Monthly Archives: November 2009
Family History Friday (FHF): A Tender Heart
My maternal grandpa was the kind of person who was so tender on the inside that to protect himself, he sometimes came across crusty on the outside. As a young child growing up in Park City, he was always trying to find a way to earn money. I honestly believe, he wanted to make a contribution to his family income. I’m not sure whether he was required or not, but I believe he would want to help either way. Times were tough, and most people struggled then. Around Christmas time, it would not be unusual for him to go out into the woods and chop down a tree for the family. One year, instead of chopping down one tree, he chopped down several. One of them was for the family tree, a couple he would sell and earn a little extra money. The sweet part, and my favorite part of the story, was that he took a couple of them to the widows in town at no charge, so their little families could have a Christmas tree, too. What a tender heart! He spent a lot of time all through his life giving to those who were in need. I’m sure if others knew of his gift and they made a big fuss, it was embarrassing to him.
A Story of Thanksgiving
Susanna White was pregnant with her second child when she boarded the Mayflower and left for the new land. Her son Resolved was just 5 years old. She came with her husband William, hoping for religious freedom. They left England on September 9th, 1620 and arrived on November 11th, 1620. After two months on the ocean they anchored off the tip of Cape Cod and Susanna had her baby there. He was named Peregrine, which means wanderer. They then came across the bay to what would be known as Plimouth (Plymouth), Massachusetts. That first winter was very difficult and William died, leaving Susanna a widow with two small children.
Thank the Lord for the ride!
Reasons I am Thankful!
Family History Friday: Where did they come from?
My second great grandfather was born in Norway. He came to America in the 1800’s looking for a better life. Sometime after he arrived, he decided to change his name from Andreas Ostrud to Andrew Hanson. It was common for people who came to America to “Americanize” their name. If we didn’t know the story about him changing his name, we might not know where he came from or where to start looking for more family. The information and stories that are passed down from one generation to another, is one way that helps us know where to research next. Andrew came from a farm in Norway, named Ostrud. His father’s name was Hans.
Miracles
I’ve always believed in miracles. I know they happen, every second of every day, some where on the planet. We just need to have eyes to see them. Some people would call them a coincidence.
I experienced a miracle. I would like to share it with you. I have always tried to be a good person, doing what I believe is what God would have me do with my life. I really needed a great job, one that could bless my life and help me to supplement our income and pay for much needed family expenditures (ie. a new roof for our house, etc). I recently landed what I thought was this job. I started this job, after leaving a job I really loved that did not have benefits and paid less. The new job was a full time job, insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays and working for an amazing company. Well, not so fast. Two months after I started this job, they had to cut my hours. From full time to two days a week, no benefits. Ouch! I was so sad, and I kept thinking, “what am I supposed to learn from this experience?” I know Heavenly Father is aware of me and loves me and I know He wants to bless me. I decided to just hang in there, go with the flow. I worked a little longer until I decided it was not beneficial for me to be at that job anymore. I had prayed and prayed to know what Father would want me to do.
I was sent home early from work on Wednesday, it was just too slow, and they didn’t have enough work for me. I left my job and went straight to work trying to find a new job. I really felt like it was the right thing to do.
I just kept listening to my heart.
I looked Wednesday and Thursday for jobs, anything really, mostly online and on the phone. I chose to be proactive and knew that God could not bless me unless I was active myself. I really believe that. “Pray like it depends on God, work like it depends on you.” So I decided I would get up on Friday and get ready for work, you know, dress in my work clothes and look professional. I also started calling all my friends and family. Literally just going down the phonebook in my cell phone.
I called one friend who told me about her friend who was an office manager, and told me she didn’t know if they were hiring. I asked her to give me her name and said I’ll just go over there right now (literally) and ask her. What do I have to lose? So I drove straight over to where her friend works. I met her and told her I was looking for a job. She asked about my experience and what I was looking for. I felt like it would be a great job for me. She then informed me that she actually was hiring and that she had a group interview scheduled that afternoon with seven applicants. She was so nice, and I really felt very comfortable with her. She invited others in the office, that I would be working with, in to meet me. They loved me! I honestly could tell, they loved me. I told her as the impromptu interview wrapped up, that I would keep my phone close, so I wouldn’t miss her call. I left feeling very calm and peaceful. I knew that if I got the job, it would be because the job was mine, that I was meant to be there. Later that afternoon the office manager called and said she cancelled the group interview, because she found the girl for the job. It was ME!!!! Later, when I called the friend back who told me about the office manager, she said that her name just popped into her mind and that she hadn’t even thought about this person for a while. When the office manager called my friend to ask about me, she told my friend that she could feel, that I was supposed to work there.
Now, I know some people would say that feelings and faith and such shouldn’t be in the work place. I really don’t make a move in my life without thinking about the big picture, how will this choice effect my life, is this what God wants for me and what He thinks is best?And so far, thinking this way hasn’t lead me astray. Even getting that awesome job in the first place was meant to be. God wanted me to learn something there. And I did. Besides this job wasn’t available back then. I start on Monday and I will do great and love it. Thanks for reading. I love Father in Heaven and know he blesses all of us with miracles. This was a biggy!
Family History Friday (FHF): John Sayer
Thank you, Veterans!!
I always wondered about that word.
An ebenezer is a stone, but can also be a pile of stones on the ground.