Almost didn't put this on here because it seems trivial to some of the other prayer requests! Found out today that Friday is my last day at my current employer.
Good news is I am being let go before May 31st. Why is that good news, because in order to qualify for the reduced Cobra Healthcare Payments you have to be let go by May 31st. Otherwise my healthcare payments would have been about $1000 a month. With Garrett's next heart surgery this Fall, it is nice to know I will be able to afford to keep Cobra until then if I have to. Payments should be around $350 instead of $1000. Our Good Lord took care of us there, because if it had happened in June we could have been in trouble!
My dream would be to some how, some way be able to do my Wild Fire Artistry stuff full time. But I don't charge enough for each piece and can't do them fast enough. If this is the Lord's plan, then it will be a miracle because I can't see how it could possibly happen!
So, I will be looking for another job, praying we will be able to keep paying the bills until a new job works out.
Please pray that I will know the path He wants me on when I see it (no matter how impossible it seems to me) and that I will stay on it! That He will give us the peace we can only know with Him. That we will keep the faith that we will be fine and our needs taken care of.
Chip,I will say a prayer for you and your family, not only today but everyday. Flint
Whoa... seems you've been reading in Paul's writings or James. :)
Give thanks in the midst of turmoil for praise builds character and charcter endurance and endurance hope and hope keeps us focused on jesus.
(paraphrased of course) :)
After the past years--- reading anyone in job search mode, rips it for me.
My prayers are for your situation to be illuminated by the Holy Spirit so that you know His will in all things and He will guide you, keep you and make His face to shine on you.
On a pragmatic note: Funny thing happens to p-time artists of your talent...they soon learn they can't live on what they charge so they find other work...then they're too busy to do what other's still want, so in self defense, they either quit, or....
...or...they start to charge what is a reasonable hourly rate for quality work and figure NOBODY will bother them cause it's too expensive--- only to find out late that such talent will always draw those who know and love art in its truest form. And they will pay!
Your art is truly a niche art... when folks can pay $10,000 to go on special goat, sheep or african hunts, there will always be those who will also want something so very special done in yoru medium and with your God-given talent--and can and will pay what it's worth.
Prayers for discernment, strength and surrender
Prayers sent for you and your job sutuation...that God would guide you in the path He has set before you.
Amen and praying for God's wisdom and peace
Prayers sent. Chip, this is not trivial. If it's important to you, then it's important to me. I know it's important to god.
Thanks everybody! By the way, had a blessing a couple of weeks ago! Had the pleasure of baptizing my 9 year old daughter. The allergens in the air must have been really bad cuz this fella had a hard time getting the words out without his eyes leaking.
Doc, as always, you have a way with words! You should work for Hallmark!
Kill shot, I know it is not trivial. It is extremely important for my family! Guess there are a couple reasons I said what I did. One, there are folks on here with life or death situations that need prayers more critically! Second, I do feel He is in control. My concern is that this idiot, ME, will somehow miss the opportunity he is leading me to.
:knothead:
I heard you on the fear that "some idiot, ME, will miss the opporutunity..." Yup. You reading my mind, Hoss!? Been there, fear I still do that with freightening regularity.
Keep the Son in your eyes...
You and your family are in my prayers. Keep your faith and our Lord will provide for all your needs.
In HIS service
Dave
Have you and yours in our prayers....
Have found out that when God wanted me someplace or somewhere, it did not matter if I missed it or not. He just used a bigger 2x4 to get me squared up.
We have found through our prayers that it is real hard not to know what God wants us to do....
Keep in mind He takes care of things when they need to be taken care of...
Later.....Buzz
Chip my wife and I won't do anything we are not in agreement on. We pray that if something is God's will that he give us the same mind on things. It amazes me when I'm not sure of something and am not sure if I should even bring it up to my wife, she will bring up the same thing just when I'm ready to talk about it. God is GOOD!
Amazing stuff right there, Benson.
Chip, Keep the Son in your eyes. Be thinking of you and saying a few extra prayers for you today.
