A new journey begins

"Hear my prayer , O Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly." Psalms 102

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalms 62

These two scriptures describe my feelings over the past several years. I would have times of worry and wondering what to do. Praying to God for help, wisdom, whatever I thought I needed or was feeling. Then God would answer my prayer. Then I would feel stupid for worrying about things when God would take care of them for me. I would then pray for forgiveness for being weak and faithless. I would feel stronger in God's love. I would feel almost invincible. I guess it is really no different from anyone else. The problem for me is, it seemed to be the same thing over and over again. That is tiresome and foolish. One of my dearest friends in the world has a quote he likes to use, (and unfortunately has been directed to me at times.) "How is that working out for you?".....the ruthless and truthful Kyle Wade.

For the past 2 years I have really been stuck in a rut. I have not been enjoying what I do for a living. I had been praying to God for an answer of what to do? I have a little story I want to share with you that I think shows the power of prayer and the power of God.

A week before Christmas I was in Gander Mountain doing some last minute shopping. Besides I just like to go look around in there anyway. I have a good friend who is a manager there and she happened to be working that afternoon. Before I go any further, if you remember, I worked there in the winter of 2008. Becky told me that they were fixing to have a managers position open up after Christmas. We kinda joked about it and said I should apply for the job. One thing led to another and the next thing I knew I was in the store managers office having an interview. (which I already knew him because of working there.) I started a week ago today. I am enjoying it very much. Besides working with kids, the thing I love the most is hunting and fishing. Wouldn't you know it? I am in charge of the fishing and camping departments. (kinda funny I am in charge of camping, with my last name Camp, don't you think?) OK, let me break this down for you.

I believe God put me in position for this job back in the winter of 2008. (planning) I don't think it was by chance I saw Becky before Christmas. (intervention) I also don't think it is a fluke my gut told me to go apply for the job. (Holy Spirit guiding me) Then actually getting the job. (answered prayer)

I learned a long time ago to follow my gut instincts. This was one of those times. I prayed to God about it. I talked to my brother, preacher, and one of our elders at church about it. Prayed some more about it, and when the offer came to either accept or decline the job, I had a peace about what to do. The cool thing about this is I can still do pest control on the side. To what extent is yet to be determined, but I can still do it. (so if you are a client don't go get someone else!!!) I love the way God puts the puzzle together.

I didn't realize this, but it has been a long time since I have been this relaxed and peaceful. (I will feel even better when the first pay check comes. Ha!) I don't know if this little story helps anyone in a similar position or not. If it does then that is great.

In Judges 18, a tribe called the Danites were looking for a place to live. In their quest, they sent out 5 warriors to explore the land. In their journey they came to a priests house and began asking questions. They asked the young Levite priest to "Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful?" The priest answered them saying," Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord's approval." I find it interesting, he didn't say they would be successful, but he said approved.

I believe God will take care of those who trust and follow him. God never said it would be easy. He never promised no pain. But to have his approval is awesome. My family and I begin a new journey. Another chapter is unfolding before us. Where this takes us is yet to be determined. How long we go with it is up to God. I am excited about the future. I may not agree with Obama about his kind of change....but sometimes change is good.

Later on....