September 26, 2011

I just realized I haven't made a blog post in several days.  It's been a busy past week or so.  Chris does start a new job today.  He will be working at a local used car dealer. Part of his job will be spent working on their computers, the other part manning the office.  It's hourly so don't have to rely on commission.  He will have two days a week where he will help customers and if he sells a car does get commission.  It's not a perfect job, but it's a job!  He does not get benefits so for now, he does not have health insurance.  I told him to try and stay healthy and not injure himself anymore!!!!


He still has possibilities with other companies that do offer benefits, so if one of those gets offered to him he will take it.


But, for now...he is working!!!   Praise the Lord!

September 17, 2011

We are nearing the end of week 3 with Chris still on the job hunt.  He gets very frustrated with me as I tend to worry and be more concerned about things then he is.  He is able to put more trust in God, that he will take care of us then I am.  I try, I really, really try.  But, the end of the month is nearing when our bills need to be paid.  And he has no job, and there is no unemployment money coming through yet.  I don't make a whole lot in my two part-time jobs...so, yes, I worry. 


We are hoping and praying Chris gets a phone call this week with some kind of job offer.  He did have a offer to cook at  restaurant in DeMotte, but it was only on weekends and some evenings.  We both prayed about this.  It was not many hours, not consistent work and would have greatly inhibited the things he needs to do to pursue his ministry as a LLP in the Methodist Church.   He has several things coming up in the near future which he needs to do that fall on Saturdays and Sundays.  He decided to turn down that job.  Risky move?  Maybe.  But, he can now take the Basic Lay Speaker Course and he is also filling in for another minister at two churches down by Lafayette.  Things that will really help in his LLP work.

I did get  break from all my worries last weekend.  A friend of mine from church and I attended a ladies retreat.  It took place at a retreat center down by Nashville, Indiana.  It was sponsored by the church a good friend of my from high school attends.  There was a speaker, and other activities all with a great group of ladies.  The area down there is so beautiful and the retreat center is like going away to a nice hotel.  I am already looking forward to attending next year.



For now, one day at a time. 

September 9, 2011

Patience.  It is not my virtue.  I have struggled all my life with being patient.  Being an impatient person usually only results in causing undue stress on yourself.  It can also cause you to be careless.  Like when you are trying to do something, get impatient because it is taking too long...only resulting in whatever you are doing to take longer.  I'm sure if I looked I would find many Proverbs in the Bible on the evils of being impatient.

I am impatient right now.  Chris has only one actual job offer.  It's not a job that one can retire on, but it is a job.  Cooking for a restaurant on the weekends, about 20 hours a week.   In today's economy, I should be grateful he will be doing something that will bring in some money.  But, I am impatient.  Why can't he find a position that will pay better and help us pay our bills better.  He does have several job possibilities that would offer more hours and more pay...but, they are just possibilities.  And his unemployment still has not been approved.   I am impatient.  Impatient because the end of September is going to come upon us fast.  Then, October when what we have put away in the bank will need to be pulled out to cover bills.  Then, nothing in the bank.


Then today I found out the Angel Food program that our church uses has suspended service for the month of September.  It's a sad note when even organizations such as this, who strive to help people buy food at a cheaper price then the store, is hit by the tough economic times.  Chris and I have been buying through Angel Food for well over a year now.  I had already placed an order for a chicken box this month and I learned today, no orders.  The company is hoping to reorganize and restart in October.  

Patience, patience, patience.  That and a full faith in God.  Why do I struggle with these two things?  Why do I put so much stress on myself?  I envy people who just turn all their problems over to the Lord.   I need to search some of these people out and try to figure out how they have such peace within themselves.

September 8, 2011

We are at the end of week two of Chris being unemployed. He does have a few prospective job offers, but nothing official yet. His unemployment has still neither been approved or denied. We just keep moving along day to day.

I’m nearing the end of my “Read the Bible in 90 Day Class’. Second time through. I am still amazed at the things I’m noticing the second time through that I failed to notice the first time. I’m sure if I read the Bible 10 more times I would also find things I missed, or don’t remember from previous readings.

This weekend I and a friend from church are traveling to a ladies retreat. The church my best friend from high school belongs to puts on this retreat each year. I went last year and had a really nice time. This year LuAnn is going with. I have been looking forward to this for many months.

It is also the one year anniversary of the loss of our dog Rudy. It’s hard to believe a year has passed. He was a great dog and I still miss a whole bunch.

September 3, 2011

It is Labor Day Weekend. Today it's really warm, but tomorrow it's suppose to cool off to Fall like temps. Can't wait for that. We are at the end of the first week of Chris losing his job. It's been kind of an emotional roller coaster this week. He is confident he will be securing another job soon. My brain works differently then his, and I have been thinking ahead as to how we will be if he does not get a job...and also if he does not get approved for unemployment. Situations like this make you rethink anything you might want or need to buy when you go to the store.

We did venture to the Farmer's Market today and bought large bag of green beans. We both love homegrown green beans and are going to make them with dinner today. We also bought something we do not normally buy. A huge box of overripe tomatoes. They only cost 4 dollars. Tomorrow we are going to attempt to make homemade spaghetti sauce with these and freeze it for use later on. I've found several recipes that seem simple using fresh tomatoes. The most tedious part will be the pealing and seeding these tomatoes. Tomorrow is supposed to be cool and rainy...perfect day for something like this.

The practical side of my brain is thinking about how many meals I can get out of these tomatoes if our sauce is successful. Total cost for this whole thing will probably be no more then 10 dollars. I picked up a couple bags of onions and already have fresh basil that we grew. Might just need a little more olive oil. So, we'll see how it goes.

I also stopped yesterday at a local resale place because I really, really need a winter coat. Along with stress, I eat. And in the last year or so I have gained at least 50 pounds. Don't have many clothes that fit and can't afford to buy new. Resale shops have become my friend. I did find a new coat there..it is a tad big, but for 10 bucks I can deal with too big. Also got a couple tops and a pair of jeans. I'm going to stop back on Tuesday, which is half price day, because the lady there said she had a bunch more jeans to put out that were in my size. $2.50 jeans on half price day.

This morning I went for a walk and during that whole walk I had a long talk with God. I know he will take care of us and that he has his reasons for why Chris lost his job again. I just sometimes wish he would clue me in a little on what those plans are. My friend Karen and I both have what we like to call a "security gland". And my security gland has been on overload this week. Chris and I were just getting ourselves back on our feet after a rough year last year, and now this. I do realize there are a lot of folks way worse off then we are. People who have been out of work longer, but sometimes that doesn't make your individual situation easier to handle.

I realize this has been a long, rambling post. But, sometimes when your brain is filled with so much these kinds of ramblings are good.

September 1, 2011

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10