Chip, we're praying for you
Have to agree with Buzz; God's Will does ALWAYS happen, regardless of how hard I try to get in the way. In my case, the secret to some sort of happiness is to put my self in line with what's happening.
And God's Will normally turns out about 10 times better than what I would have scripted...it just sometimes takes me a while to realize...
Take Care
Kevin
Kevin,
Thanks for the prayers! I know His will is gonna happen, my concern is what you said about getting myself in line with His plan. I have been in the situation where I was not in line with His will and it ain't pretty! Don't know how many times He knocked me off my feet trying to get my attention and get me back on His path.
Alot is at stake here. Providing for my family and paying the bills are at the top of the list! So, as I have said before, I just hope this idiot can see the correct path and have the gumption to take it. Even if I don't understand the way He is leading me, if I know it is His path I will take blindly if need be.
Please keep praying! I am looking at putting together a line of products that I can sell as an independent rep. Applied for unemployment, but don't know if I will qualify. Got about two months of bill paying money before I will have to start pulling out of my 401k/IRA.
Chip
Chip,
I have a good feeling about this for you. That, and a quarter will get you a cup of coffe in a cheap resturant, I know, but it's there.
I've been down that road you're on now far too often & have had to give up much that meant a lot to me or thought it did...and it did leave a few marks! I'm still learning that He's not done with me and as you fear, I too am a bit too much of my birth sign Aires and ram into instead of calmly walk around challenges.
My prayer won't be for a job, for He has that handled, but for you to find discernment, insight, peace and perseverance when all seems to be telling you you're all wrong. Prayers for the Holy Spirit to grab the reins and keep you on His path.
I ask the same in return.
You got it, Doc!
Chip, as someone who has struggled with Gods will for me and my family, and yes someone who has fought his will , I have learned that He is patient, and waits on me, even when I am stupid and headed in the totally wrong direction....if you seek His will, all will work out for good.....prayers will continue.......
First I would like to echo some of the things others have told you. God is not caught off guard at any time in our lives. I have been to your web site (I think it was yours) and have seen your work. I am impressed with the detail you put into each work you do. Having to put a value on this type of work would be a hard thing because they are all "Masterpieces" in their own right. Second I would like to tell you that if you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior He has a plan for your life and that it is in full motion at the time you are reading this. There are a whole host of scriptures in the bible that tells us that "he will never leave us not forsake us". Psalms tell us that "He walks closed then a brother". The gospels tell us "Be faithful over a few things and that He would make us rulers over many things". We tend to draw closer to God when we are in need in some area of our life that we can't fix ourselves. It is human nature to do so. Just look back at the Old Testament and the way they would call upon God when in trouble and turn away when things are good. We are that same people today even more so. God has closed a door in your life with your job so now you have to look for the door he has opened for you now. Listen to your heart and walk toward what it is telling you to do. If it is wrong that too will be revealed to you as well. I was in need of a change in my work situation one time and the Lord kept telling me to quit. I could not quit my job because I had a family and bills and, and, and, so forth and so on. I prayed for almost a whole year before I got up one night because I could not sleep. I called my wife and told her that I was going to quit my job and that I wanted her to request prayer for me that night at prayer meeting (Wednesday night) at our church. I went in and turned in my resignation effective that Friday. God got me another job by Friday morning within the company with a promotion. One whole year battling something that was fixed in two days. What a waste of time. He is ready to do the same for you. You do what you have to do and if it is your art work, then there will be enough money for you to take care of your family. If not then He will give you something else to do. Either way all He asks is that we honor Him in all things. Sorry for this long post. I will be praying for you and for the walk you are on right now. I will pray for the one who needs the heart surgery as well that God will heal it so you won't have that to deal with this fall. Psalms 139:1) O Lord you have searched me and know me. 2) You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thoughts afar off. 3) You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4) For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold O Lord you know it altogether. 5) You have hedged me behind and before and laid your hand upon me. 6) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain it. God bless you and yours..........Dusty
The best to you and your's, Chip, and may the good Lord help you in your job search as well as the little one's operation and future health.
