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my2monkeyboys wrote: To set the backdrop, my DH and I have been having some rough financial goings the last 5-6 months. He's working great, but every other day (really, not exaggerating) something has happened on the truck... the rearend went out (Twice!), the main computer went out, tires, air pressure things, batteries, tow bills, tow bills, tow bills, just one thing after another. It's put so much of a strain on us financially that, while I'm quite embarrassed to admit it, we actually had to borrow some money a month or so ago just to make ends meet after paying more repair bills.
Now the... ummm... advice? Opinion? Something... that I am wanting is this:
I am a rather spiritual person, in that I think that God will let things happen for various reasons, good or bad. And I also think that the Devil will fight against you as well. I think that your choices in life can be good or bad, and not just in the typical sense, like robbing someone or doing drugs, but in the sense that you can make a choice that isn't right for YOU.
Does any of this make sense so far???
I know a lot of you here are not spiritual/religious, whatever you want to call it, but I feel like I need to discuss this with someone not really in the loop right now.
Anyway, I have always felt that the decisions we've made concerning our business, me staying home and homeschooling the kids, and things like that have been what is right for us. Lately I've been feeling a strong pull to find a church again (haven't been in a very very long time), but haven't acted on it.
I am wondering if all the issues we've been going through financially is some sort of 'sign' that something we're doing isn't right, or if it's the devil trying to keep us down, or if it's just that life sucks.
We've always gone through ups and downs with our business, it's truly is the one weak area we have... otherwise we all have great relationships with each other, and all of that, is what I mean.
But this time it seems like the hits just keep coming and coming and coming......
I'm just so tired. I'm tired of trying not to worry, of knowing the stress is starting to show through the cracks, of just dealing with it all.
But I still feel like we are where we are supposed to be.
I'm just... I don't know...

Anyway, I appreciate you reading all this. I hope it is at least somewhat comprehensible. If you feel like it I'd appreciate any words of wisdom. Or a joke. Or just say hey, suck it up.

Oh, and please don't say anything on FB... you know... just too public. Thanks.

cameragirl21 replied: Steph, obviously you and I have different beliefs although I am considered to be a deeply spiritual person by all who know me. I'm a firm believer in signs but I'll be honest--this isn't one of them. Cars break down all the time, I have had similar problems with my own car lately because cars are just that way--when my car was nearly brand new and still under warranty, it required a hefty 2500 dollar repair even though it was just a few months old. Luckily it was covered under the warranty...bottom line--a car is a gadget we use that is not reliable and if the powers that be wanted to send you a sign, it wouldn't be via your car, i can tell you that for certain.
All the answers are within you and you know what is right. If you want to go back to church, do so, do it for yourself and your own fulfillment but it doesn't mean the problems with your car will disappear. Perhaps you are looking for spirituality or to enhance your spiritual life but that has to be separate from financial problems. God doesn't punish us with lack of money, God sends other challenges our way. I don't believe in the devil but I LOVE scary devil movies so I've actually done quite a bit of research on the devil to try to understand how this works (so I can better follow these scary movies) and the impression I have gotten is that the devil uses money/material things to tempt us, more so than to give us money problems to punish us. In other words, imagine you raise money for a charity and you are tempted to keep some or all of it yourself...that seems to me to fit in more with what the devil's work is supposed to be.
As for the car, I recently had my distributor fail on me and my car died on me right in the parking garage. I feel lucky that hit happened in the garage and not somewhere out and about. I found a mobile mechanic and found he was much cheaper and more honest, comes right to your house and works on your car right there. Also, if you have an advanced auto parts store near you, some of the employees are part time mechanics and can do a great job, they've come through for me more than once. And what's great is I can call them after hours and they answer the phone and answer my questions. I also suggest learning a bit about how your car works...makes it harder for them to rip you off.
Good luck.

my2monkeyboys replied: I only wish I could to an Advance Auto place - I'm talking about my hubby's 18-wheeler truck! LOL
I don't think that God necessarily punishes us, but I do think He'll allow things to happen, whether it's just to push us in a directions He's wanting us to go, or just to strengthen us in different ways.
I think you have a valid point about how the devil would work...
Thanks for your opinion, Jennifer.

