12.09.2018

Things are still the same but very different

I haven't posted an update recently because in one sense things have been the same. 
God is amazing.  We are facing some difficult circumstances.  I am doing "temporary" work and continue to look for longer term non-church ministry work.  God has used his people to bless us in amazing ways. 
With that recap, here is my most recent update post.

Recently, I finished reading Paul Tripp's book Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense.  It was a great reminder in the midst of the challenges of life..  Here is an extended quote.
Weakness simply demonstrates what has been true all along: we are completely dependent on God for life and breath and everything else. Weakness was not the end for me, but a new beginning, because weakness provides the context in which true strength is found. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that he’ll boast in his weakness. It sounds weird and crazy when you first read it, but it’s not. He has come to know that God’s “power is made perfect” in his weakness. You see, weakness is not what you and I should be afraid of. We should fear our delusion of strength.
This year has been one of, if not the most, challenging times in my life.
I have also been able to see God working in some truly amazing ways.
Here are a couple of recent challenges and blessings.
This past Friday was my last day of work at Mol Belting.  God used this company to help me and my family with a job throughout November and into December.   While the job provided a steady paycheck, I was not very good at fabrication and I decided it wasn't going to work out long term. 
To put this in context, over Thanksgiving weekend, when I told some of my family in Pittsburgh about where I was working and showed them some pictures of the work I was doing, they couldn’t help but laugh knowing my ability to work with tools.  While the company and the people are great, I was not getting better or faster at the work.

Last week, I applied for and accepted another job at a warehouse where I will be sequencing (arranging in a particular order) auto parts.  I also have taken some different tests for other types of jobs, including my recertification for teaching.  I am continuing to look at job possibilities that might be longer term.

The whole house hunting process was stressful but looking back I am thankful we did not commit to something financially that would have been a disaster considering our current situation.
With our housing situation we have been EXTREMELY blessed in so many different ways with our rental.  The blessings include ongoing financial help with rent and a great location that is near both Northpointe Middle/High and Elementary School. 

We are thankful that we have connected with a great church, Trinity Baptist Church (http://tbcgr.org), which is 5 minutes from our apartment.  Pastor Brett's Christmas messages on December 2nd and December 9th have been particularly encouraging.  Click HERE for Trinity's sermon page.


Please continue to pray for wisdom as it relates to long term work.