My Return Home

Howdy, friends.  I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve written, but I feel like I’ve been through so much in the last 6 months.  If you do not know by now, I have moved back to Oklahoma.  You see…my friend, who I was renting my condo from in Florida, texted me one night in September to ask me if I was going to stay in Florida and if so, she wanted me to sign a year’s lease.  I had considerately thought about it, but I wasn’t happy enough in my job to feel that it warranted another year.  Plus, I was really missing my family and friends back home.  I wrote her back and told her I couldn’t sign a year’s lease, and that I knew I would be expected to move out by December when she would have other tenants moving in.  I had no idea if I had made the right decision or not.  I just cried and cried that Friday night.  I had no idea what would happen.  I thought about finding another place in Florida, or asking my friends from church if they had an extra bedroom that I could rent for a few months.  The thoughts of what could happen crossed my mind a lot, and every time those thoughts came to the surface, I would cry.

I cried all day that next day, which happened to be on a Saturday.  I didn’t even go to the beach that day (in fact, I think it was raining).  I really had enjoyed my time there and all of the sudden, I felt like I was being kicked out when in reality, I was the one that made the decision.  Later that evening, I decided to take a long, hot bath.  It was what I needed after an emotional day.  But, as I was in the tub, my Mom texted me and said she was on the way to the hospital, as my Dad had fallen and wasn’t doing well.  I immediately started crying again and all of the sudden, my decision about not staying in Florida made sense – I needed to be home.  My tears of sadness suddenly turned into tears of joy, as the Father up above had orchestrated all of this, and I was so thankful, even though my heart was hurting because of my Dad.

Most of you know what occurred after all of this.  My Dad remained in the hospital for quite some time and I gave my notice at work and packed up everything in my car.  My Mom was able to fly down to help me drive back, and that was a blessing.  We spent that last weekend at the beach, and we went to church the next morning to hear a fabulous sermon and singing.  It was a really sad time for me, as I had really enjoyed living in Florida and I wasn’t ready to leave, but I knew the Lord would take care of me when I got back home.

Well, as we all know, our timing is not our own – the timing belongs to the Lord.  I feel like I have hit rock bottom since returning home, and have often questioned the Lord.  I have been angry with the Lord.

Before I even got back into Oklahoma, I came down with an awful upper respiratory virus, which kept me in bed for days.  In fact, I only unpacked the necessities and everything else stayed in my car for a few weeks.  Less than a week after returning home, the car that I had in Florida (and the one that we just put 1700 miles on) suddenly quit working.  It wouldn’t start, and since it is 4 years old, we decided it needed a new battery.  Thankfully my Uncle is in the car business, so he came by the house and installed a new battery.  I didn’t have the $100 to spend, but I needed my car, so I hesitantly handed over the money and trusted the Lord would provide.  Two days later when leaving for a job interview, my car wouldn’t start again.  I was so frustrated and knew after that, it was more serious than a car battery.  To make this story short – on the way back from Florida, someone had tried to break into my car and completely destroyed my security system.  I am still dealing with those effects, as I haven’t had the money to entirely fix my car from the damage.

While my car was in the shop just to investigate what was going on, I was driving my older car when it decided to break down on me as well.  Let me tell you folks – when it rains, it pours.  Many other things have happened as well, but if I wrote about all of them, you would be depressed too.  All of this happened to be about 2 weeks before Christmas.  I was already aware that Christmas gifts for my friends and family were out of the question, and this became very apparent after my other car broke down.  There is something about not being able to buy your friends Christmas gifts – it tore me up on the inside.  I didn’t know how they would feel or how they would take it, and I certainly didn’t know if they would understand.  But, my friends have been overwhelmingly supportive of everything I’m going through, and they completely understood.  After all, Christmas is not about the gift giving, but the gift that was given to us, which is Jesus.

Since then, I have been provided with a temporary job, but I am still looking for permanent employment.  Never in a million years did I think that I wouldn’t have a job 3 months after moving back home.  It’s been great being back home, visiting with family and friends, but I also have a hurt that is deep down in my soul.  I cannot tell you how many days and nights I have cried.  I have cried for my sake, but I have also cried out to the Lord.  This has been a serious test of my faith and patience.  Years ago, when I thought I had hit rock bottom, well…that wasn’t anything close to what I’m experiencing now.

