Thursday, August 21, 2008

Dream Come True - Giveaway for You!

My biggest dream came true less than 12 hours ago – an answer to prayer raised in a heart to heart with God on July 10. I was disappointed at not getting a job I really wanted, but I learned so much about myself through the interview process. I scored 100% as a people person, and creative and leadership abilities shined through. I was not considered a match for a job thought to be too mundane for me. I went to CHA Chicago disappointed and confused.

In the hotel room on that Thursday afternoon I had a heart to heart with God. I asked Him – "What am I supposed to do with my life Lord? You’ve given me creative talent. I love talking to people. I enjoy teaching. I have a business idea, Lord…but have gone that route and I don’t want the stress of owning a business again. Point me in the direction Lord. You closed a door I really wanted to go through – so it is up to you to open a new one.”

So many of you have been my cheerleaders – and you have blessed me SO much with your words of encouragement. Many of you were certain that God had something better and more perfect in mind for me. Oh how wise you are my friends!

Fast forward to yesterday, August 20 when the owner of a local and successful scrapbook store offered me a supervisory job that will lead into management. I will be paid for sharing about my passion with others. I can help people who have overwhelming projects to scrap, I can rub my mojo off on them (LOL), hold new product in my hand before many of you (wink), create with it for store display, and be compensated.

The hours will work out well for my family. I will put the kids on the bus, and my husband will be there to greet them off the bus. There are some weeknights where Abby will be asleep when I come home, but I can have lunch with her at school before I go to work. This job is a new career for me, and one that is in all matters – perfect for me.

In appreciation for all of your wonderful support – I am going to have two giveaways. My husband just built me a new shelving system, so I am purging. Yes…I am finding things to give away. (LOL) I will have a RAK (don’t know what it is yet!) to the first person who can guess the name of the store owner (hint: things may be a little confusing at the store). (LOL)

Secondly, I have been saving a Fiskars Threading Water border punch to be given away for the day when I can shout out, “I have a NEW JOB!” Celebrate with me by leaving a comment, and a number will be randomly drawn to select the winner. I am sure there will be something besides a punch in the package. Comments left on this thread will be accepted until midnight September 14.

Many search their whole lives seeking their purpose, and I have just been blessed with an opportunity to live my passion, and the purpose for which God has made me. I will be using the gifts God has given me to glorify Him and begin a new ministry helping others preserve their memories. Because of the schedule I will have more time for myself (exercise!), family (because when I get home from work I will have already scrapped for the day), and my Lord (come join me for a Friday morning bible study using scripture challenges from Faithsisters.com!).

God answered my prayer raised on July 10 in a very forthright manner. It has been so obvious how God has been working for me when I seriously considered finding a new job five months ago. He is the Compass for my journey. He aimed the needle and gave me a little shove in the right direction. The Lord is in the driver’s seat and I am simply a passenger on the ride, living my life for Him. I pray that everyone I meet in my new venture will feel His presence as I serve, and help them preserve the memories of their own journeys.

64 comments:

Unknown said...

Girl....you know how happy I am for you and getting this new job. Heck, I am so jealous, you get to play with new things as they come in. LOL. Rita is her name, hence why there is going to be confusion. Yes, I cheat, I know, but hey, I am the FIRST to post. ;) I wouldn't mind getting that fiskars punch....I have been looking and looking for one of those. :)

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that you will be working at the Scrapbiik Super store. I am signed up for a class on Sept. 25th so I will make sure to find you and say hi! I hope this works out for you and your family! We will have to meet up and scrap sometime.
Hugs
Stephanie Netzinger

connie said...

I was going to guess Rita too! Congratulations on a job you will LOVE. God always knows what is right for us--even when we think otherwise. connie #2909

Tanis said...

OH CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
God is amazing :) And it's so evident that He was working through this the whole time!
And I'm guessing that since it's going to be confusing cause her name is Rita too?
Best to you as you start this new journey!

jen said...

Yeah !!! Rita!!!!
I thnk the name is The Scrapbook super store?? I am sooo happy for you :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Rita, I am so happy and excited for you! God knew just how to use your talent for Him! He is so amazing! He closed one door, but opened a very big window! God Bless you! Betty Armstrong

Trace Geworsky said...

