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 |  WARNING...You Are About To Enter Into ~ MY Thoughts... |
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** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER INTO MY THOUGHTS ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** All I really care to be in life is 'contributing'. A special THANK YOU! to all who have contributed to mine here at WDC. ![Merit Badge in Supportive
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Thanks for your friendship and encouragement from the very beginning. You're terrific.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Supportive-650.gif) Blessings! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** C.L. Hanna ~ Lottie  REMINDER: Everyday that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day! Find Me Here Also:http://www.clhanna.com ~ Visit My Website http://www.en.articlesgratuits.com/login/articles.php |
| The First Day on the job is never the best one for drawing conclusions about the new venture. Maybe it was just as well then, that after almost an hour of describing my (overwhelmed) thoughts about the job I began on Wednesday - I hit a wrong key and lost the entire entry. The Second Day on the job can be a little better take on things. For me, anyway, I wasn't quite as nervous - so that helped - and surprisingly enough, I actually recalled some things I'd learned the day before...which also helped me to feel less nervous/embarrassed. I don't know about you, but I tend to turn very red-faced whenever I am unsure of myself in a situation. I have a fair complexion and when I make a mistake or even if I'm just nervous and unsure of myself...I can feel my face becoming hot and it can look neon red (thankfully, it refrains from flashing, too!) The first day on the job, since I had not had any real training, required me to use a combination of my skills. I acted confident - readily greeted and assisted customers - schmoozed and chatted it up. But, behind that register I was sweating bullets and just hoping I could possibly retain any of the information I was having to learn as I made my way through the evening. It was extremely warm in the store, the air-conditioning having been turned off for the season and the outside air temperatures being unseasonably warm all day. Between the nerves and the heat...yeah, I was neon red most of the evening. When I know I am red-faced...I get even more red-faced. It's annoying!  Oops! There I go again!  The customers were great! I had no problem warming them up and giving them an enjoyable shopping experience...except that I felt helpless when they were looking for something specific and I would ask another employee if we had the item...only to hear far too often, "No...we're out of that, right now." - or - "No...we used to carry that but we haven't had it for awhile, now." Many of our customers come from miles away. The company has changed since they shopped the store last, therefore, so has some of the inventory. It wouldn't be so bad, if it were possible to offer them an alternative of comparable style and value...but, that isn't even possible much of the time, due to the fact that many of the things are specialty items. The store may even be getting more of the item that is presently out of stock, but when the shopper is from out of town, even an hour away, that doesn't help their situation. This is the season when people are Christmas shopping and they can be very disappointed. I was surprised, my first evening at the store, to learn that I had to sweep the entire store...then mop it...take out trash...and even wash up some dishes. No one had ever bothered to tell me this was part of the 'job description'. I thought that they would have 'someone' who did that - but I had no clue it would be ME! I was really put off by it the first night...simply because I was the new-hire and I was the one put to doing all of it. One employee didn't have to do any of that ... she was apparently 'closing out the store' for the night...and the other employee (who was in charge since she has been there longest) explained to me what to do and helped me take out some of the trash. Since I was in the back room and busy with the chores...I didn't even know what time the store actually closed. My hours were to be from 5PM to 10PM - so imagine my surprise when at 9:30PM I was told that we were finished and could go. Both of the other employees began to prepare to leave and I asked, "Did I miss something? My schedule said 5 to 10 tonight." "Oh...if we are done before that we can go." I still had no idea that the store had actually closed for the night at 9PM. Why is this sort of information not communicated to a person before they begin working? As we departed the store, I said, "Well...my husband is coming to pick me up at 10...so, I guess I'll just have to wait." "Oh, no!" The other two were apologetic and concerned. "My husband dropped me off and took his mother out for the evening since she lives nearby and planned to come for me when I was finished working at 10." "Can you call him?" "No...I don't know where they are and neither of them has a cell phone with them." The 'in charge' employee went to take the store deposit to the bank - just a couple of minutes from the store - and came back to where I sat on a bench. "I can't leave you...I just don't feel right about it." She said, "Come get in my truck and I'll give you some more product knowledge while we wait for your husband." Oh GOODIE! I'm off the clock and my already over-whelmed brain gets to try to handle even more! But, I