Looking back on my childhood, I can see now how God had His hand on my life from the start. I lived in a beautiful home, had nice clothes to wear, attended good schools, had fun neighborhood kids to hang out with, a big sister whom I looked up to and kind and loving parents. Money was never discussed, it was simply always in great supply. My Dad worked hard running his machine shop and Mom taught school off and on while we were growing up. Life was fun and carefree.
When we were old enough, we got jobs to add to our spending money. Then, my sister graduated and went to college and I followed a couple years later. Life as we knew it began to change as we changed. After college, we went out on our own in separate places to begin new lives, and for the first time in my life at that point, it was my responsibility to earn my way. It was a difficult task that had more disadvantages than advantages. I was pretty dependent on my parents for so many years, and it was like a slap in the face having to depend mainly on myself.
When we were old enough, we got jobs to add to our spending money. Then, my sister graduated and went to college and I followed a couple years later. Life as we knew it began to change as we changed. After college, we went out on our own in separate places to begin new lives, and for the first time in my life at that point, it was my responsibility to earn my way. It was a difficult task that had more disadvantages than advantages. I was pretty dependent on my parents for so many years, and it was like a slap in the face having to depend mainly on myself.
Life today is somewhat repeating itself, only not exactly the same circumstances. I am a single mother of two college girls and trying to make my way in the world, not only for myself (being last on the list) but mainly for my daughters. I want so much to give them everything I had growing up, but is is difficult with only one income in our family, although their father has been a great provider, which has helped immensely. Still, however, bills and mortgage payments have been challenging each month. Jobs have come and gone in order to try and get a little further each year.
Through the journey, my strength has grown and God's favor has increased. Then, the tuition payments began. The past three years have been the most challenging years financially, and yet the most rewarding years at the same time. I couldn't be more pleased at watching my two girls grow and blossom into beautiful, gifted young ladies.
So, I am saying that, although times can get challenging and unnerving, look to the good in your life that God has placed smack dab in front of you!! Treasure each and every moment of each and every day. Expect great things to happen. Keep your eyes on the Lord and see the good in people. Be aware of what you say and how you speak to others, especially those in your family. Make a point to encourage someone each day. The more you practice these simple acts of honor, the more abundance will flow into your life.
So, I am saying that, although times can get challenging and unnerving, look to the good in your life that God has placed smack dab in front of you!! Treasure each and every moment of each and every day. Expect great things to happen. Keep your eyes on the Lord and see the good in people. Be aware of what you say and how you speak to others, especially those in your family. Make a point to encourage someone each day. The more you practice these simple acts of honor, the more abundance will flow into your life.
For the past eleven years, I have owned WorldHorizons WebCenter and design web sites for businesses. I love my work and enjoy the people I meet. My work has paid the bills and continues to open me to new and exciting places. I have remained faithful throughout these eleven years, and God has blessed me each month with being able to make enough to stay afloat. And then there's Tony, the incredible man God placed in my life who makes everything bearable, keeping me on the right track with his words of encouragement.
When I turned fifty last November, I wondered if I would ever make enough to do all the things I needed to do..repairs for my Dad's home (where I grew up), needs for my daughters, new furniture, etc., etc., as well as keep the mortgage and tuition payments up.
I continued to pray, remain faithful, and expect the flow of blessings. Now, at the precise time in my life that God has chosen, I have become what I always had dreamed of..a signed author. The first book in my Christian Children's Chapter Book Series: "Bibletoons," is to be published in January, and I have a renewed hope on the horizon. 2012 is certain to be what I have been building up for my whole life! A new start, a new chance to challenge myself, and a whole new outlook on life.
Has God taken His own sweet time?..Maybe. But it is just that..His time. At any rate, I CAN see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel, because I've lived the kind of Christian life that I think God is proud of, and because I expected it.
Has God taken His own sweet time?..Maybe. But it is just that..His time. At any rate, I CAN see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel, because I've lived the kind of Christian life that I think God is proud of, and because I expected it.
Mind you, things aren't all fun and games. There have been endless set backs and bumps along the way, but all in all, I've made it to a wonderful place where I'm excited to be. Now, I'm praying.."God, help me make it just a few more months!" I know that I'll be working harder that I ever have promoting my book, etc., but I say, "Bring it on!"
I'll always maintain my web business, enjoy writing books, and most importantly of all, watch my girls prosper, for the love of God is so great, and His promise to all who remain obedient and faithful is for that endless abundance to flow right into our streams of income, health and family. Remember, we WILL all see the strong hands of God at work if we believe!! Have a peaceful and restful night knowing that God is in complete control of your life. Is there anything better in the world!?