Have you ever reached the end of the day and asked,”Hey, who hit the crazy button?” You know, that day when life is spinning out of control and you are left overwhelmed and off-balance.
Life has been like that for us for the past few weeks. I have hesitated to write about it here on the blog because I like to keep things positive, but a friend encouraged me yesterday to let you in on the eventful times that we are experiencing. Maybe you have a difficult situation right now and can use some encouragement.
The Situation
The biggest issue in our life right now is the fact that we need to find a new house to rent and move by the end of August. I cannot give many details here, but we are currently in an unhealthy situation. Unfortunately, we are having a very difficult time finding something within our price range that is big enough for our family. The search has been discouraging, and draining…and then there is packing.
Another issue which I have previously mentioned is the fact that I am still driving two teens and my husband to and from work. Thankfully a friend who lives nearby and whose son works at the same location is helping me with carpooling, but I am still driving an hour each trip, and some days I have to make as many as three trips. This is a huge time sucker and physically draining. My husband is very sweetly taking the bus whenever possible, but sometimes the routes don’t match up with his schedule.
In addition:
*I received a $200 speeding ticket this week. (I was driving 47 in an area that I thought had a 45 mpg speed limit. Turns out it was 35–oops!)
*Our only car broke down (completely stopped) three times last week while I was taking my child to and from a birthday party 30 minutes away. When we took the car to our friend who is a mechanic, he told us that we need a new transmission which will cost $2000, or more than the value of the car. We don’t have the money for the repair or another vehicle.
*I woke up a couple of mornings ago with excruciating pain in my right wrist, which left me fairly incapacitated because I am right-handed.
*We need to buy books and pay for classes at our homeschool co-op, and don’t have the money yet. I also have lesson plans to complete.
All of this stress creates “brain fog” which makes me feel like I am swimming through molasses. As a result, I have not had as much time, creativity or brain power to work on the blog as I would like either. 🙁
The Solution
So, how am I keeping it together?
Plan A
Eat as much chocolate as possible.
Take frequent naps.
Let out the occasional scream.
Plan B
(a much healthier approach)
On good days, I make better choices such as:
Exercising.
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water.
Taking B vitamins (they help your body cope with stress).
Eating veggies at every meal.
Getting plenty of sleep.
Journaling.
Praying a LOT.
While things look tough right now, we have much to be thankful for and I know that I can trust God. So…
I am packing boxes in faith that we are moving–even though I can’t see where we will move.
I am driving our car in faith that it will keep going until we can get another car–even though I can’t see how.
I am getting up every morning in faith that life is getting better–even though I can’t see “better” right now.
If you are thinking that I am stupid, foolish and/or irresponsible, kindly refrain from telling me so. I don’t expect everyone to share my beliefs, or to approve my decisions, but I wanted to share to let you know why things have been a little sporadic here on the blog.
I will be excited to share with you how everything gets resolved.
What about you? Are you experiencing a crazy season in your life? Share in the comments. 🙂
(And share this post with a friend who you know is going through a difficult time.)
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Kimberlee,
Your transparency is a gift to all of us who were blessed to read the article! Your response to the challenges in your path is evidence of your faith, and a platform for you to share with others which is just what this blog did.
The past four years have been a one financial and health hurdle after another for my two children and I. It felt like each time I got beyond the breakers and was able to just tread water for a moment another set was bearing down. But boy oh boy did God bring us through each set- and I’ll tell you there were times that it was a “loaves and fishes” situation! I recognize that God provides all that we have, and that everything- every finite detail, is in his timing, and at his direction. If we are supposed to have it, we have it. If we are supposed to be here or there, we are here or there. As a family we made the commitment to walk by faith, to recognize that is His will and not ours, and that He would meet our needs and every hour of every day that has been the case- and it has been in abundance compared to what we actually “need”.
These elements or challenges are all ingredients to His plan- and He began a good work in all of you and will be faithful to complete it. I will pray for you and for your family and I encourage you to share the steps as they unfold because it may open up a pathway for help that might not otherwise be present.
And as far as the chocolate- eat up! Chocolate is made of cocoa, dairy, and sugar- all created by God <3
Love and blessings to your family, and strength for the journey. And when the waves bear down, I try to remember to float on my back and conserve strength. God's got this!
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement Kristin! I love your analogy of the waves and floating on your back–perfect.
Thank you for sharing this. It is often hard for me to explain to people these very things. I have always believed in Luke 12:27-30 27 Think how the flowers grow. They do not work or make cloth. Yet, I tell you, that King Solomon in all his greatness was not dressed as well as one of these flowers. 28 God puts these clothes on the grass of the field. The grass is in the field today and put into the fire tomorrow. How much more would He want to give you clothing? You have so little faith! 29 Do not give so much thought to what you will eat or drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 For all the nations of the world go after these things. Your Father knows you need these things.
I believe God wants us to do what we need to do to be ready to accept his blessings. That does not mean just sitting their feeling sorry for yourself praying for help. But doing what you can and believing the God will fill in the rest. He has always provided for my family and I. On those occasions when he didn’t provide what I asked for it turned out that it wasn’t a good idea anyways. So thank you again. I will pray for your family. Keep having faith.
