What We Wore Wednesday and a Foster Care Update

On Monday, we got the opportunity to attend a Foster Care Review Board Meeting for E. 

A Foster Care Review Board Meeting advises the juvenile court on progress toward achieving a permanent home for a child or children involved in a dependency action and in an out-of-home placement. There are 5 volunteer board members. The well-being of these children is the highest concern to these board members. I am so grateful to them for the time and effort they put into insuring that each child can find a forever home.

I am also grateful that Josh and I as foster parents where able to be there to be a voice for E. To express our concerns, our opinions and also tell them how great E is doing in our home and just how much we love and adore her. They asked us if we would have any interest in adopting her. Josh and I both shook our heads right away at the same time and said most definitely!

Our Case Manager also showed up to the meeting too which was a HUGE blessing for us, because she bragged and bragged to the board about Josh and I and also told them about how E is growing and thriving in our home, how happy she really is and how she calls Josh "Daddy" and me "Mommy". She called our home the perfect home and expressed that she wishes that we could take in more children to love and care for. She express to the board that she has been a Case Manager for a long time and that she believes that there is a forever home out there for each child.

The board was also very elated that we were there as E's foster parents supporting her and fighting for her. She is worth the fight in every single way. Every. Single. Way.

E's Mom is still no where to be found. She has been in contact with her Dad, but presents no interest in trying to get her children back. She has missed numerous visits, court hearings and other important meetings. It's sad. Very sad. I pray a lot for her.

Towards the end of the meeting, the "head" of the board pointed to our Case Manager and said:

"Mom obviously has no interest or desire to get her children back. It's been months. There has been no contact and no effort on her part whatsoever. The board's final vote is to have the Mother's right severed as quickly as possible and get these children in permanent homes. Homes that are going to love and care for these children like they should be loved and cared for."

The next step in all of this is for the board members to present their opinions and final decision to the Judge and then the Judge will make the final call. (fingers crossed)

After the meeting was over, the head of the board came around to us, shook our hands and thanked us for all that we have done for E and for stepping up to the plate to make a difference in these kiddos lives. 

I was ecstatic after leaving the meeting and cried like a baby on the way back to work thanking God repeatedly for His faithfulness, His goodness, and His love throughout all of this. Some days I ponder and think about how we got here...how we got to this point in our lives. I never thought in a million years that I would be a foster Mother fostering these sweet wonderful children. I have been praying and praying fervently for over a year to get pregnant. I guess the Lord had different plans for our family. I am so so thankful that Josh and I listened to the promptings of the spirit to become foster parents. That we accepted this call to serve Him and love and serve His children. All of it is because of Him. All of it! I am so grateful for Him and His wonderful plan for our lives. He is so good!

I hope you will stay tuned and continue to follow us on our Foster Care journey!

What is God doing in your life? I would love to hear about it! Comment below.

 

(me) skirt: thrifted // top: thrifted // jacket: Ross // necklace: F21 // watch: Target 
(e) top and dress: thrifted // shoes: gift

DEAR E.

Dear E. This past week Daddy and I have talked about how grateful we are to still have you in our lives. Last week was a scary one for us in the least. You were supposed to be taken away from us to go live with your Grandpa in Mesa. The call that we got was completely unexpected. I do not have the words to express to you just how happy we were when CPS told us you would be staying with us longer. Daddy and I hugged, cried and thanked God for such a wonderful blessing. God had heard our prayers and He answered...like I knew He would....like He does every single time. If you ever get the chance to read this, I want you to know that every day spent with you makes me so happy. Each day with you is such a gift. These moments with you are greater than any treasure on earth. I cherish each moment that I have with you like it might be the last....because one day it might just be the last. I feel like the luckiest Mama in the world to have you as apart of our family right now. Every night when I hold you, as you kiss my cheek a gazillon times and say "Mama..I love you THIS much!" with your hands outstretched makes me melt all over. I wish I could freeze these moments in time and hold onto you forever and never let you go. I thank God for you everyday. I thank Him that He placed such a special little girl in our lives..a little girl who is so full of life and full of love. I couldn't have asked for more. I wish you knew the amount of joy and happiness that you have brought.

