Photo Credit: Pinterest
It sure feels like we’ve been under attack these past couple of weeks. From my Grandpa Jack passing away, hospital stays, to new tires, dwindling savings, to my son swallowing somthing potentially dangerous I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I asked for prayer last night on my personal Facebook page and my freinds showered me. I woke this morning with a fresh perspective, one that I hope I can keep with me for more than a few hours. That’s the key isn’t it? Reminding yourself of the peace that the Lord gave and not allowing it to dissapear. It’s a choice I believe.
Anyhow, I’m writing this because I don’t believe our trials are meant for us to endure alone. I believe there is a reason and purpose that we experience what we do in life and it’s rarely for ourselves – it’s for someone else. It’s so we can be used by the King. This morning I’m reminded of the many fires we’ve gone through – the Refiner’s Fire. It appears it’s time for another “Refiner’s Fire”. It did seem like it had been quite some time and sadly, when that happens we start to depend on ourselves and less on God. I remember from the last time it was HOT but He is a Master at what He does and only beauty can come from His work.
So today if you’re in the fire, you’re not alone. I’m thinking and praying for you as well.
You know what I love about TFF? It’s a space where I can share deals and what I’m passionate about – saving money. But, it’s also a place where I can share what’s on my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be real from time to time here.
Marla Zickefoose September 14, 2011 at 7:54 am
Great post Julia we all need to be reminded sometimes! Sending love and prayers!
treasure September 14, 2011 at 7:56 am
thank you for this post!!!
Amy September 14, 2011 at 7:56 am
Thank you Julia! I so appreciate you sharing this!
Angeline Taylor via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 7:56 am
Your page is great! However now that you have shared where you stand in believing, I like you even MORE
Lisa M. September 14, 2011 at 8:00 am
Thank you for sharing this! I will be praying for you and your family. May God continue to bless you and keep you under His grace and mercy!
The Frugal Find via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 8:03 am
Thanks Angeline
Kristina September 14, 2011 at 8:07 am
THANK YOU!
Stephanie September 14, 2011 at 8:11 am
Thanks, I needed to read that this morning…
Jayme September 14, 2011 at 8:11 am
I feel you. We were on top of the mountain not long ago, and moved to another state for a “better” job, and now feel as though we are starting at the bottom again. But that s ok. The Lord put us here for a reason, and if we keep faith in Him everything will work out!
Gina H. September 14, 2011 at 8:17 am
Thank you for sharing. I needed to hear that. Praying for your family.
Kym September 14, 2011 at 8:18 am
My faithful phrase is ” If It does’nt kill me, It will make me stronger”. Thank you for your prayers, we are in the same boat, and you and ur family are in ours…..:)
Julia September 14, 2011 at 8:59 am
True, true Kym!
Nicole September 14, 2011 at 8:24 am
Love this! Thanks for sharing your heart! Miss you guys!
Kiley September 14, 2011 at 8:27 am
Thank you for this Julia. It’s exactly what I needed to read today. We are moving to Texas on Friday. I have lived in California almost my whole life. We’re starting a new adventure that God has planned for us, just like your family is doing. We’ve had some crazy things come up, too, like my father-in-law (who lives in Washington) just had a heart attack on Saturday morning. Why it happened right now I don’t know, but God does. I look around my house today and have no idea how I’m going to finish packing up our home that we’ve been in for 10 years and be on the road in 2 days. We’re going to have to say ‘good-bye’ to all our family and friends in the next 48 hours, too. I am at a place at this moment in time where I HAVE to lean on Him and receive His strength or I would not be able to get through this. Thank you for sharing what God placed on your heart and for encouraging me this morning…..just when I needed it!
Julia September 14, 2011 at 8:58 am
Oh Kiley, how I can relate! We had so many things near the end that kept making me rethink everything and question what in the world we were doing. Even today those thoughts still come to mind, but I always have to go back to that peace that came when we prayed through our decision. I have to remind myself of the many very clear confirmations we were given. Anytime you’re seeking the Lord we should expect adversity, I suppose without it we should be worried instead of with it.
