School Ups and Downs

It's been awhile since I posted, I have been under the weather for two weeks now.  I think my sickness is coming to an end.  With that said, I am still looking for employment, which is so difficult right now.  However, the lives of my children continue to roll on . . . 

Seth, the oldest, received his certificate yesterday for making Dean's list at college!  He worked so hard and I am so very proud of his accomplishment.  He is already talking about second semester and how he wants to earn a 4.0 . . . he is so driven.  With that said, the said news is he probably won't be coming home for the summer.  He has a wonderful opportunity to stay and perform research on campus for pay.  I am sure his relationship with his long-time girlfriend, Laura will be strained just a bit because of this decision; however, I am hoping that the two will grow together through it.

Tyler, the middle child, received his acceptance into Vo-tech for next year.  We aren't sure yet which discipline he was chosen for, either carpentry or construction, but he is on his way to becoming a success!  He struggles so much in regular school that this opportunity, I am sure, will be his saving grace.  I can't wait to see how he excels at his new trade.

Nathan, the youngest, is not doing as well.  His report came last week and he is failing almost everything.  He can't stand school.  He is very capable of doing the work; however, makes the choice not to, pure laziness.  It is so frustrating watching him fail on purpose.  I have tried so often to get him organized and focused with no success.  Finally, the school is going to do an IST (Instruction Support Teacher) review to see if his teachers will be able to give him extra help.  If Nathan doesn't want it, I am sure he will be staying back and repeating this year.

So many ups and downs . . . I feel like I am on a seesaw sometimes!!

Mom . . . You can have mine!

We must be doing something right!  I was extremely moved this morning when Nathan, my youngest son, said . . . "you know the money I earned, you can have it mom".  For those of you who know Nathan this was very hard for him.  His mentality has always been, me, me, me.  I saw a side of him today that I was so thankful for.  Since I am unemployed we have made several cut backs including not allowing the kids to eat lunch provided by the school.  I figured if I purchased in bulk we could make lunches rather then spending the $1.40 - $2.00 a day it costs there.  Nathan recently did some work and generously offered his paycheck to us for bills and I was seriously stressing since my unemployment will run out in February.

God is good and he provides everything that we need.  I know that my families needs will be met if only I lean on Him.  What a bright spot he gave me this morning through Nathan!

Waiting on Him

As promised and now that the holidays are behind us, let me bring you up to speed.  Prior to Thanksgiving I was notified by my employer that I would be laid off as of December 31st.  WOW!  What a shock!!!  I was convinced that this job was going to be my next career.  I was settled in and doing well.  I truly loved the people I worked with and enjoyed the work we were doing.  It was such a blessing to find a job with other Christians who have the same values as you.  

As I stated in other blogs, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. While I don't understand right now why I am going through this again, I know that God has a plan for my life and will provide me with an outlet for me.

Since I am the bread winner of the family, this takes a toll on us financially, especially with Seth in college.  I received Seth's bill for his Spring semester right before the holidays.  There was NO way we would be able to generate that much cash; I was stressing.  AMAZINGLY, GOD provided.  Seth went to the financial aide office and told them of our situation.  The school changed his status to a second semester sophomore based on credits he earned while in high school which opened up additional grant money.  In addition, because of the status change, he was eligible for other monies.  These new monies were in excess of what our need was.  Who am I to doubt that God provides for his children?!?!  

I have been looking for new employment since I learned of my separation and I have been deeply depressed because I have had no luck.  Completing application after application.  I have heard nothing back from any of these prospects.  I ask for prayer for our finances as I continue to search for employment, patience for me as I wait to hear from prospective employers and I ask that the Lord would open my eyes up to the opportunity He wishes me to follow.

My journey continues and I stumble along the way but the Lord is consistent when I am not and always loving.

Time Passes Quickly

Time passes so quickly and while I was so excited to establish this blog time and life events have caused me to neglect this outlet.

Let's see if I can catch everyone up without being overly winded . . . 

1.  Seth is home from college on Winter break.  It is really nice to have him here again.  

2.  I was laid off from work in November . . . deeply depressed (more on this later).

3.  Nathan's midterm grades were less than satisfactory.  He is failing all classes with the exception of Math.

4.  Tyler is doing amazing in school . . . A, two B's and a C in his core classes, FANTASTIC!!  I am really proud of him.  If he keeps this up he may get accepted into the Vo-Tech program.