Thanks, T Lail, Dusty, and Bernie!
Dusty,
Thanks for the time you took to make that post! I do understand and believe our Lord is going to take care of us! Maybe my previous posts are not written well. I have complete faith that the Lord is watching over us and will provide. I guess I worry about me, not Him! My concern is that I could unwittingly go down the wrong path and cause my family more hardships while the Lord corrects my direction!
Also, my son will need the heart surgery barring a huge miracle that would involve a new heart. He was born with only half a heart. This third surgery is the last in a series to give him the best chance at life with only half a heart! After this surgery, he should be good to go for as long as that half a heart can hold up. Many of the kids who have been through these procedures and are reaching their late teens are needing transplants around age 20. Who knows what will be available in medicine by he reaches 20. It is already a great miracle that he is even still here!
Thanks for all your prayers!!!!!
I will take a wild shot in the dark, Chip, and say I read that all understand and many of us who replied struggle with the same battle you do...fearing you miss God's will for our/your own willfulness.
What I read and feel myself, is that when God wants us, He will find us and use all at his infinite disposal to put us on the right path, because He knows our heart better'n we do.
I so want to do His will, as you, but get all tangled up in daily survival and the idiotic German culture I grew up in that promoted the un-biblical "The most likely place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm!", or the other great lie, "God helps him who helps himself".
Took 59 years to realize that was all bull! Taking more years to un-learn those tough ideas and truly try to surrender. Not there by a long shot, but I keep praying that soon, He will help me see my destiny and give me strength to step out into the raging waters without fear or thought.
God will provide. Yes! But he offers even more bounty than we can imagine, but the surrender and willingness to endure some suffering, doubt, etc. is such a challenge, that I often loose hope and feel I must have made the wrong choices when things go sour.
I think that is what fear you shared. Fear is it's own task-master!
The EZ part of all of this Christian walk is the talk of it. Walking it is another thing all together. I don't want you to think I have it all together because I don't. I FEAR because I fear what it is I have to go thru when I start seeking to know My Father more. I don't to have to go thru anything that I can't control. I'll walk the trail I want to as long as it don't cost me more then I want to pay.
I will continue to pray for your job and your son and expect that God will provide your son a heart and you a job to take care of them. If I come off like I know how you should act and how you should feel, I missed with what I was trying to do. My friend and brother I will lift you up and will ask our Father for that job and heart. I will pray for the rest of your family as well to that God will carry you thru this time in your lives. God bless you and yours.........Dusty What is your Son's name? I want to put ya'll in my prayer book. Matthew 6:33
Admiring your gumption to just strike out and believe doesn't mean anyone should ever doubt that you struggle, Dusty.
We all do. Some just have the "surrender" part better in hand and some of us might have it more than we realize, but we agonize way too much and think too much and then we defeat ourselves. At least that is the pattern in my life I try to break. :)
Peace Brother.
Chip, prayers sent for you and your family.
Well got my last commission check from the old company today. Not enough to cover the mortgage but it helps. We are not desperate yet, but I went ahead and pulled some retirement money out. Hate to do it, especially with the penalties and all, but without it we will be out of money within a month.
Have several things working but none that will bring any $ in anytime soon. Praying that he leads me to pursue the right one and that I don't talk myself into the wrong one!
Also, Garrett had his 6 month echo and check up this week. He will have a catheter procedure sometime in the next few weeks, then his surgery soon thereafter. If you run short on prayer time, pray for Garrett's health before my job!
Chip,
Those easy procedures like a cath, they tend to worry us the most...
Prayers always up for the munchkin... he's such a treat!
Prayers go bundled, bud....you and Garret. Tis a package deal...our hearts to God's ears!
