Hey everyone! I apologize for not keeping my blog updated much these past couple of weeks. Life has been busy... and honestly, I've been too exhausted to take the extra time to post. My husband has been working through a temp agency & has had some crazy hours. I don't really see him much except for the weekends. He works until late into the night and sleeps through the morning a lot. And... on the days I work, I'm up and gone before he wakes up... and he's gone by the time I get home. He usually wakes me up enough in the middle of the night to let me know he's make it home safely... and then I'm back to sleep in about 15 seconds. :) So... I've been a 'single parent' lately... and the hospital where I work has been crazy & busy. I need a nap in a bad way. ;)
BUT... for those of you who read about what's been going on in my family (THIS POST)... I have some great news! My husband finally got an interview and we found out a few days ago that he got the job!!! He's completely thrilled and can't wait to start a new career. Financially.... it's not great... but after going through what we've been through... anything is a step up! ;) So... we're just going to take it a day at a time and trust that God will continue to take care of us.
I don't know about you... but being put in tough situations has really made me evaluate my attitudes and character. Sometimes things are brought to the surface that I didn't even know existed. I've noticed lately that I've really got to keep a check on being envious. I hear people talking about going on vacations, remodeling their homes, or buying new clothes... and honestly - sometimes it's hard to take! I just want to BE that person for once! LOL! I walked in the mall the other day to meet someone and realized that I hadn't stepped foot in one for over a year. I look at my house and see the million and one things that need fixed. And... oh my! Could I use a vacation! But... I keep telling myself that those things are just 'things' and in the whole scheme of things... they don't matter much. But... it's still a struggle and a battle... and I know I need to work on my attitude. :)
Thank you all for continuing to read my blog even though I'm a slacker! :) I promise to have more for you soon! And thank you so much for your prayers! It means the world to me!
Julie, glad to hear of the good news! :) I actually didn't read your story until now but I want to thank you for sharing your story about how God provided for your family! It's neat to hear how He works in everyone's lives. Keeping your family in my prayers and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThat's GREAT news! I've been looking for a job for over nine months now, and believe me - I can relate to the envy part. It has really impacted me in a very negative way, even just hearing someone talk about going to McDonald's makes me envious sometimes. It's hard to understand unless you've been there, and I never realized until now how much of our spending is frivolous. I'm so glad things are looking up for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYAY for the good news!!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, God WILL continue to take care of His faithful ones :)
Thanks for sharing Julie!
Julie, I just read your post and it truly has hit home.. I have been kinda in the same boat..financially, and that I am going through and trying to figure where and what to do , my 2 y/o will be diagnosed with Autism in November but all appts. I have took her to all points to her having it, not talking, stacking things, spinning in circles, etc. and all my friends, family and co-workers all have said she doesnt have it, she will in her own time, etc, etc. well usually the parent is in denial but here I knew something was wrong, but I have prayed and found a program funded by our state and as of yesterday she was accepted to it..they will help treat her as well as help pay for other treatments..and weirdly enough I knew nothing about autism until a couple of months ago, and I met a new neighbor that her son has it, and a coworker his son has it, and I had a yard sale and met a lady in my neighborhood use to run a support group for mothers of autistic kids..So I know he is there and is putting these people in my life for great reason. Sorry to go on and on .. but just weird how we go through things like this.. and I believe nothing happens by chance.. its where we need to be , even though we don't understand it at timesor dont like it. But so glad your husband got the joband things are looking up for you. I know I dont always comment on your blog but I have a link to it on mine where I check it out all the time..and oddly enough I won on yours for the unity blog hop the other day, you are a creative genius and a beautiful person..don't ever forget it.
ReplyDeleteJulie please don't feel like you have to apologize for not blogging as much as you used to. In all honesty even though I love to see your cards and creations on a regular basis, it is far more inspiring to hear how God continues to work through you. You are such an inspiration to me and for that I thank you! :-) I will continue to be praying for your family and I praise God that He has provided your husband with a job.
ReplyDeleteOh Julie - thank you so much for the update. Our prayer group was just wondering how you all were doing and it'll be great to give them the good news. We'll continue to be in prayer for your family.
ReplyDeleteBlessings - Elaine Moore
mtn.moven.faith@comcast.net
Julie...i am happy to hear that your husband got the job. That is an answered prayer! i know things will get better...soon, you will be able to spend more time together. as for being envious...i think we all have that every now and then. but, the important thing to remember is that those people are envious about the simple things we have...like family, faith, loyalty, and friendship. Vacations last for alittle while, but the important things last forever! lots of love!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie! I've been a slacker in commenting but love all the posts I get in my e-mail.
ReplyDeleteYour post here is a great reminder. I know what you are going thru and have been amazed by some of my thoughts and attitudes as well. God has really been convicting me. Going thru tough times makes or breaks us and hopefully I will come out a better person.
Julie, it's ok if you don't post on your blog every single day. It is more important to take care of yourself and your family. I love your stuff and thank you for all of the time you have share yourself and creativity with me (us). hugs Mary in Hong Kong
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord Julie for your Husbands new job!
ReplyDeleteIt is a start, and definetly better than a temp agency where you are never guaranted that next paycheck.
I bet this is going to help both of your stress levels and you will feel like you have had a vacation!
(We have started to just take little gettaways in our own city, even that helps.)
The Lord will protect you and provide for you, it is as you say the learning to trust Him part! :)
I think you do a good job keeping your blog up, so you should never feel like you are slacking!
I will continue to keep you in my prayers for courage and Faith for you..( and maybe a vacation as well!:)...)
