As you know from previous posts we have been experiencing some really difficult (for us) times. Higher insurance costs, lack of time for working on the mountain and most recently, Bob’s unemployment.
What you didn’t know is, that Bob has been lamenting his lack of time to enjoy our surroundings. Lack of time to go and get some work done on the mountain, and a seeming lack of energy to accomplish his desires even if he had the time. His lack of work has changed that. He has been getting more rest and feels more fit. Feeling better has given him the energy to get out and work both here and on the mountain. He really had only one other lament:
“If I go back to work, then I won’t have time to work on the mountain again. I would really like a 4 day work week so I could have Fridays off…”
The following is an interesting fact that you may not understand, but it is who we are. We are Seventh Day Adventists and keep the *Biblical Sabbath. This means we do not work from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Living here in the Bible Belt of the South means that most folks here work Saturday but never on Sunday, and this makes it a bit more difficult to find a job. However, it doesn’t make it impossible.
We have prayed about our wants and needs. Some of you have told me that you prayed and or sent good thoughts too.
Thank you!
We believe and have faith in the power of prayer, and guess what? Bob has a new job!
Details:
- He starts in early January
- He has a 4 day work week
- They have a company insurance plan
As we have aged, he has also commented on the fact that all he knows about his craft will seemingly die with him. He is old school, in that he started on the shop floor and worked his way up over the years. He is a skilled metal worker, at a precision capacity, and with almost 40 years in the field he has a great desire to pass that on. Do you know how hard it is to find young people who want to learn a valuable and necessary craft? No one cares. Do you know how hard it is to find someone with even minimal math skill and who can read measurements on a ruler? It is scary out there folks…
To get this job Bob had to take their simple math test. In one of the questions he had to find some measurements on a ruler. There were examples of what the increments looked like and a ruler to find them on. The lady in the office said that many applicants can’t do it. (Note: I was teaching my 2nd graders to read a ruler!)
Part of Bob’s new job will be training the new staff how to run the equipment.
Having been unsatisfied at his old job, and being the proactive kind of guy he is, Bob had applied to this company (and others) almost a year ago and never heard anything back. Then a recruiter called him for a programmer’s job at the same company. He went in for the interview and was told that they had filled that position from within (good companies do that, BTW). However, as they talked he said he thought he’d made a good impression. By the end of the interview they said they were interested but weren’t sure exactly how they wanted use him.
Financially, this time off will be a strain, but physically and realistically it is a boon. We now have time to get some serious work done.
“We’re OK!”
😀
*In case you were wondering, I will share the following about my beliefs and without preaching:
The Biblical Sabbath is the fourth commandment given to the Israelites after their freedom from bondage in Egypt.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work …. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” —Ex. 20:8-11
We believe that the Ten Commandments were given to us as guidelines by God. So far as I know, all Christian faiths believe in them and use them as a guide for their daily living. However, the Seventh day Baptists and the Seventh day Adventists, among others, still keep the original intent of the fourth commandment; honoring the seventh day, Saturday, as the original Sabbath.
We also know from history that the Sabbath day was changed by Constantine On March 7, 321, to Sunday, the day of the sun, and it was declared an official day of Christian worship. However, don’t take my word for it. Look it up for yourself.
Some of you may wonder if I am a vegetarian. No, I am not. None of the original 10 commandments tell me I can’t eat meat. The tendency of members to abstain from meat is for health and was advised by Ellen White an early founder of our faith.
This is how I think, I make no claim on being right, but it sustains me. 🙂
Life on the Farmlet 
Oh Lynda, that is the best of news! Doesn’t matter whether faith or fate brought things around but I suspect Bob had a large part in it 😉 And only four days a week – did he write his job description? Here’s to so much more work getting done on the mountain farmlet 😀
Thank you, Annie! Isn’t it amazing!
I am just thrilled to bits! How wonderful. Power of prayer indeed. As an aside.. I have always laughed when people shake their heads and say how did all that knowledge the incas had disappear waiting for people to RE-INVENT what the Incas knew and built a thousand years before.. well here is an example of how! Maybe the younger generation took it for granted! And the knowledge died with the old people. It only takes a couple of generations for this knowledge to be completely lost. Buried in the graveyard. We have barns with farm equipment in them and we are TOTALLY mystified as to what they were designed to do. No idea. – Knowledge gone.. c
Celi, our educational system has had a very strong role in the lack of trades and skilled labor workers. Somewhere along the way it was decided that all children needed to be collegiate material when they left high-school. In many states in the 70s there was a point after junior high when students could decide to go to a prep school for HS or a trade school to learn a skill. Suddenly this was made unacceptable. Hello! Maybe the kid wanted to be an auto mechanic, or a plumber, or, or, or… So all the public trade schools were closed. Here in Alabama, they have recently opened a trade school to train young men and women in these skills. The last I heard the kids were taking to it like ducks to water.
