Premier Edition: don't know what I'm doing


At the beginning of 2009 we find ourselves on shaky ground. With the election behind us, we look forward with a little trepidation and concern over what will become of the economy. When one is employed by the local school district, college or some branch of the local, state or national government, one tends to feel secure in the regular arrival of a paycheck. We, however, are self-employed. Not only do we have to find potential projects, but bid them low enough to get the work and still make enough money to pay our own obligations and make payroll to support the families of those who depend on us for their regular paycheck, so to speak. It's stressful. And we haven't received our bailout check in the mail as of today... so I don't know how things will turn out this year. Honestly, we ask ourselves if we'll need to let rooms like so many families did during the Depression.

Regardless: We are grateful for the wonderful family with which the Lord has blessed us. Nine children in all, counting, of course as we always do, our sweet daughter who passed away in 1990 of SIDS. Now, we are grateful to share our lives with our living four sons and four daughters, namely: Daniel Jr., age 21, Philip, age 17, Levi, age 13, Charity, age 11, Megan, age 8, Emily, age 4, Katherine, age 2, and Joshua, age 9 months. I believe I would still count myself blessed to even live in a tent so long as my children would be healthy and well fed and we all could be together. I don't think Daniel Sr. would ever let that happen, though. In all these many years we've been together, since 1984, he has worked hard to provide for the needs of our firstly small, now very large family. He is a choice man. The world would do well to be filled with such men as is my husband.

At forty years old, I can say I've known many people and seen at least a few things in life. My eldest, Daniel Jr. has said, "I'm the happiest guy I know." of himself. I can say of myself, as well, I am the happiest woman I know.

The Lord has said 'if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.' He has also told us that 'God does not give man the spirit of fear.' Then why should we fear? The winds may blow and the waves may crash about us, but the Savior commanded the waves and the wind: Peace, be still. I feel that peace. I know in whom I must trust and to whom I may look for calm and reassurance.

I don't know what I'm doing, but the Lord knows what He is doing. That is my motto for the beginning of 2009. It may be one useful to more than just me. Please feel free to adopt it for yourself, if you like.

Until next time.
Sally Windham

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