January 28, 2011
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Hello. It’s been a very long time since I last wrote. (I just stopped to see how long it’s really been and WHAT??? October 2006??? Are you KIDDING me?) I've decided that since I lost my job last week, it probably wouldn't be a good time to start spending money on postage, so I'm dragging myself into the current century and blogging it! I expect to upload all of my past letters in time, but it may take a while. Be patient, I'll get there! If any of you still want them on paper, let me know. I'll print and save them until the next time I see you.
When I last wrote, I was opening my life up to learning from God. I was talking about the growing pains that accompany that learning, and the surprises God uses to teach me the lessons I need to learn.
Here’s what’s been going on since then:
· January 2007: Dad passed on and I became executor of his estate.
o Lesson: Not everyone always sees things the same way, but if I follow what God says is right, I can live with the decisions I make in the face of opposition.
· Somewhere in here Beth roamed Thailand, Europe, India, Mexico, and the US on mission trips, with Youth with a Mission, and on her own. (That last part was the scariest for me!)
o Lesson: *(see below)
· November 29 2007: Shayna, an old soccer buddy of Beth’s, came back into our lives, along with her husband Jeremi. I immediately adopted them as my long-lost daughter and son-in-law.
o Lesson: There’s always room in my heart for more “children”.
· January 2008: Nicole moved to her Dad’s house.
o Lesson: *
· February 2008: Beth moved to Hawaii
o Lesson: *
· July 2008: Beth and Josh were married
o Lesson: It is possible to arrange a wedding with only 3 weeks’ notice…just not very restful!
· September 2008: I began the School of Women’s Ministry
· February 2009: I became a Grandma as Jonah Theodore White arrived.
o Lesson: Next to knowing and loving God, being a Grandma is the best thing ever in the whole wide world!
· January 2009: Nicole moved back to my house to finish out high school.
o Lesson: Patience and *
· June 2009: Nicole graduated from Cascade High School! Hallelujah and praise God!
o Lesson: With Christ, all things are possible! Phil 4:13
· December 2009: Josh, Beth, and Jonah moved home to Everett.
o Lesson: *
· April 2010: I graduated with honors from the School of Women’s Ministry, as a Certified Women’s Ministry Specialist.
o Lesson: I am capable of doing more than I ever thought was possible, by the grace of God!
· April 29 2010: Miles Ferdinand White came along.
o Lesson: Next to knowing and loving God, being a Grandma is the best thing ever in the whole wide world!
· October 2010: I went on a 7 day cruise to Mexico with my BFF, Sue.
o Lesson: Going on vacation is very different when you are responsible for no one but yourself. It’s actually possible to relax!
· November 2010: Nicole moved out of my house.
o Lesson: *
· January 19, 2011: I was laid off from my job of 6 ½ years, due to reorganization.
o Lesson: When you believe what God says in His word and have past experiences to remind you of His faithfulness, it truly is possible to face anything without fear or anxiety.
*She is/they are God’s child/children, not mine, and I need to just leave her/them in His very capable hands.
Of course that’s not all that went on during those 4+ years, but those are the main points…
And so I come to a place for which God has been preparing me for quite some time. Alone at home, with no job, and nothing to do for the next few days while I wait for the state to tell me what comes next and for the job relocation company to contact me with further help and instruction.
And so I come back to the scripture with which I left you (see the beginning of this letter). And the funny/cool thing is that I have truly not been anxious these past few days. God dropped this job on me from out of nowhere, and with my faithful participation, He will give me another one that brings me closer to Him and closer to what He wants me to be doing with my life, according to His great plan.
When I was working at Olympus Press, back in June 2004, I was commuting 1 ½ hours to work and at least an hour home every day for a year. I felt that it was really interfering with my ability to be an effective parent and one day I felt so overcome with it that I just cried out to God on my way to work. I begged Him to help me, as I didn’t feel I had any options. I was afraid to try and find a new job, yet I knew I needed to step out and do so.
Not a week later, a job placement agency that I had signed up with 6 months earlier and then forgotten about, called me and asked if I were still interested in a job. 3 interviews and 4 weeks later, I not only had a new job, I was only 25 minutes from home, and I was making $4 an hour more than my old job!
And now, just since I was laid off, I still feel God’s presence in the situation, assuring me that He will provide for me:
1. I won a commuter drawing for a gift card.
2. I was forgiven a debt because the man to whom I owed the money felt led by God to help.
3. I did not expect any tax return at all, because I had adjusted my exemptions at the beginning of the year so that I would be closer to even at tax time. Imagine my surprise when I did my taxes this week and found out I’ll be getting back enough to meet my expenses for another month!
I have enough money to last a while, and I have options even after that point. And I KNOW God will have something for me before then, whether it’s another job, or a new direction for my life. Please be praying that I can keep my new-found serenity, and just trust that God has it all under control.
Instead of being afraid at this sudden change in my life, I find that I am excited – looking forward to the new adventure God has for me. Although, I will admit, it feels very unlike me to not be totally freaking out. I love the place I am at in my life, and the One Who has brought me here! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
