Trying times

I hope this doesnt irrate any of you. I am not trying to push my religion on you. I just wanted to "vent" and write a little bit here about something I've been going through.

Some of you know about a year and a half ago I rededicated my life to Christ.
I pray every day for God to use me and my life. To use my hands for his work. Around the time I rededicated myself (April 3,of 2005)

I've had a lot of unfortunate things happen to me. I was told by my friends that when you try to walk with Christ that there will be bad things happen to you. Its called "Spiritual Warfare".

According to what I've been told is that the Devil is trying to break you. Similar to what happened to Job in the bible. God told the Devil he could do anything to Job that he wanted except for killing him.

I feel like this is what has been happening to me. Just days after I became a born again Christian I had a very trusted employee betray me. She was stealing my business. I wont go into details but it was very devastating. This woman was not only a trusted employee but a good friend.
She betrayed me in the worst way. I even forgave her and she did it again!

Then I had a valued client whom I trusted go into competition with me. Then she opened a studio and she said some very hurtful things to me when I told her she wasnt ready. (however she has no real training except a few weddings with me.)

Then not long after that, I learned that my trusted Dr. and Dermatologist next to me had eyes on my studio space.

She worked out a deal with my landlord to take over my space (that we had spent$32,000.oo to build out.) and Domain Real Estate didnt even have the courage to tell me face to face. They sent a realtor to tell me.
This was very devastating because we had put a lot of money into it. I don't recommend doing business with them.
They also used an image of mine without photo credit, nor payment of any kind!

But I turned lemons into lemonaide and worked it all out.

Then it was one thing after another, my extended family went through some financial problems, we had 3 deaths in the family and then my daughter suffered a miscarriage, and then the horrific event. The plane crash of my treasured clients and friends The Christie family.

These people were an example of how to live. They were "exceptional" people. Everyone who knew them and met them knew how good they were. I miss Sherries smile and her big heart. I just wonder why would God let this happen to them? Only he knows.

I came across some photos of them in my guest room the other day and the tears just fell like rain.

It just seems it is little things all the time. (I had 15 years of smooth sailing before this!) I have not given up. It seems each week there is something else happening. I wont bore you with the details, but its been a very trying time.

I've always tried to treat people the way I want to be treated. I don't ask anything of anyone that Im not willing to give myself. I've always worked hard and been nicer than necessary.

The world is changing so fast. A lot of people dont care anymore. People seem to be getting tougher. I see it when I watch reality shows. Cut throat competition and greed. Whats happened? Where are the manners we learned in the playground in kindergarden?

What keeps me going is my faith in God, my love of my family and the support of my friends.
Yesterday, I was drawing a bath and I forgot it and flooded my house!
This will cost a few thousand dollars and has disrupted my family again.
Im just thankful for my health and my family.
Every day I give 110% to my work and to my family. I pray God will continue to bless me and those that I love.

I will not give up. I am thankful that my family is still alive and well. Not everyone can say that.
Im so thankful for my wonderful clients who know what kindness and loyalty mean. Who send me sweet letters and emails and are always there with a smile. I really love you guys. You are a part of my family as well.
Have a Blessed Day,

Remmeber these 2 verses.
"Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come, endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer." Romans 12:12 Phillips

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV