Happy Birthday Mom

Today is Mom's 79th Birthday, and I feel very blessed to still have her in my life. Many of my friends don't have their mother with them still, and the older we both get, the more I don't take that for granted!

Happy Birthday Mom! I Love You

Still around

Well, hello.

It's been awhile since I've been on. Just the busyness of life is all I can say. I wish I could say it's been because we were away on some exotic beach somewhere, but not true! Just normal everyday life. We've had a fellowship luncheon at church that I was in charge of, small groups, Ladies Bible study, mentoring, of course finding time to spend time with family in there, a little cleaning and laundry thrown in the mix, and you get the picture.

We are going to Greg and Deb's tomorrow evening for dinner and that is a nice treat. I have been doing a lot of cooking lately so it's a nice break for me. Besides, there is nothing I like better than being with my kids and grand kids. The boys are coming home with us to spend the night so we will have a fun Saturday with them.

Nothing much else going on---just wanted to let you know I still exist

Until next time

Thankful for God's provision

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

This is a verse our daughter Amy claimed as her life verse as a very young teenager when some devastating events took place in her life. She has clung to it through out her life in hard times and I know now as she struggles without complaint with what lupus is doing to her health and body she still clings to it.

It is a verse that has meant much to Gary and I through our years, but I don't think we have seen it so real as it as played out in out lives over the last several months. For those of you who aren't aware, I will share, for those of you who are, bear with me.

Gary was laid off from his job November 1. A job that we thought he would retire from. With the failing car business big cuts needed to be made, he was the biggest expense , so he had to go. We were shocked. He made phone calls to everyone he knew in the business.....no one had anything...of course not...they were all in the same boat!! He finally got a call from a friend at Twin Pine..Gary Z. (a great christian guy I might add) and he offered him a customer service manager position. Not the position he had been in for years of running a dealership...but a job , with half the pay. It was the only the door the Lord had opened..so he took it. The hours were like part time......M-F 9-5! He hadn't had those hours for 25 years., but there were concerns.
We were going to have to get a car...we had never had to have one, it was always furnished, and with that would be insurance, and maintenance...more expenses with a lot less pay. Were we really going to be able to make it?? We were going to have to go on a budget, which we have never had to live on ( not that it has been a bad thing--should have done this long ago )
The Lord was in control! When the final details were being hashed out before Gary started he was told they knew he had always had a car furnished before so they decided to give him one here, too. Also they were going to pay for his gas!!! This was huge..he was no longer just up the street from work, he was driving 25+miles one way now. They have also given him opportunities to sell on Saturday's and make appointments in the evenings. He has gotten bonuses, and other extras. Every paycheck has had extra on it. The Lord's provision is amazing!!!!
It has been such a blessing to see the Lord providing our each and every need. His promises are true...we CAN trust in Him!!! He knows the plans HE has for us!!

on a side note...Gary did get a call from a place that would have been his first choice to go work....the day he started at Twin Pine. He wouldn't go back on his word to Gary Z. He told this friend our son Greg would be perfect for the job...long story short, they interviewed Greg and he got the job!!! The Lord took care of of Greg and Deb and their family, too. His provision for them was all in the right timing...His timing!!

lessons learned

There were many things that stood out to me from my study of Job but the 2 that stood out the most are these

1. God is all powerful and is all knowing. God is all wise. His will is always perfect. We don't always understand His ways---just like Job's suffering didn't make sense. He was a good person, and isn't life supposed to be great for them? Be happy...run smoothly, prosper, maybe a sick day here and there, but no major problems...right? That is sometimes how we think. When Job was at his lowest point.. in despair..God spoke to him showing him His great power and wisdom. Will He do less for us today..does He care less for us today?

2. We have to trust in God...even in the midst of our sufferings. Job never placed his hope in his experience, family,wealth, wisdom or health. Job focused on God. Job never gave up on God! At times God may seem far away We may be lonely, doubt his care for us...but my friends...He is there! He loves us, and cares for us. We should serve God for WHO he is, NOT what we feel, because God is sufficient....we MUST hold on to him!

Job shows us God is ALL we need, if we have nothing left in life but Him...He IS ENOUGH!!!!

Words of encouragement

Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold

I was reading in the book of Job today for my devotions. I love that book because if we are all honest we question why trials come into our lives and marriages...sickness, suffering, and attacks come our way...all the daily stuff that bog us down. But God is beyond our comprehension and we cannot know why He allows each instance of suffering to come into our lives. Our part is simply to remain faithful.

For our family that is going thru the fire right now.....endure the flame, for our friends that are struggling in their marriage.....stand strong thur the testing and stay faithful.

Those who endure the testing of their faith will experience God's great rewards in the end.

We love you and are praying for you!!

Getting ready to party

After a great morning service and lunch with Greg , Deb and the boys we headed to Sam's to get our Super bowl party goodies. We always host our small group party and provide the pizza's and drinks. We picked up a few more pickings while we were there, of course. I just did a quick swipe thru the house and sat down to rest for a couple of minutes. The gang will arrive at 6:00, so not much down time today. Hope your team wins.......happy partying!!!