Holy Week and Faith

As a Christian, I am looking forward to this Holy Week. I have plans to attend my church for services on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and I look forward to the hope of transformation in my life. With all the changes that have occurred over the past few months, Easter has a deeper meaning to me.

Losing my job is a life-changing event and I had two choices- I could be bitter, or I could use the time as an opportunity to grow further into my true identity.  I've really enjoyed these months as I explore my options, investigate different businesses, and allow myself to be guided by God. It's amazing how He uses people to communicate to us, whether it's a suggestion from a friend or stranger... or something we see or hear when we are out and about. If we listen closely enough we will know what it is that God wants us to know.

I also believe that our plans are not always readily visible for us, that we must have faith that things will work out the way they are supposed to.  My husband is a little fearful of the future and our ability to sustain a decent standard of living. I try to reassure him that we are okay, but he is concerned. I have to remind myself to be diligent in moving forward, but to have faith that things will be okay.

I continue to have faith in this journey and look forward to the hope of Easter.  That through my faith I will know God's will for me and that I will set aside the fear and move forward in the direction set before me.

Until next time,
Sue

More Steps Forward

I have been so busy with looking at my opportunities for work that I've neglected to write anything lately, so here's an update. Today I went to a workshop on how to finance a new business, whether it's a start up or a franchise. It was very informative and gave me some new things to look at.  Last week I spoke with three different franchises to see if any of them fit with what I want to do.  I think they all have potential, but my issue is that I don't feel very passionate about any of them. I think I could be successful doing any business, and I think a couple of them could actually be a great source of income, but I don't know if my heart is in it... and this is why:

I went to my church on Friday morning to do my weekly service answering phones and updating social media, and it just feels like a wonderful place to be. I love being around the people, I love being able to help them with what they are doing (one women needed me to help her with her computer) and I love posting information on their website and social media.  In fact, they asked if I was interested in running a free seminar for the congregation on the internet, social media, and the website. I like to feel needed and I like to use my skills.  I felt so good when I left church that day, that I know I want to feel that every day.

This makes me think I need to have something I'm passionate about, rather than just a source of income.  I'm not ruling out any of the franchises yet, but I have two more business ideas I want to look into. One is a new product idea and the other is a new business. It has been successful in other areas of the Northeast and it's something I've been thinking about for five years.

How fortunate for me that my life has afforded me this opportunity to look at my life. I wish I had a clearer picture of where I'm heading, but I'm pleased that I am moving forward.

Seeing the Blessings

Lately I have had this overwhelming feeling that I am blessed.  I don't have a job, and yet I feel a sense of abundance. My heart is filled with gratitude and hope for the future.  I was sitting with a bunch of friends last night and one of them is older with cancer that has spread to his organs and brain. He was sharing about how grateful he was that he had a chance to go through each and every experience in his life- both good and bad. He talked about how he saw children fighting this battle with cancer, and some of them would never make it to college, or get a job, or know how to be a lover, or get married and have a family. He has 5 children, 14 grandchildren and a loving wife of many years and he is blessed. 

He may be sick and leave this earth, but he is blessed.  He is surrounded by God's light and love; he is surrounded by the love of his family and friends; He has lived a life filled with work, golf, friendship and service.  He is blessed... and I am blessed to be able to call him my friend, but that is not where my blessings stop.

I am blessed that I don't have a job (check back with me to see if I still feel this way in a couple months ;o). This is a time for me to reflect on my past and move into the future. It's a time to look at what's in my heart and move forward.  I want to work for myself- and create a business that will allow me to earn a decent living, yet be there for my children as they move into grade school.  I don't know what to do, how to do it or where the money will come from, but I want to try. I would rather take the risk and give this a try, than get old and regret what if...

I'm learning there are many resources out there. Places I can go to learn, people I can talk to that can direct me to where I need to go.  Believe me I am scared to start my own business, to leave the security of a guaranteed paycheck... (but then again, what paycheck is really guaranteed)?

I am blessed with faith in God, knowing that this is all part of a greater plan. I am blessed with a family that I love so very deeply, and that love me too. I am blessed with an abundance of friends who have been there for me over the years, through the good times and bad.  I am blessed with a roof over my head and warm clothes to wear and I am blessed that you are reading my blog.

Getting Ready to Look for a Job

Making a career change is scary. It was easier for me to go to my job every day doing the same thing. I loved my job and looked forward to going to work. It wasn't my choice to leave, but now I have a chance to explore other options as I move forward with my life. I feel pretty fortunate to have this opportunity to make changes and I pray I trust God's guidance as I move ahead.