Several weeks ago, I had decided to delete this blog.  It had been so long since I had been on it, and I haven’t been in any shape or form to write on it now, so I logged on to delete it.  Then I started reading through my old posts and my own words became an encouragement to me.  All of these years, I have seen the Lord’s faithful hand in my life.  I may not see it in the moment, but eventually I will look back, just as I did a few weeks ago, and see how good He was and has been to me.  And so I have to believe in that and trust Him that He has my best interest at heart.

Verses I have been leaning on the past few months:

For I am doing something in your own day.  Something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.  Habakkuk 1:5

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming.  Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19

And right after I moved to Florida, I was invited to my new friend’s church to hear someone speak.  I wrote about my experience here.  Now, month’s later, I am going through my notes when I run across this:

The most difficult time in your life may be the border to your promised land – Christine Caine

This is the most difficult time in my life, but again, I need to trust in the Lord that He will bring me to the promised land.

One last thing before I close…my heart is always more open to the Lord in the depths of the night than at any other time.  Those are the times that I believe my heart is more open to hear what He has to say to me, and I also go boldly before Him during this time.  I love this song and it explains exactly how I feel right now.  Listen to it if you have a chance.

Difficulties

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I last wrote.  Things have been busy for me, which is good, but I was also able to enjoy some time with my family at the most magical place on earth – Disney World.  We had been planning this trip for quite some time, and when I began my new job, I specifically told them I would need the time off.  Thankfully my new boss is all about family and didn’t bat an eye about my vacation.  So nice.  Anyway, we had a great time at Disney and the boys had a fabulous time.  We had been planning that trip for so long, then it was finally here, then over so fast.  Isn’t it weird how fast vacations fly by?  If we had the money, I’m sure we could have spent a few more weeks enjoying Mickey and Minnie.  But I digress…

The last few weeks have been so challenging for me.  I’ve found it a little bit more difficult to be content where I am at the moment.  Not because I’m in Florida or because of my singleness (although that really weighs me down sometimes), but that Satan has tried to overtake me, my family, and everything surrounding me.  The Bible tells us that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy and he has certainly tried doing that to me and my family in the last few weeks.

I’ve spent a little bit more time crying, wondering why the Lord causes bad things to happen to great people and why He picks now instead of later to put us through these trials.  A lot of my questions are unanswered and will probably continue to be unanswered until the Lord chooses to reveal the answers to me.

In the meantime, I miss my family.  A lot.  I miss my friends.  I miss my church family.  I miss seeing people who I know, but don’t really “know”.  I miss seeing the same lady who used to make my Starbucks drink every Sunday morning.  I miss the times that I can just call up a friend to go to dinner.

This past Sunday was Father’s day and oh…how I missed seeing my Daddy.  He is and always has been my hero.  I tell people all the time about the story of me getting stuck in the church elevator when I was in the 3rd grade.  We happened to be having thunderstorms that morning and my Dad sent me downstairs to locate some candles, because power outage was imminent.  Well…I got the candles and was heading to the stairs when I happened to be walking by the elevator and the doors opened up.  So why not?  (a third grader does not completely think through things)  I hopped on the elevator and we started towards the 2nd floor.  And then the power went out, and we were stuck.  I can’t tell you how long we were stuck in there, but it seemed like forever.  And, there were so many people in that elevator that no one could sit down.  Anyway, after some time, the elevator started to slowly move down and then the doors were finally forced open.  With only about 2 feet between the bottom of the elevator and the top of the opening, I looked through those doors and saw my Daddy.  He was the one who worked to get us out.  He was not only my hero that day, but everyone else on that elevator.  He still is my hero.

I’ve stood on these verses a lot the last few weeks:

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Heb. 4:16 (NIV)

We don’t yet see things clearly.  We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.  But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright!  We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!  1 Corinthians 13:12 (MSG)

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  James 5:16b (NIV)

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  Psalm 145:18 (NIV)

I’ve done a lot of crying and praying to the Lord.  Will you pray with me that the Lord will hold me and my family upright – that He will protect us from the evil things that satan is trying to do?

And Lord, I pray that you will restore the joy in me and my family’s lives and help us to live for you.  Help us to set examples and be witnesses for you in this lost world.  Help us to claim your name when satan tries his best to destroy us.  Help me to love and forgive others just as you have instructed us to do.  I pray you will provide continued guidance to me while I adapt to new surroundings and a new environment.

