As most of my readers must know by  now, Darren is in the middle of a job exchange of sorts.  He has been told from Linens N Things that his job must end, but as of this morning does not know when.  We are working on resumes and marketing and research to find out what is available and what our options are.  In the midst of this is a crazy like peace that is hard to describe.  I know that the Lord has arranged all of this. I know that He has the next steps lined out. I know that I am not in control and it won’t go towards what my thoughts go to.  I am open and willing for whatever is on His plate next.  I must admit, that if I let my thoughts run to what we have experienced before and what I see my friends walking through in this becoming depressed job wise little town, I can feel like I want to shrink back and hide. Be invisible. Shut down.  But the Lord gently tells me I really don’t have that option.  I can only think of today, be greatful for today, trust in today and only have hope in His glorious return, not in any financial vision.

I am reading a book titled "Diamonds in the Dust, 366 Sparkling Devotions", by Joni Eareckson Tada.  On February 22, her title was Redefine Happiness.  Romans 5:3-4.  "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  She speaks of people who are never going to be happy. And if happyness like a butterfly, almost flutters within reach, and just when you think you have grasped it, its gone.   She goes on to talk about the things that make us happy, which are mostly things and great circumstances.  Then talks of her friend Elisabeth Elliot.  She suggests that we redefine happiness as duty and honor, sacrifice and faithfulness, commitment and service.  Happiness is fleeting and elusive, but joy is an overflow of the perseverance and hope that comes from demonstrating faithful sacrifice and committed service.

So, you may ask me, How is it going.  But there is no need to ask in the tone that denotes someone has passed away.  With down cast eyes. And a sigh.  My chickens are all fine. My cats are crazy. My dog can’t seem to stop chewing his bone.  My children are healthy and beautiful and learning. My husband, as of today, does have a job, and we do have an income.  We have money in the bank and food in the cupboards. We have a beautiful piece of property on which to live, and we have amazing supportive friends and belong to an insanely sweet fellowship of believers.   Our only concerns today is where to put away all the toys and what to do with all the extra clothes.  How to find time to be with everyone we want to spend time with, and why we can’t travel to Texas to be with family.  Our troubles are simple and easily over come.   How is it going?  Awesome.  Because I serve and follow an awesome God.  Its going awesome because I am constantly in awe of how he protects us and plans for us and provides for us.  

So pray for the job search, and pray that we do not entertain thoughts of the flesh of the poor me’s, pray that the perfect situation will be revealed in such a way that we will just fall into it and know that it is from the Lord.  Pray for Darren’s heart has he endures his situation at work. Pray for his ministry of testimony as he witnesses to these people at work for the final weeks.  Pray for time that he can walk then to the Lord in a direct way before leaving contact with them.  Pray for his angry upper management to find joy and peace that surpasses understanding.  But prayer for us?  For it being so "bad", naaahhhhh.  🙂