I haven't posted anything of a personal nature for quite some time. Life continues to be full and the days fly by so quickly.  I'm settling into a new schedule now that I'm babysitting in my home 3 days a week. My husband and I are very happy with this arrangement. I'm able to bring in enough money to pay for our groceries plus earn a little extra.

Last Monday my husband was laid off from his job. The week following was full of many conversations about his employment future and where we were headed.  He can no longer do many of the things he used to due to arthritis in his back and his pain level is so high on some days that he can barely function. I was becoming very concerned at what his future held for him  if he continued on his job. But, I also knew that he would not quit. So, the decision was made for us.  Because of his limitations we decided that it was time to file for disability. 

Because our income will be dropping more than half we will be facing another move. Our medical insurance costs as much as a house payment. We can't afford to pay for  medical insurance and pay for the home we currently own so it will go on the market this week. We are so blessed that my Aunt has offered to let us live in a studio apartment on her farm. We'll be downsizing from a 1525 square foot home  to 300 square feet.  

I was telling my husband this afternoon that I am so thankful the Lord didn't take us to this decision in one single leap. He has been slowing getting us to this point over the past 3 years. We downsized from a 2700 square foot home with a 40x40 shop to a 1525 square foot home a year ago. We sold and gave away a LOT of things in order to downsize into this home. Because of the downsizing we did last year it will make this next move much easier.

So that is my update. I wanted you to know why I won't be posting much in the next few months. I have a mountain of work ahead of me.

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Here are just a few highlights over the past few months.

My girls and I have a monthly appointment where we take turns helping in each others home.
It was my turn last month.  The girls helped me paint the wood under our patio so it will be protected before winter hits.

 The girls oftentimes set me to an organizational project when we meet in their homes. Last time I organized my son-in-love's office. That was a bit intimidating. I was so concerned I was going to lose an important item but he told me I did a good job. We'll be heading to my daughter-in-love's house soon and I hear she plans on a day of window and blind washing. Oh joy!   But, that is the beauty of this arrangement because you have extra hands for those oftentimes dreaded jobs! Plus, we enjoy each others company and a yummy lunch.

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My husband invited his coworkers over for a barbecue last month. He has a heart for the men he works with (I guess I should put this in past tense since he no longer has a job) and wanted to show them how much he cares. We handed out goodie bags when they left. Inside each bag was a gospel tract along with some candy. We prayed and prayed that God would use the day and the gospel tract to draw them to Christ. 

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Five of my grandchildren that live close by spent the night. The ages range from 3-10 years old. We had a GRAND time! They played soccer in the back yard, made chocolate chip cookies, watched a cartoon movie and played Play Station. We read stories before they went to bed and talked about God. How I love these dear little souls. Bapa and I pray continually that the Lord will give their parents wisdom in training them and that God will draw and save them at an early age.

So, those are just a FEW of the highlights over the past few months. 

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Life is an adventure while we're on this earth. I'm praying for God's grace to humbly 'bow' to His sovereign will in our lives. All His dealings are administered in love for His children. I can already see God working this trial together for our good and His glory because it has exposed some unbiblical thinking.  We've had our moments where we've lamented over how much we've lost financially the past 3 to 4 years.  But, those regrets have passed quickly and the Lord is giving tremendous grace to embrace His will. I think often of what Job said in response to his losses.. "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21

He has reminded us that this is not really our TRUE home. We are ambassadors representing a heavenly city (2 Cor. 5:20).  He has reminded us that WE CAN learn to be content with little (Phil. 4:11,12) and that our life does not consist in the abundance of things we own (Luke 12:15). We are finding joy in the journey and for that we give Him our thanks! I'm actually get excited about owning less things to care for so that I can  invest the 'extra time' I spent housekeeping into His kingdom.

So.. there you have it! Never a boring moment in our household these days! Love to you all!

I was given an idea by my friend, Givengrace, to start a notebook on 'God'. What could be better?! I started with collecting scriptures on God being our STRENGTH. YummO! I wanted to share the scriptures I found with you because it blessed me SO much! This has helped me find a new focus for my time spent with the Lord in the mornings. I'm making a "God Notebook" where I can easily retrieve my notes on God when I want to be refreshed. I can't wait to get started on the next one.

My husband and I are going to God for our strength more and more as our bodies and mind age. We are reminding ourselves that our strength does come from the Lord and He assigns it as He wills.

Enjoy!

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