I Got a Job!!!

God is so good.

I got a job as a part time office manager at an insurance company. The hours are great and I will still be able to take care of my home and still get some income for our bills. I'm so stoked! I will also be working for an awesome Christian man who treats his employees really well.

At first I wasn't sure if I should take the job. When we got laid off I really thought that this was God's way of getting me home. I was convinced I would not ever be returning to work. Eric however, didn't feel this was the time. He feels I will be home someday, but not now. He didn't want to crush my hopes, but after much praying and searching God's word, he still wasn't convinced.

We met with one of our pastors on Monday to get some direction. This pastor also happens to own the insurance company I will be working for. He prefaced the meeting by saying he has a job for me if I wanted it, but to not let that sway our decision. He told us to look over and pray over our budget. If we could really live on one income, he would understand if I didn't take the job. He had other people he could hire, but he wanted to give me the opportunity first, since I have 8 years office experience. He gave us a couple days to pray over it and get back to him.

Eric and I went home and looked over our budget. Even if Eric got a great paying job, it would be tight. We have already cut many things out of our budget (cable, Netflix, cutting back the cell phone plan to the bare minimum) and it would still be tight. We prayed over it and the more we prayed, the more we felt that I should take the job. For one, it will pay more than unemployment and two, if Eric did get a great paying job, we could use my income to pay off our debt in half the time. I called the pastor the next day to tell him I would take the job and he wants me to start my training on Monday!! That job is such a blessing.

I had mentioned to Eric that I have never looked for a job. Every job I have had has come to me. I know this is a God thing. There is no other explination!

Words of Peace

I thought I would post some scriptures that I have been meditating on since last week. They have brought great comfort and peace in a time of uncertainty. All I can say is that I regret not being this enamored with God before the layoff. If the layoff was God getting our attention, it certainly worked and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Isaiah 12:2- Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11-13- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Isaiah 49:13- Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Philippians 4:6-7- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-4- Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Blessing in Disguise

Eric and I were talking this morning and we are thinking that this forced time off is a blessing is disguise. We aren't as stressed as we have been since we aren't rushing off to work and we have been spending so much time together it's been wonderful. We have also been able to work on some big cleaning projects around the house.

Yesterday I tackled our guest room (aka room of doom) and threw away a bunch of stuff that we kept for whatever reason. I was also able to vacuum, since I could see the floor after throwing stuff away and dust the furniture in there. I washed the bed linens and made the bed. Now our guest room is ready for guests!

Today I'm working on the cat room/office area. The floor needs to be vacuumed and then it's off tot he hard work of scrubbing the carpet and steam cleaning it. We have a cat that will pee on one specific area when he's mad at us. Little brat. I usually only have time to spray it with some carpet cleaner and wipe the area down, but not scrub it like I should. I'm planning on really going to town on that in just a few minutes!

We also will be working on our filing and shredding of this past years financial papers and re-organize our book shelves and desk areas. I'm dreading that actual work, but I'm looking forward to the end results! I'll reward myself later with a slice of the apple pie that is in my oven now!

We are really calm about this whole situation now. The first couple of days were hard, but we are resting in Him right now and it's the best place to be. On Tuesday we will be working on our resumes with my cousin and then Eric is going to hit the job hunt hard. He has a small lead already and we are praying that God will direct the job search.

We have decided I will get my resume ready for if I need it, but Eric will be the main one focusing on the job search. If he can't find anything great for right now, we will work on my finding a job. We are both satisfied with that direction.

God has been amazing through all of this and we could not be doing this alone. Our hope is in Him and I'm really happy about that.

I Will Praise Him in this Storm

Eric and I were laid off yesterday. To say we were surprised is the understatement of the year. It was more like we were blindsided.

I'm still in shock. If I'm not crying, I'm walking around like a zombie. Eric is doing well. He said it hasn't really hit him yet, however, he feels that God has something bigger and better for us in store. I'm so thankful for him right now, because he is my rock.

I'm scared, confused and overwhelmed and yet, I know God is there. This didn't surprise God at all. He knew it was going to happen and He knows what will happen in the future. I'm just holding onto Him with all my might as He leads us down this new path. Who knows, maybe we were given this forced time off to help us strengthen our marriage. Maybe there is an even better job out there for Eric that he never would have found if he hadn't been laid off. I'm just trusting (well, trying to trust) and praying that God will work in wondrous ways through this storm.

Since we got the news yesterday, the Casting Crowns' song Praise You in this Storm has been running through my head and today I heard it twice on the radio within 30 minutes (I was channel surfing). This will be my theme song for awhile.

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth