Slam those doors, Lord!

We spent the winter of 2011 & 2012 applying for scholarships, writing essays, attending competitions, all in an effort to get college paid for.  But we prayed as a family on a regular basis, for GOD's will for our lives, not ours.  We asked him specifically to SLAM doors shut and SWING WIDE OPEN the doors to the paths that were HIS choice for our lives, not our plans!  And that is exactly what He did.  I won't ever forget the day Ian received his letter in the mail from Western Michigan stating they were very sorry, but that he was not chosen as a scholarship recipient.  He was disappointed for about 5 minutes, and then he opened up his checkbook, and promptly wrote out a check to tythe 10% of his first earnings at his new job.  I was in awe of his trust of God's will for his life, and of his unselfishness, knowing his first fruits were for God.  I was more than proud of him that day than I'd ever been.  And Rory kept getting letters in the mail as well, from Cornerstone, from Grand Valley, all stating that he had received absolutely no financial aid or scholarships.  Disappointed, heck yes, but just a few short hours later I would find myself in bed trying to fall asleep, but would hear Rory belting out praise songs to God while playing the guitar from the basement.  There is not a night I don't go to sleep fully aware of how absolutely undeservingly blessed I am.

Rory is going to maximize his credits at Macomb Community College before transferring.  That means approximately one more year there.  Ian has enrolled into a dual enrollment program through Macomb Community College and Walsh College for a fast track honors Masters degree program in 5 years, coming out with a better degree and worse case scenario, 1/3 the debt he would have had, had God not slammed that door for us.  Since then, he has received a $500 scholarship from his elementary school, and has been asked to do a television interview about high school students and under-age drinking, and the good example he sets.  Rory has also received a scholarship, and the scholarship committee was so impressed with the recommendations by his teachers, as well as his personal story, that they are quoting him in the paper and including his picture for a story.  Ian landed a second job in addition to the one at the car wash.  He referees professional ultimate frisbee games at the Pontiac Silverdome.  Rory has taken a job as area director for Spring Hill Christian Camps for the summer, and leaves next week.  He plans to work as a para-pro in our school district while going to school in the fall.  

And as for me?  I found out last week I am overpaid on my consumers power bill enough that I wont receive a bill for about 5 months, my electric bill went down by $120 a year, my dental bill was reduced from $1800 to $1200, and when I stood in line for a coffee at church last Wednesday, I found out it had been paid for by the person in front of me.  God is good to us.  Real good.  

And I can't help but think of the poor girl who laughed at us, and said poor choices were being made in our house, giving up college opportunities at 4-year universities, all to "chase Jesus!"   I pray for her EVERY DAY, right after my prayer that Rory & Ian will, for the rest of their lives, continue to CHASE JESUS!

"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."  Isaiah 65:24