Update #47

“...not only this, but we glory in afflictions also, knowing that afflictions work out patience, and patience works out experience, and experience works out hope.” Romans5:3-4

Lake in Emerald Hills, CA

In 1998 I was without hope. I had become utterly frustrated with my job, I had ended a long-term dating relationship, and I had come to a place where most of my friends had ‘disappeared’ into new jobs, marriages, or our lives had taken different paths. I was very unhappy.

Financially, on the other hand, I was doing quite well. Bart Miller was the administrative pastor at my church and taught me the finer art of stewardship…and of perseverance. I had royally screwed up my check register (not normal) and he volunteered to help me straighten it out. When I got the register back, corrected and on track, there was a 3X5 card enclosed in its folds.

‘HOPE’ is all it said. I called and asked him about it. I could hear the smile in his voice: “You don’t seem to have much of it now so I am giving you a bit of mine to tide you over.” I cried.

At that point in my life I didn’t realize the gift he’d given me. According to Romans 5, hope isn’t easily acquired. It is attained through affliction, long-suffering, and trial. Ugh.

Reflecting back, Bart had had a fair amount of ‘hope builders’ in his life…so much so he had hope to give away. He had to have had an abundance of the hardship/suffering, patience building, and tribulation pieces to make the reservoir deep enough to overflow to me!

Hope isn’t easily attained but it matters. The Bible says that a life with hope deferred makes you sick (Proverbs 13:12) but a life filled with hope keeps you from shame (Romans 5:5).

So, are you feeling hopeless, despondent, downhearted, or unhappy with life…maybe God is deepening your hope reserve...

Just something to think about!

Updates:
Living – safely ensconced at my relative’s house
Car – I have one until Eric returns – probably September 1st-ish.
Samson – Houdini has a new harness complete with id tag…and he hates it! It jingles when he walks giving away his locale…no more sneaking up on anybody!
Work – I’ve realized that I don’t want to become a travel agent – I have been booking a lot of trips lately (not mine) and wow, are airline tickets expensive!
Financing – I have raised about $1900 a month – thank you. I am actively working to book LEMON seminars in the Bay area to raise my salary that way.

Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt and Uncle for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need to a cat friendly space close to the office.
Car – God only knows!
Samson – He and his buddy, Lucky, have become fast friends…as long as Lucky stays away from me and Sam doesn’t go anywhere near my cousin or her room! Fur can fly!
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise ~$3000 a month cover expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.

Happy end of August!

Dena