Just a few short weeks ago, I was lamenting a bit on being an empty-nester. As of yesterday, everything seems as though it's going to change yet again. My son called to say that he wanted to move back home; that the destination he chose (not a place I would've chosen in this life-time) didn't seem to be panning out for him. Although he has a place to stay and food to eat, he has no car; the job he was told he would have waiting for him didn't materialize, and he has not had any luck in getting many more interviews.
Apparently, "Houston, we have a problem..." and this will be an aborted launch. In looking back at my own life, I have to say that I made several aborted launches: in moves, jobs, marriages even, career choices, and the list goes on. Even in my choice of spiritual paths, when I think of it!
What I do know is true: God has a plan -- for me, for my son, and for the World! And there is no aborted launch plan, and there is no problem at all, but just a great, Divine plan and purpose, with Christ on the throne!
I'm thanking God for His Grace, His Presence and His Purpose for me personally, for my family and friends, for my community, for the USA and the World at large. After all, it all belongs to Him -- each and every one, and every thing!
Ecc. 3: 1-11 comes to mind. Read it. Ponder it. What are your thoughts?
To Him be the Glory, forever and ever!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
SOTU Martini
I posted this on Twitter: #SOTU 2 oz Plymouth Gin Squeeze Bitter Lemon, ShakeUp, Pour over ice - DRINK - ALOT! I crack myself up, but seriously, if I weren't so depressed about the real State Of The Union, I would drink myself silly. And I enjoy a good martini once in awhile. In fact, I could enjoy more than one tonight.
Side note, my friend Lisa and my sister, Karen and I refer to Martinis as Tarminis, after about 2 or 3 with dinner!
Enough. I'll up date this when I'm done. I just hope the drink the Obama team wants us to swallow isn't as bad as I think it's going to be. Maybe I'll go find myself a SOTU party! Back soon!
Side note, my friend Lisa and my sister, Karen and I refer to Martinis as Tarminis, after about 2 or 3 with dinner!
Enough. I'll up date this when I'm done. I just hope the drink the Obama team wants us to swallow isn't as bad as I think it's going to be. Maybe I'll go find myself a SOTU party! Back soon!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Do I Have the Guts To Do Something Radical?
Do I have the guts to do something radical? I have many years of sales and marketing experience, but I've been pondering lately about what people in my age group are thinking when it comes to how to use the internet in the job market today.
Nearly one year ago, I was laid off a job that I had for 8-1/2 years. I was comfortable at that job. I worked for an international environmental consulting company. I did my job well, I was well liked in the company; I liked the people I worked with. I made enough money to keep my head above water. I was happy.
Frankly, the last three years have been difficult personally. I was just beginning to feel like I had my feet back under me, after my husband's lengthy battle with cancer and subsequent death. Of course, the whole death and dying scenario wreaks havoc on all family members, and getting through that first couple years was tough for everyone. I had relied on my job to help keep me focused as much as possible every day. I was comfortable with a steady income from my employer, and did the best I could. None of my efforts changed the outcome.
One of the hardest things to give up was three weeks of earned vacation not to mention the benefits, and the sick time every year. The thought of having to start over somewhere again puts knots in my stomach.
When I lost my job, I cut expenses way back. Nonetheless, even with unemployment, I found myself going through my 401K, like many other people. Which brings me to the job search problem. I've never had any trouble finding a job in my life. Now in 2010, the rules for a job search have changed quite a bit.
High unemployment rates are of course a concern, but mostly, applying for a job is very different than it was years ago. Most employers want you to send all correspondence via e-mail, or submit applications online. Some will allow the archaic use of faxes, but the problem is the same. You are one resume' in a very large stack of paper. I've noticed very few hiring managers will take a phone call, and it's difficult to get anyone to see you if you show up in person without an appointment. Networking has only carried me so far at this point.
I've seen the newsclips of some people who have tweeted about needing a job, made the YouTube Video, made the FaceBook connection; or who have met the President in person, gotten press and received multiple job offers.
I wonder, do I have the guts to do something radical for a job? If so, what would it be? What is stopping me from creating an ad campaign on my own behalf? What would people think? Would it damage my 'reputation'? Do I care, as long as I get results, which is of course, a job offer.
More than a number of baby-boomers are finding themselves in the same boat as I am. I admit I am feeling a little sorry for myself - in a very public way by writing about it. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking for a job. What I will continue to think about is whether or not I have the guts to do something radical for a job offer. I will think outside the box. Whatever that box is...
