Praising God for ALL HE Has Done!!

On June 1st of this year, Dave was let go from his job.  Rather than be bitter, worried or angry about the job loss both of us were really excited about what God was going to do.  Dave has been unemployed before and God has really directed and took care of us through that, so, we knew this time would be no different.

Within days. Dave had job interviews lined up for jobs in GA, working for the competitors of his previous company and in the same industry as what he had been working (fork lifts), which was great. 

But our family, for the past couple years, has prayed that somehow God would bring us back to Michigan where our extended family lives.  Knowing that we have pray specifically about moving back home to Michigan, Dave and I both decided we should give Michigan a try.  God is bigger than the present unemployment rate in Michigan, this job loss was an open door.  So, we headed up to Michigan.

God showed Himself and all they He can do!!  Dave had prayed specifically for they type of job (in finance) and how much pay.  Within 2 1/2 weeks of being in Michigan Dave had a job offer that answered BOTH of the specifics he prayed for.  My prayer request was for good friends for my kids....and guess what?  God answered that prayer request by giving Dave a job in the city we lived before and a house RIGHT down the street from both old friends who have children the same age!

Dave and I are really in awe of all that God has done for our family.  Should we be in awe?  I knew God would move us back home at some point, but so fast?  In such a whirlwind?  With such circumstances?  He has been so good to us, saying "thank you" seems so insufficient to all the gratitude that flows from our hearts.

I hope YOU know that God is BIGGER than any obstacle (like a large unemployment rate).  God can take something bad (like a job loss) and turn it into something BIGGER and more exciting.   HIS plans for us (His children) are flawless!


For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ~Jeremiah 29:11

Thought for the day......

Comparison is death to contentment.

1 Timothy 6:6-9

 ⁷For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
 ⁸And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
 ⁹But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Hebrews 13:5

 ⁵Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Holiday Gift Giving Planning - Helping to Stay on Budget

There are 170 days until Christmas!!  Whoo-hoo!  I can hear the groaning....."ugh...grrrr...really?  Christmas, already?" 

Though Christmas comes at the same time every year....it always seems to sneak up on me.  I love to shop for everyone, that is, everyone who I KNOW what I'm going to get them.  Some people are harder to buy for than others.

Every year, my husband watches over me to make sure I stay on budget.  Without fail, somewhere along the gift buying, he backs away.  It is too confusing to keep track of everything and everybody.  I tell him it's "all up here" referring to my super memory. lol Well, that "super memory" can fail.  There have been SEVERAL times I buy a gift for someone FORGETTING I already purchased their gift 2 months ago.   Both gift ideas were good, so I end up giving both and going over budget.  :0)

This year will be different! Whoo-hoo!  Queenbee Coupons has taken gift buying for the holidays to a new level for our family! It's called, organization.   She has made up FREE spreadsheets to help keep track of ideas, budget, and what you have bought.  She also has some great gift buying tips. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  It beats out my mental list that seems to have some major glitches, especially the closer to Christmas we get.

Check out all Queenbee Coupons blog to help save money this upcoming holiday by being organized! 

Thank you,  Queenbee Coupons!

Surviving A Job Loss Series: Ideas For FREE Fun

Being unemployed does not have to bring gloom and doom to the household.  Yes, the cable may be disconnected for awhile, your vacation may be postponed, and shopping has been restricted, but life can still be fun.

 FREE family fun at the fountains downtown.

Though technically, your job right now is to find a job, there will be down times.  Use these times to have fun with the kids.  Kids are so perceptive, they know it is not a good thing to be out of work, but make it fun for them.  You do not want them to worry.

Keep your eye out for FREE things going on in your area. Here are some ideas of where you might find free events.

1. In the summer, there are free music lunch concerts and movie nights at local parks.
2. Visit your local library. There are free events at your library -  movies, story times, and classes.  Ask at the front desk.
3. Check the website of local attractions.  Sometimes, zoos, museums and special parks (like nature centers) will have promotion days with FREE admission.  Free days can be crowded, but arrive at opening time, and you can beat some crowds.
4. In our area we have a fish hatchery which has a family fun pond where the kids can fish for free.  The hatchery itself offers tours for free, too.
5. Parks that have hiking or biking trails can be fun.  Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
6. Do you have a GPS unit?  Try geocaching.  A fun scavenger hunt that can be done in any city using a GPS unit.
7. Feed the ducks at your local park with bread you find either at the day old bread store or from the discounted section in your grocery store bakery.
8. Volunteer at the local Human Society walking dogs.  (call before you go, to see if they use volunteers to do this)
9. Check your city website.  Many city websites have a calendar of events that are free.
10. Be creative.  Come up with something fun and out of the ordinary to do at the house.

