Of course, Thanksgiving is a day when we all are given the opportunity to count our blessings. And our family is so blessed. We have the opportunity to talk to God whenever we need it, and we're going to heaven. The rest is just gravy. And there is ALOT of gravy to be thankful for.
I want to challenge you all to think of the verse from 2 Corinthians - Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Spend a minute every day listing 3 for 4 things you are thankful for, from the little things to the big things. Do this for the rest of the year, and see what God brings to your brain, what blessings He reminds you of, what blessings you are more aware of.
We are in a holding cell right now. That's all this world is. With all its gravy, it's still just a holding cell. We're waiting for the next step. Faithfully waiting. Patiently waiting. Sometimes comfortably waiting. Counting our blessings helps me realize that the blessings aren't from some magic coincidence, the blessings are from God. And I shouldn't be comfortable here. This isn't my home. It's just a cell.
Hope your Thanksgiving found you with friends or family, love and laughter. We pray that this year will give you all lots of blessings to be thankful for.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Free At Last!
So what does one do on the first day of "freedom" (also called unemployment)?
About 16 loads of laundry. Where did all these clothes come from?
Study. Alot. But I'm passing my practice tests. Less than 2 weeks to go until I take my boards again. I'm starting with the heartburn already.
Sleep in. But not alot. My brain woke me up with all that I have to do today.
Apply for a job. In northwest Houston. I don't think it's going to work out. For several reasons.
Call my old job. Twice. But it was mostly to see how things were going with my former co-workers. And gloat. Nicely. Yesterday was rocky for them. I feel bad for them. Not bad enough to come back, though.
Make sure my unemployment claim was processed and going through. The important things, right?
Realized I was low on my facial regimen. Panicked, and ran to CVS, where I purchased the "magic" facial serum that helps my skin be calmer. And paid about $437 an ounce for that stuff. I didn't remember it being that expensive. But worth it.
I leave tonight for WDW, and I will spend today packing and getting everything ready (read: making sure my husband has food to eat) for me to go.
J has an interview this AM, and we found out another one is being scheduled for December 2. Please be praying for these, and for God's direction in this matter.
God is still working in our lives and it's amazing to see Him work. Thank you for encouraging us and continuing your prayers on our behalf.
About 16 loads of laundry. Where did all these clothes come from?
Study. Alot. But I'm passing my practice tests. Less than 2 weeks to go until I take my boards again. I'm starting with the heartburn already.
Sleep in. But not alot. My brain woke me up with all that I have to do today.
Apply for a job. In northwest Houston. I don't think it's going to work out. For several reasons.
Call my old job. Twice. But it was mostly to see how things were going with my former co-workers. And gloat. Nicely. Yesterday was rocky for them. I feel bad for them. Not bad enough to come back, though.
Make sure my unemployment claim was processed and going through. The important things, right?
Realized I was low on my facial regimen. Panicked, and ran to CVS, where I purchased the "magic" facial serum that helps my skin be calmer. And paid about $437 an ounce for that stuff. I didn't remember it being that expensive. But worth it.
I leave tonight for WDW, and I will spend today packing and getting everything ready (read: making sure my husband has food to eat) for me to go.
J has an interview this AM, and we found out another one is being scheduled for December 2. Please be praying for these, and for God's direction in this matter.
God is still working in our lives and it's amazing to see Him work. Thank you for encouraging us and continuing your prayers on our behalf.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Cuttrell 2, Jobs 0
Well, I guess there's some news to update.
As some of you know, Friday, October 31, I was informed that my contract with my current employer was not going to be renewed. I was assured that I had done nothing wrong, they were pleased with my performance, etc, etc. I have until November 14th to work here, then I am done. Do you hear God in this?
This is the job that I have been unhappy with for several months. I had discussed this with my bosses several times, as a grown up, not whining or complaining, but discussing what changes may improve morale here in the clinic. Laying off the PA was not on my list of things to do to improve morale.
So, on to the God part.
I prayed and prayed (and prayed more) for God's hand to be present in all this hoo-haa that is my current life. Monday AM, I asked God for a break. There's been so much pressure, and to walk back into a clinic that laid me off was mentally killing me. Monday AM, a friend from church came to me to ask if I would accompany her and her daughter to a conference, all expenses paid, to chaperone her daughter (who is a good kid, and I like hanging out with her anyway).
Where is the conference? Disney World.
That's right, the mouse with the most.
I leave four days after my last day at work for four days at WDW. While I am there, I will see another family there who have adopted J and me as surrogate children and get to hang with them for a while too.
It gets better.
Jeremy and I have decided (and I can't tell anyone this in person, it makes me cry) that we will put resumes out wherever. My very scary idea about getting a job outside of H-town is that we will have trouble selling our house. The market isn't great, but it's not terrible. I was telling God that's what I was most scared of. So, Saturday, less than 24 hours after learning my contract would not be renewed, a friend of a friend offered to buy my house. Sight unseen. Just hearing me describe it on the phone.
Wow.
I insisted that they at least come over and look at the house. They will be coming over next week to look. We have made it clear that we're not ready to sell just yet, but if they are interested after they see it, we'll offer the house to them first. And guess what they're preapproved for? Yep. Very, very close to what we're asking.
Does it get better? Of course.
