Tuesday, October 2, 2012

The Story of the Vanishing Blogger

I was upstairs painting in the closet when it all began.

I was interrupted by the telephone, and when I answered it, it was the Man of the House.  He was  calling from his cell phone and explained that he was actually walking up the stairs as he spoke, but he hadn't wanted to startle me.

I startle easily you know...

In fact, as I've confessed time and time again, my panic button is generally set on automatic. Fear and anxiety are my besties, and I don't go anywhere without them. I'm loyal like that. Therefore, when the Traveling Man walks through the door on a Tuesday afternoon when he is supposed to be in Florida,  I do not assume that he's passing through to share glad tidings of great joy.

He wasn't.



He's a man of few words so he just blurted it out. The entire outside sales force of his company had just been eliminated. In case you missed it, that's a fancy way of saying that he lost his job, effective immediately.

Friends, I could literally feel my reaction. It started as a churning way down in the pit of my stomach and worked its way up to my chest, and my throat, and my head. It was an overwhelming feeling.

And do you know what that feeling was?

It was peace.

No, really... I'm as shocked as you are. I mean, I teach  peace. I sing  peace. I pray peace. I like to talk it up a lot, too. That afternoon, though, I... we... did something altogether different.

We chose peace.



I'd love to take credit for the choice, but in all sincerity, I might have reached for my bag of fear had it not been for the man I married. Before I could move an inch, he sat me down, took both of my hands in his, and explained that we had a conscious decision to make.  As he saw it, we had three choices.  

 We could count the numbers.  

Let's face it folks, the numbers stink. 23 million people out there who earnestly want to work are looking for jobs right now. 68 people from his company alone had joined the ranks that day, all with the same skill set, too. On top of that, we're no spring chickens. He's 51 years old. No, the numbers aren't so good. We agreed not to count them.    

We could count on the world.

The world is all too eager for us to count on it, after all. All signs point to it becoming more eager by the minute, too.  Immediately after the unfortunate conference call, his phone began buzzing with calls from (former) colleagues, brainstorming and networking and just plain commiserating to the point of  noise.   (Actually, he used the word cacophony. He may be a man of few words, but they all seem to be worth ten dollars. It's annoying, but I digress...)

And then, it happened.

The still, small, voice cut through all that cacophony, and it said, "Do you trust Me?"

And there it was, the third choice. Trust, it seems, is just like peace. We teach about it. We sing about  it. We pray about it, and we love to talk it up. Then, life gets very real and it's a time for choosing. 

One thing these over-the-hill Bible teachers know, though, is that God never has allowed himself to be among our choices. If we choose Him, we choose Him alone.

So he reached over and turned off his phone.

And for the rest of his trip home, he just listened to God.

If we could count on anything, he decided, it was God alone. After all, we had been through this before, and He had been faithful.

For the next three days, he did absolutely nothing related to the job situation. We told very, very few people about it and asked them to respect our decision not to play this thing out on the public stage. It's not that we were ashamed. We weren't and aren't. We just felt called to silence. (I'm sure you can imagine how difficult that was for me.)  I'm a yakker, after all, and I love to tell a story.

But here's the thing:

Sometimes, God has a story to tell through you, and sometimes... sometimes... He has a story to tell to you. This was one of those times.

I couldn't have yakked it abroad if I wanted to, though, because within 24 hours, he had to return his blackberry and computer. He adopted Della the Demon Possessed Laptop as his own for the job search since beating the pavement has been replaced with banging the keyboard.

And that's where I've been this past month and why you haven't seen my flower cart meandering about in Blog Land. Oh, I tried,  but it just didn't work to invade his space.  Besides that, we worked nonstop on some projects around here to keep ourselves busy.

After all, 2012 was dubbed the year of Finding the Sunshine, wherever, whenever, and however God sends it. If God chose to send me a handy man around the house, who am I to argue?

Now folks, I don't know what happens when you jump off a blog cliff. I don't know if anyone will even bother to read this post. I decided to write it anyway, though, and try to explain my vanishing act as well as I could.

As to the end of the story? 

I'll leave that to your imaginations. The fact that I'm here today ought to say something.

Well that, and the fact that I serve a mighty God, one who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. How do you think this story ends?


65 comments:

Vee said...

I know it ends well.

How good to see you here, Debbie. I have wondered many times. I will be linking to this post in a number of ways. Thank you so much for writing it.

