New Every Morning, Part Seven

Read previous segments here:

The Beginning
The Injury
The Furnace
The Waiting
Employment
The House

The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB

The Phone Call

In the last segment, where I was sharing about our mortgage modification appeal, we began this new year with renewed hope that the Lord was indeed faithful, and would orchestrate our lives according to His plan.  We lived our lives as normally as possible, waiting for January 16, when Tarica (our home preservation specialist) would call us to reinstate our appeal for a permanent mortgage modification.  Everything would work out on January 16.

Meanwhile:

I was delighted to graduate Thomas from our homeschool on New Year's Day!  He would soon be a student at Universal Technical Institute, where he would study auto and diesel technology.

We were relieved to finally have our worker's comp issues cleared up; the insurance company paid almost $200,000 of medical bills from Fernando's surgery back in October 2013, at the beginning of our journey! They also paid all that they owed in back pay, which allowed us to pay off the credit cards we had been living on. We had enough left over that Fernando could potentially start a business. He began researching the purchase of key equipment he would need.

Packing away the Christmas decorations.

It seemed that this new year would be a year of new beginnings.  And now, we really needed to get the mortgage issue settled.  With Fernando coming up on three months of employment as independent contractor for PSSI, we eagerly awaited January 16.

January 15.  We dealt with a hostile phone call from Wells Fargo collections; she didn't believe me when I insisted that Tarica, our rep, would be calling us the next day to reinstate our appeal.  Sigh.  Could anything else happen before tomorrow's phone call to top this?

That evening, Fernando received an email from PSSI.  The phrases "...we just don't have enough work with the one truck to keep your base salary going..." and "...asking for your services on an occasional basis..." were all I needed to read.  No steady income, no permanent employment.  We looked at each other.  Keep trusting Me.  I am trustworthy and faithful.  My mercies are new every morning.  Keep trusting Me.


The first phone call.

Tarica called us the next day, January 16, as promised.  Wells Fargo needed proof of three months of employment.  Fernando had three months of employment.  To.  The.  Day.  We would give that to them.  We submitted all the necessary paperwork, then waited.


The second phone call.

Two weeks passed.  Thomas started tech school.  Life was a maze of taking guys to and from either the train station or tech school.  Fernando did much of the driving, since he was home in a holding pattern, waiting to hear back from PSSI about the possibility of getting one to two months of training at their Los Angeles headquarters.

February 3.  I happened to just be rolling out of bed, one of those stayed up too late so I'll sleep in kind of mornings.  I had just turned on my cell phone when it rang.  It was Tarica.

She was thrilled beyond belief to inform us that our request was officially approved.  I scribbled down all the details, shared in her excitement, and waited for Fernando to come home from taking Danny to the train station.

We laughed together at the irony of our situation, knowing that the Lord was in control.

Laid off.
Surgery.
Medical bills.
Ekes out existence.
Finds employment.
Fights mortgage company.
Receives medical settlement.
Loses income.
Gains new mortgage.

The February 1st blizzard.

Up and down, a year and a half of crazy, and it's not over yet.  Do we question things?  Sure.

Thanks for the mortgage relief, but now we have no income.
How are we going to find a source of income?
Do we start our own business?  Do we have enough funds to do it?

But God is a big God.  We can plan all we want, we can lay everything out, but ultimately, the Lord will do what He wills.  The only question we have to answer is, are we willing to trust Him to guide us where He wants us to go?  Our answer, day by day, is yes.

Update:  Part Eight is now published, so click here to continue reading our story!


Back to life,
Christine

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New Every Morning, Part Six

Read previous segments here:

The Beginning
The Injury
The Furnace
The Waiting
Employment

I know it's now the end of March, and life has overtaken me enough that I've neglected our story; but now, I'm back with a long overdue update.

