We’ve really tightened up for the summer in a budget sense. And I’m talking about more than usual even because of the fact that Craig has no teaching income coming in for the next couple of months. We’re not worried, but we’re doing our best to be as responsible as possible with what we have.
Two nights ago I went to Wal-mart for two specific things. When I went in, I saw a display with plastic cafeteria-type trays, you know, the kind that are divided for the different types of food. They came in 4 cool colors and they weren’t that expensive and we actually need some kind of plastic plate thing for the girls to eat on outside because I’ve been nervous about sending them out with our only set of glass plates.
So I picked up two of each color and thought, “It’ll only be $8 and that’s not too bad.” I stacked them up and prepared to put them in the cart when I looked at them again and said to myself, “Yes, $8 we don’t have right now and they were not on the list, so put them back!”
I didn’t feel sorry for myself or deprived or anything – it was just a simple little thing and it was easy to let go.
Today I went to a woman’s house to pick up a basket of random freecycle items she was getting rid of. And inside the basket were 8 of these same type of plates, only the round kind. The same colors (2 of each), with dividers on them for the different types of food. And 8 bowls to match. They were new and they were perfect. They were free and I didn’t even ask for them.
The moment was not lost on me. I didn’t even ask God for something as seemingly insignificant as 8 cheap plastic plates in sweet colors for the girls to enjoy eating outdoors on this summer. But I felt like I was rewarded in my decision to be faithful to the budget parameters we set this summer. I’m not at all saying that all of our desires are going to be magically (or supernaturally) granted this summer just because we’re doing the right thing, but for this one instance, I felt like that was exactly what happened. I mean, what are the odds that the very item I said, “No,” to two days before would appear like that from a stranger who had no idea I’d even wanted them?
Nope. It was the Lord. The same one who knows the number of every hair on our heads and who clothes each sparrow. He picks out trendy plastic dinnerware for four little girls in the Midwest and offers them up free of charge.
Half-Pint House 
That’s great! Thanks for sharing it.
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That’s our Father for you! 🙂
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I had that same experience recently. we just moved and have had to be pretty tight. I wanted a blue bathmat for our bathroom but just couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I prayed one morning Lord if you want me to have that blue bathmat could you just lead me to it- on sale or clearance or something. We were out that same day and came upon one of those discount stores with a bunch of mats outside so my husband suggested we stop. I found one for only $5 but then went to pay for it and they were having a sale- my end price was $3.75. I am still in awe that God cares so much for us. Thanks for sharing your story and letting me share mine.
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Great story—and great reminder.
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That’s great! Thanks for sharing it.
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That’s our Father for you! 🙂
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I had that same experience recently. we just moved and have had to be pretty tight. I wanted a blue bathmat for our bathroom but just couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I prayed one morning Lord if you want me to have that blue bathmat could you just lead me to it- on sale or clearance or something. We were out that same day and came upon one of those discount stores with a bunch of mats outside so my husband suggested we stop. I found one for only $5 but then went to pay for it and they were having a sale- my end price was $3.75. I am still in awe that God cares so much for us. Thanks for sharing your story and letting me share mine.
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Great story—and great reminder.
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i love how God works!
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Megan,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I know Monica thinks very highly of you and your family!
I really enjoyed reading this story. I love watching God provide in amazing and surprising ways.
A couple of weeks ago we hosted a cookout for college students, and ended up with an extra package of raw marinated chicken. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with all of it, and before I had a chance to do anything, a friend stopped by. She immediately mentioned she was expecting guests for dinner that night and had no idea what to serve them and no time to go to the store. I promptly loaded her up with the chicken (the perfect amount for her group) and some other leftovers. It was so exciting to think that something that was somewhat of a burden for me turned out to bless her!
Thank you for sharing your story.
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i love how God works!
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Megan,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I know Monica thinks very highly of you and your family!
I really enjoyed reading this story. I love watching God provide in amazing and surprising ways.
A couple of weeks ago we hosted a cookout for college students, and ended up with an extra package of raw marinated chicken. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with all of it, and before I had a chance to do anything, a friend stopped by. She immediately mentioned she was expecting guests for dinner that night and had no idea what to serve them and no time to go to the store. I promptly loaded her up with the chicken (the perfect amount for her group) and some other leftovers. It was so exciting to think that something that was somewhat of a burden for me turned out to bless her!
Thank you for sharing your story.
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