All,
I have added ya'll into my prayer book for your needs. While they are different they are the same as well. I have added Dave and his wife as well as Adler, Dr. Ed, Doc and Pop, Benha, Stringstrecher just to name a few. I have lifted up just about everyone who has posted here for the last year. I have been lifted up as well by all of you on a couple of different occasions. I know that that God don't need any of us lifting ya'll up to work in your life or the things that are happening. I have found out over the years that when we take time to pray for others we become less focused on our own problems. Just the act of lifting up others makes us more aware of the presents of our Heavenly Father working in our lives. So when I say thank you for asking me to life you up it is because it never fails to produce a blessing in my own life it seems. It causes me to be focused on others so that He can refocus me and my life. That's the way our Father works to bless everyone. If you want to be blessed then bless others by praying for them and their needs. Still praying for you all. Sorry for the long post but the Lord put this on my mind to share here with you all. God bless you and yours........Dusty
Dave,
I haven't forgotten you nor Garrett in all of this. You both are in my book as well. I'm really thankful that you are in the book that counts most of all..... God bless you and yours today on the Lord's day. I hope and will be praying that the phone will be ringing first thing in the morning with a job offer.
Well, it is looking more and more like I will be taking the independent rep route. Basically, while I have been looking for employment opportunities, I have also been looking for companies I can contract with to sell there products as an manufacturer's/Independent Rep.
While I have only had two calls from recruiters about job opportunities. One was to sell dental implants, like with the company I just left, problem is I have a 12 month non-compete agreement. Second call was for an opportunity in veterinary sales, but they never called me back for an interview.
On the other hand, I have contracted now with 2 companies to sell their dental products and am meeting with another today. There are also two other companies trying to get me to sell their products. My plan was to get two or three lines so that I would have 10-12 products to sell. Starting to get concerned that I will have to many products.
I like the idea that I will basically be self-employed, but that means no healthcare benefits, no expense account, and straight commission. We are covered for healthcare for about 14 more months with Cobra, but not sure what will happen after that.
So far, this is the door the Lord has opened for me. On the positive side, I feel like atleast one of the companies I will be working with is a great opportunity for an independent rep.
Chip
Congrats, Chip. That sounds like an interesting avenue to pursue...and you likely know the ropes enough to be able do well.
It takes a special confidence to go independent and pay all your things yourself, but there "used" to be some benefits like deductions for many things normally not in the mix.
Keep the Son in your eyes...
Great news Chip, I am still praying for you and little Garrett. You keep looking and you will find what you are looking for. God bless you and your family and I will continue to lift ya'll up.
Couple updates...
Garrett has his heart catheter procedure on July 6th (Tues). This is done to map everything out for the surgery.
Also, as I have probably mentioned before, I have found a few companies where I can sell their products as an independent rep. But to further confuse things, in the last week I have received calls about two different positions with companies that I might get to interview for. Please pray that the Lord will help me to know which way to go if an opportunity is given to me by one of these companies!
Thanks,
Chip
Chip,
Having been there so often, where you are, might I suggest that there are few "perfect" decisions we as mortals can make. The good news is that we can always "re-decide" and learn from whatever choice we make.
Relax. Be confident in Christ's presence through the Counselor so that you will be open to that still, small voice. That has and is my nemisis...being still inside enough to hear.
My prayer for you will be as for myself...that the Lord speak in creshendos that skip the fleece and go with a brick so we do not mistake His will. Regardless, in today's world...there will likely not be a "next best job" but a series of things that unfold over time.
Go in peace and knock em all dead!
Keep the Son in your eyes!
The Lord provided or the Jews in the desert for 40 years with water & food (Manna). These trevails must first come before our Messiah appears. So is it written. His instructions are clear to "fear not". He will provide.
Lord please bless our friend Chip & his family. Provide for them in their time of need such that they may know & appreciate your kind love and attention. Amen.
Just thought I would give a little update and ask for more prayers.
Still trying to get things going as an Independent Sales Rep. The Lord has provided me with a plethora of products to sell. Haven't sold any yet though.
Did have an opportunity come up and that is where I would ask for more prayers. Today I spoke with the VP of Sales and marketing about a sales manager opportunity. We didn't get to talk long because he had a meeting, but he is supposed to call me back about 9am central tomorrow. Please pray that it will work out if it is the Lord's will! Guess I should add that I have always wanted to get into management and this would be in an area of the healthcare industry that I really enjoyed also.