The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB

The House

Back in October, Fernando began working for PSSI as an independent contractor, driving and operating a SAT truck alongside the current truck operator.  Since he was being paid as an independent contractor, we kept financial records as a legally self-employed entity.  Two other things were happening alongside this new development:

One.  We were approved for Medicaid health insurance, after 10 months of waiting.  Now it remained for us to wait for the official insurance cards, without which we wouldn't be able to receive services.  More waiting!

Two.  We finished a year-long unemployment mortgage modification program with Wells Fargo--yes, I feel free to name names now.  We submitted our October 1st modified payment to them, and indicated uncertainty about employment, but also asked if they would consider our current status of self-employment in repaying our mortgage.

Today's segment focuses on Two.  The home preservation specialist, as they are referred to, decided to immediately close our case and refer it straight to collections.  We had no idea this had happened until the first phone call from a rep in the Wells Fargo collections department.  Surprise!  What do you mean we're in the collections department?  No one told us what to do once we finished making payments under the unemployment program!  How are we supposed to just pay back the arrears, when we've just starting receiving a steady income?  These and more questions swirled around as we attempted to explain, over and over and over again to every collections rep with whom we talked.

Our case was finally transferred to a rep (one of those home preservation specialists) who actually called us back and communicated with us!  Her name was Tarica, the lone point of comfort in all our dealings with Wells Fargo.

In order to begin paying our mortgage, we had to apply for a permanent modification.  After faxing in paperwork, talking on the phone, answering questions about bank statements, and faxing in more paperwork, the beginning of December had arrived.

Tarica called to inform us that our permanent modification request had been denied.

Emotions swirled, and Fernando and I tried to figure out what to do.  We formally appealed the decision, explaining that Fernando was now receiving a steady income.  A week after we submitted the appeal, Tarica's supervisor called to tell us the documents we submitted weren't eligible for an appeal, and we were denied.  Now I was angry.  I forcefully explained everything to her (I'm sure she didn't know the history), and asked if Wells Fargo really wanted our house--because we were ready and willing to start paying our mortgage, but for the arrears that needed to be taken care of.  Having gotten nowhere, I finally hung up the phone, devastated.

This was one of those times when minutes seem like hours.  I was numb, knowing somewhere in the back of my mind that we would have to move--but where?  How?  Rent would be more than we were currently paying with our mortgage.  We kept telling everyone we talked to that we wanted to pay the entire amount back, because it was what we owed, but no one would listen.  We were a number in a vast machine.

Only one hour ticked by, one small hour filled with all the emotion I could handle, and I couldn't handle it.  Trust Me.  Just for five minutes.  You can do that, right?  Am I not trustworthy for five minutes?  Yes.  Now trust me for five more.  I sat, numb, somehow trusting Him, for one hour.

My cell phone rang.

It was the supervisor again, who informed me that she had "reached out" to the appeals underwriters, and it seemed that the documents we had submitted had been "overlooked."  Our appeal would be reinstated.

A reprieve.

We waited through Christmas, with a promise that Wells Fargo would not be a topic of discussion for our family Christmas celebration, hosted in our home.

Then, a few days before New Year's Day, Tarica called us.  Our appeal was officially denied.  This time, Fernando and I took the call together, and we were at peace, whatever the Lord allowed to happen.  Our emotions were calm as we talked with Tarica, asking her if she had even looked at the documents we had submitted.  She hadn't, so we explained our argument.

Tarica responded, "Your appeal would still be denied, because you have to have three months of employment, which you don't.  That won't happen until..."  She calculated it in her head, then said, "...January 15."  A pause.  "That's just two weeks away!  I'm going to put your appeal on hold until then.  I will call you on January 16, at this same time of day, and let you know what updated documents we'll need you to submit then."

Week after week, we had wondered why the Lord was allowing so many delays, snags, and miscommunications to occur.  I honestly admit that we were faithless, complaining about the daily barrage of emotions, the hours spent on the phone, the constant mail from Wells Fargo.  And now we knew why:  The Lord allowed those delays to occur so that Fernando could complete three months of employment, so that we could file our appeal to keep our house.

