Chains and Freedom

This past week has been so challenging and yet freeing.

We have been taking a financial class in order to properly take care of God's blessings in the future. Part of the session talked about getting rid of credit cards and eliminating debt. This came along with us trying to pay our mortgage payment, too. Needless to say, it was very stressful. By midweek, right before making all the big financial decisions, we decided to take the first step in eliminating debt: we cut up ALL of our credit cards. It was so freeing knowing that we are already telling the credit card companies that we will not be held down by them. We are choosing to trust in God and His abundance, not some worldly company that just wants to "take, take and take" from us.

Overall, I've been really impressed and thankful to God with how we've been able to trust Him during this difficult time. It's been so hard to see how little amount of money is coming in and how much money has to go out so we can stay on top of things. But we've continued to be faithful to God and He has been providing for us. But, the past two days, I've started to get frustrated and upset that we are still trying to fight through this situation. I'm sick of struggling and trying to not worry about the money situation. This would be so much easier if we had a consistent job and income coming in.

God, I just want to thank you for everything you have done for us and providing for us. I also thank you for the trials and blessings you have ahead of us. Lord, I just ask that you provide the jobs and income, and soon. =-) God, I so desperately want to use this situation to help others. I want other people, believers or not, to see that you do bless and take care of those who continue to be faithful to you. Thank you for this season. Thank you for showing us areas to grow personally and spiritually. I love you, God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Twas the best of times, twas the worst of times...

This was the worst and best Valentine's Day I have EVER had. Let me explain:

Our church held a Valentine's Day event which we volunteered to help out. We were so excited about it! I woke up this morning, couldn't get my hair to go right (don't want to hear it, guys), my girls weren't listening to me and they were in bad moods, my hubby and I just couldn't get on the same wave length...it goes on and on and on. The day just kept getting worse and by 3pm we both had had enough! We were so frustrated with each other and with the day. We were going to stay for the service that night but just wanted to go home.

My oldest daughter wanted to stay for service, badly. It was a bitter sweet thing. We knew we should stay, so we did. After the girls getting a very very tiny nap, and Keith and I deciding to let go of everything, forgive and move on, and we went back to church.

Can I just say, that when you ask for God's help and you stop letting Satan defeat you, it is such an amazing feeling!! The rest of our evening was unbelievable. The service was so awesome and encouraging. We are so excited about the next step God has given to us.

Please pray with us that God will continue to provide us with provision and the continued finances needed to "stay alive". I can truly see what God is starting to lay out for us! So exciting!!! Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Realization

I awaken to the sound of the girls yelling at each other and playing in their bedroom. Keith rolls out of bed to hop in the shower. I slowly roll over, trying to stay covered, and peal my eyes open to see the clock. 7:23am. ...sigh... Yesterday I was already working by this time. The realization really kicks in that I didn't have to wake up, before the sun, to prepare for another day at work. It wasn't the best job, but it was something. It was a routine. That routine has been broken again.

Although I am a little bummed about it, my spirits are surprisingly high. I think Keith is a little worried about me. =-) But after the past week of doing tattoos and more people coming to me for prices and just generally talking about them, I have nothing to be concerned about. With the lay off, I am actually more available to cater to people's schedules for tattoos. And Andrea and Kairi are of course stoked that mom was home this morning. The expression of surprise on Kairi's face was priceless.

We're still looking for something for Keith. And if I have to, I will work another job to get us by. It's not a big deal. We know that God is on our side and He'll provide...just like He has been. If we've made it this far, we'll make it even farther. I am refusing to let Satan get us down. He's got nothing on me now!