did think it kind of her to stay with me. Last night was better. I was less red-faced (I think, though I didn't get a chance to take a look). I actually did better than I thought I would at remembering how to run the register and I wasn't the ONLY one to have to sweep, mop, do trash, etc. Guess I was just being 'broken in' the first night. I don't mind doing something if I know it is part of the job - and if I know that it's expected of everyone else in my position, as well. So...I dutifully pushed the dust mop, wiped up spills, etc. Oh yeah...they don't have anyone else hired to do these type of chores. I think that they should, of course, but they don't. Working with women is a challenge. As a woman, quite frankly, I would rather work with men. Men don't seem to have all of the relational issues that women do. It has been my experience that men don't seem to feel the need to gossip quite as much or get offended quite as easily. With women, I am always watching my back. I had a couple of questions posed to me last night that reminded me of my need to be careful. But, for the most part, I would have to say that the Second Day on the job was better. I still have a lot to learn. But, I can learn. I still have to consider whether or not I can deal with a constantly changing schedule. That was something else I had not anticipated. I am learning that when you are considered "Holiday Help" - you can get called EVERY SINGLE DAY and asked to come in to work. Well...I can not because I do other things and because of the distance. I was told to be sure that I check EVERY time I go into work...because my schedule may be different.  That doesn't bode well with me, either. I have only had my schedule given to me ONE week at a time - and a few days in advance. That isn't acceptable to me, either. I don't live my life that way. I took this job, knowing that it was supposed to be temporary, for the holiday season. I have been told that it is only through the first week (possibly) of January. Because of this, I stated on the paperwork I submitted that I could work any day of the week. I did not expect to be On-Call 24/7. I am hoping that scheduling will be straightened out when the new manager arrives...but that isn't for another two weeks. I guess, not having been hired as temporary help before, that I don't understand this "calling off at the last minute" stuff. When you are scheduled to be at work...you should be there...unless you are ill - truly ill. I don't think a sick person should be dealing with the general public and introducing the illness to his/her co-workers. But, just deciding that you don't want to come in to work...or that you have something better to do that day...that is ridiculous. If this is happening then the party calling off should know that they may not be scheduled for work in the future. It is too much of a hassle for the one doing the scheduling, as well as those who have to take up the loser's slack! Ahhhhh....life in retail! |
| Well...I learned a lot...and I have a lot to learn! Too bad retaining information is not as easy these days as retaining fluid! I was surprised by some things which occurred...and disappointed by some others...but, after spending about an hour on a blog entry all about my experiences on the job - I lost it. Now, I don't have the time to re-do. We'll see what transpires tonight...my second day on the job...and maybe I will just tell all in my next entry. |
| Today will be my first actual day on the job at my new place of employment. I am looking forward to bringing what I feel I have to offer to the 'table' in this store, which basically caters to those who enjoy entertaining in their homes and cooking. Right up my alley! I want to be all that I can be - without being annoying to the customers and without causing those who already have been working there awhile to become annoyed. The problem is that I am enthusiastic and ready to sell. I am not going to put in my time - I want to help build this business and I want to see my friend (who will be coming on-board as Manager in another 2 weeks) succeed! This is more than just a job to me. I am actually hoping that I can be involved on a career level. I am at the age when I am looking for something in which I can immerse myself - and I love the idea of helping others to be able to enjoy putting together a Dinner Party...or find just the right gift for their friend or family member who enjoys cooking. Because I am taking this so seriously and because I really do care and have a passion about home entertaining, food and hospitality...I hope that those who may be 'weary in their job' might catch a little of my enthusiasm and follow my lead. But...I am also aware that this is not always how it plays out. In the retail world - as in most work environments - people can sometimes feel threatened or jealous or just plain annoyed by anyone new...instead of excited. I am passionate...but, I am also a professional. I have operated my own business. I know some things from having worked in many different fields, most dealing with Customer Service. I understand some things, having been on this earth awhile. I genuinely believe in one chasing their dreams. AND...I am coming out of a 'dormant' period in my life. So...I am READY! I have nothing to lose. I have a lot to gain. I may have some things to learn...but I also have a wealth of knowledge from years of learning. I have a confidence due to recent occurrences which have me convinced that I can do this!  I hope I'm right! |
