Hunting Season
We continue to be so grateful for your encouragement during this “season” of our lives. Do you realize how much the relationships that we’ve made through this blog are making a significant impact in our lives? Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to write us a note of encouragement, share a contact name, offer your prayers, and share your experiences.
We took a little break over the weekend (which I need to blog about soon), and then went into full hunting mode, working every waking non-quad intensive hour on following up on leads, sending out resumes, talking to personal contacts…Those of you who have been in our shoes know the routine far too well, I’m sure.
We truly appreciate your prayers more than anything. This is new territory for us as a family, and at times I think the uncertainties have been more challenging than either of us anticipated. I am certain that God will use this in our lives for His purpose! We have much to learn and soak up from His Word. Yesterday, as I was reading Chapter 4 in Crazy Love (Are you reading and loving it?), this verse became so fresh and relevant:
I Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
We have been richly provided for in many ways. Most of us Americans have been blessed beyond measure. Currently we have been blessed with reliable transportation, roofs over our 6 heads, clothing, health insurance that will continue through almost the end of the year, a bank account with a cushion, full bellies, our health, a family who loves us, a supportive church family, faithful blog readers…the list is endless!
Would you join us in praying that our “aim” would be focused on things that matter for eternity, as we face the uncertainties of this present life?
Thank you for continuing to be a blessing in our lives in and out of season!
Please know that your family is my prayers. Everything will work out. You and your husband have such a beautiful spirit and together you will make it through this.
I am lifting your needs up in prayer, faithful that the Lord will provide for each of them as he has always done.
Continuing to keep you in my prayers. You will get through this and life will be better than ever! Then, you'll know there was a good reason for this difficulty.
I've been away from the blogs for a little bit…I was so sorry to hear the news! I just wanted to say that I know exactly where you are. We've gone through this twice-my husband lost a job in July of '07-with an auto supplier. He was laid off 'til January of '08…couldn't find anything. He finally took a not-so-good job at a machine shop in Jan. 2008, worked 'til July and was laid off again. The Lord worked it out-he was able to enroll in a community college taking Heating and Air, and it hasn't cost us anything. He did find a job at the end of last semester-he will be finishing his degree in Dec (he had some credits already). The Lord has provided all of our needs-He has had to teach me some lessons along the way. The first lay off was the hardest time of our marriage-it was so hard on my husband, in so many ways. But, the Lord sustained us, and brought us through.
I hope Brad is able to find a job quickly, but, as you stated, we know the Lord is in control. And He IS able to provide for us! 🙂
I know this must be a very difficult time for your family. I think your blogging through this will help those who have NOT been in this situation understand how difficult it is – that there are many hardworking people out there going through the same thing. I have a really good feeling about Brad finding a good fit for him! Good luck!
Hello Jen and Brad:
Lifting your family up in my thoughts and prayers. Praying ever so hard that Brad will be able to recover from this recession and find that job that will finacially fit your families needs.
I am presently watching/listening to a Sunday program on tv of state governors discussing things such as stimulus packages and the harsh suffering that the people are dealing with due to this tough/struggling economy,especially for states like Michigan and Indiana who have been hit hardest.
Things they also mentioned were why didn't the government do things such as lowering taxes on large and small businesses so that they could have been able to create more jobs.
One thing that they seem to agree on is that they should have been creating jobs on the very first day of Obama's aguration.
Then they went on to discuss the topic of Obama and his Noble Peace Prize. Many of whom disagree on this subject that he should'nt have won it as they feel he didn't rightfully earn it.
Brad and Jen a few short months ago I was living the same life change as you and your family is living this very moment. I lost my job of 4 years slowly slip beneath me. The only difference is,I only had me to worry about and not 4 small children or a spouse.
I admit,I did struggle and I am still trying my best to climb out of that big black hole I fell into it because of my job loss.
I ended up emptying my savings,401 k,payroll,13 weeks of unemployment,and vacation time just to make it through those dreadful 9 months of unemployment during one of the harshiest winters we have ever had in the last 12 years.
I never gave up EVER because I always believed that God would find a way to provide for me so I could get through another day.
I believe he will do the same for your family.
May the Lord Bless Your Family today,tomorrow,and the days ahead.
Darlene~
Just picked up "Crazy Love" at the Catalyst conference this past week. Can't wait to start it! 🙂