Darren began a new job a few weeks ago working at Waldon Manufacturing. He is working on the assembly line. They put together industrial sweepers. It is a real change for him, but it was necessary. While he really enjoyed his work on the farm, the hours just got too lean during the winter and this job provides consistent hours and pay. There are a few benefits, but they don't kick in for a while yet. It is a different environment for Darren as he's heard more swear words and coarse jokes in 2 weeks than he probably has in his whole life.But it is also creating an opportunity for him to shine a light in that warehouse and hopefully make a difference in the lives of some of the workers.
For Christmas, Darren asked for a book called All The Places to Go by John Ortberg. It is a takeoff of the book by Dr. Seuss. God used this book as a "change factor" in Darren's life. It attacked every excuse or fear Darren could think of for not going back into ministry. Around the first of the year, a virus attacked Darren's inner ear and made him dizzy for 3 1/2 weeks. It was a long haul and very discouraging as he was unable to work or do much of anything; however, it was also a "gift" in a sense where he had a lot of free time and was able to spend extended time with God which only confirmed the message he had felt through the book.So, Darren has begun to send out his resume again. I have seen such a change in Darren as he has purpose in life again. He is happier, has more energy, is much more social and using his leadership skills again. We are not sure what the future looks like or where He will lead or His timing, but we are open and seeking His will and ready to move on to the next chapter in our lives.
Sherry continues to work at the Farm Service Agency. My job was extended from the end of September to the end of the year and now until the end of March. The other temp in the office was let go at the beginning of the year, but I have managed to hang on. There are rumblings about another permanent position being opened in the office, but nothing is quick when it comes to the government. I am hopeful and confident that either my temp status will be extended again or the permanent position will open up or God will have something else waiting for me when it is needed. My job has been a gift, as we get our health insurance through my job.
My job is going well and is enjoyable. However, I miss my time at home being a homemaker, caring for my family and reaching out and ministering to others. I do what I can, but find it challenging to just keep up with the everyday tasks that must be done. I've had to lower my expectations and standards for myself because I just can't do all that I was doing now that I work full-time. But I am learning a lot and trying to make the most of this season and bloom where I am planted right now.
Kaitlyn is in her junior year at Tabor. Growing up isn't easy and the transition to adulthood has many challenges. She had a rough 2015 and is still experiencing difficulties in 2016. I sent her a quote this morning out of the "Battle Plan for Prayer" book I am reading:
God may even lovingly send a need, weakness, or problem into our lives for a season, primarily as a real-life opportunity for learning how to walk in humility, stay close to Him, be more usable to Him, and receive more of His grace (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
Please keep her in your prayers as she is on her own journey right now.
(For those of you in Cimarron, she will be coming to Cimarron with the Tabor Choir in March. Be watching for advertisements about the concert!)
Kylie is in her senior year at Fairview High School. I never would have dreamed that I would have a child graduate from my alma mater. She has had to become involved in different activities since they don't have choir or volleyball and she used the move as an opportunity to quit band. Along with taking concurrent college classes, she is involved in STUCO and FCCLA. It has been good to see her accepted and involved even though she doesn't play sports (basketball) here. She seems to be well liked and is making the best of a move at a difficult age in her life. Kylie continues to work at Kidd Drug 4 days a week after school which keeps her hopping as well. She plans to attend Tabor College next year and has auditioned to sing in the choir there. At this point she is looking at majoring in Social Work, but as most of us know, majors often change once we get to college. So, we'll see where/how the Lord leads her in the next few years.
Pets - Last April, we lost our inside cat, Precious, and now in January we lost our beloved outside cat, Tiger. We often wonder "why" as it seems like another blow during an already difficult time in our lives. But we know God has a plan and a purpose and we trust Him.
After Precious died and with Darren working on a farm at that time with LOTS of kittens, I have been begged over and over to get a kitten. I have held firm that animals cost money and especially little ones that need shots and fixing. Well, a couple of days after Tiger died, I received a text from a lady in our church offering us a cat that they were fixing and getting shots for. It was a stray and needed a good home. It was a little reminder from God that He cares about us and continues to provide for us, even in the little things like pets. So we are now learning to love a new member of the family named Milo.
House - As I said in our last blog, we purchased a house that needed a lot of updating. We've worked and worked and while it isn't completely finished, we have made A LOT of progress. Here are a few before and after pictures . . .
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| Dining Room - BEFORE |
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| Dining Room - AFTER |
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| Breakfast Nook - BEFORE |
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| Breakfast Nook - AFTER |
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| Family Room - BEFORE |
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| Family Room - AFTER |
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| Living Room - BEFORE |
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| Living Room - BEFORE |
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| Living Room - AFTER |
Thank you for your continued interest in our lives. I'm sorry I haven't done very well at keeping the blog updated. Please know that we appreciate your prayers as we continue on this journey and we are excited to see where/how the Lord leads. Please pray for patience and contentment as we continue to wait on the Lord.
