Thankful for my job

I spent most of yesterday and today going through resumes. I have an AP bookkeeper position open. So far we have received over 500 resumes. Yes, I have read each one of them.

Per policy, I have noted:
1 - want to interview
2 - qualified, but not going to interview
3 - don't meet minimum qualifications

As I read each one of these, I prayed not only for me to make the correct decision, but that the person would find the right position.

With the economy so bad there were resumes of controllers, analysts, receptionists, even an interior designer!!

I talked with twelve people on the phone today. All but two of them I really liked. Now I have to pare down even more to a reasonable number to bring in to interview. Then, I have to pick my top two or three to let the other staff meet.

This might be an easier situation - but the position hasn't even closed!! I could get another hunderd or more the first part of next week....

One of the biggest things I am learning - I am very thankful for having a good job with a solid company.

Being Married

Today is the first day of our 20th year of marriage. Yes, yesterday (November 24) was our 19th wedding anniversary.

Funny, I can't remember my life before Brian. Though sometimes he makes me REALLY mad, he is my best friend.

One of the cool things is - we have so many plans for the future. We want to be foster parents. We want to travel. We want to spend time outdoors. We want to explore God's creation. We are excited to see how God works in and through the lives of our children.

The first 19 years were pretty amazing, I can't wait for the next 19, then the 19 after that....

Hope Springs Eternal

Reading these blogs must be really depressing. Or perhaps, it is encouraging that all this ugly stuff is happening to someone else!! But good things are happening.

Kara has a job!! She will be teaching at La Petite Academie. It is probably not the job she really wanted, but it will meet her needs. Tom had an interview today and will have a second interview sometime soon.

Last evening Jay and I had a heart to heart. I wanted him to know how much I love him and that even if we did kick him out - he was welcome to family functions including our family reunion the end of December. He told me he was tired of the lifestyle he was leading and he wanted to change. As we talked he took out all the piercings (5) and the guages. We went up to Robeks to get a smoothie and he filled out an application AND turned it in. He posted on MySpace he was going to be changing. He actually went looking for jobs today. Yes, God is faithful.

David was released from the doctor today so he can play baseball!! This is good.

We are still financially beyond broke and Brian continues to seek a position where he can do what he was called to do and fulfill the desire of his heart - to be a Police Officer.

I find it interesting there are people who say the evil one is attacking us. Why would the evil one attack so much as the attacks draw us closer to God? It doesn't really matter why we have been going through these tough times. What matters is how we respond.

As long as I have breath - I will praise the Lord!!

A Brighter Day

Things always look brighter the next day.

• Maybe it is the tears that were shed have watered the seed of hope.
• Maybe it is because I woke up this morning singing - My hope is build on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.
• Maybe it is because God was able to clear my mind and take away the negative thoughts during the night.
• Maybe it is because we are a day closer to Heaven!!
• Maybe it is because God reminded me that ALL things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (not mine).

Whatever the reason, I am at peace. God will not leave or forsake us. He has met all of our needs and He will continue to do so.

Brian already has made some contacts for new positions. I trust they will be better than where he is currently. He has also contacted an attorney. We don't want someone else to be mistreated.

Tomorrow will be even better than today!!

The End of the Saga

James 1:12 - God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

The testing/temptation continues. Today Brian was told he is no longer being considered for the officer promotion. The reason is something long ago that has been expunged - legally, it can't even be considered. But it was, and now the road we are on will change.

Yes, there will be some legal actions. Yes, there will be a job change. Yes, we are weary. And yes, I am asking God - "WHY?"

How long does the testing/temptation last? When do we get that crown of life? Will it not occur until we reach Heaven?

Perhaps I am trying to make sense out of something that makes no sense. Maybe this is where I just need to trust God, He will continue to care for us, and love us.

For now, I just want to rest in my Father's arms. Let Him hold and comfort me through this very challenging time.

The Wait Continues

The meeting between the Chief and the HR person ocurred today. The HR person said he hadn't verified if Brian is eligible for recertification. For six weeks he has done nothing. All it would take is a simple email.

The funny thing is - Brian verified this information prior to applying for this position in June of 2007. Yes, we have been on this path for sixteen months.

Sometimes I wonder what are we supposed to be learning? Why is it taking so long? I am so ready to move on to the next season of our lives.

So, we keep praying. We keep trusting God is in control.

Random Thoughts

So many random thoughts going through my head -

Love the first Friday of each month. Our Home Team has First Friday Fantastic Family Fun Fellowship (or something like that!). It is cool to just chill with our friends who are doing life with us. It is good to know we are not alone in our struggles.

Saturday evening we ate dinner with 150 of our Tres Dias friends. What a spread of food! More amazing was the worship and fellowship.

Sunday evening I was blessed to spend with the Youth Mentors. These people are awesome. So filled with love for Jesus and for our students. They are such an encouragement.

The weather has turned cold. This means my knees hurt. I try not to be a wimp. I am so holding on to the promise of new bodies when we get to Heaven!

It is tough watching my children make unwise decisions. I wish more people would show mercy rather than judge.

Praying for Brian's board approval to come quickly. There is a meeting on Thursday at noon, then the Board will meet on Tuesday, November 25. Not only will the increased salary take a HUGE load off, but Brian needs the affirmation of how valuable he is.

I love Brian. He is an incredible husband and friend. I walked into our bedroom when I arrived home from work and it smells like him. I miss him in the evenings.

God is so good to me.

The Joys of Public Education

Sunday during service Pastor Greg made the comment - God gave Adam Eve - not Steve. David wrote it down in his notes.

Today during his History class they must have been talking about homosexuality and guess what, David decides to quote Pastor Greg. His teacher was less than thrilled with the statement and told him he was intolerant.

Later on in class David made an inappropriate remark and guess what - he now has a day of in-school suspension Thursday.

I can't help but wonder if David had not made the remark about homosexuality if he would have received this punishment or if, because he voiced his beliefs, he is being treated harshly.

How do we teach our children tolerance, yet abide by what the Scripture (Romans 1)?

I work with many homosexual people, most of them are great people who have a lot to give. We agree to disagree. I hope and pray my openess and acceptance will show them some of Jesus' love.

It makes me sad our public education is not so enlightened.

Caring for Others

We are reading in Hebrews which has always seemed a bit deep to me. Well I reach chapter 6, verse 10 - "For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do."

How cool - first all, this is how I have the privilege of serving in Student Ministries - caring for other believers who just happen to be Youth Mentors.

Second, it is such an encouragement to realize our focus doesn't always have to be unbelievers. I know folks who are so caught up in sharing Jesus with others, they overlook those working alongside them.

There is a balance. Each of us need to determine what the balance is in our lives.

Growing closer to Jesus

Yesterday was a red letter day. Jay was baptized. Yes, he was baptized when he was seven. But this time he is making a committment to follow Jesus as an adult.

It took him a long and perilous path to reach this point. And, in all reality, he will still have rough times. It is exciting to watch as he is figuring out who Jesus is and who he is in Jesus. Funny thing is - he has been raised in the church, knows the right answers, but now he is living what he has been speaking.

AND, David helped baptize one of his friends - Carlos. It was cool to watch.

It is humbling to watch as God is answering the prayers of a Mom over many years. God is SO good.