kimberley replied: i think it's natural that people feel a pull to faith when things are hard because without faith, there's not much left, right? it's the proverbial last straw to hang onto.

spirituality is very individual and personal imho. if you feel a desire to renew your faith in church, there's no harm in going. you will know after a few weeks if it's a crutch or a lifetime commitment for you.

i believe in free will and believe i have made MANY bad choices and endured the consequences because of them. most of those bad choices involved breaking a commandment so the devil theory is plausible in my case lol. i actually went to confession for the first time in years on Monday when my dd made her first confession. i forgot how much weight is lifted in doing this. i didn't realize i carried that much around.. kinda like therapy for Catholics lol.

if it gives you hope and strength, it can't be bad. I pray your luck changes and you have a wonderful Christmas! hug.gif hug.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: The feeling of wanting to go back to church isn't due to the financial struggle, it's just in the mix, too.... that's what is making this so hard to figure out, ya know? If it were just that I felt the need to go because of our life not being so smooth then I wouldn't be questioning whether the bad luck being just life or if it had more meaning. I wonder if the bad stuff is keeping me so down-trodden feeling and therefore less likely to try to get back in to a church, thereby possibly being a tool to keep me away from where God would have me, or if it has nothing at all to do with anything.
I know - I am a confused mess...

my2monkeyboys replied: Oh, and thanks Kimberly!!!
Sorry! blush.gif

boyohboyohboy replied: stephanie, I do believe in what you are saying. As a matter of fact we were in the same boat as you are three years ago.
My husband was working in trucking, and he was getting sick of it, it felt like every day at first there were normal little naggings that started to happen, that made him hate getting up in the morning and doing a job he had other wise always loved and been doing for 6yrs. Then there were minor little accidents, dropped loads broken freight, little stuff. My husband kept feeling that maybe he shouldnt be doing this anymore..and then after a few months, of what we now think was not listening to the "little nudges" we were given, Pete had a major accident in the truck. He could have been killed, and so could the other person. In the end, we felt he was forced out of trucking. He never went back.
we were searching for a long time, as to what was he going to do, and I say we, but it was mainly him, feeling lost, not sure where his life was going, not sure what he was qualified to do...and we had no home church, or church family.
We went thru a really hard time, and there was no way for a while our pay checks should have kept us going, but we prayed alot and it did. I know how it did, it was God, no other way the money we brought in went double where it needed to, and the jobs came that we needed to live.
I do think God does steer you in a direction and its the free will that you have whether you listen or not. I think if you are feeling a push to go find a new church family it might be something you should look into. I know we went to many churches before we found the one we like now.
Its nice to have other woman who believe what you do, home school like you do, and have the same interests to interact with. Its great for the kids too. I think you already know all the plus's to getting into a good church.
What does your husband say about it? Does he think the pushes are for the family or for him?
I think for us we learned a lot about putting what as important first, and how to handle our money differently. I also feel we were placed here where we are now, for others too, as well as for us to be near the new people who make a difference in our life now.
I dont believe anything happens because of fate or chance, God planned it all.
Stephanie if you ever need to PM me please do, I get on FB more then here though.
Good luck, and I will be praying for you too.

my2monkeyboys replied: As for DH he thinks it's just life, and it'll get better soon. He says not to worry, and all that good stuff, and that we've been through worse and we made it and we'll keep on making it, that God is on our side and He takes care of us.
About 4 years ago we went through a wretched mess where DH was out of work for over 2 months, quite unexpectedly. I still can only say that God provided for us, because we had less than $500 a month coming in from odd jobs he was doing, yet we managed to pay our bills and all every month.
The more I'm talking things out on here the more I'm feeling like we are still where God would have us be, and that maybe this is just another storm life has for us. So far we've been provided for in some fashion or another and are making it.
There is a particular church that has been on my mind a lot lately, one that is similar to the one I attended with my best friend growing up. Maybe I should give it more thought and prayer.
Thank you, Stacy. hug.gif

~Roo'sMama~ replied: I'm sorry you're going through such a tough time financially, Rae! hug.gif I know all too well how that goes. wacko.gif I believe the same way you do I think, and I know it's so hard to keep trusting when things get so bad.