What have you done to get a job in this market? Would you consider doing something radical to get a job? Would you consider DREAMING about doing something radical, and if so what would you do?
Nearly one year ago, I was laid off a job that I had for 8-1/2 years. I was comfortable at that job. I worked for an international environmental consulting company. I did my job well, I was well liked in the company; I liked the people I worked with. I made enough money to keep my head above water. I was happy.
Frankly, the last three years have been difficult personally. I was just beginning to feel like I had my feet back under me, after my husband's lengthy battle with cancer and subsequent death. Of course, the whole death and dying scenario wreaks havoc on all family members, and getting through that first couple years was tough for everyone. I had relied on my job to help keep me focused as much as possible every day. I was comfortable with a steady income from my employer, and did the best I could. None of my efforts changed the outcome.
One of the hardest things to give up was three weeks of earned vacation not to mention the benefits, and the sick time every year. The thought of having to start over somewhere again puts knots in my stomach.
When I lost my job, I cut expenses way back. Nonetheless, even with unemployment, I found myself going through my 401K, like many other people. Which brings me to the job search problem. I've never had any trouble finding a job in my life. Now in 2010, the rules for a job search have changed quite a bit.
High unemployment rates are of course a concern, but mostly, applying for a job is very different than it was years ago. Most employers want you to send all correspondence via e-mail, or submit applications online. Some will allow the archaic use of faxes, but the problem is the same. You are one resume' in a very large stack of paper. I've noticed very few hiring managers will take a phone call, and it's difficult to get anyone to see you if you show up in person without an appointment. Networking has only carried me so far at this point.
I've seen the newsclips of some people who have tweeted about needing a job, made the YouTube Video, made the FaceBook connection; or who have met the President in person, gotten press and received multiple job offers.
I wonder, do I have the guts to do something radical for a job? If so, what would it be? What is stopping me from creating an ad campaign on my own behalf? What would people think? Would it damage my 'reputation'? Do I care, as long as I get results, which is of course, a job offer.
More than a number of baby-boomers are finding themselves in the same boat as I am. I admit I am feeling a little sorry for myself - in a very public way by writing about it. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking for a job. What I will continue to think about is whether or not I have the guts to do something radical for a job offer. I will think outside the box. Whatever that box is...
What have you done to get a job in this market? Would you consider doing something radical to get a job? Would you consider DREAMING about doing something radical, and if so what would you do?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thoughts on Haiti
Yesterday evening, there was a great earthquake in Haiti. The capital, Port-Au-Prince has been decimated. News reports from the Internet and on the networks are reporting such widespread devastation has not been seen.
Today, I'm experiencing a visceral response to all this. Although I am usually moved with compassion (and with my checkbook, however small my donations may be at times) when tragedy strikes here and abroad, this feels very different. When I turned on the news and saw the complete annihilation of that city, and I'm sure the surrounding areas, I cried. Not that I don't cry. I just am not one that usually is moved to tears and the level of sadness that I felt over watching the horrors on the screen today.
I read my devotional today from Hannah W. Smith's writing in God is Enough. I thought that God is Enough. Here, there and everywhere. He is Enough. Many may ask, especially at such times, where is a loving God at such a time as this? Or, how could a loving God allow this to happen? I heard Pat Robertson say that the Haitians had been in a 'deal with the devil' for years (since the French occupation - I assume Napoleon, but I haven't looked that up yet) My impression was that somehow, he was implying that the earthquake was God's retribution for these sins. Whether that is the case or not, it is not appropriate.
When tragedy strikes, I am always dismayed that many people blame God, or worse, the victims for the situation. If a person states such an opinion as Robertson did, it serves little purpose TODAY to voice those opinions. I am not aware of any unbelievers who ever came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by being beaten over the head with religion. And for those types of public statements, to be broadcast on FoxNews, or other major media - out of context; without any historical and religious backstory, is just downright insensitive. Just the opposite of what the victims and bewildered people need! It only serves to make Christians sound like the lunatic fringe - when in fact, that is for the most part, the furthest from the truth.
Jesus taught us to love one another, to have compassion for our fellow man, to reach out to a hurting world; to honor and glorify God the Father above all else. By the vast response of many Christian humanitarian organizations on the ground in Haiti, with supplies, and the presence of people to aid the victims, that's what we show. The love of Christ.
If people in the spotlight, who do not appear to consider the feelings of the audience, are doing more harm than good. That imperfection of man is why we need to always keep our eyes on God the Father, and Jesus the Christ, through the Holy Spirit - and not on mortal men!