5.  I have been unsuccessful finding employment . . . deeply depressed (more on this later).

6.  Finally, Keith is the same old, same old . . . comfortable.

We recently had our family pictures taken  . . . can't believe how far we have come.

I will catch everyone up on my job search soon, in addition, I will post additional pictures of the family.  However, let me leave you with this . . . Jeremiah 29:11-12  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. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  

Homecoming Weekend

Wow, how time flies!  I can't believe the whole week shot by without a blog.  So many good things have happened this week, my first business to business EXPO with work took place on Wednesday.  I believe the Lord provided many business prospects.  In addition, I am working on my first political campaign. What a challenge!!  But the best news is . . . Seth came home for the weekend!!

It is the first time he has been home since he left for college.  All the family was here to greet him; the hugs and kisses were flowing like water.  It was certainly a challenge getting him home and I thank my brother for taking the day to drive to the college and bring him home.  Since his arrival the front door seems to be revolving!  

It's funny how with all the technology we have (iChat, video conference and cell phones) that we all still miss him so much.  I guess all the technology in the world can't compete with have your loved one under the same roof.  

Big plans for today, Seth will undoubtedly hang out with Laura and the guys, the family will watch the homecoming football game and we will, I am sure, stay up late into the night playing cards while talking and laughing.  As the weekend unfolds, I will certainly add to this post and I may even include some pictures.

Homecoming weekend will come and go but the memory of Seth's face walking through the door (for the first time since leaving home) will never leave me.   

Memory Verse

As I reviewed my post from yesterday, the following words came clearly to my mind . . .

Jeremiah 29:11

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. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

WOW, what an impact!  So much is packed into two verses.  Sometimes it is hard to get your hand around that fact the God knows EVERYTHING about you, from the number of hairs on your head to the number of breaths you will take.  

With all of life's variables and the choices we make, are we not our own worst enemies (at least some of the time)?  Why is it so difficult sometimes to live by the Word of God, making choices using His guidebook?  We are a people that have come to expect things immediately.  We want instant gratification.  With everything at our finger tips and so easily accessible, why pray and wait for an answer?

What is a relationship without give and take?  Jesus gave His life for each of us.   In return, what will you give Him?  

Major Life Changes

WOW!  So many major changes have occurred in my life this year.  I have wanted to create a blog for sometime now, in order to document those changes, and finally it is done. 

So here it goes . . . 

In February, after eight years of service, I was laid off from my job as a Staff Auditor.  Due to a merger my position was eliminated. Many would have thought this alone would have caused a crisis; however, I had planned for this very thing.  I knew without a doubt that I would be one of those individuals without gainful employment and I knew the reason - no college degree.  WOW, what a blow!  The funny thing was, I wasn't upset about this.  I KNEW without a doubt that this was by God's hand.  I was unhappy in my position for sometime with no potential of additional growth and/or promotion.  I am by nature a very committed individual and needless to say would have stayed, unhappy as I was, until retirement.  Thank the Lord that He had bigger plans for me and I am grateful that He pushed me off and over the fence!  I was scared but I KNEW the He would provide for my family as I looked for a better job.  

He has given me the opportunity to work with other Christians while advancing HIS kingdom.  WOW, what a change for normal corporate America.  I am excited about going to work, can pray over lunch, and I know I am in a safe environment.  Does He provide or what!?!  Not only did he provide this wonderful position, it is four blocks from home, which needless to say is a blessing with rising gas prices.  

I am sure you are saying, 'changes' that's plural.  Well, in addition to all that I mentioned, my eldest son, Seth, went off to college and is attending a wonderful University in Altoona, PA (about 4 hours away).  He is majoring in Chemistry.  I am so very proud of his achievements; however, the house does seem empty without him and his many friends coming and going.  He is and continues to be a shinning beacon, even from a distance.

Close to his heels I have Tyler who entered High School this year and his younger brother Nathan who is in Middle School.  Both have taken on new household duties in Seth's absence (with a little encouragement from Mom and Dad). They too have been effected by Seth's move and can't wait to video chat, IM or talk on the phone.

As you can see, many major changes have occurred and I am sure there will be more before the year is done.  I am blessed and at peace to KNOW that God is still on HIS thorn and is in control of everything, even when I think things are falling apart.

God Bless!