I don’t talk much about my finances, but today I am going to speak about them. When our Dad died we were left some money. No one was rich but there was enough for dreaming.
I had big plans. Stupid and silly dreams. Ones that usually flutter around in our mind but end up leaving as quickly as they entered. I was going to buy me a different car. I thought about taking a vacation. I did do that part.
I invited my daughter to spend a few days in Gatlinburg Tn. I think she had as good of time as I did. We shopped and visited places. We got on roads that seemed to take us no where. We visited Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
http://www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg/your-visit/believe-it-or-not-odditorium/
We had a couple of shocks on our trip. One was the motel I booked, but we remedied that immediately. No one is going to put two ladies near the back entrance by the trash dumpsters. Nope, not going to happen.
We also visited roads that you literally had to back down the same way you drove up. We bought trinkets and ate junk food, although we added a couple of healthier meals in there, I think.
Other than that trip I didn’t do too much with the money. I do believe that God has a path carved for me and everything I do is for his purpose. I can look back now and see the exact carving that he has done.
When Al had his heart attack after Dad died, little did I know that I would use my inheritance to live on while I cared for my brother. It was all in perfect timing. I am not upset about this at all. I have enjoyed my life for the most part. I have been able to let Al experience life in a brand new way.
The money has carried me through these last several years with careful planning and budgeting. But it isn’t a money tree. I don’t go out back and shake the tree, leaning down and snatching a new batch for this month. It is running out, but it has served its purpose well.
For about six months I have let the prospect of not working and continuing to pay our car payment. For the past few months the thoughts have entered my mind more and more. I knew deep inside my heart that God would take care of everything but I couldn’t help starting to worry.
When Al came home two weeks ago, a lot of different programs were entered into our lives. He gets help through different state and government programs. I have been involved throughout all the meetings and decisions.
One day last week one of the business contacts was talking to me and mentioned the hard work I am doing taking care of Al and maybe I should be compensated. I remember thinking I wish, and then that little worry came back to surface, the car payment.
The car will be paid off a year from this Christmas and to me it seemed like eons to go. This is my biggest bill. I like to have little bills, ones that are so low you almost laugh, but car payments are generally one of our larger debts.
Well this gentleman talked to this one and that one and the next thing I knew I was sitting in a training class, which was yesterday. I had been hired without an application or interview process based on my years of experience and the fact I was Al’s sister. I am being compensated for caring for my own brother.
It was an all day class. I had a lunch break and went to this little Coney Island restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat. It was pretty packed and I was on limited time. Of course I thought of all my friends and snapped these three photos so you could get the feel of where I was.
I had to have a TB test, and a criminal background check, plus fill out tons of paper work. As soon as the check is back and the test is read, I am on the payroll. I will start getting paid next week. My car will be paid. As long as I am taking care of Al the car will be paid.
Isn’t this just plain crazy? I just can’t believe how God does things in a big bang way. He actually used my loving my brother to help me make it financially. I am just blown a way. I won’t look down the road about the what ifs. I know if life changes and I still have that ball and chain around my ankle of a car payment, God will just give me another way to complete the debt.
I want to say one more thing before I quit jabbering in this post. 37 years ago, at 7:20pm I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy. The biggest blue eyes I ever saw. I don’t think he reads my blog but I still want to wish him a Happy Birthday. I love you so much. Now I will close and get a hold of him and tell him myself. Besides I know he will be peeking behind my back to see what gift I hold for him. Adult kids are no different from little kids. They all want their very own gift. Kids, don’t you just love them? I know I do.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of God’s bountiful blessings. I, too, believe God provides all we need throughout our lives. For our part, we are to live simply and gratefully, as you seem to do, and faithfully carry out our calling (as you are caring for your brother). I pray you have many blessed moments where you and your brother can celebrate together the abundance of life in the Lord.
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Thank you for a beautiful comment Tony. God is an awesome God. Watching over my brother and I along with all others in the world. If only everyone believed as you and I do. I just never thought this answer to a prayer would work out like this. So amazing
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I’m happy for you Terry! I don’t think you said what you will be doing?
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thank you my friend. I will be doing the same thing I do now. Caring for my brother. I am getting paid for the residential hours part. So I am doing nothing different. I can still be with Al here at home. Love him and give him the best care but now get paid for it. Like having ice-cream with syrup
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that’s awesome!! any retro active pay?
