Rug Flipping

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I was very happy at home.

I quit my Same Day Surgery job when the kids were ages three, and one and a half. I was a stay-at-home Mom for the next twelve years. My husband backed me up when I told him I wanted to quit. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses; we went through financial pinches. But we were committed to making it work.

As the children grew, I had more free time. I was volunteering at school, at church, and I was also a part-time chauffeur for those swim practices, basketball games and water polo meets. It was a full, satisfying life for the family and me. I loved it.

Little did I know that God was preparing a little switch-up for me.

As I continued to volunteer and keep the house; a group of doctors needed a new employee. One of the MD’s asked the head nurse of Labor and Delivery at the local hospital, if she knew anyone who would be interested in working in an office setting.

I knew that nurse. We had gone to college together. Now a busy head nurse, in a busy hospital, I guess she wanted to share the wealth?



I got the call about the job. I was shocked. I’d never even considered looking. Of course, the Lord knew that, so he made sure they would come looking for me. The hours were good, part time, and when the children were in school. I talked to my husband, and decided to go for it. That job helped us to pay for two educations, and one wedding.

Have you heard the term: “Got the rug pulled out from under me?” The rug I was standing on was comfortable for me. I knew all its corners, and the colors woven in it. I was happy.

God saw my rug, and thought it was worn out. He thought it had started to fray, and was matted down in spots. The wear and tear was obvious to him, but not to me. He wanted me to move to a new place. I needed to start using my gifts for nursing again. I guess I wasn’t paying attention to the signs, because I never saw it coming.

You know how magicians grab a tablecloth, and with one yank, flip the cloth off the table? That’s what God did with my rug. One well timed flick of the wrist, and I was off my comfortable, well-worn rug.

I know the Lord has his plans. He’ll plant the seeds in me to whisper about change. Or the new idea comes from another person. Like Donna. She told that doctor that I was available, and ‘needed a job’. It still makes me shake my head in wonder.
Turns out I loved my new rug. It was bigger, and had bright colors woven together; the new experiences yet to come. I stayed on that rug for thirteen years. Until the next wrist snap.

Life sure is a fun ride, isn’t it?

Linking today with: Winsome Wednesday

81 thoughts on “ Rug Flipping ”

  1. Life is a white-knuckle roller coaster ride! HANG ON!!

    Are you going to share the next wrist snap? I’d love to hear it. I find it so inspiring to hear stories about how God has moved in the lives of other people.

    Presto chango!

    GOD BLESS!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sharon! No kidding! Who knows from day to day what the the Lord has up his sleeve?

      I had to smile when you asked about the next wrist snap. I may post about that too sometime. I guess these are the big things, but I am called to do small things too which surprise me. It’s a good thing to be in a state of surprise, isn’t it?

      And you are right, God is in the business of changing me. Good one! I like that insight :)
      Blessings to you always, my good friend,
      Ceil

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  2. Life is a fun ride for sure! I can certainly see how God might have used your nursing career as an extension of Himself. I believe it takes a very special person to do that kind of work. Just reading your words gives me a sense of the woman God created you to be, and who better to serve Him in that way than someone who loves Him so completely? You’ve been blessed to have served two passions in life; that of your family and the care of others. Then of course where ever He’s led you since then! Wow, your rug must a beauty to behold.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Peggy! So nice to see you today, I have missed you!

      Thank you for your very lovely comments today. I was blessed to be led to being a nurse, and it was an unusual way I was called too. But God will get my attention one way or the other, that’s for sure.

      All of the work we do for God is so precious to him. I know now that you are an amazing encourager, and I’m so thankful that we know each other through blogging. Thank you for being such a faithful blog-friend!
      Hugs,
      Ceil

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  3. Dear Ceil
    Yes, my friend, our Pappa works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. He took the rug from right under my feet in blessing me with Fm/Me!! I have never in my life been so ill and that all the time, but I have never been happier in my life. He taught me that His grace is always sufficient and that His joy is truly my strength. Even though life is very difficult to me, I never had so much peace. What am amazing God He is.
    Blessings XX
    Mia

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mia! Your story is such an amazing journey of faith and working with what God has given you. That truly was a huge ‘rug flip’. And you’ve never been happier in your life? What grace and joy.

