Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Trials and blessings

So I recently wrote about how blessed I was to have such wonderful friends in my life. They really are the best. We pushed ourselves crazily hard, and managed to finish the order I had. The coats were delivered, and payment was received. I also had another order in the middle of all this, that had me pushing to dress 9 musicians. As I have been taking a break for a few days (my machine is in for servicing and my house desperately needed cleaning), I have found other struggles. I developed an abscess tooth over the weekend. I was nearly in tears as I wondered how I could possibly pay for this when I received word that the money for the musician coats came in. John's business has been slowing greatly, and I have found that I am being blessed with the ability to earn enough to make up the difference. It looks like we are in for a bit of a roller coaster as John transitions from being self employed, to working for someone else. The Lord is opening doors and providing a way to take care of ourselves as we make the transition. Now I have to keep myself organized, and keep moving forward on the orders still waiting for me.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sooo Blessed

This week has really been an interesting one for me. I have been under a crazy schedule lately. I make a point of meeting my sewing commitment, sometimes to my detriment. There have been a few late nights sewing the last of a lining, and several buttons. I am a procrastinator, so last minute has somewhat been my thing. I have worked really hard with these last few contracts, to change that habit. As I was sewing this week, I realized I was ahead of schedule. I was so pleased with myself, that I let a bit of pride creep in. I imagined how impressed people would be when I delivered more coats than were expected. The thought in my head was, "Just call me a sewing Goddess!" The next moment I was hit with a very quiet, humble thought,"No, I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me. He loves me so much he gave me the talent and ability to complete an insane amount of work, in a very short amount of time." I was able to enjoy that thought and the feelings it brought me, for a couple of days. I felt great peace and joy. I was overcoming my procrastinator tendencies, and felt I was progressing in that aspect of my life.

Last night brought total chaos into my world. I had sub-contracted half of a job to another lady. I do not really know the pattern, and I really did not have time to do it all. In checking in with her, it was revealed that she would be unable to complete her portion. The reasons as to why, and the fact that it is not even started are beside the point. I am on the hook for this order. Panic set in for a brief period, because I went from having 5 coats to 10 coats still needing to be started (with a delivery date 2 weeks away). That is on top of 14 I am trying to finish for next weekend.
It occurred to me that I needed to turn to my dearest friends for help. I have been blessed with two amazing ladies in my life. When I called the first, she calmed me down, and assured me that I am not alone. Both ladies have committed to helping me meet this obligation, and are actually starting the first part of the order, while I finish one of the other orders. Both of these ladies are my counselors in relief Society. I feel so blessed to have such dear and special friends, who are there to help me.

I gained a further testimony of the love my Heavenly Father has for me, and the influence he has in my life. As I grew in this testimony, the adversary threw a trial in my path. I was blessed yet again, to be made aware that the Lord has placed people in our lives to help us through those trials. I know He loves me, and is mindful of me as an individual.