A blessing and a lesson...

Well, I arrived home Friday afternoon to a very warm welcome from my family. It was so good to be home and see the kids. The next several hours were filled with hugs and kisses and then more hugs and more kisses. After dinner, the girls entertained us with a talent show, a puppet show and several rounds of UNO. I missed them to pieces and didn’t want the night to end.

One by one, Saturday morning, the girls climbed in the bed with us until all five of us were snuggling and cuddling. We got up and ate a big breakfast and then went outside. It was absolutely beautiful! You couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. We sat by the pool and stared at the sky, trying to find objects in the clouds. It was a relaxing Spring day. We packed a picnic and piled on the golf cart for an adventure at the lake. We road all the way around the lake, stopping a few times to romp and play. After our picnic, the girls played in a nearby creek, building waterfalls and having marshmallow peep races. Jason grilled us a delicious steak for dinner and then as the night wore on the anxiety sank in. I tried not to think about it but there was the looming strike announcement scheduled for midnight. If a work stoppage was issued, I’d be catching a flight to Missouri on Sunday and have to stay for up to three weeks. Although often times I would selfishly pray that I wouldn’t be inconvenienced by this strike, I also prayed that my faith would be strengthened and so might my children’s. As I lay in bed reflecting on the absolutely perfect day I had had with my family, I realized just how much my faith was strengthened. Last week while in Atlanta, the Lord was good to me. He encouraged me with His word while others were discouraging. He protected me, He calmed me, He provided for me, He protected and provided for my family. He drew us closer to Him through this experience. He taught us to trust Him and have confidence in Him. He strengthened our faith in Him. And shortly after midnight, He blessed us. The announcement was made that although the union and AT&T haven’t come to an agreement there wouldn’t be a strike issued at this time. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day! We are not out of the woods yet, the union is at liberty to strike at any time until a contract is signed, but I am learning to trust God’s plan and know that He will always be there for me.

Feeling blessed,
Anne Marie

Heading home tomorrow….

It’s Thursday night and the week has actually gone by pretty fast. Tuesday found me more comfortable in my environment and excited about my plans for after work. I met my mom, brother and sister-in-law for dinner. I even got to see my nephew, who is walking now. At the office I ran into a couple of ladies who I haven’t seen in years. They’re retired but were called back to work the strike. It was nice to see them and catch up on life. I also was able to have lunch today with a friend I used to work with. It’s so amazing how God provided friends at a time when I felt alone. The lady training us is from Texas, and quite a character. From day one, she spoke of God and prayed out loud (jokingly at times) but I knew she was a believer. In the mornings before we got started training, she and I would talk and came to know a lot about one another. I even found out that she’s Presbyterian.

Rumors are running rampant about the strike. Quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing about it. But at the same time it consumes my mind. I feel more optimistic today. I’m trying my best to trust in God. I don’t know why I fight it so often but I do.

Today when I left the office I went by the church that Jason and I got married. It brought back wonderful memories of our wedding day. I miss Jason and the girls like crazy! I can’t wait to see them tomorrow night.

I’m trying to decide if I want to order room service. Last night I ordered an Angus Steak Burger and Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla bean raspberry ice cream! Mmmmm….doesn’t that sound good?

My verse of the day -
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

Jeremiah 17:7

Trusting in Him,
Anne Marie