Faith Filled Steps

The last few weeks have been both physically and emotionally draining for not just me but my entire family. Growing up my family moved from place to place fairly frequently. The longest I have ever lived in one city is 5 years. Very rarely did any of us truly feel like we fit in with our peer groups. Because of that it was always just the four of us and we were ok with that. Needless to say my family is extremely close. Everyone knows every one's business.

When we discovered that my parents were moving it was a pretty difficult thing to come to terms with. In fact, I don't think I completely have yet. It's been more than just hard. It's been one of the hardest things I've had to go through. My mom told me that leaving her kids like this has been the single most difficult thing she has ever done. But she also says that every time she begins having a difficult time God asks her if she trusts Him with us and He reminds her that He has a plan for us.

There is zero doubt in my mind that this move has been completely orchestrated by God. Things have fallen into place too quickly and far too smoothly for it to be anything else. The one thing that has struck me the entire time is that each step along the way has been perfectly aligned. God has not revealed multiple steps but has just laid them out one at a time asking my parents to take just one step of faith at a time. The way in which this position seemed to have come out of nowhere to my parents housing situation has been nothing short of a miracle.

When my parents left Texas over a month ago after their visit, they had nowhere to live. They were unable to find a house while they were there. In the midst of the problem of finding a house, my parents were having difficulty with their mortgage here in California like so many others as my mom hasn't worked in months. However, not even a week after they came back from their trip, one of the couples in the church received news that an older man they had been helping out passed away and because he had no family, he left his house to them. It turns out this house is huge (2400 sq ft on about 1/2 acre) and would be available for my parents to rent (at a rate that was about 1/3 of what they had been previously paying). What an amazing blessing!

Well, there was still the problem of my parents house. My parents desperately wanted to be able to refinance the house at a much lower rate so that J.R. and I could live there and be a lot more comfortable financially. Well, it seems that wasn't quite in God's plan. But we're ok with that. As we were loading up the truck with all my parents belongings a lady came up to the house. She told us she was a realtor and was wondering what my parents were going to do with the house. They told her that they were going to attempt to sell the house. She then informed them that she had a client that was interested in a house in the area and asked if he could come look at the house.

My parents were a little hesitant at first as the house was in a complete mess as we were packing up a truck. The realtor said not to worry and she called her client. Two minutes later he was there looking through the house. Last week the realtor called my mom and told her her client was ready to put in an offer and was just waiting for the for sale sign. That's just not something that happens everyday. We are all in complete awe of how great God is at planning out every single little step and that all he requires is for you to put one foot forward in faith. Incredible.

More on my actual trip to Texas later.

A Great Weekend

Before I get back to my wonderful trip to Colorado (and yes I have some pics!!) I wanted to talk about my wonderful weekend. Friday, my mom picked me up and we grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading to the movies. We ended up seeing Bride Wars. It was really cute and we both enjoyed. After we went back to my house where we found J.R. and Travis bowling. So my mom joined us for a couple of games. My mom is really too good at this game. She beats us all almost every time. It's crazy.

Friday night we had our home group. The evening started out a bit rough as we got the times mixed up. Then it got considerably worse when we went to the store to pick up some soda for the evening and discovered we only had 61 cents in the bank. Fantastic. I sat in the car and tried to calm myself down before going inside. I was upset. I'm just so tired of this whole thing. I managed to calm myself down and we managed to have a good time. We brought our Wii over so after we played for a while. It was a nice evening.

Saturday J.R.'s mom was coming back from her brother's cabin in the mountains and stopped to have lunch with us. We had a nice lunch. Then we met my family to spend the rest of the day with them as it was my mom's birthday. We saw The Day The Earth Stood Still. It was ok. It was pretty slow and not a lot of action. We then went to my parents where we had pizza and played Wii.

My mom enjoyed her day and I have to say so did I. I'm really so very proud of her. After she lost her job last year she felt like God was telling her to move in a different direction as far as the type of work she was supposed to do. She considered a few things but she kept thinking about how much she loved being a pharmacist assistant before I was born. So she looked into doing that again. Well, these days you have to be certified in order to do that. She was very timid about going back to school but I encouraged her that she would do fine. Well, she's doing more than fine. She could have finished her first class in less than a week. She actually had to slow herself down so she could get her next set of books ordered. So I'm really proud of her. And I'm happy to see how excited she is about the possibilities there are for her.

