The Next Step

They say it takes 28 days of doing something to make it a habit. I guess I've got a long way to go before blogging becomes a habit. What is the appropriate time span between blogs anyway??

LIFE:

Congrats to both of my kids, Madison and Connor, who played softball/t-ball respectively this summer. Connor learned that t-ball is too slow for him and needs to play something that's more active, like soccor or football. Maybe next year! Madison on the other hand loved softball! Her team made it to the semi-finals before they lost to the eventual champion (a team stacked full of good players by the head of the league). Yes, even in little league, life isn't fair! Anyway, Madison learned to hit, throw, and catch. She even learned a little baseball strategy too! I'm so proud of the fact that she didn't strike out during the tournament! It was fun to watch her skills progress during the season! She really struggles when asked "Do you like softball or ballet better?" :)

Now that we aren't spending all of our nights at the ball park, we're gearing up for the beginning of the school year! Madison is starting second grade and Connor will be in his final year of pre-school. I know this sounds bad, but I'm ready to not hear the word "Daddy" every two minutes all day!

GOD:

Ever hear this one?

There was a big flood and a man got trapped on his porch as his entire house was surrounded by water. A row boat came by telling the man 'get in, I'll take you to safety'. The man said, "NO, my God will save me!" The water kept rising and now the man is looking out his second story window. A speed boat came by telling the man 'get in, I'll take you to safety'. The man said, "NO, my God will save me!" The water rose some more and the man is now standing on his roof. A helicopter came by telling the man 'grab the ladder, we'll take you to safety'. Again, the man said, "NO, my God will save me!" The man died and went to heaven. The man saw Jesus and asked him, "Why didn't you save me?" Jesus replied, "I sent you two boats and a helicopter!"

Well, I'm the man in the story. Although, I didn't die of stupidity nor did my house flood. I think that sometimes we miss the obvious because of our own desires. For five months, I've been unemployed. For at least four months, I've had insurance and financial recruiters calling and emailing me almost every day about working for their company. I'm just glad I finally realized His plan for me and my career!

Anyone got a verse that ties this scenario all together???

INSURANCE:

I met with the District Manager at Farmers Insurance last Friday. He's been with Farmers for about as long as I've been alive. He gave me the good and bad, yet still tried to sell me on Farmers. Thanks to by brother-in-law Patrick, a Farmers Agent in OKC, for giving me the real story before I met with the DM. The DM approved of me and asked me to fill out the $63.50 online application. WHO HOO! My first expense in starting my own agency! The application involved a full crimnal and credit background check and all the typical application information. I got word today that I was approved by Farmers! I will meet with the DM and the recruiter on Monday, Aug. 8th to establish my training timeline. I've already signed up for my first of two classes that the state requires before I can take my first of two licensing exams. WHO HOO! My second expense ($145.46) in owning my own business! My third expense comes tomorrow as I'm going to buy my first laptop!

As strange as it may sound, I'm actually excited about doing this. I have more of a purpose in my life when I wake up in the morning. I'll be providing for my family and not accepting a government hand out every week. If all goes well and my hard work pays off, then we'll have the kind of life that a regular job could never provide. I really can't wait to get started! So much so that I'm already building my professional network (Thanks Steve and Benjie!!). If you're reading this, live in TN, and are in the real estate or financial services industry, please contact me! I think we could help each other out!

Last but not least, a very special thank you to Stephanie's parents for assisting us with the final piece to my six month plan! Much appreciated!

Please pray for me as the next six months will be tough!

My journey continues...