Hi Sulis! Those are actually some of my very favorite verses. Love your advice too: Do what you can and trust God for the rest. 🙂
Great post and good job keeping it all together. I read this when I feel stressed or overwhelmed about everything in my life. “Trust God from the bottom of your heart, don’t try to figure everything out on your own; Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go, He’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5,6
That is actually one of my life verses Amanda. Great thing to keep in mind. 🙂
Kimberlee,
I understand what you are going through and I am definitely praying for you. Just 2 months ago we were homeless for an entire 4 weeks. We were living in a townhome and had a serious sewage backup where we lost 35% of stuff in each room. The landlord did not reimburse us, nor did he place us somewhere until he fixed everything. During the time the plumbers came, they found black mold hidden in the walls, closets, etc. (the landlord just covered it up) so we were forced to move anyway. During that time my husband’s pay was cut by $6 an hour and we had to try to look for a place to rent for our family of 8! We lived in hotels for an entire month until one day we found a generous couple that allowed us to rent from them in a nice neighborhood. It took every prayer in my entire body to stay faithful. We lost a ton of money but we are still here and surviving…stay faithful my sister. ((HUGS))
Wow Mystiqua–that sounds terrible! I am so glad that things worked out for you. I pray that God will restore everything that was lost.
Thank you for sharing. My family has been through some difficult times. So happy to hear that you are trusting in the Lord….no need to worry He will meet all your needs.
Praying for you and your family.
Thank you Connie May. Did you see our update? Click here: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2013/08/09/more-than-you-can-ask-or-imagine/
Remember, God brought you to it. He will bring you through it.
Thank you for sharing! I didn’t read this the day it was posted, but I read it the day I needed to hear it. I too have been feeling down, overwhelmed and discouraged. Thank you for sharing your faith, it is an encouraging reminder of how I need to approach things as well. Bless you!
I am sorry that you are feeling down Tina, but so glad that I could encourage you. Hope you feel better soon.
Kimberlee~
I don’t know why I just now got around to reading this, as I subscribe and it comes to my email. What I do know is that it was God’s timing. I am in such a similar situation and struggling to remain positive. I know that it was God’s way of giving me encouragement, just as you had hoped when you decided to write the post. Thank you for sharing. I feel less crazy, less loser-like, and more encouraged than I have in a while. I feel as though our family is the only one around with these struggles, and yet here you are, going through such similar things. I too, know that God is good and does take care of all our NEEDS, and we always manage with His grace. But I certainly appreciate the reminder- it makes it easier to be grateful in the midst of such daily struggle.
Hi Sara! I am so sorry that you are going through a difficult time, but you are definitely not a loser. As you can see from reading through the other comments on the post,there are many other people going through struggles right now. You are definitely not alone, and you are definitely loved and cared for by God. Don’t give up hope girl! 🙂
Hi Sara! I am so sorry that you are going through a difficult time, but you are definitely not alone. Just read through the comments on this post and you can see that many others are struggling as well. Don’t give up hope girl! I pray for breakthrough to come quickly.
You have no idea how much I needed to read this. Right now we have been slammed with one crisis after another and I have no idea how we are ever going to dig out financially. I can live frugally and budget well as a one car one income family, but when you have multiple major disasters which costs thousands of dollars when you’re barely scraping by already it just seems hopeless. Right now I feel like it will never get better, there’s just no hope. But I’m believing and praying that it will, God will take care of our family. Thank you for being so honest, it really helps to know someone else is there too and it’s going to be okay.
I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time right now. Don’t give up hope! I know it can get better. I am not sure if this will help, but I just wrote a post about dealing with a money crisis: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2013/08/05/money-crisis-where-do-we-start-when-we-are-already-overwhelmed/.
We had a rough yr last yr, my husband lost his FANTASTIC job on the base due to budget cuts. He had another job lined up thank Gos but we lost 20k a yr in pay. I was forced back to work to help make up some of that missing money…. we were already living paycheck to paycheck so loosing 20k but a huge hit for us 🙁 He continued his search for a better job and actually had someone interested in him in another state. At the same time he was interviewing with a local company but it was a looooong interview process consisting of 3 interviews and 2 physicals. We thought that job was a long shot since thousands had applied. He accepted the job in another state since it was making a tad bit more than what we were here, and I would be able to stay home again. About a month before we were set to leave he was offered the job here that we really wanted!! God is so good!! He is making more than he was originally making on the base when he was let go. God is SO good! Just keep praying he will guide you and your family.
I am praying with you for God’s perfect resolution of your crises. One of my friends recently received an eviction notice, because the owner wants to rehab her building. We prayed together that she would find the apartment God had prepared for her, and she just moved in last weekend. I pray for you in the confidence that God has prepared a home for your family, too.
It takes a lot of courage to share such concerns with your readers. Thank you for having that kind of courage. We all have problems, too, and we understand how you feel. We all admire your determination and faith.
I love your blog, and I have shared it with all my family and friends. Keep writing!
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement and prayers Katherine! It did take courage, but it turns out it was the right thing to do.
Love the qoute and very true. Having Faith should be in my everyday life. Those small details i fail to forget at times. Thanks for your article and for your great advice and ideas
I have added you to my prayer list. I share your boat. I will lose my house on Sept 3rd and haven’t been able to find one to rent within my budget or small enough. I am retired and live alone. I now live in a 3 bedroom house that is too big for me and needs too much work for me to manage. I have faith that the Lord will provide for me as well as for your family! May God bless you!
Thank you Dee. I pray that you will find a house or apartment soon!
