Wednesday, October 24, 2007

I'm Still Here

Thank you, friends, for your kind words and support. It means a lot. In the year I have been blogging, you all have been a wonderful support in so many ways.

I've been doing all right, but I have been coughing my head off for about two weeks. So, I've just been lying low and trying to be good to myself and my family. I have moments of pretty intense anger where I imagine what I might say if I ever ran into the hospice owner. Hopefully God will give me the grace to not say most of those things when the situation arises. My city is rather large, but not so large that there isn't a good chance I'll run into him at some point.

As much as I am angry about my own situation, I think I am even more aghast at the the social worker that was laid -off 7 months pregnant! It makes me sick. It is unconscionable.

The name of this hospice is indeed ironic- Grace Hospice.

So, what now? I need to find work very soon. I applied for unemployment benefits, but was denied, as I knew I would be. My General Presbyter has given me an application for a shared grant between the Board of Pensions and the Presbytery that is for situations such as mine. He says that there will be no problem for me to receive anywhere between $2,000-$4,000. So, we won't have to put our house up for sale....yet.

I have submitted my PIF to two churches nearby who are looking for an interim pastor. As it happens, I was already scheduled to preach at these churches the next two weeks. Either would be a good and challenging situation. I would need to go to Interim training, however. I have also sent my PIF far and wide for called positions. And my PIF is still in the "system" and I am continuing to be matched with Pastor Nominating Committees.

I appreciate and continue to covet your prayers as I try to trust God.

15 comments:

revhipchick said...

stay strong dear one! what luck to have already been scheduled to preach at these churches--perhaps more than luck?

we'll keep praying for you and yours. much love and lots of hugs!

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

oh iris forgive my personal little rants on bad meetings...when what you wouldn't give to be in a call & gladly suffer a bad meeting right now.

i will pray. MochaJava sends a tail wag your way...

Rev Kim said...

We are continuing to lift you up.

(((Iris)))

more cows than people said...

((((Iris)))) Your anger is understandable. Your difficulty in trusting familiar. Your circumstances are trying. And we are all praying for you.

Praying doors swing open, right on time.

blessings, dear one.

more on heroes later...

Unknown said...

You have them, Iris.

Mary Beth said...

Praying intently for you.

love you.

Magdalene6127 said...

(((Iris))) so good to hear your voice.

Years ago I quit a terrible job with an abusive employer. Before I resigned, I spoke with a friend about what I wanted to say. She ended up blessing me by saying: May you be angry enough, and may you be centered and peaceful enough. I liked that. I was probably more than angry enough, as it turned out... but I continue to think it was ok.

Yes, prayers, absolutely, coming your way.

Love, Mags

Di said...

(((Iris)))

I wish I could still be surprised when I hear things like this. You remain in my prayers.

Towanda said...

prayers continue.

Cathy said...

lifting you up in prayer, friend.

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Oh Iris! I'm just catching up on blogs since I've been away from my computer most of the last six weeks. :-( I'm so sorry. And I'm praying.

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you... this sucks, big time. :(

Jules said...

I hate this.

Praying...

Mary Beth said...

Just checking in to say, I'm thinking of you. And praying.

tngirl said...

Geez, Iris. So sorry to hear of your layoff. Thinking that a silver lining is nearby . . . peace to you.