A Slight Christmas

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It's been a year!
A year this week since Mr. Blessing was laid off. I know that many of you have been praying so I wanted to celebrate with you and give you an update. No, there's no new job. And while Christmas has been slightly smaller at our house since the lay-off, we have not felt slighted in the least. God has provided in both big and small ways. It's possible that the worst is yet to come. That future months will find us forced to tighten the reins drastically. But at every turn we are given immeasurably more than we can ask or even think.

We are growing.
Our roots are going deep. It's a by-product of being dependant rather than independent.

I've developed a need to really talk with God. So I ask Him stuff all day long. Little bitty conversations. And I ask Him to talk back to me. So I read his Word. I've been praying verses, substituting Thee's and Thou's with Me and I and Mine. Do you think it's ok to pray this verse for my family... Then this "family" will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all "bloggers" who hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.

It might seem that I have my head in the clouds but let me be perfectly honest... We are stressed. We are working harder than ever at a job that some would not consider a "real" job. We are weary. We are unsure. But we are not destitute. We are not alone. I'm delighted that our household is drawn inward, becoming even more old fashioned... baking & crafting & staying home by the fire. We've discovered that our youngest boy loves to draw. He spends hours drawing now. Our oldest has learned the value of a job that's hard to come by - even if it means he's the only guy in his crowd that bakes bread and decorates cakes (Wal-Mart bakery). Amazingly, all four of our kids had a hard time coming up with a Christmas wish list. But what brings me to joyful tears is that God gave us enough so that we could buy the gifts they wouldn't put on their lists.

No, it isn't easy & I'm often on the verge of falling apart, but we are blessed in the midst of it. Blessed with more than we've ever had. Blessed with each new French Cupboard member, each new web shop sale. We are blessed to have our home and really, truly live in it - work in it, play in it. Blessed with joy and blessed to be weary.

24 comments:

  1. WOW what a blessing you have. Knowing that you are in the Lords' hands. Can you imagine going through this without your loyal family support and love? We are making all of our Christmas presents this year, out of necessity. It is hard times for so many of us but I do believe when there is relief we will not forget to say, "Thank you, Lord" for being WITH us every step of the way. I will continue to pray that the job will come soon and that the Lord will bless you abundantly through the love of others during this Christmas season.
    Your thankful heart is an inspiration & encouragement to me..Sharon

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  2. Your words have truly blessed me this evening. There have been many times in our 37 years of marraige that we have seen times like these and yet we never were left alone. Thank you for reminding me of my many blessing. I ask the Lord to give you the desires of your heart and pour his blessing upon you that you might not have room to receive it. (Taken from one of my favorite verses)
    Hugs,
    June

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  3. Bless your heart, Dear. Thank God for His provision.

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  4. Beautiful post, Polly. Old-fashioned values are the best and mean most to the heart here too. Who wants to work a "regular" job anyways from 9-5 when you can put in hour after hour of doing what you and Steve really love ;) and the most precious part, spending time together doing it!
    From our house to yours xo~Tracie

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  5. Nice! I love the raw simplistic truth and honsety of what you posted. These times are tough and God is good, He provides big and small yes :)

    smiles,
    Sheila

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  6. What a Blessing Your Post has been to Me..... Thank You for Sharing from the Heart~
    May God Continue to Pour His Blessing unto You & Your Family ~ Have a Merry Christmas & a Very Truly Blessed New Year....
    cheryl

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  7. Your thoughts are truly a blessing to others whom may be struggling but know they will be stronger for it.... Thinking of you... Blessings....

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  8. more blessings to you this Advent season.....and Christmas........

    xoxo

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  9. What a precious post.
    I too have lived and walked in your shoes.
    Looking back, I know that I am thankful for the learning experience and consider it a time of great blessing.
    That the Lord, ever faithful, never abandoned me, there was always...enough.

    I have added you and your family to my prayer list and am glad to know that you Trust the Lord...He will provide.

    Blessings to you and yours...donna

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  10. Thank you for posting this. I think it is what many of us are feeling, but aren't saying out loud...to our blog family. Thanks for making it real.
    We have definitely taken a big hit this year too, but GOD is good and He has been so faithful to us.
    Blessings to you and your family!!

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  11. Faith & Hope & Trusting
    always work when we give God a chance...
    blessings,
    glenda

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  12. Wonderful sincere post. I know this came straight from your heart and I thank you for sharing your prayer. So many of us are in that same boat, but with faith we step out of it and see what God has planned. You really should (if you get the chance) visit Debra at Common Ground. She has started a separate blog for sharing God. It is a blessing to be allowed to participate and learn.
    Blessings to you and your family,
    Debbie

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  13. you are precious....you have just blessed me....great reminder to be depend on our Lord and not go it alone...ahhh what a great post...thank you...i needed that...jules

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  14. God will provide. My family has been through what you are going through and now again for us things are tight but God always looks out for us. My mom used to tell the story of my dad not getting paid and there was no milk in the house and she fretted. Then the mail came and she got a coupon for a free gallon of milk! I know that's small but it is the way God works sometimes, just to let us know to ask and He will provide! May he bless your husband with a new job soon and may you continue to count the blessings you are reaping now with your family. ~ Theresa

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  15. Hi Polly,
    I am blessed too. God continues to provide during these down real estate times. I am so thankful!!
    I also feel blessed knowing you and reading your posts. I love your relationship with God.
    Warmly,
    Deb :)

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  16. God's grace and peace to you and yours. Thank you for being so open and sharing. This will be our first jobless Christmas but already we've had many blessings. We will keep you in our prayers.

    Audrey

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  17. Oh....I've been in this place so many times through the years....and God has been so faithful........I've always been able to pay the bills and have always had every need taken care of......I pray that your husband finds a job soon....and that until that time you'll continue to be blessed abundantly....

    Warm hugs,
    Spencer

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  18. Thank you, Polly, for sharing your heart. Your sincerety and transparency has really encouraged me. My husband was "laid off" three weeks ago, and we are still reeling from the news and reality. I can so relate with the emotions, the constant communication with God, and the comfort of a close family, that you shared. My prayers our with your family. May you have an eternally bountiful holiday season!
    Blessings, Gerri

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  19. Polly, I would say you have great abundance. I feel that "praying the scripture" gives us great insight and puts us in such an intimate place with God. We are echoing His words and promises back to Him.
    I read back a few posts and I'm praying peace and protection over you, your home, and your family.
    Isaiah 26:2-3 says "...the (people) that keep faith, You will keep in perfect peace. Him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
    She need not worry, because she trusts in Him.
    Debra

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  20. I have been walking this path with my husband's health issues and has seen so mnay of the Lord's Blessings. I too talk with God so much each day and he is showing me the way. This was a good post and so very up lifting....m..

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  21. Polly it is a path so many of us are walking.
    Alison

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  22. Good Evening Polly,

    I know I was led to read these words tonight...I am with you. My boat looks a lot like yours, though I must say my outlook has not been as bright of late. Thank you for reminding me to keep my focus right. God is our provider and I know he will provide.

    XO,
    Dena

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  23. Wow! I'm so glad I kept reading...and found this post..so inspirational and it is good to know that we are not alone. My family is in the same situation. It's amazing how strong your family can become when faced with adversity. It builds strength and fosters creativity. There really is a bright side.
    Beth

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Something worth sharing...
"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting."
-- Author Unknown

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