      Thank you for coming by today and for your comment too. I know you thank the Lord every day for his kindness and providence. I can learn a lot from you.
      Blessing to you too, my friend,
      Ceil

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  4. What you say in this wonderful post is so true Ceil. God does often nudge us in the right direction. I have seen it often in my life and that of others. Maybe He doesn’t speak as He spoke to Moses and the prophets, but He does speak to us all the same. How often are we listening.

    Thank you Ceil for your kind words about my Father Ignatius story. I hope you also like the others I’ve written.

    God bless you and your family always.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Victor! I think you are right, sometimes he speaks, and sometimes his nudges. And sometimes he speaks through other people and circumstances. Being aware of his presence is really the key, and something I will work on all my life.

      I did love your post about Fr. Ignatius. He was so tender and respectful to his little audience. I am very glad that we met through our blogs :)
      Thank you for your generous blessings for us. I continue to pray for your complete healing.

      Have a wonderful Wednesday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  5. It surely is, Ceil! I think of how often God prepares us for things without us realizing what He’s doing. I’m thinking there is probably a reason for that…:)
    It is never easy to step out of our comfort zone, but I am amazed at how when we do He gives us just enough light to calm our fears. The act of obedience to step out is where we make that commitment and take that first step.

    I’m so glad yours turned out so wonderfully for you! And I’m also glad that He has you blogging right now! :)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dianna! You are right on target with the comfort zone thing…I didn’t think of that. Thank you! I had grown very comfortable on my old rug. So much so, I didn’t listen to any cues from the Lord.

      But I was very happy in my new job. It was actually fun, and I loved meeting all the people coming through the office to see the doctors. It did turn out wonderfully.

      I’m glad I’m blogging too, Dianna. That was a real ‘rug flip’ moment too! But I enjoy it so much, and I get to meet wonderful, faithful people like you. What a blessing that is! God knows what he is about. My job is to listen :)

      Wednesday Blessings!
      Ceil

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    • Hi Kathleen! I have had times when I was a little slow on the trigger with the ‘call’. This time, he made sure I couldn’t avoid it.

      It is amazing to look back and see how the Lord walked through my life. I usually don’t see it at the time, but hindsight is usually 20/20.

      Have a great Wednesday my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  7. Oh, I hear you 100%! I had gone back to work when my husband had his strokes 5 yrs ago (had to.. money…) we didn’t pray about it..I just had to go back to work. Well..boy sure got a rude awakening, got hurt at work. I could go on & on..but really..God should be the ulitmate decider on ALL matters. Sure, money/finacially would be easier if I went back to work now..but, honestly, God has not led me into a job situation. Appart. I am still needed at home. I said when we moved here I would get a job..the boy is in college, etc…somehow..it just doesn’t seem right..again, it’s HIS doing. Apologies for rambling..but I fully understand where your post is coming from. Thanks Ceil. Blessings

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! Oh no, you are not rambling at all, you are witnessing to God’s call to stay at home now. Against all human reasoning. That’s listening to the stirrings of your soul. That is so inspiring Linda.

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment today. I am a new follower of yours, so I didn’t know about your husband’s health challenges. That must have been a really tough time for you. I hope he is doing better, and had successful rehab.

      Wednesday Blessings to you! And thank you again for your faith-filled comment.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Pam! I guess you really can relate to this post, right? You just made your new move with your husband…that was quite a rug-flip wasn’t it?

      Thanks for coming by today :) Hope you’re adjusting well.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  9. I can certainly relate to this, I had a similar experience a year ago, but instead of God providing a job, I lost mine. I had worked part time as a nurse for years, then one day we were told our department was going to be eliminated. God knew I needed to be home but unless he had pulled the rug out from under me I don’t think I would have made the change. Like you, I love my new rug, it’s what I needed….but I also know that things could change in an instant. Isn’t a comfort to know that he is in control of the details of our life?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Maryann! So you are a nurse too? What a fun thing to learn about you!

      Wow, having your entire section eliminated must have been so shocking. I would be wondering what the heck God was doing to me! I’m so happy that you know you are in the best place for you, and that you love your new rug.