Going to church again sounds like a good idea to me - it wouldn't automatically fix everything of course (as I'm sure you know) but it certainly wouldn't hurt and might help you find the strength to keep going and keep trusting God to help you get through this time and to provide for you. hug.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: No, I don't expect it to fix anything, really, as I think of church as a place to renew your spirit, to learn more of God's word and to be with others that share similar beliefs.
So while I don't expect it change our situations in life, I do think it changes how we deal with them.
Thanks so much for the support and help, ladies.... I knew I could count on y'all to help me through this. smile.gif
It's amazing how just having someone to talk to can help clear the cobwebs from your brains!!! hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif

Crystalina replied: Stephanie,
I say find a church. If you are being pulled in that direction, bad truck or not, then listen to your gut. I believe everything happens for a reason and that includes our instincts. Maybe you are meant to find a church and in that you will find people, situations that can help you or guide you through what is going on as far as other aspects of your life (the darn truck!).
I don't say go there to get an answer to your truck issues and I know that that is not what your saying but going to a church just may (eventually) help. Who knows, there may be someone who attends the church who could help dh figure out what's going on with it.

My dh's transmission when out in his semi a little over a year ago. He is now driving for a friend of his who has a small trucking company. Dh HATES jumping from truck to truck and he's afraid he may get someone else's cooties. emlaugh.gif I know what it's like to slowly see your money maker fall apart AND stress out the man. And when he's an owner of his own truck the last thing he wants is to be a driver for someone else. Less money and you have to listen to someone else.

If you ever need anything let me know. hug.gif


I hope this post makes sense. My benedrhyl is kicking in so I'm getting kinda loopy. silly.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: Makes perfect sense to me, Crystal! Of course, re-reading my posts, y'all probably think I'm on drugs or something!! LOL
That's exactly how DH feels about driving someone else's truck too! Men! biggrin.gif

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Oh good grief I can't believe I got your name wrong - I'm sorry! blush.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: Oh, no problem at all!!! I have a hard time remembering everyone's names, too. laugh.gif
You gave good and helpful advice no matter what my name is. hug.gif

Nina J replied: Even though you pull towards faith and the Church isn't entirely due to the problems with the truck, I couldn't help thinking of this quote:

"Make God your steering wheel, not your spare tyre".

I feel as if my faith gives me the stength to get through life, especially when things are though. But also, when things are going well, too. I believe we are never given more than we can handle, and I have not once in my life experienced anything to make me think otherwise.

In the past, we too have been in financially tough situations. Like you, we've had to borrow money. It's an embarrassing situation to be in, but it is also a humbling situation. It's helped us take stock of what we have, and it's shown us that we are blessed with a loving family (it was family who lent us money).

I'd say follow your instincts hug.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: Thank you Nina... I think that is absolutely right!

msoulz replied:
ITA with that completely. And I wish you peace and solutions to your troubles!! hug.gif

MommyToAshley replied:
I agree... and didn't just want to repeat what had already been said.

But, wanted to offer some additional hugs, prayers, and positive thoughts.
hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: Thank you all so very much!!! To not ever have met me, you sure feel like friends to me!!! hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif

A&A'smommy replied: Steph it sounds to me like God may be trying to get ahold of you. God uses situations to shape and mold us to be more like him, but he will also use them to try to get your attention and your focus back on him. If you haven't been in church it's likely you haven't been in God's word on your own at home and living the life God has called everyone to live. Which is for him, bringing glory to his name, Tithing, being the missionaries we are suppose to be. So if you feel like God is allowing these to happen for a reason.. well you are right he is calling your name trying to bring the focus back on him.
hug.gif hug.gif hug.gif

Boo&BugsMom replied: Steph, let me give you a perspective from someone who is also a believer, such as yourself...my perspective of who I was before I found our church, and after (now).

