Once inside, it was apparent that there had been a lot of rearranging! In addition to the usual antiques, there were crafts and an outlet store. Things were displayed very attractively, but it was soon obvious that many of the former booth-vendors were gone! I missed them.
After leaving THIS room (by the way, I ♥ old wooden trunks and boxes), we were going to go upstairs. However, there was a chain across the stairway with a sign carrying this message: "We have moved all the upstairs merchandise to the main floor for your shopping convenience."
Huh? Hmm. Tough times all around!
Now while I compose on my laptop, my husband sits at the other end of the table figuring our taxes. I can't help but wonder what lies ahead for us, our children, and our nation in the coming year. THIS much I DO know:
And my God will meet all (our) needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)...and Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
I have a dear friend whose husband lost his job. They are struggling to keep ahead, he's taking any job he can. The exciting thing is, God IS taking care of their needs. It's a joy to watch them rejoice and praise the God of their (our) salvation.
ReplyDeleteYes things are tough all around. We are barely squeezing by! I bought some bananas at Aldi yesterday, it was the first time in months that I've bought fresh produce.
ReplyDeleteWhat angers me so much is how everyone keeps saying that there is an obesity epidemic in our country, yet all that I can afford to but is mac and cheese and anything else that's cheap.
Cheap doesn't included fruits and vegetables. In the meantime my husbands job has slowed down so much that it's a small miracle that we are keeping up with the bills, never mind eating right.
So I intend to live day by day.
Today I have a roof over my head, food (albeit unhealthy), and the lights and water are still on.
When I hear of talk that says the economy is getting better, I think, where? It certainly hasn't in our town.
Thank God for taking care of our needs. If not for ourselves and him,I think all would be lost. Love Di ♥
Yes and Amen, He does, He has and He will!
ReplyDeleteNeeded this reminder so badly today. Thank-you!!
ReplyDeleteIn November, Bear blogged about "Hard Times Come Again One More." It was a follow up to a prior post on Stephen Foster's song, "Hard Times Come Again No More."
ReplyDeleteTimes are hard for a lot of people, who have become "excess baggage" in countries which feel unemployment in the range for five to ten per cent is acceptable. Especially in a country whose people are becoming more and more "mean-spirited."
At the end of worship, Bear often used a blessing which contained the words: "May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet, and may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you." We really need that, especially in tough times.
Oh Rebecca, how I love to visit your Blog Spot! And yes, I too wonder about what is in store for all of us. I agree with Di about the obesity epidemic and how we are stretching our meals with carbs... I'd love to garden, but I just haven't gotten the hang of it in Arizona. If it doesn't have thorns, prickers, etc. I can't grow it here. Hugs to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI almost feel guilty, I really haven't noticed much difference in our economy. God has always taken care of me, he also taught me to work hard and take care of myself and he has put many challenges my way....all in all life is good and always God is better....:-)Hugs
ReplyDeleteYes, times are hard. One thing I have learned over the years: people want to help but we have to let them know the need. Pride gets in the way sometimes. Also, as far as unhealthy foods go, I believe that is part of asking the Lord to bless our meals. He can counter any ill effects while we are waiting for Him to help us get back on our feet.
ReplyDeleteThe look on Gary's face seems to say "ut oh, this could be dangerous!" LOL...
ReplyDeleteLooks like they do have some interesting things.
Times ARE hard in many ways...where it hits us the hardest is at the gas station. Hubby has to buy a full tank every third day just to get to work and back. I have to buy a full tank once a week. I worry about my kids running out of gas as they try to make it to the next pay day...and pray they don't have any major car repair needs.
My eyes have also been opened at how difficult it can be for some people who have loved ones in the hospital. We've had to pay $3.50-$4.50 for parking fees each day we've gone to visit Bob's mom the past two weeks...and then some people need to stay there more hours and buy lunch or supper at a fast food place.
That scripture you quoted Rebecca is one of my favorites to remember...
Di, have you considered doing crochet work to sell? Your stuff is beautiful!
Like you I love old boxes and trunks. The one's in your photo are really cool.Yes.. Times are indeed tough...Frank and I feel the pinch more and more on our fixed income and some of the benefits we lost a couple of years ago in our health care is taking a big bite out of our check.....now the government wants to cut medicare and our Mich. Governor wants to tax retiree pensions. I am trusting the Lord to provide..especially as we are facing medical cost of the heart transplant.Geesh.I do know we have so much more than others I dare not grumble.But it is scary.
ReplyDeleteOur Christian book store shut its doors. I talked to the owner and she said they can't compete with the internet. That was the biggest reason, but I'm sure there are more. I will miss going in there. Susan, the owner, always had a smile on her face and when she talked to me, she looked me in the eye.
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