #2 is: IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH OUR OPINIONS, SEE RULE #1! Jaden Ivey never said, "I hate gays and the LGBTQ community." He simply stated his beliefs and now he is no longer playing basketball for the Chicago Bulls. Like I said before, other players have been drug addicts, they have beat their wives and put in jail and guess what, they were given a slap on the wrist and are allowed back in the league. I just don't get it!

     If a player was Muslim and expressed his displeasure of Pride Month, would he be released from his team? If he was a Buddhist and said what Jaden Ivey said in their own words, would he be asked to leave the team? How come the NBA is celebrating Pride Month and not Easter? They made it a point in 2020 to recognize the BLM movement as that was printed on NBA courts all across the league. How come a "cross symbol" wasn't on NBA courts on Easter? Or a picture of baby Jesus on Christmas? Why was that ignored? Why do we now have politics in sports? When I was a kid, I never heard Wilt Chamberlain share his political views or Julius Erving telling us who we should vote for during the Presidential election. They played basketball. Basketball teams had promotion nights with giveaways like hats, pennants and wristbands. We didn't celebrate lifestyles and how people live their lives, we watched basketball and rooted for our team. 

     Please understand I am not writing this blog because I hate the gay community. I don't. I might not agree with their lifestyle, but I don't hate anyone. I am just upset that we no longer have freedom of speech in America and we can no longer express how we feel about something. We need to agree or we pay a price. Jaden Ivey is no longer playing basketball. Not because he is an awful player or he got arrested or was addicted to cocaine, he is not playing because he shared his Christian beliefs and his opinion on Pride Month.  Does that sound fair? 

     In my own personal life, I wonder if the company I work for, Trader Joe's, would ever force their employees to wear rainbow colored Trader Joe's shirts to promote Pride Month? Imagine if they told me "If you don't wear this shirt, you will get fired. I would certainly stand up for what I believe in and tell them, "Sorry, I can't promote this. I guess you will need to dismiss me." That seems so unfair for Trader Joe's to do that, but I believe we are coming into an age where we are going to be forced to agree on topics...OR ELSE! I think about the story in the Bible in the book of Daniel chapter 3 about three young men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were told, "If you don't bow down to this idol, you will be thrown into the fiery furnace!" They refused to bow to this idol and were thrown into the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace temperature be turned up seven times hotter. These three young men survived the furnace and those who threw them into the furnace discovered there was a fourth man in the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They described this fourth man as "a son of God," Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived and this caused the people to turn to God and turn away from any idol. 

     So, what about us? Would we stand up for what we believe in? Would we feel comfortable expressing our opinion without fear of being reprimanded? Do we do what everyone else is doing? Would we take a stand like Jaden Ivey did? I might never understand a lot of things that go on in this world, but I do know Jesus warned us of one thing, He said in Matthew 5:10 - "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

It also says in 2 Timothy 3:12 - Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. We will face persecution when we take a stand, but our reward for this is in heaven. When we live a godly lifestyle, persecution will come our way. It's expected. No one wants to hear the truth about Jesus. I know persecution is not fun, but in reality, whose side are you on? The worlds? God's? This is "food for thought" for all of us. There are things happening in our world today that I will never understand. I just want to continue living my life putting God first no matter what. How about you?

THANKS FOR READING AND I HOPE YOU "GET THIS!" 

     

IT'S RESURRECTION SUNDAY...NOT EASTER!!

