I have a job interview w/the school district on Mon, 6/22 at 7:15am for a ft special ed. paraprofessional! I have no clue how many ppl are being interviewed. Pray that God's will be done.
Thanks!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Employment Update
Hey everyone!
Eddie called from work today. They found out that 22 ppl have signed on for the early retirement package so we THINK that means they won't be doing a lay off....but we're not 100% sure about that.
In other news, they are shutting down the plant from Aug 17-Oct 5. They are going to kick in some money towards insurance. I think Eddie will get about 70% of his normal pay.
So, it's not looking great. But, I think it will all be okay. We'll just keep doing what we can to save up and be wise. Which means the girls bday party will consist of just pb&j probably and I'll make the cakes. It also means that I really need to find a job, too. So, keep praying about that. I'll be sending out more apps soon.
I'm not really that concerned about it. Maybe I should be. But, we've been through enough rough times for me to know that we'll make it. God will allow us to walk through the tough times but He'll walk through it with us.
Eddie called from work today. They found out that 22 ppl have signed on for the early retirement package so we THINK that means they won't be doing a lay off....but we're not 100% sure about that.
In other news, they are shutting down the plant from Aug 17-Oct 5. They are going to kick in some money towards insurance. I think Eddie will get about 70% of his normal pay.
So, it's not looking great. But, I think it will all be okay. We'll just keep doing what we can to save up and be wise. Which means the girls bday party will consist of just pb&j probably and I'll make the cakes. It also means that I really need to find a job, too. So, keep praying about that. I'll be sending out more apps soon.
I'm not really that concerned about it. Maybe I should be. But, we've been through enough rough times for me to know that we'll make it. God will allow us to walk through the tough times but He'll walk through it with us.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Employment
Eddie had a big meeting at work today. There is good news and not so good news. As many of you already know, the agricultural industry, and their suppliers have taken a big hit w/the current economic situation. Which, is not unlike many other industries right now.
They gave notice that they will be laying off 2o employees. They have also offered roughly 100 employees aged 55+ a lump sum payment of 32k and some change and their full retirement plan if they decide to go. If enough of those ppl opt in then they would make up the 20 employees about to get laid off. Rumor has it that at least 10 ppl are willing to take that route.
They company always does a shut down for about 2 wks at the end of June-July 4th wknd and a similar length btwn Christmas and right after New Years. They notified the employees today that they are extending these by another 4 wks, to be spread out over the course of the year. Eddie has exact dates but he didn't give them to me. He'll be able to collect unemployment for 3 of those 4 wks. He might be able to collect for all 4 wks. He has to find out if he is still active in the system from his last unemployment claim.
Anyhow, just wanted to let everyone know what was going on. If Eddie is one of the 20 to get laid off, we'll let you know. We'll be praying abt it. I know that it'll all be ok no matter what happens. God will take care of us. Worse case scenario, we sell our house and move into something cramped and cheap. But, we'll take it as it comes and see what happens.
I know that we're not the only ones in this boat though, so there is comfort in numbers, right? :) I hope that the economy starts to turn around but w/war seemingly pending in N.Korea, I don't see that happening any time soon.
But, that's another subject altogether.
They gave notice that they will be laying off 2o employees. They have also offered roughly 100 employees aged 55+ a lump sum payment of 32k and some change and their full retirement plan if they decide to go. If enough of those ppl opt in then they would make up the 20 employees about to get laid off. Rumor has it that at least 10 ppl are willing to take that route.
They company always does a shut down for about 2 wks at the end of June-July 4th wknd and a similar length btwn Christmas and right after New Years. They notified the employees today that they are extending these by another 4 wks, to be spread out over the course of the year. Eddie has exact dates but he didn't give them to me. He'll be able to collect unemployment for 3 of those 4 wks. He might be able to collect for all 4 wks. He has to find out if he is still active in the system from his last unemployment claim.
Anyhow, just wanted to let everyone know what was going on. If Eddie is one of the 20 to get laid off, we'll let you know. We'll be praying abt it. I know that it'll all be ok no matter what happens. God will take care of us. Worse case scenario, we sell our house and move into something cramped and cheap. But, we'll take it as it comes and see what happens.
I know that we're not the only ones in this boat though, so there is comfort in numbers, right? :) I hope that the economy starts to turn around but w/war seemingly pending in N.Korea, I don't see that happening any time soon.
But, that's another subject altogether.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Friendships
I used to think that when I didn't hear from my friends, that they were either busy and couldn't find time for me, or that they didn't want to spend time w/me. I realized something though. Sometimes, when a friend is silent, it may mean that they're struggling through something.
I think I have come to rely on FB and email way too much, as a means of keeping up friendships. When I write an email or a wall post, it does let the person know that I am thinking of them, but it can't replace an actual phone call or a face to face encounter. There's just something about actually speaking w/someone that connects you to them and what they are going through. I realized that I use those other means of communication as a way of protecting myself, too. If I post on someone's wall, or shoot them an email, there's less personal investment on the line for me and I don't stand as a high a chance of being rejected....it's a wall...a protective wall. But, I know now, that it not only stands as a wall to protect me, but it stands as a wall to keep me from coming alongside someone and being a true friend to them.