New Season in Boca

Hello, my friends!  I really hope things are going well for all of you and that you’ve all had a good week. And happy belated Mother’s day to all of my friends who are Moms!  I hope you had a fantastic day.  I really missed my Mom that day and so thankful for the blessing she has been to me in my life.  I know it was hard for her to let me move here, but thankfully we keep in touch quite often.

Things here are good.  Work is busier than ever, which I really appreciate.  It really makes the time fly by and before I know it, my day is over and I start all over again the next day.  I really appreciate the work I’m doing and the people I work with.  It’s been a welcome change for me and I’m forever grateful to the Lord for providing this job to me.

While I’ve been having such a great time in Boca, there have also been things that I dislike about living here.  I know a lot of it has to do with the culture here, but a lot of other things that just really tick me off.  For instance:

• My car never stays clean.  You never know when it’s just going to pour down rain.  And it can rain for 5 minutes or 5 hours.  And being this close to the beach, my car is covered with salt water and sand, so it makes it “sticky”.  The money I’m saving by giving myself pedicures is going directly to the car wash.
• The stop lights here are the longest I’ve ever encountered.  Seriously.  In fact, I timed it the other day and did you know I sat at this intersection for 2 minutes and 40 seconds?  And it wasn’t even a busy intersection!  And you can’t chance running even a yellow light because all of the stop lights down here are photo enforced.  Meaning…they have cameras and if they catch you even remotely trying to run a red light, you get a ticket.  I can’t chance that…not now…not ever.
• The traffic here is TERRIBLE!  Maybe because of the reason above, but I’ve gotten to the point that I hate driving very far.  I live only 3 miles from my office and it takes me anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes to get to work every day.  It’s absolutely ridiculous.
• There are so many old and retired people that live here, that you don’t dare get out on the day they receive their social security checks.  Old people + crazy drivers/traffic = not a good day to get out.
• There aren’t many “local” eateries.  I had gotten so used to eating local in OK that I miss those places.  The mom and pop stores like Crest and OK staples like Sonic and Braums.  Even Taco Bueno.  They don’t have a Taco Bueno!  And you don’t dare order Mexican food around here, because it’s just not the same.  When I go home next, I can’t wait to eat at Poblano Grill or Chelinos (and have a Strawberry Limeade from Sonic)!
• The electricity here goes off ALL THE TIME.  I feel like half of my evenings are spent resetting clocks in the condo.  I’m not sure why, but everyone tells me “it’s a south Florida thing”.  Okay…

Despite the things I don’t like here, overall, I’m having a great time.

I’m enjoying my job and have met some great new friends.

I’ve become a bit independent since moving here, but that’s to be expected.

The Lord seems to teach me more in the alone times.  I feel like my faith in Him is abundantly growing and I’m just so thankful that He chose me.  He has directed every path I’ve been on and continues to guide each and every one of the steps I take.

I’m so grateful for this new season He has granted me.

My Journey - Week 5

Well...this past week completed a full month since I moved from OK to FL. I was thinking about it the other day and how much I've been through in just a few weeks. But I am just so thankful for all those things I did go through. And The Lord has been with me every step of the way. I really couldn't have done it without Him. And I've learned so many things about The Lord, myself and relying on Him for everything. He is restoring my hope and I am forever grateful.

I thought I would use this post and share some pictures I've taken since I've been here...

This beach is literally a mile from my condo and it's oh so pretty! I've spent a lot of my days here, just basking in The Lord's presence and humbly going before him. Its amazing when you think of all He created. 

These things!!!! Ugh! And I haven't even taken a picture of all the millipedes that live here! And just like the salamanders, they manage to get into the condo all the time!!!

The following is one of my new favorite places. Shake Shack! Super yummy but super expensive. It's definitely a splurge (for both my tummy and my pocket) but so worth it!!!

Last weekend I drove down to Miami and was amazed by the skyline...

That wasn't even half of it because I was too close to these things...

Yep! Cruise ships lined up as far as the eye could see! But I was thankful to drive to Miami because it put me closer to...

Oh...how I miss Sonic! The closest one to me is over 40 minutes away. Someone needs to convince the execs and shareholders at Sonic that they need to put one in Boca. Do they not realize how many people would make Sonic their drink stop on the way to the beach? I know I would!!! I really miss my morning ice tea and afternoon Strawberry Limeade...