First of all...as believers God calls us to become a part of a church, or 'body of Christ' as Hebrews calls it (can't remember the verse). He calls us to become a part of one for many reasons...to serve one another, to comfort one another, to fellowship, to grow closer to Christ, etc. etc. etc. It is of my own opinion (sorry to offend anyone) that you can not grow as close to Christ or learn as much on your own as you can when you are surrounded by a fellowship of other believers. This is one reason God calls us to do so. It is one way He keeps us strong!

Up until 6 years ago Troy and I were not a part of a church. We were somewhat regular attenders of the church we were married at, but too often we left with an empty feeling of not learning anything or growing which in the end left us not going hardly at all. It was then that we set out to find a church that fit our needs. Low and behold, we found the church that was right for us after going to many others and 'trying them on'. 6 years later I can see a complete difference in who Troy and I were back then, and who we are now. We didn't realize how long God had been calling us. We didn't want to give up our Sunday mornings...until someone told me this...God gives you every second of the day, so give him the hour. wink.gif I kind of now chuckle at people who tell me they'd rather sleep in and not go to church knowing how much I truly get out of my church and it's people.

One major thing we have learned...no church is perfect. They are ran by flawed people so it's impossible to find the 'perfect' church. Sin is everywhere...even at church because we are all human. A church is a hospiral for sinners, not a pedestal for saints! It's amazing how many people think churches should be perfect...kind of how they think Christians should be perfect. It's truly impossible...I am still a sinner!!! lol Christ doesn't make me perfect, He simply has just forgiven me because I believe so I can some day greet Him...which I am sure you'd agree.

When we set out to find a church, we went to each church at least twice, sometimes three times. If you visit a church sometimes you may end up going when the service is out of the oridinary...like a guest pastor/speaker. It's important the see the service in it's true element.

When I look back on how I was before we found our church, I can not believe I allowed myself to become so empty inside...and I didn't even realize how empty I was. I thought I was fine...I believed, but I wasn't doing anything to strengthen that relationship! He allowed us to fall because He was calling out to us. Mind you though...God will STILL allow you to fall because that is what draws us closer to Him! wink.gif Some people think their lives will be perfect once they 'find God' or start going to church...this is untrue. God still sends us through the storms...but now that we have our church we have that fellowship that helps keep us stronger through those storms! My outlook on what God sends us through is also different than it was before. I now have more TRUST in Him that he is sending me through those storms for a reason. I don't pity myself when we hit a rough patch (we've also had our doozies...still do), but what I do is reflect on Him and trust in Him through it all even more than I did. Afterall...Christ is enough in this life and at the end of the day, He is all that matters.

When Troy was unemployed, it was the kind people at our church who many times allowed us to keep our heads above water. I can count on one full hand how many times someone sent us an annonymous check. Is that why you should go to church? No. lol However, God was using those people in our fellowship to take care of us...which in turn was God taking care of us. Had we not had our fellowship, God would still have provided (as always) but possibly not in as generous of a way that He did. It's interesting how people say "God doesn't throw money from the sky"....but really, in a way he kind of does. laugh.gif We may not see God doing it, but we see the people He is working through to help others!

Our pastor at church said this in his sermon the other day..."Can it get any worse? The answer is always YES!". If things can get worse...wouldn't you'd rather have the body of Christ supporting you through it all? wink.gif

Go and find a church...and make sure the church is TRUE to His Word and will help you grow in Christ...that's what they are for. Much love and prayers to you! If you need to talk and PM me, you know where to find me. smile.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: I do believe I am definitely being pulled back to church, as to whether the troubles we've been having are God's way of getting my attention or not is what I'm unsure of.
I guess that either way it doesn't matter, I need to listen or He will get my attention one way or another. He has a way of doing that.
I used to go to church (my dad was a pastor of one for quite some time as a matter of fact), but after a LOT of stuff happened I just kind of lost interest in the whole organized religion thing. But I do know there is a huge void that is sitting there, waiting to be filled again. I can feel it everyday, I am just being lazy. Plain and simple.
Now I know people are people and will make mistakes, that is not what pushed me away from church. We had things such as large theft, a married, older man on our worship team trying to talk a 17-yr-old into running off with him, drug addiction from higher-ups in the church... a lot of heavy stuff. I just felt at the time that God had a better chance of speaking to me at my home then He did in that place. So I've allowed myself to think that I didn't need that kind of atmosphere just to feel God's presence and remain strong in Him. I've been feeling different lately, though, and am really wanting to hear His word discussed, faith talked about in depth, for my boys to have the church that I didn't have growing up. I do have a couple of Christian ladies that I am close to, but it is different than having a church family for sure.
As time is going on and I'm talking about all of this to different people, I'm feeling that all though this may or may not be happening at God's direction, either way He is using it to make us stronger and to bring about His will in our life.