Sunday was church. I always enjoy church more when I'm not having to do the overhead. So that was nice. Sunday afternoon we went to my parents for lunch. Then J.R. got a text from his mom telling him she would buy the Wii Fit for us! We were so excited so we ran right out and got one. We spent the rest of the day playing with that. It's so much fun! So that was exciting. I love this little machine. It's really changed our lives. We rarely watch any tv any more. We are so much more active. J.R. has already lost 5 pounds just by doing that and nothing else. We also spend a lot more time together as a family. Usually, when we are at my parents we are all in separate rooms doing our own things. Lately, we are all together playing games. It's fantastic and probably the greatest advantage of having this thing. My mom is obsessive about trying to find one for herself.

Last night we took the whole system over to Travis and Melissa's. We had a lot of fun playing once again. I told J.R.'s mom that if nothing else this stupid thing has made J.R. and I a lot more popular. ; )

By the way, I could use your prayers. A little less than a year I was having heart problems. My heart seemed to be skipping a beat. I learned it wasn't really skipping a beat. It was more along the lines of a delayed beat. It's not very fun, though it doesn't hurt. Well, of course as soon as they began testing me for it, it went away and I was fine. The last few days it has reared its ugly head again. My heart has been doing this more and more frequently. I'm not sure why and I don't like it one bit. So if you could pray for me on this I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Oh and I'll leave you with a picture of a cake my mom and I did a couple weeks ago! (And yes we made those flowers!)

Christmas Already?

I can't believe that Christmas is a week away! This month has flown by. I'm just about done Christmas shopping which is great. Once I'm done the wrapping will start. We've kept things pretty low key this year. We obviously can't afford to go all out. But I'm ok with that. Besides the whole presents thing is not why I love this time of year. My tree has been up since the day after Thanksgiving. I love it!

Ok so that is a picture from last year as you can see there are presents and I just said I hadn't wrapped any yet. But nothing has changed from last year as we have an artificial tree and we have no camera at the moment.

Not too much has happened in the last couple of weeks. I did finish my creative writing class. I'll be honest I didn't put my full effort into the class after the first couple of weeks. I'm sure I squeaked by with a B. I should have gotten an A. I would have gotten an A if I had really tried. But they are right when they say its hard to go back to school. I didn't think it would be for me but it really was getting back into the swing of having assignments due and that sort. I'm used to giving out assignments not doing them. :) So that's over and done with. I'm glad I did it. I did learn a lot. But I'm also very glad its over with.

As far as working, well, that hasn't been going too well. If you remember a few months back I said I had a job. I was very excited about it. And I do have a job. It just doesn't do much good if you aren't actually working. That's right. They haven't given me any students yet so even though I have a job, I'm not working. That sucks. We are still muddling through and God is continuing to be a faithful provider.

We are looking into moving. Where we aren't sure. We're praying about that one. We don't know if we are supposed to move into a place locally that is a little cheaper (though we'd really like it if our landlady would drop our rent, we'll see about that one. I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to lose us as renters. But I also know she's pretty cheap.) We'll just have to see what God has in store for us. I'm excited and anxious about it. I just want some answers already. :)

Finally, the last few weeks my family has been in a mad rush to plan a quick trip. My mom got news that her dad wasn't doing too well. She's been telling me for months that she feels like she needs to go see her dad. So that phone call from her mom sealed the deal. The day after Christmas we are borrowing the church van (thank God for that!) and heading to Colorado. Pray that the roads will be clear for us. We definitely don't want to have to drive through the snow and ice.

It's been over 8 years since we've gone to see my grandparents. The last (and only time) they came to see us was when I graduated from grad school. Yep that's right they didn't even show up for my wedding. I don't totally blame them. The travel is really difficult on them and my grandmother freaks out at the traffic here. They live in a little town out in the country so Southern California is a huge change.

It's going to be a big surprise. My uncle (who I haven't seen since I was 10) is going to be there. My aunt has decided to go as well. Some of my cousins might even show up which would be nice. The more the better. I'm also pretty excited about showing J.R. around Colorado. That has always been home for my family (even though I haven't lived there since I was 4.) He's never been and it's just so beautiful.