That's it for now. And sorry if the pics are jumbled on here...I'm not quite sure what to do to make it look "prettier". 

Hope you all have a great week!

My Journey - Week 4

I have truly been blessed this week – more than words can express.  I GOT A JOB!!!!  You know the job I was praying about and had an interview with this past Tuesday?  Ten minutes after I left the interview, they called me and offered me the job.  I am now the Personal Assistant to a high profile executive here in Boca.  I really am blessed.  This job is more than I could have ever imagined and it seems after the year I’ve had, things are finally looking up.  Of course, I know all of this can be taken away, but I am so honored to be chosen for this position.

When they called to offer me the job, they asked if I could start the next day.  Since I could, I did!  I had a great first day and it’s almost like I was meant to be there the entire time!  I fit right in and since it’s such a small office, I got along with all 6 people!  :)  I should probably back up and tell you what a Personal Assistant is.  Well…I work in an office with the owners of the company, so I do office work, but when they need a personal errand completed, I do that as well.  Most of my time the last 3 days has been spent in the office, working on major projects.  The projects have definitely kept me busy that I haven’t even noticed the time flying until it’s 5 pm and time to go home!

My office is only 3 miles from the condo, if that, and I am definitely not used to that kind of drive!  I’ve been able to come home for lunch a few days this week since it’s so close, which is nice.  I’m finally getting used to the area, but I also haven’t ventured out of my familiar places.  I’m sure as I start running errands for my bosses, that will all change.  I’m just so excited to be here and truly know how incredibly blessed I am to be here and experience all of these new things!

And speaking of new things…I should share with you some funny stories from this week!  First of all, if you’re not familiar with Florida, you probably don’t know there are salamanders (or what we Okie’s call lizards) EVERYWHERE!  They are of every size and color, and no matter where you go, they are there.  I can’t even imagine how many I’ve ran over.  But I digress…  The other day I returned to the condo from the beach and as soon as I opened the door, this baby salamander slipped in and took off – IN THE CONDO!  You should have seen me throw everything down in search of this ugly, nasty thing.  I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a cup and a plate, and after some maneuvering, I got the lizard into the cup, put the plate on top of the cup, and headed outside to let it have its freedom.  I think I scared the thing so bad that it didn’t want to come out of the cup!  I have absolutely no idea what I would have done if it got past the entryway!

Fast forward a few days.  I’m leaving work yesterday to head back to the condo for lunch, and since it was absolutely beautiful outside, I rolled down my window.  I get to a stoplight about 2 blocks away from the office and all of the sudden, I feel something on my arm.  I look down and guess what???  A salamander…ON MY ARM!!!!  I freak out!  I mean FREAK OUT!  It’s a good thing that I’m at a stoplight or I think I would have really gone crazy.  So this thing is just sitting on my arm, but I don’t want it to get in my car (can you imagine???) so I’m trying to flick it off my arm but I don’t want to touch it!  I finally just put all manners aside and push the thing off my arm.  I’m still freaking out, but it’s gone.  I quickly roll up my window and turn the air conditioner on (which will be the new norm from here on out).  I take off and go another 2 blocks when I hit another stop sign and look out my window – there’s that stupid salamander!  Never in my life did I wish for such a thing to be dead!  The light turned green, I took off as fast as I could, and I finally hear the thing fly off the back of the car.  I feel sorry for the thing, but he invaded my space!  I still cringe at the thought of those things being in my condo and on my arm!  As long as they stay outside, I’m okay with that…

Not much else happened this week.  Oh…to add to the blessings of my week…I received 2 calls on Wednesday (my first day on the job).  They were both from companies that I interviewed at and they were calling me to offer me jobs.  I even received another call yesterday from a different company.  So all that time when I was worried, the Lord was in control.  He just had to constantly remind me that He had everything planned out in His timing.  There are 2 verses that I have lived by since I moved down here.  I wrote them out and taped them on the mirror in the bathroom and on the frig in the kitchen.  They are:

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you.  He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you. – Deut. 31:8

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need. – Luke 12:31

So thankful…

My Journey - Week 3, Part 2

Happy Easter my friends!  I hope you’ve had a fabulous day celebrating our Lord’s resurrection!  The church service this morning was amazing and again, I’m so thankful the Lord brought me to a bible believing church that preaches the Word of God and ministers to the lost.  As soon as I get to the parking lot, I have an overwhelming peace about being there.  And it’s amazing how many people I’ve already met in the two weeks I’ve been there.  Almost the entire staff knows me by name, but I think that’s because of my very first experience with a church member (you know – the one whose seat I was sitting in).  When the pastor found out about it, he actually personally e-mailed me to say that he was sorry on behalf of himself and the church.  It was really quite humbling.  I was also told today that they lifted me up in their Saturday morning prayer service.  I’m just so encouraged by all the people praying for me.  It’s amazing.