| Okay...since this is usually where I write MY thoughts down...I thought I'd change it up a bit and ask for YOURS! When you enter a store - what causes you to 'enjoy' being there and makes you want to shop the store? What makes you want to run back out the door? Do you notice the way a store 'feels' ? Do you notice how the Sales Associates present themselves? Do you notice store smells or sounds? Do you prefer to be assisted by employees or do you prefer help ONLY when YOU ASK for it? When you are checking out...do you prefer it to be quick and impersonal - or are you more comfortable with someone who seems to be paying attention to you and your purchases? Tell me your favorite store to shop at - and why? I appreciate your time and your willingness to Give Me Your Thoughts! And I WILL be awarding some GPs for your helpful, informative answers.  Thanks! |
| Some one said this: REMINDER: Everyday that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day! I would like to add: There is only one way to ensure that we remain free...we must know the issues and vote for those who will do whatever it takes to maintain our freedom. Individually, we must be willing to do whatever it takes to keep our freedom. We must FIRST understand what freedom truly is. Perhaps, that is the issue which has been most ignored among the people. It may be a little difficult to appreciate freedom if you have never been without freedom. It is easier to give your freedom away, when you do not fully understand what you will be missing. It is always easier to keep the freedom you have...than it is to get it back, once it is gone. You are now FREE to move about the country and VOTE! |
| The sun is just getting up far too early these days. I would like to have rolled over and gone back to sleep when Hubby got up for work this morning at 6:30AM (he gets to sleep in on Mondays.) But the doggone sun was already peeking between the slats of the Room Darkening mini-blinds and setting the sheers aglow with the dawn's early light. I know that I complained previously about the tradition of Daylight Savings Time, so I won't say again how much I wish they would just leave the clocks alone and quit messing with people's sleep patterns. Hubby tells me that Arizona does NOT participate in Daylight Savings Time...but I'm confused about how that works for them, if true. I mean, if the rest of the nation knows when Jeopardy comes on the tube ... how do Arizonians know? And what if you live just across the state line but you work in Arizona and have to be to work at 7AM (what time do you get up?) and you get off work at 3PM - but where you live it's really 4PM so you don't get home until after 5PM? Or visa-versa. I mean, that would be even worse than just joining the Daylight Savings Team, I would think. Well...I can't help it...this is the type of blog stuff you get from the sleep deprived. *YAWN Lottie reaches for another cup of 100% organic coffee. Two cups before 8AM...(or whatever time it may be where you are)...the world's gone crazy! |
| It is understandable that every one who hears about Christianity is not sold on the idea. After all, Christianity is a form of religion and mankind has always had disagreements with religion. But, Christianity is also different than most religions in that it purports a personal relationship with the God it represents. The problem is that God is represented by people who identify with Christianity...but, too often, misrepresent the religion and God. In other words, there is a huge human element involved in Christianity. Christianity is, in it's pure, unadulterated form, a relationship between man and his God. This relationship is possible because Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son, born of a virgin through the act of "immaculate conception", upon becoming an adult, went through the same temptations presented mankind on a daily basis, but was able to resist these temptations and never commit a sin. Jesus was sought out by those religious leaders who jealously denied His ability to be God in the flesh (as He had claimed) and therefore, eventually gave Jesus the death sentence for crimes committed against God. Jesus was killed by hanging on a cross and His body placed in a tomb which was heavily guarded by Roman soldiers with their very lives at risk should Jesus be removed from that tomb. The fear that Jesus would be removed from the tomb was due to the claims made by Jesus that He would rise from the dead in three days. Perhaps, these religious zealots had seen enough of the other miracles of Christ that they had reason to believe that He, indeed, would not remain in the tomb. In fact, Jesus was found to be gone from that tomb on the third day and was then seen by others, including a large crowd which witnessed His ascension into the heavens. Because no other 'great prophet' or 'religious leader' of any of the other religions of the world has been recorded as being raised from the dead, thereby being described as a "living god"... Christianity, alone, holds the distinction of providing a means for which sinful mankind may ask and receive forgiveness for transgressions through the selfless, loving act of Christ willingly going to His death on the cross, shedding His blood to cover man's sins. No works are required of those who choose this way of forgiveness. No specific type of person is uniquely privy to this gift of salvation and eternal life. It was made available to all by The One. Because He lives, we are offered eternal life with Him, simply by confessing that we are sinners and believing in Him to be the payment for our sins. So simple is this plan, that it has been