      Sometimes I don’t want to move. I like right where I am. I agree, it’s best that God is in control, or I’d never experience half of what I have done. I’d be sitting at home!
      Thank you for your wonderful comment. I love getting to know you better.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  10. WOW, Ceil, you sure are singing my song this morning! It is hard to grow and mature spiritually if we let ourselves get all snug in our comfy little boxes. And I love the fact that when HE shakes us up we change multi-dimensionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. I was all snug as a mom of 3 happily carting kids to school when He called me to homeschool…whew! 16 years later, I am NOT the same person! Some changes come easier than others though…but He gives us courage to continue the next leg of our journey, doesn’t He? I could use a new rug for my kitchen…lol… Blessings to you, Kelly

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kelly! Wow, you had quite a change in directions, didin’t you? What a change! You added ‘teacher’ to your list of abilities, and I bet you never thought that would happen?

      It would be interesting to know how you have changed, Kelly. Why did God lead you to those changes? Might make a good blog post for you!

      When you get the new rug for your kitchen, make sure it’s the non-skid type :)
      Always lovely to hear from you, my friend.
      Ceil

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    • Hi Kim! Thank you, I have that rug yanked on a regular basis, so it sort came to me naturally!

      I guess it really is about changing seasons, ‘ready or not’! God will get me to move, even if I don’t want to go.
      Thank you for your visit today!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Wanda! Oh, I hear you. Who wants to leave the rug that has made me so comfortable? Sometimes it takes quite a bit of force to get me out of my comfort zone. But he does it…good thing he’s God and not me. I’d still be on the couch :)
      Blessings to you!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Noriko! Yeah you were!! We had a great time with the kids, didn’t we? I still remember the afternoons at the park. Dinner? I don’t know, what are you going to have? LOL!

      And those backyard band concerts? Too funny! It was a great time.
      Happy Photo-ing!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Kim! Thanks, well, when you’ve had as much practice as I have in being flipped, the analogy comes pretty easily!

      It’s so good that God is God and I am not. I’d never push me to do many of the things I have without his ‘gentle’ prodding. He does know the perfect time!
      Thank you for your visit today, my friend!
      Ceil

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  15. Hi Ceil,
    I totally agree. Looking back on my life it is now that I see how easily I slipped from one job to another, purpose in each,and how easily we were taken from one residence to the next. I have loved every moment of it because I don’t feel I have ever been in charge, God was – even when I didn’t know Him. He was just leading me to where He intended me to find Him.
    God bless you, and the people you meet in your job and life.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Brenda! Wow Brenda, you have so much peace in the middle of so much change. That is such a huge blessing. It’s wonderful that you can see the purpose in each move, and how you loved it.

      You were born for change, you handle it so well! I hope to be more like you as I grow in my faith. Thank you for such a lovely and uplifting comment!
      Ceil

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  16. Your analogy with the rug is perfect. I am so happy that you were able to stay at home with your children. Isn’t it amazing how we don’t have to search and search for the answers. They are already there…already given, and our Lord reaches out and leads us. It makes the journey of life so much richer and easier when we let Him be the guide. I’m so happy for you, Ceil. You have a listening ear. God will continue to bless you as He already has.
    Hugs to you,
    Jackie

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jackie! It is wonderful that God will lead if we just stay quiet long enough. I was just reading an article about how we run to fill the empty space when God wants to speak through it. Isn’t that cool? I think I might write a post about that one :)

      Thank you so much for your kind words about my listening ear and the blessings. I do thank God for supportive people like you in my blog-life. I’m so glad you are back from your break, and we can learn from each other again.
      God bless you and yours,
      Ceil

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  17. Loved this story, Ceil :) We never know what God has in store for us….it seems like when we get comfortable and settled than that’s when the Lord decided to “mix” it up a little :) Thanks for the sweet encouragement. Hugs to you!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Stephanie! I like that phrase “mix it up a little”. That’s good! I went with the rug thing because it’s such a surprise. I guess I was too comfortable, and the Lord wants me going forward!

      Hope you had a good Wednesday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Sue! Well, I did see his work in hindsight. I was pretty surprised when I got the phone call about the job. Crazy!