Let’s see…Thursday morning I headed out the door to Ft. Lauderdale for my interview with the County.  The interview went well and they seemed really interested in me.  It would be a great job to have, as it’s like a state job and once you get your foot in the door, you can go anywhere.  It would be a nice, stable job, but again, it’s all in the Lord’s hands.

That evening, I had been invited to my church’s group (from now on I’m going to call it YP, because that’s the name of the group (short for Young Professionals)) for a networking dinner.  I arrived a little late because it was pouring down rain and the traffic was terrible!  I was hoping and praying on my way there that they would be running late, as I was running late and I certainly didn’t want to be the last one to walk in.  I arrived and they had not started (to which I was so thankful for), and I quickly saw all of my new friends, as well as meeting other new acquaintances and friends.  They have all inundated my e-mail this week, asking me for my resume and cover letter.  They all have their eyes and ears open for me and I’m so grateful the Lord surrounded me with positive and encouraging friends.  The dinner was marvelous and I was so glad the church held a networking dinner.  I learned more about the City and what their future plans are, as well as the future plans for the YP group.  I’m just so excited to be a part of this group (even though I’m probably too old, but we won’t tell anyone!)

Friday ended up being a rainy day here in south Florida.  One thing I am starting to notice – you have absolutely no idea when it’s just going to pour.  There is no sprinkle or cloud, giving you a warning what’s about to occur.  It just pours.  And it can pour for 5 minutes or 5 hours.  You just don’t know.  I will say that the Florida air has helped with my allergies tremendously!  I can’t tell you the last time I didn’t have nasal congestion.  I hope this is a more permanent solution than temporary.  Anyway, I had a few more assessment tests to take that morning, and while I was completing them, my phone rang from another company, setting up an interview for next Tuesday.  Friends, if I asked for your prayer, it would be for this.  I REALLY want this job that I’m interviewing for on Tuesday.  It is everything I’m looking for in a job, it pays well, and better yet – it’s less than 3 miles from the condo.  Please join me in prayer that if it’s the Lord’s will for me to have this job, that He will open up the doors and allow it to happen.  I’m so excited about this opportunity and everything it holds!

I woke up to rain again yesterday, but it quickly went away, making for another beautiful day here in Boca, so I packed my lunch and headed to the beach.  The rain left the humidity high, which I am still getting used to, so I think I sweated more than anything while I sat there.  In fact, I love going to the beach but I rarely get in the water (I know – right?!?!).  I had to get in the water yesterday – it was THAT hot!  But as I was sitting there, I was thinking about how I can’t wait to be happy again.  And then, it was as if the Lord tapped me on the shoulder and said “you will find your happiness in me”.  I just started boo-hooing my eyes out.  He was right.  ALL of my happiness is in HIM and through HIM.  What a fool I’ve been, thinking that my happiness was going to come in a different state, a different job and a different environment.  My hope and happiness does come from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Which leads me to this question – where does your happiness come from?

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.  Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.  O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. – Psalm 86:3-5 (NLT)

Happy Easter, my friends!

My Journey - Week 3, Part 1

My third full week has come to a close and it was quite the week!  Last Sunday night, I was invited by a new friend to attend her church, who was having a special speaker that night – Christine Caine.  I actually had been thinking about backing out because I didn’t know who this Christine Caine was (she’s from Hillsong), but also knew that the Lord would deliver a special word to me if I went, so I went.  It was the furthest I’ve been since I’ve moved here, but I will say it was all worth it!  Christine was absolutely AMAZING and what she spoke on was delivered straight to me.  In fact, at one point I thought I was the only one in the room.  She spoke of Abraham and Sarah, and how the Lord had promised them a child, but Abraham was old in age.  Many of you who read this blog know the story of Abraham and Sarah, and the part that Hagar played in this story.  However, in the scripture (Genesis 17), God promises exclusively to Sarah that SHE will bear a son, and his name is to be called Isaac.  Sarah was old in age as well, and she laughed at God and the thought that she would be having a child in her old age.  In the end, the Lord made a covenant and promise and Sarah did indeed bear Abraham a son, and his name was Isaac.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve laughed at God or doubted what He would do for me.  Just like
Abraham and Sarah, I doubted the Lord’s promises just because of my circumstances.  What we need to do is BELIEVE that the Lord provides these promises to us in HIS timing.  We, as Christians, are important in the Lord’s eyes.  We are His children and He will do whatever it takes to guide us and teach us what we need to know.  He wants what is best for us.

