Another story for the jar.
It was Christmastime and we had decided to have our official Christmas dinner a bit later due to finances. Before anyone asks/says anything, we do not go crazy with the gifts. We are just a paycheck to paycheck family. It is what it is.
Anyway, we were blessed three times. An anonymous car came by and two men came to our door. I was at work. My older dd answered. "Give this envelope to you parents", they said. Meela called me in a panic. "I don't know what they gave me. Do you think everything is ok??" I said that I didn't know and to open the envelope. Inside was a $100 gift card to BJ's. I have no idea who gave it to us but thank you!!!! It was such a blessing.
Second blessing: DH and I had to sell our wedding rings to pay for some bills. It was heartbreaking, but we have been together for many years and the rings are just a symbol. We don't need to have them to show our love or mark our years. Someone at our friend's church found out. We got an envelope from a family that heard about it. Two gift cards to Giant and $50. Praise you, Jesus!!!
Third time: I started working in July of 2013. At Christmas we got a bonus!! An extra amount that was totally unexpected!!
Three more stories for the jar.
AMEN!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Good Character
I am not sure about everyone else but there are many times that I focus on the negatives. I am not a glass half full person but I am consciously trying to look for the positive.
So, today's post is going to go through each of my children's POSITIVE character qualities.
The first kid is Bear: My oldest! 22 years ago (in 2 days) I had my first bundle of joy. I had no clue what I was doing but I think I figured it out ok. LOL Anyway, one of my favorite things about her is how generous she is and there is no pressure to give back. She is better with this with me than with the siblings but I appreciate her easy going nature about sharing what she has. She is also really fun to talk to--she has a lot of really strong feelings about things and although I do not always see eye to eye with her, I am proud that she truly stands up for what she believes in.
Second comes Meela: Meela is a very diligent and hard worker. She can get things done! She is an excellent student and has her priorities straight. She is extremely loyal to her friends and family. Meela is the one to get tickets to a [One Direction] concert for her [10 year old sister] and go with her.
Three: Matthew: SO FUNNY!!!!! He really can push our buttons but he keeps us laughing. And you know what is really cool? At 17 (today!! Happy Birthday, Bud!) he still comes over to me and initiates hugs. Love that! He is fiercely protective of his sisters. Doesn't matter what he does, no one else can mess with them EVER. He is also awesome with his youngest sister. Matthew can calm her down and make her laugh. If she is having a hard time, Matthew will come through and help.
Fourth: Booman He will calm his sister's down if they have a nightmare or are upset about something. He will try to talk to them until they can calm down. If I ask for someone to get the towels he will run down and do it first. His heart is really full.
Fifth: Tink Tink is 10 going on 25. She takes care of her little sister and includes her where ever she goes. (Even when she doesn't want to.) She will play with her and lay with her and talk with her at night. She is a great caregiver.
Sixth: Smallville This one has a lot to say and when she gets the opportunity to be heard it is well worth it! It is amazing to see the insight of a 6 year old. They are wise beyond their years. Smallville is very attached to Meela. She loves her with her whole entire heart! She also has a special love for animals. From the smallest insect to the largest [insert any big animal here], she has a passion for them. I can't wait to see how God shapes her into the girl he intends her to be.
One of the things I learned this weekend is that God has a plan for each and every one of our children. Now, of course this is something I already knew but it was all head knowledge. It is now also heart knowledge. No matter how much my children challenge me, fight against me, etc HE has a plan for them! He will use the positive and the negative to mold them into what He wants them to become.
God sees the positives in my children. He erases their sins just as he erases mine. I want to love them the way He loves them. I pray that I am able to do that on a daily basis.
So, today's post is going to go through each of my children's POSITIVE character qualities.
The first kid is Bear: My oldest! 22 years ago (in 2 days) I had my first bundle of joy. I had no clue what I was doing but I think I figured it out ok. LOL Anyway, one of my favorite things about her is how generous she is and there is no pressure to give back. She is better with this with me than with the siblings but I appreciate her easy going nature about sharing what she has. She is also really fun to talk to--she has a lot of really strong feelings about things and although I do not always see eye to eye with her, I am proud that she truly stands up for what she believes in.