tampered with by mankind through the ages in an attempt to make it more 'reasonable' - less of a mystery - more conditional. Man is more comfortable with a conditional love, because he is so familiar with it. Unconditional love is foreign to mankind. It is understandable how difficult it must be then, for some to believe and accept this act of unconditional love, when it has been so distorted by those who call themselves Christians. It is understandable how difficult it must be for others who do not readily accept Christianity as 'the way' to God, when they have seen those who are supposed to represent Christ to the world, acting in ways that are opposite to what Christ taught. It is understandable that Christianity may be mocked when those who represent Christianity mock it's tenets by their actions. That is why it is so important that anyone interested in Christianity or involved in Christianity refrain from gauging Christianity by the actions of mere men and women. Men and women are frail. Men and women fail. Men and women are not Christianity...they are merely vessels who represent (imperfectly) the Christ who is perfect and in whom Christians trust and rely. The Republican Party is not Christianity. The Democratic Party is not a cult. What goes on in either political party is far from Godliness. There may be those who serve in political offices who are Christians and who practice the tenets of the Christian faith. But, they do so individually. They are not going to church when they sit in the House or Congress or even the White House. They are going to work, to their jobs. Individually, they may be following Christ, but the Party they represent is not. As we quickly approach election day in America, it is important that we not allow the 'spin doctors' of the media to convince us that what happens in individual's lives is reflective of either the Republican or Democratic Parties. The issues and the way they are handled by each of these groups are what we must keep in focus as we go to the polls. Each of the respective Parties have those working for their causes who are immoral and disreputable. There is deceit and lack of integrity throughout all branches of our government. The government is tainted due to the imperfect men and women who operate among the ranks there...just as Christianity is tainted by the imperfect men and women who operate among it's ranks. And that is where any similarities between Christianity and the Government, end. Christianity is guilty of using politics and the political machine is equally guilty of using Christianity. Both have abused their positions. Both have failed the people...and people have failed to correctly represent these institutions. When we have the proper perspective, we will see clearly that Christ has never failed mankind. Christ is not to blame for mankind failing Christianity. Christianity is not to blame for the problems in government. Men and women are to blame. Men and women fail, regardless of party affiliation and regardless of church affiliation. |
| Caring for others - extending a helping hand or offering words to encourage - requires a bit of our heart each time we do it. For the one who can not or will not receive the offer...it is usually because they are completely defeated. The voices have worn them down. Their mind is no longer their own...'others' reside there and will not leave them alone. Caring is usually a little easier when some acknowledgment or acceptance of our efforts is given...or at the very least - a smile of appreciation. Unfortunately, when a person's self-worth has been completely obliterated and they have entertained, for too long, the thoughts which have convinced them they are no longer in control but are instead subjects...then, chaos rules. Thoughts are chaotic. Life-style becomes chaotic. Choices are chaotic. Actions are chaotic. Nothing makes sense and everything is too overwhelming. Thus, eventually, they become the walking 'dead'. They may still be breathing and even going through some daily motions that assimilate living...but, they are dead to true emotions, dead to sane thoughts and reasonable choices, and possibly even dead to any measure of a conscience. First Responders, is the title given those rescue team members who are first to arrive on the scene of an emergency. It is usually their task to assess the situation, identify the most immediate needs, and begin to treat the victims with the proper methods. Timing is crucial. The ability to make snap decisions and follow through with the correct measures can often mean the difference between life and death for all those involved. Imagine, being a First Responder, having the tools and the understanding necessary to change the present state of someone who is greatly suffering, perhaps on the brink of death, only to be pushed away - your services refused - by the one who is so desperately in need. If a drowning victim prefers to drown, how do you help them? If someone who is 'bleeding out' prefers the sight of their own blood spilling onto the ground, how do you convince them to allow you to apply pressure to the wound site? I am left to ponder if this is not the exact feeling of helplessness our Lord Jesus must deal with. Though He has every means to save...He is constantly refused his desire to provide the means of rescue. If I am unable to breathe and someone brings an oxygen tank to my side, complete with the mask and tubing which will conduct the life-giving air to my seriously deprived lungs, what kind of fool must I be to demand proof that the apparatus will, in fact, work...before I accept it? What kind of fool, indeed. |