I want you to know that your Heavenly Father loves you with an infinite amount of love, a love so pure, so holy, and so indescribable. Never question His love for you. His love is always there. The love that He has for specifically you will never waiver. His love for you will never dim. He is there. He is always there whenever you need Him, even at times when you don't feel like He is. He is there fully and completely. Talk to him, confide in him, and I promise you that you will feel of His love and grace in your life. God has created you to be you and only you. You are special. You are a wonderful daughter of God (a Queen) and He is your King! Never forget that you came to earth as a child of a divine Father, with something of divinity in your very makeup. The Lord didn't send you here to fall or fail. He did not give you this life to waste it. He bestowed upon you the gift of mortality that you might gain experience-positive, wonderful, purposeful experience-that will eventually lead you to life eternal. 

I want you to know that life can sometimes be hard...sometimes really hard, but its so beautiful in so many ways. Trust Him with all your heart and allow Him to show you just how great He is. You alone are enough. Never forget that. Don't ever forget who's hands you are in. His ways and His will is always better than our own, even when sometimes we may think that we have all the answers. We don't. He does. Seek for Him. Seek for His will daily in your life and I promise you that you will be guided by the spirit to do the things that He would have you do and that you will be blessed. Embrace all the many opportunities that come your way, especially the ones that you didn't initially in-vision for yourself. 

I want you to know just how much I love you baby girl. I will always love you no matter what happens. You are one of things that has given me life. You have taught me so much. You have made me feel a kind of love that I have never felt before. You make me want to be better. You make me want to be brave. You make me want to soar above and beyond what may seem impossible. I love you my little monkey!

Love, Mama.

GOD CAN TURN A MESS INTO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

For those of you who read last Sunday's post you will know that my Dad was in the ICU in California. We all hope to never ever get that call, especially when you live in another state. I was getting ready Saturday morning to go to the Farmers Market with my two friends to hang out and take some pictures. My phone rang, my heart dropped and I instantly starting crying. Josh held me for awhile and told me that everything would be okay and that he loved me very much. Josh and I decided instead of paying the money for both of us to fly to California and board our dog, we would just leave early the next morning and drive there. So we packed everything up that night and left around 5am the next morning. The drive from Phoenix to California is only about 8 or 9 hours, but with my Dad on my mind it seemed like it was days. I just wanted to get there asap to see him and tell him I loved him. My brother got in the night before and was already there with my Dad. Once we arrived at the hospital, it was so heartbreaking to see my Dad. I just wanted to give him a great big hug, but it was hard because of the tube down his throat and all the other tubes that he had attached to him. I held his hand so very tight, told him I loved him and that I was here for him no matter what.

We were in California for an entire week and just got home last night. I am exhausted emotionally and physically. We spent all day every day at the hospital, with little breaks here and there to get some fresh air and eat. My Dad is still currently at the hospital still (and my brother was able to stay there longer with him) and hopefully will get released by the end of this week or next week. Day by day he is getting better and better. With everything that is happening, God has given me such an incredible amount of peace through all of this and has helped me to continue to press forward trusting and relying on Him. God's hands have been covered over this entire situation. There has been SO many blessings that have come out of all of this. I am in complete awe of just how good God is. He can turn a mess into something so very beautiful. He is always there even when you think He's not close enough. The best and biggest blessing out of all of them: My Dad is moving to Arizona!!!!!!  I still can't believe it! We have been trying and praying daily to get my Dad to move her for almost a year now! My brother is packing up a U-Haul while he is still in the hospital and once he is released they are driving here!  I just can't express how grateful I am and how good God is! I just want to sing and dance right now!

I also want to thank family, friends and even strangers who have prayed and are continuing to pray for my Dad and our family right now. I am so grateful and humbled by you and thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means so very much to me. I am sending hugs and kisses your way right now!

 It is my testimony, that if you are going through something hard right now or if you are waiting for an answer to your prayer(s)....keep trusting in God, keep pressing forward, keep believing, have faith.............and you will see God move. 

 

//On a side note....we begin our training classes to become foster parents tonight//

-KIMBERLY-

2 Weeks

Until I have this camera (Canon Rebel T5i) in my hands! 

Here's the thing.....you guys are NOT going to 
believe this, but we are getting this camera for FREE!
Did you hear me? FREE!

As Josh and I were driving to my Mom's yesterday 
for Mother's Day, he told me that he had a huge surprise for me.

My Husband works from home as an operations manager for this company.

His boss has to return some stuff that he bought for the company to Best Buy.
He will only be able to get store credit back and so his boss is just going to give us the $1000 gift card!

I was so shocked when Josh told me. I asked him what he was wanting to spend the money on.
He turned to me with a smirk on his face and said "I was going to get a nice camera"

I cannot tell you guys how overly excited I am! 