I left that service and was really encouraged by everything I heard.  I was ready to conquer my week, because I was reminded that the Lord was with me every step of the way and I needed to believe that He would take care of me and this job search I’m on.

As you may recall, I had an interview scheduled for Monday morning, so I got up and went to that, only to be turned away minutes after I arrived because the interviewer had called in sick.  I was so discouraged, but know that if it’s the Lord’s will, He will open the doors back up to that particular company.  I came back to the condo that afternoon and applied for many more jobs when I suddenly felt overwhelmed and just “tired” of applying for jobs.  I decided that Tuesday was going to be a “me” day, and that’s exactly what I made it.  I put down the phone and computer and headed to the beach for the day.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day and it felt so good to have the Lord in control of every aspect of my life.

Today I’ve spent my day taking a few other assessment tests for jobs I had applied for and more job hunting.  I received a call from the County, asking if I could interview tomorrow.  I quickly said yes, so I’ll be heading out the door to Ft. Lauderdale in the morning.  I’m really excited about this job opportunity and what it holds.

Again, thank you so much for your prayers and your encouraging words/calls/notes.  They have meant so much to me, especially on the lonely days.  If there is a specific way I can pray for you, will you please let me know?  Hope you all have a great remainder of the week!

My Journey - Week 2

I have now completed my second full week of this new journey and I will admit – this week has been challenging.  After meeting so many people in church last week, I knew that I had many of them lifting me up in prayer about a job.  Before I went to bed last Sunday, I fervently went before the Lord and asked Him to allow my phone to ring this week.  If it only rang once, I was going to be happy.  I just needed some hope.

My new routine every day is when I get up in the mornings, I look at the new job openings for the day, apply for the ones I know I’m qualified for, and spend the afternoons either searching for more jobs or playing.  Well…Monday was no different.  I got up, searched and applied for jobs, and since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach.  As I was sitting there, my phone rang with a Boca area code, but when I answered, the guy on the line asked for Tammy.  Well, that is certainly not my name, so I told him he had the wrong number.  The curiousness in me took over and I quickly googled the phone number, only to see that it was from a company that I had applied for a job at.  I then knew that the Lord had answered my prayer from the night before, but this guy had asked for the wrong person and I had turned him away.  I started texting friends and family members, asking them to pray that the guy would call back.  Well, he eventually did and my first interview in Boca was set up for the next day.

I was so excited.  It was not quite 40 hours a week, but the pay and hours were good, and it was only 3 miles from the condo.  I got up Tuesday morning and headed to the interview, only to walk into an office with 3 guys in a cigarette smoke filled office.  It was terrible.  I immediately felt my throat close up and knew this was not the place for me.  Not because of my allergies, but because of the overall environment.  I quickly made up an excuse that I was looking for something more full time and within 10 minutes, I was back in the car and headed back to my place.  I was so discouraged, but knew the Lord had designed it all.  He answered my prayer by allowing my phone to ring, and with a subsequent interview, I finally had a little hope.

When I got back to the condo that afternoon, I received another phone call from a legal search firm, and they were very interested in me and my qualifications.  After doing a quick phone interview, she was going to keep me in mind for any openings that had come up.  Again, the Lord allowed my phone to ring at exactly the time I needed it.

On Wednesday, my condo complex was without electricity, so I had to find someplace to be.  Well, since I’m trying not to spend any money but I’m also in a new town, I decided to drive around.  Boca is really a beautiful place.  A little “high-end” (if you know what I mean, to which I don’t fit in AT ALL), but absolutely wonderful.  I came back to the condo and got ready for the church group that I was invited to.  Apparently people my age meet on Wednesday nights from all walks of life and different churches, but FBC Ft. Lauderdale hosts the site for it.  As soon as I arrived, I immediately made some new friends and everyone was so nice.  I was a little hesitant about going, but afterwards, I was so glad I went and met so many wonderful new people.