Sorry, but I don’t think that is such a bad thing. I agree with you, it doesn’t need reinventing, it needs remembering.
I’m so glad that when I was going to school no one forced me to go to college right out of HS. I wasn’t ready for it then, but when I did decide to go back I was more successful at studying and learning than I had ever been!
First, congratulations to Bob! And I must say — he may do more good in this position than as a programmer. The trade schools here in Houston are crying for applicants, for welding, plumbing, HVAC and so on. So many of the older guys are beginning to retire, and before long, supply and demand is going to make the village plumber the best-paid person in town, provided you can even get an appointment.
I have a cousin who taught math for a time. He made his students use a slide rule and demonstrate proficiency with it before they could begin to use a calculator in class. Eventually the school administration said that no longer was allowed, and he quit.
It’s especially wonderful that he’s going to get that four-day week, too. It sounds like it will suit you in any number of ways.
Linda, thank you, we are elated to be sure.
This problem with the younger generation not wanting to work in a trade, or skilled labor has been programmed into them in school. As a teacher we had to “prep them to get into collage and become highly paid professionals.” Well, I’m sorry, but all people are not collegiate material. This process to push our kids to be lawyers, doctors, and scientists isn’t fair to a student who is average.
We can only teach them to the best of what they are capable of. And don’t misunderstand, it is our duty as a teacher to take them as far as they can go, to be successful in their learning. However, some of us just aren’t meant to be a brain surgeon, and frankly, some of us don’t want to be.
Our efforts to push all our children to be collage material means that very few desire to work as tradesmen. Having the skill to use your hands to build, repair, and produce a product is just as valuable, and just as rewarding, when the job is done well and with pride!
Off my soapbox now. 🙂
Well Linda, they say “Be careful what you wish for!” and, I would add, particularly how you ask.
This is wonderful news – obviously, your intent was pure and request clearly specific; for I don’t see how you could have done any better to fulfil your needs…
CONGRATULATIONS to Bob – for finding the perfect job AND being able to pass along his knowledge…
And, regarding your beliefs – as I understand it – all of the established religions of the world teach that we should CARE FOR EACH OTHER (and I don’t see how yours is any different; )
Thank you, Deb, but we didn’t do it… He did! 😉
Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. Many of us are enduring difficulties as well and seeing the successes are a big boost. My stepfather also does not work from sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday. I admire him for following his beliefs, especially since we aren’t of the same religion. He’s been a wonderful part of our family for the last 12 years and he has continued his traditions that make him unique and important to us.
You know, Carolyn, sometimes it is hard to share the downs. To just put them out there into the æther, because you never know how they will be received. Will my troubles be accepted or will I be thought a whiner. Somehow, I just had to share, to get it off my chest. I am now glad I did!
I’m sorry that you are having difficulties too. I think you are correct in stating that many of us in these times are having a rough go at it. Thank goodness we can commiserate and lift each other up!
Your post so brightens my day. We truly have an awesome God and Father (for those who have accepted Jesus and His atonement and resurrection). Blessings to you both!!! We, too, have experienced “down to the wire” answers to prayers. No matter what/how we see our current situation(s), He is in control and loves us beyond measure!!!!! Hugs……
Thank you for the affirmation, Doreen. It does feel good to see His plans for us in action!
So very happy to hear the good news from your farmlet. Best of luck moving forward, and as always—keep on blogging!
Thank you for the good wishes! And, I promise to keep on blogging. 🙂
This is just the best news Lynda!! I have been praying for everything to fall into place for you two!! I am elated for Bob… his new position, and the ability to still get work done on the mountain farmlet. The insurance kind of cinched the deal for me… like icing on the cake! I’m just so happy for you both! 😀
It seems to be the best possible outcome for us, Lori. It will be a bit lean for a while, but I think we can pull it off. Strangely, we were in the grocery store this afternoon and I found a shopping cart with items that were marked for clearance. There were 2 lb. packages of beans (every kind), green peas, black eyed peas, and mixed beans for bean soup. Most were originally priced at $1.50 to almost $4.00. I paid an average of 40 cents per package. The most expensive one was .99 cents. I can’t figure it out because the packages were pristine, and the dates on them were well into summer of next year! Perhaps one of the stocking clerks doesn’t know how to read the ISO date format (YY-MM-DD) on the packages??? I stocked up! 😉
Very happy for you both, fabulous news.
Thank you, Emily!
Excellent news. A job where you can be really useful is a prize worth winning. I am glad that you have had your faith to sustain in you during your hard times.
It is a gift to be sure, Tom. Thank you!
This is such a tender and endearing post. Thank you so much for sharing, and congratulations go to both of you for doors and windows that have opened!
