Some time ago I wrote a post on the troubled economy from my own personal point of view. Today, the economy has not healed. It is evident at the university where I am employed and where my daughter is an undergraduate student.
At the beginning of the year, employees were asked to furlough six days between February and June of 2010. On top of that, the university had to cut 10 percent of its staff to offset costs. Tuition is expected to rise over the next year, and some fringe benefits may be reduced or eliminated. Boy am I glad my daughter was able to take advantage of the 50 percent free tuition during her studies.
These days, I’m reflecting on my blessings that no one in my unit was cut. We, at the university, are under severe constraints. We have not realized a raise in three years. Everyone on my team is grateful for continued employment. (It would be nice to realize a raise and some hope that things will improve soon.)
One thing I’ve been eternally grateful for is the ability to make additional monies sewing. I’m still not very good with pricing. The extra money has come in handy; it helps feed my fabric and pattern addiction. Wink, wink.
Currently, I have a few clients, some for the fall and others next year. Oh yeah, I have a project for my sister and another for my cousin. All to fuel my own fabric, pattern, and wardrobe desires. So in between client projects, I’m building my wardrobe and will make a few things for my DD.
So in the face of a failing economy, God is still forever present watching over us all. I’m thankful for everything; food, shelter, clothing, employment, social events, mini vacations, family and friends.
God’s continued blessings! Happy sewing to all the fashionistas out there! Keep up the good work.
I know exactly what you mean, I am also thankful for my job, because not only does it provide the means for me to take care of my family, it also provides the means to support my fabric addiction. For that I thank the great one everyday
ReplyDeleteYour post's conclusion summed up your blessed life: a gr'attitude! "Trust in the Lord... Acknowledge Him... He will direct your path."
ReplyDeleteCennetta, thanks so much for sharing your perspective on the financial state of our economy and it's affects on you. You are indeed right despite what's going on there's alot to be thankful for. God has indeed been faithful and is a provider to His own. May you continue to have much success in all of your sewing--for yourself and clients.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your area of the university was untouched by budget cuts! In these troubled economic times, we who have jobs should be thankful for continued employment and pray that our brothers and sisters without one will get one sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Family members of mine are still out of work, professionals and non. Every day I thank the Lord for my job and all its wonderful benefits. But being funded by the state of NY and being very low on the totem pole, I know it could end at any time. I am praying too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me to count my blessings!
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteI too work in education and continually feel the affects of the "recession that is supposed to be over".
I am happy to be employed,will morph into any position that is asked of me, and I too thank God every day for everything I have.
Oh, and my fabric too.
:)
In times like these, we realize what's really important in our lives. I also look at it as God honing our faith. Either you trust He will make a way for you in spite of what you see around you, or you don't.
ReplyDeleteIts so true we have to stay prayed up and trust the Lord. We are truelly blessed inspite of the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so candid. This has been a tough economy and it's affects have reached far and wide. It's a blessing to be grounded in the Word because it's at these times where you find the joy in God's grace and the spiritual maturity to acknowledge it.
ReplyDeleteA nice reminder to appreciate my job as I know many others who do not have one. Sometimes my job is overwhelming and stressful but it pays the bills, keeps me and DH with food and yes allows me to buy fabric and patterns.
ReplyDeleteAse OOOOO!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMay you continue to be blessed.
Angela
I'm sorry to hear that your university is feeling the tough times - my husband's university is in pretty much the same boat. :(
ReplyDeleteIt is good for all of us to remember to appreciate our blessings and find opportunities to help those less fortunate - no matter how tough life feels at times, there are always people who have it worse!
Wishing you all the best and a better future for the country and the world!
God is so good and I'm so happy that you are in a good place right now with your work situation. Love the dress and love the ring!
ReplyDeleteWe moved to a new state 2 years ago and this area pretty much has had a hiring freeze in College Administration. So guess who owes tons of $'s for a MS in College Admin with no job? Yep that's me :)
ReplyDeleteI work for a recruitment advertising agency and there is no reason that I am still employed but for God's grace and His mercy!. thank you for sharing your story. I am not afforded the luxury of fabric buying right now but I so enjoy living vicariously thru you and many of your readers. In the name of Jesus, I pray for your continued blessings. Dawn
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Thank you Cennetta for reminding us all of God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I work in the public sector and we while we have not had furlough days as of yet, positions are often closed out instead of being re-filled when someone leaves, grant money is drying up and things are still bleak in general. And all of this for a section that is deemed "vital and necessary." It's still pretty scary, even though there is talk that things are looking up.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cennetta
ReplyDelete