Kiley September 14, 2011 at 11:27 am
I’m not sure if you remember me, but my mom and I attended your class at Cornerstone church during their Design 4 Living conference in May. I had already been following your blog and was so excited when I saw that you would be there too! (I actually had no idea you were from this area at the time!) We sat in the front of the second session (you had joked that those in the second session came because it was our “second choice”, but you were actually our first choice…..we got back from lunch late and so we went to a different one first because I didn’t want to miss any of yours!) I have so enjoyed reading your posts because God is working in such similar ways in our life right now too. It’s a new adventure that we’re about to embark on, with lots of changes ahead, but also with such peace and very clear confirmations like you said. Thanks again for your openness and sharing your heart.
Guess I’d better get back to packing! Have a blessed day and I will be keeping you in prayer today.
Melissa Sutton via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 8:35 am
AMEN!!!
Rhonda Camel via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 9:02 am
thanks for the reminder!
SueBee September 14, 2011 at 9:16 am
I have felt this way a lot lately, for different reasons of course, but we all have our challenges and your words are so true! I will pray for you too, and I am glad you have a refreshed sense of peace today.
lili September 14, 2011 at 9:39 am
Thanks for sharing. This is one of the reasons i keep coming back to The Frugal Find. I really needed to read something like this today.
Kim September 14, 2011 at 9:54 am
Thanks for being real! You are in the Masters hands and never alone He watches over us as the fire gets hotter He is right there to make sure it’s not more than we can handle. God Bless
Milyssa September 14, 2011 at 9:55 am
thank you for this! God bless you and keep you.
Allison September 14, 2011 at 10:11 am
As much as I don’t like to hear that people are hurting or suffering, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one going through some stuff right now.
I must say though, the Lord certainly has shaped me over the years. He is allowing me to handle my current situations with grace and courage! I feel strong in Him and He is AWESOME!
Thanks for sharing!
Just remember, we walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death. We don’t stay in it! PRAISE GOD FOR THAT!
Cristy Combs Alexander via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 10:54 am
This is timely for me thank you!!
The Frugal Find via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 10:58 am
I’m so blessed to hear that the words that flow when my heart is heavy have a purpose – thank you all for your support.
Angie P. September 14, 2011 at 12:20 pm
You’ll be in my prayers. I wish I could do more to help, but I hope it’s a comfort to know that someone understands.
My family has suffered crushing back-to-back expenses (medical bills, new shocks on the car, etc.) in the past two months that emptied our bank accounts. On top of that, my father had a serious health scare. I was already feeling stressed, frightened and overwhelmed, and just this morning our car’s engine decided to fail. Thank goodness for couponing so we have enough food for the rest of the month, but I don’t know how we’re going to deal with another major car expense. All I can do is pray, scrape up every penny I can and hope it’ll be enough.
I hope things get better for you soon.
Nancy September 14, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Thank you for the reminder, I needed it too. God bless you and your family, and thank you for being there for all of us.
Felicia Ramirez Hoffman via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I was so moved by your post — hang tight FF family, we’re right by your side.
Myra Hardin McDaniel via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Love it!!!
Jen September 14, 2011 at 5:15 pm
What a great encouragement to see your faith so strong even in the midst of such tough trials these past few months & reminding others of the hope you have in Him, that He will grow you & your family stronger & closer to Him thru all this! I love that you share about this so freely on your site!
Honey Badger Swieder via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 5:35 pm
<3 U!
lana September 14, 2011 at 5:35 pm
You must be on the cusp of something great for the enemy to be attacking you all that way! Praying for you. Stay strong. Keep looking up. God will sustain you.
Kathy Myers September 15, 2011 at 3:06 pm
I agree!!
The Frugal Find via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Making me blush Honey Badger, hahaha.
Honey Badger Swieder via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Why, Darlin’, I haven’t even pulled out my monkey hat yet! (That’s what use when I wanna make my 11 year old son blush, Lol!)