WOW!!! Congratulations on the new job. Best of luck!!!!
Trace

Lily said...

well, congrats to you. sounds like things really are coming together. Aren't you sweet to offer the punch. If my name comes up pass it on to someone needier. I am lucky enough to have one

Corey W. said...

oh how I'd love to work at a lss! have fun!!! make sure you share all those new products!

Betty said...

i am so excited for you Rita...how great is it that you get to work at a scrapbooking store and teach your talents to many others...GOOD LUCK

Anonymous said...

Rita, I'm so thrilled for you!! This is absolutely perfect for you!!! Now I have a reason to come to Madison!! Best of luck as you begin your new journey!!
Sue Biewer

Anonymous said...

Rita, I am so happy for you. I have worked in a scrapbook store for 9 years and love it. You get to meet so many talented people. Have fun with new your job!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Rita--Everytime I read something about your new job, I can't stop doing the happy dance for you! So, So, So, So happy for you!

Kimmie said...

#14 Rita, what a great opportunity for you and your family! WOW a threading waters punch? I really didnt think i needed one, but with the creations that the girls at the playground are doing, i am thinking i need one! Thanks for the opportunity to win one! Good luck with your new endevor!

Erika said...

So her name must be Rita. How cool is that!!!

Wow you are very generous to go a RAK. Hope I win cause I plan on giving mine to Kimmie for all that she does!

Can't wait to hear all of your adventures at the Store!

Ilissa said...

A big congratulations on your new position. Funny how things happen sometimes. In the end, they happen for a reason.

I-Krea design said...

WOW, Congrats!
God bless you

Drika said...

Im very happy for you!!!

Good luck into this new challenge!

Anonymous said...

Congrats my friend! You're going to be great!

Dakota Barb said...

Rita, I am so delighted that God has answered your prayers in such a positive manner! You will be perfect for the position. I just wish I lived in the vacinity and could benefit from some of your classes! CONGRATULATIONS!

Chrys said...

Congrats to you Rita!!! you know God always provides! :) :)

Norma said...

Wow Rita, Congra. on your new job. And thanks God for watchng over you, He know what best.

Annie Collins said...

Rita - How wonderful for you!! God always answers our prayers. I am so glad that you get to do something you truely love and you get to inspire others.

My guesses for the store are:
Scrapbook Super Store
Rita's Scrapbooks

Again Congrats!!!

Christi said...

It sounds like you are on your lifes path. Congrats on the new job. I know i would love to have a job like that!

Christi
#75

thid coull chick said...

wow congrats on the new job, sounds fun, you lucky girl. :)

Karen Sue said...

Congratulations on your new job!! God is wonderful, no matter what He always works things out so perfectly, we ofter forget how blessed we are,
thanks for the great RAK, I would so lov to hav a treading waters punch.

TurtleLady's Tales said...

You are truly Blessed!!!! Congrats!!!!
Turtlelady#1715

Anonymous said...

May God be praised that U found the job of your dreams..giving up something is not always easy but he pushed U in the right direction and U found a job where U can use your talent in the best way..it woauld sure be nice to win this punch may God bless your generosity!!

Fiskateer # 3510
Lydia

Jennifer Hansen said...

That would be a super cool job to have...congrats!

Carrie Egg said...

Rita, congrats on your new position!!! God has a way of answering our prayers and working out everything for the best. Congrats again.

Thanks for this awesome RAK opportunity :-)

Carrie #4114

CatherineS said...

Congratulations on your new job!! How exciting for you!

ScrapAloha said...

Congratulations to you. It sounds like you hit the jackpot!!! WTG!!! LOL, that will be fun, 2 Ritas at the store LOL! Good luck to you!

kate blue said...

You know it's never OUR plan, it's HIS plan...took me awhile to get through my head. I'm just overjoyed that this is SO working in his favor for you. Yippee!

kATEb FISKATEERS # 4529

BethW7372 said...

Congrats on your new job, I'm so happy for you.

Melissa E said...