      God is indeed good. If I keep aware, I’ll see the work he is doing in my life.
      Thank you for your blessings, Sue. I hope you had a good day!
      Ceil

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  20. Thanks for sharing this piece of your story, Ceil. I find it so cool when God works that way–brings things TO us. Sometimes we forget that, and we think we have to come up with things on our own and force something to happen. But if we actively wait on him, he’ll make sure we’re aware of the opportunities.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Lisa! You are so right. I think I have to do everything, or else I’ll get nothing. But this episode sure should teach me that God will have his way, no matter what. And if I am looking forward to grace, the key is waiting.

      Love that phrase ‘active waiting’. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s really true!
      Thank you for your visit today, and comment too :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Morgan! It really was great to have a job then. I was ready, I just didn’t know it. I enjoyed that job very much, the people were great.

      So glad you were encouraged by the post today :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Patty! Oh my, that would have been something, wouldn’t it? I hope I would have been soothing, but I love to laugh too. Maybe I’d have to keep that to the staff (like you!).

      It’s such a joy and a sorrow working with new mothers. It’s a hard job, and it’s good if we can respect that. My daughter is due in December with her second, and it’s been fun to be a little coach and resource for her.

      You’ll be that coach and resource someday too. It’s really fun! But it can wait a while, right?
      Good to see your smiling face today :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi JR! Thank you for your lovely comment! I enjoyed using that rug as an illustration of how God threw me off my game, and got me going in a whole new direction. He sure is insistent! And thanks be to him for that.

      Nice to see you today :)
      Ceil

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  25. God does work in mysterious ways…and often times it appears to be a mystery to us just why He is doing what and where and how all at the same time! But if we are His child, we know that He is always working behind the scenes on our behalf…even in the mysteries! I love how you have shared this story with us today…and that it appears to have a new mystery brewing at the end…we’ll keep tuned in for further developments. I’ve been through quite a few rug flippings/yankings in my lifetime…I tend to get a little nervous when I’m feeling too comfy cozy…it often means change is coming…but God reminds us that His plan for us are always good plans, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11), so we just go with the flow and thank Him for the magic carpet ride! Thanks for this today. It was delightful!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Pamela! I like your image of a ‘magic carpet ride’. Much less violent than the ‘rug flipping’! I think all of us go through those times of change, and wonder what the heck is going on.

      It is wonderful to remember that God is behind the scenes as you say. If I didn’t believe that, I think I would be so sad. Nothing would make sense.

      I might have a running post about my rug flips…like you, there have been a LOT!
      Thank you for your thoughtful comment today. I loved it.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  26. Hi Ceil, I love this post. God always has better things for us than what we can imagine. And i love how you point out, you were not looking, so He sent them to you. Such a great God we serve
    God bless
    Tracy

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Tracy! I am so glad you liked the post today! God does always have ways of topping our expectations. Who gets a job offer out of the blue like that? It was just amazing. And I liked the job…more than I could imagine.

      Thank you again for Encourage 24/7. I hope you will have more time to be an encourager in the future.
      Hugs.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Jerralea! How nice to see you today!

      You too, huh? I’d love to hear how you got your job sometime. God is so creative in getting us to do his will. What an amazing, surprising God we have. Always have to be on our toes, that’s for sure.

      Like you said, you just never know…makes life mighty interesting!
      Happy Wednesday!
      Ceil

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    • Hi Mindy! They are as perfect as they are unexpected, I completely agree. And you had the same experience? You are the second one to comment that it happened to you too. The Lord has been very, very busy :)

      Hope you had a good day, my friend,
      Ceil

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  29. A fun ride, indeed! Great analogy about God’s change of plans and the rug because it does sometimes feel like the rug has been jerked right out from under us! Sounds like you handled your change with much grace. What blessings Father pours out on us when we are willing to trust His goodness and His plan!

    Reply ↓

  30. Hi Holly! My blogger is acting up, so I can’t reply directly to you right now. Erg…

    Well, I think I handled it as well as I could. It was very surprising, that’s for sure. And then to find out my girlfriend threw me out there…that was funny and embarrassing. But it all worked out just great. Just like the Lord intended.

    Thank you for your visit today, Holly!
    Ceil

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  31. Sometimes we are so comfortable in that ‘comfort zone’ that we don’t even dare to look outside for anything else. So one way to get you moving is to ‘pull out the rug from underneath you’. Did you ever think that meeting that friend, she would help you pay for your kids education and a wedding, so to speak? She played a major role in your life too.

