Getting Back to Normal

I've been M.I.A. again. I apologize. I've been so preoccupied with this thing called life that I haven't given my blog a second thought . . . or any thought at all for that matter.

We've been busy job stressing hunting for Ian, playing catch-up with school since we took off an extra week at Christmas, and just being so focused on these two things that we haven't allowed room for anything else. YIKES!

The job. Yes. Well, I won't bore you with the details, but we went from what we thought was a sure thing, to scrambling to apply for anything and everything, to accepting an over-the-road job, to getting a call at the very last minute for the much-prayed-for local job. Woohoo!!!!!

It might sound like all of this happened really quickly, but the whole process took about 3 months. Whew! I'm so glad to have that part behind us.

But, you know what? I'm so thankful for the lessons I learned during that time.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned these past few months is faith. I always hear people say 'Let go and let God'. That is truly easier said than done. When I was finally able to do this, I felt so much more at ease about our circumstances and knew that things would work out. It definitely took longer than I would've liked, and things didn't turn out like I first thought they would, but they did work out.

I've learned that prayer works. Of course I already knew this, but there have been times in my life where I wondered if my prayers were actually being heard. But, I know that my Heavenly Father knows me and my family and is aware of our needs. I learned this time and time again each time a much needed blessing came our way. It might have been a few groceries when we were running low on everything, a freezer of deer meat to help us through an especially rough patch, a little extra cash at just the right time to help with bills, or a tank of gas to help us through the week. These are just a few, but every single one of them came at exactly the right time and were so very appreciated.

I've learned (and am still learning) patience. And if you know me very well, you know patience isn't my strongest virtue. I think patience and faith go hand in hand. I had to learn to be patient with Heavenly Father's timing, there again, having faith that things would work out, maybe not according to my or Ian's plan, but according to His plan for us. That's a tough one because I have a strong need to be in control, and I really hate feeling out of control. Just ask my hubby. He calls me anal retentive. But, you know what? I'm making progress in this department.

I've also learned the importance of having an emergency fund, a savings account, and food storage. I won't elaborate on these right now, but I will say that these three things are at the top of my list of goals this year.

(photo courtesy of emilymcdowelldraws on etsy)

 I know this isn't the end of life's storms for me and my family, but as long as we remember to have faith, trust in Heavenly Father, talk to Him every day, and be patient with His timing, I know He will help us sail through not only the calm waters, but the raging waters, too.

Sunday Sweets

I know I've explained the meaning of Sunday Sweets before, but since it's been over 2 years  a few weeks since I've posted one, I'll explain again.

I found this idea on another fab blog somewhere, but I have no clue where. So . . . we'll just say it's my idea. Comprende? *wink wink*

Ok, getting on with the explanation. 

I like to think of it as a two for one deal. You get an inspirational thought AND a divinely yummy recipe from yours truly. 

Work for you?

Works for me. 

Now that we understand each other, lets get to it. 

Today at church, a sweet sister shared with us how this past year hasn't turned out quite like she expected. Her family has had many trials during the last part of the year, but she's determined to keep her chin up and move forward with faith. Her courageous words made me think of these two quotes I found on Pinterest.

Isn't this so true? I love this one. Have you ever noticed how bright everything is after a good rain? The grass, the leaves on the trees, flower and vegetable gardens? Everything is so vibrant and perks right up after nice, soaking rain. I think that's also how life is sometimes. Without the clouds and the storms of life, we might not notice and appreciate the the brightly colored happy moments . . . the rainbows.

My little family is also facing some trials (whose isn't?), but I know as I strive to handle these things with a positive attitude and a happy spirit, we will see our rainbows . . . and they will be all the more beautiful. I know things will work out the way they should.

And now for the second sweet. YIPPEE! 

This recipe is from a dear friend from our military days, and boy are these things F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S. And addictive!

Are you ready?

Golden Delights

1 box yellow cake mix

1 egg

1 stick of butter

1 box of powdered sugar

1 8oz. package of cream cheese

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 325. Mix the first 3 ingredients together and press into the bottom of a 15 x 10 in. pan to form the crust. Mix the last 3 ingredients together and pour on top of crust. Bake for 45 min. Cool completely before cutting into squares. Try eating only one. Enjoy!