Change happens. It most certainly does. Life would be dull, monotonous and boring without it. The time has come for change in our lives. I guess the Lord thought we needed a bit of a challenge to shake things up a bit, keep us on our toes, take our lives to a different level.
For the past couple of months we have been waiting to find out if Joel would be laid off from his job. At first mention of the possibility I felt the fear of the unknown grip my heart. For several days I played the “what if” game. Then after stewing over it I decided I better just give it to the Lord. I surely wasn’t going to be able to do anything about it. My days continued on and I pushed the whole problem to the back of my mind. Until last Wednesday when Joel came home telling me he had heard that his position in the plant would be gone on Friday. Anxiety about the future took hold. It was all I could think about. How were we going to manage this?
Friday came. Friday went. And life continues.
Joel still has a job (in a different part of the plant) but he will only be working 20-25 hours a week. We are going to have to get creative and find some other ways to earn some money. As you know part-time work doesn’t pay the bills no matter how simply you live. Thankfully we do live simply and do not have outstanding debt on anything except our house.
I am going to be looking into tutoring some students. I haven’t done it for the past 7 years, but hopefully I can find some students who are in need of a little extra help. I already have one student lined up for the summer. The search begins for a few more.
Thank you to each and everyone of you who left me comments, e-mailed or called (thanks Bevy). I appreciate all the support.
We are keeping our eyes on the Lord. He is our strength and He alone will guide us through the days to come. Without Him this would seem insurmountable.
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come…’ Isaiah 35:3-4
((smiling)) I can't help but do that...right now.
ReplyDeleteNot in a spiteful way - but merely out of confidence that comes from "our strength and hope is in the Lord" kind of smiling. More like a JOY!
It doesn't make it any easier, but in that, it's the knowing that HE IS IN CONTROL of ALL things...and we're not...that helps to keep our hearts and minds in perspective.
You've just totally encouraged me with your heart's desire to keep the Lord - front and center.
Praying for you, Jenn. ((hugs))
I will be praying for you and your family during this time of change. I hope it goes as easily as it can for all of you. Take Care.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the scripture you chose. There's nothing like trials to strengthen our dependance on Him. I'm praying for you and hope that the tutoring opportunity happens for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful testimony of God's grace in your lives! Moment by moment WITH Him...and HE will provide! Hang in there...I will pray for you that the LORD will guide and give everything that you need.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Camille
I feel for you all. Been in this before.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers. God's plan is perfect.
Lots of love to you.
We are walking this road now--underemployment--since March, 2009. It does teach so much! God has provided for our family of six all this time. We are still making our house payment. My husband added a temporary job with the Census to his part-time work.
ReplyDeleteI will pray for you! The first several weeks are the hardest, and then your heart will settle down. God will show himself to be faithful!
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteUnemployment can be a very exciting time! I'm not making light of your situation at all...I've been there...I am there!
God is faithful and He provides. I cannot make out a budget but the bills always get paid.
I will pray for you. Keep us posted.
Carol
Hang in there, sis! You've got it right! Keep your eyes on Him!
ReplyDeleteI continue to pray for you and your family!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you, friend. This is a beautiful post about how only God can bring peace in uncertain times...thanks for sharing with all of us :).
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you and your family too!
ReplyDeleteJen, came over for sweet shot and clicked your ramblings link... We have been out of work for a couple of months after knowing it was coming for over a year. It is not easy, but it sure makes us lean on the Lord and trust in His plan and His perfect timing... really hard because our timing says we need a job NOW:) I just remind my husband to keep his feet planted in Truth and not in fear. Praying for your family in Oregon...
ReplyDeleteHeather
I's so sorry to say, been there...done that. It's tough and so not easy when your right in the middle of upheaval. Take it from an old gal who's been through it, really, God doesn't close those doors without openin' a window or two. When God closes a door it's because he has something greater out there for ya. I pray peace and growth for you during this time of uncertainty. I'm prayin' for you and your precious family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and have a glorious day in Him.
Oh, I'm so sorry. That is indeed scary. I pray God will meet your needs in an awesome, unexpected way(s)! Good for you for living a debt-free life. It would be so much more stressful if you weren't. I'm praying peace over you guys!
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