Shanee said...

So glad to see you back behind the flower cart! I can't believe this is why you have been missing.....a VERY, VERY similar thing happen here at the casa about a month ago. I will keep you and your handyman in my prayers and trust that all WILL be well :)

Debbiedoos said...

I am really happy you are back. Quite and incredible story Debbie. I am happy you have found Peace..and I am certain you will continue. My FIL just lost his job..however he is 62, no retirement, no savings, and a whole lotta debt. Right now, there is no peace in site for my inlaws. How conflicting for my husband and I to see this. You gave me hope today.

Angel said...

So good to see your flower cart in blogland again Debbie! Thank you for sharing your story. It is a powerful testimony and an encouragement to all of us who have or will or are living through tough times.

As to your question...I think the end of the story most likely involves a new job and a celebration of God's faithfulness.

Can't wait to find out more...

Debbie said...

Oh Debbie I have wondered and wondered what had happened to you. I even lifted you up in prayer a couple of times. I am sorry to hear what happened, but soo blessed to hear how God has covered you in his peace...soo glad to hear you CHOSE to trust Him. I know this story will be inspiring to many.

The peace that can only come from Him is honestly like no other. I find it hard to even describe well. I experienced it through my time with breast cancer and I STILL marvel at it. I too carry anxiety and worry in my pockets ready to whip out when I see fit, haha. But the older I have gotten the more I realize how much better off I am choosing trust and peace instead.

I am guessing since you are back on the computer hubby must be back at work. I am excited to hear what the Lord has worked out. Hope you have a wonderful day! HUGS

Chatty Crone said...

Well I think I am pretty sure the ending is a great one.

Of course we are all still here.

And I do think we can learn a lot from you.

I am very proud how you two handled it and we have been through it ourselves.

God Bless.

Babs said...

God's plan for our lives is so much more than we could ever imagine...but then you know that already. :)
I'm guessing your husband found an even better job. I've missed you and so glad to see you again. Looking forward to your next post.
Hugs,
Babs

Christine said...

The story needs better than you or I could ever imagine!

Miss Char said...

Glad to see you back Debbie and with peace in your heart over the challenge before you. The answer to most any trouble we share is "trust in the Lord".

My husband and I took a very similar journey a few years back and came out the other side with a renewed sense of togetherness. Prayer being said for your family.

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Welcome back, sweet friend. How I love that "peace that passeth understanding!" Can't wait to hear the rest of the story whenever you're ready to yak about. I am 100% certain God has something fantastic for you and your man.

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Welcome back, Debbie! I've been thinking about you, again, this week. Sooo glad to see your little flower cart and "hear" your voice again, with all that implies. I'm betting your Man of the House has found another job because "We can do all things through Christ, which strengthens us."

Hugs,

Denise

Gaby said...

This. This right here is my FAVORITE of your posts. Ever. This one speaks more of the God you and I serve than anything else you can say. Wow, Debbie. Just wow. When the rubber meets the road, that's where He will kneel to our side and hold us. You are loved and prayed for.

Denise said...

I am truly amazed at the Mighty God we serve. I do know the happy ending to this marvelous story and was pleased to be in the inner circle of prayer warriors. Thanks for including me so I could witness all of the miracles, too. But it's your story to tell.

So happy that the woman of Walmart has finally been replaced with the miracle of miracles. I'm VERY happy to have you back. (Wish I had a dollar for every time I checked to see if you had a post. I'd be rich).

Anonymous said...

Debbie,
I have been missing and wondering about you.
It surely is a blessing to be married to a godly man.
What a beautiful and encouraging post. God is still in the miracle business, and He is good.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

First..thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I found it so inspiring and coming from a strong couple and the best and ONLY choise is to leave it to our Lord, He will find the answer soon for you both Debbie. Prayers are going your way.
Please keep us updated, when you can.
PS: Happy to hear from you, dear Debbie.
Hugs,
FABBY

Loree said...

Our God is Awesome. He will use this for good. He already has, because you have choosen to let him.
Loree Ellis

Maryann said...

You have been missed. I am so sorry about what happen but encouraged at the same time You both could have chose so many different responses but to choose peace...that is nothing short of God at work! Will be praying for your family

Sue said...

How happy I was to see the flower cart this morning Debbie. And your story was so powerful ~ you and your husband have a great testimony to share and you share it so eloquently.
God IS good.

