Finding Direction from God

When Chris got laid off of his job of 10+ years we were devastated and scared, we were not sure what we were going to do, we were in shock for several days, but we held onto the Lord. If have learned anything through our circumstances and heartache that we have already endured in our dating and marriage, we learned that God will never leave us, he will NEVER forsake us. And we have learned that he DOES always have a plan.


I must admitt that I cried often and felt helpless in many moments. Over the next couple of weeks after he was laidoff, Chris remained this calm and strong man...it was amazing. I saw a man who despite his circumstances stood strong, and leaned on the Lord and grew in his faith. He did not turn the other direction, slip into depression, or give up, he ROSE UP! He did not let this defeat him, he prayed faithfully, several times a day, read the bible-several times a day...I quickly discovered that I was falling MORE IN LOVE with him.

We talked about a dream to become a fire-fighter, and how being laid off would perhaps allow time and a way to attend the school (EMT Basic). He would recieve a severance pay up until March 31 (the school would be 3 months and end in May --I think). He could apply for Unemployment after March and most definitely receive it. He could find a part time job maybe, and then attend Fire Academy. He also said that he would like to attend school all the way up to Paramedic.

Now, I will be honest and tell you that I was so scared when I began seriously thinking about my husband as a fire fighter, but he always reminded me that God is ALWAYS in control. I had to pray faithfully that I would be the kind of Wife that God has called me to be. I prayed to be a wife who encourages, supports and loves her husband. I prayed that God would change my heart and help me to fully trust his will for Chris life. I prayed, just as Chris did, for God's will, for God's direction. I began to change, and realize that I must fully trust and now I am doing much better, and am VERY EXCITED for him. I am VERY PROUD of him. VERY PROUD.

Chris kept telling me that yes, he really wanted to be a fire fighter or a paramedic and that he just always desired to do something that really meant something, and he always felt like he wanted to save people, to make a difference in peoples lives. This was always a perfect way to spread God's love. More than anything though, he said that even though HE WANTED this, he wanted to be in GOD'S WILL more than ANYTHING. He said over and over that he wanted to do whatever God has called him to do, and if this wasn't it, that he would be ok, yes maybe a little disapointed at first, but he would faithfully go wherever God tells him to go. I was amazed at his faithfullness to be in God's will, again, I was and am...SO PROUD of him. I love him so much.

He researched several different schools and doors were closed a few that we'd hope would work. First, the college that would be closest and offer financial aid, the class starting right away was already full and had 40+ on a waiting list. Second was the class offered by Cintas, which we were very excited about because it would only take a month and 1/2 to complete! We soon discovered though that this would not work becuase the class started on the 25th (which is today actually) and the reason it would not work is because we were not sure when Baby Tristan would be born, and taking a chance of starting a class on the 25th would be very risky. Then of course we knew it wouldn't work, because we soon found out that I would be induced on the 27th, and that there was just NO WAY it would work. The last option was Cypress Creek, and this class would last about 3 months and begin on Feb 9th. Although it sucks that it starts on our aniversary, it was our only option.

The next step was to wait upon the Lord to see if this door would be open come registration day. We were not sure if the baby would come before and we'd be in the hospital. We were both a little excited and little scared, but kept praying, we prayed constantly for direction and for his will.

Last night, we laid in bed and talked about the baby coming, the class, registration and God's will. We both prayed again and tried to sleep. I do not think either of us got that much sleep, maybe we were both just excited and little nervous about whether he would get into the class, or if the baby would come early. We both knew that if the baby came, this would mean that God had another plan for Chris.

Chris had been told by a friend (Steven Kasper) that the class fills up very fast and there were only a certain # allowed in the class. Also, the instructor had suggested that Chris get there early, and hopefully he would get in. So....we decided that he better be extra careful and get there very early. Registration opened at 8 AM, he got up at 4:30 and made it to the parking lot at 5:20.

I did not sleep very well at all after he left. I was much to excited and nervous for him. I prayed again this morning. Around 8:30 AM I got out of bed and took a bath, hoping to hear from him soon. At around 9 AM the phone rang, it was him! I answered, really hoping to hear a voice that sounded happy...and I DID!!! He told me that he'd made it in the class! I was so excited, I couldn't even hold the tears back. I felt such peace from God! I was so happy for him, I was SO proud of him. I was so happy because I know for the first time he would be doing something that he really wanted to be doing. We talked about 30 mins all about the morning. When he made it home, he was tired, hungry, but very happy, he had a huge smile on his face. I hugged him and kissed his beautiful face and felt so happy. Happy that God lead us, happy that he was happy and excited. He placed his hand on my tummy and told me that he was really excited about the baby coming, I smiled, oh, I LOVE THIS MAN SO MUCH!!!! I am SO BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH TO AMAZING HUSBAND!!!!