Well here it is, 2008 is almost over and those of us who have weathered the rocky storm are starting to see some signs of market improvement!  I've had a couple of buyers who were stressed over the economy and their future employment and wouldn't make commitments, but, finally, one broke the barrier and is writing a contract this week.  Thank my awesome God for answered prayer! 

I have always put my business in His hands and it felt like this past year more than ever, He was just wringing His hands as I was and watching my multi-million dollar producing business fall to a staggering.......well let's just say. a whole lot less!  I prayed and prayed for my business and it just kept getting worse and worse.  I just couldn't understand how my God would abandon me after all these years!

Stupid me, He hadn't abandoned me, He was answering prayer around the world and I was part of His master plan.  The whole entire state of the economy was falling apart and millions of people were being affected and I could only think of myself and my family. 

My son came home last week to tell me that a fellow band member's family had lost their home and everything in it to a fire.  Mom, Dad and three children with a lifetime of savings, memories and belongings all gone in 25 minutes. 

As I look around my 4000 sq. foot home filled to the rim with the latest and greatest, newest and prettiest "stuff", I suddenly felt ashamed.  Ashamed that I had so much and while I was willowing away in stress over my business downturn, I knew it could and can get worse.  I survived cancer twice right........and now I say, Thank you Lord, for teaching me humility.  For teaching me patience.  For teaching me that you are in control.

While we may not always know His reasons or see His plan, I hold steadfast to the firm belief that He is in control and knows what's best when we don't.  If we had all the answers there would be no need to pray or want to go to Heaven now would we?