Oh those loaves and fishes

How many times have we wondered how we would make ends meet, as we added the bills then the paycheck came in and was not quite what was expected. Each and every time God provided, he was faithful ! In that we also need to look at those things that we can do without, those excesses that we splurge on but are not necessities, especially when lives change, there are times when we need to adjust our lifestyle.. We found many areas where we could save. What about you, where can you make changes and what areas in your life could use some budget cutting? We got rid of cable tv and our local phone, moved into a smaller home and got rid of that new car and bought a car for cash and changed our car insurance from full coverage to liability, stopped going out to eat and budgetted our grocery bill, turned the heat back 5 degrees and stopped getting the nails and hair done. With these changes we have saved a significant amount and our lives are much easier... While Bob was training which lasted 8 weeks we had checks for 73-75 dollars in the 8 weeks the largest check was 98 dollars, it was a scary time, but with God we made it, yes we had choices to make God turned that 73 dollars into enough to make it thru.. Thank goodness that is over for Jessica is busy planning her wedding, and you guessed it we get the bill, blessed to be her parents and God will provide, just like the loaves and the fishes

Change of scenery

Three weeks ago I thought I would go crazy in this house , now today after three weeks in the semi, the coffee and hot shower, my foo foo bed and a good movie and lit my christmas candle ooh la la, I love my little house again. Home alone just me and Gus for a week. Amazing how a little change can spark new excitement for the same old thing. All the things we take for granted and the grumbling and moaning, when really God has blessed beyond what we could imagine... Please Lord dont allow me to forget all you have done in my life and how far we have traveled together... Amens

One boy and three girls gone never forgotten

As I saw that the youngest victim of the Tuscon tragedy was laid to rest I wonder how does a mom and dad a brother and the neighbor that took her to the mall get thru it. Such senseless acts that have devastated so many lives. I have lost a child but do not know their loss, for my son never took a breath or cried for me, I never got to change his diaper or rock him to sleep, I only got to hold his lifeless body for about one hour and I can tell you I wanted him and loved him as every mother does. Still today I watch young men who would be his age and wonder had he lived what would his life have looked like and then my thoughts turn to what is his life like for I know that HE IS WITH JESUS AND HE DOES LIVE IN HEAVEN AND I WILL SEE HIM AGAIN !!!!!!!!!! So I guess thats it, we all go on with Hope of what is to come. A whisper from mom to Joshua I Love you Son see you soon.

The Master Gardeners plan

As God was tending my garden, he pulled up some weeds that I knew were there but were very painful to release. I could have never imagined a life without my sisters and brothers, but they have been removed from my garden. I do not know if they will be replanted and bloom in my life again. I love them and miss them and tell myself that God has a plan a plan for good a hope and a future.. I cannot let bitterness and unforgiveness have a foothold for then it becomes a stronghold and I become entangled in bondage. Those the spirit has set free are free indeed. Father I love them and I wait on you to change circumstances be it in this lifetime or after.

Trials

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perseverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

As we sit and wait to get loaded in Texas and recieve the news our load is going to john morrell in sioux falls I can say I am being tested, not that I dont want to come home, but a few warm days, a week in Florida or South Padre would have been nice, also a bit longer recovery time from those icey roads. Not funny God But thank you for the job and for protecting us....

Trust and Obey

After an eve on the ice, prayed, trusted God, arrived safely and have had a peaceful day today . The roads are a lot better, there were so many cars in the ditch and wrecked cars one has to ask what are they using on the roads ? I have never seen ice like that on the highway for sure. I know times are tough but there are things that cannot be skimped on. Which has brought me to something I cannot skimp on and that is spending time in the word. because of the life I have lived it is essential for my well being and those around me that I spend time in the word each day and for me it is more than a few minutes , I think probably because of my past and the things I have subjected myself to.. I can tell you it is never a waste of time and I hope for my sake and yours I dont skimp.... Thank you Lord for a safe trip and the whisper goodnight I slept like a baby

Look at how Blessed we Are !!!!!!!!

Seeking safety with my father who promises to protect me. As I say that and think of those in Tuscon I choose to think of the people around me. Men who take the free gift of salvation message to the men in prison, The community that comes together to support a hurting family when tragedy strikes, or a member of the community is sick and needs help with medical bills etc. the guys who collect and sort cans for Kiwanis and do city wide clean up, clean the ditches, the woman who serve at the church providing snacks, making coffee, doing dishes, the sunday school teachers, the bulletin, the music, those who visit the elderly and the sick, the volunteer fire and rescue, the great 4th of July celebration and all its preperation, those who go help prepare food boxes for the hungry and support missions around the world and the list goes on, all in a little town in NW Iowa. There are so many servants with a heart for God who are here doing his will without their picture in the paper or a paycheck not for reward here on earth. WOW how fortunate we are to live in such a loving community