Life, Love, and Faith

~Tuesday~

My job situation has become a little more difficult. I had to switch to commission as my company wasn't able to pay me hourly anymore. This means that I only get paid when I have clients. I was very concerned the first day I found out as I don't have a client base yet and I know it's going to take some time to have a steady income. That night, quite discouraged, Ryan and I were finally able to go to home group for our church. (I've been closing on Tuesday nights so we weren't able to go.) The group prayed for us that night and one of the guys felt that God was telling us it was all going to work out, that I was going to get clients and that we were supposed to be here in Charlotte. This is hard news to take in all at once as it relies us to make this journey completely on faith...but what journey doesn't require faith? I had some great clients on Wednesday and though the rest of the week went very slowly, I'm staying positive that things will pick up as spring starts.

I was also able to change my work schedule on Tuesdays so that I can go to home group every week! This is awesome as we've already made such amazing friends there and I'm looking forward to the fellowship and teachings every week.

~Saturday~

Well, things might be going somewhere with the town home, and though I can't really go into details, it's obviously not something we wanted. It's going to be a rough next couple of years, and we probably won't be purchasing another house for at least 3-4 years. However, I've found some nice houses here that we can rent, and we're again staying positive that things will work out. It's really all we can do, and it's much better than being depressed about it!

We also had dinner with some amazing new friends on Saturday. Leanne made a full meal for 11 people that was excellent. We had chicken, and pork ribs, and mini cheesecakes, and mashed potatoes, and yummmmmm. We all hung out at Leanne's lovely home most of the night and had a great time. I love being in NC and making all these new friends, they're all so nice and fun to hang out with!

~Sunday~

Today was my first Sunday singing backup vocals with the worship band at church, and it went very well! I had to learn all of the music in a hour, but it all worked out for the best as I couldn't over think it and I could just let God work through me. We then went to lunch at Five Guys and went grocery shopping before coming back here to work through more town home crap, which took all day but was worth it in the end, as we have a much better understanding of everything that's going on.

We've decided as well to only spend money on Sundays, as it keeps us from spending on things we don't need right now and keeps us both accountable to saving money.

I've also spent the week following my former pastor from IL (one of the pastors that married us) and his lovely wife as they journey to Ghana to adopt three children. I'm so in awe of their spirit and their willingness to open their home and hearts to three children all at once! Talk about an instant family! Not only that, but they're getting three kids that really need a lot of love, and I just think what they're doing is incredible. It takes such selflessness to do such a thing. If you want to check out their journey, please go here.

I read a book a couple weeks back that talked about the concept of positivity. One comment from it really stuck out to me. It talked about how we should try to always think the best of people and to really want them to succeed. There's no use in doubting them, or talking negatively about them, as it doesn't help them in any way. Can you imagine a world where everyone looked out for the best in others? Where we all gave people the benefit of the doubt and looked to lift them up rather than bringing them down? That's the kind of world I want to live in and the kind of world I'm trying to create for myself.

It's hard, don't get me wrong, especially in a country that is "me" obsessed. I don't want everything to be about me, and what I want, I want to live for God, and for other people, so that I can spread that love and that positive message. I want to look for the best in people, and to love their flaws. I know this all sounds like something you get out of a self help book, but it's really something that's been on my heart these past couple of weeks.

Anyway, tomorrow is also a big day! I take my physical cosmetology boards for the state of North Carolina, so I'll have to get up super early and drive to Rahhhleigh to take my 3.5 hour test. Prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts are all appreciated! I'm looking forward to it being over and for having books on tape to listen to on the way there and back! (Thanks Leanne and Blair!)

Love,

Jesi