Second comes Meela: Meela is a very diligent and hard worker. She can get things done! She is an excellent student and has her priorities straight. She is extremely loyal to her friends and family. Meela is the one to get tickets to a [One Direction] concert for her [10 year old sister] and go with her.
Three: Matthew: SO FUNNY!!!!! He really can push our buttons but he keeps us laughing. And you know what is really cool? At 17 (today!! Happy Birthday, Bud!) he still comes over to me and initiates hugs. Love that! He is fiercely protective of his sisters. Doesn't matter what he does, no one else can mess with them EVER. He is also awesome with his youngest sister. Matthew can calm her down and make her laugh. If she is having a hard time, Matthew will come through and help.
Fourth: Booman He will calm his sister's down if they have a nightmare or are upset about something. He will try to talk to them until they can calm down. If I ask for someone to get the towels he will run down and do it first. His heart is really full.
Fifth: Tink Tink is 10 going on 25. She takes care of her little sister and includes her where ever she goes. (Even when she doesn't want to.) She will play with her and lay with her and talk with her at night. She is a great caregiver.
Sixth: Smallville This one has a lot to say and when she gets the opportunity to be heard it is well worth it! It is amazing to see the insight of a 6 year old. They are wise beyond their years. Smallville is very attached to Meela. She loves her with her whole entire heart! She also has a special love for animals. From the smallest insect to the largest [insert any big animal here], she has a passion for them. I can't wait to see how God shapes her into the girl he intends her to be.
One of the things I learned this weekend is that God has a plan for each and every one of our children. Now, of course this is something I already knew but it was all head knowledge. It is now also heart knowledge. No matter how much my children challenge me, fight against me, etc HE has a plan for them! He will use the positive and the negative to mold them into what He wants them to become.
God sees the positives in my children. He erases their sins just as he erases mine. I want to love them the way He loves them. I pray that I am able to do that on a daily basis.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
So, I had the opportunity to go away this past weekend to an Apologia Real Refreshment retreat. This is the second year I have been able to go.
The theme was Living Water. The speakers were unbelievable and so wonderful, friendly and nice!! I just love it. I know I will be going back, Lord wiling.
However, as pumped up as I was, and as determined as I was, and as blessed as I was......all you know what broke loose when I got home. Satan got his digs in today, let me tell you! I hate when this happens. He knows I was basking in the Lord's glory. He knows I was determined to be different and he decided to pull out all of the stops. And, as sure as the day is long, he managed to knock me down. I am angry! I felt defeat, depressed, done!! So, what was so awful about today?
Well:
1. My kids fought all day.
2. My hubby and I fought and were not thinking of anyone but ourselves.
3. Hubby got a ticket. (Car is past inspection...had work done on it and had to drive it a couple of days to get the emissions properly checked. He got pulled over and we were going to take it in this week.)
4. We are short on the rent. Not a ton, but still.
5. #6 had a temper tantrum about EVERYTHING today. From the feel of her jacket to the food she wanted or didn't want to eat.
6. We forgot to put our dinner from last night away and it spoiled.
And how did I handle it?
Well:
1. I cried
2. I sulked
3. I cried
4. I snapped at people
5. I cried
So, here I am complaining away. But you know what? Good things happened. And I need to end with the focus on those things. So Satan can go to.....his home.
SO:
1. I got to have my dear, dear friend here for a cup of coffee just because she knew I was sad. Praise God!!
2. The officer told hubby to fight the ticket. We could get the car inspected and show up at court and get a reduced fine. Praise God!!!
3. I got lots of hugs from my kids. Even the ones driving me crazy! Praise God!
4. I have food in the house. Praise God!!
5. I got a lot of work done in the basement. Praise God!!
6. Hubby hung curtains in our bedroom! Praise God!
Am I discouraged? Yes. Am I sad? Yes. Am I weepy and emotional? Yes. But am I blessed? Yes! And tomorrow is a new day. Will it be a good one? I don't know yet. But I will get through. I will get through.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand
and the last verse:
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
So take that, Satan!! I have the Son of God on my side!! The Comforter, the Counselor, the Alpha and the Omega!! Yahweh Shalom: The Lord of our Peace and Rest!!!
AMEN!!
The theme was Living Water. The speakers were unbelievable and so wonderful, friendly and nice!! I just love it. I know I will be going back, Lord wiling.
