I'm sure most of you have heard the expression "God blessed my socks off."  Well, I'm sockless today!

It's been a rough year for us financially - the absolute worst since we moved to FL ten years ago.  Just when it appeared that things weren't "going our way" again, the Lord moved mountains and I am overwhelmed by His love. 

Our washing machine decided it had lived a long enough life recently and we had to unexpectedly (and unpreparedly) purchase a new one.  We chose one that happened to be on sale at the time.  The particular store we purchased from has a 30 day price match guarantee so if the same item is sold at a cheaper price within 30 days, they will refund you the difference.  Said store had a sale yesterday and today and our washer was cheaper.  I went today to get what I thought would be a $45 + tax refund and it turned out to be a $145 + tax refund!!!  I questioned the salesperson because I thought he had surely made a huge error.  Nope.  The store was also offering 10% off all sale prices yesterday and today so we got not only the difference in the price we paid and the sale price, but also the 10%.  When the shock wore off, I immediately thanked the Lord.

I also tried to do a bit of Christmas shopping today (mom had a day out all by herself today!).  One item I wanted for ds1 still had a sale sticker on the shelf that should have been removed a week ago when the sale ended.  The store honored the price and I saved $2 + tax.  (Okay, so not a huge amount, but every little bit helps!)  Again, a blessing.

I finally had a chance to sit down this evening and check my emails and I found a few messages of congratulations on my Vision Forum contest entry from earlier this week.  I had completely forgotten the contest was over and I had no clue what was going on.  I popped over to visit KimC at  Life In A Shoe  and it appears I am winner #3 in the last Vision Forum contest.  Disbelief was my first reaction and then, for the second time today, shock.  I finally came to my senses enough to attempt deciphering the code and came up with my name and site link.  Wow!  It still hasn't completely sunk in yet.  I almost started crying and ds1 was jumping up and down screaming.  I have been beyond blessed.  Saying "thank you" somehow doesn't seem enough.

This past week has been one in which I have really attempted to do some growing with the Lord (it would be far too complex to explain), but the Lord spoke loud and clear to me today.  Now the tears and praises can flow.......