Friday, November 13, 2009

My heart is full

Last December Jason was laid off from work when his company went bankrupt. It was a VERY scary time for our family. It was a hard Christmas season. We made it through the holidays and choose to look at the situation as a blessing so that Jason could finish school. He had been going to school at nights as well as working full time. We did not get to see him much at all. So, Jason loaded his schedule up VERY heavy with the last classes he needed to get his degree and finished school that semester. It was such a sweet blessing to see him finally achieve a goal that he had set for himself. It was an amazing day!!

Shortly after Jason graduated reality hit us, as to how bad the job market really was. He started applying and looking for work right away but NOTHING was out there. The good ol’ state of California was one of the hardest hit states for the rate of unemployment. So, not only was Jason applying for every job possible BUT so were hundreds of other people.

I have to say that despite how hard it has been we have felt very blessed over this past year. Just before Jason was laid off I received a increased in hours pretty much doubling my income. This allowed us to stay out of debt and be able to pay all of our bills every month. We had to cut back quit a bit but still very much enjoyed each other and life every second that we could. Jason and I each had our hard moments during this hard time. The great thing is that when I was down he would pick me up and when he was down I would do the same for him. I know that it was very difficult for Jason as the father and provider to be in this position.

It seemed as though nothing was happening for Jason and he was starting to get very discouraged. So, he asked his father for a blessing. With in days of his sweet blessing Jason was getting interview after interview. Nothing much came from them BUT it rejuvenated him and it was just what he needed. This past Monday, almost a year from when he was laid off, Jason started his first day on his new job. Jason was hired by the best store in the world… wink!!! Yes, that’s right Target. He is now an executive manager for Target. They offered him his exiting salary from Advantage and the best part….. Benefits started from day one!!!!!!!!!!

This is such a blessing to our family and could not have come at a better time. We are pretty much at the end of our savings and I have been having HUGE problems with Collin’s insurance trying to get him into to see all of his doctors. I called one doctor begging to let me pay cash to see her but because of her contract she is unable to take cash patients. I was desperate and so worried when I went to fill he last seizure medication and the refill was denied because she wanted to see him. I went to me knees in prayer begging Heavenly Father to please help Collin and to help me find a way to make this work with this doctor. With in days Jason was hired and when he told me that benefits would start from the first day I started to weep.

It has been hard but I have never felt alone. I have felt the Lord’s hand in my life through out this entire year. We have been blessed so much and for that I am so grateful. I am grateful for the lessons that I was able to learn from this year. I am grateful for all of the time that I was able to spend with my husband and the time we had as a family together. I am so grateful that Regan never even realized that there was a problem. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that knows exactly what I need. I might not always understand his plan for me but I do know that with each new challenge I have Heavenly Father cheering me on.

This holiday season will be very different than last year.

Today I am feeling very blessed!!!

To top it off the day that Jason was hired my sister and her husband found out that they will be leaving for China to pick up my little nephew on Wend.!!!

MY HEART IS FULL!!!!!!!

12 comments:

Kristin said...

WOw Julie! COngratulations to you and your Hubby on the new job. Target really is the best store in the world. I realize that even more now that I live 45 minutes from one!!! So sad! And congrats to your sister on her new baby. How exciting!!!

My Homestead said...

Wow!So inspiring Julie
I am so happy that Jason found a job, it is horrible out there.

Ps-Does he get an employee discount??? :)

Unknown said...

yeah... so what's the discount? LOL. I am so grateful for our Father's tender mercies... in my life but most especially in yours. love ya!!

Unknown said...

Yay! Yay! Yay!!! So glad he got a job, and that the benefits are good! I foresee LOTS of Target shopping trips in the future for you!

EvaMarieva said...

What a blessing. My heart is full for you and we are happy to hear the answer to prayer for you family. In times like these it is so wonderful to hear the good.

Amy said...

CONGRATS!!!! And, Target is the best store around!!!!

Presley family said...

Yes, he gets a discount and even better ladies.... I GET MY OWN DISCOUNT CARD!!!!!! I know... you are soo jealous.. wink!

Amy Eaton said...

That is awesome! I know what it is like to have a hard year and how blessed it is to FINALLY feel a little relief that a job can only do. Benefits starting right away is so amazing...especially for your situation.

suzy's jewels and gem said...

Yay....Congrats Julie and Jason! You guys deserve a big relief!! big hugs!!!! Suz

Charlotta-love said...

That's wonderful news. This month hits the one year mark for my dad being unemployed. ...yet I've never seen my parents so happy. They trust in the Lord - and miracles have happened.

The Gray Family said...

that is amazing news! It's funny how things always seem to work out, huh? Good thing we've got someone looking out for us :>)

Kristi said...

That's so awesome!! My bff Amber moved to Temecula in August and she too cannot find ANY job. People told her before leave TX for CA that she would have a hard time finding a job but she never imagined it would be this hard. I've suggested she go work for Target too! She graduated in May with her Bachelor's in Business Admin but just cannot find a job in that field. I will tell her to just stay strong and faithful. I'm so glad that Jason has a good job now with immediate benefits. I cannot IMAGINE a year without work. You guys are such an incredible family, so faithful and good, and I'm glad that you were able to keep that outlook the entire time. Hugs to you and blessings for this Holiday season!