The last two weeks have been extremely difficult for me. I’m in a slump and it has been hard to pull myself out. It seems like my shoulder/rib pain overshadows everything else and quite frankly I've had a bad attitude. I’m frustrated, emotional and tired of dealing with entire ordeal. And yet, despite my attitude it seems like when I reach a low point, my Heavenly Father reaches down and offers me something sweet to remind me of finding my joy in Him.
Amazing blessing of the week (there have been more than one!):
My house in Ruckersville, VA
This last summer I had the opportunity to go to China on a two week mission trip with China Partner and Grace Chapel. When I realized that the Lord wanted me to go to China (a place I really DID NOT WANT TO GO) I told God that I would go if He opened up all of the doors I needed Him to in 30 minutes!!! HA! Never try to bargain with God!! He met and exceeded my 'criteria!'
My job not only gave me the two weeks off of work but paid me for two of the days as a community service project instead of using my vacation time. In addition I was able to raise the money I needed in a little over a month! And the final answer to my prayers was when my mom gave me her blessing to go to China. You see...by my taking the trip to China, I was deciding that I wouldn't go home for Christmas. It’s always extremely important to both my mom and me that I am home for Christmas but this year it’s more important because my parents are moving in February and we have no idea where we’ll be next year for the holidays! The decision was emotionally hard but there was no doubt in either of our minds that I HAD to go to China!
The fam- my mom, dad, little sister and little bro!
As the holiday season has begun to creep up on us, I think I can speak for both my mom and me (and my entire family...)when I say the disappointment of my not coming home for Christmas had began to sink it and it was hard for both of us. Since I've switched jobs, the reason for my not coming home was more about money being tight than it was about not having the vacation. It's complicated...but trust me; we were both torn for several reasons! Anyway, last week I was going through a pile of mail which has been accumulating on my desk for weeks threatening to overrun my desk! I came across an envelope from Pulte (my old company) and opened it up. In it was a check for $300- enough to get me home!!!!!!!!!!!
My mom booked my flight for me today and I'm going home for 10 days! I'll be home a week before Christmas to help decorate and spend time with my family and I feel incredibly blessed!!! I will also have time to visit friends and those who support my ministry and cannot wait to catch up with them and hear about their lives! It's exciting because this will be the longest I've been home since I moved to Colorado and it couldn't be at a more perfect time.
The 'kids' and my baby girl, Shea.
So- December 16-26th I'll be home! God is good and He is our ultimate provider.
