New job for jennifer

I just received word a couple of hours ago that Ash Brokerage is extending me an offer of employment at their office north of Cincinnati. We all are feeling the crunch in some way in this difficult economy. Let me assure you that searching for a job in this economy is not for the faint of heart!

I am delighted and very relieved, as this is a company from whom I can retire. Their reputation in our industry is superb. Their interview process is extensive, and even more so in my case: I did not respond to a job posting for this position. I was brought to the attention of the firm by an individual with whom I worked several years ago who is himself a new hire! For this company to reach out to me--not having solicited for this position--is little short of amazing, wouldn't you agree?

I am scheduled to meet with Ash next Tuesday to find out the particulars and I will keep you posted as I know more. I could not have gotten through this very troublesome time without your love, heartfelt prayers, encouragement and financial support. While this job is a really good thing, the real blessing for me is that I have so many wonderful, caring people as friends. I am humbled and remain forever grateful for your support. Stay tuned! I will keep you updated as I know more. Have a great holiday--I know I will!

God bless you!

God bless America, land that I love....

Freedom, in its broadest sense, is perhaps the single most significant gift we have been given.
It is also often our most abused privilege perhaps because it is the least understood.

It occurs to me that everything we do--every thought, every word, every action, every reaction, every deed--is by our own choosing. The paradox is that even when we feel trapped--that we have no choice--what we are really saying is that we've run out of options. I believe we still have a fundamental freedom: to engage or to refrain? to do something or do nothing?

And then there's the question of justice: What about when bad things happen to good people? More times than not, it is a consequence of someone else's freedom of choice having a far reaching impact on the lives of innocents, much like shrapnel impaling anyone within it's range.

Although we receive freedom as a gift, it is hardly without cost. Aside from the obvious physical struggle and ultimate sacrifice that has been so selflessly given on our behalf and for our collective benefit, perhaps part of our cost of freedom is choosing restraint.

I love this country and I am proud to be an American.
There is no other place I would rather live and no one's citizen I would rather be.