Congrats on the new job, especially doing something that you love to do. I have a love-hate relationship with my job. Lately, I've been hating more than loving it. But I guess I should consider myself lucky to have a job ... for now. We've been told to expect layoffs in October.

Anonymous said...

congratulations on finding your dream job!!!

I'm thinking the store owner's name must be Rita :)

TracyP said...

That's AMAZING news!!! God sure does work in myserious ways!! And now you are where you want to be!! Lucky you that would be my dream job!

Thanks for the chance to win a fabulous prize
Tracy Fiskateer #4168

Bronwyn Theresa said...

Congrats on the new job - I hope things go well for you with it and you achieve the dreams you have.

D's Paper Studio said...

Rita, what a blessing on how God provides for us when we trust in Him to make that provision. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I have been blessed to have met you at CHA. May God continue to shower His love upon you and your life!

Thank you for including all of us in your celebration.

Unknown said...

Wow!!! My mom would love to be in your shoes :=) She lives for scrappin!!
Cicly 1835

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your moving blog! And Congrats too! I'm so glad everything worked out the way it was supposed to!
Barb #2975 (from WI too!)

Unknown said...

Rita...I am thrilled for you and I will come and visit you!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your new job and how wonderful that God showed you the right path and direction to take. It is true - not many people find their true purpose in life.

Suz said...

God is so good! Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story & even though I don't know you I'm really happy for you as a sister in Christ. Good for you & best wishes & prayers.

tajicat said...

Congratulations on the new job! it sounds like it will be perfect for you! I wish you the best of luck! :)

Stacey said...

Congrats Rita! I'm so happy for you!

Barb said...

Congratulations! You went to your source and received what he had for you! God bless you and best wishes in your new endeavor!

Nikki said...

Congrats and very inspirational post! Can I ask where you're located in Wisconsin? I am from Wisconsin too...Kenosha, and would love to stop in the store if it's at all close!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your job. Sounds as if the SB store got very lucky in having such a creative mind in their employ.
Good Luck

laura

betsy (pharmgirl) said...

Rita! don't put me in your drawing, since i have stash enough right now - i just wanted to give your a big congrats!

Anonymous said...

How kind of you to give away scrappy goodies! Good luck with your new job! I found you from SCRAPFRIENDS!

Unknown said...

Rita I am thrilled for you. Isn't it amazing that when God closes a door He really DOES have the correct door ready to open for us~~ Your blog always blesses my heart. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Janell

ScrapAddict said...

Good luck to you in your new endeavour. Just when we start to get discouraged, God can lead us.

Angela L. said...

What you wrote about being hurt because you felt that God didn't answer your first prayer when He actually had something else in mind for you really touched me. I am such an impatient person and have a really hard time just waiting quietly by until God is ready to lead me where He wants me to be..... Your story really inspired me and I'm so happy for you in landing a job that you will enjoy as well as the fact that it works out with yours and your hubby's schedule.... You will be in my thoughts and prayers that this transition will go smoothly for your family.

Laina Lamb said...

love how things always work out for the better. congrats to you!

Sue said...

Congrats Rita!!! I'm sure you'll love your new job. I think if I worked in a scrapbook store, I wouldn't bring any money home because it would all be spent before I even cashed my check, LOL :)

Unknown said...

congratulations rita! I'm so glad your dream has come true for you! :)

Dielle said...

What a great story! Isn't it cool how the Lord really knows us and what is best for us, more than we know, even?!? Thanks for sharing it!

Kay said...

What a great blessing. I am the midst of my own Career journey. Your journey has been an inspiration for continuing mine. I know what my gifts and talents are, and continue to pray for a way to use them in a job. Thank you for sharing....and congrats, what a great job.

Danielle Flanders said...

how exciting for you, congrats on your new job!!!
Dani

Kathy said...

I am so very happy for you. This obviously was meant to be. Congrats on your new job and good luck with all you do. I know you will be great at it.

twobugs said...

sounds like God has answered your prayers, Good luck on your new job

Lucy Chesna said...

congrats on your new venture

Rita's Scrapbooks - maybe the store name

Kristi B. said...

Congratulations! Working at a scrap supply store would be just too fun! Have fun living your dream. :o)