We now waited with renewed hope.  We could see the Lord's hand at work, and it was enough.  Our New Year would come.  Trust Me for today.  We would trust Him, day by day, whatever would come.

If you want to find out what happened, read this next post!


Back to life,
Christine

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All Dressed Up

We attended a wedding last month, and the occasion was a great reason for the guys to get new suits.  I bought a black dress on clearance at Cracker Barrel (wasn't planning on it, but my sister-at-heart Lori took me to lunch there).  Here I am.

I love Christian weddings, celebrating in the truest and purest sense what marriage is supposed to look like:  Christ, the Bridegroom, and the Church, His bride, and two people becoming one to fulfill His purposes here on earth.

Their very first kiss ever.

After the ceremony, we found a well-lit spot in the foyer where we could take a family picture.  Seriously, with guys as handsome as this, there's no way I could pass it up!

All of us.

We had such a great time, and everything felt so dressy, classy and special.  Congratulations, Erick and Laura!


Back to life,
Christine

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Red Beans and Rice

My neighbor Lorraine--she's such a great neighbor; you've read about her generosity in past posts--gave me a package of ham hocks.  I thought I'd use them in split pea soup, but someone mentioned red beans and rice.  I thought, why not.  Thus began my Internet Pinterest exploration for good recipes, of which I combined two into my own, and here it is.  As usual, the recipe's at the end.

You'll notice the sausage--not the ham hocks--in the pictures here.  I didn't take pictures until I knew the recipe was a keeper.  So, after the the guys' applause and general adulation of my amazing cooking abilities, and after I made the recipe a second time, I took pictures.  And this time, I used organic chicken sausage because it's what I had.

Attention:  If you don't eat meat, or use it sparingly, simply remove the meat portion of this recipe!  It's great meatless, too.

To spice things up, I add some Cajun seasoning, because, after all, this recipe originates from Louisiana Cajun territory.  I love Penzey's Spices, and their spice blends.

Let me tell you something, though.  This little jar of yumminess costs almost eight dollars.  Yikes!  I bought it because I needed it, but you'll be seeing my homemade version soon, because there ain't no way I'm spending that kind of money again on something I can make myself with ingredients I already have in my pantry.

This sure is some awesome seasoning, despite the price!

This recipe also involves soaking dry beans overnight, then simmering them with all the added stuff for 2-3 hours.  All those flavors are gettin' happy, mixin' and minglin' together all that time--no way it's not going to be delicious!

As promised, here it is.  Enjoy!

Red Beans and Rice

3 cups dry red beans (about a pound)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
2 cups chopped green pepper
5 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic to your taste)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (about 3 teaspoons dry)
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (I use Braggs--the really good stuff!)
Tabasco sauce to taste, maybe 5-6 shakes

Sort and rinse beans.  Place in large (six-quart) stock pot and cover with cold water; soak overnight or longer.  Drain beans and set aside.

In the stock pot, sauté chopped onion and celery in a little butter (or oil, or rendered pork lard) until translucent.  Add green pepper and sauté a few more minutes, then add the garlic and sauté a minute or so longer.  Add the beans back to the pot, then add all the remaining ingredients except the Tabasco sauce.  Cover with water, bring to a boil, replace the lid, and simmer about three hours or so until the beans are tender.

I stir this every now and then throughout the cooking process, and about 30 minutes before I deem it ready, I check the liquid.  My guys don't like it too soupy, so if it's that way, I remove the lid for the last 30 minutes (turn the heat up a bit to keep it at a simmer).  If at any point there's not enough water, add some boiling water in.  The hot water will help keep everything simmering, so that you don't have to turn the heat up to bring it back to a simmer.

Before serving, add the Tabasco, stirring in.

We love this served with rice, white or brown.

