Where do we go from here?

As we look towards the future knowing Ron will never be able to return to his former career, our thoughts turn to "what now"? We know Ron's a long way from being able to work full time, but "where do we go from here?"

Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning; something that makes you feel you are a productive part of society and Ron feels he's been lacking that for quite a while. Now that we are past the "life and death" stage of our journey, he's had a difficult time imagining what the future holds.

We have been praying fervently that God would grant us wisdom as we seek His guidance for the next step in our journey. And as you have joined us in praying (not knowing specifically what the prayer was about), He has answered!

Recently, God really spoke to us through both Pastor Tommy's message, and the worship music. The message was on our spiritual temperature. While his sermon focused on anger, God used it to speak to us about self-focus; something that happens all too easily when you have been living in the midst of a very trying situation. Two songs seemed to be tailored just to our situation.

You can read the words and listen along but you must first copy and paste. For some reason I couldn't get it to link! RATS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCvyXzV5kAk

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSbJtqYow3Q

A great reminder that as we seek to hear God, He does speak AND He does have a plan, a purpose and a future for us; even when we can't see it. Something Ron really needed to hear.

After much prayer and consideration, Ron has decided to go back to school. We feel God is leading him towards something in the medical field. There are several options available in this field that will only require an associates degree. Right now, the one that looks most interesting to him is in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound). Having been on the "other" side of the medical spectrum has given him a unique outlook, along with great empathy and compassion, which we believe will be very helpful for his success. Obviously, he will have to take it slowly, the physical stamina issue is huge, coupled with the mental fatigue. However, a good portion of the classes he will need are available online and also through our local community college, located less than a mile from us.

As we spent many months in hospitals, rehab facilities and doctor's offices after Aaron's accident (8 years ago!), Ron commented often on how he wished he was able to do something in the medical field. Obviously, he could not quit his job and go back to school since we relied on both our incomes to survive!

It's incredible how God has provided this way for him now. No other time would he be able to draw an "income" while going to school; but now that he is receiving disability benefits, he can use his time and energy to concentrate on classes, while our financial needs are being met. Isn't God good???

The last couple of weeks have been filled with admissions, college entrance exam and yes, he even had to attend new student orientation! I won't lie, it's a very daunting endeavor. As you can imagine, our budget is already so tight it squeaks! But, we are choosing to trust and obey as we take this huge step of faith.

And God remains faithful!!! This morning, as we completed registration and held our breath as we clicked on that first tuition payment to be sent, Ron commented "I don't know how we're going to do this but I know God will take care of things!" This afternoon, we received a totally random, very sweet card in the mail. In response to a recent update, this couple was writing to encourage us to "hang in there". Enclosed was a check in the amount of what will basically take care of this semester's tuition and books! We've been keeping these thoughts pretty quiet as we've sought to know this was truly God's plan, so they had NO IDEA we were considering anything like this! AMAZING!!! Thank you so much (you know who your are!) for your generosity, but most of all for your willing obedience to His prompting to send that particular amount at this particular time!

We don't know how this is going to play out, but are choosing to trust Him as He faithfully reveals His plan each step of the way.

He isn't finished with us yet!!! We have a HOPE!
Christie

"As you go step by step, the way shall open up before you."
Proverbs 4:12 (Hebrew version)

"The Lord will guide you continually..." Isaiah 58:11 NLT

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV