Just Marveling at God's Provision this Morning

My hubby and I went on a double date with some friends last night. Kyle and Tim eat breakfast together quite often, but Rebecca and I haven't seen each other in quite some time. You see, she's pregnant with her 10th! and of course I have my 6. Mom's just don't get an awful lot of time away do we? Anyway... that's not my topic for today - I just wanted to say what fun we had. I'm thankful for the dinner they bought us and the sweet fellowship we had.

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Since I pretty much tell you guys everything! Well, there are a few things I don't tell... really there are... but I have something wonderful to share.

My hubby and I have been a little stressed about money. I'm sure none of you have that problem (yeah right, huh?) . God has provided money to pay all of our bills. We aren't using credit cards to make payments (as we were about 8 years ago). We have food to eat. We have clothing on our backs. My husband really does make a very good income for which we are so very grateful. But, like almost everybody else, sometimes there just isn't enough extra for the things that come up unexpectedly, especially when they all come up at once.

Well, with Christmas coming - van not running right - bonuses not coming (and haven't all year) - needing more school books, espresso machine breaking (just teasing! but you know how us Kraft's love our coffee!), kids outgrowing clothes (and unfortunately MOM outgrowing clothes - I've gained 10 pounds!!! UGH! Always happens when I quit nursing), needing a few more supplies to protect porch repairs through the winter (until hubby can finish it in the Spring), forgetting to write a $200 AT&T payment in the checkbook between changing registers, ... shall I go on? No - I'll quit here. Point is... I've been a little stressed about money. Just not quite keepin' up.

I've been praying: "Lord, these problems aren't big for you and you've always provided for us. Please lighten the load and just provide a way to meet our needs. Allow us to have some money to buy Christmas presents and fix the things that need fixing."

I've prayed in the morning... on the toilet (actually one of the best places to pray because I'm alone! Well actually sometimes Harry follows me.), while making my bed... every moment I could.

Even our double date was stressing me out because I was like - How are we going to pay for it?

And I was praying - "Lord please provide some money before our date."

Well, to God be the glory!! Kyle gathered our family in the dining room BEFORE our date (prayer answered) and said that he got an unexpected phone call - a phone call that God set up- a phone call that was information about... provision! We didn't ask for money. We didn't apply for a loan. We hadn't even made our needs known to anybody. It wasn't anything WE did to get money - well, other than pray that is. God just provided for us.

Am I surprised? NO WAY! This has happened too many times in our married life. Even the recent gift of a car for Jared was God miraculously providing. Even a financial gift - a LARGE financial gift - that Jared received for a film score he did - was God miraculously providing for Jared.

God has provided vacation money right before vacation - twice. He's provided a new oven when ours was in the backyard (another story for another day). He's provided money for Jared's college - when even though he had a 4.0, he didn't get a scholarship. He's provided money out of nowhere for needs that suddenly came up.

Yes, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and nothing is impossible for him. God's resources are unlimited!

I'm not surprised, but I am rejoicing. I considered not sharing this information with you this morning - you see it affects my pride just a little - Naughty Naughty me ... but I committed long ago to live by this verse.

Psalm 73:28 "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."

It's so important that we declare the wonderful works of God so that others see our Savior and it's then that HE and HE ALONE receives the glory!

So, there's my story of God's provision - for now. I'm absolutely sure there will be more stories in the future. If you're struggling financially today - just continue to pray and know that God will clothe you and feed you... he will provide shelter for you. He will not leave you comfortless.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21.

*Kyle has his own added blessings to this story - it wasn't just me praying and trusting - no, God was preparing his heart to receive this provision in awe as well. I can't tell all because - well, I can't - but trust me, it's pretty cool how God lays something on your heart and it doesn't make sense, but then you do it in faith... and God blesses.

REJOICING from Sedgwick today!

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Shoulders

One more thing and then I promise I'm done. Do you ever wish you had a shoulder to cry on? Do you just sometimes want to pour your heart out to someone for some sympathy? Well, there's a new blog called Shoulders. Abigail did the blog design for it. The blog owner wishes to remain anonymous. She isn't doing it for any other reason than to reach out and minister to others.

It's a rather beautiful ministry. She plans to feature people - owners of blogs - who are going through something (anything) and need some encouragement. Her only request is that you leave a comment on the blog of the person she is featuring to offer encouragement (because we all know that comments have a way of doing that).

She will feature people who are recommended by others. Kind of like a nomination.

If you go to her blog and become a follower, then when she features somebody, you just go and leave a word of encouragement - even if it's just "I'm sorry for your trials" or "I'm praying for you" or Keep your chin up!"

Will you be the shoulder somebody else can cry on? I bet it'll feel good! I'm going to do it! Join me?