In order to make this move to CO happen, I needed a federal job transfer. Probably easier said than done, but again, steps of faith - day at a time.
I saw a job advertised the week we moved Don to CO. Hmmm... looks interesting, all stuff I did in my previous job, although that was 18 years ago.
I get home from CO on Thursday, leave for retreat Friday, get home Sunday. I check on the job ad and realize I have until 8:30 p.m. AZ time Tuesday night to apply. I work like crazy Monday and Tuesday night to get a very lengthy application completed on line. And then I wait.
And wait. I call to check on the job status mid-November and am told there were SO many applicants they convened a panel to decide who to interview. Not very encouraging news really.
Two weeks later I get a call for an interview - Praising God for that! They suggest a phone interview - I offer to fly to CO since Don and my parents are there. I fly in Tuesday afternoon, Interview Wednesday a.m., spend the day with Don and my parents and fly home arriving late Wednesday night. Its Thanksgiving the next day. And then I wait.
And wait. I call early December and am told a decision will be made by December 12th. I wait.
I call back and am told a selection has been made - the selectee will get a phone call, the non-selectees will get a letter. And then I wait.
And wait. All through the holidays, no call, but no letter either! Some of you offered me so much encouragement during these days of waiting! You have no idea how much you blessed me.
I call again January 6th and a very helpful person tells me that 87 people applied, a selection has been made, but the letters have not been sent out. Sigh. 87 people! Yikes! I thought I interviewed well, but you just never know.
I wait, BUT only two hours until I get the phone call with the job offer! Oh praise God. . . they picked me! Holy cow! I am amazed. Not sure I really remember what I said on the phone, but I do remember the woman asking me why I was willing to accept a job that paid 50% less than what I currently make. I explained why we were moving and she asked me to send a pay stub to her.
I scramble to find one and send it to her. Meanwhile, I call my mom (super excited - funny, b/c she is home alone and can't tell anyone but will call dad at the dr) . . . I find out where Don is and call him - he is yelling Praise God in a parking lot somewhere in Colorado Springs. I'm in tears - keep closing my office door - lots of happy phone calls and amazement. I email the kids :0)
I receive another call about the job - they change the offer - I had already agreed to the low end of the salary - they offer me a substantial amount more! I am speechless, I remember saying that this just doesn't happen . . . .I already agreed to the lower amount . . . you never know what happens when you pray. Ooops.... not a PC thing to say . . . the woman says its ok, you are moving for the right reason . . . confirming my suspicion that she is a sister in the Lord.
I am humbled beyond belief - on my knees in tears and thanksgiving once I get home.
Just the day before the offer I had prayed and said to the Lord that He knew the numbers, what it would take to pay for our house (which hasn't sold) when we move, with Don still not working. Not only did He provide a job, he provided beyond what we dreamt was possible. It all ends up with about a 25% cut in pay instead of over 50%.
Its truly been a journey of faith and obedience - day at a time - step at a time.
Here's the funny, or really amazing, thing. I only applied for one other job - and they turned me down - didn't qualify me. LOL
Such a God thing.
So, I have finished my security papers, polygraph and drug tests and finally have a starting date in CO of April 13th - I will be an Administrative Assistant, working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, less than 20 minutes from my parents house where we will be living.
God is so incredibly faithful and involved in every detail of our lives.
Thank you, my friends, for all of your prayers and encouragement during this part of the journey!
Love to you,
Carolynne
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sacrifice
Every year at retreat we receive a word to study during the upcoming year. In October, my word was: Sacrifice
-an act of offering something precious to God or a god; especially: the killing of a victim on an altar
- something offered in sacrifice
- a giving up of something especially for the sake of someone else;
- loss of profit
In May last year, I visited my parents and was concerned with their health. In July, Don and I visited my parents and sensed, with some urgency, that we needed to be 10 minutes away from them and not 10 hours. We decided to move - a huge step for us as I was not eligible to retire from my federal job yet and would need a transfer. Don would quit his job and we would sell our house. Huge steps of faith. Day at a time.