I have been wanting a nice professional camera for a long time now.

I have been just using my phone to take pictures or when I get 
the chance to hang out with Kerrin, she takes pictures of me with her camera.

Thank you Kerrin for being so sweet and willing to do that for me. I love you friend!!

*Any opinions on this camera?
*Pros/Cons?



WARNING: You guys will be seeing a lot of fashion posts now so get ready!!



Have you guys entered the GIVEAWAY

Feelings of Ingratitude.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “Ingratitude” as: “Forgetfulness of, or poor return for, kindness received.” It can also be defined as not appreciating or valuing what you have, or have been given. Unexpressed gratitude is also considered ingratitude.

In today’s fast-paced world, most people seem to not have time for thankfulness. Work, traffic, family, doctor appointments, and countless other things are their main priorities.

They seem to have no time to thank others or count their many blessings in their lives.

We live in one of the most abundantly blessed lands in the world. Our country enjoys plentiful food, shelter, electricity, running water, wealth, air conditioning, heating, transportation, sanitation, and many other blessings.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our day to day lives and we simply forget or do not

acknowledge that EVERYTHING we have is from Heavenly Father.

I would love to share my personal experience...

Just a few days ago I found myself repenting and ask my Heavenly Father for forgiveness.

Last Monday we moved into our new house.

You can see the story on how we got this house HERE

We spent hours and hours packing, moving, unpacking, organizing, and trying to get things just where we wanted them.

It was pretty stressful especially moving and unpacking just a week before Christmas.

Amisdt all the unpacking and organizing, I found myself starting to experience a lot of feelings of ingratitude and I didn't even realize that I was doing it until I stopped to correct myself and then felt horrible because I knew this was a HUGE blessing from God for us to be able to get out of our apartment lease and find this home at the perfect time.

On some Saturdays I work Photo Booth.

Most of the parties that we do are in Scottsdale. With it being December we have booked

alot of Holiday parties. You walk into some of these homes that have been professionally decorated, super organized, spotless, or the wife is super talented and crafty and decorated the home herself.

It's the same thing you see on some of the blogs or on Pinterest. These picture perfect homes that some people have and you begin to feel a little low and a little envious of what they have or what their home looks like.  This is where the comparing starts and once it starts you have to stop it. Just simply stop it. Otherwise it will get a lot worse.

I started comparing and saying "I wish we" this and " I wish we" that. I simply had to stop myself, control my feelings and look around and think of all the many many blessings that God has given us. After pondering, praying and repenting I felt a huge weight lifted of my shoulders. I have also made a promise to myself to thank God even more at the end of each day.

Have you experienced feelings or are you experiencing feelings of ingratitude?

Although it is a part of our human nature, there are some ways to that we can avoid these feelings of ingratitude.

1. Thank God Daily

God commands us to go to Him in prayer with praise and thanksgiving. Do you thank Him daily?

The are many scriptures with examples of God’s servants showing their gratitude towards Him.

I Chronicles 29 records King David being deeply moved at the people’s generosity in preparing God’s Temple. David was inspired and expressed his earnest and sincere gratitude in honor of the great God. He exclaimed: “Blessed be You, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of You, and You reign over all; and in Your hand is power and might; and in Your hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of You, and of Your own have we given You”

Paul writes, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks” (I Thes. 5:16-18).

Psalm 92 records a special Sabbath psalm used to praise God: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Your name, O most High: to show forth Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night…For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work: I will triumph in the works of Your hands. O Lord, how great are Your works! And Your thoughts are very deep…You, Lord, are most High forevermore. For, lo, Your enemies, O Lord, for, lo, Your enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered”

You should never run out of things to thank God for! Go to Him in prayer and continually thank Him for all the blessings He has provided you!

2. Tithes and OfferingsAnother vital way to demonstrate gratitude towards the great God is through tithes and offerings. The prophet Malachi records God’s words: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:8-10).

Although God provides absolutely everything that we have, He promises to provide more—through pouring out blessings from heaven—if we merely do our part by paying tithes and offerings! Through our heartfelt dedication in supporting His end-time Work, He promises us much more than we can possibly desire!

3. Serve Others

I have always realized that there are many out there in today's world that are a lot less fortunate that we are. For Christmas Josh's family picks a family in need to help out.

The family that we served this year was so sweet. The father of the family had lost his job and they had to sell most of their things to pay bills. They moved into an apartment with their 3 boys (2,4, and 6) with literally a few trash bags full of clothes, a bed and a couch.

