If you have been keeping up with our prayer requests since February, you might know that ThinkSmart, the Abstinence Education program that I work for is federally funded by a grant, and the Obama Administration has cut all Abstinence-Until-Marriage funding ($150 Million). My current job will be ending on September 30th.
http://www.thinksmartflorida.org/
As soon as I found out about the funding cut, I immediately began looking for a job. To spare you the details, I will say it was definitely a journey. My time, patience, worth, trust in God and faith were tested. I stayed strong for the most part, but there were a few times when I would just sit in our room and cry, while feeling overwhelmed and like a failure, all because nothing was "happening". When I say "happening" I mean that my selfish and impatient flesh was throwing a fit because God wasn't moving fast enough. But, of course He was right on time. When will I learn to die to myself? I love His teachings during those times. It's like I could feel Him whisper, "Trust me, Laurey" over and over in my ear.
After countless job applications, online searches and a few interviews, I just felt like surely God had something better for me. Brian and Mrs. Libby were so strong for me. They kept reassuring me and reminding me to be patient. Mrs. Libby said to me one day, "Wow! It's getting close to the wire. Isn't it exciting?" Umm, exciting would probably be the very last word that I would think about using. But, who can argue with Mrs. Libby? I'm pretty sure she is going to have a specialized crown in Heaven because she is one faithful woman of God!
Even though I was frustrated, I just kept thinking about my 26-hour trek to Orlando from Dallas, and how I had NO CLUE where God was going to lead me in my job search, yet He took care of me, and it was perfect timig. I found peace in remembering His goodness and His peace during that season. I felt like something was brewing, but I had to keep my faith and cling to my Father.
I recently accepted a part-time position at our church, First Baptist Church of Orlando. I will be working with the amazing Naida Hardy, as her Children's Music & Worship Assistant. I volunteered as the creative movement teacher all last year, and I truly fell in love with the kids and the ministry. I am so blessed to work for my church and I am thankful for the people who encouraged this placement. God blessed me with some amazing people!
http://firstorlando.com/On Wednesday, August 11, I drove into work and was talking to God. I told Him that I trusted Him and if He wanted me to stay at ThinkSmart until the end of the grant, then I would do it and I wouldn't doubt or grumble. I told Him that I knew He would take care of everything and I wouldn't fret anymore.
Sometimes I think God holds out on His blessings to see if we will trust Him enough to release ourselves to Him. Did I say sometimes? Let me correct myself and say EVERY TIME. I came home and was preparing dinner for Brian. My phone rang and I thought, "It's 7:15pm, I bet it's Ashley calling." I looked at the phone and it was from a "386" area code. 386...3-8-6....hmmm.......it's THEM! I grabbed the phone, told Brian it was "them" and ran into our room, closed the door and answered my phone. I got the job. I start on September 13th. :)
So, who is "them"? "Them" is the next chapter in my life. The next season that God has choosen for me. One that will be filled with challenges, tears, heart-ache and the joy of Jesus.
In less than 1 month, I will begin my new position as Youth Care Specialist at Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, FL. :)
http://www.fumch.org/
I love the mission of FUMCH: To empower children and families to experience God's love and care as revealed in the ministry of Jesus Christ. I will be working with teenagers and I truly cannot wait! God is so good!
So, from ThinkSmart to First Baptist Church of Orlando and Florida United Methodist Children's Home....God has NEVER left me. He has guided me through it all, even though I couldn't see His plan at times. I am so thankful for my Jehovah Jireh. Boy, does He provide! Thank you to everyone, especially the Commissioned class, who has been praying for me to get a new job!
I know that working 60 hours per week will be very challenging, but I am totally up for it! While Brian is working 50 + hours per week and will now be taking 2 classes at UCF per semester, I feel like this is my time to work as much as I can so we can pay off debt and save for our future family. Please pray for endurance and strength as we walk into this new season. Both of us will be very busy, but I know that God will honor our hearts and our work ethic. PRAISE GOD!
It just goes to show that when 1 door closes, 2 open! :)
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things,
which thou knowest not."
~ Jeremiah 33:3 KJV
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
~Proverbs 16:3 NIV