| I just have to share this little bit of humor with you... Yesterday, I was in the company of a person who was quite taken upon seeing a stainless tea ball. It had not dawned on me that perhaps there was someone who had never seen (or used) a tea ball, before. "Oh...look at that! Isn't that something! I love tea! I could put my tea bag in that and ..." "Actually, those are for tea leaves." I said. "Yeah...I know...but, I could still put my tea bag in it." "I'm not sure a tea bag would fit in one - but, why would you want to?" I asked. "To keep it from dripping when I take it out of my cup." "But...it will still drip. It's mesh." "I know...but it would still help. I'm always looking for something to do with my teabag." I held up a teacup shaped teabag rest/holder and said, "Then, you need one of these." "Oh, I have several of those..." "Well...that's what they are for." "I know...but I never know where mine are."  PLEASE, NADA...LET ME BOARD YOUR BOAT!!! |
| Yes, I know. I advertise myself as "Writer For Hire" - but, yesterday I was HIRED as a SALES ASSOCIATE. I'm excited about this job. It's not difficult...it's in a shop which sells cooking items and encourages hospitality - home entertaining, etc. The company likes to create a "fun" environment for shoppers. I know a lot about this kind of thing...so, I feel just 'right' for this position...and I'm feeling there could be MORE for me to do with this company, eventually. It was a painless interview, yesterday. I didn't even know what the position was I was interviewing for until after the interview...but, hey...I was hired right on the spot and I start today! We'll see how much trouble I can get into! |
| Yep...just like all my other fellow bloggers...I face the beginning of another calendar month of blogging. Those thirty little days that cause most writers to become ... at a loss for words! I wouldn't have really thought so much of this - except that last month proved itself to be more difficult than I had believed it would be. I just didn't realize how hard it is to attain a blue month. Pssst...I didn't even know what a BLUE MONTH was...until the start of last month.  When I had seen that 'topic' any where among other bloggers entries...I was puzzled, and thought that they were speaking about being depressed.I am going to be honest with you and myself. I don't think I will be able to blog every single day. I don't think I am capable of a blue month...unless, of course, I become depressed...then, I might be here every day lamenting. I'm going to deliver my application/resume to the place of business my good friend is soon to manage...and has been so kind as to "talk me up" to her boss. If I get this job (and neither my friend nor I even know just what position is actually being offered) but, if I am offered a job which I decide to take - then, I really won't be here as much. I am one of those types who sometimes digs herself a deeper hole. I get in over my head and then become overwhelmed. But, I have been seeking something more in my life to be active about...and after the chain of events of the past few days...I have peace about pursuing this job. I have peace about going to a strange place of business and talking to a stranger about myself??????? Wowser! This is going to be an interesting day! |
| Tonight, A Little Lion came, A knocking on my door. Tonight, A Little Lion tame, Lacking a fierce roar. Tonight, The Little Lion had, A sweet-tooth, nothing more. The Little Lion, Who tonight, Came knocking at my door. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** My Little Lion ~ Darius ~ 2yrs/10mos. |
| Senator John Kerry stepped before a microphone on the Pasadena City college campus yesterday and said, "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. And if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." I am pretty sure that he considers himself well-educated, yet he ended up "stuck" in Vietnam - according to his accounts. Mr. Kerry would do well to remember that many of those who are serving in Iraq are college graduates who left well-paying jobs and established practices or businesses after 9/11 - because they WANTED to go to Iraq. Mr. Kerry is wealthy and married someone even wealthier...so, he must be intelligent. He followed up today, by saying that he was making fun of President Bush and his people - NOT at the troops in Iraq. He says he botched the joke. Maybe, Mr. Kerry just shouldn't try to be smart. There is a difference between being intelligent and being smart. |
| ...I am feeling energized about the coming week. Today, for whatever reason, I felt an 'energy burst' that makes me feel a bit hopeful that good things - possibly some exciting things, even - are going to be occurring in the next couple of weeks for me. I have no idea just what may be coming - but I am 'full of faith'... This was how I ended my blog entry yesterday. This morning...I sat down with my Bible and began to read. Soon, I began to talk with God and just asked Him to give me some direction for this immediate time. Since I was feeling that 'something may be up' - I decided to pursue it by just point blank asking my Heavenly Father for an answer. This afternoon, I received a phone call from my friend whom I blogged about in "Invalid Entry"  last week. She was very excited and quickly told me that the place she is going to be managing is hiring. She is going to be out of town for the next few days, so she "talked me up" to her new boss and was able to get me an application. She said that I should fill it out and get it right back to them, ASAP... I could at least work for the holidays and decide if I liked it, or not. Now, Hubby just came home and asked if I would be interested in a temporary job opening where he works...Data Entry...7am to 3 or 3:30pm. No evenings (like the retail job my friend is offering would probably require) and this job is five minutes away (instead of forty where my friend works). So...maybe tomorrow I will sell an article or something?! Well...well...well! |
