This week has been more stressful than normal... there was more fallout resulting from some of Chris' actions... I was awarded my car in the divorce along with the obligation to pay off the lien if I wanted to keep it... apparently when Chris filed for bankruptcy, the lien on my car was included in the items that were charged off... the bank said as long as I continued to pay on it I would be fine so for the last year that's what I've done... then this past Monday I receive an unsettling call that they could not reach Chris and that the lien on the car needed to be paid off or be turned in... this is right before Christmas and I cannot be without a car... granted I don't go very far but I still need a vehicle to get around... the bank was unwilling and unable to make arrangements for me to pay off the car over the next month or two but gave me almost two weeks to find a solution... so I applied for loans everywhere I could think of but having been married to Chris and a good chunk of our money going to the bars, my credit rating has suffered because I was unable to pay bills like the credit cards when the necessities were barely covered... it's amazing to me that after the divorce, though I made less money than he did when we were married, I had more money at my disposal... all of the bills got paid on time and there was even money left over to have a little fun... I was able to make improvements around the house and get my car fixed... you know... those extravagant extras that I'm known for getting... anyway, not many lending institutions were keen on loaning me the money but surprisingly a couple of car dealerships had called... it turns out that Saturn of Hurst not only got me approved for a substantial amount, but it would allow me to trade in my car, they could pay off the lien, and I could get myself into a newer car... so last night I prayed all the way out there that these people weren't blowing smoke up my skirt and that I could really bring home a new car... so if you happen by, you'll see my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica sitting in the driveway... it has lots of bells and whistles that I'm learning how to navigate... still haven't figured out what everything does but I'm working on it... plus the kids love the DVD player that we tested once we got home... we watched the beginning of Polar Express in there and never have I seen them more excited about that movie... I will shamelessly plug the dealership... Saturn of Hurst lived up to their word and got me in a car that I like, got me in and out of there in a little over an hour (half the time was picking out what I wanted), and Reggie (my salesman) worked extra hard for a day or so to get the financing done before I got there so all I had to do was sign the papers and take my baby home... so if you need or want a car I highly recommend going to Reggie... he'll take care of you... (817) 899-4011... www.saturnofdfw.com ... tell him that I sent you!
With all of that said, I have to say that all of this reinforces my belief in God and that if you believe, He will take care of you... yes, I did my part and did everything necessary to handle this situation on my own but never did I believe that I would ever be able to get a new car any time in the next two years... I did cry at first from the shock and added stress but after I wiped away the tears I got online and did what I needed to do... I could have fallen back on old habits and had my parents help me out but I am looking forward to the shock on their faces when they come today and see a new car in the driveway... my father will feel that it's unfair... my sister's car died on her a month or two ago while she was driving on the highways of Denver (where the drivers are worse than they are here) and her husband called a dealership from his work, made arrangements for them to pick her up, and then bought both of them new cars... so both of them have new cars and now I have one as well... my Dad hates his Saab and anyone who has ever owned one has their own Saab story... mine was horrible and was in the shop every other week... who knows... maybe he'll go out there and get something new... but through all of this mess, I prayed for peace of mind and was calmed... I knew that things have a way of working themselves out better than I could imagine... this year has been a powerful one in making my faith stronger... I have prayed for success with my business and to be able to support our family without the help of Chris... that was achieved in the month before he died... I prayed for my heart to be opened to the possibilities of being able to love and be loved... that one has also been answered... I have prayed for help to be lifted up when I did not feel strong enough to keep going and he sent all of my wonderful friends to be by my side... I have prayed for help and He has put the right people in my path and I was able to see them because my heart was open... for the doubting minds that could be seen as coincidental and maybe just lucky but no one is that lucky... I truly believe you get what you give and I do my best to give as much as I can... being a friend to those around me and serving others has allowed me more blessings that I ever could have hoped for... so this has been my latest miracle for the Christmas season... my heart and Spirit are overflowing with gratitude and I just pray that I am able to be open to all of the wondrous possibilities that are ahead...