The last time I placed an order with our farmers (love them and their pasture-raised food!!), I ordered ham hocks--two packages.  They're less expensive than other meats, they're delicious, and I needed them because we make this recipe on a regular basis now.  Yum!

Update:  I used my farmers' ham hocks for this recipe, and I gotta tell ya.  That was the best bowl of red beans and rice I've made yet!

Back to life,
Christine

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Simplify -- Folding More than Shirts

Simplify!

Our Goal

A simple and beautiful house

that the Lord can use as a peaceful haven

for my family and others.

Click here to find out why/how I started!

Yesterday I showed you how to fold a t-shirt.  You can use that same general method to fold other clothing, too!  Watch this, for underwear.  (Shh, don't tell my guys!!)

Face up.

Fold the bottom half up.

Fold one side (doesn't matter) in, as in thirds.

Repeat picture--I moved the underwear down to see it better, lol!

Fold the other side in.

Rotate (don't flip over!) so the top is toward you.

Fold the top up and in half, and store in your drawer seam side down, fold side up.

Easy, huh?  No go do some laundry.  :)


Back to life,
Christine

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Simplify -- How to Fold a Shirt

Or, How to Fit your Clothes in the Drawer.

Simplify!

Our Goal

A simple and beautiful house

that the Lord can use as a peaceful haven

for my family and others.

Click here to find out why/how I started!

T-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, Cuddl-Duds...

I love this method as a space-saver!  However, let me say this--if you have a ton of t-shirts, please declutter them first!  Do you really need 40?  Or 30?  There are some of you who have that many.  Honestly--you can't wear that many, and you should assess exactly what you're wearing.  Remember, this is a Simplify blog post; the idea is to simplify your life--house, clothing, schedule, etc.--so that you have time for people, not things; so that things don't control you; so that you have what you love and love every thing that you have.

This method of folding will help you maximize your space, meaning you can fit almost twice as many items in the same space, all while being able to see every single piece of clothing.  See the photo above--you can see every shirt and pair of shorts I own (okay, one pair of shorts isn't folded, but you can still see it!).

Keep in mind that this method of folding takes a few seconds longer than any method you've probably been using.  So if you plan on keeping a ton of clothes, you will be spending extra time taking care of them.  Eliminate the extra, maximize your space, maximize your time.  It's that easy.

Folded laundry waiting to be put away.

The Method.

Here are the steps, with the corresponding picture below each step.

1.  Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface.  (My shirt is hanging over a bit.)

2.  Fold in one side (doesn't matter which side you start with) in, on a line about even with the neck.

3.  Fold the sleeve back, thus:

4.  Fold the other side over, just like the first side.

5.  Fold the sleeve back in.

6.  Fold the bottom up a bit to hide the bottom hem edge.  (Since my guys are men, these shirts are long, and I fold the bottoms up quite a bit.  For children's shirts, you'll fold a lot less up.)

7.  Take the bottom and fold it upwards in half.

8.  Take the bottom again and fold it upwards in half.

9.  Flip the shirt over, et voila!  It's ready to go into your drawer, folded side up.

10.  Place the shirt vertically, seam side down and fold side up, in your drawer.

Once you fold two or three shirts, you'll quickly get the hang of it.  Below, you can see each item, which can be taken out instead of rooted through to find the right one.  Because of the fold on the bottom, the clothing items stay upright even when you remove one from the drawer.

Unmentionables.  ;)

Back to life,
Christine

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February Blizzard

We seem to have blizzards at the beginning of February a lot, and this February delivered when it came to snow.

Here's what it looked like at around 10:00 a.m.:

And the back yard already had piles of white stuff, starting from 10:00 a.m.:

After lunch, my sweetie went to work on the driveway.  We're so thankful to have a snowblower!!

I'm also thankful I have guys so I don't have to do this job.  February snow isn't too bad, since spring is just around the corner!


Back to life,
Christine

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