However, as pumped up as I was, and as determined as I was, and as blessed as I was......all you know what broke loose when I got home. Satan got his digs in today, let me tell you! I hate when this happens. He knows I was basking in the Lord's glory. He knows I was determined to be different and he decided to pull out all of the stops. And, as sure as the day is long, he managed to knock me down. I am angry! I felt defeat, depressed, done!! So, what was so awful about today?
Well:
1. My kids fought all day.
2. My hubby and I fought and were not thinking of anyone but ourselves.
3. Hubby got a ticket. (Car is past inspection...had work done on it and had to drive it a couple of days to get the emissions properly checked. He got pulled over and we were going to take it in this week.)
4. We are short on the rent. Not a ton, but still.
5. #6 had a temper tantrum about EVERYTHING today. From the feel of her jacket to the food she wanted or didn't want to eat.
6. We forgot to put our dinner from last night away and it spoiled.
And how did I handle it?
Well:
1. I cried
2. I sulked
3. I cried
4. I snapped at people
5. I cried
So, here I am complaining away. But you know what? Good things happened. And I need to end with the focus on those things. So Satan can go to.....his home.
SO:
1. I got to have my dear, dear friend here for a cup of coffee just because she knew I was sad. Praise God!!
2. The officer told hubby to fight the ticket. We could get the car inspected and show up at court and get a reduced fine. Praise God!!!
3. I got lots of hugs from my kids. Even the ones driving me crazy! Praise God!
4. I have food in the house. Praise God!!
5. I got a lot of work done in the basement. Praise God!!
6. Hubby hung curtains in our bedroom! Praise God!
Am I discouraged? Yes. Am I sad? Yes. Am I weepy and emotional? Yes. But am I blessed? Yes! And tomorrow is a new day. Will it be a good one? I don't know yet. But I will get through. I will get through.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand
and the last verse:
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
So take that, Satan!! I have the Son of God on my side!! The Comforter, the Counselor, the Alpha and the Omega!! Yahweh Shalom: The Lord of our Peace and Rest!!!
AMEN!!
Yesterday I talked about 5 major blessings. Miracles, if you will. Today I will mention some smaller ones.
I have a job. I guess it's not really a small blessing maybe a medium blessing. LOL. Last year a friend of mine asked if my second daughter, E, was interested in a part time job two days a week in her husband's chiropractic office. But she had just gotten a job and the schedule didn't fit. Then my oldest, A, was asked. She likes to color her hair in all sorts of funky colors so it wasn't a good fit. I took a chance and asked if I could interview for it. I was able to get the job!! It is actually perfect. It is (usually) two days a week from 2 ish or 3 ish until 7. PERFECT!! This is a blessing. It gives us gas money and some weeks a bit extra. Do I wish I didn't have to have a job? Yes, but I really can't complain.
A small blessing for the jar: Matthew had an interview. It was a VERY cold day. I took him in the car that has no heat. I prayed for heat. He went into the interview and I took a chance and turned on the heater. It worked!!! Small, but very significant!
I have a job. I guess it's not really a small blessing maybe a medium blessing. LOL. Last year a friend of mine asked if my second daughter, E, was interested in a part time job two days a week in her husband's chiropractic office. But she had just gotten a job and the schedule didn't fit. Then my oldest, A, was asked. She likes to color her hair in all sorts of funky colors so it wasn't a good fit. I took a chance and asked if I could interview for it. I was able to get the job!! It is actually perfect. It is (usually) two days a week from 2 ish or 3 ish until 7. PERFECT!! This is a blessing. It gives us gas money and some weeks a bit extra. Do I wish I didn't have to have a job? Yes, but I really can't complain.
A small blessing for the jar: Matthew had an interview. It was a VERY cold day. I took him in the car that has no heat. I prayed for heat. He went into the interview and I took a chance and turned on the heater. It worked!!! Small, but very significant!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Welcome
So, about a year or so ago, I decided to make a "Praise Jar". This jar was going to contain various wonderful things God had done for me so I would always remember, especially when things didn't seem so wonderful.
Well, I never made that jar but I would mention over and over when good things would happen, "That will go in the Praise Jar." So, here is my virtual jar.