We placed our home on the market. We decided to move Don first so that he could get settled. Little did we know that the week we moved Don, my dad would have major surgery for cancer. Don has spent the last 5 months with mom and dad, helping them around the house, while job hunting. We thought we were moving Don for us - God had other plans.
I've been in Phoenix, home alone with the cats, waiting for the house to sell and applying for federal job transfers. (stay tuned for another blog - and God's amazing provision).
What's the sacrifice?
Look at the third reason. At retreat, I had just returned from leaving Don in CO. And I receive the word "Sacrifice" - pretty appropriate for my (our) situation.
As I have pondered this word, it occurs to me that we are willingly sacrificing:
living in the same city as our boys and their wives and girlfriends that I love;
great paying jobs, trusting the Lord to provide new ones;
18 years of friends and ministry - remembering we'll see our friends again, if not here, then in heaven - remembering ministry belongs to the Lord - he'll put us where he wants us;
leaving my BFF;
our house - the worst possible time to sell - and we LOVE our house - trusting God for a buyer and a new home;
our way of life - as we move in with my parents until this house sells - we focus on grace and humility as we live our lives in front of my parents.
our church - I've seen more growth in my husband at CCS than anywhere else.
Why the sacrifice?
Obedience to what God has called us to do - even though we don't understand why;
remembering that we are eternal creatures and want to focus on eternal things;
my parents do not know Jesus - surely this is part of God's plan for us to be with them at this time in their lives.
I certainly don't share this to be 'prideful,' but rather to show you how God is so amazingly involved in the details of our lives. I needed to receive that word at retreat - to prepare my heart for what was coming and to remind me God is sovereign and to allow me to hold the things of this world loosely, and willingly set them aside for the sake of someone else.
We have had a great peace about all of this - much to the amazement of friends, neighbors and co-workers. The ones that don't know Jesus don't understand why we are not pulling our hair out, complaining and worrying.
With sacrifice comes blessing - the blessing of sharing why we have such peace in the midst of such a crazy (by the world's standards) decision.
A verse I am memorizing this year is so fitting: HE is the stablity.........
-an act of offering something precious to God or a god; especially: the killing of a victim on an altar
- something offered in sacrifice
- a giving up of something especially for the sake of someone else;
- loss of profit
In May last year, I visited my parents and was concerned with their health. In July, Don and I visited my parents and sensed, with some urgency, that we needed to be 10 minutes away from them and not 10 hours. We decided to move - a huge step for us as I was not eligible to retire from my federal job yet and would need a transfer. Don would quit his job and we would sell our house. Huge steps of faith. Day at a time.
We placed our home on the market. We decided to move Don first so that he could get settled. Little did we know that the week we moved Don, my dad would have major surgery for cancer. Don has spent the last 5 months with mom and dad, helping them around the house, while job hunting. We thought we were moving Don for us - God had other plans.
I've been in Phoenix, home alone with the cats, waiting for the house to sell and applying for federal job transfers. (stay tuned for another blog - and God's amazing provision).
What's the sacrifice?
Look at the third reason. At retreat, I had just returned from leaving Don in CO. And I receive the word "Sacrifice" - pretty appropriate for my (our) situation.
As I have pondered this word, it occurs to me that we are willingly sacrificing:
living in the same city as our boys and their wives and girlfriends that I love;
great paying jobs, trusting the Lord to provide new ones;
18 years of friends and ministry - remembering we'll see our friends again, if not here, then in heaven - remembering ministry belongs to the Lord - he'll put us where he wants us;
leaving my BFF;
our house - the worst possible time to sell - and we LOVE our house - trusting God for a buyer and a new home;
our way of life - as we move in with my parents until this house sells - we focus on grace and humility as we live our lives in front of my parents.
our church - I've seen more growth in my husband at CCS than anywhere else.
Why the sacrifice?
Obedience to what God has called us to do - even though we don't understand why;
remembering that we are eternal creatures and want to focus on eternal things;
my parents do not know Jesus - surely this is part of God's plan for us to be with them at this time in their lives.
I certainly don't share this to be 'prideful,' but rather to show you how God is so amazingly involved in the details of our lives. I needed to receive that word at retreat - to prepare my heart for what was coming and to remind me God is sovereign and to allow me to hold the things of this world loosely, and willingly set them aside for the sake of someone else.