We have had a rough year financially… an unplanned pregnancy and lots of medical bills, broken equipment, a lot of back to school costs, etc., and we are facing my lost income over my maternity leave. It is a little scary at times, but I am happy that we have managed as well as we have. We switched services, cut spending, grew a garden, used point programs to earn gift cards to supplement our income, and have been able to live comfortably. Just today, I was talking to my sons about being grateful for what we have. I think that gratitude helps me manage my anxiety. I wish you the best.
I am sorry that you had a rough year Amie! I agree with you though, GRATITUDE makes all the difference!
I totally get where you are coming from. I have been doing things in faith for for a while now. Faith and prayers. Gets me through daily.
Thank you for helping me to be even more grateful than before! Prayers!
Dear Sweet Woman!
I feel your pain! Currently, I’m pregnant with our third child which will be born a mere 11 months after the last one. I am a heart attack survivor(when I was 33) and am not supposed to have an unplanned pregnancy. But, things happen and I know that God is smiling on you. You keep us all supported and motivated, so please know that you are supposed to be here 🙂 Everything will work out in time.
THANK YOU for your vulnerability and authenticity in sharing this post! I know EXACTLY how you feel in so many ways. You are not alone! Take heart!
We tried to purchase our first hom back in may, and in faith, I turned in our notice to our landlord for 10 days beyond the close date on our new home trusting that God would close us on this house. Well, 2 days before closing we find out that a document needed from the IRS will take 8-12 weeks. Obviously we lost the house, all money invested in it, AND has no where to stick our family of 5, dog, and cat. Not to mention house full of stuff. We frantically called on places, but no one would rent for less than 6 months to a year, and we knew we would want to buy a house one the IRS docs came in, so we brainstormed options. We hauled our things to storage and A friend gave us an rv. So- we hooked it up in the church parking lot, and lived in a 26′ rv for 10 days…. Until a fellow church member offered us their apartment. This elderly woman visits the west every summer for 2-3 months and said she would love to serve our family in that way. So we moved in here hoping to close on yet another home by today- July 30. Well, my dog is being cared for by a friend, my cat is at the sister in laws, my stuff is in storage, my 4yr old and 2 yr old are sharing a bed, and my 1 yr old is in a pack and play in a room where my husband and I sleep…… And we got news on last Friday that the house will be delayed additional 30 days. My anxiety is beyond description! We must be out of here by August 15, and yet again- I have no where to go. I am praying and trusting god to do a miracle, but like you have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Hang in there- I am, you can! Psalm 94:19 !!!!
Oh Sarah, you poor thing. I hope things work out for you quickly!
Once again, your honesty is refreshing. I don’t think you’re crazy for taking the actions you are…the fourth step of faith is ACTION. While you’re packing, keep thanking God for the new home, for the funds for the needed vehicle repairs, etc. I know from experience that doubt will kill your faith quicker than anything. Remember Philippians 4:13 – I CAN do all things through Christ… And know that there are a lot of people out there praying for you, including me. 🙂
Ok, so I have really been implementing plan A a lot lately in our own situation. Thanks for the reminder that plan B is ALWAYS the best option. Take care Sweetie
– Michelle
Thank you for your extreme transparency! It will be a year on Aug. 5 that our family faced some of the toughest decisions ever. To be very brief, my husband was arrested for his 5th DUI put in jail and sentenced to a year, our oldest was a senior in high school, my other children- grades 5, 4, and Pre K weren’t sure how life was going to go. Because of our faith, we submitted to prayer, counseling and sharing our story with others in our congregation. (Not an easy thing for me to, I work for the church we belong too.) God is SO good, several anonymous gifts were left on my desk around Christmas time and when our only vehicle also had transmission issues. Praise be to God! The amount of people that prayed for us was overwhelming, I thought we were alone in the situation. God proved us wrong. Another miracle God worked in our lives is that Aug. 5 will mark one year of sobriety for my husband. Our family has experienced a true miracle and we’re beginning to heal. The only answer to all of that is God. Hold onto your faith and cling to Jesus! God loves you and so do I! God has a plan, wait and see.
Hi Jenny! Congratulations to your husband– that is a super difficult battle. I am so glad that he has fought and is winning. Thanks so much for your encouragement. 🙂
Hang in there! Where you are now is not where you will always be! This is a very stressful season of life for you, but you will get through it with God’s grace. Your Plan B sounds good to me…and I love how you are acting in faith, even though you don’t see the outcome yet. You are an encouragement to me.
Thanks Audra!
Thank you for your transparency! If I could, I would love to fix all the broken situations that you are experiencing. I can’t, but I can & will pray! I will pray for the strength needed to walk through this season…emphasis on through! I will also pray for discretion as you make decisions and for very clear direction from Father God. I will also pray that you will rejoice as you see Him meeting needs in very unexpected ways!
Plan B sounds great and sounds like a plan I too will follow during a time of reconfiguring in our life!
Thank you so much for this article!
I just know God will bless you and your family. He loves you sooooo much and has some great plans for you.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read your articles today, as well as all of the faith-filled comments. What a blessing for me as I begin my day.
We have struggled with our finances for years and years, as well as struggling with a lot of other stressers. But this past summer has been both difficult and a blessing.
My husband finished up his first year as a school teacher and as we got ready to start summer, we found out that we would not have access to some money we thought we’d have to help us through the summer. My husband has been enrolled in college classes this summer and can’t work right now.
