My faith in God has given me the courage to face tough situations with peace of mind and confidence. Currently, the company I work for is going out of business. I am there knowing that when all is said and done, I will be out of work. Normally, I would be hysterical! But I know that God has ALREADY blessed me by allowing me to continue my work there making it through three layoffs and the holiday season, plus one month! :) I know that He has a place in mind for me when my work here is done. It may be at home, or it may be at another place of employment, or at school. I am searching all of the alternatives with faith and trust in God. By the way, based on qualifications and experience - I never should have got this job in the first place!

We have moved several times. The first time was to Florida and I was terrified because I had heard so many terrible things about Florida's school systems and my daughter was to begin school within a year and a half. But she couldn't have had a better first year teacher. The same thing when we moved to TN. The only time she ever has had a "bad" teacher was when we "knew" we were not following God's will.

Shortly after my husband and I got married, we became pregnant. A few short months later, we had a miscarriage. I was devastated. Although it appeared that there was nothing in the sack removed, I felt strongly that I would have given birth to a boy. My husband and I named him. Currently, we are working on a project that will help the homeless get jobs, read, overcome addictions, reunite with family, buy a home/car, receive medical care, etc...that is named after him. It is a huge and overwhelming task, but one we believe God will see become a reality through us if we will be obedient to him.

If I didn't have faith, and trust, in God, I would be paralyzed. Unable to care for my family for fear of making a mistake. Unable to reach out a hand of compassion for fear that I would be taken advantage of. Unable to do my job for fear of being fired. I have HOPE that all will come out well when it is all said and done because I know I can count on God to tie up the loose ends, I know that He doesn't expect me to have all the answers or be perfect, I know that His desire is to carry me through all the bad AND good that is in my life. I know that all the good is because of His love and all the bad is because I've made a mistake or I live in an evil world. But that's okay, because I have HOPE, FAITH, TRUST, and PEACE in the LIVING God who LOVES me despite myself.

Jeremiah 29:11 (English Standard Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 8:28 (English Standard Version)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.