Tricia said...

Beautifully written, as always, Debbie. Thank you for sharing your story in such an inspiring way. I hope the next door your husband chooses to step through blesses you both abundantly.

Kathleen said...

I'm just glad you've come back to us. I had missed your yakking. I'm sorry the reason for your absence hasn't been a more lighthearted one but I'm sure the story ends in a good way and I'm looking forward to reading about it.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

The tears are rolling down my cheeks as I read this. You already know that I am praising God with you both! The 'trust me' lessons in this experience are by far greater than the tests. He is so faithful, and you both have ministered to me in such a personal and beautiful way. I am reminded of the times He has done above and beyond in my own life.

You already know I am praising God with you, and for you! :)

xo

Gayle said...

So GOOD to see you blogging again. I sent you an email a few days ago, checking up on my favorite yakker. I have certainly missed your cheery voice whenever I wander into Blogville. I was hoping (as I said in my email) that you were on a long, delightful vacation, but, alas, you weren't.

I am a witness that God does wonderful things when we lay our burdens at his feet and walk away. That's hard to do sometimes, but sounds like you and Mr. Traveler are well on your way.

Praying for you and yours, and knowing all will be well.

Hugs,
Gayle

Ann said...

I have anxiously been waiting your return to blogland, and you do not disappoint.
I am also constantly inspired by how you trust in God, and in spite of difficult times always come out singing.... : D

Cheers, and welcome back!

Amy Kinser said...

Okay...I am so glad to hear an update. I have been thinking, praying, hoping, and wondering about you and your situation.

Please email me when you have a chance and give me more info. (if you don't mind)

So good, no great, to hear from you.

Thank you for being such an inspiration to me.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

The tears of joy are falling...so I am silent, as I offer up to Him the Praise He desires...and blessings, blessings to you on this new adventure!!! Hey my hubby is 58!!!

At The Picket Fence said...

Oh friend...that kind of peace is so hard to explain to those who don't know Him and yet He is the ONLY ONE who can provide it when everything about the situation tells us we should be feeling just the opposite. I praise Him that you are experiencing that and while I'm sorry this is happening, I'm thrilled that you are finding your trust in the Lord going to even deeper depths! And, I know He will knock your socks off with the ways in which He will provide! :-)
Vanessa

Denise said...

Hi sister. Me again because, well, I could. Sooooo thankful you are back writing and I LOVE your fall header.
Thought you'd want to know that the change was noticed.

Praising God with you today and every day.

ellen b. said...

I'm not a regular around here but I was encouraged to read your account of what's been happening in your world this past month. May God continue to bless you with his peace...

Sharlotte said...

Hi Debbie,
I'm glad that you're back online...you've been missed! I know this is a trying time for you all but your faith is strong and God is stronger! Keep us posted!

bj said...

Deb..too choked up right now...be back after i get myself together..this has been a stressful week for me and i'm too emotional to speak right now...be back later....

Terra said...

Oh girl, I am sensing a happy resolution for you and your hubby, and how right you are to choose the way of peace and trust in Jesus. BTW anxiety is no stranger to me either, so I can relate to your entire post.

Linda W said...

Welcome back, sunshine friend! I've missed you and my daily dose of laughter and smiles!

Ginger said...

Glad your back--in a big way, with an amazing testimony. Thanks for sharing even this much, and I'm looking forward to the rest.

Lynn said...

Sounds like a very a stressful time, glad to see you back! No doubt a happy ending and I can't wait to hear you yak about it:@)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, my sweet friend, I believe that God provided! I have tears in my eyes reading this, Debbie, and had I known, I would have interceded for you. And I would never, ever desert you. I love you too much. You are one of my favorite bloggers.

I jumped off a blog cliff, too, and while mine wasn't job related, it was related to a HUGE surprise we had on our actual residence where we had to replace the eaves on a second story that is up about 30 feet or so in the air. It was like buying a car, I kid you not. But it is over, and God was good to us, particularly in the men he sent to do this. I won't go into the details, but I want that pinch to ease a bit before we bite off another with a new computer. AND I was sick ALL summer. ALL summer. So I jumped off a cliff for about six months! The computer stuff started months ago, and the house stuff started in the spring and lasted for months. They had to work between rain. And again, God was faithful.

