Change of Scenery

This morning we turned our calendars to yet another new month: FEBRUARY.

For most, a new month is no big deal. For me...as soon as that calendar changes I start wondering about NEXT MONTH'S RENT and PRAYING that THIS will be the WEEK when I am offered a NEW JOB.

Instead of being overwhelmed by situations that I am diligently trying to change, yet have had no success with as of yet...I decided to "step away from the vehicle" and do something that would take my mind off of ME, and allow me to focus on SOMEONE ELSE, if only for a few hours.

So...I hoped on a bus just before 7 a.m. and headed to the local Meals On Wheels where I helped package meals for those who are unable to prepare their own. WHAT A BLESSING!

Those couple of hours did me sooo much good!

I've always said that if I could be a "professional volunteer," (as in...volunteer DAILY while still being able to pay my bills), THAT'S what I would be. I get so much gratification from helping others. I mean really...it is medicine for my soul. And it gives me a much-needed sense of purpose.

Sitting at home everyday, applying for countless jobs...praying for a positive response yet often receiving just the opposite has truly begun to wear on me. As a result, I could feel myself slipping into that dark place that will only keep me where I've been for the past few months.

Because I am so familiar with that feeling, I now know how to "head it off at the pass." And so...I found myself at the nearest place that would allow me to "make a difference."

Not sure at this point how many times per week I'll be able to volunteer, as the ideal goal is to have my days filled with INTERVIEWS and ultimately A NEW JOB. We shall see.

For now...I'm back home and the search continues. Pray for me please, if you will (in the name of Jesus) that THIS WEEK a job offer will come through. PLEASE!!!

Now before we part, Let the DIALOGUE begin: Which organizations do you like to volunteer with?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Super Saturday!

This morning I began my day doing what I love...reading to children, promoting LITERACY and a love for READING.

Today I was with one of the two groups I volunteer with. This particular group, United Voices of Literacy, has been hosting events at a local library during the summer months. I was the guest reader on the July 30th line-up.

My audience ranged in age from about one year old to ten years old. If you think it's tough keeping an audience that diverse engaged...it is! Thankfully I pulled it off and can say that a good time was had by all!

The other group that I volunteer with is Reading to Kids. Although the audience with this group also ranges in age from five to eleven, I only have ONE specific age per session...so that helps. If I am assigned to kindergartners, then that's all I have in my group. If I am assigned to fourth grade, then that's all that I have in my group, etc. So yeah...that makes things a wee bit easier.

As much as I love volunteering with these two groups, my ultimate goal is to one day have a literacy organization of my own. I already know how I want it to look and operate, I just need to figure out the FUNDING and how to get it up and running. It will happen though...THIS I believe.

When my children were little I always read to them. They're all adults now but my love for reading to children and instilling in them a desire to read continues. It always will.

Enough about me...Let the DIALOGUE begin: How did YOU spend YOUR Saturday morning?

Talk to me!

Til next time...