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Thanks for sharing. God bless you and your family always. Everyone is going through a lot but it's amazing that you have a beautiful spouse, wonderful family, and lovely friends to help you get through it.

Personally, I have my parents, siblings, and God. I don't take them for granted one bit, but I pray for more. I've been praying for years though sometimes it seems selfish. Maybe it isn't meant. I just try to keep praying and keep going.

Getting laid off tomorrow. Last time this happened, I tried to see if I could survive from freelance and entrepreneurial efforts alone. Unfortunately, wasn't enough. It's a blessing you're able to support yourself and your very large family from your works! I know it's a challenge, but that amazes me and I'm happy you can afford to do that.

It seems I have to work 25/8/367 (what I mean is more than 24/7/365, in case that annoying joke of mine went over any heads 😝). I've been told I need to take better care of myself but it's such a challenge. It seems impossible. So I just keep working and doing stuff and living off not-enough food and sleep.

I honestly don't know what's going to happen next month with my mortgage, bills, anything. I've been applying everywhere and getting nowhere. Nobody wants to hire me without a degree. I'm going to try to get a certification or license or something to do something. Just trying to keep praying and keep going. Please keep me in your prayers.

Much love. 🙏

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Jan 30·edited Jan 30Author

My little sister,

I pray for you and have prayed for you. God is our boss. Always has been and we both know that. As for my family and financial circumstances, it is not what you may believe.

It was decided, may years ago, between myself and my oldest children, primarily my sons, that we would, due to our hardships and challenges, band together as a family. 🏋️

That specifically meant financially, placing all in the same pot for everyone to be cared for. "No poor among them" took on multiple meanings (it always had such, of course), and we have been blessed for doing such.

When I have work, I take care of "the family", when my son or sons have work, they take care of "the family". When I do NOT have work, I write full-time to further the family goals of Wanted Hero.

What people on the outside rarely see or understand -- because they are often of a deeply selfish nature -- is that each member of our family, even a child, has talents and capabilities to assist the family as a whole. I may not have work right now, but I can drive my son to work, I can be there to take care of emergencies. I can plant and work in the garden, milk, meet with doctors, argue with insurance companies, maintain vehicles, run errands, etc...

Wile those who DO have work, can focus on work.

We have learned to work as one, even though we are in separate households. If you've never done it, you truly cannot fully grasp the brilliance, blessings or the benefits of such an act. There are MANY special needs spread out across our families 🩺 🩻 🩼 💊 💉🩸

...but they are all being met. All of them.

That's a miracle in and of itself.

Are we rich? No.

Are we wealthy? Absolutely yes. Our relationships are rock solid and growing still. Our love is vast, caring for one another. Miracles are seen almost daily.

Is it HARD? Yes in many aspects, and No in others.

Are our basic bills and needs covered? Yes.

Do we want more? Yes, BUT we are grateful and content, should God not provide further opportunities.

Would we do this any other way? I'm not sure we would. Not after what we have learned.

I'm sorry you are getting laid off tomorrow. I've had that experience so many times -- last one in, first one out -- which is why I learned odd skills to do side freelance jobs. How to format books, draw, yes....but I learned to build websites, do SEO, graphic design, collections, and when I couldn't find anything else, I even volunteered to work in a granary, making flower...in exchange for food, not money.

You know what I've learned after all this time? The world is NOT what you think it is.

The "rules" and "traditions" talked about are not set in stone if you know where to look, or what conversations to have. Can't remember the last time I had a job where they cared the least about degrees -- they just wanted results -- so I produced them.

I still see good everywhere. People willing to help, so long as I'm honest about what I need, and what I'm willing to give...so there is a win-win when ANYone interacts with me.

You,...are a good, kind, young woman WordiGirl.

God loves you.

Count on that and look for what He is providing for you, and wanting you to learn.

...because MY experiences have always revealed that when He allows things to get HARD for me, that means I'm getting an UPGRADE.

Love right back to you, dear. 🙏

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I understand it's hard. I even said that in my comment. I'm not like the people you describe, being "selfish" by thinking you have it easy. I never said that. I understand that everyone in your family is banding together to take care of each other. It's a blessing you all are willing and able to do that.

God bless you all always. Much love always. I appreciate your prayers.🙏

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Hehe, should have thought my comments through better.

I was just expanding my comment and sharing some specifics for context. That's all =)

I would NEVER categorize you as one of those 'selfish' people I mentioned. Your character, which I've watched through WorldAnvil, shouts anything BUT selfish, WordiGirl.

You were never considered or included in that.

Hope we're on the same page now. Just friends, talking, and sharing their lives.

God Bless you as well. Been praying you're blessed with a better job to replace the last one.

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Jan 31Liked by 💎 Jaime Buckley

When I started my business, I needed a contract that would be the heart of it. I went to a respected attorney who called and said he wouldn't write it. I'd never make any money. I didn't know what I was doing.

So I found another attorney. This man was well advanced in years and knew the industry and people. He smiled at what I wanted to do. "This is a passion project," he said. Yes! And so he helped me.

I haven't gotten rich, but I've learned a ton and helped a bunch of folks and love every day.

It is hard! But worth it.

I'm cheering for you. And my first order from Vervante is in the mail.

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Really? What did you order?!? Paperback or hardback?

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Jan 31Liked by 💎 Jaime Buckley

Paperback of my book. Are yours up for order there yet?

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No. I really want to contact Cindy and meet with her face to face. My buddy wants to be there to assist in any way he can... so that's the route I'm going.

Plus you have my complete confidence. If you Crack this code, I'll be your padawan.

hehe

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By the way, I did the face the face thing over zoom and was very impressed.

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Oh, and the book is lovely. Now I want to experiment with them some more!

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Keep me posted -- for now, I'll go with my regular lines of distribution. Still need Bloodsticks in print.

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