We both have let go of the bitterness and anger that we felt initially. How can we be mad at someone who was just doing what God wanted? If it wasn't handled just the way it should have been, I can learn from that. Once I personally let go of the anger, God reached blessings into my life. I had asked for a few considerations, and was told, unequivocally, that there would be no considerations. No reason was given to me, but it was clear that they wanted as little to do with me as possible.
After the anger was gone, guess what? My boss came to me and apologized for his behavior and actions. He gave me everything I asked for. I told him that I didn't want him doing anything he was uncomfortable with, but he assured me he would be okay with what I had asked.
There are a few things that have gotten me through the nights.
1. If God wanted me to work here, there would be no way I could leave. If God wants me to leave, there's no way I could stay. I'm done here, and it's all in God's hands.
2. God promises me strength and faith for today. Not tomorrow, today. When I am laying in an emotional fetal position and thinking "I don't know how I can go to work tomorrow and face these people," I am reminded that I don't have to have faith for tomorrow. I will get that strength tomorrow from God. And he definitely provides. But enough for today.
3. Ralph said this Sunday and it stuck with me. If the apostles had known on Friday that Sunday was coming, would the joy have been so deep? Would they have grown? Would it have been as meaningful? We are definitely on Friday. But Sunday is coming. And it's gonna be cool.
We are praying fervently for Jeremy to get a job to replace our incomes. We want this prayer prayed specifically. Please put us on all the prayer lists you can. God is using this situation to allow both of us to grow enormously. We will keep you up to date on what's going on. It's gonna be a wild ride. I wish I was more patient, but God works in his time, not mine, and it will come when we're ready.
Keep praying!
As some of you know, Friday, October 31, I was informed that my contract with my current employer was not going to be renewed. I was assured that I had done nothing wrong, they were pleased with my performance, etc, etc. I have until November 14th to work here, then I am done. Do you hear God in this?
This is the job that I have been unhappy with for several months. I had discussed this with my bosses several times, as a grown up, not whining or complaining, but discussing what changes may improve morale here in the clinic. Laying off the PA was not on my list of things to do to improve morale.
So, on to the God part.
I prayed and prayed (and prayed more) for God's hand to be present in all this hoo-haa that is my current life. Monday AM, I asked God for a break. There's been so much pressure, and to walk back into a clinic that laid me off was mentally killing me. Monday AM, a friend from church came to me to ask if I would accompany her and her daughter to a conference, all expenses paid, to chaperone her daughter (who is a good kid, and I like hanging out with her anyway).
Where is the conference? Disney World.
That's right, the mouse with the most.
I leave four days after my last day at work for four days at WDW. While I am there, I will see another family there who have adopted J and me as surrogate children and get to hang with them for a while too.
It gets better.
Jeremy and I have decided (and I can't tell anyone this in person, it makes me cry) that we will put resumes out wherever. My very scary idea about getting a job outside of H-town is that we will have trouble selling our house. The market isn't great, but it's not terrible. I was telling God that's what I was most scared of. So, Saturday, less than 24 hours after learning my contract would not be renewed, a friend of a friend offered to buy my house. Sight unseen. Just hearing me describe it on the phone.
Wow.
I insisted that they at least come over and look at the house. They will be coming over next week to look. We have made it clear that we're not ready to sell just yet, but if they are interested after they see it, we'll offer the house to them first. And guess what they're preapproved for? Yep. Very, very close to what we're asking.
Does it get better? Of course.
We both have let go of the bitterness and anger that we felt initially. How can we be mad at someone who was just doing what God wanted? If it wasn't handled just the way it should have been, I can learn from that. Once I personally let go of the anger, God reached blessings into my life. I had asked for a few considerations, and was told, unequivocally, that there would be no considerations. No reason was given to me, but it was clear that they wanted as little to do with me as possible.
After the anger was gone, guess what? My boss came to me and apologized for his behavior and actions. He gave me everything I asked for. I told him that I didn't want him doing anything he was uncomfortable with, but he assured me he would be okay with what I had asked.
There are a few things that have gotten me through the nights.
1. If God wanted me to work here, there would be no way I could leave. If God wants me to leave, there's no way I could stay. I'm done here, and it's all in God's hands.
2. God promises me strength and faith for today. Not tomorrow, today. When I am laying in an emotional fetal position and thinking "I don't know how I can go to work tomorrow and face these people," I am reminded that I don't have to have faith for tomorrow. I will get that strength tomorrow from God. And he definitely provides. But enough for today.
3. Ralph said this Sunday and it stuck with me. If the apostles had known on Friday that Sunday was coming, would the joy have been so deep? Would they have grown? Would it have been as meaningful? We are definitely on Friday. But Sunday is coming. And it's gonna be cool.
We are praying fervently for Jeremy to get a job to replace our incomes. We want this prayer prayed specifically. Please put us on all the prayer lists you can. God is using this situation to allow both of us to grow enormously. We will keep you up to date on what's going on. It's gonna be a wild ride. I wish I was more patient, but God works in his time, not mine, and it will come when we're ready.
Keep praying!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Update on AB
Several of you have asked for updated photos of AB. OF COURSE, we took pictures while we were there last weekend. Here are several of my favorite:
The face I love:
Special time with Aunt D:
Uncle J has the touch:
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