Provision

 God is SO good.

I've shared a little on here about our recent commitment to get ourselves on track financially and things have been going well.

We've had ups and downs and been gas-less with and empty fridge and cupboards but we have never been in want.We have also seen God bless our SOCKS off and I wanted to share a few testimonies of how we have seen Him as our faithful Jehovah Jireh.

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a church fundraiser.  Clothes are donated, and from that clothing, a "Nearly New" fashion show is created.  Women pay to see the show, and afterwards there is a HUGE sale of all the donated clothes and nothing costs more than $5.  I signed up to be a model this year and had an absolutely fantastic time (just ask my husband how happy I was when I got home).

Right after the show, I quickly changed and joined the masses shopping and made a beeline for the dress rack.  I have a wedding this weekend and said quick prayer for cute $5 dress.  I found nothing up my alley.  I contiuned to look for 15 minutes or so and did end up with a few other great tops.  After trying them on, putting some back and making three or fours trips back to the racks and finally deciding on what I wanted (cause I only had $30 to spend) some 45 minutes later, I decided to take one final look.  On my way to the dress rack, I came upon an adorable Old Navy demin dress that had been re-hung in the wrong spot, right in my path.  I snagged it (and am wearing in my Mother's Day photo that I will share later).  I wandered back into the hall where the dress rack was (and keep in mind that this was fourth or fifth time and nearing an hour after the shopping had started),  and there it was.  Just my size, cute and perfect.  I took it back and tried it on.....perfect fit, perfect length.  FIVE DOLLARS.  I made a little money doing some childcare and got a super cute (cheap and on-sale) pair of black sandals to go with!

Then a few weeks ago (these stories are not in chronological order) Trev had been asking around to his friends and coworkers, looking for a used bike with training wheels for Denay.  We were hoping for a well-loved free one and were willing to spend very little if we couldn't find a free one.  One Friday evening around 9:30pm, we get a phone call from someone we knew asking if we were going to be around for the next little bit.  We had no idea what he was needing and when the knock came, both of us were so confused and overwhelmed we were almost speechless.  There was this person and wife with a brand new bike, in the box in hand.

They had gone out and BOUGHT us one.

Again, speechless.

Denay's face the next morning was priceless to say the least.

Trev and I were talking about it a few days later and he had an insight that went something like this:

"You know what I think God is trying to show us?  That he just wants us to keep going, keep working, keep trying.  Don't get discouraged because it seems like people around us have it easier or when we see other people come into money that we feel we could use more.  We just need to push on little bit by little bit.  And he's reminding us that he cares about the little things like bikes and dresses for weddings and that He's going to take good care of us and give us good gifts.  He's showing us that He sees and knows and that He is blessing us for trying our best to be better stewards of what He's given us".

We were just talking the other day about summer footwear and how the girls both needed some.....or so we thought.  A trip to my parents house (where all of our baby stuff is stored) to grab ONE pair of sandals that I hoped would fit Paisley resulted us finding six pairs of sandals and summer shoes that completely covers everything we THOUGHT we needed to buy.

"The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever."

Psalms 23