Stuff... Stuff... Stuff

Ah, yet another 4:30 awakening in which I can't get back to bed! I think God has spent this last year showing me that people can, and do, get up at this awful hour and they too, live to see another day!

Well, ready or not baby's coming in just two short days! Where did time go? Leeann seems to sense it, she's being somewhat defiant and acting a bit jealous lately. Still very mild mannered for your average two-year old, but a little out of character for her. I just can't wait for her to meet her new baby brother... I know she's going to be an amazing big sister!

Our car is in the shop... waiting for us to decide what to do with it. The intake plenniar (or something?) is broken so it's not keeping in coolant and water, and the power steering pump is broken. Together this adds up to--well, way more money than we want to spend on a car right now! Just a month or so ago we had to get new brakes on the Nissan which also wasn't a cheap fix. The worst part is that Rob and I have been praying and saving (slowly, but surely) for a mini-van. We have a very strong desire to pay cash for a car, but if we pay for this fix out of our already meager mini-van fund it puts us back just that much further. And such is the way life goes! God is, and always has been very faithful to provide for our needs though.

It seems like He's always been content to give us what we need, but never too much more. Three summers ago we managed a little savings and were feeling pretty confident and sure enough Rob's car broke down and we bought the Buick. Just last year about this time we were feeling pretty stable and then we got the most precious little girl in the whole wide world, and all of the expenses that come along with adoption and caring for a little one! And then we also got pregnant, and now the birthing expenses etc. BUT, God truly has shown us that He will always provide for our needs. God provided the perfect jobs for me to transition to being a stay at home mom. So many people have contributed to the adoption fund & given us random gifts for Leeann at just the perfect time. And if you saw the baby's room right now you would be as overwhelmed as we are with the amount of stuff that we've been given in preparation for Baby's arrival. People are sooo incredibly generous!

Looking back on this year we have so much to be grateful for. I think I could write a couple hundred thank-you notes and barely put a dent in the pile of people that we owe a heartfelt thank-you to. Financially, prayerfully, emotionally, babysitting etc. We have so many great family members, friends and church members who have rallied around us in support. THANK YOU!

Please, take a moment to look back on God's provision for you over the last year. How many times did a check, or a gift, a hand-me-down or even a specific coupon come in the mail just when you needed it? How about that phone call that came at just the right time, or that apology or explanation that you so badly needed to hear came to your attention? How many times did you receive well timed advice or an unexpected encouragement? Look back and those times fondly and remember that God cares for you specifically and He desires for you to spend time with Him. I think God delights in meeting our needs, He just wants us to share them with Him and to rely on Him to be our provider. The best part is, He's up and waiting even at this terrible, terrible hour! Hey, I'm grateful He didn't let me go back to sleep, I think I needed this encouragement more than anyone. Have a great day!