Isn't It Amazing...

I find it amazing that God gives us the perfect friends at the perfect time. A few weeks ago, I sincerely felt like things were crumbling. Everywhere I turned somebody wanted more money out of me, the checking account was pathetic, I was trying to figure out how we were going to afford the food during our "business" trip to Hawaii, then the guy at the school district tried to tell me I couldn't home school my kids, I missed my dear friends, family and old neighbors so very much, I missed my time at the grocery store late at night, alone - and not having to tell my children for the 49th time "keep your hands to yourself, walk calmly, watch where you are going". Better said...no matter what it was it was overwhelming and I kept thinking "I just want to go home!!"

Then we went to church and some really great people we have met made us feel like we were really wanted and needed at the church. They continue to tell us how thankful they are that we have moved here and we are truly an answer to their prayers. Wow!! As I got up the next morning, I reflected on this. I was truly humbled at what these sweet new "friends" had told us. This move truly is turning out to be bigger than me (and all my whining). And at this point, God begins to pull me out of my pit...

I was able to pay the bills, put food on the table and actually enjoy the dinners we were eating. Wow...God is taking care of us!!

I talked to a lady who confirmed that I can home school my children in California. Anyway, when you live in a state that is about to run out of money - how in the world do they have the resources to educate all these home school kids anyway - a very good point - sad, but a good point.

Now, I am only a week away from crossing the Oregon border and getting to see some of my sweet friends and family and to watch my son be baptized by his grandpa. Then, Phil and I are off for a week in Hawaii and God has provided the money we need for our food. Wow...how time truly flies!!

Now, I must say I haven't gone to the grocery store by myself, but that is because I live in California and that is NOT something you do down here - unless you decide to be armed. (I am really not sure if this is true - but it is what Phil says and I am listening to him). So, I continue to go to the grocery store and continue to tell my three cherubs "keep your hands to yourself, hold on to the cart, watch where you are going, blah, blah, blah!!" But, my perspective is changing - this is just more quality time with my kids (wow - we have had a lot of quality lately!!)

Today, as I was talking to my friend who kept me out of the mental ward a few weeks ago with her constant, "it's going to be okay, you guys will be fine", I realized the tables were turned. She is now going through a tough time and I found myself saying to her "it's going to be okay, you will be fine, the dog will be okay, at least your husband has a job and health insurance". I realized that God gives us strength sometimes not for ourselves, but for our friends. Because I truly believe, that if she would have been going through this a few weeks ago we both might have ended up in the mental ward (and not even the same one at that!!). But instead, I can be reassuring and positive for her just like she was for me....

I have learned that God is so much bigger than my mind can comprehend and I am so thankful for that!!

As I sit typing this, my kids are listening to music (the chorus is this):

"The Lord is my Shepherd, He's my Father
I don't have to want for anything
He's my Father, Great Provider
I don't have to want for anything"

I pray my children will always know this is true (before they turn 36!)