She Works Hard for the Money

I got the job with the bakery! I start tomorrow at 9 am. Which means...it's late and I have to go to bed. Like right now. I'll post more later.

I love Sundays!

God has proven to be so faithful - I know He doesn't have to prove it, but He has definitely shown it to Luke and me lately. I tend to stress out and forget the big picture, worrying about what's to come rather than relying on God to bring it to pass in His own time. Today I was reminded so much of His faithfulness, particularly through various members of our new church. We spent all day involved in church activities; we're attending a new members class at All Saints, and it was absolutely wonderful. And we had community group again tonight. Just a few weeks ago, we knew absolutely no one in Austin, and now we're meeting new people every week and finally making some friends. I've had trouble finding a job, and now I have an interview tomorrow with a bakery. Last weekend I just broke down - money's tight, the job search was dismal, Luke works a lot and I don't have girlfriends here to call on. My faith was so weak...I lost all sight of the blessings God has bestowed on us. I lost sight of what my hope should be in - not in the signs that God gives us sometimes to let us know He is here, but in Christ alone. I should be focusing more on Christ, because He is ever constant, rather than on what does or doesn't go my way each day, if my expectations are met or not.

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

Tulips

I got some tulips on Valentine's Day, and they were still so pretty a week later, so I thought I'd post some pictures.

Trip to the Dog Park

We took Molly to the park today, since the weather is absolutely gorgeous. We've been so bad about running lately, and she's been cooped up for too long. You're allowed to let your dog off of her leash throughout much of the park, and we tried that, only to have her take off and then hear snarling coming from down the trail. Molly was jumping on and barking at this poor dalmatian, and the dalmatian's owner didn't look too happy about this. Luke chased after her while I slowly sauntered their way. So it was back on the leash for the rest of the trip. But she met lots of dogs down at the creek - some she took to, usually if they were smaller than her, and the bigger dogs she got a little testy with. We're hoping that after a few trips there, she'll get used to them and will be easier to control. Here are some pics:

Emily Grace

I've been meaning to post these pics for a couple weeks now. We have a new niece! This is Peyton with her new little sister Emily.



Peyton and Emily sleeping








Jordan and Emily

I Love Free Stuff

Luke and I are on a tight budget these days (we are saving for a house), and so I have started looking for ways to entertain us for free. I have discovered the most amazing free things online today. My latest issue of Real Simple magazine has an article devoted to things you can get for free. I signed up for PaperBackSwap.com, which is the most amazing invention ever! Luke and I love to read, but the typical, full-price bookstores just aren't in our budget right now. But this site lets you sign up for free (really!), and then you can start trading books with others on the site. We were skeptical at first, thinking that no one would want the books we have to offer. However, after being a member for only an hour, I had 4 requests (out of the 10 books I posted), and all I have to do is pay the postage on mailing them. In exchange, I get a book for each book I send out. Incredible! You can even set up a wish list, and they notify you when that book becomes available.

Waiting....

After much discussion with Luke and my mom, I've had a chance to really sort through some things. I passed on the job, because it wasn't something I'd truly enjoy, nor was it something that would help Luke and I reach our goals for our family. I just hope that something else comes along soon.

On a brighter note - Luke and I started going to our Bible studies last night. He was able to meet some good guys at his, and I met some great gals at mine. Hopefully these will turn into solid friendships.

Job Situation

I had my final interview today for a job, and it wasn't quite what I expected. I'm going to leave the company unnamed, but I have to say that I very impressed with the individuals there. I met with the owner today, and he proved himself to be a very strong Christian, willing to put forth the tough questions that most of the corporate world would be afraid of or indifferent about asking. I walked away with a lot to think about over the weekend, and it's up to me to call and say whether I'd like to continue pursuing this job or not. I don't know what the future holds for me here in Austin, but I do know that this has helped me refocus. I'll let you know my decision at the end of the weekend.