New Respect

This is going on my third week of unemployment and after 30 plus years of working, it sucks.

I have a new respect for those people who call and ask "are you hiring"? Believe me, it's pretty humbling. Especially when you get someone on the other end who has an attitude or acts like she's annoyed that she has to answer your call. If the tables were turned, I think the response would be a bit more compassionate.

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to the Northwest. It was so special to spend time with some friends and just hang out without an agenda.



This is Moriah and she's seven. She's displaying one of the many pictures she colored or created for me. I wish I had a dollar for every time she said to me "I love you Auntie Jeri." She's a very special little girl.




This is a picture of my three "God children". They bring me lots of smiles and joy. Aren't they beautiful?

Saturday afternoon, the family took me to Mt. Bachelor and we all rode the ski lift to the top. What a spectacular view from up there. This picture was taken at the bottom before we went up.

All this was taking place while my husband was getting ready to run the last leg of the Hood to Coast Relay. He ran the final leg for his team which finished in 29 hours, 748th place, with very little sleep. Congratulations to Team Vyanet. Well done!

Only the beginning.....

Friday, August 14th was my last day of 7 years of employment with a company that I was a part of from infancy. Things change and that is something we're told that we can count on. However, are we ever prepared for it? Not really. As much as I tried, facing Monday and the unemployment line wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done. However, as I looked at many people facing the same situation, I knew my situation was much better than that of others.

Ironically, I had the opportunity to meet a young woman by the name of Sarah who was from my home town of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. As she told me her story of the loss of her job and applying for welfare, and a broken relationship, I couldn't help but feel her sense of hopelessness. I was able to listen and encourage her, however, my greatest regret was not getting her phone number. My prayer is that she will be touched and ministered to by our God of all comfort.

Today, I decided to do something as I've felt a tug. God in His great faithfulness has been preparing me over the past several months for some new, different, and exciting. Who knows what will become of this blog. However, my prayer is that some way, some how, it can touch the lives of others.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.