I am convinced that 2009 is going to be a great year....it just depends on how you define "great". It started out January 1st with a stomach virus like I've never had before in my life. It was horrible. Then my best friend of 25 years moved to heaven January 8th. See....it's already better because she is with our Lord Jesus ("for me to live is Christ and to die is GAIN."). But the rest of us are stuck down here with Obama and the Depression of '09.
Last Thursday I was laid-off from my Castle job. The Lord has given me His grace and peace....and strength to bear-up under the news of losing a job I dearly loved. The office workers are still wondering how I accepted the news so easily.
Yesterday Josiah was laid-off as well from the "bathroom-remodeling" division of Home Depot. In the kitchen tonight Tiffany remarked, "You two are the only people on the face of the earth...who when you lose your jobs you are happy and ready to celebrate!"
Chandler was relieved when the Castle gave me my marching orders. He didn't like me working as much as I had been working there.....but when he heard Josiah's news he was rather upset. After all....Josiah is the only person in our home with a real, full-time job. (Or was.) Immediately I told him, "Why are you so upset? You were willing to trust the Lord when I lost MY job......how is this any different? Is God suddenly not trustworthy because this is a bigger 'problem' for Him?"
God is supplying.....
> Josiah can stay on until February 20th....then he gets a couple of months severance pay.
> I am starting up my wedding business. My website will soon be finished: www.AnnWhiteWeddings.com.
> I will also be working with Forte' Events in Colorado Springs....doing weddings for them as we get bridal inquiries.
> Dear friends sent us a sweet note of encouragement....and some gift cards to Safeway!!! (and that was even before Josiah lost his job!)
So....see, I really do believe it will be a great year. We will all stay on our knees praying....and stand watching the deliverance of the Lord and the provision for His children. We aren't in this alone. Many, many families all over our nation are in the same boat (and some in much more desperate situations)....and I pray they will also learn to trust Him more.
You can join in His provision by praying....
- for increased work (inspections) for Chandler
- for new work for Josiah (he has applied for State Trooper Academy and is awaiting their reply)
- for brides, brides, brides for me!!! (I need wisdom as I try to design my website by myself!)
- the rent house we all live in is going into foreclosure and we will be asked to move soon. We need direction as to where to move...and we need jobs in order to qualify to Landlords.
- we need to know how to be an encouragement to others who don't share our hope in Jesus Christ.
- we need His grace and strength to be witnesses of the hope that lies within us...and not to be hypocritical when things are tough.
Soup anyone??