So that's what's been going on with me the last few weeks. There are a few more things. But I'll get to them later.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I figured I would use this post to count the many blessings I have in my life. So here goes, one for every year I've been alive.

1. My salvation - The best gift ever given.

2. My relationship with God - I don't know where I would be without Him.

3. My husband - He is the second greatest thing God has given me. I'm so incredibly thankful that he is a part of my life.

4. My parents - I am so lucky to have two wonderful parents. They are such a great example. I couldn't ask for better parents.

5. My brother - I am very lucky to have such a great brother and the growing relationship we have.

6. My family - Some may say this is a little redundant, however, for me there is a big difference between my immediate family and the rest of my family. And I'm very thankful for them all. All my grandparents are still alive and I hope that one day I can give them great grandchildren.

7. My church family - Because we don't live very close to any of our family (never have really), our church family is very important. I'm so glad to have such a wonderful place where I can go and feel supported.

8. My friends - Growing up I never had many friends. We moved so often and I was very shy, so it would take me a long time to find good friends. I am so thankful that I have been able to cultivate a good group of friends.

9. Hope in God's promises - I am so thankful that I can hold on to the promises of God because He does not lie and what He promises He will do. That is a wonderful thing to be able to hold on to in the midst of any trial.

10. My health - I may not be in the greatest of shape, but things could be far worse. I am so thankful that my body is healthy, as well as the rest of my family.

11. My home - I am so thankful that I have a nice home where I am safe and secure.

12. My car - I am thankful that we have a nice little car that is reliable and will get us where we need to go.

13. My citizenship - I am thankful to live in a country where I am free to speak my mind, live my life, and worship how I want to. That is an incredible gift.

14. My education - I am so thankful that I was able to get a good education.

15. Food - I don't have to worry about where my food will come from. I don't have to worry about going hungry. That is truly a wonderful thing to be thankful for.

16. Water - These are basic needs, however, much of the world has to worry about these things. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about being able to get clean water.

17. California - While I may not always be thrilled with the state I am living in, it is a wonderful place to live. I am very spoiled to be living here. People spend their entire lives saving to be able to come on vacation here once. I get to live here.

18. My cats - This may seem silly. But they bring me such comfort. They are wonderful to have around and my house would be so quiet without them.

19. J.R.'s job - I am very thankful that he has a steady job. I don't know where we would be without it. While things aren't wonderful financially at his job, it is a secure job.

20. My job - Even though I haven't started working yet and I'm still trying to find another job, I am thankful for the job I know that God will provide for me.

21. God's provision - I am so very grateful for God's provision during this difficult time for J.R. and I. Despite my not working we have been surviving through God's provision.

22. Rain - It's just started raining again. It's much needed and I love it!

23. My blog - I'm so thankful for a place where I can express myself. And more importantly I'm thankful for all the wonderful people I've met through blogging.

24. My future children - I may not know when they will come, but I am so thankful that one day I will be able to hold my children.

25. My clean house - It's taken a while to get to this point and I'm hoping I can hang on to it. But I'm so thankful that for the last few weeks I've had a clean house.

26. My mother in law - As much as she can drive J.R. and I crazy, she is really wonderful to help us out whenever we need it.

27. My former students - While many of them caused me quite a bit of aggravation, I learned so much from them. I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend with them.

28. My books - I am thankful that I am able to have such a large collection of one of my favorite things.

So Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful day spent with friends and family!

I GOT A JOB!!!

I GOT A JOB!!!!! And yes I'm yelling that at the top of my lungs. Finally, finally, finally. I'm really excited about it. I got a call yesterday from a tutoring company. They noticed my resume on one of the many job search sites I signed up with. It's only part time work. But I get to schedule my own hours and pick what I want to tutor. She also informed me that they have a lot of clients in the area. So it looks like I'll have a pretty easy time staying busy.

It's probably going to take a few weeks before I actually start. I have to get all my information in, do a livescan (fingerprints) again for the 4th or 5th time. Plus I apparently lost my Social Security card. Not sure how I did that. But now I have to wait for them to send me one. Hopefully it won't take too long. But the important thing is I have a job!! Woo Hoo!

I was really excited about simply having a job. Then I began to calculate how much I would be making if I worked the full 25 hours they'll allow me to work. I was stunned. I wouldn't need another job. I could work part time and make just as much, if not a bit more, as I was working at a full time teaching job. That's a little sad. But I'm really excited about it.