We have had a great peace about all of this - much to the amazement of friends, neighbors and co-workers. The ones that don't know Jesus don't understand why we are not pulling our hair out, complaining and worrying.
With sacrifice comes blessing - the blessing of sharing why we have such peace in the midst of such a crazy (by the world's standards) decision.
A verse I am memorizing this year is so fitting: HE is the stablity.........
And He will be the stability of your times,
A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge;
The fear of the LORD is his treasure.
Isaiah 33:6
Thursday, January 1, 2009
From Greg Laurie's Blog
"With the beginning of a new year, it’s inevitable that resolutions are always made.
How many of you have made them?
Among the top resolutions this year are to get in shape, lose weight, get more organized, read more good books, and spend more time with family and friends. The problem is sometimes we are not realistic in our resolutions.
Here are some resolutions made by some people over the years that had to be realistically changed with the passing of time.
Commit myself to reading more
2003: I will read at least 20 good books a year.
2004: I will read at least 10 books a year.
2005: I will read five books a year.
2006: I will finish Greg’s new book this tear.
2007: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2008: I will try and finish the comics this year.
Commit myself to losing weight and getting in shape
2001: I will get my weight down below 170.
2002: I will watch my calories until my weight is below 200.
2003: I will follow my new diet until I get below 220.
2004: I will try to develop a more realistic attitude about my weight.
2005: I will work out five days a week.
2006: I will work out three days a week.
2007: I will work out one day a week.
2008: I will drive past a gym at least once a week.
Commit myself to getting my finances in order.
2004: I will pay off my bank loan promptly.
2005: I will pay off my bank loans promptly.
2006: I will be totally out of debt by next year.
2007: I will try to pay off the debt Interest by next year.
2008: I will try to be out of the country by next year.
Make a stronger spiritual commitment
2004: I will go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, and get involved in the men’s or women’s Bible study.
2005: I will go to church on Sundays and some Wednesdays.
2006: I will go to church on Sundays.
2007: I will listen to Christian teaching programs on my way to work.
2008: I will read Greg’s blog when I think about it.
Resolutions!
Most of us have made them and we quickly adjust as reality sets in. Does that mean that it is a bad thing to make resolutions or commitments? No, because if we continue to “lower the bar,” we will sink into stagnation at best and full-blown sin at worst.
We need to have goals, objectives, and things we shoot for in life. No, we must constantly be seeking to grow, learn, deepen, and obey.
Here are the words of the apostle Paul after years of walking with God:
No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. I hope all of you who are mature Christians will agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. (Philippians 3:13-15 NLT).
So let’s resolve to get closer to God in 2009!"
Greg's blog certainly made me smile!
Three definitions of 'resolution' . . .
- decision: a firm decision to do something
- determination: firmness of mind or purpose
- solution: an answer to a problem
I am making a resolution to get closer to God this year,
to experience a deeper father/daughter, king/servant, relationship with Him.
Its interesting that 'solution' is part of 'resolution' - resolving to be closer to Him brings the answer to all our problems, all our needs, all our longings, all are met in Him.
Wishing you a deeper relationship with our Lord in 2009.
How many of you have made them?
Among the top resolutions this year are to get in shape, lose weight, get more organized, read more good books, and spend more time with family and friends. The problem is sometimes we are not realistic in our resolutions.
Here are some resolutions made by some people over the years that had to be realistically changed with the passing of time.
Commit myself to reading more
2003: I will read at least 20 good books a year.
2004: I will read at least 10 books a year.
2005: I will read five books a year.
2006: I will finish Greg’s new book this tear.
2007: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2008: I will try and finish the comics this year.
Commit myself to losing weight and getting in shape
2001: I will get my weight down below 170.
2002: I will watch my calories until my weight is below 200.
2003: I will follow my new diet until I get below 220.
2004: I will try to develop a more realistic attitude about my weight.
2005: I will work out five days a week.
2006: I will work out three days a week.
2007: I will work out one day a week.
2008: I will drive past a gym at least once a week.
Commit myself to getting my finances in order.
2004: I will pay off my bank loan promptly.