I love you for sharing this with us. I admit my heart sank for you as I read about your sweet husband, but you brought it around to the Lord where the story belongs. He is so worthy of praise.

The wonderful part about being a believer is that we know Jesus is there interceding for us and that anything we ask in His name, He does. What a mighty God we serve!

Love you and thanks for the moral support. I had to pay about a year ago and give them my number, but this is different. AND I had to shut down my blog email because some not so nice person sent me a virus and tried to make me open a link and make me think they were one of my followers. So I just walked from that email address and shut it down on the blog.

That's my news, but yours is just amazing. I can't wait to hear you tell your end of the story.

Love you, lady...

XO,

Sheila

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. It's amazing that this happened in this way, about God giving you all peace. The same thing happened to a good friend, and the Lord woke her up in the middle of the night and told her she was going to be fired and to trust Him. She didn't question it and went back to sleep. And sure enough, the next morning, she lost her job. THEN she got a much BETTER job. PTL. There's more to that story, and God is just awesome. Years ago, too, a friend of mine worked for a company which eliminated her division. She was divorced with two small children and a deadbeat ex husband. I was praying and praying, and finally God told me that He had her in His hand. And do you know... she still works for that company! xoxoxo

Barbara F. said...

Soooo happy to see a post, and I do know how it turned out. Not surprised at all. Welcome back, you were missed, sending hugs to you. xo

Gina said...

I'm so glad that you & your hubby were able to find peace in all of this.
You know, I'm a big believer in "all things happen for a reason." Maybe there's something much bigger & better out there with your husband's name on it!
Hang in there!

Mevely317 said...

Oh, WOW. I was getting really concerned, Debbie ... praying that nothing had happened to you or your family health-wise. (See what I get for being too worry-specific?)

I wish everyone in your circumstance might read these words ....and, most importantly, apply them.

Though it’s not a graceful sight, I’m doing a happy dance over here to see your flower cart.
...And yes, I BELIEVE your hubby’s back at work in a far BETTER place! Fist-pump!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Trusting in His goodness with you!

Good, good, good to see you back!

Deanna

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh my ...Debbie, you have been given the most incredible gift of writing, so engaging, funny, and real, I love reading every single word!.....And as to how this story ends...I know...God is good!

Glad to see you back yakking!
Carol

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I have thought of you so often and wondered what was going on in your absence. So glad to see you back, you have certainly been missed!

My youngest daughter's husband lost his pharmaceutical rep job last year in about the same way. Then she lost her job a few months ago. They found other jobs, but with much less pay, but all is well.

What a wonderful testimony you have! To have peace when all around you is spinning is truly a gift from the Lord!

Can't wait to hear the end of the story, I know it is good because "All things work together for good for those who love God!"

Katherine

elizabeth said...

Debbie, I've missed you so much, thought about you, worried a bit, and prayed for you too. My imagination was even worse than a lost job...something happening to the Duchess, your marriage, one of your girls. A job loss is BAD, and I'm not making light of it, but my imagination made it WORSE, and isn't that just how worry and fear works? Anyway, I am so overwhelmed at God's grace to flood you with His peace in such a scary situation, and the way you both responded by seeking Him was an example to me who tends to be a yakker about problems instead of a be quiet and trust-er.
Love you, and don't keep us hanging with the rest of the story too long!

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
I have stopped by a time or two wondering where you could be or what you could be up to. So sorry that it was trouble coming through the door, but we serve an Amazing God and when you choose Peace and let go and let God only good things happen. I can't wait to hear "the rest of the story!" Thank you for stopping by to let me know you were back.

L,
Jean

Ms.Daisy said...

By the way, I saw your new header and I really liked it...noticed it first thing and forgot to tell you. LOL!

Beth Hill said...

Dearest Flower Cart Friend,
We would never leave you! I,for one, am blessed beyond measure by this post and have been waiting for your return. I'm certain there are many here who can relate. My self-employed husband's income is down 40% and he lost more business this week. The Father has been teaching me mightily during the last year that He is my only hope and provider.

Renée said...

My sweet friend, I'm so glad that you are able to share some of your story to fortify the rest of us. Because of your spiritual strength, you are so prepared to deal with whatever comes your way. I'm so proud of you and continue to pray for you and your family. As you grow and progress, your faith will replace your fear and anxiety. Our trials do teach and bless us. Thanks for your example. I pray you will continue to find our Heavenly Father's love and peace each day in your life.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Your posts were very much missed! I kept wondering where you were. Thank you for sharing your story and teaching us about trusting in The Lord. I'm thinking that there was a very happy ending, but the best for you was finding peace. I look forward to hear more yakking from you!!!