They literally had nothing. We all showed up at their doorstep (all 39 of us) with clothes, toys, household items, food, etc. The look on their faces was priceless. One we will all never forget. When you serve others you forget about yourself and your own trials.



 

4. Say "Thank You" More

 Many people fear thanking others. They often fall into the mentality that, by thanking, they are somehow in debt or owe something to that person. But the truth is far from this!

Throughout history, great men have been known for specifically thanking others. It is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of meekness!

Think of the things that people do for you—from opening a door for you, to giving you a ride to the store, or providing a kind and reassuring word. We live in an age when common courtesy and politeness are all but extinct.

Say “thank you” and “please” often. You should never run out of people to thank. You would be surprised how happy those little words can make others feel!

5. Count Your Blessings, Not Your Worries Look around you. When was the last time you lost a loved one to starvation or rampant disease? When was the last time you gave up eating to make sure your children had food? When was the last time you had to sell your children because you did not have the money to survive or even provide for them? Chances are you have never experienced these things. Unfortunately, these are grim realities that many around the world face each day. Thank God each day for all the terrible things that you have not had to endure!  I have started a Gratitude journal. Every night I record  the things that come to my mind that I was grateful for that day. It really puts things into perspective and it's nice to be able to flip a few pages back and see what I wrote days, weeks or the months before.

6. Everything Happens For a Reason

It is so easy to fall into the routine of constant “grumbling” and complaining about problems and worries. When you find yourself complaining about finances, traffic, problems at work, family issues, car troubles, or whatever other difficulty or trial you may be experiencing, remember that everything God does and allows is for a reason. Although difficult, it is for a greater good—if you overcome them!

Consider the following analogy that I have heard a few times.... Each ingredient used in making a cake is not always sweet or good to the taste. By themselves, their tastes can range from bitter, to salty, to sweet, to chalky. But the end result—the cake—is delicious and sweet!

King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recorded, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecc. 3:1).

Although it is difficult to do, when you are experiencing trials, look for the good that God wants you to learn from them. For example, if you are having car problems, and will need an expensive repair, perhaps you are mishandling, or wasting money on other things, and God wants you to re-examine your budget. Many of the difficulties that you encounter can help you realize whether or not you are living properly. You can learn from these experiences!

When people grumble, they are complaining about a situation that God has allowed—and sometimes even caused—them to be in!

Paul admonishes us to “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15). Remember Paul’s three commands:

(1) “Rejoice evermore.” (2) “Pray without ceasing.” (3) “In everything give thanks.”


Today think or write down all the many things that you should be grateful for in your life.
Have a blessed day!!

FYI: I came across THIS blog today. She is amazing and a great writer. Check her out!

Blessings in the Midst of a Car Accident

Two weeks ago I decided to take some time off work.

I requested to take Wednesday-Friday off (24th-26th)

On Wednesday I met up with my Mom and we shopped until we dropped!

Literally. I met her at 10am and I didn't get home until almost 8pm!

Usually when I go shopping, my Husband always wants a fashion show for

me to model what I purchased. It's too cute!

This time I didn't really feel up for it. I was tired, hungry and my feet hurt.

One thing I did notice was my throat was really sore.

I don't know about you but I can ALWAYS tell when I am about to get sick..

and it never fails...I ALWAYS get sick at the worst possible times.

That night I took some Vitamin C and some medicine and went to bed at a decent time.

The next morning I opened my eyes and stretched.

Body aches.

Fever.

Stuffy nose.

Sore throat.

Massive headache.

I had an event to work that night so I HAD

to get feeling at least a little better.

Come closer to the time I had to leave I still wasn't feeling good

so I decided to go to the doctor. Based on time, my Husband was

just going to meet me at the event in Phoenix and get everything set up.

By the time I left the doctors, I had been there for over 2 hours.

That is the worst when your sick and you have to wait to be seen

and you have to sit in the uncomfortable chairs and just wait for your name to be called.

I remembered thinking to myself.....

"Wow. It would be so nice if they had rooms with beds that patients could lay on while waiting!"

Finally....

I was on my way to see my Husband and bring him packs of batteries for Laser Tag that

one of his employees was running.

He had called me and told me that when the first event was over, he would

be able to cover the next event (wedding) with my friend Jessica so I could just go home and rest up. That was a huge relief because I would have not lasted that if for sure!

I'm driving along the freeway listening to Alex Boye'

and trying to get my mind off of how crappy I was feeling.

