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God is soooooooo good, ya'll!
I was worried about finances because I needed to go back to school, but God made a way.
Now, I'm typing on my brand new computer! It came with the typical keyboard and mouse, but the big screen for my old eyeballs and the nifty printer are awesome!
I'd type more, but my children are watching me and want their turn.
I'll write more tomorrow. God bless!
I was sitting here feeling quite appreciative of God's blessings in my life. I'm "full," so to speak! Here are just a few reasons:
1.) My church "brother," Bob, is a hoot! He's the typical big brother in that he constantly picks at you...but he's so lovable that you can't get angry. He and his wife are an adorable couple, and I'm so glad I know them.
2.) I did a little too much yesterday, and by the time I was seated in an evening service my tummy was tight - - - and I was hurting. I folded my coat and held it by my incision and tried to relax, but I was still uncomfortable. After the service, folks were walking around and chatting, but I chose to stay put in the pew. Several teens came over, though, so I wasn't alone. We prayed for one another, and it was awesome! I had a ride to that service, but I had to drive home after returning to his driveway. Unfortunately, I was really hurting, and cleaning snow/ice off the windows was more painful than I thought it would be. But there's something in me that would rather die than ask a guy for help (and one of these days that just might happen)! Last night I had a "I can do it by myself" attitude. As you can see, I lived. :o) No harm done.
3.) My own two teenagers did not fight at all while I was at church. That's truly a blessing! I never MAKE them go to church (other than Sunday morning) because I had to go several times a week as a child. That backfired, though; as soon as I was out of the house, church was the first thing to go. My boys love going to youth group on Tuesday evenings, though. Man, am I glad about that!
4.) My Mom is already here (at 8:04 a.m.) to do my laundry. I'm feeling better, but she insists on helping. She doesn't want me to resume house work until the doctor releases me to go back to work. I'm frustrated, though, and feel like the ultimate loser when my 75 year-old Ma is doing stuff around me, but I must say that, if circumstances were reversed, I'd do what she's doing.
5.) I have the most lovable pit bull/lab on the planet! Actually, he gets on my nerves because I can't go anywhere in the house without him following me. I've heard that simply having the love of a pet can bring a quicker recovery from surgery, and I believe it; I was going up and down the stairs and walking without discomfort within a week of my surgery! God is good!
6.) A prophetic friend of mine had a dream last night about me. It's kind of creepy how on-point she was! I returned her e-mail this morning, so perhaps we'll be able to have lunch today and talk.
7.) Yesterday my pastor's aunt and uncle attended the morning worship service, and both of them uplifted and encouraged him openly. They proceeded to share the reasons why they believe he is truly a blessing to our church, and it was touching and beautiful to watch. It was a bittersweet moment for me: yes, I'm thrilled that they did that, but I also felt saddened because I could not do something similar without someone making a comment. In fact, he is the only person in the entire church whom I never hug. Sad, huh? Anyway, that incident made it on this list because I'm glad it happened.
Yes, I'm full of love and appreciation for everyone in my life right now. I'm even grateful for a guy who grated my nerves when he attacked a friend of mine. Dealing with him on a regular basis has taught me to love unconditionally...something I thought I already knew how to do. I learned that I can truly love someone who constantly seemed mean, and guess what happened? We're cordial now! We're hardly best friends, but he walked up to me yesterday and gave me a big 'ol hug in front of everybody! Yay! God is at work! Don't worry; I'm not going to be stupid and share all of my business with this guy, but I'm definitely going to keep loving him, no matter what he chooses to do in the future.
Since speaking on Sunday I have been intrigued by preaching styles. Flipping through channels looking for preachers, I wanted to not only hear God's word but also observe the delivery of it.
Last week I wanted God to be the focus of the service. I didn't want to take any attention away from the Lord, but part of me really wanted to know what people thought.
If God liked it, then he'll allow me to do it again. :o)
Yesterday was a wonderful day! We needed new cell phones, but a cell phone provider bought our old company, and the new folks don't supply free phones. In fact, the cheapest phone they offered was $200! Besides, we wouldn't have received the "free" phones until the end of 2009 anyway.
So, my younger son and I decided to talk to God about it.