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I wish, but I doubt it
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Such a beautiful thought…God indeed has His own ways of helping His children. A noble deed you’re doing by taking care of your brother. A wonderful piece. 🙂
A Very Happy Birthday to your son. 🙂
Have loads of fun.
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Thank You Rekha, and thanks for wishing my son a Happy Birthday! God will always leave me in awe as he works his miracles all around us each day.
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God works in amazing ways, God bless you Terry!
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He sure does. I just can’t believe it. I will still care for Al and do my usual things for him but instead of doing it out of love only I will now get paid too! Thanks Loopy for a great comment!
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You are most welcome Terry!
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If I’m in your son’s shoes, I will be curious in what my mum do and stalk the blog 🙂
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I think one out of my three kids reads my blog
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🙂 Of course, to know what their mother is thinking
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The Lord is good. May He continue to bless you.
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thank you Rob, God is good
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Congratulation, great news … fanastic that you get paid for taking care of Al … that you get something for you out of it too. So happy for you.
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I was totally shocked Vivi, but happy. thank you my friend
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Wow. So, so pleased.
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thanks Elaine! Hope you have a great weekend
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Terry, your faith has grown without you even knowing it. Like you, God has done the same thing for me over the years in different areas; even when I didn’t know I needed it. Sometimes I think it works better when we don’t know!
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you know what? I think you are right. It is getting easier to look each day and see the tiny miracles that God does for me. The bigger miracles are so mind blowing that I find myself speechless, but then I get on my knees and thank him over and over. God is good!
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Fabulous, awesome answer to prayer! You can’t outgive God.
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I am such a big sinner. I am just so blessed that he does wonderful things for me and Al
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Wow! That is just the best news ever, Terry. I am thrilled for you. When you talked about your trip to Gatlinburg, it brought back memories of the two times I spent there, once in 1977 then again in 1997 (I think). I love it there, although it was drastically changed from the first time.
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I just love it there. I love the mountains and the clean air. I could live there you know it? I never thought in a million years that God would work this issue out for me in this way. I am so grateful and thankful to him
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Terry, Happy 4th of July! Thank you for sharing your world and bringing sunshine into my life. . .
http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/2013/07/05/a-summer-bouquet-blossoming-with-awards/
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oh thank you my friend. Did you see any fireworks this holiday? you are so kind to me, I am just a plain jane and you make me feel so special
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No fireworks…just rain, rain, and more rain on the way 😦
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wow, that ruined everything. I am sorry
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Yahooooooooo!!!!!!!
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I just couldn’t believe it Julie, I haven’t worked for so long this is a miracle in itself!
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Children are adorable, I agree! 🙂 Fantastic news about the job. You deserve this, Terry. So many people just put family in homes and forget about them. They can see the loving caring personality that you have. No one does what you have done if they didn’t have that. I for one think your amazing. Have a great weekend. Hugs to you.Paula xxxx
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I could never do this to Al and I didn’t do it to my Dad either when he was so sick and dying. I don’t think I am anyone special, and you make me feel special. thank you for this. Big hugs! Hope you saw some fireworks or had a cook out ???
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Everything happens for a reason, as long as you believe in it.
Have a blessed day, everyday! Cheers~ 😀
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and I believe, more and more every day. I don’t know how I made it before believing in God totally
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Have a blessed day, everyday…my friend! Cheers~ 😀
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Good work! Well deserved. Congratulations. p.s., Thanks for endorsing me .. (smiles)
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you are so welcome, you deserve every endorsement there is! I have always admired you and value your friendship Mona
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Thank you for sharing this story of God’s provision. It offers me hope as I wait for God’s timing in my life. Praise God for His protection and His promises to always be with us and care for us. I am very happy for you my friend!
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it is awesome that we both know he will do the exact same thing in your own life. He will give you the perfect way to deal with everything, I promise, my friend
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And God is – I just have to keep myself open and accept it.
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I am so happy for you!!! Happy birthday to your son!
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thank you Tersia!!
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Terry what a change, and relief. God does send us the right people at the right time. Anyway you are doing so mcuh , you should be getting some monetary reward.I think as a carerer in this country you do as well. Praise the Lord!
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I won’t know what to do when I see that check!! LOL
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That is wonderful Terry! God is paying you back for being an awesome sister and for being a wonderful caregiver to him! You deserve it!
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I was worried, this is for sure. I didn’t want to keep Al in the nursing home just because of my own bills. God is good
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