About 6 weeks ago, Shannon started, what we thought, was the best job of his life.
He was THRILLED with his work. It felt rewarding and exciting. He worked hard, came home exhausted… but smiling.
On Friday afternoon, on his birthday… He was fired.
I wish I could say that I handled it perfectly. That I was able to, say… No worries, I know God has us in His hand and we will be fine.
But… I didn’t.
I cried.
I got somewhat depressed.
I slept a lot.
I prayed a lot, but didn’t seem to want to accept His peace.
Finally… I began to accept.
I KNOW my God is bigger than any problem we have.
I KNOW my God has us in His Righteous Right Hand.
We are safe and secure and even though we don’t know what is around the corner, we can be at peace with His timing and His ways.
Sadly, we felt so secure with his former job that we didn’t immediately start saving. We tried to start paying some things off and such. Our plans were to start a savings account, but we hadn’t got there yet… like I said, it has only been 6 weeks.
So, I got to thinking. I quit crying. I quit wringing my hands and started trusting and said… “I know God is working, but what does He want me to do?”
Of course…
He wants me to exercise what I already know.
Planning
Organizing
Frugality
I KNOW how to do these things.
We have lived on VERY little in the past and I know how to stretch a little into a lot. 🙂
So, the children and I took EVERYTHING out of our pantry cabinet. We are going to organize it, and plan meals with it and see just how much we can stretch every scrap.
We have some meat in the freezer also. I know there is some venison, some chickens. I can use the venison for our red meat meals and then once I use the chickens, there is always stock that I can make from the bones. That will make up some wonderful soups as hopefully we will be cooling off here in the next few weeks.
I have several buckets full of grains and beans. Some popcorn and rice.
We will make due.
Will we have our favorite meals every night?
Doubtful
Will we be fed?
Truly
Will we learn thankfulness and restraint?
Yes, indeed.
I hope to be organized about the whole ordeal and list and plan so that I can share how we make it each week.
We would love your prayers during this time of uncertainty. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and love.
I pray you have a blessed day!
xoxo,
Chas
SO sorry to hear this Chasity. Will be praying for you all. BUT LOVE your attitude and KNOW you will make it work!
in HIM –
Mindy
Chas –
Chris and I went through the same thing last year…Chris was out of work for a whole year. I can testify to the fact that God provided for EVERY need. We never missed a payment (house, car or otherwise) and we never missed a meal. Chris found some small jobs to work on the side until God saw fit to answer our prayer about a permanant one. He WILL take care of his children….and, we're praying for all of you.
Thank you for being such an inspiration 🙂
Leslie Daffron
Hi Chas, Sorry to hear about your setback,, like you did give it up to God,, he has the master plan! I am in the same boat, (with a missing oar)I am in the construction industry and here in rural NY it is slowing down, I also have the misfortune (right now) of being in a specialized trade (ceramic tile). Last summer I felt the squeeze and it has been getting gradually worse as time marches on. I just pray for the lord to give me the guidance I need and the wisdom to take the correct forks in the road ! and I will pray the same for you and your homestead. I have food to eat, a roof over my head, lots of people who love me (my kids especially) and a God who will look out for me! What more do I need !! Unfortunately I live in a capitalistic society so I do need some money !! God will provide. I commend you on your resilience and you will be rewarded accordingly. Peace and Prosperity to you and yours ! ….Regards Rich @ NY Homesteader
I am so so sorry to here about this Sis Chas! I will be holding your family in prayer. Your post ENCOURAGED me this morning. I am dealing with something right now that I am truly struggling with. Thank you!
In His Truth & Grace,
Carrie
Praying for you, Chas! Over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, she called their year of unemployment being on "God watch"–waiting to see what God would do out of the bedlam. I'm going to pray that God will do mighty things in your household as well!
Dear Chas,
I have been a reader of your blog for some time (and I think we're pretty close to each other in location!). I have rarely commented, but this post warranted some thoughts. Your family will be in my prayers. I pray that your husband doesn't beat himself up over this. My husband was fired from his full-time job over two years ago. He has struggled since to find regular, steady employment… but we're still together and still praying and still staying strong. We are blessed with an amazing support system of family, as I'm sure you are as well. I KNOW you and your family will get through this – through the grace of God and the abilities He has blessed you with to manage your home.
Your blog is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing such things with all of us. 🙂
Olivia
Hey Chas,
I haven't posted in quite some time, but I've been keeping up with you. Just wanted to let you know that I will lift your family up in prayer as you wait to see what God has in store for you.
I have a dear friend who is coming out of a very long year of trusting God to provide for her family. It has not been easy, but He has seen her through and is now setting her back on her feet in the most amazing way! Her path has inspired me so much, as I am sure yours will inspire others as well.
Please don't hesitate to post about the bad days. We all have them and sharing the burden with others always makes it lighter and helps us gather our thoughts!
Many blessings to your family,
Bren
I'm so sorry Chas. I know it's been a long road for you guys. You are right – God is a big God and he WILL care for you. I'm struggling with something myself these past days and I have found the song "In His Time" comforting to me and I sing it when no one's around. :o)
Chas, I am sooo sorry. We have been praying for your family. I want you to know that I just read this post to my family and that we have been so convicted by it. We are not being the best stewards of what we have and I could make things stretch a lot further. You have already encouraged us and I can't wait to see how God uses your family during this time. Romans 8:28
I read your blog quite often, but post rarely, but when I read this blog entry, I was so sad for you and yet it was so nice to hear your honesty and truth in learning to truly rely on God for HIS plan. My father in law was diagnosed with a terminal illness three years ago, and my husband left a wonderful career in the military to move us home to be with his dad. We chose family, and sticking together, and although it has been very difficult financially, I know I'm reaping it spiritually.
Thank you for sharing.
I will be praying for you!
Amy Ralls
Having a melt-down is just a human thing.
Even though we know with all our heart that HE is in control, our human-ness kicks in at times.
HE understands. HE created us.
Keep trusting HIM! HE will provide!
Praying for you and your family.
Jill (the big sister)
So sorry that this has happened, especially on Shannon's birthday. Thank you for sharing your reaction and your attitude is wonderful! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Yes In God we must trust and whilst that is'nt so easy especially when something you don't expect blows up We must trust and act,Sounds like you are doing just that….I will bekeeping you all in prayers
Gosh! Have been in this situation several times in our lives, so know those feelings that can come over you and your husband after being fired. Especially when they are giving there all to the job. Be encouraged that you will over come! Looking forward to reading about what comes out of this experience.
Dearest Chas,
I was so saddened by your difficult news. And I know…KNOW…that I would have shed a tear or two also.
But you are doing the right and wonderful thing…holding fast to HIS promise. You and your family will never forget this pull-together time…it will be held as a lovely memory by your children in the years to come…trust me, it will.
Not to mention, the incredible life lessons they are learning right by your side. All of us, have at one time or another, had to be "creatively frugal"!
I will keep you in my prayers,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm
So sorry to hear about your husband losing his job. I know that I have been having to learn to total depend on God.
May God continue to bless your family,
Lisa :O)
Awww Chas….sorry about this. I've been thinking about you and your family. Love to you all.
Chas, We are all praying for you guys. I know many people who have so much but still constantly complain about things being too expensive or not having enough. Your attitude is such an inspiration to not behave that way.