I'm Back!

Wow!  It's been a while since I have posted anything here.  I have been busy the last 7 years with raising kids and dealing with several personal issues.  I am back now and making some changes in my life!

Finding Unity

In October of 2002, I walked into my first Unity Church.  The Unity Church of Practical Christianity on Walker Ave in Grand Rapids, MI.  I immediately felt at home!  Through the years I have "served" my spiritual community as Music Director, Choir Director, Teacher and Leader.  I fell in love with Unity teachings and could not imagine a life without them.  I have managed to handle many stressful situations such as serious illness of my youngest child, to mental health problems with my second child the loss of my father, and my oldest child developing severe anxiety and depression leading to hospitalization.  I could not have survived any of this and still had a smile on my face if it were not for Unity teachings.

Moving forward

After being forced to stay home with my children longer than I would ever have planned, I made several attempts at re-entering the workforce.  Returning to my job at Malecki Music in 2006, staying with them through the transition to J.W. Pepper, and becoming a substitute teacher from 2013-2015.  In 2011 I took the position of Youth Director at Unity Church of Peace in Ada, MI, now known as Unity Center for Spiritual Growth and my life changed in a fantastic way!  I was able to utilize my degree as a teacher by teaching children the Unity Way of life and use my administration and leadership skills from distant management positions to develop a program of outstanding quality in the Unity Great Lakes Region.  I felt at home!  However, this salary was not enough to maintain any level of financial security.  I took a position as the Office Manager at the same Center and have been there two years now.  I LOVE this arrangement!  I get to come to work in a loving and supportive environment, despite several staffing problems which were not so loving or supportive, and I continue to teach my Unity kids with the love and encouragement they need in life.  The combined salaries were not a lot, but enough to make me feel like I am contributing to the family income in a meaningful way.  That is not to stay for long...

The only constant is change!

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new" - Socrates.

Changes, changes, changes!  Just when I think life has settled down and we are in a comfortable and sustainable place, changes happen.  My Office Manager job is going away.  I am now forced to make decisions I was not ready to make.  UnityCSG is wanting to eliminate my position as Office Manager and hire a new Business Manager.  The Business Manager would be the person who is "half" of a traditional Minister and have the role of running the business side of things along with the hiring of a part-time Minister.  These two people will be charged with the complete running of the Center.  One would think that I, as Office Manager and personal assistant to the prior Minister would be a good candidate as the new Business Manager.  I feel like I am!!!  My board has hesitated to put me in this role for reasons unknown to me and has posted the job online to attract candidates.  I have applied for the position, but have been told "off the record" that I would have to choose between my Youth Program and the Business Manager!  This necessitates the need to find some supplemental income for my family.  If I am awarded the Business Manager position, I loose my job as Youth Director (which I love and have put countless hours into creating), if I choose Youth Director, I will loose the income provided by the Office Manager job I am losing.  What to do!??

Currently, I am exploring all options knowing that I must have income secured immediately following my release as Office Manager.  Do I go back to my craft business, try again and hope that my income is better due to a strengthened economy?  Do I go off in a new direction such as beginning a business based on Energy Healing and Psychic abilities?  I know that whatever I need, God will provide, but I can't help feeling lost and hopeless at the moment.  I am waiting for a sign of what direction I should take....   and praying hard to find the courage to step up into whatever role is needed at this time with grace and goodwill.