So... it's been a while, huh?

Since my last post in October, life continued to crash ahead at breakneck speed. I am proud to say that I successfully graduated nursing school - with an A my last semester, no less! This morning I took the board exam. Even though I won't know for sure until Thursday, I feel great about it. I could not have been any more prepared than I was, and I was calm and level-headed for the whole thing. It was an incredible blessing to have the texts and Facebook messages from friends who were praying for me. In all my years as a church-goer, I've never had a group of people who loved me like this little church of mine does.

I'm still searching for a job. I never dreamed that finding a job as a nurse would prove to be so difficult, given the constant hype about the supposed nursing shortage. I guess in my part of the country the "shortage" is somewhat fictional - or at least dependent more on finances than need for workers. I've had one interview so far, but didn't get the position. I do interview tomorrow and Thursday, and I am praying that there will be an offer for me soon. God is providing our needs, but there is no room to spare. Our grocery budget is minimal - $50 a week is the best I get, and that has to include all our toiletries and household items as well. I've learned to coupon, and in the month of January managed to save 45% off of the retail price on the things I purchased. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

In all this, I've had to learn to lean on God. At times I have been so frustrated and angry; after all, I'm doing my best for Him, so why are we so broke? - but then I remember that His ways are not my ways, and that we are still eating! Yes, it may be Tuna Helper or spaghetti, but we aren't starving.

In October, we had an out-of-the-blue moment, and Jeff was offered a job with Hospice. This was an area he truly wanted to work, and it was almost a 40% pay increase. Had that not happened, we really would be starving now, and probably homeless, too.

Yes, God is good. I may not have a job yet, but I trust in Him and His provision. In the meantime, I am rejoicing in multiple blessings - from precious friends to an unbelievable spiritual growth spurt that has nearly knocked my socks off! Greater things are coming, and I can't wait to see what is in store.