Hello!! For all of you who read this blog and follow the thoughts, treasures, happenings and beauties of my wife, Polly; this is Mr. Blessing. She offered (if that is what you want to call it) that I should write this blog addition. As you have already read, I lost my job of almost 15 years this past December. Not my plan but God's of course. It is always His ways that are best and His timing is perfect even if we do not see it at the exact point in time. It was really the only true job I ever had. Basically, my career job right out of college. It was all I knew for so long. Paid for my cars, clothes, wedding, my wife's first wedding gift (our 1st house), etc, etc. All was going great; so I thought. A small lay off occurred and the ensuing conversation with my immediate boss assured me that I was not going to get laid off and I was one of the best project managers they had. I knew of others who had been laid off and heard the news reports of how bad it was getting but of course, I was assured that I would not be laid off. I was working from home for the past 2 years; getting spoiled (an answer to many years of praying). I used to commute for many years 4 hours a day. But that was my responsibility; my career; me supporting my family. But then that dreaded call came and it was over. All I had known for so long was gone; done and over. I sat at the top of the stairs, crying and calling to my lovely. My mind wandering as to what I needed to do next, what job could I find, how we would pay for "take it for granted" needs and wants. (I am a planner and perfectionist so changes of this nature make me go into a planning sputter). But as we talked, thought, and exhausted the terribleness; well at least in my mind I was free. Free from a job that I really did not like; I wanted more, much more. I want it all. I want to be with my wife, my kids, working from home, in a job that matters and not working for someone else.I had prayed for a long time for my Lord God to give me a new beginning; something that mattered in life and something that my wife and I could create, build and work together and thus help others. She is after all my best friend and I want to be with her as much as I can while God still gives us breath. Yet, I am supposed to be the provider; the one taking care of the family and now the tables in a sense have turned. I am now the one looking for a job (and not having much success), doing all the house cleaning, running around and supporting my wife as she continues to create and share with all of you. My wife and I now find ourselves on a new plan; one that we hope and believe God will bless so we can bless others. I truly want to do something and create something that will give back to all those involved. I am also a simple person when it comes to faith. Yes, I know that there are many things about God and all that He created; His timing, His plans that I do not and cannot understand and many people run from Him because they feel the same way but it is very simple for me. God created me, He knows me (all of me), He did die just for me and He will take care of me and my family. I have to be obedient and trust Him. I trust Him to do this because He promised to do so. Maybe not in the way that I always think is best but in His wonderful and mysterious way; because He knows what is best!!!!
Ladies that are reading this and have husbands that are unemployed....things are not great right now out there and men have a natural yearning to provide for their families; at least the men I know. Give them encouragement, love and support; we are missing something when we are not providing the way we feel we should. We do not want to cut things out and make changes; we want to give our families everything we can so do not beat them up for having a hard time finding a job. Let them support in any way that they can; whether that may be housecleaning for those men who enjoy that, doing errands etc. Make them feel important no matter how they are supporting you. It is a big change for them.
Thanks for reading.....I will talk to you soon. -Stephen
Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Do you not perceive it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Is 43:18-19)
Do you ever have a story to post but there aren't pictures to coordinate with the topic? Since today is one of those days, I thought I'd just throw some pretty pictures in for viewing enjoyment but they really don't help tell the story one little bit. 
Welcome to the Friday Flea Market! Be sure to visit all our sellers 
The first week back to school after Christmas break is always kinda rough. Can I get an "Amen" from my fellow homeschool moms?! The best part for me is that I get more time up on the 3rd floor. This is my latest decor addition...
