A Lesson on Faith and Money: What I Learned in August

​Not many people can say they started pursuing their dream job at 18. I had no idea what I was going to write about when I began to build this website. However, I did know I liked to travel and was fascinated with growing my faith.

Four years later, I know this is my calling. It's funny though, how you can know your calling, but also be wrecked by the jagged pieces that won't fit in right away. August, you were the ugliest month of 2018. Yet, at the same time, you made my faith grow like a weed. So, because of that, I created...A Lesson on Faith and Money: What I Learned in August. 
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A dream of mine.

Every summer I work for my dad's detasseling company in my hometown. (Detasseling is pulling the top off of the corn stalk so the male can pollinate the female, for those who don't know!) This year I moved to Lincoln from Omaha, so once the season was over and August hit, it was time to find a new job. 

I was determined to find something online. A job I could do remotely, so I could travel whenever. I searched for weeks. I looked into social media management, better selling my blog services, and freelance writing. My daily prayer turned from, "A job where I can be anywhere," to, "A job..." 

James 4:16
"Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder."

He would work it out.

I started to look at jobs here in Lincoln. I applied for hotel front desk, retail jobs, and nanny opportunities. As the end of the month approached, I was like, "God trash my plans because obviously this isn't working. What do you want me to pursue this season?" 

About that time, my roommate came home with news about a full time position where she interned. I was a little skeptical about finishing school and working that much, but if God brought this job to my door, He wouldn't let me fail would He?

I quickly submitted my resume and waited for a reply. Pretty quickly, I received an email about an interview. I thought, "THIS IS IT. THANK YOU SO MUCH GOD." I prepared, did my best, and left the interview feeling pretty good. A few hours later, I got an email. I didn't get it. I cried over my Amigos and spent the rest of the afternoon asking God why. 

Hebrews 11:1 
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

The trust part.

As the next few days trailed by, the "I trust you's" became a little harder to say. Deep down, I knew God wasn't doing this out of spite. A job designed for my current lifestyle will come and it will be incredible, I thought.

I continued to look. Around a week later, I snagged a job interview at Von Maur. I was a little skeptical at first. I have tattoos and a nose ring- is this a good idea? After a round of interviews, I was convinced this is where God wanted me. 
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I was worried about one condition though. Trey and I were leaving for Alaska in a few days, and I was afraid that trip might close this door. Fortunately, they were super understanding and let me start training a week later. I was overwhelmed. God delivered and delivered and delivered. 

All while this was happening, I was obsessed with that little number in my bank account. Every time I went to purchase food or go out with friends, I dreaded watching that number drop. Who knows that feeling? It killed me to spend money, especially when I wasn't having any coming in. 
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An ugly spark.

​In addition that, I was on the road to finish my 50 state by 2019 goal. Which entailed a whole lotttttta traveling with a tiny budget. Like I said before, we were heading to Alaska and I was terrified with how I would afford that. Although, the absence of money jump started my desire to reach out to hotels and tourism boards. I spent hours emailing businesses and eventually landed one of the biggest deals I've made in my blogging career. The ugliest month just became my source of success. 
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A revelation or two.

While searching for a job, I did seek out extra ways to make money. I started a Poshmark account and a separate Instagram to sell my clothes. Combined, I probably spent a week putting together outfits for photos and uploading great captions. A close friend bought two items and THAT WAS IT LOL.

I don't think I've ever been that frustrated. Thinking about it now though, God was probably telling me to give those things away. I clung so hard to that dollar sign, that I forgot I should be serving whenever possible. I "needed" money for a trip, when someone probably needed a jacket to stay warm.  

This post feels all over the place. Then again, that's how August felt, so maybe it is accurate. I hope this piece triggered something for you. It's hard to get a hang of letting God's schedule, be God's schedule.

*I wanna hear about what's going on in your life! Please let me know below. Like seriously, what can I pray for?

*Is there something you want me to cover on a deeper level? 

*Was this post valuable to you? Should I aim towards writing something like this again?

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