Wow what a month!

Well it has been quite an August!  I read over my last blog and was kinda surprised that I had been so full of appreciation such a short time ago!  Well, maybe not.  I am not sure when ~ maybe the end of July or early August ~ my husbands employer cut his pay and basically told him to find another job.  Our finances were already pretty tight so the pay cut hurt and called us to attention.  I believe the week this happened God prompted Bobby and I separately to start tithing our full 10%.  This would cut about $200 more into our budget! Oddly enough I was actually excited.  While I knew we simply did not have the money to go the full 10% on our tithing I also knew this is the one area God tells us to test him in!  I didn't start tithing the full amount to test God though - I just knew He was good for His word.  I really never worried each time I wrote a check.  And let me tell you - GOD IS FAITHFUL.  We have not had to live on this little in a LONG LONG time.  But we have done it for the past month.  We have become better stewards of our money (that means we have become VERY aware of our frivolous spending habit). 

At the same time we began praying about a job.  Let me just say job options are VERY limited in Tahlequah, Oklahoma!  I started just looking online one day at different jobs available around here in law enforcement or mechanic/car type stuff and God brought me to this job that just fit my husband perfectly!  It's not the kind of job you would see on any given day, it was like it was purposely created for him!  (Today I do believe the God knew in advance and had this prepared for Bobby) I think Bobby was a little apprehensive about applying ~ the job was simply too good to be true. As we prepared his resume we pondered people to put as his references...God brought to mind a man he put into our lives when Brandy was diagnosed with her disorder...a Shriner who lives in Muskogee.  God brought this man in to our lives for the sake of Brandy but also for Bobby.  This man was a city councilman for 4 years!  The job is with the city!  So Bobby called him and then listed him as a reference.  So he applied!  Rather quickly he had his 1st interview.  After the interview he became very excited - this job really was made for him.  So we waited.  Then they called for a second interview ~ that happened on Tuesday this week.  On Wednesday morning at 8:04 they called to offer him the job!  There were many other little things that happened through this process that simply pointed to the fact that God was in control of this situation that God was putting this together for Bobby and his benefit but also for God's glory! 

I am ashamed to say that I am most attentive to Gods work for us when we are in need.  I don't pay as much attention when things are going smoothly.  I am happy to say my faith has grown.  When Bobby gave his notice with his current employer he was basically told to go home.  So that means a week of no income.  My faith has grown so that I was not worried - I knew God would provide and he has!  The plan was for Bobby to start this coming Tuesday.  But, yesterday the city had not received the results of his drug test back, he can't start until the results are in.  So there may be another week delay.  Financially - I am not worried!  God will provide!  It will be maybe a month before we can actually start getting back on our feet - I look forward to the process - I am not worried.

During this time I really became faithful to read my bible daily.  At first I did it because it was what I was "suppose" to do.  But let me tell you, the WORD became alive and I am now really enjoying reading it! There are things I don't understand, questions I have never thought about before and it is exciting!  I have been reading about David - WOW!  While reading it I began to pray for the faith of David!  In my opinion I think I have seen more of Gods good works than David did early in his faith.  But his Faith was big bold and powerful from the get go and the most he seemed to have to base his faith on was only things he had heard about!  Amazing!

I began posting scripture around my house.  My 17 year old daughter began posting quotes and scriptures in places that I would see them.  That blessed my heart like no other - my child knowing there is importance and power in scripture and positive thinking! 

My husband began to pray and rely more on God.  He told me of promptings that he followed though he knew they may not be well received.  He trusted the Lord and His promptings. And God showed him great favor!

I am so excited as I know that as we stay plugged in now - even though things are looking up and we aren't in as much "need" that God is taking us to new levels. I don't know the details but He has put excitement within me and has filled me with an expectancy attitude! My God is Good, Faithful, Able and Willing!

Jeremiah 29:11 Read it - believe it!

Love to all,

D. J.

Long Time No Blog!

Well, it has been quite a while since I have posted!  I post while I am at work and the summer always proves to be our busiest time of year.  I love it, and I love it when it's over! 

I have nothing but praise to post about today!  God is in control!  I am releasing so much to Him and trusting Him so!  I praise Him for being my provider!  Bobby is looking for another job as he has taken a pay cut, job security is shaky and working in the heat is taking it's toll on him.  Sure this kind of shook us as a couple and as parents.  But in the middle of the shake up God was speaking clearly to us - it was time to tithe our full 10% and time to become good stewards, really good stewards of what he blesses us with financially and materialistically.  When we decided to heed God's direction a peace set in for both of us!  Praise God!

I praise God that He brought my daughter a God loving believer for a husband!  I praise God that His hand is upon them as a new couple and that they have made Him a cornerstone in their marriage!

I praise God that we are over a year with out a break with Brandy!  I praise Him for her improved - proven - bone density! 

I praise God for air conditioning - I was reminded by a friend to be thankful!  Goodness gracious so many triple digit days early in the summer and continuing!

I praise God that my husband is so handy!  Recently he has fixed our refrigerator and not too long ago he fixed our air conditioning!

I praise God that my daughter Allison is going to be a senior and has maintained her purity.  I praise God that she is so confident in who she is as a child of God! 

I praise God for the wonderful group of women He has grouped up in our Iron Clad women!  Certainly iron sharpening iron going on!

I praise God for the opportunity to be on the worship team and to sing for His glory!

I praise God for showing Himself to me so clearly lately!  I thank God for my flame increasing! 

I serve a wonderful and mighty God who is worthy to be praised and adored!

Hope this puts you into a mode of gratitude!

Lots of love,

D. J.