Tuesday, January 31, 2006

A strange and surreal commute.

Today marked the last day of employment at Johnson/Anderson. My drive home was,... well to say the least, a really different experience.

My thoughts reflected on how familiar the tracks were of my daily commute.
Today at 2:00PM, I was planning to leave early to begin the transition to job seeker.

I was glad that I didn't, because as I was headed to our HR director's office, I met her in the corridor with an ice cream cake in hand.
It would have been well, embaressing to say the least had I ducked-out early on my last day and missed the kind farewell of my co-workers.

While the transition to a new place of employ is upon me, I will still enjoy the relationships and friendships of co-workers and customers a like.

The experiences and knowledge gained will provide basis for future work.

I will truly miss the day to day interaction with fellow co-workers, but I trust my "new" endeavor will bring me back across their paths, as a customer, and we'll be able to continue where we left off.

Duane

Thursday, January 26, 2006

For behold, I bring good news of a great joy...!

I've often thought of the news that was brought to Mary & Joseph and later to the shepherds.
The wonderment of hearing and then realizing that you are soon to be parents, we'll it can be... overwhelming!

We are blessed to share the news that... "Like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, so are the children of ones youth, how blessed is he whose quiver is full of them."

Today marks the day that we declare both Sarah & Meggan are expecting! I still feel young! Perhaps Nathanael & Bryan will allow me to feel like a mighty warrior!

We share in the exitement and anticipation of these new lives.

This evening we spoke with a dear brother from church whose daughter married just two weeks ago this Sat. He shared how truly blessed they felt to have a son-in-law that loves the Lord.

We can second that... for we've been twice blessed! Our family of five, grew to six beginning in July 2004. Jumped to seven in January 2005, eight in July 2005.
Now in 2006 were looking at ten!

Add to that the addition of Mosley's and Wolff's extended family, well we are blessed!

PRAISE GOD, from whom all blessings flow!

Dad Jones (to 3+2)
GrandDad Jones (to Evelyn + ? + ?....)

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

And I thought "My World" was in turmoil!

Please read this link to Chuck Colson's daily commentary.
http://www.pfm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=BreakPoint1&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=17789

It truly makes the words of scripture come to life. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem".

More importantly, pray for the peace in our hearts, that only God in Christ can truly provide.

Our world is truly, a "Kingdom in Conflict".

Blessings to all, with a prayer that Christ will rule in all our hearts,

Duane

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Who is GOD?.....

No, I haven't "lost it" amid the transition and stress that a new job search can create.

Last week we began a home bible study, based on a book our pastor, Daniel Henderson wrote entitled, the 7 Most Important Questions You'll Ever Answer.

The 7 Questions are:

1. Who is GOD?
2. Who Am I?
3. Why Am I Here?
4. What Really Matters?
5. What Shall I Do?
6. How Shall I Do It?
7. When Shall I Do It?

I do look forward to this study. I believe it comes at a very appropriate time for me personally, and also for our church as a whole.
In the past 5 years I've become somewhat of an expert in the field of job searching (not that I have sought out this added expertise). There are times that the devil tries to bring discouragement and dispair. I delight in the fact that we have a God who; desires us to know Him, a God who does have a plan for us to walk in, and who does give purpose and direction for our lives now as well as for eternity.

One of the goals our pastor is looking for, is that we each individually write a "Mission Statement" and "Purpose Statement", and to set goals that help us live our life with more direction and purpose.

These are areas that will be good for me. I sense that I tend to be more "go with the flow" in my nature, and a more directed and purposeful approach to daily living & "abiding" in Him, will do me well.

I will keep you informed of the journey, Dear and Gentle readers.

Duane

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

"He went Public!!!"

The following is from an email annoucement at Johnson/Anderson.
_____________________________________
Subject: Duane Jones
_____________________________________

I am sorry to announce Duane Jones’ plan to leave J/A.
At this point, Duane’s last day will be January 31, 2006.

Duane has a great deal of experience in printed media, predominantly in the area of print design & print production management. While his plans are not yet formalized, he likely will look for a position in that area.

Today he told one of our customers, "There have been great relationships and friendships both inside the company and outside the company that I have enjoyed over the past 16 months, and I look forward to continuing them."
"I'm not sure where I will land as yet.... the "networking process" begins! "

Please join me in wishing Duane well.

Jon


________________________________
It is now public knowledge.
Personal and corporate prayer for a new position is cherished & welcomed!!

Duane

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Lets just say..."enough said!!!"


Lets just say..."enough said!!!"

Love,
GrandMum & GrandDad Jones

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

U.S. Faces Severe Worker Shortage in Future

U.S. Faces Severe Worker Shortage in Future
By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The United States faces a severe worker shortage in the near future, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce' said Wednesday in advocating better education for Americans and changes in immigration law to allow in more foreign workers.

Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue, at a news conference outlining business prospects in 2006, said the country is ill-prepared to deal with the impending retirement of 77 million baby boomers.
"We have yet to secure an adequate supply of working taxpayers to run a growing economy and support an explosion of retirees," he said in his organization's report on the state of U.S. business.

(end of quote)_______________________________________________

I know of about 25,000,000 - 30,000,000 who would have been of legal age to vote and be a part of the workforce, if it were not for the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision.

GOD, save us!
Help us to see our need for You, our need to repent.
May we seek Your face, and Your heart for life....


Duane