I'm completely flabbergasted at how great God is. He is exceeded my expectations here. I plan on still looking for maybe another part time job or I might sub. We can use all the extra money we can get. I'd really like to get completely out of debt. That would be a big relief. I can't hardly express how excited I am and how grateful I am to God for His every provision.

God's Provision

Throughout this whole situation of my not having a job, I've been nervous. I've wondered how we are going to get through this. I wonder when a job will come along. It's not easy feeling like your entire life is at a standstill. But I know God works through ALL things. I know that He is using this time to teach J.R. and I some lessons and to cause us to grow. That's usually not an easy thing. So I'm trying to learn what I can (as fast as I can) so I can move on to the next step.

In the midst of all my questions God continues to tell me one thing. He keeps telling me "I am your provider." Everytime I start to worry and wonder, God steps in and says, "I am your provider." It's been wonderful to hear that time and time again. I'll be honest, it doesn't stop me from worrying all the time. But it does give me a peace of mind to know that God is my provider no matter what circumstances in life may come.

It is one thing to hear that God is my provider. However, living and walking that out can be difficult. Over the past few weeks God has proved His faithfulness to J.R. and I time and time again. Some of these are just small little things. Others are huge. Either way they are reminders that what God says is true and that He will provide for us. So I just wanted to take a minute to give praise to my God that has provided for us. I also want to get this down in writing so I won't forget his every provision.

For example:

1. A few weeks ago J.R. and I were at a Bible study. During that time, we prayed as a group that I would find a job and that God would provide for our needs. When we got home there was a message on the machine offering me $200 to be involved in a survey. Woo Hoo!
2. Over the past almost 2 weeks, J.R. and I have had to pay for a total of 3 dinners for ourselves. The rest of the time we have been to friends and family for dinner. That has definitely saved us quite a bit of money.
3. My mom has been wanting me to do a website for her cake company for a LONG time. She finally got my dad to get all her pictures uploaded so I could work on it. I finished it last week. On our weekly hang out time (my mom has Friday's off so we usually spend some time together. It's been really nice.), she gave me a card thanking me for all my hard work and $100. Amazing!
4. At church on Sunday, a friend of mine walked up to me during our time of offering. (Our church does offering in a rather unusual way. I love it! Rather than having buckets passed around, people bring their offering and place them in buckets in front of the church. It's not about showing off that you are giving or the pastors checking to make sure you are giving. It's seen as an act of worship to bring your offering to God. I think it's cool.) Anyway. She came up to me and gave me a hug. She shoved something in my hand and quickly said, "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do." Then she rushed off. She had given me a check for $100. I began crying. (As I'm writing this I began to cry again.) I was so touched because I know they don't have a lot of money. But I know that they were being obedient to God. I knew God was taking care of us. Because of her gift and the money my mom gave me, we were able to make rent this month. We wouldn't have otherwise.

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the
ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are
all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many
sparrows.

~ Matthew 10:29-31

The Sad and the Good

This week was a sad week. Our Disneyland passes expired. We've had them for two years now and really enjoyed them. But we can't rationalize spending all that money this time around so we let them go. Friday after J.R. got off work (he gets off at 1:30 on Fridays) we went to Disneyland for one last time. We had a blast. That new Toy Story ride is so much fun. For us it was really nice having the passes because we could always go just to have a nice dinner or it was just a place to get away from it all. So we will miss having our passes. Hopefully we might get them again sometime in the future.

Finally, I wanted to say how amazing God is. I've really been trying not to worry about our whole financial situation. God continues to tell me that He is my provider. I believe it but when you don't see where its going to come from its scary. A few weeks ago my friend gave me the following scripture.

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

It's a great scripture but I have yet to fully understand what it means for me in my situation. I know it has to do with my job and that situation but I'm not sure what it means for it. So I guess I continue to wait. (Ha! No pun intended.)

But as to why God is amazing (sorry got a little sidetracked). Last week I got a call asking if I would be willing to participate in a survey. I said sure as I don't have anything better to do. Oh yeah and they would pay me $200. Um yeah I'll give you my opinion for $200. So that's what I did yesterday. I sat in on a study group about cars of all things. There's also the possibility for more money if they decide to do an in home interview. So I am just grateful to God because I know He's going to take care of me one way or another.