It’s been a strange and wonderful ride, Lisa. I only (personally) know of one other person whose prayer was answered so specifically:
He said he didn’t want to get married again and that “…if he did she would have to be a teacher, never married before and already have children.” I think he imagined that his tall order would never be considered by God…
My friend from Costa Rica had those exact qualities and so he asked her father for her hand. They have been happily married for many years. 🙂
that is a great heartwarming story! i think think that sometimes people become so obsessed with a closed door that they cannot see the amazing opportunities that surround them. there are gifts everywhere if we will stop and disconnect from the negative and embrace what’s waiting to be discovered. z
Lisa, we are learning to see things in whole new ways, to use/reuse everything available to us. Why? Because we have to. The lessons we are learning are important ones and I’m glad that, better late than never, we are learning them! We still don’t know if we will be there in a year or three, but we continue to work for what we desire, and learn to see the possibilities in found objects and reusable materials. I know you understand me on that point! 😉
i definitely understand, and we feel so empowered when we tap into our inner resources and find creative ways to conquer challenges.
Exactly so. 😉
YEEHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such lovely cheering, Julie! Thank you!
I’m not ready to post about it yet, but I lost my job yesterday. They gave me a generous severance, which helps tremendously. God reminded me today of the same thing he reminded me in February when the layoffs were happening every week, and that was his promise of a soft landing. So I’m holding on for a soft landing for us.
I’m glad Bob found something that not only provides for your needs, but will satisfy him deeply as well. That is fantastic!!
Nancy
Nancy, how awful! You have been talking about the layoffs at your work for a very long time. How can they continue to function as a business with so few employees? It is very scary out there. Our nation is suffering and We the People are going to pay for a very long time to get out of this mess.
I am wishing every good thing for you, Nancy, and sending up a prayer for you too. (((Hugs)))
I’m thrilled for you, you deserve some great news for a change. And I appreciate learning more about your faith.
Thank you, and I’m glad to have shared with a willing reader. 🙂
Ask, and ye shall receive. Someone was doing some good quality praying… Congratulations to Bob on the new job, doing what he enjoys on his terms, with more time for what he loves.
Kate, sometimes we ask and He answers in ways we couldn’t imagine! 😀
Congratulations to the new job and even more, that the parameters are what he was hoping for! So glad for both of you!!! Now you can enjoy the true meaning of Thanksgiving with relief. ❤
Thank you, Laurie! We are feeling so much more hopeful now, and we are truly grateful for all this time to work here and on the mountain. Sunday we will be up there patching the ceiling and painting the walls of the bedroom. We’ve removed the mouse tunnels, er, inside plumbing covers and will be replumbing from under the house very soon! We hope to have hot water back in the house very soon!
It sounds as though your husband will be very satisfied in the new job. I wish him the best and I will say a prayer for you tonight.
Thank you so much for your kindness, Carol. I shared your comment with Bob tonight. 🙂
How does Bob like the new job? Maybe you can have a new meal with one of my ideas for him soon.
Carol, I just popped over to visit you and saw your easy-peasy broccoli chicken recipe! I will be making this for dinner on Saturday. Thanks! 🙂
I haven’t got today’s report, but he LOVED it yesterday!
Lynda I’m so happy that Bob has found work and that you are able to share your faith and your joy for life through this blog. I’m sure God is using you to touch others. blessings, marlene
Thank you, Marlene. This year has been one of trial, error, and discovery. It has surely helped me to grow in my faith. 🙂
So glad about the job. Been there done that. Amazing how great our God is, isn’t it? Hurts to know so many people don’t know that. thanks for the info on your religion. Only knew you went to church on Saturday. A lifelong Methodist here.
Margaret, thank you! He is amazing isn’t he? I like to share, but always hope I’m drawing the line at preachy… Some feel that their ‘religion’ is the only right one. Not me. God gave us the scriptures and his commandments; man made all the religious factions. 🙂 And for those I feel it is a matter between the follower and their heart.
So glad to hear the good news about the job–the desires of one’s heart. Faith is a strong force, no matter which day one chooses for Sabbath.
Thank you, Patti!
It is so good to read that things are going well. How wonderful that time away from work allowed Bob to strengthen and heal and that he has found a way to share his skills. I am encouraged to read that trade schools are on the rise – skilled labour takes time to learn and has great value, and it is so important to be able to stand behind the work you do with pride.
Siobhan, I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to your caring comment sooner. I am afraid that I have spent hardly any time here on my blog. I have bunches to say, but just haven’t made the time to say it all. I need to. Thank you!
Oh boy do I know that feeling! Don’t worry – your readers are always ready to catch up when you find a moment to write. Be well!
You too, Siobhan! 🙂