Oh, and it sounds like you’re flying out, but if you are by chance driving…through the Dallas area…I’d love to buy you lunch/dinner/coffee/whatever!

Love California, even with the weird mindset of it’s coastal citizens. Venice Beach is one of my favorite places to go walking and people-watching. The Santa Monica pier is a fun place to take a child. And I’m a Disney nut, so the happiest place on earth is one of my favorite places to go.

Blessings for you and your new life.

Welcome to Cali! I live in Northern California and don’t care for SOCAL.

As someone who was born out here on the west coast and has watched it change from a moderate to a solidly left-leaning climate, yeah, it’s often hard and you tend to feel isolated. But there’s the ‘net and talk radio. They help keep one’s political perspective straight.

Again, may God bless you as you make these changes in your life, and may He draw you ever closer to Him as you move to a new place in obedience to His call. (((((((((hugs)))))))))

We get “tested” in life with problems, changes, all things unexpected. The times are certainly changing for LaShawn Barber, who posts a wonderful article……

I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you here. Blessings to you on your move.

Good luck with your move and enjoy your family!

I wanted to let you know that you are truly an inspiration on my life. I read your blog faithfully and I can tell that you have been ordained by God for something greater than you can possibly imagine.

I look forward to watching your career take full-flight; LA will be your springboard to greatness!

Joshua

Great stuff!

This is one of the few times I can say to someone, “I know what you’re going through.” I’m a transplanted Midwesterner living in the Los Angeles area. (My wife is from here and convinced me to move 5 years ago). About six months ago I got laid off from the full time job I’d had for four years. Like you, my company’s troubles had nothing to do with the economy. For the first time in twenty years, I found myself unemployed, with a family of five to feed. Scary!

I saw the layoff coming and had what I thought was another job lined up. I had been called in for three interviews, and on the day I expected to get an offer, the employer had an “emergency” and put the position on hold. Several similar opportunities have come up, where I was in the top two or three candidates but didn’t quite get the job, or I was offered the job based on conditions that couldn’t quite be met.

Nevertheless, I’ve been working steadily almost since the day I got laid off. One freelance job after another has come my way (I’m a web developer). I’ve done little to cultivate the work; God has simply provided. The projects I’ve gotten have been challenging, forcing me to expand and sharpen my skills. I’m having more fun than I’ve had in years.

And yet, I still find myself seeking the safety net of full time employment and the steady, predictable paycheck. And each time I think it’s going to happen, the opportunity vanishes. God is teaching me that HE is my safety net. After all, what is more assuring than having the creator of the universe looking out for you?

The best part of this is that it gives me the opportunity to praise God and tell others about his faithfulness. So, even though I don’t know what’s going to happen from week to week, life is good, because God is good!

I hope to have an opportunity to meet you out here sometime, La Shawn.

Safe travels.