2005: I will pay off my bank loans promptly.
2006: I will be totally out of debt by next year.
2007: I will try to pay off the debt Interest by next year.
2008: I will try to be out of the country by next year.
Make a stronger spiritual commitment
2004: I will go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, and get involved in the men’s or women’s Bible study.
2005: I will go to church on Sundays and some Wednesdays.
2006: I will go to church on Sundays.
2007: I will listen to Christian teaching programs on my way to work.
2008: I will read Greg’s blog when I think about it.
Resolutions!
Most of us have made them and we quickly adjust as reality sets in. Does that mean that it is a bad thing to make resolutions or commitments? No, because if we continue to “lower the bar,” we will sink into stagnation at best and full-blown sin at worst.
We need to have goals, objectives, and things we shoot for in life. No, we must constantly be seeking to grow, learn, deepen, and obey.
Here are the words of the apostle Paul after years of walking with God:
No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. I hope all of you who are mature Christians will agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. (Philippians 3:13-15 NLT).
So let’s resolve to get closer to God in 2009!"
Greg's blog certainly made me smile!
Three definitions of 'resolution' . . .
- decision: a firm decision to do something
- determination: firmness of mind or purpose
- solution: an answer to a problem
I am making a resolution to get closer to God this year,
to experience a deeper father/daughter, king/servant, relationship with Him.
Its interesting that 'solution' is part of 'resolution' - resolving to be closer to Him brings the answer to all our problems, all our needs, all our longings, all are met in Him.
Wishing you a deeper relationship with our Lord in 2009.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Colorado Christmas
Christmas morning in Colorado Springs. Our Christmas mornings always start with hot sausage rolls and tea. Its one of our British traditions. Here's Don with the first plate of sausage rolls.
(click on the pics)
Great shot of Dad and Clementine.
Don and Seann and yet more sausage rolls.
Mom relaxing in her chair.
Seann tackling his stocking. He has a Zits calendar - one of our favorite comics.
Dad and Matilda! Her favorite spot to sleep is on the recliner with dad.
Mom relaxing in her chair.
Seann tackling his stocking. He has a Zits calendar - one of our favorite comics.
Dad and Matilda! Her favorite spot to sleep is on the recliner with dad.
I was 'honored' by Cadbury's (yes, she is named after the chocolate) presence - she doesn't usually cuddle with me, but I had great flannel pjs.......
Fabulous shot of Pike's Peak from Mom and Dad's backyard. The clouds are covering the tip of the peak.
Mom carefully studying the joke/question from inside the Christmas Cracker.
Mom carefully studying the joke/question from inside the Christmas Cracker.
Dad and Seann getting ready to pull the cracker! Another British tradition. You put them on the table for Christmas dinner - get someone near you to "pull" the cracker with you, wait for the 'pop' and find out your prize inside. There is also a hat and silly riddle. 
And yes, we wear our hats :0)
And yes, we wear our hats :0)
Well, everyone except Don, who refuses to wear any kind of party hat. 
Don trying to figure out his prize.
Friday we drove around looking at houses in one of our favorite neighborhoods. The Christmas lawn ornaments in Colorado move - on their own - no batteries or extension cords needed. Lots of deer in this area.
Saturday brought another amazing blue sky and high temps in the 20's . . . yes, 20's . . . it was fabulous! There is nothing special about these houses, its the sky and the view of the Peak we wanted to capture. Later in the day you could see the snow blowing off the Peak. . . just gorgeous.
Yes, Seann's in the snow and freezing. We were out looking at model homes. Temp. was in the 20's with considerable wind!
I'm in great need of coffee! Don and I at Don's new coffee hang out, Pike's Perk.
I let Seann have the camera for this one......
Oh, back to reality. Seann and I at the airport Sunday afternoon, heading home to Phoenix.
Friday we drove around looking at houses in one of our favorite neighborhoods. The Christmas lawn ornaments in Colorado move - on their own - no batteries or extension cords needed. Lots of deer in this area.
Saturday brought another amazing blue sky and high temps in the 20's . . . yes, 20's . . . it was fabulous! There is nothing special about these houses, its the sky and the view of the Peak we wanted to capture. Later in the day you could see the snow blowing off the Peak. . . just gorgeous.