| The Steelers lost in football, today. It was a pitiful effort by the Black and Gold. Last year's Super Bowl winners, today, looked like anything but champions. Last night's costume party/wedding reception was a HOOT! There were more sights to see than I ever imagined! It was crowded, the music was so loud that you could not visit with anyone seated across the table from you...and there was more fake blood and zombie-like creatures than "Night Of The Living Dead". The food was good.  The pouring rain, which had been going on for days, had created a mud hole all around the building and parking lot...and there was no outside lighting! I couldn't find the entrance when we first arrived, as I was unfamiliar with the venue. Hubby dropped me off and parked the car and STILL made it inside before I did! The bad weather worsened by the time we began our trip home. Snow was coming down in such a way that it was blinding...headlights didn't help...the road became indistinguishable for several miles and we were able to travel about 15 MPH. It was definitely scary! I am feeling energized about the coming week. Today, for whatever reason, I felt an 'energy burst' that makes me feel a bit hopeful that good things - possibly some exciting things, even - are going to be occurring in the next couple of weeks for me. I have no idea just what may be coming - but I am 'full of faith'. I hope that there are good things coming your way this week, as well! |
| Tonight is the FIFTH and LAST wedding of the year for our combined families. At least, as far as we know - barring any surprises! This one is definitely the most unusual. Actually, there is to be a casual, private ceremony at Hubby's brother and sister-in-law's home for their oldest son's wedding to his chosen girl - then, instead of the usual reception for their family and friends...there will be a costume party at a local Sportsman's Club. Hubby has decided to go as "Don Ho" - he has a lot of Hawaiian shirts - and I am wearing a black outfit of jeans and knit top, topped off with a white feather boa and completed with black half-mask. We aren't very into the whole costume thing...maybe we are just too old. I have stated that I'm scary enough - the way I am. PLUS...they don't really make costumes for adults - you usually have to rent them and we have about ONE store that does that - or make them...and well, I just don't feel I have the ability required for such an undertaking. So...we opted for the "party-pooper" version of costumes, I guess you could say. This nephew and his soon-to-be wife are creative-types...the traditional wedding day was never in the cards for them. He will be Spider Man and she will (I have heard it rumored) be Cat Woman. The costumes have actually been a big secret for the Bride and Groom - I guess you could say someone must have "let the cat (and the spider) out of the bag", a few weeks ago. Since childhood, Spider Man has been our nephew's favorite character. He has a HUGE Spider Man collection of memorabilia, comic books, etc. He has actually owned the costume, able to produce a web-like substance, for many years. To help the newly-weds set up house-keeping, several Spider Man items have been given as shower gifts. In keeping with that theme...and since I did not see the happy couple receive these so far...I purchased for them "His and Hers" Spider Man bath towels, hand towels, and face cloths. They are a fun-loving couple...I think they will like them. And, of course, I purchased a large Spider Man Trick Or Treat Bag to present the gifts in. I have a "haunting feeling" that it's going to be an interesting night. |
| I don't know about you, but I do not really feel all that good about being a Co-Signer on a loan for someone. I just feel that somehow I am now the one who can potentially be dumped on. We co-signed once for a family member, only to find that OUR credit had been damaged by their failure to make timely payments. That was very aggravatiing, because the person for whom we had provided our names on the dotted line, had been confronted by us about this problem...and had continued their irresponsible ways. When we found that this had harmed our credit history, Hubby and I vowed that we would NOT co-sign for this person ever again...but that was also the same night that Sonny Boy nearly demolished his vehicle in a horrific accident! So....due to the irresponsible actions of the past...Sonny Boy is unable to secure the monies he needs to purchase another vehicle. Yes, he has a little money down...but he has a poor credit history, too. So...you guessed it...it's Mom and Dad's names on the dotted line AGAIN, or Sonny Boy has no wheels. Now, before you roll your eyes and wonder why we would ever agree to risk our credit rating once more - which is what I was doing for a couple of days - I want to explain. While I was rolling my eyes and sighing and gritting my teeth...it was as though my Heavenly Father nudged me and reminded me of how many times I have "messed up" and went to Him - begging and pleading - to help me and to please give me just ONE MORE CHANCE...followed with the