Thursday was a rough day.  It’s amazing how discouragement quickly sets in and before you know it, you are filled with doubts and insecurities.  I knew that if I didn’t find a job soon, this dream of mine would soon end and I would be going back home.  I made a phone call to another headhunter and made an appointment for Friday morning.  When I met with her, I was so encouraged.  She was exactly what I was expecting from the last headhunter.  She asked questions, what I was looking for, and overall encouraging.  When I got back from the interview, I had several e-mails from people I met on Wednesday night, asking me what kind of job I was looking for.  I’m just so glad the Lord brought me to the right place and even though my first experience at this church was not good, everything else has outweighed that moment.  It’s amazing how the Lord orchestrates things for our good.

On Friday afternoon, I got a call about a job I just applied for the day before, and I have an interview on Monday morning.  I’m so excited how the Lord is opening doors for me here.  And I’m excited about all the new friends I’ve made and continue to make.

Thank you for lifting me up in prayer.  I can definitely feel your prayers and they are helping tremendously.  Things are finally looking up and I can’t wait to share with you all the exciting details!

My Journey - Week 1

Greetings from the sunshine state!  I first of all want to apologize for my lack of posts.  As luck may have it, I do not have internet access in my condo, so when I want to do anything internet related, I visit the local Panera Bread or Corner Bakery (and oh my goodness – OKC is getting a Corner Bakery!  Friends, if you haven’t had it, you need to!)  No internet access at home has had its challenges, especially with the job hunt, but at least I have a place to go with free wi-fi.

I’ve completed my first week on this new journey.  It’s had a lot of ups and downs, but I am hopeful that things will start looking up soon.  In the week I’ve been here, I’ve realized the following things:

1. A town that is mostly considered to be retired folk sure does drive like retired folk!  Seriously…I’m constantly on the lookout for the cars pulling out in front of me, going 100 in a 45 and quite honestly, driving like they’re in NYC.  It really does scare me…
2. A two-story Target with a parking garage is a marvelous thing!  Who knew?  And I actually put my buggy on its own escalator this week and we both got there at the same time!  What we won’t talk about is how many people I witnessed loading their buggy onto the escalator before I even attempted it.
3. Gas is cheaper closer to the beach than it is on the other side of the interstate.  You would think it was the opposite!
4. People here really are nice.  Or maybe I have this look on my face that all they can say to me is “bless your heart”.
5. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous.  Who knew having access to the beach and pool anytime you wanted would be such a pleasure?  Of course, that will all change when I get a job.
6. People constantly say that driving 5 minutes to get somewhere is too long.  Huh?  That is certainly not what I'm used to...
7. Groceries are a lot more expensive here than at home.  Did you know a package of cheese that costs $1.50 at home is $4.49 here?  Thank goodness I don't like cheese very much.
8. There are so many Jews living in Boca that they have an entire section of the grocery store dedicated to them and the upcoming Passover feast.

So...an updated about me.  I can’t tell you how many jobs I’ve applied for or sent my resume out for.  I’ve also spent the majority of my time this week taking placement and aptitude tests, including typing and math tests.  But hopefully I have them all under my belt and won’t have to take them again for quite some time.  I’m now fervently praying that I get called for one of those jobs!

I’ll be honest – I really didn’t think finding a job would be this hard.  I had put so much hope and faith into the headhunter and when she let me down, everything in me shut down.  I was so upset.  I just knew that she would have something lined up for me and I would have started this past Wednesday.

But the Lord has other plans for me.  I’ve often questioned Him this week about making the right decision, the move, and should I consider moving back home.  But, I also know the Lord didn’t bring me here without a reason.  He’s opened so many doors and the peace that I feel about everything is so real.

He has shown Himself to me over and over again this week.  I’m still living on Oklahoma time, which means I’ve had some very late nights this week.  But, those are the times that He speaks to me more than any other time.  I had read a devotional this week about being anxious and having anxiety, and to call on our Lord Jesus when we have those fears.  Do you know how many times I’ve cried out to Jesus this week?  More often than not.  And it’s worked every time.

