Little Things

When I was a kid, I loved receiving little trinkets; gifts from my mom or dad.  I found more pleasure in the little things than big, elaborate items.  I feel that way about God's gifts too. The little things are so personal.  When God meets a need or teaches me something that may seem insignificant to onlookers, I feel especially loved.  Kind of like he is saying, Nobody else notices that this is important to you. But I do.

Right now God is teaching me that I can't out give him.  Let me give you two examples. Last week we mailed $40 cash to a friend who needed gas money.  Two days later $230 cash showed up in a letter mailed to us.  No clue who sent it.  It was postmarked from a city where I know not a soul.  Today I slipped $20 into the purse of a friend I knew had a need.  No kidding, 10 minutes later, another friend handed me a bag with brand new dresses and shirts for each of my girls!

God is saying, See there?  You give when I say give and someone else might just be doing the same thing.  Now I know we don't give so that we can get something. And God doesn't always give such quick returns.  But today he is reinforcing a lesson that he has been teaching me this year about the purpose of money.

Mystery Solved

Ahhh. I have figured it out. I went back and listened to the message for the 15th time. And this time I recognized the voice. Funny thing is Dovie got it right away this morning. But I said, "No that's not her voice." Now that I know who you are, would you like to join us for breakfast tomorrow? We are having bagels and donuts...but I guess you already knew that! :)

Thank you my Thailand friend! Welcome to the BOM!

Help Solve My Mystery

I have had an emotional day. First of all this is day 5 of my migraine. I think I can forecast the weather by these things! We really needed to pay an overdue bill today. So I was headed out to the mailbox to see if we had any gig money. As I opened the front door, I was shocked to see a huge box of groceries on my doorstep. I fell to my knees and praised God for this blessing. The kids came running to see if the headache had finally done me in. They were amazed by God's provision and mesmerized by the cookies and brownies! Noah informed me that someone had just left a message telling me to check the front porch. Of course, they did not say their name. And I don't have caller id so I don't know who it was. You'd think I could recognize a friend's voice. But everyone I have asked, has denied making the delivery. Hmmmm... Who could it be? Who could have known?

Well, you may be wondering. The mailbox contained no green. So I just kept trusting God for the provision. While I was at our homeschool co-op this afternoon, I had this overwhelming sense of peace. I immediately thought, "That bill has been paid." It was as if the burden was lifted. I got home and found out that about the time I was experiencing peace, someone had loaned us the money for this crucial need. Wow God is good. This same "someone" bought us a refrigerator when both of our old ones died last week. You know who you are...Welcome to the BOM!

By the way, if our band of misfits intrigues you and you would like to create one of your own, all you have to do is give or receive. Why do I refer to us misfits? Because most people don't do life this way. We have a remarkable group of friends meeting one another's needs. If one of us has it and one of us needs it, we give it. It is a beautiful thing.

The BOM

The Band of Misfits is growing! Yesterday Heath and Jamie called us from AR. Somebody gave them a van!! And I don't mean a run down old thing. A couple said God told them to give Heath and Jamie their 2003 Honda Odyssey. WOW! This meets a huge need for them. Just a few days ago Heath and Jamie had our family over for dinner. They could not have known what perfect timing their invitation was. Their friendship is such a blessing to us. They are always willing to give and share what they have. And look what God has done!

Band of Misfits

I was telling some friends tonight that I refer to our group as a band of misfits. Not because we are pathetic but because we are living contrary to culture. We are taking care of each other. We find ourselves in circumstances of need, testing, struggle. This is when alot of people feel isolated. But God seems to be pulling a group of people together with invisible string. Our various paths are converging in our common desire to be used of God.

What a gift this is! True friendship is a rare treasure in these busy days. It is strength giving and edifying to have these kinds of friends. To be so low in circumstance, I find I am lifted high by the prayers and outreach of people who care about me. God wants us to bear one another’s burdens. And that is what is taking place with us...granted I am on the receiving end alot these days. This current trial I am in is opening my eyes to the needs around me. God is giving me a Biblical view of money and teaching me to slow down and notice needs around me. He is also providing opportunities for me to meet a few needs. It is really fun to strengthen those who are strengthening me.

Have any of you heard Francis Chan’s message on The Church? I listened to this Monday. It is incredible. I told Danny, "This is what our group of friends is about." Hours later our mechanic called and said, “Your car is ready and someone has anonymously paid your bill.” A friend who knew we broke down on the side of the road made our problem his problem. When something like this happens, I hear God’s voice saying, “See I haven’t forgotten about you.”

How do you get friends like this? In the words of Corky, "You find them."

Money Gram Bandit

The bandit has struck again! Or there is another bandit. Someone is sharing money with us in the form of anonymous money orders! This really is amazing! I got the first one when I arrived home from our retreat with our SE Asia travel team Sunday afternoon. It caught me off guard. The friend who dropped me off asked, "Did you get something good?" The answer off the top of my head was, "This is how we are surviving!" Now Noah just checked the mail and brought me another one. Noah said, "I have never experienced God like this!" I told him that is exactly why God is doing it.

I really need to post more of the miracles God is doing. I have them all written in a daily journal. I will try to share more with you soon.

Modern Conveniences

Oh the dishwasher! I am not talking about Danny - though he is a great one. This marvelous appliance is not overrated. Thank you friend! You know who you are. Our kind neighbor installed it today. It was so nice to load and unload tonight!