This just in. . .

Well, it's been well over a year since my last post and I can't believe how much God moved over the last year. As I mentioned in my last entry, I was soon to be joining the ranks of the unemployed - and happy about that, if I remember correctly - and that did happen. As of January 29, 2009 I was no longer working.

I spent that year focusing on building up the drama program with the youth at my church. We worked on a something that I've always enjoyed working on - a musical. We spent the time from August to late January rehearsing a play about Paul in his adolescent years prior to Damascus Road. We had a blast! I learned so much during this time - both about myself and the kids I worked with - and I still thank God for giving me that time. Sure, finances were tight and my hubby and I had to make cut backs, but God brought us through. Almost a year of unemployment and God met each and every one of our needs.

On January 4, 2010, I had a job interview. This would be my first interview in a year after sending out hundreds of resumes. The job market was highly competitive and I can't say that I was honestly giving it my all. Oh, I wanted the money that I'd earn while working, but I didn't want to work. I enjoyed the time off, focusing on things that were normally reserved for rare free time.

When the attorney contacted me about a possible job opening in her firm, I instantly got excited. I scheduled the interview for the following Monday at ten, got the job and started by noon! It was totally a God thing and I was awed by watching Him move.

Then came the down side. My husband, who has accepted God's call to go into youth ministry, was seriously considered for a position at a church - in Selmer, Tennessee! I couldn't believe it. After a year of unemployment (and months before that of having my confidence blown by my previous employer) I was staring a new job that seemed perfect for me. My husband and I asked the same question: which way is God moving? Does He want us to stay in Georgia for my job or move to Tennessee for a position that my husband has worked hard for?

After weeks of prayer and talks, we decided to turn down the offer to move to Tennessee and stay in Georgia. God is not a god of confusion and we were utterly confused. I felt at peace with our decision, but I felt terrible that my husband would miss out on a possibly great opportunity. As it turns out - God is so good! - the church was stepping out on faith just talking about hiring a youth minister. They weren't sure if their budget could stretch far enough to encompass paying my husband, even part-time. God prevented us from moving from Georgia to Tennessee and saved us possibly being stuck in a strange city six months later, without a job and far away from our families.

January 29, the youth performed the musical we worked so long preparing for and was met with great success. The church is still talking about their performance and I am humbled and proud that God allowed me to be a part of something so amazing.

February 4, I totaled my beautiful truck. I was so angry that it happened that I refused to look for the good that God could bring out of the bad. I worked through the pain of my minor injuries and the depression of losing a truck that so enjoyed driving. When my husband told me that the truck was totaled, I actually cried. The tears stemmed more from anger than any materialistic depression, but they were there nonetheless.

We picked up the check for the remaining balance on the truck from my insurance company and started the search for a new vehicle. Well, new to me, anyway. After a couple of weeks, we found a great jeep and bought it outright. No payments. Just a car that we desperately needed and the chance to pack away the hefty car payment we were making each month on the truck.

With the insurance money, our tax returns, and the money we are saving each month by not making a car note, my husband and I have started the process for adopting an infant. It is scary, exciting, overwhelming, exciting, daunting, and, have I mentioned exciting? With the home study now complete, we can move to the next step of applying to various adoption agencies and creating our scrapbook of sorts to show to the birth mother.

I couldn't see it then, but God moved through so much bad to finally give me the chance to pursue the delights of my heart - a child. We aren't struggling as much as we were last year, financially, but we aren't rolling in the dough either. There are many uncertainties in our future, but I have no doubt that God will meet them all - in His own way and in His own time.

My husband is still looking for that youth ministry position and we are currently struggling as our home church is searching for a new pastor, but this too shall pass. God will persevere and we will have the desires of our heart.

God's timing is perfect - though often frustrating as we are forced to remain patient and wait on Him. God's ways are perfect - though they can be painful (both physically and emotionally). God's love is perfect - though undeserved.

Thank you, Lord, for Your perfect love and Your amazing blessings! You have given me far more than I ever imagined or deserved. I will not always see Your hand at work, but I will never doubt that You are there. Holding me, guiding me, loving me, and blessing me. I delight myself in You, not for what I want you to give me, but because You deserve nothing less. Help me to always feel You and continue to do whatever it takes when I lose my way and find myself struggling on my own. Give my husband and I patience as we wait on You for his ministry and our child. Hold us and keep us, forever and always. In Christ's name, by whom I am saved, Amen