When you take the time to consider how in the everyday little moments that God's presence and care is evident, it's amazing what details are put into place for you to reflect back on and see His plan for you. It can be revealed for instance at a time when you discover that you've missed being involved in a traffic accident because you decided to switch the load of dishes before leaving the house. Or, in my case, when you've suddenly landed the "dream job" you've aspired to be involved with after 6 years of waiting; then finding the economy less favorable during this time, and losing the job due to lay-offs for the second time (different sales positions)in the same year.

When I found myself unemployed, again, I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to find a suitable job with hours and pay that would get Bob and I through the "rough times" until things improved with the economy. The goal was to have a bit more "cushion" with our combined earnings to pay bills and worry less about the tight budget allowed for basic things like groceries weekly and fuel. I was willing to find a retail job just for the holidays, hoping that the long hours and minimum wages would be enough until the New Year.

Surprisingly, at this same time Bob and I found that we were going to be "new parents" again. Bob's mom, Cathy had adopted a "Westie-poo" last March and in the past 8 mos. of caring for the young puppy, "Buddy", had found that she is allergic to his saliva. Testing had confirmed the allergic reaction that she was experiencing as a serious rash spread all over her limbs and face; anywhere that would come into contact by "Buddy's" lavish kisses and love.

So, rather than leave "Buddy" at a pound, Cathy requested for us to adopt him and keep the little sweetie in the family. We agreed, and have been delighted by the little guy. He's 10 mos old and for a puppy, very well behaved overall. He's quickly been picking up on the manners that we want to encourage, although Bob seems to be a little more lenient with the "house rules" than his mommy! And I, have been very happy being the "stay at home mom" over the past two weeks, getting "Buddy's behavior in tip-top shape hopefully before the holidays. He's become so much more independent in the past few days than when he first arrived and wouldn't leave my lap for hours. I actually developed a terrible fatigue in my right arm from supporting his little body in my lap for days on end. I can't imagine the strain it must be for cradling any baby over 10 lbs repeatedly... but I doubt any new mom would express much complaint with the obvious love and bonding that is part of caring for their newborn child.

Interestingly, our "Christy-baby" is still with us 6 mos. after the terrible scare we had with her overall heath last May. She was incorrectly diagnosed with terminal cancer at that time, and after seeing her health continue to become much better two months after learning of her "cancer", Bob and I decided to get a second opinion and "Christy" revisited her old "friends" at Ryan Vet in Philly. After testing and an ultrasound, it was determined that "Christy's" tumor internally was actually benign and that it was a result of her age and not cancerous. With this news, we were now hopeful that she would see her next birthday, which is December 24th... Christmas Eve.

I will be returning to work on December 2nd at a very exciting and growing technologically advanced company that will bring remarkable possibilities with aiding children in the learning process thru writing skills and improved State testing results across the curriculum. It is the background of the elementary teacher that had my resume noticed and could prove to be a "coming of the full circle" of the promises that were made when I decided that following God's Will included learning to teach. The journey has been long, as I've left my schooling at Geneva College 17 years ago. But, if you pay attention to the "everyday miracles" that are present in our lives, you will realize that God doesn't miss the "small stuff" and in His timing, all works to the Glory of His Plan.