Yes, Seann's in the snow and freezing. We were out looking at model homes. Temp. was in the 20's with considerable wind!
I'm in great need of coffee! Don and I at Don's new coffee hang out, Pike's Perk.
I let Seann have the camera for this one......
Oh, back to reality. Seann and I at the airport Sunday afternoon, heading home to Phoenix.
A special dinner
Ian (our youngest son), and his wife Ronda, treated us to a special dinner when we arrived home from Colorado Springs. We went straight from the airport to their apartment to celebrate Christmas dinner with them Sunday night. The table was beautiful, complete with British Christmas Crackers and adorable bud vases at each plate.
(click on the pic and you'll be able to see that the name is actually inside the vase - very clever)
Hmmm, just what is Ronda's prize in that Christmas Cracker - the boys both had scrunchies for their hair :0) Mine was a bracelet.
Oh yes, Seann is stylin' with his hat.
Real men (and women) wear Christmas Cracker hats!
Seann, Ronda, Ian and Sadie
Me and my boys! Oh, and Sadie, of course.
The food was delicious (Ham, sweet potato casserole, veggies, queso dip, cesar salad, rolls, yummy oreo cookie/ice cream dessert! Great job kids :0)Sunday, November 9, 2008
The beauty of flowers . . .
Don't you just love fresh flowers? My new fav place for flowers is Trader Joe's - 5 huge sunflowers + some other fillers for $5.99. These were on the island in the kitchen for the realtor's open house today.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
R U Tattooed?
Don works with someone who has a friend who works at RU Tattooed in Colorado Springs. Amazingly, its 10 minutes from my parents house - so off we go to visit. My first visit to a tattoo parlor. LOL
Very interesting inside - nice young guy working there - fascinating "tatts" - all kinds of awards won (who knew you could win awards as a tattoo artist?) Clean! Its really, really clean in here :0) Blew my sterotype of tatt parlors.
Don announces he not only loves Colorado Springs, is NOT going to come back to Phoenix, but now has decided to change his thoughts on tattoos. He could really consider getting one and starts looking at designs. After recovering from the shock, I help him pick a design. He likes the Lion of Judah, I suggest he start with something smaller, like a crown of thorns around his bicep.
Hey, if you get a tattoo, don't I get one too?
Picture of Don's first choice
Interesting contrasts on the walls!
Yeah, he's gonna do it. Agh!
Errrrr . . . are you really sure?
Nervous laughter
OK, true confessions! This was a PRANK we played on the kids. Don always pulls pranks on them and manages to keep a straight face.
Don announces he not only loves Colorado Springs, is NOT going to come back to Phoenix, but now has decided to change his thoughts on tattoos. He could really consider getting one and starts looking at designs. After recovering from the shock, I help him pick a design. He likes the Lion of Judah, I suggest he start with something smaller, like a crown of thorns around his bicep.Hey, if you get a tattoo, don't I get one too?
Picture of Don's first choice
Interesting contrasts on the walls!
Yeah, he's gonna do it. Agh!They don't let me get any closer - you have to stay behind this really big chain - think industrial sized - and just watch
Errrrr . . . are you really sure?
Nervous laughterOK, true confessions! This was a PRANK we played on the kids. Don always pulls pranks on them and manages to keep a straight face.
I suggested we take his picture at the shop and tell the kids he got a "tatt"
The young man was SO nice - he went along with the prank. He attends the same Calvary church we visited the Sunday we were there.
Its his dad's shop and they are very busy through word of mouth advertising. Lots of church goers head there for the "ink."
Ronda, our daughter-in-law didn't buy the pics because she knows how Don feels about "tatts." Ian sort of believed and kept insisting to see the "ink." Seann, our oldest, who sports many "tatts" was astounded that dad would do this but we had a great discussion on how Don chose his tatt, how long it took, etc. etc.
The kids said if Dad really didn't get a tattoo, then this was an elaborate prank!
Two weeks after we were home and the kids were at the house, we had to fess up . . . anyway, it was good fun, especially since I instigated the prank. . . LOL
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