E. Anastasia

I recently did an article about reviewing and updating your resume.  Nowadays, employers want to know more about applicants before calling them in for interviews.  One thing that employers want to see is a potential candidate that volunteers.  Those of us who are currently jobless certainly have the time to do volunteer work.  And those of us with jobs might be able to find an hour or two to volunteer weekly or monthly.

Why volunteer?  Volunteering keeps the mind, body, and soul active and engaged.  An unemployed worker can take his or her mind off of being unemployed by reaching out to help someone else.  Employed workers discover that volunteering adds more meaning to life and they help someone that is less fortunate than they are.  You can deduct mileage, the cost for parking, uniforms, and other expenses incurred while volunteering on your tax return.  And, having a volunteer gig looks real good on a resume.

Where to volunteer?  Not everyone is suited for volunteering in a soup kitchen or being a candy striper.  There are many areas where one can volunteer.  For instance, I have a good friend that volunteers at a furniture bank and at the Apparel Mart in Atlanta, GA.  In exchange for her time, she was given enough furniture to furnish her home from the furniture bank and she also gets designer samples at the Apparel Mart.  I personally volunteer at Literacy Services here in Milwaukee helping adults learn how to read and I am about to start volunteering for another organization helping low-income children with their homework. 

Other places one can volunteer are:  Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, Ronald McDonald Houses, Earth Day, and you can even volunteer online.  Don’t know where to start?  Try www.volunteermatch.org.  You can search for opportunities in your area and in your area of interest.  Having the volunteer spirit brings not only happiness to the receiver, it brings so much more to the giver.  Acts 20:35 says, “I have exhibited to YOU in all things that by thus laboring YOU must assist those who are weak, and must bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’ ”

I hope that this helps you and take care.

E. Anastasia

I have had a very hectic schedule this week.  I was not able to post.  I will be on track next week.

Hello Everyone,

Have you watched the Today show today?   They interviewed the 7 year old and his family today.  The youngster’s mother stated that her son originally said that he did not want to go to church, however the boy told his mom that he wanted to know what it was like to drive a car.  Thank goodness no one was hurt.  Have a great weekend.

I got this video from You Tube.

 

 

Hello all,

I am sorry that I did not post on Monday.  It’s A Living will be back next week.  I just found out that Whitney Houston’s new album will be coming out late in Aug 09.  This is her first album in 3 years.  Whitney has alot to deal with in her life and took much needed time away from her career.  I am so happy that her life has settled down some and that she looks healthy and happy again.

Whitney has had a listening party for her new album I Look To You in LA, New York, and London.  Those who have heard her latest album say that it is the best she has done.  If you go to www.whitneyhouston.com, you can listen to the first release I Look To You and download it for free.  I have gone on the site and listened to the song and it is simply beautiful.  I hear the experience and new found wisdom in her voice.  I think this album will be huge.

To go along with Whitney’s upcoming album, I decided to put some of Whitney’s best videos and a clip from her listening party in New York on E Anastasia for you all to watch and enjoy.  And know this, we all go through life’s challenges and if we let it, something more than before emerges from the other side.  It is up to us if that something breaks us or makes us strong, wise, and loving ourselves and Jehovah more.  Enjoy and have a great Hump Day!

This Day In History in the year 2002, nine Pennsylvania coal miners trapped in a coal mine emerged from that mine after being trapped over 72 hours.  Mine workers Randy Fogle, Dennis Hall, John Phillippi, Tom Foy, John Unger, Robert Pugh, Harry Mayhugh, Ron Hileman, and Mark Popernack helped each other survive by sticking together in a flooded mine shaft.  At its worst, the waters rose up to the miner’s necks.

The miners story was told in a made for TV movie called, The Pennsylvania Miner’s Story starring Graham Beckel, Dylon Bruno, and Marisa Ryan.  Also, a documentary about the nine miners was done called, Our Story:  77 Hours That Tested Our Friendship and Our Faith for the Discovery Channel.  Lastly a book about the nine miners was written called, All Nine Alive:  The Dramatic Mine Rescue That Inspired and Cheered A Nation.

E Anastasia is looking for stories about everyday people in not so everyday situations.  Please tell me your story or someone else’s.  Thank you and have a great weekend.

I got a job lead last Friday and followed up on it Monday.  I called the place in question to find out if there were still job openings.  I was told yes and given the hours to come in and fill out an application.  I got to where the place is located.  I noticed a large sign in the window that said:  NOW HIRING!  I noticed a sidewalk sign in front of the business that said the same thing.

I expected the place to be packed full of job hunters like me. With two glaring signs, people must have seen them.  I walked into the business and it was empty with the exception of three employees there working.  I asked for the person I spoke with on the phone and introduced myself to her.  I was greeted with warm smiles and immediately given an application to fill out.  I was motioned over to a table to fill out my application.

I noticed that the area was very neat, too neat.  I realized that I was the only one that showed up today to fill out an application.  I was shocked.  I filled out the application and took a test.  When I was finished, I was motioned to sit at another desk.  I gave my application to one of the workers to look over.  The young lady graded my test and I had only two answers wrong.  “Fantastic!”, the young woman said.

The young woman then turned my application and test over to another worker.  The two workers talked among themselves as I sat waiting.  While the conversation continued, my eyes began to wander around the office.  My eyes stopped at a black frame on one of the walls.  Inside the frame, a statement that read:  “This is a note to you from God.  I am helping you with all of your problems.  I do not need your assistance.  Sit back, relax, and have a good day.”

The two workers stopped talking and I turned back to them.  The young lady gave me the job description and told me where to go to get a manual to study for the job.  I was told that I would be contacted after the application was processed.  The two workers thanked me for coming in for the job and I thanked them for having an opportunity available.  I was assured that I would be called back.  I had a good feeling when I left the office. 

I may have walked away with a job, however, I walked away with something for sure.  I walked away with the reminder that God is helping me with all my problems and all I have to do is let him.  I want to tell Jehovah that I am sorry I forgot that and I will do my best to stop assisting him.  We all have times when we really should let go and let God.  I hope this helps you.  Have a great Hump Day!

I found a new site for job seekers that are 40 and over.  The name of the site is Wiser Worker.com.  I went on the site to check it out.  The site features articles, a resume builder, job searching resources, and of course job openings. 

There is also a listing on the job site for job fairs.  Those of you who took advantage of the tutorial on job fairs a couple of weeks ago can put what you have learned into practice.  Please check out the site and/or tell someone 40 and over about Wiser Worker.  Go to www.wiserworker.com.  Tell me what you think.  Have a great Monday.

I am sorry that I did not mention I would not be posting Friday this week.  I will be back on schedule on Monday with Its A Living.  Thanks and have a great weekend.