My GPS chimes in and says " In 1 mile, take exit 5 for Glendale Avenue"

I get over into the far right lane so I can get off the exit.

There are two right-hand turn lanes ahead.

Right as I am about to slow down and take a right, in the left hand lane a woman in

a Honda CRV cuts me off to get in my lane and then slams on her brakes. I didn't

have enough time to stop so I slam right into her from behind going about 10 mph.

I have NEVER been in a car accident before.

All I can remember is everything happened SO fast.

The air bag deployed and hit my left

hand and arm which was tingling and brusing up by the second.

Smoke filled the truck. I sat there in complete shock

 for a few minutes not knowing what to do next.

I said to myself "Kimberly...you have to do something"

I snapped myself out of it and had to pull the truck off the off ramp onto the right

hand side of the road so other cars could get by.

 Try driving while an air-bag is deployed..yeah...thats interesting.

The woman who I hit was on her cell phone outside of her vehicle.

I asked her if she was alright and apologized. She said she was fine but her neck was sore.

We have On-Star in both of our vehicles which I am so thankful for.

Immediately after the accident an On-Star agent called into the truck.

"Mrs. Bonham are you alright? Do you need medical attention?"

I informed her what happened, where I was located and told her that my arm and hand were achy and brusing up.

For a few minutes I felt like a baby trying to learn their first words.

They stayed on the phone with me the entire time until a cop could arrive on the scene.

Thankfully my Husband was a mile up the road working.

I called him right away and told him that I got into an accident.

He freaked out and told me he would be there in a few minutes.

When my Husband arrived the first thing he did was kiss my face all over and

told me how much he loved me and that he was so glad I was okay.

I started crying and just hugged my Husband.

Not knowing what the front of the truck looked like, I finally stepped out of the truck and took a look. Wow! To my suprise the front of the truck was a wreck especially compared to what little damage had been done to the Honda CRV.

We both just looked at one another in shock.

The cop finally arrived took the report and our truck got towed away.

$8000 worth of damage to our truck!

In the midst of this terribly situation, I really feel like Heavenly Father

was watching over me the entire time. Based on the looks of the truck and

the impact of the air bag, it should of been alot worse than a little bruise on my wrist.

Another thing I was thinking about is the fact we carry the photo booth in the back of our truck when there is an event that we have to work. Well that morning, my Husband drove out to Phoenix to set up the Photo Booth for that night. We NEVER do this...EVER!

Can you imagine what might of happened if that was in the back of the truck behind me when I got into the accident? That wouldn't of been good.

Well it's been about a week and I am feeling pretty good other than I am still sick!

My ticket that I got was $168.

Just two days ago we got two unexpected refund checks

in the mail from our insurance company.

 One for $100 and one for $25, which means we only owe about $40!

If I had to look at the situation overall...yes it was horrible that I got into an accident,

but the great thing is we are seeing the hand of God at work and see how

much He is blessing us and continuing to bless us in the midst of this situation.

God is good ALL the time.

Sometimes we just have to look for it in

 the midst of our trials or difficult situations that occur throughout our lives.

I promise that if you really look for the blessings...

even the smallest ones...you will find them.

My challenge for you...

Whatever you are going through right now,

try and look past that trial, tribulation or "stuff" for just a small moment.

Really try to think and ponder...

What is God teaching you?

Is this going to make you stronger?

Is your trial maybe blessing someone else?

What are you learning from this?

Do you feel the need to draw closer to God or further away?

Is He using this trial to set you up for something bigger?

Are you being patient through this trial?

Are you trusting Him? 

I love this quote from Elder Holland:

“On this upward and sometimes hazardous journey, each of us meets our share of daily challenges. If we are not careful, as we peer through the narrow lens of self-interest, we may feel that life is bringing us more than our fair share of trials--that somehow others seem to be getting off more lightly.

But the tests of life are tailored for our own best interests, and all will face the burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we will realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way.”

- Jeffrey R. Holland -

What I Wore & Acts of Kindness

 

 

Small & Simple Acts of Kindness

1. When it’s obvious that someone else wants the same parking space you want, let them have it and do it with a smile

2. Mow an elderly neighbor’s lawn or shovel snow for them

3. Clean an elderly person’s house or offer to do the grocery shopping

4. Give someone without transportation a 

ride to church or another event, even if it’s out of your way

5. Truly listen to someone without interrupting

6. Encourage and lift up a close friend

7. Hold a door open for a stranger and let them go ahead of you

8. Compliment someone 

9. Smile at someone and tell them to have a great day

10. Tell your family and friends just how much you love an appreciate them 

As we go about our daily lives, I don’t think we realize how many people walk among us every day who feel lonely or insignificant and have had little or no experience with unconditional love. I believe doing things for people just to be a blessing and for no other reason is an amazing way to show God’s love!