My husband starts teaching again this week and we expect his first paycheck towards the end of August. Without having wages coming in, we’ve been able to pay all of our bills this summer! We were even able to pay for a very expensive car repair we needed. And it has ALL been because of God.
We’ve had to sell many of our things on ebay, go without lots of things, eat very frugal meals, and so much more. We have had lower utility bills, we have saved from car accidents (yesterday, we almost got into 2 accidents), we have had very good health, and have been able to learn a lot of new things.
I expect to have many more struggles ahead, but I also know that God will bless us with the things we need.
Big hugs to you.
I agree with Cindde when she says she appreciates you keeping it real. I know it’s hard to share personal info but honestly it’s good to gain the support you deserve and it lets people in, showing you are a real, true person. To your surprise, a lot of people can relate. Not saying others who don’t share aren’t real..it just seems more “real” looking from the outside in.
I pray for you that life slows down for you and your family and you’re able to pick up where you left off, one day at a time. I believe in the power of prayer and know things will look up very soon. Give your all and pray daily. Much love.
I am praying for you and your family. I have been in a similar, desperate situation. Things do spin out of control sometimes. Hang in there and hang on to the One who cares. Hugs and Prayers. It does get better. Trust God’s timing.
I read somewhere that God does not give us these trials as punishment, but because we are ready to grow again. Personally, I like a vacation from growing for a while!
Hi Lala! I agree with you that God is not punishing us. Most of these circumstances are just the natural consequences of our past actions or inactions. We have made some unwise choices, but other things are just a result of life happening. I truly believe that God sees our situation, cares about us and will walk with us through it all, but a vacation from trouble sounds like an awesome idea to me. 🙂
We are having a hard time too. My husband is in school, we have a 22 month old and 6 month old, no car, and not enough $ to pay our bills, and on top of everything I need to have surgery and stuff (I have no insurance). Every day we pray to be able to get by. We are so blessed with so much. Just know we can relate. Just several months ago we had to move because it also wasn’t a healthy situation. We also had a hard time finding one big enough and within our budget. We found one slightly over our budget and a little tight but it works for the most part. We found it the day before we had to move lol. Good luck and know we will be praying for you and your family
I am sorry that you are having a difficult time Cassie, but I am so glad that you found a place to move to. Thanks for your encouragement.
Kimberlee, my prayers are with you. In 2010, my daughter was married and 3 days later, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Then in March of 2011, my husband lost his job, which was a total shock to us!! In august of 2011, 1 week after my grandson’s 1st birthday, my son in law went to be with our Lord and Savior. We had completely depleted our entire savings and retirement to live and help my daughter and her husband. The day my son in law passed, God said to me, you’re lukewarm. It wasn’t until February of 2012 that I came back to the Lord. He knocked me to my knees. He also showed me that if my daughter wouldn’t have been with Kenny, we wouldn’t have my precious grandson and my daughter gained strength from what had happened. If my husband wouldn’t have lost his job, we couldn’t have been there every single day with my daughter and her husband. We were with them at home when he passed. She couldn’t have gone through that by herself. I can’t help but think that everything happens for a reason. My husband found another job and just this past June, was laid off. We get unemployment, but it doesn’t even come close to what he was making. Some times we can’t even buy food. The old me would have been anxious, distraught, scared, angry and bitter. Thank God I’m not that person!! Literally, thank GOD! The day my husband called me to tell me he was losing his job, I said “Praise GOD”!! I know that the Lord has something planned for us. God has told me to sell my home. I’ve started packing and putting things in storage without even knowing where we’re supposed to go!! I’m excited about what’s coming next for us, and I’m excited for you as well!!! We are to keep praising in the hallway, and although sometimes that’s really hard, God will send people to us to encourage us! GOD USED YOU TO DO THIS!!!! 1., I’m not the only one going through something! 2. The fact that you’re still praising and trusting Him encourages others to do the same! and finally 3. God bless you for sharing your life with others!! When we’re positive all the time, people forget that things happen to us as well. I think it’s important for others to see our struggles so that when we get through it, they see our blessings!!! God Bless you and your family! We will be praying for you!!! <3
Oh Jennifer, I am so sorry for those difficult times for your family, but I love that you are trusting God to bring you through. I am so glad that I could encourage you even a little. I hope that things turn around quickly in your finances.
Keep moving forward and thinking positive! I find that when it gets the darkest, the brightest light is just ahead to guide me. Whether or not you have a certain ‘faith’, it is always a good thing to keep positive and BELIEVE that this too shall pass and good things are coming your way. Thank you for sharing your ups…and your downs 🙂
Julie
I had a similar time from 2009-2011 when due to job loss and my husband’s illness (all better now but real scary for a while) and the failure of a business I thought I would LOSE MY MIND. I handle stress horribly and he handles it much better, so I leaned on him. a lot. Every day I felt a little better. I kept thinking what is the worst that could happen? Okay if that happens then what? then what? and kept building on the fact that the worst was not happening. I tried to distract myself with only funny things online and only funny stories, started to appreciate my situation every day for what it was and not what I thought it was going to be. This took a while. I had plenty of sleepless nights and no magic bullet but slowly slowly every day started to crawl out of my hole. And having kids at home will make you do that b/c they are in the HERE AND NOW. Good luck and keep us posted. A lot of us are going through heavy stuff, this seems to have been since 2009 for us and a lot of our friends, don’t know if it’s the country or the economy or what but sure did not think we would be where we are at this time of our lives. But we keep plugging along. What choice do we have?