    What a great story with a wonderful ending and I hope you’ll share the other ‘wrist snap’ story too.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Rum Punch! I did not really think a lot about how God put my friend right in the place she needed to be for me. That is a good part of the story that I kind of glossed over. Thank you! It really was a blessing to have that job, although I never considered it at all.

      We all have those ‘wrist snap’ moments. So many of them in my life. I suppose that means I am not very observant! You are not the first to ask me to share the next one, so I’ll be thinking about that for a while.

      Thank you for your visit (during the week too! I usually see you on weekends). And thanks for your thoughtful comment too.
      Have a good Thursday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  32. If my rug is going to be flipped, the Lord is the only One I’d trust to do it! It’s happened to me a few times…like when my husband came along, when I was 42, after I’d accepted my life of singleness as God’s will for me.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! What a beautiful ‘rug-flip’ that is! I would imagine the story of meeting your husband is a pretty fun one. You bring up a good point…we should pray that our wake-up calls are from him, and not from us. I like that, thank you!

      You should write about meeting your husband sometime. It would be so fun to read, and I bet it’d be fun to write too.
      Happy Thursday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Jennifer! I love hearing how The Lord works in our lives too. And it is a blessing to recognize it. I am sure that there are a ga-zillion times I am not paying attention. He leads me so beautifully…but I still need those wrist snaps every once in a while.

      It’s like he’s saying “Wake up Ceil!!!” Like you said, he knows what I need.
      Always so good to see you :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Patty! I did like your hydrangeas! And like I told you, I’m a sucker for sparkle. The combination was just lovely.

      It’s pretty chilly here, but we are looking forward to a visit from my sister and her husband tomorrow. Yay! Family weekend fun :)
      Hugs to you too, Patty!
      Ceil

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  35. Isn’t it funny how the Lord does that? I felt that way when we found out about Becca’s Celiac disease. I had finally gotten comfortable with cooking around Will’s allergies on a budget and then got thrown that curve ball. But, the Lord knew that’s what I needed to do and it led to my blog, business and being able to help others. I never even knew I was gifted in that area (gluten-free cooking). The same thing happened when I prepared to leave ICAN in order to start my new childbirth education ministry. The Lord has such amazing plans for us.

    I am so happy that you were able to use your gift as a nurse in that position. It sounds like it was such a perfect fit for your life at that time!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Anne! It really was a perfect fit. And I did love it, and the people I worked with too.

      You have been through a lot of changes and rug-flips yourself, as you mention here. Your blog helps so many people dealing with celiac, and you help many with your ministries. I don’t know how you do it all. It’s like you are superwoman, my dear.

      You inspire me! Thank you for coming over tonight. It’s always a joy to see you :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Jean! I guess that’s a pretty good saying then! I was very happy being at home. But the Lord had other ideas, and it all turned out great. I just never would have thought of this in a million years…That Father we have is pretty smart!

      Hope you had a wonderful Thursday :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Dayle! I’m writing a little piece on some other changes in my life, and that is the phrase I used. “Twists and turns.” And none of them make sense at the time.

      20/20 hindsight is an amazing thing.

      Thank you for coming over today! It’s nice to see you :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi MM! Thank you for your sweet comment. I love that rug metaphor too…and that’s just what it felt like.

      I have been by to see you, but I keep getting bumped off your site. You have a busy place! I’ll try again tomorrow. I am so happy to see you here today. Thank you so much!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi There! What a beautiful prayer for me…I am so touched. Thank you! I like your saying about change and vending machines, even if you didn’t think of it. So clever!

      Thank you for your visit today. Hope you are having a blessed weekend.
      Ceil

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  40. Hi Ceil, I’ve missed our “visits” together… turns out I was getting accustomed to some “rug yanking” and didn’t know it! Thanks for the wonderful explanation. Now I can see more clearly :-)

    I hope to be back writing again soon, but it was nice to stop by and find you here. Thank you for your faithful posting.

    Barbara at WingAbouts

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Barbara! Thank you for your visit here! I hadn’t seen you in a while, so I guess you were busy flipping. I hope you are back on solid rug now? I’ll stop by to see you soon. Hope you can get back to writing again!

      Have a blessed Sunday,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

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