Thanks!
chip i missed out on your prayer request until this morning, brother i do lift you up in prayer. your request isn't funny, but i couldn't help but chuckle. i was reminded of the times i was in your shoes, wanting GOD to speak to me, in my flesh i doughted if i had made the wrong choice, he hadn't moved when "I" thought he should. he always moved in the right time. i would sit and shake head my and tell him i'm sorry for doughting him and being impatient. he always, always, comes through. brother your not alone, we've all done it. in our flesh we're all in the same boat,(or box). he's not. (be still and know that i'm GOD.) i also chuckled at your comment. one of my many goofy sayings is, GOD takes care of fools and idiots so he's got me covered. i've got a bad habit of calling myself stupid when i do something wrong, my wife scolds me and says i call GOD a liar when i say that. well brother we know we're not stupid, only human. if we had all the answers today, our faith would not continue to grow, and we wouldn't feel like we need GOD. your gonna be ok chip.the greatest blessing is yet to come. just have faith, and you to will look back and chuckle to. we love you brother. :pray: :biglaugh:
Chip,
Continued prayers as you struggle for direction and discernment amidst the host of choices laid out before you. Remember, we might not always 'hear' his still, small voice, but we can always choose to 're-decide' when we learn His will was different than our choice.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Amen praying for God's favor
Thanks for the prayers and encouragement!
Talked to the chairman/majority owner of the company this morning. Then this afternoon the Director of HR called me. She had some questions and answered some of mine also.
I don't count my chickens before they hatch, but she basically said the VP of Sales and Marketing would be calling me with an offer tomorrow.
Everything involved with this has been so easy that I have to believe it is what the Lord has been planning for me. I am trying not to get my hopes up to much until the VP calls tomorrow.
The Lord has kept me busy with the Independent Rep stuff. I actually made my first sale to a dentist today also. I would have liked to have given the independent rep thing more of a chance, but timing is everything. And the added security of a base salary, expenses paid, and healthcare benefits for my family is huge! Especially the benefits with Garrett's condition.
Please keep praying and hopefully I will be asking for prayers of praise in the near future!
Praying for a great day and new beginning
Y'know how I feel, Chip. You and yours are never more'n a quick thought from my heart!
Peace and strength. If it be His will, may it come to pass. I had a few of those "this had to be His will" things in the past 2 years that blew up and let me sitting in the middle of the road wondering what just happened...
...I may never know until I stand before Christ and am made perfect with Him. It's taken 2 years, but I can see that things for my Dad would have been far more difficult (and for me) were I still not local.
Good thing God's omniscient and cares enough to sometimes say "No" or "Not now, after all"
Stay strong and keep the faith...
Praying for this to "be the one"
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Amen to what Doc said. Ya'll are always on my mind and heart. I continue to lift you up almosty daily. I will be praying that the Lord will indeed give you this job and I pray it is all you are wanting. Still praying and expecting great thing for your life and for your family......Dusty
Doc,
One of the reasons I have tried my best not to assume it is a done deal is because I remember reading about your trials and tribulations!
I feel more sure about it today. The VP did call and offer me the job yesterday and I accepted! I still didn't consider it a done deal until the HR lady tells me so.
I exchanged several emails with her today filling out forms and stuff. The only thing remaining is the background check. She ordered it late Thursday and she said it usually takes 48 hours. After exchanging info with her today, i do feel like it is a done deal. I can't imagine that there will be anything in the background check that would be negative.
This has all just been so easy, I keep wondering what the catch is going to be!
Basically, A guy contacted me on LinkedIn to connect. Didn't know him so I checked out his profile and the company he worked for. Accepted his request to connect and sent him an email with my resume asking if his company had any opportunities that could be based out of Kansas City.
He emailed back that he would call me. He never called, but a week later I get an email from the VP asking when he could call me. We talked for maybe an hour total during two phone calls on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Wednesday morning the Chairman/Majority Owner calls, then Wednesday afternoon the HR Director calls. Thursday morning the VP calls back with the job offer.
