Working just in time. (Updated/Edited)

Well, it's a good thing I write several entries at a time before posting them and spacing them a few days a part--because that way I can keep posting even if I get too busy to take the time to write any entries.

I've finally had work, which started midweek. Isn't the Lord good?

ManPower called me at 8:20am on Wednesday just days after I went in to be put back on their call list. Fortunately enough, they sent me back to Merit Precision Moulding, for what is now my third time. I first worked afternoons all summer 4 years ago during a summer off from Bible School, and then about 5 or 6 weeks two years ago, and now again, only this time I'm not sure if I'll be there on an ongoing basis or just for next week. But the timing is perfect! I had only a certain amount of money in my bank account, just barely enough to pay my rent, but then not buy groceries and fast for the rest of January and not buy gas for the van my parents let me borrow. The paycheck I'll be getting from the amount of work I've done this week will be just enough and come just in time for when my rent is due. Praise God.

Also, I'm fortunate to be there. Though Manpower pays all their temps little bit less than Staffing Connection, but this job allows you to bring your own music in. You stand at a machine all day at Merit, wherever they place you that day and you take various products made out of plastic and fix them, inspecting them for defects and so forth, and package them. It's one of the more enjoyable places I've worked, since it's not very stressful, the lunches are paid, and you can listen to your own music. The summer of 2002 I was listening to 3 or 4 preaching tapes a night, and totally having my spirit pumped. So when I went back two years later, I went and bought an mp3 player boombox from Future Shop, since most of FIRE's classes are put on mp3 CDs, and then began listening to entire semesters' worth of classes all day, day in and day out.

Right now, I'm going through Mr. Alt's Beasts of the Field class--one I was not really offered while at school, because they started teaching it as a full trimester-long class after I was in second year. But, volunteering at FI where they sell the mp3 CDs, I purchased it anyway, not letting them know I didn't take the course--because they have a policy where you can only buy the CDs for classes you actually were in, but being a Bible school that operates on the honor system, I guess they figured I'd volunteer that information? Yeah, right--I'm glad I didn't because this class was/is amazing. I've listened to it before, but I need a reminder of the stuff Steve Alt imparts through it.

Merit is one of the places I've enjoyed working the most because of how much it benefits my walk with God--having privacy to pray in the Spirit for significant chunks of time, and for listening to good preaching and teaching. I pray and hope that I can remain there for a while beyond next week.

So for those of you who prayed for me to find work, your prayers were answered, but pray I can stay longer. I work days, 8-4, and like I said, I get to listen to what I want and the work is pretty easy and even enjoyable for the most part. I am grateful to be there.

Be blessed, and thank the Lord 7 times today for all He's done in your life.

Stevie B

Edit: Click here to read a post about what happened and how the Lord provided for me to go to Holland as a result of the last time I worked at Merit. Here is a picture of the bracelet.