Faith + Family + Friends = Future

Hello Family Reunion Planners! Brenda and I hope all is well with each and
every one of you. Our big fat family reunion planning group has had quite a
year so far. There have been many milestones reached thanks to persistence and
just plain loving what we do.

Faith, Family and Friends are making all the difference in 2009 and here's why.

Have Faith
We all have had to go with one less of something. For some it has been one less
cell phone, one less car or even one less home. Children are learning to do
without the latest gadgets and gizmos. No doubt you are eating out less and
putting what you can aside. So what's the upside? Tough times are humbling.
Economic times can bring the family and siblings together, But actually being
closer at heart is what makes all the dirrference. These times test our faith,
loyalties and principles. Many are relearning how to interact, communicate and
enjoy each other in terms of personal interest alone. It's the ideal time to
rediscover the hidden fabric that binds and bonds father and son, mother and
daughter. It's also a good time to rediscover and appreciate our natural
environment and all its wonders.

Many have put pride aside and been moved to simplify, do with less or do without
for something much more valuable--- faith and hope. Many families are spending
more of their free time in some form of community service. This helps all
family members take on a more realistic view of how tough times are and see that
there are always others who are less advantaged. They are discovering that
there really is more happiness in giving than in receiving and see the value of
working together while giving back.

Family On Family
Children get anxious and desperate for parents to get back on their feet
financially. They may not understand the time and effort involved in preparing
to acquire a modest income. Children are often unaware of the crushing
disappointments that come along the way. Combine that with the dreaded daily
question, "Hey Dad, did you get a job yet?" which oftentimes results in the
parent becoming disgruntled, aloof and emotionally distant.

Solution – Mothers, in-laws, friends and grandparents can help keep a young Dad
from avoiding the company of his own family while looking for work with just a
few choice words. "When he has good news to share he'll let you know. There is
no need to keep asking." "Your Dad is a lot more than just a job. Talk to him
about things you both like to do together. Challenge him to a game of basketball
or baseball after he has rested"
Those who are employed in the home should do what they can to keep the doors of
opportunity open for those who are seeking employment in the home or extended
family. But do so discretely. Rather than provide a classified section with
circles around jobs that thousands of readers are also eyeing, try these
suggestions:

1. Provide a phone number leading to a prearranged Interview that perfectly
matches the skill set of a family member.

2. Let them know that such and such reviewed your resume and is already
impressed by it and wants to speak with you at such and such a time.

3. Invite them to free career seminars on your job.

4. Tell successful and productive business leaders to contact a family member
even if it's just to inspire and motivate them to keep looking and suggestions
on what's available out there.

5. Contact social services or an employment office and inquire about free
training or volunteer opportunities that might lead to certification and
advanced career opportunities and pass on the schedule, names of specific people
to ask for and other preparatory information to your family member.

6. Always show a personal interest in their talents and appreciate whatever they
are doing to hone their skills.

Turn Back To Family
Never sit and sulk. Fathers and mothers who may be experiencing employment
setbacks should take the time to play, walk and talk with their sons and
daughters. All family members should volunteer a few hours a week helping others
less fortunate. This gives children a more realistic view of life and the
assurance that with a little hope and help things will improve gradually.

Go fishing on the pier, biking on the local trail, exercise together in the
basement, take a walk in the park, and go to free shows, seminars, and
exhibitions together. Build a small-scale model sailboat, motorboat, RC car or
work on that old Chevy together. Discuss the need to make a sacrifice or two in
order to better help make ends meet. Whenever a sacrifice has to be made
replace it with something they will enjoy. Grandparents should take the time to
share their story about life's transition and how things worked out in the end.

True Friends Help
Working close with the community, congregation and family will keep the doors of
opportunity wide open. Making true friends along the way can make all the
difference as well. "There exists a friend who sticks closer than a brother." so
says a wise proverb. Friends who expect you to burn what little money you have
on momentary pleaures are no help. A true friend always wants you and your
family to do better and works hard to actively support the household. "I found
a job with the help of my Sister-In-Law." "I found a job as a receptionist with
the help of a good friend." "A congregation member helped me develop my typing
and telephone skills. I felt much more competent to find what I needed. Using
her as a reference I landed a job with a modest income." "An elder saw my
talent and recommend I find work at a local hair solon. I'm working now." "My
Brother-in-Law helped me write a business plan." "An elder's wife helped me
write my resume. I found work shortly thereafter." "A friend gave me the idea
of selling water. I'm making more money than I did working for someone else."
"I earn more income mowing lawns with my son than on my former truck route."

While preparing your next family reunion be mindful of those who might
appreciate your services, skills and wisdom. While monetary help is often
needed, putting in a good word as a reference, making recommendations and
passing on skills that lead to income acquisition are even more valuable.
Provide assistance with tests, edit resumes or consider them for part-time work
in your well-established small business. One congregation elder says, "Remember
that caring for family members should not be in the spirit of a token outreach
service. As one fine scripture reads "Do not let your left hand know what you
right hand is doing." We give quietly and when possible anonymously. We keep
it dignified and respectable with no strings attached. This may not feed our
ego, but when we see our brother and his family get back on their feet and want
to give back, it does feed our hearts."


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