It seems to easy. It blows my mind that they didn't require a face-to-face meeting before offering the job. Makes me wonder if they were desperate to get someone hired, if they had been turned down by other candidates.
It is a company that just went through a reorganization under chapter 11. But that was over a year ago and I don't believe the chairman/majority owner would have purchased 75% of the company's outstanding shares a year ago if he didn't see a real positive future for the company.
As I may have stated before it is an opportunity that is more than I would have hoped for! My favorite industry, veterinary, and a chance to get into sales management. Compensation is as good or better than my previous job. etc...etc...
I will rest a little easier when I do hear it is all official!
Sorry to put a blanket on your own anticipation, brother. Don't let me or my experience rain on yoru parade. What happened to me nobody could believe coming from the company... nobody IN the company ever heard of them pulling out but the pre-Obama jitters has turned many companies inside out.
Congratulations! Why shouldn't it be easy? In today's world, there is pretty much instant access to all information. Actually meeting a person is old school I guess and most interviewers suck at doing it so maybe they feel they found a better way?
Don't fight progress. :)
Again, Congratulations! Don't second Guess God's hand of fortune laid out for you.
Go forth and spread Good News!
Thanks, Doc! I will celebrate when I hear all is official! LOL!
prayer sent. i know what your up against. i'm there myself. fight a good fight.
Thanks, Kill Shot!
Don't know your exact situation, but hang in there! The Lord will provide something better than you would have hoped for. Just be patient and find something to keep you busy until it happens! The position he has given me, is exactly that! I never would have hoped for a Regional Sales Manager position and whether a manager or rep position I had pretty much given up hope of finding something that paid well enough in the veterinary market!
Funny...I see the words I typed above and think about how it is very easy to say be patient, but much more difficult to do! But His ways are different than ours and He has perfect timing.
Above all, keep submitting to job opportunities and do all the networking you can! I spent the last three months submitting resumes, etc. and had received 3 calls from recruiters. One was for a job in dental, recruiter called back a few days later to tell me the company had decided not to hire another rep but to break up the territory and divide it among existing reps. Another call was for a veterinary sales position, recruiter never called me back! Third was for a dental position that involved selling the same types of products I had been selling, which I couldn't do because of a non-compete clause in my separation package.
I had received zero call backs from resumes submitted to job postings. Then about 2 weeks ago I connected with this guy on linkedin. Sent him a message asking if he had any job opportunities. He said he was going to call me, but never did. But then a week ago the VP of Sales & Marketing from his company calls me and a few days later I have a job!
Ya never know when or where the opportunity is going to come from! I was told that one of the best ways to find a job these days is through contacts on LinkedIn. Didn't really believe it, but it worked for me!
Praises that you have been blessed in this way and rewarded for your faith.
May His blessings continue to be laid up for you and your family.
Well, I got an email that they are sending me a laptop and talked to the VP today. We are still on for dinner tomorrow night and the conference all weekend, so I assume they didn't decide to nullify their offer after they got my background check.
Praise the Lord for bringing me this opportunity! Looking back over the last few months I believe he had me putting together lines to sell as an independent rep in order to get me some experience in that area. He knew he was going to bring this opportunity where I will be managing independent reps.
I don't think I necessarily chose the right path. He just kinda said here it is and a few phone calls later I have a job. He made it so easy because I had no other opportunities that might have kept me from still being available when this one happened. Also, no stressful face-to-face interviews with weeks of waiting in between interviews.
Lord,
Thank you for the opportunity you have given me with this new job! You knew all along that this was coming and that it would be more than I would have hoped for. Also, thank you for making it so easy for me to stay on your path by making it so clear which choice to make! Lord, there are other people, some who have posted on this board that are currently unemployed or having to make difficult decisions that will have big impacts on their future. Lord, please help them to see the right choice, the choice that keeps them in line with your will for them!
In Jesus name,
Amen
Congrats on things moving forward in His Will.
And thank you for all the prayers for the rest of us still waiting on His direction and strugglin with hearing His "still quiet voice."
Good stuff Chip! Congrats!