Unemployed, but believing!

I have been unemployed since November of 2008. I have held a professional Social Work position since before I even graduated college, so this feels very weird. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed being home with my kiddos and hanging out in my pajamas most days. However, I would like to be working in my field at least part-time. I am passionate about what I do, so I definitely miss it! I also miss the $$$. Now, I am a social worker, so I don't make much at all. However, my income is necessary to making ends meet. God has been so faithful to provide for us in this tight time, but the money is running out. Well, we still have money in savings, but we are trying to keep it there so that we can have at least a small down payment for our next home. It can be discouraging, at times, sending resume after resume and having NO LUCK, but I am choosing to believe that there is something out there for me. There IS something that fits my passions and skills. There IS something out there that will provide the money that our family needs. There IS something!!! I have to believe that God will reveal it at just the right time. For those of you who are in the same boat as me, I pray that you would have this same belief. The job market is very rough right now, but it is nothing that God can't handle!! Let's pray each other through this!

Taking a Break

I am at Starbucks today to take a break. Things have been a bit stressful with staying at home with the kiddos, my mom moving in with us, being part of a church-plant, being unemployed and looking for a job, making our $$ stretch as much as humanly possible, etc. Basically, it has turned me into an uptight, angry, resentful, impatient, and exhausted individual! That is NOT ME!! It has affected my relationship with my absolutely wonderful, patient, and gracious husband, and it has affected my relationship with my (mostly) innocent, adorable, and loving kids! Even as I was out the door to take this much needed break I snapped at my husband! What in the world has gotten into me? As I sat and listened to one of my favorite songs ( How He Loves, by John Mark McMillan) and prayed, I was made aware of the following things:

1) My relationship with God is not where it needs to be. There are moments of strength, faith, and passion, but overall, our relationship needs so serious attention. I need to be in the Word! I need to be more fervent in my prayer! I just need HIM!!! I need to truly trust him with everything that is uncertain in my life right now. I need to believe that He can help me overcome my weaknesses. I want him to continue to transform me each day!

2) God loves me PASSIONATELY! That is the one constant in my life that I never have to doubt! I am a hot mess sometimes...I make mistakes, act ugly, neglect God and the ones I love, but His love never fades!

3) I need to stop sweating the small stuff! Due to the increased stress about some major issues, I've been allowing small and insignificant things stress me out, too. I want to just relax and enjoy my children, my husband, and the life God has given to us. I just need to RELAX!! So what if my house is a mess! So what if I have to wear a dirty item of clothing because I just didn't have time or energy to do the laundry! So what if Elana wants to run around the house singing and screaming as loud as she can! So what if my son is needy and wants to be held all the time! So what if Elana wants to dump all of her toys out all over the floor! I have been blessed with children, a roof over my head, a husband to be my best friend and helper, and so much more! SERIOUSLY, CHILL! Thank you God!

4) Especially now that I am home with the kids 24/7 I NEED to SCHEDULE time for myself on a regular basis. I will be a better mother, wife, and woman because of it! Even if it can only be an hour some weeks...it's better than nothing.

I am feeling 100% better already! This break today has made all the difference! May you find a way to take a break from all the chaos in your life today to focus on the Lord and on all the blessings God has given to you and your family!