Celebration 31 Holland Financial Group

Celebration 31
My current job with Holland Financial Group.

I hate this title because it seems so formal and business like, yet the Hollands are more like family to me. Almost 5 years ago, when my last baby was starting kindergarten I decided it was time for me to return to the workplace.  My resume was pretty lame, my confidence was very low, and the fear that I would fail was on high alert.  I had applied for numerous jobs and didn't even get a phone call for an interview.  Finally, a local bank called me and I went for a test and interview.  A week later, a job was offered.  It was NOT ideal, it was NOT what I wanted to do, it was NOT going to be easy with getting the kids to school.  I was worried to accept, but felt like I needed some current experience so I accepted.  I was to start in one week.

Within a few days, a good friend texted me and asked if I was still looking for a job....I said "No".  A few days went by and I kept thinking about that text, finally I called and asked him a few questions.  He had just started working for HFG and they were looking for a receptionist.  I had known the Hollands since I was little bitty, since Roger came to our house and visited with my dad.  Also, I remember them singing at the First Baptist Church.  My sister may or may not have "dated" their son Michael.  I talked with my friend, hung up, then about 2 minutes later Roger was calling me!  He said just come in and chat.  So that Friday, I stopped by the office.  I was to start the banking job the following Monday, so when I left the house I told Mike pray that it's something I enjoy, pray that it's better hours for the kids, pray that it's more money, and most of all pray that he offers me the job on the spot!  Not that I believed any of this was going to happen, but with God anything is possible.  All of this happened on that Friday.  God was truly working in the situation.

I can only say that things have gotten better through the years.  I went from part time to full time.  I have developed friendships with people and I enjoy working along side them in the insurance and security business. Anything that I have requested for my family has been honored.  They understand the importance of family and let me put my family first when it comes to schedules, vacation time, and appointments.  They make my job enjoyable.  They make me feel important.  They value my opinion.  They reward my work ethic.

I'm so very thankful that God opened doors and that he continues to bless me with a job that I truly enjoy.

They taught me that I am important and that I matter.  In their honor, I'm letting the kid's school secretary know how much I appreciate her and that I think she's AWESOME!

Celebration 30 Elaine Elliott

Celebration 30
Sweet & Caring Elaine Elliott.

It's funny when I started my own business I never would have imagined making friends with my customers. Elaine is the ONE customer that I just loved being around.  Don't get me wrong, I had many sweet ole ladies, companies, and others who I enjoyed working for, but Elaine was just different.  I remember the first time I met her, she offered her front porch to sit on and made me take time to drink some sweet tea.  After being there for just a short time, I found out something she loved more than flowers.......all her sweet fur babies.  She has dogs, cats, horses, and more hummingbirds than I ever seen in my life.  They all flock to her house because they know they will be loved and cared for.

Elaine's heart is sweet.  Elaine's heart is caring. Elaine's heart is giving.  Elaine's heart is pure.  She has no hidden agenda, no selfish thoughts, no negativity, just kindness overflows in her words, actions, and the way she lives life.

The sweetest thing and most unexpected thing that happened was the friendship that evolved between Lily and Elaine. Of course, Lily wanted to visit when I worked because it was like a small zoo :)  God intervened and made that relationship blossom into a sweet, caring, beautiful gift that will be enjoyed for years to come.  Lily loves her Elaine.  Elaine loves her Lily. They are both very protective of each other.  Lily still wants to visit Elaine, partially to see new fur babies, but mostly to talk, laugh, learn, and love her Elaine.

Elaine taught me to be selfless.  In her honor, I'm donating blood for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE!!

Celebration 29 Becky Goller

Celebration 29
Mama Bear Becky Goller.

Not until recently did I know that Becky had the nickname of Mama Bear, but once I found out my heart smiled.  Those who don't know her are missing out on a sweet slice of heaven on earth.  I met Becky years ago at Hoosier Uplands, but I wouldn't have labeled her as a friend. Years later God decided to change that!

Becky and Jon have become staples to our church.  They decided, or should I say God decided they would be foster parents after adopting sweet little Dylan.  They are passionate for those babies.  They are voices for the orphans.  I truly believe they are the hands and feet of our Lord.  They could have quietly fostered like many others in the community, but instead they knew that it should be much more.  They started a foster/adoptive and family placement support group.

Becky is constantly doing for others.  She is sweet, but fierce.  She is full of grace, but speaks truth.  She truly is the voice for children.  A few weeks ago, she posted on facebook a necklace she wanted Jon to get her.  Without hesitation, I ordered it.  She has given so much, I almost felt guilty buying some small necklace for her!  Then God gently reminded me, it's not about me!  I hope every time she wears this small gesture of my appreciation she knows that she truly is 100% a Mama Bear.  She earned that title!

Becky taught me to be fierce.  In her honor, I sat upon the glass floor on the Sears Tower!  I am WAY SCARED OF HEIGHTS, but with Becky's voice in my head I did it!  She would be one proud Mama Bear :)