As 2018 draws near to its close, I continue to be amazed by Father God’s provision and delightful surprises!  In January of this year, the Lord called me to leave my corporate job with Blue Cross Blue Shield to devote more time to ministry.  Although my husband’s job has been going well, I was still a bit nervous walking away from a fulltime job that provided consistent paychecks and insurance benefits.  For the last three years, I had been blessed to perform my job from home, which enabled me to retain my position when Ed and I relocated to the opposite end of the state.  I wondered if giving up that privilege was really the right thing to do.  But the Lord spoke and I obeyed in faith, trusting Him completely to provide by whatever means He chose.  When we truly submit to His will, He really does honor that blind faith, giving us the desires our hearts.  (Psalm 37:4)

I prayerfully and carefully comprised the email to my supervisor that would serve as my official notice of resignation.  I would process medical claims for two more weeks, and receive only one more paycheck from the company.  I drew a deep breath, and said, “Okay, Lord,” as I exhaled and pressed “send”.  It was done.  The fear and anxiety of uncertainty left my body with that exhale, and I was overcome with a sense of peaceful calm and freedom!

I pursued a return to elder-care (which I quickly realized is a ministry in itself), and began a part-time assignment before my notice with BCBS was complete.  By the end of February, I had secured a steady position with a precious lady who I got to love right into the arms of Jesus!  She and I talked about the Lord and His Word, and I prayed with her often about her own fears and anxiety.  By the time she passed away a few months later, I had become great friends with her family, and even enjoyed a few weekends pet-sitting for them as well.

During this time, the Lord provided a laptop computer, and I was able to start writing again.  In September of this year I published my first book appropriately titled “Freed Bird”.  This is my personal story of finding freedom through forgiveness, but there will be more coming as the Lord has graciously delivered and released me from so many things.  All the while, whimsical odd jobs and “gigs” have come along, and the bills have miraculously been paid.

Since leaving the security of my corporate job last January, I have ministered to three elderly saints, enjoyed the love and company of dogs, and packed up a closing retail store for a friend.  I have fallen in love with the cute goat pictures being shared Facebook, so I had to smile at God while recently taking a pair of goats for a walk through the woods and down to the water’s edge.  This week I am helping a friend decorate her lake house for Christmas, and she is teaching me how to use QuickBooks, a skill that will come in handy when managing funds for our ministry.

This afternoon I will deposit an unexpected refund check, equaling a normal week’s pay.  I never know what the next “gig” will be, or what 2019 will hold for me.  But just as the Lord led the Israelites through the wilderness, providing everything they needed all along the way, I know He will provide as I follow Him blindly, submitting to His call to “go and tell” the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  I know that if and when He sends us out with the Prayer Tent, perhaps living the RV-life fulltime, He will also provide wherever that journey may lead us.

Friend, wherever you are on your journey, whether in the lush fruitful plains or the dry, desolate rocky soil of the desert, God is with you!  Whether you are nearing retirement, facing a layoff, or starting your own business venture – I encourage you to have faith and trust in the Lord!  For it is He who gives you power to get wealth… (Deuteronomy 8:18).

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and  ALL these things shall be added to you. 
Matthew 6:33