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Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Sun is still shining





Last week was a tough week for our family. Our Heather lost her job very unexpectedly and this brings up many worries, not the least of which is the issue of insurance because she is diabetic.
We went through a few days of questioning and some anger, and although we still wonder why and are frustrated about the whole thing, we also know we can still trust God with the big picture. He has always taken care of us before, and I know He will again, even when things don't make sense to us.
The other day I saw this dreary scene, overlooking the sports fields near Bob's Moms house. It looked dismal and dark, but then the clouds parted and the sun appeared! The same clouds that looked so dark, began to glow and the sky looked beautiful.
Have you noticed that the sky is so much prettier when there are some clouds in it, and sunsets need clouds to make them beautiful? I think the same holds true in our lives. None of us like trouble, but it is in those times that we really see God's hand.
Also - even when the clouds cover the sun, it's still shining!
I'd appreciate your prayers for Heather that she find a job where she is blessed and can be a blessing to others.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:2

30 comments:

Saija said...

and the time of year too - it seems things always feel "more" (good or bad) at Christmas ... i did pray for heather ...

my BC sister was layed off for the month of december, and her salary is part of their household budget - so they are trimming other things as well as the tree! i sent her this oswald chambers quote - which i'll share with you guys too ...

"The fiery furnaces are there by God’s direct permission. It is misleading to imagine that we are developed in spite of our circumstances; we are developed because of them. It is mastery in circumstances that is needed, not mastery over them." The Love of God—The Message of Invincible Consolation, 674 R
...

(hugs) & prayers sent your way!

Marsha Young said...

Saying a prayer for Heather to find a good job.

The timing of our trials is always hard to understand, but you are right, the clouds do show the beauty of the sun when it comes out.

Thank goodness for the SON!
Blessings to you - Marsha

Anna Bailee (Chelsea) said...

Sending prayers your way as well. Seems like, lately, it's been one thing after another with our family. We'll all see the big picture soon, and i have a feeling it's going to be a great one.

Terri said...

Amen to that - it's been pretty dreary over here today too. There has to be some blue skies coming to our families soon.

LL Cool Joe said...

I'll say a prayer for Heather too. It's often hard to understand why God works they way he does, but we have to trust in him knowing that he has a plan for our lives, even if it's not what we expected or want.

This is still one of my favourite hymns

I know who holds the future
And He'll guide me with His hand
With God things don't just happen,
Everything by Him is planned,
So as I face tomorrow,
With its problems large and small,
I'll trust the God of miracles,
Give to Him my all.

Sylvia said...

SO sorry to hear about Heather's job. Hard days, but so true what you say about the clouds. Two of my friends asked me within about 5 minutes of each other on Facebook to pray about redundancy in their family, plus my grandson Dan. Reminded yesterday in church of His name "Jehovah Jireh" - my provider.

Sylvia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Beth said...

Am praying, dear Mari.
And I agree about the sun and sunset and how the clouds enhance them. Trying times are when it's sometimes hardest to see the light, but when we do, it's incredible.
"God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform." This line has popped up many times this past year for me. I need to do an Internet search to see where it came from.
It's embedded in me, so I wonder if it's a hymn from all those times in church growing up. No matter, it comforts me at the strangest times.

Anonymous said...

Usually you have to pass through winter to enjoy spring and summer. And through the night to see the sun the next day. I would guess this is only temporary and the sunshine will erase these shadows before you realize it.

Pat said...

There are so many scriptures and quotes I could write, but I know that they are already in your heart.
Amy went through something similar with her job and God had a better job already planned for her. I believe that for Heather too, the favor of the Lord is upon her and He knows her future.
I will pray for those clouds to keep parting and the Son to fully shine!

Sadie said...

I will be praying. It will be difficult, but God will pull you all through it. (((HUGS))) Praying. I love your positive attitude though. It shows your true faith in God!

Betty W said...

I´m so sorry for Heather! That must have been such a shock.I will pray she find a new, better job.
Your words about the clouds in our lives are so true. If it weren´t for the clouds we wouldn´t appreciate the good times so much.