Enjoy the contents with me. :)
In 2012, we moved. Not because we wanted to (even though the area we were in wasn't really safe anymore), but because we had to. We had been affected by the economy and lost our house. I was a mess. I never thought we would find a place that we could afford to rent. Our credit was shot so buying a house was out of the question. Well, God came through--a woman at the co-op we were attending said her husband had a friend who had a house available in a nice area. It had been sitting for a while and although they had thought about selling it, they decided to wait a bit longer. And along we came!! We loved it the first time we walked through it. It was such a blessing. The rent was discussed and we were able to work with our new landlords.
A few months later, our car died. We only had 1 vehicle--now we had none! A very dear friend lent us one of her cars for a few months. We prayed about it and the people at the church we were attending prayed as well. Another woman at our co-op said she had a van that needed some work but we could have it (FREE). We had a van!! It was a miracle. Around 2 months later, another family we knew asked if we were still in need of a vehicle. They had a beatifully kept Toyota and were willing to sell it for $1,000----this car is loaded! We got our income tax and I had a car as well!! I thought things couldn't be better. Then my daughter began college. At first, she carpooled with another family. Because of schedule conflicts this wasn't going to work, so we were car hunting. A woman I work with said, hey, you still looking for a car? I said that we were so my daughter could get to school. We bought her van. She is allowing us to make payments monthly. $1,000 in all. I wouldn't believe it if it hadn't happened to us.
Now all along little answers to prayer have been happening. But there was another huge one coming. We have a large family. There are 8 of us altogether. Last night our washer broke. Done. Finished. No more. Right in the middle of spinning out the towels. I mentioned on Facebook that this had happened and I got a message. "We have an extra washer. You want it?" WHAT?????? I messaged my friend back. How much do you want???? "Nothing. It's an extra. Used it for a year. We got a new one when we moved to our new house. It's just sitting here. If you will be home tonight we will bring it."
I didn't know how to thank her and her husband. God has provided some BIG things for us this year.
Is everything perfect? No. not by a longshot. But we will get through. With Him. And through His people.
More to come.....
Lisa
Well, I never made that jar but I would mention over and over when good things would happen, "That will go in the Praise Jar." So, here is my virtual jar.
Enjoy the contents with me. :)
In 2012, we moved. Not because we wanted to (even though the area we were in wasn't really safe anymore), but because we had to. We had been affected by the economy and lost our house. I was a mess. I never thought we would find a place that we could afford to rent. Our credit was shot so buying a house was out of the question. Well, God came through--a woman at the co-op we were attending said her husband had a friend who had a house available in a nice area. It had been sitting for a while and although they had thought about selling it, they decided to wait a bit longer. And along we came!! We loved it the first time we walked through it. It was such a blessing. The rent was discussed and we were able to work with our new landlords.
A few months later, our car died. We only had 1 vehicle--now we had none! A very dear friend lent us one of her cars for a few months. We prayed about it and the people at the church we were attending prayed as well. Another woman at our co-op said she had a van that needed some work but we could have it (FREE). We had a van!! It was a miracle. Around 2 months later, another family we knew asked if we were still in need of a vehicle. They had a beatifully kept Toyota and were willing to sell it for $1,000----this car is loaded! We got our income tax and I had a car as well!! I thought things couldn't be better. Then my daughter began college. At first, she carpooled with another family. Because of schedule conflicts this wasn't going to work, so we were car hunting. A woman I work with said, hey, you still looking for a car? I said that we were so my daughter could get to school. We bought her van. She is allowing us to make payments monthly. $1,000 in all. I wouldn't believe it if it hadn't happened to us.
Now all along little answers to prayer have been happening. But there was another huge one coming. We have a large family. There are 8 of us altogether. Last night our washer broke. Done. Finished. No more. Right in the middle of spinning out the towels. I mentioned on Facebook that this had happened and I got a message. "We have an extra washer. You want it?" WHAT?????? I messaged my friend back. How much do you want???? "Nothing. It's an extra. Used it for a year. We got a new one when we moved to our new house. It's just sitting here. If you will be home tonight we will bring it."
I didn't know how to thank her and her husband. God has provided some BIG things for us this year.
Is everything perfect? No. not by a longshot. But we will get through. With Him. And through His people.
More to come.....
Lisa
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