I recently spoke w/someone and found out that they were going through a ton of stuff in the past year and I had no clue. I had FB them and emailed them but had very few conversations. I apologized and said that I had no idea that they needed a friend and apologized for not being there. The person I was talking to said, "sometimes when you are going through a struggle, you don't even think to reach out to anyone." That sat on me like a lead weight. There are too too many times when I view other's people's silence, or lack of interaction w/me as a personal affront, not stopping to think that maybe the reason I don't hear from someone is because they are so deep in the mire that they can't even get their head above the surface long enough to make a phone call to me.
I know that I have friends who will most likely be just my FB buddies or my email buddies b/c of distance or what have you. And, in those circumstances, I'm grateful for the technology to keep us all connected. But, for those friendships that are local and nearby, I realize that I need to start letting my walls down and actually CALL ppl and speak to them... not just use FB or email to stay in touch. I was reminded that in taking the time to talk w/others, I'm allowing them to come alongside me and then I'm able to come alongside them. And, no matter how hard I try, that just isn't something that I can do w/FB and email alone. They are great tools for me...but that's just it...they're tools. And, I've allowed them to replace the realness of relationships w/others.
So, that's what I've learned lately. I hope I allow it to teach me and change me.
I think I have come to rely on FB and email way too much, as a means of keeping up friendships. When I write an email or a wall post, it does let the person know that I am thinking of them, but it can't replace an actual phone call or a face to face encounter. There's just something about actually speaking w/someone that connects you to them and what they are going through. I realized that I use those other means of communication as a way of protecting myself, too. If I post on someone's wall, or shoot them an email, there's less personal investment on the line for me and I don't stand as a high a chance of being rejected....it's a wall...a protective wall. But, I know now, that it not only stands as a wall to protect me, but it stands as a wall to keep me from coming alongside someone and being a true friend to them.
I recently spoke w/someone and found out that they were going through a ton of stuff in the past year and I had no clue. I had FB them and emailed them but had very few conversations. I apologized and said that I had no idea that they needed a friend and apologized for not being there. The person I was talking to said, "sometimes when you are going through a struggle, you don't even think to reach out to anyone." That sat on me like a lead weight. There are too too many times when I view other's people's silence, or lack of interaction w/me as a personal affront, not stopping to think that maybe the reason I don't hear from someone is because they are so deep in the mire that they can't even get their head above the surface long enough to make a phone call to me.
I know that I have friends who will most likely be just my FB buddies or my email buddies b/c of distance or what have you. And, in those circumstances, I'm grateful for the technology to keep us all connected. But, for those friendships that are local and nearby, I realize that I need to start letting my walls down and actually CALL ppl and speak to them... not just use FB or email to stay in touch. I was reminded that in taking the time to talk w/others, I'm allowing them to come alongside me and then I'm able to come alongside them. And, no matter how hard I try, that just isn't something that I can do w/FB and email alone. They are great tools for me...but that's just it...they're tools. And, I've allowed them to replace the realness of relationships w/others.
So, that's what I've learned lately. I hope I allow it to teach me and change me.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hide and Seek, with a 4 yr old.
I was playing hide and seek outside w/Amanda. She cracks me up! I love how she thinks! I had my laundry basket outside. It was her turn to hide. She informs me, "Mom, I'm going to hide under here and you see if you can find me or not." Too funny! Of course, I acted like I had no clue where she was and it wasn't until I nearly sat on the basket that she magically appeared. I love the innocence of her play! I hope she doesn't figure it out anytime soon that she's not supposed to tell me where she's hiding at! It is so much fun to hide from her and pretend to be scared when she yells, "found ya!" I love those moments!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Amanda
Apparently Amanda just has a virus. I wish it would go away. I am looking forward to getting sleep again. But, I have had the energy to do the things that I need to do so I am thankful for that. I just hope that everyone is healthy by Saturday b/c I am really looking forward to having my Mom and Dad and my sis and her fam over for Memorial Day wknd. It's nice to have the space to do things like that now. I wish my brother and his family could be there, but I understand that they have other plans. Happy Early bday, Lucy, btw! :)
I don't have much to say right now. I should be folding laundry but it wasn't dry when I checked on it. I guess I could go hang up some wash though. That's a good thought! :)
Have a good afternoon everyone!
I don't have much to say right now. I should be folding laundry but it wasn't dry when I checked on it. I guess I could go hang up some wash though. That's a good thought! :)
Have a good afternoon everyone!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The 'Hood
I had to stay up a little bit later than normal last night to give Amanda her next dose of fever medicine. So, I decided to spend the time in prayer and in the Word. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and ask you all to pray along with me, as it comes to your mind. I do think that God brings things to our minds at times so I'm sure that He'll prompt you to pray when He knows I need it.
It's been impressed upon me that one of the reasons we are here is to be examples of God's love to others. I realized last night that one way we can do that is by being good stewards (BETTER stewards...it's not been an area of strength in us before) of our time and money so that we have more to give to others.
