It's so interesting that when we are being stretched spiritually, this is when the enemy decides to attack. Our little lives have been turned upside down (in a good way) and we are being called to a higher standard of living. James 1:19-27 is partly the reason for this. We now must search our hearts and seek God for His definitions of what "filthiness" and "unspotted from the world" are. What exactly will this entail? I don't know, but I'm thinking I'm about to find out over the course of the summer as I embark on a sabbatical from man written books and concentrate on Scripture and my relationship with the Lord. There are just too many people out there with "their" idea of what the Scriptures are saying, it's time for me to go to the Word myself and really seek out direction for myself and my family. My husband will be included since we are a team! lol
Ok, so this is where we are spiritually....what does that have to do with trying times, you ask?! Let me tell you!
Last thursday, my husband went to work early, he had to go to the dump first and then he was going to get the truck looked at by someone. Unfortunately, while at the dump, his truck died...yes, I see the humor in this, I even laughed when he phoned to tell me he was stranded at the dump! I was secretly hoping it was a sign that we were about to get a newer truck! Six hours later he phoned me and said I needed to pick him up and to bring $340 for the tow truck driver! ouch! So that's the beginning of our stress, an hour later we got a call saying that it will probably be about $1500 to fix. Ok, we thought, we can handle that. I sent out prayer requests though because we also had rent coming up soon as well! So it rained all weekend and we had a relaxing weekend (mostly because we were sick!), thinking we'd get the truck back on Monday and all would be good! So we find out Monday, there wasn't as much damage as originally thought and it would only be $500 to fix! PTL!! This was great news! So I sent out a prayer update as I was so excited about the drop in price! I had one reply saying she didn't think this was the end of it...how right she was! I long for that kind of discernment! Later in the afternoon on Monday we get a call saying the part doesn't fit and they can't find one that does! Oy! Back on our knees! So by Tuesday noon we realize the truck is in fact dead and they back it out of the shop to a parking spot. It's still great for parts though so if anyone has an old 1981 F350 come see us if you need any parts! It still runs great and has a brand new starter and alternator! Wednesday rolls around and we're trying to find a truck to use temporarily to move the trailer so Jamie can get to his equipment...he was able to get someone to help him on Thursday morning and is able to work all day. Meanwhile I'm on the phone and internet trying to find a truck to rent/buy...did you know you can't rent a truck for the purpose of towing?! sigh, I know now! This morning Jamie phoned around to a few more places to check the pricing for replacing the whole rear axle at various auto wreckers...not cheap! and not worth putting that kind of money into an old truck like ours! lol While he was at home making his phone calls, we get a call from Shaw GMC answering my email request for more info on a truck for sale. So Jamie goes to work and I continue to school the kids. then I get a call from Jamie saying he went to check the truck out and filled out an application for financing! I'm so excited that he took this initiative without phoning me first! It's cool to see his confidence in himself grow! Anyhow, we both knew it would take a miracle to be approved so we weren't really holding our breath! lol
Now you have to understand, this is the beginning of our work season, we have no money saved up, it got used to sustain us over the winter. I was looking around at our household items wondering how much money I could get for them in order to make rent. Jamie was wondering if he'd have to give up his business and go work for another landscaping company. We were feeling weighed down, we had so much money due to come out of our account and no money in it! Because I had just read Being Poor on another blog, I knew we still had some room before we were destitute. So I think I read that blog just in time! lol It gave me hope!
At lunch today, I got the mail, and two of Jamie's clients had paid for services rendered! Yay! We now had enough to cover rent! So I made a quick call to Jamie to let him know that was one less stress to deal with, and then off we went to our Roots support group! So enjoyable! I just love it! When we got home, there was a message on the phone saying there was a bag of shirts for Silas waiting for us in the garage. Cool, and in the bag there was a card from my friends housechurch with a $150 superstore gift certificate! Oh how the Lord loves His children and provides! And as if that already is not more than enough, I found an envelope with $200 in our mailbox given to us anonomously! I cried...then phoned Jamie and told him of the awesome provisions. He was in the middle of checking his voicemail so I let him go and do that, but then he phoned minutes later saying in an amazed voice that we were approved for financing for a truck! ROFL
Often we say "when it rains it pours" in times of calamity, but I want to change that and say, "When it rains it pours!" in times of blessings! Does anyone remember that old hymn, "Showers of Blessings"?? I think I'll be humming that for the rest of the evening! We will memorize and learn that song in our homeschool and sing it frequently this summer!
In the midst of all this too we were convicted about our lack of faithfulness with our tithing. It was an eye opener that we need to keep being faithful, just as our Heavenly Father is faithful! I have a very wise friend who reminded me of that! Bless you!