Thursday, September 20, 2007

I Just REALLY Can't Do This Anymore

Ben called me yesterday (Wednesday) morning at around 10:30 and said he was on his way home. That can only mean one thing....he lost his job. He wasn't fired, but it wasn't a lay-off either. They just decided they didn't need him anymore and let him go. When he asked his boss what he did wrong, he wouldn't say anything other than, "you didn't do anything wrong." Well, we found out by chance that when Ben went in to pick up his paycheck, his boss was in an interview. When Ben was offered this job, they gave him a low-ball offer--about $10k LESS than someone with his skills should be making. He said his salary requirement was the minimum that he needed to support his family and couldn't take anything less. They reluctantly went ahead and offered him what he asked for. We're pretty sure now that they just hired Ben because they needed someone and got rid of him when they found someone who would accept less.
So....please pray that he will be able to find something at the right price and at the right time. We have insurance through the end of the month, but after that, we're on our own. COBRA is MUCH too expensive for our current financial situation. Please also pray that we would see God in this situation. I won't go into the gory details, but in the last year, we've been rubbed pretty raw. A lot like Job was. Just about the time we think we've hit bottom, the floor gets moved and we go down just a little further.

We do know that God knows what He's doing and I'm TRYING to trust that. Today wasn't one of those days where I was successful. I've yelled and cried and stomped my feet at God telling him that this isn't fair. We've asked Him to bless us and what seem to be curses rain down on our heads. I told Ben a while back when he was having trouble believing in God's goodness, that God is either good, or He is a liar. I know He's not a liar. He is Who He says He is. I just can't see any of it right now.

Okay, this is evolving into an epistle, so I'll stop now. But we definitely would appreciate your prayers if you think about us.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Monday, September 03, 2007

House Church Picnic

After a little summer break, we met our house church today at Belleview Park for a picnic. It was a lot of fun for me, because I grew up going to that park with my cousin. Adri had a great time going to the petting zoo and taking a ride on the train.


Adriana "playing football" with Nathan, the youngest son of our house church leaders.


Eating lunch.


Nathan and Caleb showing off their latest catch from the creek.

Adri petting a miniature cow.


Adri petting a sheep. She LOVED the sheep. she went around to pet them all TWICE!


Adri & Mommy sitting on the train.


Adri and I standing in front of the train. I have foggy, but fond memories of this train. My cousin and I used to ride this train all the time in our summers growing up. My Mom's cousin's father-in-law used to drive the train, so whenever we came to the park, Carolyn and I were not only allowed to ride the train, but every once in a while we were allowed to ride up front with the engineer. As much as I miss living in Colorado Springs, I'm really enjoying the opportunity to do things with my daughter that I got to do when I was a little girl.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

I Suppose I Should Post Something....

I haven't posted anything in quite a while. I've just been so busy trying to keep up with everything, I haven't had time to write. So here's the short version of the last few weeks. I made a slide show with slide.com. I like making slide shows. ;-)




Oh yes, and this one. We've been trying to get Adriana used to not having her pacifier. I think it's backfiring on us.