Journal Entry: He Is Always Faithful

This morning I got an email notification from Penzu (an online journal website) notifying me that I haven't wrote an entry in awhile.

Dear Kimberly,

On August 17 2012 at 04:21 am you wrote an entry in your Penzu journal.

Want to read the rest of this entry? Follow this link:https://penzu.com/pad/authentry/3576017?slug=3c647b0b&uid=b05e938c07af49b1

Cheers!

- Penzu Team

 I acutally switched from writing an online journal to actually writing in a journal I bought at a bookstore.

 Reading this entry made me realize just how important it is to record our thoughts as often as we can.

 Looking back on this trial I was going to seemed so difficult at the time and now looking back on my thoughts makes me so grateful for that trial because it made me grow, made me even stronger and I was able to see the hand of the Lord so much during this time.

I would like to share my journal entry with you.....

I work at Clark Hill which is a law firm here in Scottsdale, Arizona.

I have been working there for a little over a year now. I love it! Seriously the BEST job ever. About 4 months back, I was given the opportunity to get promoted to a "billing specialist" position. They were looking for someone who has a least 5 years experience as a billing specialist in a law firm setting. I had no experience whatsoever. None. I was shocked when they considered me for the position as they needed someone with a college degree and experience. Nonetheless I thought it over and prayed about it.  I was a little hesitant because the position I was currently in I LOVED and thought what happens if I leave this position and don't like the billing position? I just decided to take the chance and take the leap and go for it. What did I have to lose? Plus...it was a big pay increase so that was very tempting of course. Tabitha, a co-worker and friend took over my old position and would be leaving at the end of September to have her baby boy. So things were set in place.

The next day I went in and told my boss I wanted to pursue the position. After committing to the job, I had a lot of mixed feelings. I kept thinking to myself "I hope I made the right decision"

Days passed and I was going into work every day feeling stressed, overwhelmed and very anxious. There were days I would come home crying and kneel by my bedside pouring my heart out to my Heavenly Father asking for his guidance, love and wondering if I made the right decision.

One day my boss informed me that they wanted me to fly back to Detroit for round two of training. My heart sunk and I was tongue-tied. I didn't know what to say at the moment so I told myself to go home think and pray about it. I knew I needed to make a decision and fast especially if they were going to make arrangements to fly me back out there. I needed to let my boss know exactly how I felt before things got worse.

This morning I woke up and asked Heavenly Father to help guide me throughout my day today and to help me to make the right decision. Earlier in the morning I had to get an approval from my boss on some markdowns for a bill. I  had to go into his office anyways so I figured I would just open up and be honest with him about how I felt. I was so nervous and there was a huge pit in my stomach. How do you deal with going into something that you might enjoy and then hate it? It was very hard but I knew I needed to just take action and do what I felt was right for me.

Our meeting went better than I could have ever expected. God was right by my side the entire time. I could feel Him. We had a great conversation and he expressed to me that my old position is always mine until he fills it with someone full time. He told me that he just wanted me to be happy and find a position that I enjoy doing and if that was my old position than he would move me back once Tabitha leaves. He was so understanding and so caring. He told me he would start making plans to get me moved back and was really happy that I came to him with honesty. How perfect did all of this work out?!

Leaving the meeting, my heart was smiling and I felt God's love and His goodness.

Sometimes God will put us in situations to bless someone else. In this case He used me working in this position to bless Tabitha with extra income before the baby came and He used it to also bless us with extra income to pay off some bills we had (which we had also been praying about asking God to help us find ways to pay down our debt to become debt free before buying our first home and starting a family)

God is so good and He is so faithful with every request that we send up His way. Sometimes its so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know with all my heart and soul that if you press forward with all of your faith in Him, He will bring it to pass and pour blessings down upon you.

Do you write in a journal?

If so, why do you think recording your thoughts is important?

Pure and Simple Faith

 

I realize how blessed I am to have such easy access to church every Sunday. After viewing this I felt extremely humbled. I look up to those who do everything they can to worship our Father in Heaven who blesses us with all we have.

The Lord will bless us if we but put our faith and trust in Him.He really does care about us and our situations, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem.