Why Would We Say "No"?

My husband lost his job a little over two weeks ago.  We have been amazed at how God has taken care of us in a time when we should be frantic, anxious, broke, and scared.  We have watched as he has provided in ways that we never thought imaginable.  We have felt the love of friends and been encouraged by their words.  It is absolutely amazing.  We have prayed for the job God wants him to have and for us to stay out of the way so God can work it all out.  We have watched our family heal from 5 years of my husband swinging shifts 7 days at a time.  We honestly did not realize the depth at which this job had robbed our family of  so much.  Although we are grateful he had a job for 5 years, it was truly a wilderness experience to say the least.  We have prayed that entire 5 years for Glenn to find another job.  We wanted him out of where he was, but this is not really how we saw it happening.  I have been reminded quite often lately that GOD IS TRULY IN CONTROL!!!

Today, Glenn was suppose to interview with a company that we just knew was not a good fit for us.  It would be over an hour drive, 7 days a week work, and always on-call.  We just knew that he was not suppose to go.  He called them and thanked them for their consideration and told them that he would not be coming for the interview.  He also got a call this morning about a temporary job at a company.  It would have been MUCH MUCH less money and we would have to supplement in some way.  It was also 3rd shift and would have cost us $100/week in gas.  We talked about it and he called them and thanked them for the opportunity, but told them that it was not feasible. 

Why would we say "no"?  I really do not know the answer, but I know this:

Our family has experienced a healing from the damage caused by him being in a bad situation and we don't want to go back.  I am leading a Bible Study by James MacDonald, "Lord Change My Attitude".  Last week was on doubt.  During this time in our lives, it would be easy to fall back to the familiar....doubt.  Instead, we are believing that God has a plan and that he will reveal that plan in His timing.  We are convinced that a regular 1st shift job where he is at peace is where he needs to be.  We are not certain how or when that will happen, but I am convinced that God did not bring him out of the wilderness for him to wonder back into slavery and bondage.  James MacDonald asked a question in last week's video that has really stuck with me ever since I watched it:  "Do you really think that God would continue to provide manna for the Israelites if they started returning to where they had been?"  As I think about this question, I see my husband as being freed from bondage in a bad situation.  Why would he go right back into a situation that would be the same or worse?  Also, God has met every single need that we have had since this all started and I am not going to panic now.  

We truly have a peace.  I cannot explain it and I honestly do not recognize my words and actions as being my normal reaction.  What I do know is that God is faithful....true...merciful...gracious...loving.  He has NEVER failed me or abandoned me, and I do not believe that He will now.

Supper

I could not decide what to cook for supper, but I usually cook from whatever is on hand.  I decided to make Roasted Potato Sausage Bake (no that is not an official recipe name...just what it was).

I chopped russet potatoes and mixed them with a 1/4 cup oil to coat them.  I placed them in a roasting pan and sprinkled them with granulated garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices.  I roasted them at 425 degrees until fork tender.  In the mean time, I browned a pound of bulk sausage.  When the potatoes were ready I sprinkled the sausage over them along with sour cream and cheeses.  I put it back in the over until the cheese melted.  This was a big hit with my family.  I think I will do the same thing for breakfast one Saturday morning and add scrambled eggs along with the sausage.

Being Transformed

This tree is one near our home that I watch transform each Autumn into a beautiful orange site.  During the other times of the year, it just blends in does not attract any attention.  Then the weather starts to cool off and suddenly I start noticing a difference in this one tree.  It stands out in a wonderful display of beauty.  I want to be like this tree.  I don't want to just blend into the world.  I want to be transformed.  The Bible tells us that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

I am thrilled to know that God can transform me.  I do not always like the process, but in the end, I will be a standout for Him.

Our Wreath

Last week I put this wreath together for our front door.  I was not sure what I was going to do with it when I bought all the materials, but this turned out pretty good.  I wanted the "W" to be a color that I could use for more than one season, so I decided on this shade of green.  I also wanted the "W" to be in the center of the wreath, but I was not certain how to make that happen.  Fortunately, my husband is good at knowing how to do things, so he used fishing line and hidden holes on the back of the "W" to suspend it in the middle.  I have less than $20 in this and it is a 26" grapevine wreath.

After posting this picture on Facebook, my husband came home from work with the news that he had lost his job.  Not long after I emailed several friends about our devastating news, one of them emailed me to encourage me.  Here is part of what she said:

"Looked at your wreath again and couldn't help but think of your family, the "W", surrounded by God's never ending love, the circle of the wreath, and His promise that He is always there for us, protecting us and surrounding us with His shield of righteousness, the berries and the netting, keeping us safe from the enemy."

I am not certain what God's plan is, but I am grateful to be surrounded by so many encouraging Christian friends.  God has used them to remind me of His love and concern for us.  What a blessing!

Pinterest.....My New Interest

I discovered Pinterest last week as I was looking for instructions for something I wanted to make for Christmas gifts.  It is now where I save all my "bookmarks".  It is very user friendly.  The reason this has replaced my bookmarks folder is that I can see a picture of each thing I want to save, click on that picture later, and go straight to the website where the details are found.  On Pinterest it is based on pinning like on a bulletin board.  You can make boards to have titles that best suit you.  As you "Pin" things, you will probably change your boards to better define each category.  You can search Pinterest for all sorts of ideas and if someone has already pinned the idea you just have to repin it to your page and decide what you want to say about it and which board to place it on.  You can plan an event, save ideas, make a reading list, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  The mobile site is useful and well laid out.  Pinterest is my new favorite thing!

Funky Junk Interiors

I have found a blog that I could spend HOURS looking at.  It has lots of cool ideas and I am very inspired.  Check it out:

Getting a Grip

We have all said it:  "Get a Grip!"

Today, I am saying it to myself.  I need to get a serious grip.  A month ago (or so) we had an intruder come into our house and it really has thrown me for a loop.  I am having a hard time focusing on anything, my eating is out of hand (again) and my exercise is non-existent.  I am struggling.  In my struggle, I realize that I need to get a grip...a real tight grip.  I cannot wait another moment.

As I think about getting a grip I imagine a tug-of-war. Here is how that goes.  There is a force on one side and a force on the other side.  Each force gets a firm grip on their side of the rope.  They make certain that their hands are positioned just right, one behind the other.  The game starts and immediately both forces start to pull.  The center of the rope moves a little back and forth.  Eventually, someone has to change their grip and as soon as they do, the center of the rope goes the other way.  Then it happens, somebody loses their grip and they lose.  It is a defeat.  Sometimes the game is played so that the losing side goes into the mud pit in the center.  Here is where the real decision is:  Do I pick the rope back up and get a grip or do I stay in the mud?

I GET A GRIP!

So, I am writing out my plan today for the next week.  I am going to have the afternoon alone so I will spend it working on a real plan of action and my daily schedules.  One thing that I have certainly learned is that without a plan....I FAIL!

"Those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:31