Leslie Raney

“The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes” Psalm 118:23

 Looking back over my past year and how I have come to live and work in a new part of the country, I can truly say, “This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.” 

When I lost my job over a year ago at the height of our financial need – with 3 girls in college and 2 weddings approaching, we were not sure how we were going to get through the financial upheaval.  I learned two things during this process.  First, look for and count my blessings every day.  Second, take one day as it comes and embrace it fully.  As I count my blessings during this time, I would like to share just some of the positives about this “loss”.

1. God provided a new job in a different part of the country
2. I was able to hire my entire team – they are awesome!!
3. I was given an opportunity to learning new markets
4. Every day I look upon amazing scenery – driving in parts of the country that many wish they could see
5. I enjoy my new job and those I work with both within and those outside my company
6. I have been given an opportunity to live with my family member and have two more family members move in with us – 4 generations under one roof
7. I was allowed time to grieve the loss of my father with my mother
8. I was given a pension by my company for my years of service
9. We were provided extra finances at a time when we needed it most
10. I am attending the church in which I grew up allowing me to give back a little of the blessings that I received
11. I have met some amazing people who have become good friends
12. I was able to focus on getting in better health losing over 25 pounds
13. I am singing in the choir again and relearning how to read music
14. I learned how to work a DVD/TV player thingy which involves 3 different remote controls. 
15. I learned that the car I drive isn’t a brown car but is a Buick LeSabre. 
16. I attended Senator Robert C. Byrd’s funeral procession
17. I met Sarah Palin and got her autograph, too.
18. I have a wonderful Sunday after-church routine that includes dinner out
19. I learned that my mom and I share share the same hobby – matchmaking
20. I laugh a lot more and enjoy life more than ever
21. I learned that I like my baby back ribs dry rubbed not sauced up
22. Learned that I am part American Indian – Shawnee
23. Helped my daughter with her wedding
24. Babysat my new grandson for 3 nights
25. Helped match a new family with our hound puppy
26.  I eat more greens than ever – love collard greens best.

As I recount the miraculous provision of God, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  Plus, none of this would have been possible without a loving husband who made a sacrifice to allow me the opportunity to make the move to this new area.  Right now we have a commuter marriage and it is working out fine.  Thank you, honey.  We are blessed by God and He has watched over us and it is marvelous in our eyes!