promise that I had learned my lesson! Could we do any less for our own flesh and blood? Yes, the first time we co-signed for Sonny Boy, he was a struggling, first-time car buyer, under the age of 21. Yes, he is now of age and he makes more money...but, he is still not able to help himself in this particular situation. Yes, like it or not, he is helpless without us, to provide himself a car. Has he learned from all of this? He states, emphatically, that he has. He has assured us that he has "seen the light". (Sounds exactly like some conversations I've had with God.) This time - his payment for the loan will be deducted from his paycheck before he receives the paycheck. This time - it will be nearly impossible for him to ruin our credit by his failure to pay on time. This time - he got a second chance. We hope we have pleased our Heavenly Father by doing as He would do for us. We hope that Sonny Boy really has learned a valuable life lesson - but just in case he hasn't ...WE GET THE CAR ! |
| Middle of the week, Like the middle of my life, Begins to slow down, Gets a little boring, As the weekend, Is not quite in sight, But, The weekend past, Is now too far behind me, To still give benefit. Instead, I'm left to wait, For what is yet to come, And hope I won't be late, In waking from my "ho-hum" For, As is the case on Wednesdays, There seems to be a slump, There is what could be called, "A middle of my life hump" If I can just get over it, I know I'll be alright, I'll know that I can wait, once more, Until the weekend, Is in sight. The moral of this blog entry is...when out of blog entry ideas, write a silly poem (and hope it might make sense!) |
| One of my closest friends has had a tough row to hoe for the past few years. I won't divulge all of the painful issues with which she has had to deal, but for far too long, it has been one thing after another that has relentlessly bombarded her personal life. My friend has been around the block...and back, again. She is sharp, knowledgeable, outgoing and trustworthy. She is a Godly woman, who has always lived by the example of Proverbs 31:10. Her family has never appreciated her as they should. She is not often exhorted by them...but she is always exhorting others. Even the job she has held for the past five years has been demanding and unappreciative of her abilities and work ethic. She has given them more than 100%, only to have her superior let it be known that as long as he was in the picture - she would not move into any higher position with the company. This, after she had made many sacrifices and followed all that she was instructed to do to get a position she was qualified for and deserved. Many questions - tears - and prayers later...she was finally rewarded, today. She interviewed for a position a little over a week ago, which offers much better working conditions, salary and opportunities. Today, she finally got the long awaited news that she had been hoping for...SHE GOT THE JOB! WOOHOO!!! Congratulations to my friend! God saw. God knew. God heard and God answered. No, it was not a coincidence - it was a combination of my friend being faithful to her God and her God being faithful to reward her diligence. She is no quitter, my friend. I would have quit long ago. She is brave and she has endured much - but she has also never stopped believing that God had something better for her, and would eventually bring it to pass. That's not to say that she didn't wonder "why?"... or wonder "how long?"... or even question her own sanity, once in a while. But, when faith in God is what you are made of and even who you are - you find that you have no choice but to trust in Him. You just can't give up, it seems. So, once again...Congratulations to my friend...and Thank you, God for holding us in Your hands and loving us, unconditionally. Thank You for rewarding my friend, today...and thank You for being the ultimate reward for all mankind. |
| Yeah, it's almost Halloween ... that time of the year where some people celebrate witches and goblins and vampires and black magic and even the devil, himself. One nearby home has huge 'spider webs' all across it's front and a virtual cemetery has replaced the small front yard. They even have green fog blow across it, I'm told. It's hideous! There are the most ugly and bloody looking masks and costumes displayed at all of the local stores. Every creepy thing one can imagine is displayed. You can walk into banks, offices, restaurants, stores, city halls...just about any public place, and see skulls, skeletons, ghosts, tombstones or other reminders of death. Sometimes, there is a few pumpkins and maybe some Indian corn. Personally, I find the current political goings on more scary than any of that stuff! But...if you want to see something REALLY scary...just wait a couple of months! Some people will begin to display Christmas decorations - including creches! Of course, you won't see those scary things in banks, city halls, restaurants or other public places - it's just too vulgar and scary for some people and therefore too offensive. It's been outlawed in most places. Thank goodness! Bring out those bloody, chopped off heads and other body parts. Show us the witches and ghouls. Display those huge, creepy things that give kids (and some adults) nightmares. Bring on the thoughts of demons and death. But...PLEASE! Don't expose us to the scary images of baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, or angels in white billowy gowns and wings...don't remind us of the reason to LIVE! |
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