Yeah, its been awhile since we posted...life has been full. I don't have pictures but at least its an update, which I'll try to keep as short as possible. =)

God was gracious to give us another political victory on November 4th. So after closing up the office and saying our goodbyes we left newly elected Representative Charles VanZant and his family and headed back home to Lakeland. We walked in to find our refrigerator (just barely past the 1 year warranty) not working and one of the kitchen cabinets on its way to the floor. As if this wasn't enough, we found out that Jared would no longer be working for MetalCraft. I was a little confused...God, we followed the door you opened, were confident it all was your will and this is what we get?! But through the love of my Lord and my Jared I began to realize I was on the path to learning deeper trust. And really, I'm still there. But the joy of the Lord and His peace are very evident.

Before Jared was laid off I had been looking for work just for a little supplemental income. I was hired for 2 jobs...but one, I found out after a day of training, was just getting off the ground and didn't have work available. But I did start a part time job working at Curves gym. No, it didn't pay all the bills but it was at least something. Jared ended up getting a marketing job with a construction company. With the echomimia the way it is, no one wanted to put out that kind of money. And he had to deal with some pretty evil company from his 2 coworkers. But God wasn't finished! He used one of those coworkers, Russell, to open up the next job.

Russell had a group interview with Arrow Marketing and asked Jared if he could drop him off. But Jared did more than that, he went in for the interview as well! The market was new in Lakeland so they  really needed help. Jared called to ask me if I would like to come in the next day, Thursday, for orientation. It was so God! I had that day off instead of Tuesday like I usually did. So we both went, were hired, and started work the next day. Arrow Marketing is a nationwide marketing company that partners with the local paper and businesses or events to sell subscriptions. This job is commission based, but $15.93 a month is a lot easier for people to swallow. =) Basically we set up kiosks in front of the chosen store, give out free papers, sell the value of the paper, and offer a free gift card, to whatever store we're at, as a bonus for signing up. Its really a lot of fun and teaches patience. You can have a great day of sales, come away totally empty, or anywhere in between. But its extremely flexible...the perfect job for me! As long as I keep my eye on the big picture, its a great job. I ended up quitting Curves and market as much as I'm able (pretty much part time =).

We'd been with the company about a month and our marketing director asked Jared if he'd be interested in a regional position. He'd travel a couple weeks a month...hiring, training, finding locations, and managing new reps. He'd be bumped up to master commission when he sold and would be given salary when on assignment. And Id be able to go with Jared most of the time he traveled! I can sell anywhere...I'm not tied down to Lakeland. Its been awesome to see God lay the way for us. We've been a little reluctant because of the high amount of hours the job will take, including Sundays. But so far we have the peace to continue. Basically looking at it as God opening the door to bring us to financial stability, opening the way to lead the ministry we are both passionate about. We'll see how God leads. Right now we are in the 60 day trial period.

We are in Ocala right now. A new contract has opened there and in Gainesville so we're back to our old stomping grounds. Now marketing the paper instead of a politician. =) If you think of it, please pray the Lord would clearly show us His way...that's what we so desperately need!

Stargel Wins House Primary

This is just a quick update to let y'all know what we have been up to. It's just some boring text, no pictures.

Life is full but is also wonderful! Married life keeps getting better as does our relationship with the Lord. It's awesome to see how the two come hand-in-hand.

Last month I became the campaign manager for Kelli Stargel who is running for a spot in the Florida House. Although I am the one with the official title, I couldn't do it without Jared. I'm always amazed at the knowledge tucked away in his brain.

This has added work to our schedule but has been a lot of fun and a great experience. The primary is August 26th and since there isn't a democrat running whoever takes the vote will have no contest in November. So, we have been walking the district, doing design work and mailings, puting up signs, helping with fundraisers, attending events, and anything else to help elect Kelli Stargel for District 64.

If we can find the time our goal is to get our bedroom painted and the valances made in the next two weeks. We have all the materials purchased we just need to get the work done. I'll post pictures once the project is completed.

I've also spent quite a bit of time on our garden. It has been a real learning experience. Growing vegetables in sand and heat is quite different than the black dirt and mild temperatures of Nebraska. But here you also get a second try.  I will plant again in August. I've also been able to pick strawberries, blueberries (Jared picked these with me!), and black-eyed peas. Thanks to Craigs List we have a freezer to hold all the produce.

That's all for now...keep enjoying the wonderful life God has provided!