We prayed, "Lord, please show us favor! If it's in your will to give us affordable phones and a better plan, then we receive that, Lord! If not, we still love and praise you! We want your will for us, whatever that may be, Father. Thank you! In Jesus' name, amen."
We walked into the store, and I immediately recognized one of the associates as a former student. She ran over and gave me a big hug.
I said, "I've been told that the cheapest phones you have are $200. I don't have that kind of extra money, but I need THREE phones. Can you help me?"
She said, "Sure! No problem! Just come over here and pick some!"
Look at God! Here's what the Lord did for us:
1.) I was NOT penalized for ending the contracts early. [The lady I spoke to last summer told me there'd be a huge penalty.]
2.) She had several nice phones that were only $20 with a new contract! [That's only 10% of $200!]
3.) She DOUBLED our anytime minutes for the price of one trip to McDonald's - - - ordering from the dollar menu!
4.) My son brought his Christmas money and splurged on a really nice phone instead of the $20 one. [He paid for the difference...not me.]
5.) We received accessories too! [I had previously been told I'd have to pay for each one.] I felt comfortable accepting all of them because her manager and another associate helped her put our package together, so she wasn't being immoral to get me a good deal. We had simply found favor from the most high God!
So...what should have theoretically cost me at least $600 [$200/phone] only cost me $60! Woo hoo! Praise God!
I know that was a long story, but I just had to brag about the goodness of God! I'm so grateful, and so are my boys.
God is so sweet, isn't He?
For several years, I have been struggling financially through no direct fault of my own. I suppose you could argue that I would have had less financial trouble if I had divorced my husband long before January of this year, but I simply wasn't ready. Let's leave that line of thinking for the time being.
Now for the good part...
I worked on my finances last night, and I'm pleased to say that God is wonderful! I will be able to take care of everything and pay off a couple of things by Christmas. I was approved for a raise I thought I wouldn't get because it's been at least 10 years since I took two of those graduate classes. What's even nicer is that the raise is retroactive to January 1st of this year, which means I'll get a lump sum check next month.
Today I received a check in the mail returning the security deposit on the last car I leased. :o) [I had misunderstood the letter; I was preparing to pay that amount!]
And both freezers and the refrigerator are full.
And the utilities are all paid up.
And my mortgage has been paid on time.
All this so soon after a divorce? It's certainly not MY doing! I give all the glory and praise to God! He said He'd never leave or forsake me, and guess what? He meant it!
Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because God doesn't have favorites! If He'll bless me like this, then it only stands to reason that He's ready and waiting to surprise you too! Keep your eyes open; I'm praying for you!
I can't believe how quickly this week passed. How have YOU been?
Well, tonight I caught up on reading some of my favorite blogs, and I'm yet again in awe of my friend, Kim. I wish I could create such beautiful artistry. I'm also tickled by an adorable picture of a little "Guy"! He's so cute!
Ladies, you bless me!
I have been putting in some really long hours lately, but I feel fine! It may not be Christmas yet, but my home is filled with peace and joy!
Contentment is something that eludes me at times when I mistakenly focus on what I don't have or what I can't do. Does that ever happen to you?
Thank God my perspective is changing!
I think I'm going to make a conscious effort to change my thought life by deliberately keeping happy thoughts in my mind, especially when I feel overwhelmed or sad. I'll let you know how that goes.
I'm going with a friend to a really enjoyable gathering at a church tomorrow morning, and I'm excited to see some friends I haven't seen for several months.
One of my part-time jobs has gone from twice a week to once a week, which gives me a LOT more free time. Yay!
As for my teaching job, I am finally caught up. It took me two full weeks, but my room is exactly the way I want it, including every file and folder. My grade book is up-to-date (although I'm sure I'll have more drops and adds), textbook numbers and locker combinations are filed, bulletin boards are done, and I only have approximately three hours of grading to do this weekend.
I got a touching card from a friend yesterday, and I'm tickled that God let me receive such a wonderful gift during a hectic time. [Thank you, God!]
Although I am no longer married, I sometimes think of the Proverbs 31 woman who worked from dawn to dusk. She seemed to effortlessly juggle a marriage, a family, a home, a job, etc. I try, but sometimes I falter.
I realize, though, that God doesn't expect perfection: He'd rather have my love and obedience.
He's got them.
Peace to you, my friend.