When hubby was laid off, our local Chick-Fil-A had FREE food when you dressed like a cow.

You haven't lost the most important job....being a parent.  A job loss CAN bring a level of stress, but it can also bring many fun memories.  Take time to make those memories. 

Strawberry Dessert - Low Calorie- 4th of July Dessert

This is a great recipe for a low calorie, crust free strawberry dessert. 

INGREDIENTS:

 4 Cups Fresh Strawberries

1 -  pkg  COOK & SERVE Vanilla Pudding Mix

1 - pkg Sugar-Free Strawberry Flavored Gelatin (or regular gelatin)

2 Cups Water

Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) - Optional

1.  Slice up strawberries and arrange in a pan.  

I used an 11"x7" rectangle pan, but you could use a pie pan, too.

**Make sure to have cook & serve pudding**

2. Combine PUDDING mix, GELATIN & WATER together in a saucepan. 

3.  Bring pudding mixture to a FULL BOIL.

4.  Pour gelatin mixture (after it reaches a full boil) OVER the sliced strawberries.

5.  Refrigerate 4-6 hours.

6.  Serve with a dollop of whipped topping.

For this upcoming  4th of July holiday you can add blueberries and have a festive holiday dessert!!

Happy 4th!!

Surviving A Job Loss Series : Our Response As A Wife & Christian

Getting the news that you have been let go can give you the feeling of being punched in the stomach, especially if it is out of the blue and unexpected.  The first time my husband lost his job I remember asking God WHY?!  God showed us He is in control and has better plans for our family.

One of the great things we as Christians can have in this kind of situation is Peace.

Peace knowing..... 

God is in control.  God is for us.

   Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

  

   Proverbs 16:9 -A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 

   Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Even in the valley, God is Good

He will provide.  He cares & loves us.

 
   Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

   Matthew 6: 31-32 - (Jesus speaking)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things

  1 Peter 1:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

                                                                                                                                                                    

Your response as a wife.

• Be an encourager.  A husband who has lost his job does not feel like a gallant soldier, he is at his lowest point.  There may be feelings of bitterness, worry, depression, insecurity, and/or stress. Encourage your husband with positive words.                                                                                You may be feeling some of those feelings, too, but remember God is in control.  

• Make the atmosphere around the house a pleasant. Time of unemployment can bring about stress in a household.  Do your best to have a have a positive attitude.  Be honest with your children about the job situation, but make sure to discuss major issues (ie...money, bills, worry..) away from them.  There is no need for the kids to be upset and worried.

• Pray for your husband.  What a great gift we have as Christians to have a loving, powerful, all knowing Heavenly Father who is there for us.
  What you might pray for:
  Patience
  Strength/energy
  Job Opportunities
  Wisdom
  Finances
  Any fears he has in learning a new job
  Attitudes
  Priorities

Going through a time of unemployment can bring so many emotions.  Know that God cares for you and loves you.  You are going through this because He has a better plan for you.  We may not think that or even comprehend that, but our thoughts are not his.....He knows the ultimate outcome and it will be for His glory.  Looking back, you will see the how wonderful God's plan has worked out and rejoice and praise Him for the bummer time of being unemployed. 
Look to Him, take comfort in His word.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:6

FREE Christain Magazine Subscription from Focus on the Family

The other day in my mailbox I received a new magazine from Focus on the Family full of great family ideas and parenting articles.  The magazine is Thriving Family.  It has articles that pertain to all phases of parenting from infants through to teens; for parents who have special needs children, military families, adoptive families.  Articles for just moms, just dads, single parents and articles that deal with extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles...)

Most importantly, these articles are written from christian perspective, which I appreciate.  Our minds can get so cluttered with philosophy from the world.

Focus on the Family offers this magazine for FREE.  You can sign up for a 1-yr subscription (4 issues) either calling 800-A-FAMILY or by clicking HERE.



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