"comes in like a lamb, goes out like a lion" (or vice versa)

That's what my mother has always said. March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Though we had some snow in the beginning, it's official...spring has sprung. This is one of my very favorite times of the year. I know we have had some horrific weather lately, and I am very thankful that we made it through with no losses, (as we DO live in a mobile home...) I am also thankful that we know the One who controls the storms. I love to look out behind my house over the big, green field and see the dark, heavy clouds as they roll in. There is usually lots of white, little tails of cotton (rabbits), and several baby deer playing or snacking close to the edge of the woods. I love to feel the cool breeze, and watch as the earth begins to drink the fat drops of water that the Lord provides. We actually have plans to move onto Brooklyn Road in the near future, and I told Jason that is one thing I will miss the most...the amazing view. I literally feel like I am looking straight into Heaven.

Of course, the thunder and lightning (or TORNADOES!!!) that usually follows the rain is not something that I enjoy; my "babies" are even worse. I woke up Thursday night to the sound of knocking on our bedroom door. As I moved my little "Happy" dog from my forehead, (he had snuck up and laid on my pillow...) I sat up, startled. There I found my cat sitting at the door, reaching under the crack with her paw trying to pull the door open! They say that after a while, animals begin to take on the characteristics of their owners, and all of mine are NUTSO just like their daddy! (Just kidding. I mean they really are nuts, but Jason's not...)

Well, big things are ahead for my family this month. Next weekend, is our beloved annual family reunion. It seems that the crowd gets less and less each year, which is kind of sad to me. My mother told me that before Lori and I were born, the family reunion used to be at my parents house (which my Daddy was born and raised in). My Daddy has 13 brothers and sisters! I can not imagine what a mess that was! Needless to say, our reunion will be cut short because some friends of ours are getting married (YAY BEN AND BRIDGETTE), and I will be serving at their reception. The next weekend, Ben will be home, which means lots of moving in! Also, the egg hunt at church, and EASTER! I love Easter because, like Bro. Barry says, without Easter, there is no message. I am so guilty of making light of the significance of the cross without even realizing it. I love that I have the chance to really focus on the awesomeness of Jesus' death and resurrection! And to remember He did it for me! Jack and his Aunt Dee Dee (ME) have a birthday on the 15th (tax day, I know, I know), and the following weekend (the 18th) is his birthday party, which I am also super excited about. (I will let Lori post about that.) It is also my Daddy's birthday, and our husbands are excited as well because the A-day game is the 18th and "televised this year, can you believe it?" (Blah, blah.) The last weekend of the month, me and some other ladies are going to Pensacola for a women's conference. I am anticipating this opportunity, and am yearning to strengthen relationships with my friends and my Jesus. Uncle Jay Jay (Jason) has a birthday the 29th of this month, and the next thing you know, April is gone!

By the way, thank you to each of you who have encouraged me through your kind words, and your prayers. This time of transition has been much more bearable thanks to you! I don't feel like where I am now is what the Lord has for me long term, but I 'm so thankful for new experiences, and for a job to help pay the bills! I just feel like something big is yet to come! We'll see...

THANKS TO JILL...

Jason and I (and you) have been praying for the Lord's guidance and direction in our lives for the past month. Though we have been confused and discouraged at times, we were always sure that our Father had great things ahead. (His word says so, remember? Jeremiah 29:11...) Jason and I feel that His desire for us is to become debt free and financially stable, which is extremely hard to do without an income! MY greatest desire is to have a child, and be able to stay home with him (or her). The Lord has different plans, (for now; only He knows what is to come) and he knows what is best!

I guess I should start from the beginning. Some of you may know Jill Elmore. She is a brilliant nurse practitioner, who I had the opportunity to work with for almost a year and a half. (She is actually one of the main things I miss about my former job!) The first time I met Jill I thought no one could REALLY be that nice, but she is! She is one of the kindest, most sincere people I have ever met in my life. She helped me so much. She was always so patient and so caring, and we became close friends. When the spa closed, Jill fought for my job, and she is one reason I was able to stay as long as I did. She always encouraged me and stood beside me through everything, and I thank God for her and what she means to me. The day I lost my job, as I was leaving, Jill told me she would help me any way she could. An hour later, she lost her job too.

Do you know what she has been doing? Looking for a job. For me. NOT her. (She is pregnant, YAY, and is planning to wait until the baby is born...)

I received a call from Jill a couple of weeks ago, and she was talking with her friend, Stacey, who was interested in meeting with me regarding future employment. I had an interview Tuesday, and started my new job Wednesday. Jones Veterinary Hospital. How excited am I! I LOVE animals, and am really looking forward to this new phase in my life! I will be working reception mostly, and, though training has been a little difficult and challenging so far, I feel like this is an incredible opportunity, and I am so blessed to be there.

When Dr. Jones and his wife Stacey interviewed me, they told me they were looking forward to working with me. They told me I came highly recommended. Guess who. That's right, Jill.

So, Jill, if you are reading this, thank you. Thank you for everything. I can never, ever tell you how much you mean to me. You have always been on my team, and you encouraged me and supported me at times when I needed someone the most. Though we may not see each other for a while, you will not be forgotten. I am only a call away. I love you. Phillipians 1:3 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

P.S. Thanks so much to all of you who have been praying for me and my family. I am honored to call you friends.

P. S. S. My mother hasn't smoked in 4 days! Please keep praying, as He hears our prayers and knows our needs. Something that has been on my mind EVERY day lately..."His strength is made perfect in our weakness..."

Waiting

Still waiting...

Here it is. A month has gone by and still no job. I am still waiting patiently, and only this very morning did it strike that maybe I have been asking the wrong question. Maybe not, "What do you have for me in the future, Lord?", but maybe "What do you have for me to do today?" As hard as it is, I am still seeking Him, and I still have faith. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us, and His Word says He loves to give His children good gifts. In our Monday night Bible study, we are learning about God's love and His faithfulness. I am choosing to live by faith, not feelings.

"Experiencing God" (another small group study that our amazing pastor led) taught me many important lessons that I am able to lean on during the times of confusion and silence. One, was to "focus on the cross, not the circumstances." Also during the study, the story of the potter and the clay was discussed. You know what I'm talking about...the story in the Bible where we (Christians) are referred to as clay and our precious Savior is the Potter who holds us in His hands, molding us and forming us according to what pleases Him. But I never thought about a very important point in that story. In order for the Potter to make the clay into ANYTHING, the clay must remain in His hands. So that is my aim. I am trying diligently (and of course failing at times) to remain in His hands.

As some of you know, Jason and my Daddy (A.K.A. Uncle Tractor) just got back from Honduras. They went to build a church, and I was so wishing to be there with them! However, it gave my mother and I a chance to spend some (overdue) time together for some bonding and R & R. We had planned to go to Tennessee to see my aunt, but she had pneumonia. So, we headed to Destin. What an awesome time we had! Usually when I go to the beach, my days are planned and packed with fun events. This time, my mother and I had a beachfront room, and we spent our time lying in the bed with the door open, listening to the waves crash, and reading or napping the whole time. We got up only to eat, and not even every time for that! We even ordered room service a couple of times. The trip was just what we both needed! I love the beach so much, and as I looked out over the beautiful vastness of the ocean, I could not even grasp how anyone refuses to believe in God. How sad that they are missing out!

Well, enough for now. I hope to catch up on everyone's blog soon. Please keep praying for me and my family. My mother has been sick for a while, and she is having a hard time getting better. She is also trying to quit smoking. Please pray for strength, encouragement, and victory for her, and for her to lean on the Lord. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.