Boo&BugsMom replied:
I think this is the nail on the head, Steph. You may not ever know if it's God using this to bring you back to a church...but that's ok. The matter at hand is that you feel He is calling you to go and find a community of faith to be connected to. As to 'how' He's calling you isn't the issue...it's the fact that you know He IS calling! Some people don't realize that God calls them...they choose to ignore His calls...this is part of what gets us in trouble. wink.gif However God is calling you...take the time to follow His calling. It may be awhile before you find a church that you feel is right. It took us almost 6-8 months...but when we stepped in the door at our church, we knew right away it's where we wanted to call 'home'...and that is what it truly is, our second home. smile.gif We have our share of turmoil...although not as crazy as what you mentioned, but we do have our share of craziness. laugh.gif Lots of prayers being said for you and your family! If you answer His call...He WILL lead you. Hugs to you! hug.gif

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Have any of you ever read the Left Behind series?

A&A'smommy replied: Hey Steph at church this past weekend our preacher spoke on trials in our lives (which I immediatly thought of you!! smile.gif )
If you get a chance read James 1:1-4, Romans 5:1-5
Here is something my preacher said it was part of our notes
"As God uses things in my life; He works them together to mature me and complete me so I lack nothing for facing life and living in the way God intented."
Romans 8:28, Phil. 3:10, John 16:33, and 2 Cor. 1:3-7
and one thing he said struck me and made me think WOW I do that!! Too many times do we use God as a last resort..... wow!! Even when we are living and breathing his word and prayer sometimes we still go to our friends before we give it to God.

Jennie said it all.... People are going to be people we are human and we can't allow our humaness to get in the way of our relationship with Christ. I have too many times done that and stumbled even more so because I did allow myself to hold on to that. But now when I look at people I see people just like me that make mistakes, just like me. We need each other, we need to pray, and worship together, it makes us stronger!!


Here are a couple more verses for you but these I will type out.

Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglet meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is near.

Romans 12:4 - 5
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Ephesians 4:2-4
Always be humble and gentle, be patient with each other, making allowence for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

hug.gif hug.gif I hope I have been encouraging!! Remember God loves you and he has a plan for you!!!

A&A'smommy replied:
I haven't read the "grown up" ones I read the ones for teeangers but I watched the movie

Boo&BugsMom replied:
I have seen the movie, but not read the books.

lisar replied: I am probably the farthest person from religion on here. Point blank, I dont believe in god.
However, I feel that if you think this is a sign from god that you need to get back into a church, then listen to your gut. I know alot of people that will seek religion in tough times and it helps them. So if you think it will help you then by all means do it.
I do believe that things happen for a reason though.

my2monkeyboys replied: Thank you all so very much... words of wisdom even from those who think differently. biggrin.gif hug.gif
I appreciate each of you offering your point of view and the support for my beliefs even if they are not your own.
We certainly have a very special bunch of ladies around here!!! wub.gif hug.gif wub.gif

my2monkeyboys replied: I have never read any of those books. I've heard they are good though.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: I'm reading the 5th one right now. The grown up ones. lol

I haven't seen the movies... apparently there's 2 or 3... but I hear they really pale in comparison to the books, and the authors were really ticked off at the movies.. they'd been trying to get the rights back for a long time, it seems they finally have got them back and will be trying to get another producer to make the movies... I haven't been able to put them down. Really REALLY good.


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