I couldn’t wait to get to church today, just to be around other believers and receive encouragement that I needed.  Before I left home, I had already researched churches and where I would go first, so this morning I visited FBC Ft. Lauderdale.  It is a fairly big church – very similar to the one I grew up in in OKC.  I chose the traditional service, as I love hymns along with a church choir and orchestra.  They did not disappoint.

What did disappoint – I found a place to sit in the auditorium and had not been sitting there more than 10 seconds when a lady walked up to me and told me that I was in her seat.  Excuse me?  I had heard of this happening, but I had never witnessed it nor had I ever encountered it.  I looked at this lady (who was around my age, by the way) and said “excuse me?”  And she said “you’re sitting in my normal seat”.  I quickly huffed under my breath, picked up my purse and Bible, and headed to the other side of the auditorium.  You know – a first time visitor should never encounter something like this.  Well technically, no one should encounter that.  I could have just walked out the door, but I knew the Lord had brought me there.  I needed encouragement and His word.  I needed music to fill my soul.

I found a spot on the complete opposite side of the auditorium, where I met this lovely lady named Lorraine who welcomed me with open arms, invited me to her Sunday School class and introduced me to a plethora of people.  Even though I was upset about what had just happened a minute earlier, I’m not sure I would have been welcomed on the other side of the church, and I certainly wouldn’t have been invited to a SS class.  And I will say that the SS class I attended was for older people, but they were all so sweet and welcomed me so lovingly.  So much so that it will be hard for me to go back next week and attend the class meant for my age group.

The sermon was good and wouldn’t you know – the Pastor is actually from Oklahoma!  I had absolutely no idea and when I met him afterwards, he was also super nice and friendly – just as you would expect an Oklahoman to be.  The Lord orchestrated every moment of my morning this morning.  The drive to church was a little long, but hopefully when I go back, the experience will be just as good, if not better.

The Lord is at work in my life.  I’m reminded in every bible verse and every song that He gives me that He is continually in my presence – even in the dark days – and everything will work out according to His perfect plan and purpose.

Be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9  

My Journey - The Beginning

Jesus said “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  Immediately, the boy’s father exclaimed “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

Have you ever felt that God was calling you somewhere but you were in unbelief about it?  That you knew it was going to take a giant leap of faith, but you weren’t sure if it was you or God telling you?

As you all know, 2013 was a terrible year for me.  2014 did not start out that great either.  I was still very unhappy at my job and no matter what I did, I felt like I was constantly defending myself.  I got to a point that after a year, I was tired of defending myself and having people running all over me.  It was time for me to stand up and take that giant leap of faith that I felt the Lord was calling me to do for quite some time.  It was time for me to overcome my unbelief.

The day after my 37th birthday, I received a performance evaluation at my job.  Friends – let me tell you – this was the worst employee evaluation I have ever read, seen or even received.  It was awful.  In one sentence it would praise me for doing such a great job, but in the next sentence it would chastise me for exactly the same thing.  They were full of broken promises from the first day I started there.  I should have known after finding myself in the bathroom crying on my 2nd day of the job.  After the year I’d had, this was certainly not how I wanted to spend 2014.

In the meantime, a friend of mine who originally had a tenant in her Boca Raton condo moved out unexpectedly, breaking her 12 month lease.  I have often visited the condo for vacation, and have often (more often than not) thought of living there – but it was so far from home.  I had been praying for a new job, but suddenly I felt an overwhelming peace about quitting my job and moving to Boca.

Move to Boca?  Are you serious?  What about a job?  I certainly wasn’t sure if it was the excitement overtaking my mind or if it really was the Lord leading me here.  But friends – so many doors opened at exactly the right time.  And as much as I hated leaving home, I did.

I began my actual journey earlier this year, praying for the Lord’s guidance in my life.  For the hope in my life of despair.  For a change in my life, whatever that may be.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NIV)

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

My journey has landed me in Boca Raton, FL.  I’ve been here 2 days and while I have not found a job yet, I have a hope in my Lord Jesus Christ that He will take care of me and open that door in His time.  I had an interview with a placement agency today, but it didn’t go well.  I subsequently had a meltdown, but as a friend reminded me tonight – I have to be patient and trust in the Lord for His will in my life.  The last 2 days have been spent getting settled in, unpacking and going before the Lord with prayer and petition for a job.  Will you join me in that prayer and petition?

Today I’m missing my family, friends, church family and…home.  But, I can’t wait to share with you all the goodness and mercies of our Lord Jesus!

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think of such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)