March 19, 2008

The Ministry Of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Anyone who has lived past the age of birth has probably realized that life is not a bowl full of cherries. There are struggles and pain and death and it’s just all part of this thing called life.

Whether it’s a baby crying from a poopy diaper that he can’t change himself, a broken heart from a relationship gone sour, the death of someone we love, or the loss of a job. All these things provide opportunity to build our character and our faith in a God that knows what’s best for us, even when it doesn’t make any sense at all.

Chris and I are in the midst of a financial struggle caused by starting our own business. And if there is anything that hits hard, it’s when the ability to feed and shelter your family becomes questionable. I’ve kept pretty quiet about it, but usually my long blog absences have been caused by my lack of ability to cope with life.

But we know that being self-employed is what we are supposed to do right now.

And it’s been a giant roller coaster ride that has brought strength to my marriage and family in ways that I never would have been able to see through any other circumstances.

But I’ve also had to look some of my fears in the face….the possibility of losing our home, qualifying for state assistance, wondering what we are going to eat this week or just how far I can drive with the red “empty” light on my gas tank before my car shudders to a halt.

And even though we know we are on the right path, there are always opportunities that present themselves to make us doubt that we are doing the right thing.

Because sometimes the right thing (for us) makes absolutely no sense to other people. And numerous times we've been tempted to give up, or have been confused about what we should do.

So today, we were ministered to by an unusual source. Chris woke up with a song running through his head that we tracked down and listened to on Youtube.

Strength comes from many sources.




***I just reread this and wanted my real life people to know that this is not "backing down" against people...it's "standing up" against my circumstances. My family and friends in real life have been encouraging, supportive, prayerful, and generous.

14 comments:

Halfmoon Girl said...

Hi Gayle- I tried to comment previously, but something went askew, so if you have two comments from me, take your pick. I wanted to say that even though it sounds like this is a very trying time, it sounds like you both have your priorities straight and are a TEAM! That's huge. Keep focused on the Lord and keep supporting each other. We are a self employed family as well, and it can bring a lot of stress along with the blessings.

Leanne said...

Hoo hoo....okay. I get it. I've had epiphanies through weird songs too....

I admire you, girlfriend, for sticking it out through all the stuff. You've changed sooooo much in the long umpteen years we've known you guys.....

I'm so proud of you. I admire you.

I hope you don't lose your home. I hope things pick up.

DON'T BACK DOWN!!!!!

Love
Leanne

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love that you are honest.
I love that you WILL use your struggles to bless others.
I love that you are strong.
I love that you know where your strength comes from.
I love that you have dark hair.
Plus about a zillion others reasons.

Still praying...

EEEEMommy said...

Sweet girl,
You are an inspiration, and God is faithful!
As I was growing up, my family experienced some very difficult times financially, and we did have to go on food stamps for a year. It was the hardest year of my dad's life, but God remained faithful, and seeing God's faithfulness throughout my childhood resulted in the unwavering faith that I have today.
I will keep you in my prayers!

Grace and Peace,
Angel

Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading your blog. I enjoy it because you are so brass knuckles (in a good way) about everything. You really put it out there and I admire that. I also admire how in difficult times you and your husband are teaming up with God and that will get you through anything.
Keep focused my friend! God will never leave you nor forsake you.

elaine@bloginmyeye said...

Go Gayle, go Gayle, go Gayle, go...Go Gayle, go Gayle, go Gayle, go. (just me cheering you -- and your crew -- on) I'm sorry things are so tough right now.

Becky said...

I can't really add to what's been said here, but just remember, God has this storehouse to supply your needs from--He doesn't shop at Goodwill, He shops from His riches. Keep on asking for His provisions, He will give liberally!

Gayle said...

Shucks, you guys amaze me with how encouraging you are! Haven't I known you guys for years? You all seem like childhood friends.

Anonymous said...

I prayed for you as soon as I read this post. I have the utmost respect for you to continue to do what you know is right despite your circumstances! You are in my prayers!

gail said...

oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh gayle! i can so relate. we are a part time self employed, starving student family. after my dh's accident we did have to get assistance and help, but thru it all God was good to us. we still stuggle to live on our meager income, but i'm learning: to be content, to be frugal, to trust in the Lord.

i'll pray for you and your hubby. we were self employed for many years before hubby's accident and i remember those early days.

the other gail, in idaho

Unknown said...

Hang in there! God never bring us "to it" if He can't bring us "through it!" Much love, Tammy

Anonymous said...

Hi Gayle - My husband and I are going through some tight times too. It was such an encouragement to read your blog and know that we are not alone in our struggles, so I wanted to send some of that encouragement back your way. I wish I could send you a big ol' fat check to make it all better, but hopefully knowing that others are sharing in the journey and praying for you will cheer your heart a little bit today. Hang in there!

Karen Hossink said...

My husband just opened his own business in October. We know this won't be an easy road, but God is with us.
Praying you will continue to recognize His goodness - even in the midst of the trial.

Anonymous said...

It can be difficult, but the awesomeness of seeing God's work in a situation that seems impossible is priceless. His promises is what gives me the confidence to know we will be fine. Praying for ya'
:>Michelle
@hsb SeekingJesusnTeachingKids

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