I suppose I've struggled with being optimistic in the past. . . and it was probably when my husband was desparately searching for a new job that I came to the point where I had given up all hope.  Sure - I "knew" God was in control of the situation and I could tell others exactly what THEY needed to do to have peace and patience and understanding...but as we all know, it's easier to tell others what to do instead of listening to the exact same advice.  
He had been looking for a job for around 2 years.  He was employed - but making peanuts and we were to the point where if it continued - we would be in trouble.  I have a "good job" though I know I deserve to make more than I do - everyone knows I deserve to make more than I do.  ...but with student loans *groan* and bills and a mortgage...it was all adding up too quickly. 
I was standing in church during Praise & Worship and as we sang the song...I stopped and listened to the words.  I did not sing - I just stood and soaked in the lyrics.  The next time around I sang with all my being - I believed every word I was singing "and YOUR will, we embrace"  I'd been so consumed with my HUSBAND finding the right job - that I was taking my focus off of the fact that GOD would place him in the right position at the right time.  I cried - and sang the rest of the song with a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders. 
About 2-3 weeks later I was in an accident.  It totaled my car - causing us to have to buy a new car for me in a weekend.  The amount that my totaled car was given was enough to pay off my husbands car and we were able to keep the same amount for my car payment.  In a horrible situtation we were finding God.  That weekend my husband received a phone call to set up a phone interview for a job he had applied for 6 or 7 months prior.  He had just thrown out all the information a few days before.  After a few round-table interviews he got the job and he's been there for a little over a year!
It was when we "let go and Let God" (even though it's so cliche...)  that we were blessed.

I honestly don't know how people in this world can have optimism and hope if they don't have Jesus Christ.

   

I just answered this Featured Question, you can answer it too!

If there is anything I've learned in life - especially in the last 3-4 years - is that change is necessary and change is good and change makes you who you are today.

I've started my new blog by sounding like a motivational speaker. 

I've had a xanga account for 5 years now.  It was beginning to turn into something I never intended - a site filled with drama.  I believe I unknowingly planted some seeds that in turn caused the drama to grow and creep into my life.  I am sorry to any I hurt - though I admit it was completely unintentional - and I will never, ever apologize for things I've said.  I speak from my heart - I believe it's the right thing to do. 

I will not shut down my xanga site for the simple fact that 5 years of my life are recorded there.  5 years - My senior year of college, my engagement to my husband, my wedding planning, my moving to a completely strange place and learning to live in the "big city suburbs", deaths of friends and family members, births - miraculous births - of friends and family, joys, sorrows. . . it's too much to just erase. 

But I needed a change. . .hence, I've moved over here to see what this place has to offer. 

So, Hi.  My name is Mandy - My husband calls me Manda...I am blessed.  I am blessed in my life, I am blessed by the simple things...I am blessed in good times and in bad. 

I would love to get to know you.