Volume Four Number One

- 1 page, 566 words -

Normally I would begin by saying, "You're never going to believe this!" I know that you will believe it, however. I am the one struggling to believe!

Following the Nevis trip, I stayed with my folks on the west side of the mountains because they have electrical outlets. I needed the power to study for my real estate license. While studying and thinking about coming back to Chelan, I had such a strong feeling that I wanted to become a member of my little church I love, and get more involved somehow. The idea of helping with the youth kept coming back to me, but I was so reluctant because I do not feel that I relate that well to kids.

I spoke to the pastor my first Sunday back in Chelan about membership and helping with the kids, and he was glad to hear the news. Last Tuesday I presented a short message to the kids about the importance of knowing and studying and turning to the Bible as a regular practice. I felt such strong confirmation that I had followed God's lead to take this step.

It was with great consternation, then, that I learned the neighbor down the road from me would not be coming back to his property for the rest of the winter. We share the snow plow bill, and without his assistance, my cost would double! As you might imagine, real estate in the winter in a summer town at the threshold of a possible recession is not the best way to bring home a regular paycheck. I fretted about the money for a day, confused that God would call me to be involved with the kids and then not provide!

As I thought it through, however, I knew that God would provide! So, I prayed in faith and then completely let it go, "God, if you want me to stay in Chelan, pay my plow bill. Otherwise, I'm going back to sea. Amen." I didn't say it in the prayer or voice it aloud, but I figured that God would bring a buyer while I was on the floor, or sell the one listing I do have, or something else along the real estate lines. That is my job afterall.

Instead, He blew me out of the water! I have been seeking various ways to advertise and spread the news of my name and new services, and one of the ways I considered was a radio ad. I went to the radio station the day after my "pay my plow bill" prayer, and eventually it surfaced that I had spent a few weeks in radio doing emergency broadcast after Hurricane Katrina. Long story short, they offered me a job!

I finalized the details with them last night. They'll phase me in gradually, but the final plan is to have me hosting the morning program from 0500 to 1300. The program includes news in the morning and at noon, with a call-in show in the middle of the morning called "Second Cup of Coffee." It's like the want ads on air! I won't be making a fortune, but I sure think it will be fun, and I'll more than be able to pay my plow bill. I don't have enough faith to be an atheist!

Truly,

Jake