O how I wish I could say I did not feel your pain! For the last two years my husband has been working at temporary positions hoping for a permanent one and he is our only income. We have two very small boys and feel it is more important that I stay at home with them at least during this season. We have lived in four different homes (two of them being with each set of our parents) and been through three vehicles. The car we are currently running we payed cash for and was told it would probably give us a year. That year ended about 9 months ago and now we’re holding our breath as the exhaust gets louder. I have done anything I possibly can to help with the income. I babysit when the opportunity arises, handle my parents finances as my dad is to busy working and mother has problems with her eyesight, I participate in surveys, and I planted a small vegetable garden that I lovingly refer to as my vineyard in reference to the Proverbs 31 woman. Each time an emergency has happened we have had the provisions to see it through. God has been so faithful to us. I keep telling my husband we may not have what we want but we have what we need and God will provide as we need more! Hang in there! I’ll be praying for your family!
Yes Kim! God always provides what we need. Thanks for your prayers. 🙂
As you can tell from all the responses here, sharing your story can help. It has helped me too, because I can read the replies and know that I am not the only one who is going through or has gone through a crazy time with moving and joblessness. So thanks for sharing. I hope God has shown some light on your troubles and they are beginning to resolve. Each day as it comes.
Thanks Heather! Yes, the responses have been encouraging to me, so I am glad that you were encouraged too. Blessings!
God has a way of turning things around and I know he will for you 🙂 Im praying for uou Kimberlee!
Kimberlee, thank you for sharing your life with us day after day. With all that you have going on, just getting out of bed in the morning would be a huge achievement. The fact that you are maintaining a positive outlook and moving forward one step at a time is an absolute miracle. Somehow I know that things will work out for you and your family; I wish you nothing but the best.
Kimberlee,
I cannot tell you how many times I have thought of you this past week..Now I know why. I kept thinking about all that you have accomplished in the few short years you have been doing your blog. and you were secretly and invisibly encouraging me every day this week as I created a facebook page for my blog and said to myself over and over..if Kimberlee can do it, so can I….I love you and am so inspired by your life and your perfect use of hairspray..who knew(but God) how much our time together in Atlanta would carry me through the years..and I will try to remember to pray for you every time your name comes to mind….
Love, Mona
Thanks for your prayers dear friend! Yes, keep plugging along with your blog. I like seeing your thrift store and estate sale finds. 🙂
I have been a reader for quite some time now, but have never commented.
First thank you for doing what you do…you are very encouraging.
Second, Just keep doing what you know you need to do…things will get better.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ~St. Francis of Assisi
Thanks so much for your encouragement Joy, and thanks for sticking around! 🙂
I am so sorry for all your struggles lately. I have to agree with your friend that you share your struggles with us. That is one of the things I love about your blog. You are real. You are just like us. Some blogs I find are so unrealistic. I look forward to checking in with you with each post (no pressure!! LOL!!). I have been better at drinking my water each day and decluttering areas of my home, one manageable area at a time.
I hope you find a wonderful home that is perfect for your family soon. Hugs from me to you, and thank you for sharing your life with us.
Thanks for your encouragement to keep being real Julie! 🙂 I am so glad that you enjoy the blog and have been encouraged. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Kimberlee,
Thank you for sharing. I am praying for a new home for you and yours and that God will will cover your car situation. Have you let your church family
current and previous about the car situation. One time I gave a car to a young girl at church because she put the word out that she needed one.
My finances were better then. I am believing that God could give you a free
car some people have extras. It has been a hard couple of years for my daughter and I . We are also believing for a new place to live . We live in a condo and I do not do well with all the chemicals , I get a migrain or very sick from all the smelly laundry soap and fabric softners I am beliving to be healed from mcs. We are praying for a new home so I will pray for yours also. God is good He goes before us and is our rear guard . You are such a wonderful amazing woman of God. You are truley a prov 31 woman. Thank you for keeping it real It really encouraged me tonight.
Hugs,
Patti
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. I truly appreciate you saying that I am a Proverbs 31 woman. I strive for that, but miss the mark often!
I am glad that I could encourage you. 🙂
I am newer to your website, but in that short time you have made such an impact on me! I am grateful for your honesty and being so straight forward.
Many times I feel overwhelmed, but reading your story and the reader comments shows me that we are not alone in our struggles and things are really not as bad ad I think.
I will be praying for God to bless your family beyond measure!
Thanks for letting me know Anita. My entire purpose in writing this blog is to inspire, encourage and equip women, so I am happy to know that it’s working. 🙂 Thank you for your prayers!
When God closes a door, He always opens a window!
I know how you feel.
I`m having problem with my kids.
One is an aspie (22 months).
The other we don`t what is happening with him (he is 4 years).
We want to try gluten free and casein free plus organic but it is very expensive, plus expensive therapies, bad insurance, etc. etc.
Sometimes I want to run away and scream, but I find that every time God opens a new window for us and saves the day.
I wish the best for you and your family.
Stay calm and happy. You are my inspiration for the last days and months.
Laura
Praying for you!
Thanks so much Katy!
Hang in there & keep having faith. We had a ‘God-powered’ van that gave us a fit as well. God kept it going until just the right time. He’s SO good at that perfect timing thing!! 😉 Will be praying for you!
I am sorry that you are going through such a tough time. I look at your life and know that you are a survivor. You have pulled through before and things will work out for you. God is behind the scenes making wonderful things happen for you and your family. Keep the faith and eat chocolate! Peace and Joy,
Cary
Peace and Joy be with you. I know you feel blessed even when things seem bleak. I will share with you that my family had what I thought was a horrible year. We had to move from our 4 bedroom house that we lived in for over ten years very quickly( the down side of renting). I ended up in a two bedroom apartment(not so small) with my kids sharing the master bedroom and at the same time our most reliable car took a dump. I was so anxious all the time. Lesson learned I live more simply and learn to look on the bright side. I am blessed. I have food and a roof over my head. Things turn out just the way they are supposed to be. My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Take a break when you have to. Also when I feel overwhelmed I go to a website called fragrant heart. com and do some relaxation meditation along with prayer it does help.
Kimberlee,
I would never say you are wrong to believe what you do. Faith is so important. It sounds like you are struggling with a lot – car, new home, driving, homeschool. It will all come together soon.
Trisha
Kimberlee – I’ll be lifting you and your family up in prayer. Ashlee has the right idea – saturate yourself in the Word and promises of God and pray fervently. So many times I’ve seen God take a hopeless situation and turn it around miraculously. He sees the big picture and we only see the bumps in the road. Sending you hugs {{}}! I know with your faith things will work out for good.
Hey Girl, I was surfing the web in hopes for some help with my life (which seems so upside down) and I came across your website. The Peaceful Mom and I was hey she might can help and guess what this (How I keep from losing my mind) was at the top of the page. It made me cry to know I’m not the only one going through something and girl I just wanted to let you know you have my prayers and hopeful I have yours because I really need them! Us moms has got to stick together no matter what! 🙂 Hugs (Hugs make me feel better so I’m sending some your way!)
Welcome Ashley! Yes, I pray for peace and encouragement for you. And thanks for the hug. 🙂
You are doing better than me, because when I’m stressed I have a hard time staying away from chocolate & chips, so keep up the good work there. I said a prayer for you for things to get better. Its hard sometimes to trust the Lord but when we do the situation usually turns out better. Gods blessings to you & your family the next few weeks.
Thanks for your prayers Karen!
I’m also so sorry to hear about all the turmoil that you and your family is facing, but aren’t you glad to know that God already knew all about it and is taking care of it right now, just how he sees fit!
I’ve been so overwhelmed lately. I clean houses to bring in extra income and one of them is going to have to cancel. That’s $200 less/month..ouch… another one had to put me on hold for the summer… another $200/month…and others had to make other changes…so my $320 that I worked so hard for having a garage sale last week is gone to say the least. We have Vacation Bible School this week coming up…I also home school and just had to order my books.. still have to get everything together though and sent in to the Board of Ed. I can’ even keep up with my house cleaning, let alone organize. We have State Fair coming up next week for one of my kids (he did such a good job, he going to State) but that means I needed to spend most of my afternoon helping him to prepare. Our local fair is coming up in a few weeks, so we’re preparing for that. My husband had an accident happen while in surgery in November that was the hospitals fault, so we’re going to ongoing Dr.s appts and lawyer visits…(hospital has even already signed papers that they are taking full responsibility and the admit it was their fault, the lawyer said he has NEVER had a case like this.) I’m sorry, my story goes on and on, but I’m exhausted, unorganized and just don’t know what to do first, so then I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels. I think I’m going to go start writing things down, so I can at least do a brain dump. Hang in there and thanks for letting me vent. I’m sure we’re not alone.
I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time Connie! I hope that your husband recovers quickly, but you can be thankful at least for the hospital taking responsibility.
Writing things down always helps me. If you click the “organize” tab and click “printable planners”, there is a weekly goal sheet in the GOAL section that I use when I need to get everything down on paper. It helps me to prioritize. You may also find this post helpful: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2010/06/21/help-my-life-is-out-of-control/. Blessings!
I am a fellow mom going through a difficult season! My husband and I are currently raising support as missionaries to Bolivia. I recently resigned from my job as a school librarian to homeschool our children and prepare them for being missionary kids. My husband didn’t renew his teaching contract in hopes of being in Bolivia before the end of the upcoming school year. So…we’ll live on substitute teacher pay and what I will make in childcare keeping 2 little girls during the week. And our house hasn’t sold yet and things keep coming up like a busted water pipe…our one car needs a new part, etc. I feel like the Lord is really trying to instill in us a deeper dependence and trust in His provision. Every time something happens and I worry and cry, very soon after He surprises me in the ways that He takes care of things. Press on, friend! Keep trusting in our wonderful Father in heaven.
I totally googled “encouraging verses for a hard time” and found these great ones! Be encouraged in the Lord!
Isaiah 41:10
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.
Psalm 9:9-10
The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble, And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
So sorry you are having a rough time! When things pile up I used to really stress out. But somehow I have learned to take things one day at a time. There are some days I go to bed just happy the bills were paid for that day and we were able to put food on the table. I also have a prayer card I keep with me in my purse that quotes Jerimah 29:11. It comes in handy when the car dies in the middle of the highway 🙂 I will pray for you and your family.
Thank you so much for being real with us. It is also encouraging to know that we (your readers) aren’t the only ones who seem to have everything thrown at us at once. We have moved 15 times in 13 years and several times we didn’t know where we were going until very close to the move out date of one place. Once we didn’t have a place to go until about 12 hours before the moving van was to arrive (that was a move across country). God always has a way of working things out and I am always amazed at the grace and love he has shown when I look back on those situations. (I didn’t always feel it at the time though!)
