Remnants of carved Jack-O-Lanterns hidden by a blanket of snow. Little trick or treaters tucked into their beds as folks pushed shovels to stay ahead of the storm. The blizzard of October 31, 1991 buried Minneapolis in more than 2 feet of fresh snow. It was the frosting on the cake of a year filled with joy and desperation for us.
The year started with plans for our oldest daughter’s wedding. We were living in a beautiful home, we both turned 50 and were experiencing the American dream. My husband had a thriving advertising business, but within the next few months, the economy took a nose dive and he was faced with laying off his employees.
Together we looked ahead to no job, no income, no future. The business was lost along with all retirement benefits, our home went into foreclosure, assets were frozen and we went to bankruptcy court with $11.24 in our collective pockets.
Life can come at you like that. Things are moving along beautifully and suddenly you get knocked down and buried in a blizzard of despair.
This situation could’ve ended a 27 year marriage, led to depression or meant reliance on the government for assistance, but none of that was an option.
Looking back on this bleak time, I can see that God was using it to prepare us for better things – things we hadn’t planned on – nor had we expected. We wondered where we’d live – where our income would come from and how we’d survive, but we never lost faith in the One who had our lives in His hands. It was all part of a bigger more complex plan.
God made it possible for us to do things we love and blessed us by providing a living through it. He also placed many angels in our path. Our church family was right there with us. Friends came through with support and even housing.
Going through tragedy of any kind, it’s hard to see the good in it, but if you can look back at it and say, “Oh, I get it now,” you will see God’s finger in it. He’s the light at the end of any storm.
atimetoshare.me 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Been there, done that, got a T-Shirt praising God for all He does! 🙂
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We all have our stories, don’t we? Sometimes it’s good to look at the past to see how God works everything for our good. Thanks for your comment, Mary.
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And the next day on the first my water broke. It took about six hours for my brother to be able to reach me to take me to the hospital and he only lived three blocks away.
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Oh my goodness, Stacey. Always challenges in life, but God always makes good from bad situations.
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God put this before my eyes today, knowing what I needed. One week ago our house caught fire. Our neighbours, who were leaving for a week’s holiday, turned back when they saw the firetrucks stop at our place and handed us their keys. We have another 4 days here and then we need to find somewhere else in holiday season for a family of 6. So we are still in our storm. But your words remind me what a mighty God we serve. Bless you.
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I’m so sorry of your misfortune, but God sent Angels to you as well. Even though things seem insurmountable, He is consistent. Trust in His providence. I will pray for you too.
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Thank you.
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Great reminder, my friend. Beautiful story of the sovereign mercy of God! Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I’ve not been able to invest in other author’s work over the past few months. Life became hectic. I can say though, that I’m glad I “re-stumbled” on your writing!
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Thanks Matthew, I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. I look forward to reading your blg too.
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Well I greatly appreciate your support as well! Happy New Year!
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It is amazing to look back and see God’s hand at work…even during the worst possible events of our lives !! Thanks for sharing !! Blessings in Christ, bruce
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Everything is more difficult when you’re going thru it. It’s goody see the life lesson learn much lat, tanks t God!
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