One Constant

So, I'm here in Colorado Springs today, visiting some friends here. I'm leaving the Springs today after church to go to Castle Rock to visit another friend, and then fly back to Detroit on Monday. Anyway, for some reason yesterday, it hit me that I'm leaving here soon to go back to Detroit, and I was really sad. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Detroit and my life and all my friends there, but I love my friends here too, and I've missed them so much. So, I was in a somber mood, and Elaina asked if I was okay. Well, that broke the floodgates and I started crying. Elaina was great telling me that its okay to be sad, but we both know that God has a work for me in Michigan. So, not wanting to actually deal with the situation, I hopped in the shower, where I continued my crying in private. :) It was there I cried out to God, and he met me there...in the shower. It was so awesome because he began to share with me that there is always going to be change in life. Even if I moved back to Colorado, it wouldn't be like it was before because people and things change. He reminded me that there is only one thing in life that will never change. One thing that will always remain faithful and true, and thats him. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever," and Malachi 3:6 says, "I the Lord do not change..." The loving God that he was to me when he saved me almost 14 years ago, is the same God he is today. He reminded me that there are people in our lives for a reason, and sometimes just for a season and that no matter what, I just have to trust him. Maybe I don't have some of these wonderful Colorado friends in my life from day to day. Maybe I can't drive over and see them whenever I want, but they are still in my life, and still important to me, and to God's work in me. I love everyone here so much, but I know I need God's will for my life, not Aimee's. So if that means leaving some of the most important people in my life to do what He wants me to do, then that's what I've got to do. I'm writing this here partially so you can know whats going on in my life, but also as a reminder to me and how I'm feeling today. We always go through times of trouble and doubt, and I can come back to this post and remember all the things God spoke to me this weekend. He is a good God, isn't he? Check back later on for photos from this weekend - trust me - you won't want to miss that....

One thing after another....but its not that bad...

Uncle Bob and Aunt Katie


So, the funeral for my uncle was really nice. It was this past Saturday at my mom's house in Phoenix. We didn't have it in a church, and it was really more like a party than a funeral. Well, a party where we were all crying... Anyway, everyone said my uncle would have loved it. I think he would have. Except they crying part. Did I mention there was crying??
Anyway, while I was in Phoenix...for a funeral, mind you - I found out that the company that I work for would be phasing out my job. My last day will be October 31. I've never been laid off before, so this is a whole new experience for me. At least I get 7 months notice, but I live in the Detroit Metro area, where unemployment is one of the highest in the country. You may have heard that Ford and GM are doing major layoffs, well, most of those are in this area. Anyway, I have to say that initially, I was scared at the prospect, but now? Now I'm trusting in God. I know that he always has my best interests in mind. Truthfully, I'm tired of working in a phone center, and I've thought about quitting and doing something I enjoy. But the thought of looking for a new job made me tired, and I just didn't feel like doing it. So God, in his divine wisdom, gave me a Holy kick in the pants. Now, I have no choice but to get out there and find something new. So, I know that God is going to use this whole situation in a good way, isn't that what he meant when he said, What the devil meant for evil, the Lord used for good? Anyway, there are about 2000 people getting the boot, so if you think about it, pray for them. Not everyone is as "holy" as me.

Thanks

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone's emails and comments about my Uncle Bob. I got back yesterday, and the service was nice. Keep praying for my Aunt Katie, you can imagine how difficult everything is for her right now. Thanks everyone!

Tragedy

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've had a pretty rough last week and a half. Things had been going pretty well, especially spiritually. I was reading my word, and praying and feeling close to God, then Friday, March 30th came. My parents, along with my aunt and uncle were in Hawaii on vacation, but it was in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary. (yes, they both had 30th wedding anniversaries last year, they actually had a double wedding in 1976!) Anyway, they were having a great time, and I even spoke with them on that Thursday and they had just been kayaking. Then, the morning of the 30th, my dad and my uncle Bob had gone on an early morning fishing trip. They came back to the condo they were staying in, and my uncle Bob told my aunt he wasn't feeling well. He got worse, and said he thought he was having a heart attack, my aunt called for my mom (a registered nurse) and they called 911. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of my mom and the paramedics and hospital staff, my Uncle Bob didn't make it. He was 51 years old. I had not had someone very close to me die before. I've been keeping myself so busy for the last week, that I haven't done a whole lot of crying. It really doesn't seem real that he is gone. The services are this weekend, and I'll be flying to Phoenix to attend. My mom said since I'm the "spiritual" one in the family, that I should write something for the funeral. Anyway, not the best of posts, but even through all this - I know that God is still on the throne, still in control, and still Lord of my life, and that he uses all things for the good of those who love him. Even though it may not feel like it, I know that his word is true, and that even in this tragedy, that he will turn it for good. I'd appreciate your prayers for my family at this time, we all just need the comfort of the Lord. We're really going to miss our Uncle Bob!