I will be praying for you and your family! Keep being real with us! 🙂
Oh Kimberlee, you and I are definitely on the same wavelength! I have had a crazy few weeks (although my situation is not as extreme as yours, and I will definitely keep your car and house situation in my prayers). I also got a speeding ticket three days ago, under similar circumstances. I had been driving on a road that was 45 miles/hour and turned onto a road that was 30 miles/hour, and was running late for work, and consequently got pulled over for going 45 in a 30. It was the first time in 13 years that I had been pulled over, and the police officer was really nasty about it. I almost lost it that day. I felt very abandoned by God, and I was angry with God (although rationally I acknowledged that I’m lucky God even gives me the time of day given some of the choices I’ve made in the past). But two nights ago, even in the midst of my desperate desert, I heard his voice, and I think things are turning around. Again, I will certainly keep your situation in prayer. Please keep us posted!
Thank you for this post! I desperately needed to be reminded that God has a plan for my family, even though I don’t know what it is. My husband has been unemployed for almost 11 months. We were living paycheck to paycheck and didn’t have enough to save. So we have had to rely on the help of family, which is quickly getting tiring for them. There is really no positive prospects on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean God doesn’t have something working for us and no matter what happens, He knows our needs!
I am so sorry Brandi. I pray that your husband will find work of some kind very soon!
Sorry about your ticket Claire. I haven’t had a ticket since college, so it was very disheartening. Thanks for your prayers!
By the way, I am sure that God loves you immensely no matter what you have done in the past. 🙂
Part of Plan C
dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate
sing,
sing your prayers
sing your worries
go hug a tree
check out: car-part.com
for a used transmission
also your local junkyards
I’ve had some stresses around here lately, too. Have to admit, I was totally on board with Plan A up there! lol I’ve been reading Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayers lately, and you seem like the perfect candidate for some answered prayers here. Hope you get them soon!
Thanks Sharon–all great ideas! 🙂
I think you said it best, do everything in faith, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance and let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing”
Thank you for sharing with us. “God does not bring you to anything that he will not pull you through.” Although a lot of times that is easier to say than to believe, but it’s true. I hope that in your move you will be closer to jobs and next to some one selling a new car that you can afford! You never know what is behind the next door!
Take time to walk while eating chocolate 🙂 We will wait for your changes and be here when you are ready to share more with us!
I can totally relate to your situation. We moved in April because of job change and could not afford to remain in the rental we had been in for 6 yrs. We did not know where my boys and I would be staying until 4 days before we moved. My husband was 4 hours away 5 days out of the week working and drove back on weekends. And then we had to move again just 3 months later. And again didn’t know where to until about a week before. Major stress. Moving again in another month, hopefully for a long time. Leave it up to the Lord and take your worries to him in prayer was the advice I received from friends and it has helped remove some stress. Loving each other, and of course some chocolate and long walks can really help too. Hang in there. Sharing your worries and stresses with friends is really a great way to get support and actually was the way we found a lot of great connections.
Wow Heather! That is a LOT of moving in a short time. I’m glad that you will be ble to tay in one place for a while now.
https://www.modestneeds.org/index.asp — This site may be able to help you or other people that read this site. It’s kind of a pay it forward kind of thing, helps people pay for an unexpected expense that would put a big dent in their life otherwise.
Not my nicest thought, but almost relieved that your life isn’t perfect. I tire of blogs with perfect homes and seemingly perfect lives. I do wish things were easier for you right now, but so glad that you are keeping it real with your readers. Just remember, it will all work out in the end…and if it hasn’t worked out, it must not be the end!
“Not my nicest thought, but almost relieved that your life isn’t perfect.” Haha! My life is definitely not perfect and I consider it my mission to dispel the superwoman myth. Glad that I could encourage you with my realness. 🙂
Kimberlee- So with you. Will pray. Our house still hasn’t closed even though we are out of it for all practical purposes. We are in a hotel now and vacation condo until new house closes mid August. We couldn’t find anything to rent either. Took a short term loan until house closes to replace our transmission on primary vehicle. Lots of prayer and water off of duck’s back attitude is advice I can give to you.
That sounds like a tough situation Jennifer. We were actually in an extended stay hotel for a little while once until we could move into to our rental. I watched House Hunters a lot while dreaming of our new home– haha!
I am sure that things will get better for you guys. I am a big believer in the support of family and friends. Today I just remembered the 2005. I was 2nd year of pharmacy school, in the exam season (had to tune my grades to keep the scholarship for the next year), had a full time job at the gas station, my dad was on chemo for lymphoma. Since my mom does not know how to drive, I had to take over their small buisiness with wire and do a couple hours of driving every day. On the top of all, the car broke (cooling system), overheated like 10 times in one week and there was no money to fix it.
If there was no my mom, to make me every possible meal and do my loundry, my godfather to thaw me with his car like 5 times and give me his, a total stranger helping me to cool down the car and keep going, my best friend to sort the notes from every possible class and amazing nurses to take care of my dad, I would never make it! Don’t feel too proud to ask for help, because this is the time when you need it! Good luck!
You are so right Jelena. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks so much Melissa. I have never heard of that site.
