Our Piece of Pemberley: January 2011

January 14, 2011

Looking Back

January 10th marked year two since the fire. I have marveled at how much the Lord has given us, provided for us, and protected us more than we could ask or think during this time of rebuild. Though the house is not yet finished, the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming visible.

Given to Us:

The money to do this project
A lowered permit cost all because the Building & Safety desk 'felt' our fees were to high
Friends and co-workers who helped by providing us with things we didn't even realize that we needed

Provided for Us:

Leading us in finding companies and vendors who were inexpensive, had integrity, and did a job well. Anytime a personal referral would fall through the phone book was pulled off the shelf, we would pray that He would direct us, and we would start dialing. Each time this has occurred He has been faithful to answer those requests.
Giving us Companies to purchase supplies for below market or estimated prices.
Allowed help and encouragement at just the 'right' time, either by bringing encouragement through a friend calling, stopping by, or a note in the mail OR when ready to lose both our cool and our testimony He brought along someone who would remind us of our real purpose and job.
Giving us enough patience and perseverance for what the day requires.
Swaying the minds of those in 'high' places show us mercy, understanding, and concern when they didn't / shouldn't have to.

Protected Us:

Protected us from major illnesses. One prayer when we had to move into the 'one' room was that no one would get the flu.
Allowed for our comfort: a very mild summer with few sweltering days.
No earthquakes. With the extra layer of insulation via the stacks of boxes, none have fallen and crushed us in our sleep.

Other lessons learned throughout this time:

Being organized is important in very small things too.
We don't need as much as we think we do.
Much of what we own we are unwilling to give up because we are selfish creatures
God is in control of each aspect of our lives, since each scenario that occurs is allowed we have no reason to be upset, though He still requires us to use backbone and not slink off because the situation is difficult or we want to avoid conflict.
Not everyone around you can be trusted to keep a confidence, desires to be a true friend, or not take you for a "ride"
When sales people are giving you a 'vibe' it is not wrong to go with instinct.
People in masks can not be trusted - nor can sales reps who begin their statements with "I'm not going to lie to you....."

While we are far from being perfected from the events that have taken place, I know that He has been faithful. He has continued to show His care. He has been diligent to show us His hand in the little things that then remind us of those times when we must depend on Him for the big things.