A List

It would really be impossible for me to list all of ways the Lord cared for us these last weeks.  I'm certain there are many things that went unseen.  Here are a few things I am not too blind to miss...

1.Timing
One week after school let out- our most inexpensive time of year.
Two weeks shy of a bonus, which by law is a requirement for that bonus to be paid.
The week after all of our bills were paid for the month.
The beginning of the month allowing our insurance coverage to last that entire month (during which we got all exams taken care of).
A whole summer off:).

2. Within days of his being let go we were already in contact with the VP of the company that is now his employer.  That gave us a good deal of hope early on.

3. Our new insurance began two days before our kids when back to school, and the first day of his employment.  It also has orthodontic coverage, as well as all my favorite doctors, dentist, and eye doctor being in network.

4. Another company called the day after this offer was accepted.  He wanted that one too, but it was just another way God was made a clear path.

5. While we were fortunate enough to have savings to carry us through, it was not with a whole lot of excitement we contemplated that type of savings depletion.  Graciously we saw a far smaller impact on our savings than what we anticipated. 

6. A hiring freeze.  The day of his hiring we were told that a hiring freeze had been put on the entire company because of the economy.  The VP had wanted to hire two salesmen and was told he could have one.  John was the one. 

7. Peace.  He truly does give a peace that passes all understanding and I experienced that.  It got to the point (because the hiring process can be sooo long) that I was just like "I don't really want him to get this job if it isn't the right one."  And I meant it.  I was at ease nearly the entire time.

8. Moving on.  John was long overdue to move on from his old job.  As odd as this sounds it was truly a blessing to have this happen.  It was proving very difficult for him bring himself to leave and this way we can trust that the timing was right and that it was the right thing for him.

9. Discovering that our friends truly care for us.  It brings a lump to my throat even now to dwell on the ways that our friends surrounded us during this.  Coming over early to talk with me, many many kind words of encouragement, picking up tabs, countless prayers, emails, phone calls, texts, im's.  I always knew that I had great friends.  But it is really amazing when you see them move into action and rally around you.

10. Our family is incredible.  The monetary gifts alone from our families were pretty astounding.  They allowed us to enjoy many activities this summer without having the 'oh, man, this is gonna cost us' feelings.  Cards, gift cards, tabs being paid, clothes being bought, a car being lent.  I don't even have adequate words for how much that meant to us.

I have to say, we have weathered some storms in our lives.  They aren't a whole lot of fun when you're in them.  But each time we come out, all breathless and dripping wet, I know that I would never trade them.  These are my times of growth.  My peaks rather than valleys in this Relationship.  I have never been let down.  And each time this weird (to the world) thing happens: I recognize a little more fully that He allows all this to come into my life.  And most importantly He can be glorified through it.  I don't need to fear it, I just need to lean on Him.  He will be strong through me.  I'm not saying I'm good at it.  Just that I recognize it. 

How about this quote from Stonewall Jackson in response to a captain who was awed by the General's calm manner on the battlefield: "Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed.  God has fixed the time for my death.  I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me."  That from a man who rode around on a horse commanding men with bullets whizzing by.   
Jobloss Schmobloss.

So? I like things clean.

I wash library books.

It all started one rainy afternoon. Holland and I had returned home from the library giddy over our large pile of borrowed treasures. Popcorn was popped, pillows piled, a plethora of publication perfection. Alliteration. So fun. Moving on.
Tucker's Spooky Halloween is Holland's favorite book all year long and after having returned it late the previous time and not being able to renew (devastation) it was good to have Tucker back.

Apparently Tucker should never have been allowed to leave our home.

The first few pages were just like old times, that dog sure is determined to have a spooky costume, I mean really, if ever a dog was going to find a way to frighten the crap out of some poor unsuspecting two year old trick or treaters, it's Tucker. Kudos, Tucker. Kudos.
It was then that the defaming was discovered. Right there on little Tucker's cowboy hat was some snot nosed kid's gift to every other Tucker reader out there.
Holland's reaction: "Aaaahhh! Is that a BOOGER? Gross! Who would do that? Who would do that to Tucker? You have to get that off, Mommy!". To which I said, "Oh no I don't! You get if off!" To which she reminded me how I'm the grown up and she is the kid and how I should really take my responsibilities a little more seriously. Or something like that.
The booger was successfully removed but we were both a little scarred.
I just couldn't handle the thought of my girls taking library books anywhere near their beds or not washing their hands after reading them. Or heck, having them in the house at all. 

So. Now I wash library books. Obviously not paper pages. But board books get a thorough germ killing wipe down before they ever enter a child's room.
It takes forever.  But all fear is removed.
And if you'd like a list of our current check outs I can get that right over to you.

Clean books air drying. 

Yes, I drink Diet Dew while I clean them.

It takes forever.

An Answer

I never cease to be amazed at the timing, provision, and caring of my Good God.

In this economy the average job search is now lasting nine months. 

Ours was 8 weeks.

If I were the person still searching for nine long months, I would imagine I would become desperate and finally take any job that came along.

We are looking at two amazing opportunity's and are feeling torn over which one to take.

I don't know how people make it through without having Him to lean on.  He has been a constant source of peace to us.  He has sent us many a friend and family member to care for us and encourage us.  And he has provided thoroughly.

I love these lyrics by Mark Harris...

I don't have a God I can put on a stand
Or a God I hold in the palm of my hand
I have a God that's holding me

And I don't have a God that I can create
In the place I live with the money I make
I have a God, He made everything

So I don't need a temporary man-made deity
When I got the real thing, I got the real thing

He's the Lord of all the earth, the maker of all things
He alone is the one true God
Kingdoms rise and fall but even through it all
He remains the one true God

My God is big enough to handle whatever comes my way and He is always consistent.  I'm so thankful that this is the case. I don't know what good a God would be to me if he weren't much larger than I am.  My God not only holds the whole universe by His might, but He also holds my life.

Phew!

Matthew 6: 25-34

Night

In the distance I can hear the thunder that awoke her, sending her scurrying through a dark house to find her comforter. 
A lot more weighs on me than just this warm bundle in my arms. 
She sighs causing me to look down. Her little rosebud mouth turns slightly up at the corners causing me to wonder whether she really sleeps or merely feints it, to keep me nearby. I don't move. This one is rarely still. 
My mind drifts. What is He doing?  What is planned?  "He is already in your future and He already has a solution" rises up. 
She stirs, eyes slowly blink, smacks her lips. "Are you ready to go back to bed?" No, her head shaking says. 
The room lightens, white light briefly illuminates little girl necessities. A dress up crown. Slippers. 
How much longer, Lord?  Won't you sit beside me and tell me the plans You have for me?  I'm trying to do this well for You. Your hand has been so present, so merciful through so many. But decisions are pressing. 
Soft rhythmic breathing. Soft beautiful face at rest. I lift this little one and place her carefully, securely, quietly back in bed. 
Thoughts send me scurrying to find Him in my dark. My comforter. 
He will carry me. 

Slipping By

Summer, summer, summer.  Where are you going summer?  All your hot, sunny, happy days are blending together and speeding by before I can even catch up. 
I love you summer.  Say you won't go.
Amen.