Wow! You’ve certainly been hit hard! – I’ll be praying 🙂
Thanks Angie. I know things will get better. 🙂
Ah I am so sorry you are having a rough time. You are such an inspiration, hang in there. My very wise grand mother always tells me, we are never given more than we can handle even though sometimes it feels that way. Have faith and hang in there. 🙂
Thanks Lisa! I appreciate your encouragement.
CONTINUED from above
requires action: being in school when we’ve got four kids (8,10,14,15) who are active in their own lives. The reality is living on less than the small amount we already live on. Mostly my concerns are taken care of (when I stressed about clothing, we got a lot of appropriate hand me downs), worry about spending the last of the grocery money on something for a potluck, but then being the recipient of ALL the left overs and eating for several more days. I know that it WILL WORK OUT for all of us, but having faith is sometimes harder than it should be. I will send a few extra prayers for you and yours 🙂 God bless you!!
you are incredible. I am going through a lot right now myself and thinking maybe it’s the moon. lol I love your plan B and I am going to try to follow it as best I can. I am disabled, living on less than $900 a month (2 of us living on this) I had someone renting a room, but he moved out while I was out of state helping to bury my partner’s stepdad. I used all I had saved and returned home with maybe $10 to my name to find he had moved out and had left over $800 in damages to the room. Thank God for the clearance rack… I have purchased everything needed to do the room for less than $100. We are doing the work ourselves and hope to be finished but the first… that isn’t looking real good either. Today my vehicle overheated. I’m not sure what it needs, but I can’t afford to fix it. I currently have 8 cats because I took in a stray. Nobody wants them… they are going to a program on the 31st to be fixed and I am hoping I will be able to find homes for them once that is taken care of. Mamma cat is pregnant again and I don’t know if they will take her. If not, I will have to take her to Animal Control where she will be euthanized. She is a sweet cat, but this is too much on me. I’ve tried all the no kill shelters to be turned down. I had 3 senior cats when she showed up, all are fixed and have never been outside. My #1 girl now has a skin condition I’m sure came from this stray. She needs to be seen by a vet, but I can’t afford to take her so I am desperately trying every home remedy I can. When I first tried your budget tool, I came up $200 short. I just cried, put it in the trash and said I will try this again another day. I just got the premium notice for my home insurance. Again I wanted to cry, but I have to believe that God will find a way to get it done. Right now, I need to get back to my paint brush and try to get that room done!
I am sorry that you are having a difficult time Loretta. Sometimes things don’t work out on paper despite our best efforts. Don’t give up! Just keep moving. 🙂
Thanks so much Laura. And thanks for the stories of how God has looked out for your family. It is encouraging!
We are having a rough time lately too, and I get so frustrated with trying to figure out how to juggle everything that needs to be paid with not enough money to pay it. My husband got laid off in May and was out of work for over a month. I keep children in our home and as soon as he went back to work I lost the kids I was keeping, and therefore lost my income. It seems like we just can’t win for losing lately. I love the attitude you have about things! I need to adopt some of that mindset. I know worrying constantly about money isn’t going to solve anything, but sometimes I just can’t stop myself from worrying. You are not alone in this struggle (and neither are we). Hang in there, and keep sharing your positive attitude with others! It has helped me today and I’m sure many others will benefit from it also! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Hilaria. I’m so glad that I could encourage you. 🙂
Oh, thank you for sharing the realities of life! I am in flux right now (though not as immediate as yours) with a husband who is discerning a diaconate, which no
I’m sorry to hear you are having a rough time 🙁 You have a fantastic outook, though! We are a family of four plus a mastiff living in a small condo that we cannot get out of. It’s a bit complicated, but suffice it to say, our only option is to walk away which we will not do. I have faith God will show us a solution when the time is right. Hang in there!
ps: I’d suggest a healthy combination of both Plan A and Plan B 😉
Yes Brenda, chocolate makes everything a little better. 🙂
I like Brenda’s suggestion 😉
Thanks for having the courage to share your personal issues and the courage to trust God. I love that you are packing even though you cannot see your new home. I am praying God is going to WOW you and your family.
I am sorry to hear you are having a rough time. I think many of us have had those times. Last week I was laid off from my job, and while I was eligible for unemployment, I felt like I was barely making it on my paycheck, and the unemployment was significantly less. I also just bought a new car 2 months ago because I felt my job was stable. So needless to say, well, to quote Anne of Green Gables, I felt in “the depths of despair”. But, I applied for a job that had a very vague ad at the end of last week, and got called for an interview on Monday. I got an offer on Wednesday, and I’ll be making at least as much as my old job, maybe even more, and the new company has room for advancement. Oh, and my commute will be cut in half. So, losing my old job turned out to be a blessing in disguise. So, keep your head up, nothing in life is ever permanent, and things DO always work out, even when it seems like theres no way they can. And, don’t ever apologize for believing what you believe. I am not really a religious person, but I see nothing wrong with your faith.
That is awesome Julie! Woohoo! Thanks for your encouragement. 🙂
Sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to be doing. God has your need met, just keep moving ahead and things will come together before you know it. Thanks for sharing! This is a community and I’ve seen lots of support and loving advice from you and your readers. I’m believing for God’s peace for you and can’t wait to read about your victories!
Thanks Robin!
I love that quote you put up. Today I am feeling down because of things in our life, feeling hopeless about them and that is what I needed. I to am hoping, praying and trusting GOd will make things work out for us, so it’s nice knowing that I’m not the only one that does this.
I hope things work out for your family.