God Bless you and Congratulations to your Husband,
Mary
Sooo glad to hear the good news!! YAY!!!! I know what you mean about hearing everyone's "good fortune", BUT keep in mind you will always have something that money can't buy....LOVE and the family that knows how to tough it out when they need to!! That's definitely worth more character building than any vacation or remodel, etc!! I say more power to ya!!
ReplyDeletelove ya!
Elaine :)
So happy to read your post... still praying for you, sunshine. :)
ReplyDeletePRAISE GOD! He is ALWAYS faithful! My husband changed jobs about 6 years ago and it was a BIG drop in pay, but we knew the Lord wanted my husband to spend more time at home, work more with the youth at church, and to do that he had to change jobs! After a couple of years at that job, my husband was called to the ministry to pastor a church, he was able to start his own business, because he had more time to start it! So now after 3 years our business is growing and all glory is given to GOD! Stay strong in Him, He has a plan just for your family! :)
ReplyDeleteJulie ~ wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteMy husband lost his job last year and it has been a HUGE wake up call for us. Many things have been cancelled. rearranged. done without. but i would rather go without than have illness or death. we have each other. we have our health.
i started my life with my husband with very little, and now that we are again just the "bare necessities" it makes me appreciate my goals, my trust and love. I am so grateful that it is unemployment and not death.
i came into this marriage with very little, all we have gained thru our lives are wonderful perks, but when times are hard we still have each other and that is all i need.
don't be envious, be grateful that is was only unemployment and test of faith.
God Bless,
janice
Congrats Julie on your hubby's new job. I hope things start looking up for you. Keep you strength and your faith.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteAm so happy to hear about your good news. It is an answer to my prayer. Thank you Lord for your goodness! I know what you mean about not having enough money to meet the everyday needs, but I too am learning to trust God more everyday. I am learning to be thankful to have a roof over my head and for food to eat. It is not easy when you look around and see that your friends have so much more. I am telling you this, just so you know that you are not alone in your struggle. Praying for you and your family. Hugs
Hey Julie, so glad to hear some good news for your family. You are 100% correct when you say that God will continue to take care of you. He provides what He knows that we need but not always what we want, that sometimes is a blessing in itself. You remain in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Terri
Julie, big hugs to you!!!! I am walking in your shoes as well. Used to have a great job, but economy crashed and my job and big income is gone. My hubby lost his job in April and he is finally going on an interview tomorrow. I feel your pain, believe me, but you know what keeps me going, "good times pass, but so do bad times". And yeah, I haven't been in a mall in years....since I lost my job, really. It will get better, I have faith for you and I and everyone else in our shoes. Hugs to you! Eva
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear the good news, Julie! Take care of yourself, you hear??!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!! I'm so happy for both of you that your husband got a job. It may not be the greatest, highest paying, but you're right - it's better than temping. I can vouch for the benefits of security. I can also understand the envy. Been there, done that, and continue to struggle with it. It'll get better. For both of us.
ReplyDeleteI know that the stretching of our faith can sometimes be painful but the Lord sees us through. It's just like when we stretch first thing in the morning, don't you just feel better afterwards! God knows how far and when it's enough, just keep your eyes on Him! You are in my thoughts and prayers, God bless! Your card is so cute! I love that you have an attitude of gratitude!!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I am so thrilled for your and your husband! That is great news! One step at a time. Been thinking of your lots. Hugs.
ReplyDelete~Chelsea
Playing catch-up today with blog posts. Thank you so much for sharing your inner most feelings. I see myself sometimes being caught up with the "envy" bug much like you described. I don't work outside the home so we are just a one-income family and sometimes my hubby works 7 days a week just to pay our bills. It can be a bit depressing at times that we don't take vacations, we can't fix up our house, buy new clothes etc..but in the end there are people far worse off then we are so it's good to be nudged into realzing just how many blessings we really have in spite of those we think we need.
ReplyDeletekeep your chin up Julie!! count your blessings - you are a beautiful, creative, sweet person and God loves you :) I am very happy your hubby got a new job!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that he got a job! Everything will work out! Stay positive! I know it is hard sometimes to not get envious of those who get to do the things you wish you could.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful to hear the good news and answers to our prayers for your family. I've just been to a high school reunion. 18 of us there, plus spouses and at least half of us have been married over 50 years. (4 widows) If we still have each other we are very blessed. You are an inspiration to so many. God bless.
ReplyDeleteJulie--I found your blog today and read your story--thank you for sharing your powerful experience! Your work is beautiful and I'm so happy that your husband has found a job. We live on one income so I can stay home with our kids and I can relate to feeling like the whole world around you takes elaborate vacations and has brand new cars. Thanks for the reminder that those are not the important things! Hope you get some good rest soon!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to read that you are finding some sunshine in your life.
ReplyDelete((((big hugs))))
I am beyond thrilled that your husband was selected for the job. I am sure that he will do great. He sounds like a very hard working caring man. I just read your story and it is amazing how much my life has paralleled yours. I too haven't said too much about what my family is going through on my blog but the circumstances are so similar to yours I just had to share. Me, Teacher, lost job, big conflicts within the administration undeservedly, and things going wrong constantly. Car accident, electric problems, breaking toilets, (yes plural), but like you I see that just when I don't think I could take one more thing God comes along and shows me a solution. Things are still not great and I am worried every day about the finances but I am determined to keep pushing along. I have always enjoyed reading your blog but have been so busy taking any job that comes along that I haven't had time to stop by in a while. You are such a wonderful talented woman, I wish you the best because from what I can see, you truly deserve it.
ReplyDeletexoxo, Christine