 

     Ever since my Bible College days, I have always had an issue with people saying "Happy Easter" on what I call Resurrection Sunday. Just like Christmas, "Easter" had a double meaning for me as a kid. You went to Catholic Mass on Good Friday. On Saturday we all colored our "Easter Eggs." and I can still smell that vinegar that we mixed with the color tablets. On Sunday, we all got dressed in our Sunday best and went to Easter Mass as we celebrated Jesus' death and resurrection. Before Mass, we got up early and hoped the "Easter Bunny" came delivering the eggs we colored the day before along with "Easter Baskets" and a few gifts. We had to search around our house to find the eggs since the "Easter Bunny" was so good at hiding them The Easter Bunny's names were Pete & Rae in our house). After church, during the years we lived in New Jersey, we went to my Grandparents house in Secaucus, NJ and sometimes at my dad's aunt & uncles house...Aunt Gladys and Uncle Frank who also lived in Secaucus, NJ. I remember being very young and we had a huge snowstorm! We all had a nice dinner to celebrate, and the best part was we had a week off from school! That was it! But what exactly was it we were celebrating? Jesus dying on the cross for our sins or Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail delivering eggs and chocolate bunnies to kids all across the world?

     The word Easter, according to the dictionary is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. But the word "Easter" never appears in the Bible. Just like Christmas, the retail world "back in the day" decided we could make money on this holiday. Even though the "Easter Bunny" was created in 1678 in German folklore to reward good behavior in children, it has certainly taken away the real meaning of this holiday. The retail world has made thousands of dollars selling chocolate bunnies, egg coloring kits and jellybeans across the globe. I often wonder if you asked people, "What is the meaning of Easter?' What would be their response? Would they say, "It's about celebrating the spring season and the newness of life." Or how about, "The Easter Bunny brings eggs, chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and colored eggs to all the boys and girls who are well behaved".

     Why is it that whenever you mention the name Jesus to people, they get offended. When you mention Buddha, Ghandi or Mohhamed they just think you are weird. The name JESUS has always made people feel uncomfortable. Why is it that we have to create an alternative to the Christmas and Easter holidays, but when it comes to the month of June, we celebrate 30 days of "Pride: with no alternative. We have to accept it all. Jesus gets two days and others get a whole month. Why is it that we brush over one of the greatest events in the history of mankind, Jesus dying on the cross and rising again on the third day but because we don't want people "offended," we focus on a bunny, tell kids he is visiting each home and enjoy your candy and goodies! Why is it that if I yell out at my job at Trader Joe's, "Easter is all about the death and resurrection of Jesus", that is offensive to people, and I could get fired doing that. Yet, a Drag Queen is allowed to go into a library and read a book to kids about Drag Queens and openly sharing their lifestyle with these kids. No one is taking offense to that, and it is encouraged in America. Sorry, but I don't get it! Even this past week, an NBA basketball player shared his opinion of Pride Day, and everyone is saying he is mentally ill. WOW!

     I certainly hope one day people we will all wake up as a country and realize what Easter, I mean Resurrection Sunday is really all about. The movie "A Passion for the Christ" was extremely graphic in depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. In my honest opinion, I don't think it was merely half as bad as to what Jesus really went through when he was crucified on the cross of Calvary. The whippings, beatings and punishment Jesus took for us was for our benefit. He took our place on that old, rugged cross for your sins and mine so that we could inherit eternal life through Him. Our debt was paid for us as the Roman soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross. They slapped him, spit on him, mocked him and beat him. They even struck a spear in his side. He didn't fight back because he knew he needed to show everyone he was and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This will always be the greatest event in the history of mankind! When I became a Born-Again Christian, everything changed for me. I looked forward to going to church and celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus! What an amazing demonstration of love!

     So, to conclude, thanks but no thanks Mr. Easter Bunny. All that stuff is fun and the kids love it. I used to do an Easter Egg Hunt at my church for preschoolers to get families to attend church. It was fun but it's not what Easter is about. Chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and colored eggs will never compare to what took place on Mt. Calvary as Jesus was crucified, died, his body was placed in a tomb, and he rose again on that third day. That is why we celebrate Resurrection Sunday every spring! Let's never forget about this great celebration. It should be something we celebrate every single day. I pray you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday, and I pray you accept Jesus Christ into your heart. Always remember how much he loves you! His free gift of eternal life is for all who accept and receive Him. Don't let a day go by without knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior!     

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY EVERYONE!!