Creations By Cindy said...

Love this post. Peace can truly only come from Christ. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Debbie...So glad you're back.Thank you for sharing your story. I pray that your husband has another position.
God bless you both
Barb from Australia

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Been waiting anxiously for your return. I know how the story ends, because I know the God we both serve. Nothing too hard for Him!!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Debbie, here you and your husband are - inspiring the world again - with your faith in the midst of trouble. I'm so glad that you both have God to trust. So many people don't have the strength of God in their lives. If they read this post, I know they are going to want that same strength and trust that the two of you are displaying. Your writing is always so good. I could feel your anguish and that sickness in the pit of my stomach when you wrote about his announcement. I could also feel the peace after the two of you talked it over and decided to rely on God. I've just said a prayer for you, but mostly thanking God for the message you are sending on His behalf. Thanks be to God. laurie

Pink Survivor 03 said...

I am SO sorry about your husband's job loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have missed your blog SO much. It always makes me smile and wish we were friends. I got worried and even looked you up to make sure the blog hadn't gone away! SO happy to see the post today even if your news wasn't good. Our God is a good and faithful God and I know he has great things in store for you and yours. Remember, he doesn't always work on our clock. Take care and I will pray for better days to come for you! Welcome back to blogland. ptarleton at nc dot rr dot com

Crickit said...

I am so glad that you have reappeared! Hoping and praying it ends well! :)

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

It was so good to hear from you Debbie. I have been sort of out of the loop since the end of July. My blog visits have been sporadic, at best.

I believe your story ends well.

Believe it or not, I've walked a similar road. Only my walk was over 30 years ago.

no spring chicken said...

Seeing as I too disappeared, I had no idea you were gone. I'm glad I didn't have that time to worry... I'm prone to worrying when I let my guard down.

Your post is such a blessing. I know it speaks to the hearts of all who know Him and I pray that those who don't will read and be amazed to the point of desire.. and that their desire will bring them straight to the Lover of their Souls!

You're in my prayers, and I'll be smiling as I pray.

Blessings, Debbie

Red Couch Recipes said...

Debbie, so glad your flower cart is baaaack! You are one of my favorite stops in blogland, and I HAD stopped by, but you weren't there. Life is weird right now for a lot of us. My husband is working 2,000 miles away, but I am thankful for a husband who would make that kind of sacrifice for our family. I hope our home will sell so we can join him. You inspired me today as I was sitting here feeling a bit blue. Thank you for your faith in He who will not fail or forsake us. What a great attitude you both have in a tough situation! My daughter has put up a sign in her closet that says, "Things happen for a reason." Enjoyed your yakking today. Joni

Red Couch Recipes said...

Okay Debbie, I am not sure how I signed off "enjoyed" your yakking, but it was more like I was edified and inspired by your yakking. Joni

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I had wondered what was going on that would keep you away for so long.

I well remember how I felt when my husband's position was eliminated but at least he had a few months notice that it was being phased out company wide. So I was able to plan and get used to the idea.

I'm sorry for your husband's job loss but hopefully this ends with a happy ending!

Manuela

P.S. I sent you an email about the Amex Membership Rewards.

Rosie said...

Praise the Lord!
It's great to see you back in action, Debbie.
God's hand is on your hubby's job situation so I know it has a good ending!
blessings to you xx

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

I so wanted to email you to find out if all was okay but a little voice said "wait and pray".
We serve a mighty God so I know that all is well.
so happy you are back, have missed you and your inspiration.
(())

corners of my life said...

I'll leave that to your imaginations . . .

and I imagine that it ends well. Blessings to you.

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

*tears*

My beautiful, faithful friend.

"Well done."

The Decorative Dreamer said...

You know I wondered about you right? I am so sorry to hear about what you have been going through. I love hearing about how you and your husband both were able to trust in the Lord during this difficult time. It's very inspiring to hear and read your words of faith in action. Thank you for sharing what you could have so easily chosen not too. That's why I always love reading your posts. You are the real deal! May God continue to bless you and your husband too!

Sooner Laura said...

I'm sure you made the right choice. Blessings to you and yours this day.

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