Provision

As I look back at 2012 the one word that comes to mind to describe the year is "provision". God has been clearly showing me how He provided for all my needs in the past year, and I hope this look back at my year encourages you to count your blessings, as well.

Beyond graduating from college last winter (which was a blessing in itself), Bryan and I had both been praying for me to find a good job to help save up money before the wedding. Once I got home and started applying, I ended up working 3 regular jobs, as well as occasional nannying. That was a huge answer to prayer! 

Last spring planning our wedding was on the forefront of my mind. My parents offered me a budget and after many different considerations and decisions made, we ended up coming in under budget; which was a great blessing! On top of that, everything went very well with the wedding, despite the uncharacteristically hot May day. 

Bryan and I had also been praying for months for a paid internship for Bryan. This one was a significant answer to prayer because we couldn't have asked for more. Bryan got a wonderful paid internship for the summer, and the church also offered me the same paid internship. It worked out beautifully and we were so blessed by the students, staff, and parents we worked with. 

Upon our return to Chicago in August in order for Bryan to finish school, we were faced with the need for jobs again. Bryan had been told he could not return to Best Buy, so we were both at square one. Needless to say, the Lord provided again. Bryan was able to work just down the street at Sports Authority and I got a job as a nanny.

Last fall also brought a whole new kind of job search. Bryan began seriously searching for a career opportunity upon graduation in December. He had many different interviews and possibilities, but he and I had our eyes on one specific church ever since we first heard about it in March. It seemed like a  long shot, but Bryan got into contact with the pastor of this church and the process loomed. It may have taken months of communication and prayer, but we are now happy to call Harvest Bible Chapel Columbus our home church where Bryan is now the student ministries pastor! This had to be one of the most significant blessings of the year. It is so encouraging to know we can settle down for the long haul, here in Columbus, and know that God has orchestrated this move so perfectly.

God has obviously had His hand in everything, but on top of these blessings, Bryan and I have also experienced great health. We are so blessed by everything the Lord orchestrated in 2012 and we greatly anticipate what will come in 2013. I hope you will take a few minutes and consider God's provision in your own life. There have been rough patches of 2012, too, but God is always on the throne and shows His power often.

Here's a song that is one of my new favorites that will hopefully help you turn your attention to God's provisions in 2012.


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