Kim September 14, 2011 at 5:47 pm
I feel like I’m in the fire right now too so thank you for the encouragement
about perspective.
The Frugal Find via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 5:47 pm
haha, I bet that’s a sight
Lillie September 14, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Wow, it’s refreshing to see so many fellow believers!! Sorry to read of your struggles. I’ll keep you in my prayers as well. To God and God Alone!
Valerie September 14, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Thanks I really needed that Today You are an Inspiration
Thank You
& God Bless
Val
Andy Son September 14, 2011 at 6:36 pm
“weeping may endure for a season, but joy comes in the morning!”
Rebecca Pope September 14, 2011 at 6:40 pm
SO very true! This is one of the big reasons I love facebook too. Thanks for the post. We’re all going through our own personal struggles, and it certainly helps to be reminded that you’re not the only one.
Kiley – what part of Texas? I live in the Dallas Metroplex.
Kiley September 14, 2011 at 11:04 pm
My husband is starting a new job in Frisco. We will be staying with friends in Carrollton until we find our own place (hopefully within a week or so!)
Kathy Myers September 15, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Oddly i just moved from that area to Iowa….know of a decent house to rent….great street, safe neighborhook. Is in the irving area. I will post me email address here encase you want more info krmyers123@gmail.com
Melody Harcrow via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Just know that the fire and presure…is what creates a diamond. You are the sparkle in your heavenly father eye. And to many many of us you are brilliant.If I could I would give you the biggest tightest hug and kiss you on your 4head
Melody Harcrow via Facebook September 14, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Just know that the fire and presure…is what creates a diamond. You are the sparkle in your heavenly father eye. And to many many of us you are brilliant.If I could I would give you the biggest tightest hug and kiss you on your 4head
Kim September 14, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Thank you, Julia. It’s just what I needed right now. We’re going through a lot of “turmoil” at work with cutbacks and facing a second cut in pay, along with other additional expenses we’ll have to take on through health and retirement. It’s created such a negative energy and for some reason, I’ve been at peace about it. Not because I can afford it, but more because I’m curious to see God’s plan in the end. It’s so great to have this site that whether I’m trying to make my grocery list or needing a little guidance, I can always find it here, even if you don’t realize you’re providing it! Best wishes to you and your family!
Melody Harcrow via Facebook September 15, 2011 at 12:06 am
I just heard a song by Mandisa called Stronger. Girl it’s for you!!!!!!
Rachel September 15, 2011 at 11:32 am
I really needed to hear that today, thank you.
Kathy Myers September 15, 2011 at 12:26 pm
In the fire right along with you….it has been a crazy month. One step at a time and He will take you where you need to be
Becky September 15, 2011 at 5:33 pm
TFF Family~
I still have my job, but since I work for the schools, I was off for the summers.
I truly enjoy reading your posts of trial, tribulations and TRUST IN G*D! I found your site almost 2 years ago. At the time.. it was just a fun game to coupon. I started a small stockpile of essentials and just kept adding to it… Meanwhile, my husband kept asking if we REALLY NEEDED the stuff. I just kept smiling and said, ” I got a really good deal, I hardly paid anything!” Due to my enthusiasm, he stopped harassing me about the “stockpile”.
We were financially sound. My husband ran a business for 18 years and I have had a full time job ( THANK, YOU KNOW WHO!!) for the past 20 years. We WERE on top of the world!! Then all of a sudden,(for some reason?) things changed! My husband’s business slowly lost clients due to the economy This past June we had to close the business… tenants in our rental quit paying and a few other personal things happened
I could go on and on, but my point is, is that because of your site, my stockpile ( and G*D), we were still able to provide for our family, even with NO INCOME! Somehow, the money was there EVERY time we needed it! When we started our business someone once told me that if you chase money, money will ALWAYS be elusive, but if you do what you know is right, money will always be there! Reading these posts from other readers also reassures me that EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT FOR THE BEST!!
Thank you again for all of YOUR HELP with my family and OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOURS!!
Sherrie September 17, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Thank you for your little piece of inspiration today! We all need a little. God bless.