Living Simple

New developments in the Japenga house regarding employment status once again. I can't believe as little as 6 months ago we were faced with the same type of situation, however it was buffered with 'we will help find you something else within Aegon'.

Milo got a call this morning at 9:00 with the news that he was being let go due to restructuring. This time with no 'we will help you find another position within Aegon, but instead, here is your severance package.'

We had some wind of rumblings yesterday when Milo's boss was flying into Cedar Rapids from Florida for an 'airport' meeting. Interesting because Milo was scheduled to be in Florida on Thursday. The flight was canceled due to weather, then in the afternoon we got wind that 2 wholesalers were being let go.

This is a great time for me to share some awesome God stories.

I know for SURE three times when God speaks to me.

1. In the shower
2. Alone in the car
3. Waking me up in the middle of the night

So in the past week, I got a wake up call twice. The first with the exact words and visual aid to use in a tough conversation that is scheduled for today. That is a whole other story. Second with the words that Milo was losing his job.

Then Madison walks in my office yesterday morning. 'Mom, want to hear my verse for the Christmas program? So, then do not be afraid. I'll provide for you and your children.' Genesis 50:21

I was also drawn to read the book 'Multiple Blessings' by Jon and Kate plus 8 these past two days. Finished it, wondering if by reading their remarkable testimony of how God provides, if He wasn't preparing me for the road ahead. I would highly recommend it!

Working as nurse, I can say that NEVER in my career did one of my patients get to the point of needing resuscitation on the unit, I always had a 'gut feeling' even before there were any indicators that something was heading south. When I acted on that gut instinct, I some how managed to get them transferred to critical care and sure enough often times within minutes of getting there, they would crash.

I so believe and 'most' of the time listen to that small, inner voice and most definitely feel that we are getting ready for a rollercoaster ride in our family. A ride filled with trials and valleys, a ride to test just how dependent we can be even down to the smallest things like paper towels.

Part of me is scared to death as I sit with a deep pit in my stomach typing and the other part can't wait to jump on the rollercoaster.

So we have officially jumped on the ride. We will be sharing with the girls tonight after church. Sitting and taking a good hard look at places to cut in the budget. Milo had recently updated his resume and has a phone call into a recruiting agency. With the start of my new business, we tousle with me continuing to pursue that, as it has great income potential but also a lot of 'unknowns' or do I look for a 'job'. That is a big struggle for me, as I so firmly believed that God was leading me down that path. I will continue to pray for guidance and direction.

I optimistically shared this morning, 'You know Milo we have lived simple before, we know how to do it.' So here is to ham sandwiches, pancakes, mac and cheese, and simply relying completely on God's provision.

Stay tuned for a lot more God stories!

Hugs.

Jill