In my frustration I know God is Enough. He's enough to handle any and all of the people in need, and God is Enough to handle the insensitive remarks of a few, and of the people who hear them.
Today, I'm experiencing a visceral response to all this. Although I am usually moved with compassion (and with my checkbook, however small my donations may be at times) when tragedy strikes here and abroad, this feels very different. When I turned on the news and saw the complete annihilation of that city, and I'm sure the surrounding areas, I cried. Not that I don't cry. I just am not one that usually is moved to tears and the level of sadness that I felt over watching the horrors on the screen today.
I read my devotional today from Hannah W. Smith's writing in God is Enough. I thought that God is Enough. Here, there and everywhere. He is Enough. Many may ask, especially at such times, where is a loving God at such a time as this? Or, how could a loving God allow this to happen? I heard Pat Robertson say that the Haitians had been in a 'deal with the devil' for years (since the French occupation - I assume Napoleon, but I haven't looked that up yet) My impression was that somehow, he was implying that the earthquake was God's retribution for these sins. Whether that is the case or not, it is not appropriate.
When tragedy strikes, I am always dismayed that many people blame God, or worse, the victims for the situation. If a person states such an opinion as Robertson did, it serves little purpose TODAY to voice those opinions. I am not aware of any unbelievers who ever came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by being beaten over the head with religion. And for those types of public statements, to be broadcast on FoxNews, or other major media - out of context; without any historical and religious backstory, is just downright insensitive. Just the opposite of what the victims and bewildered people need! It only serves to make Christians sound like the lunatic fringe - when in fact, that is for the most part, the furthest from the truth.
Jesus taught us to love one another, to have compassion for our fellow man, to reach out to a hurting world; to honor and glorify God the Father above all else. By the vast response of many Christian humanitarian organizations on the ground in Haiti, with supplies, and the presence of people to aid the victims, that's what we show. The love of Christ.
If people in the spotlight, who do not appear to consider the feelings of the audience, are doing more harm than good. That imperfection of man is why we need to always keep our eyes on God the Father, and Jesus the Christ, through the Holy Spirit - and not on mortal men!
In my frustration I know God is Enough. He's enough to handle any and all of the people in need, and God is Enough to handle the insensitive remarks of a few, and of the people who hear them.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
In Spite of It All, There is God
2009 is but a dim memory. A year of many trials and changes, and in spite of it all, there is God. He is enough! He is enough to meet all of my needs, desires, hopes and dreams. God is enough to fill my darkest days with light, and is willing to love me, even in the place where I cannot sense His presence at times.
I'm looking forward to 2010, not because of anything that I can do on my own accord, but because of what He will do through me! I have hope for my future, not just in the here and now, but mostly in that which is yet unseen. For as I will to align myself with His perfect will, I become more than I can ever dream or imagine.
In spite of all of the hard parts of life, I have peace - but not of myself. I have the Peace that surpasses all understanding. I have that Peace because He is Peace. Since He is Peace, I can abide in it, because I abide in Him and He abides in me.
He does not promise an easy life, He promises to carry me through the storms, and to guard me underneath the shadow of His wings. I cannot think of a better place to be.
Safe. Secure. Living in Trust, because He is Trust. And He alone is enough.
There is a reason to be joyous in 2010. Joy is not akin to happiness. Joy is a much deeper thing. Even such that words fail to expess the depth and breadth of the emotion that it stirs. But, in Him, I have Joy. And therefore, because I know Him, I know Joy.
2010 will be a good year. I know it will. No matter what. Because,in spite of it all there is God!
I'm looking forward to 2010, not because of anything that I can do on my own accord, but because of what He will do through me! I have hope for my future, not just in the here and now, but mostly in that which is yet unseen. For as I will to align myself with His perfect will, I become more than I can ever dream or imagine.
In spite of all of the hard parts of life, I have peace - but not of myself. I have the Peace that surpasses all understanding. I have that Peace because He is Peace. Since He is Peace, I can abide in it, because I abide in Him and He abides in me.
He does not promise an easy life, He promises to carry me through the storms, and to guard me underneath the shadow of His wings. I cannot think of a better place to be.
Safe. Secure. Living in Trust, because He is Trust. And He alone is enough.
There is a reason to be joyous in 2010. Joy is not akin to happiness. Joy is a much deeper thing. Even such that words fail to expess the depth and breadth of the emotion that it stirs. But, in Him, I have Joy. And therefore, because I know Him, I know Joy.
2010 will be a good year. I know it will. No matter what. Because,in spite of it all there is God!
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