I have been thinking about this house and I want it to be God's house. I mean, it is God's house but I want to mentally and emotionally view it that way. And, the things in it...all the way down to our food and drinks. And, yet, I know there has to be a balance. I'll explain.
We've had a lot of neighborhood kids around. And, there have been times when my kids wanted to offer them snacks and I'd always find a reason to tell them no. But, really, I was protecting what was "mine" and being concerned about our food supply dwindling to the neighbors, instead of being consumed by us.
Yesterday, Michaela gave a yogurt to a friend that was here playing with her and when I found out, I got angry. I asked Michaela to ask me first next time. Which she should but my response needs to be different.
God spoke to my heart issue last night and basically said, "Jodie, if this food is mine, then you don't need to worry about who is eating it." I realized that I should have been happy to see Michaela sharing w/a neighbor girl, not worrying that I'd have to buy more yogurt sooner than I'd expected to.
I know I have to have a balance of what we give to others and what we keep for ourselves, but I think that perhaps, since everything belongs to the Lord, that He'll make sure we have what we need when the time comes, even if we have shared abundantly with others. I don't know. I'm trying to figure out that balance, I guess.
I'm asking God to give me wisdom w/how/when to reach out to the kids and parents in the neighborhood. I want this home to be a place where ppl can come and be fed and nourished and cared for physically, and spiritually. But, I think that the physical need will be met first. So, I would like to start having kool aid around for when the kids are all here. And, some healthy snacks (and unhealthy ones, too...we all need a cookie now and then). This is where the wisdom part comes in. I need God to tell me how to do this in the way He wants me to. But, I realize that I can't do any of it unless we are being good stewards, first. So, that's another area that we need to work on.
I've been reading through Mark lately and after I finished praying I opened up my Bible and read in Mark 9. It was very fitting that I should have been bringing all these concerns to the Lord previously. Here is what I read; " v 36ff "He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
Up in v. 23 it says, (pertaining to a healing), "If you can? Said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes."
I know v 23 was speaking to a doubtful person in regards to a requested healing. But, I know that it extends past that. If I believe that God has asked me to care not only for our own children, but to welcome the other children as well, then I need to also believe that He will direct me in how to do that and will make it possible for me to do that.
Anyhow....that's what God's laid on my heart lately and I would just ask you, as you think of it, to ask God to give me wisdom in being "Mom" to all these children that come across my path and to being a friend to their parents.
If anyone has an words of advice, I'd love to hear them!
Thanks for reading this super long post!
It's been impressed upon me that one of the reasons we are here is to be examples of God's love to others. I realized last night that one way we can do that is by being good stewards (BETTER stewards...it's not been an area of strength in us before) of our time and money so that we have more to give to others.
I have been thinking about this house and I want it to be God's house. I mean, it is God's house but I want to mentally and emotionally view it that way. And, the things in it...all the way down to our food and drinks. And, yet, I know there has to be a balance. I'll explain.
We've had a lot of neighborhood kids around. And, there have been times when my kids wanted to offer them snacks and I'd always find a reason to tell them no. But, really, I was protecting what was "mine" and being concerned about our food supply dwindling to the neighbors, instead of being consumed by us.
Yesterday, Michaela gave a yogurt to a friend that was here playing with her and when I found out, I got angry. I asked Michaela to ask me first next time. Which she should but my response needs to be different.
God spoke to my heart issue last night and basically said, "Jodie, if this food is mine, then you don't need to worry about who is eating it." I realized that I should have been happy to see Michaela sharing w/a neighbor girl, not worrying that I'd have to buy more yogurt sooner than I'd expected to.
I know I have to have a balance of what we give to others and what we keep for ourselves, but I think that perhaps, since everything belongs to the Lord, that He'll make sure we have what we need when the time comes, even if we have shared abundantly with others. I don't know. I'm trying to figure out that balance, I guess.
I'm asking God to give me wisdom w/how/when to reach out to the kids and parents in the neighborhood. I want this home to be a place where ppl can come and be fed and nourished and cared for physically, and spiritually. But, I think that the physical need will be met first. So, I would like to start having kool aid around for when the kids are all here. And, some healthy snacks (and unhealthy ones, too...we all need a cookie now and then). This is where the wisdom part comes in. I need God to tell me how to do this in the way He wants me to. But, I realize that I can't do any of it unless we are being good stewards, first. So, that's another area that we need to work on.
I've been reading through Mark lately and after I finished praying I opened up my Bible and read in Mark 9. It was very fitting that I should have been bringing all these concerns to the Lord previously. Here is what I read; " v 36ff "He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
Up in v. 23 it says, (pertaining to a healing), "If you can? Said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes."
I know v 23 was speaking to a doubtful person in regards to a requested healing. But, I know that it extends past that. If I believe that God has asked me to care not only for our own children, but to welcome the other children as well, then I need to also believe that He will direct me in how to do that and will make it possible for me to do that.
Anyhow....that's what God's laid on my heart lately and I would just ask you, as you think of it, to ask God to give me wisdom in being "Mom" to all these children that come across my path and to being a friend to their parents.
If anyone has an words of advice, I'd love to hear them!
Thanks for reading this super long post!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)