Nancy said...

I am so sorry about the Heather losing her job but one thing is for sure....when God closes one door He will open another....I am praying she will find just the right job and soon....

Blessings to you my friend....

Connie said...

I will say a "Amen" to all other comments. God will provide because He is faithful. I'm adding Heather to my prayer list.
I know it is hard on Mom to see her daughter hurting.

Jenny said...

Mari, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I rejoiced with you all when Heather found the job and I know it meant a lot to you all. I love your analogy though. I'm always saying to Greg, if the clouds are "good" today let's go over to the lake about a half-hour before sunset and take pictures. Because if the clouds are there, the Lord's glory is so much more evident. Y'all are in my prayers, that is a promise. Heather's situation will resolve and I pray when it does, it will be an even better one. She brings so much to the table! Just a darling girl and so faithful. God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

I see your pretty smiling face on some of the commenty sections of blogs I visit so I thought I would come visit you!
I will keep your family in my prayers that a job will come for your daughter, its difficult times but like you said the Lord will take care of us, we just need to have faith.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Mari, So sorry to hear about Heather's job, that stinks! It is so true though what you said! That is such an AMEN!

Cheri said...

Praying here too for her to find the spot where God wants her to be. Always hard in the meantime but you're right- God will see her through this!

Sweet Tea said...

I'm sorry about this, Mari.
It must have been quite the shock, which is often the hardest part. I hope the clouds begin to part and there are job opportunities on the horizon for Heather. Praying she finds a job she likes even more than the previous one!

Brooke said...

prayers for heather!!

Mari said...

Ohhh Mari...I rode that boat she is in. That boat makes you seasick. It's not a fun place to be. I think you summed it up nicely on this post. Give Heather a big hug from me...even though she doesn't know who I am. I just know her pain/worry/anger/frustration/depression/sadness/concern/financial/insurance/etc...it's a long list. I'll keep her in my prayers! Maybe she'll land 3 jobs since I landed 2! :o)

Sharon said...

Prayers for Heather.I know how she must feel as I am still waiting to hear about the last days our office will get to stay open.
I love the way you put things and I never thought of it that way before.
thanks for the eyeopener.
Hugs

Penny said...

Just said a prayer for Heather. =( I know that can be a very difficult time, especially with illness. Praying she finds a new -- BETTER -- job soon.

Heart2Heart said...

Definitely lifting Heather up in prayer and praying for God's provision to bring her through this time where its hard at times to find the sun but like you stated, no matter how cloudy it is, the sun still shines!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Susan said...

Love & appreciate your outlook Mari. Yes, many times we certainly do not understand the "whys" of things but we who know The Lord have the confidence that He holds us in the palm of His hand and that His plans and purposes are so much bigger and broader than we can imagine.

Father God I bring Heather and this entire family before you and ask that your peace surround them. I pray for your widsom as they look to you for your leadership through what can sometimes be a dark place in their lives. I ask that your light shine brightly in the midst of this trial and thank you that we know they are in your loving care. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Rae said...

Praying that all will be well with you and your family and that things will work out.

ancient one said...

Praying for Heather.. that GOD will bless her with a better job.. as others have said, we know that GOD will provide whatever is needed. Loved your beautiful photos!

Heather said...

Thank you all for your prayers and support! I know that God has much better plans for me and that He is leading me somewhere great! I could not get through this all without so many prayers being lifted on my behalf! Thank you so much!

Jean said...

It's always a scary time when job loss occurs. We have experienced it, and so have some of our children. But I can say that God has always been faithful. Always. Not as much in a hurry as I would have liked Him to be, but always faithful. My prayers for Heather and you.

Crown of Beauty said...

I will be praying for Heather. God is the source... so if the brook dries up, He will lead Heather to another place of provision.

The pictures of the sun behind the clouds are awesome. God was really speaking to you in a personal way.

I love what you said: Sunsets need clouds to make them beautiful.

So true!

Trusting God with you...

Lidia