My Financial Struggles

"Time is lost when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment, and suffering." Dietrich Bonhoeffer "I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13) My financial struggles: Many times in my life, I have faced series of crisis (emotional, physical and financial), my human mind often see doors closing when another opening that I keep looking at the closed doors and ignoring (or not seeing) the doors opening. For years, patience was not my strong character because I am so anxious to get things out of the way (mostly financial) since it take times to "fix" my mistakes. My wife and I are trying very hard to make wise stewardship changes in our lives. Recently, we have moved to a smaller house to save about $700 a month on rent, utilities and transportation. My wife will be looking for a part-time job to pay the new bills (college and automobile). Financial stress is not very pleasant. 1. My step-daughter decided to go to OSU rather than Denison. Her decision saved more money. She will be living at home since we live about 2 miles north of Ohio State University. Also, My step-daughter is working almost full time at a retail store I used to work until she start school. The money she earned will go toward books, labs and etc. We are trying to find loans for her but due to my bankruptcy (over a year ago) and my wife's ex bad credit... it is very hard for us to find any credit. My wife's ex refused to help in any way (or rather he says, "can't") 2. We had to get rid of our van since we were putting so much money in it for repairs and it needed another $2,000 or more of repairs. That forced us to get another vehicle. We got lucky of getting a loan for this vehicle but with higher interest rate. This is one of some reasons why Carole is looking for a part-time job. Her other reason is our daughter's college education. 3. Our medical bills are going up since my insurance company only pays certain amount prescription costs depending on the "formula". 4. Our ex's are not providing us enough financial support for all the kids and that we are paying most of the kids' expenses. My faith (as well as my wife's faith) Even though I have struggled and still struggling. I have strong faith in ALL my circumstances that God will provide and be there with me. I believe in miracles whenever God wants to perform them. I believe that whenever God wants to do anything in my life. How do I know that He is able to do miracles? God have provided wonderful miracles in my life and they were amazing miracles. I do not and never doubt God's wonderful miracles (blessings). I may not have received the blessings I desired but God provided the blessings that I NEEDED. God has always been there for me. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." "Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now." Elisabeth Elliott I will continue to make my commitments and at the same time, try to enjoy my life without worrying so much.