I used to keep a notebook which listed all of the ways the Lord provides for us on a weekly , even daily basis. Things like, Caryl Talley stopping by my home in Stillwater with $200 to give me for “my ministry of hospitality”, or Deborah Green taking me to the Wooden Nickel to buy me an Easter Dress – complete with matching earrings and necklace, Jim Foley shaking Robert’s hand on a regular basis and thereby slipping him a $20 bill so we could go out to eat, Tamyra Mefford buying Kory whole wardrobes of Old Navy clothes for winter and letting me “shop for free” in her store. A year ago at Christmastime, we received $2000 in JC Penney gift cards from our church, so we could buy new living room furniture, and the summer before that they went on a secret campaign to raise money to buy Robert a new truck to replace the nearly 20 year old one he’d been driving since he was a senior in high school! And this doesn’t even begin to tell the amazing story of God’s faithful provision in our life.Well, the story only continues…… Two weeks ago, we received a phone call from a very generous person in our life. The voice on the other end said “I feel very certain that the Lord is telling me to buy you a new car – I really wanted this to be an anonymous gift, but I also want to get you the type of vehicle that you most want and need.” We were speechless, resistant, amazed, grateful, humbled…..

So, here are a few photos of us living in what we feel is the lap of luxury….a new Toyota Sienna – slate colored – fully automatic everything – DVD player – all wheel drive – etc., etc.,etc.
I no longer have a co-pilot, as even Dad wants to watch Facing the Giants on the screen as we ride around town! ( They just fast forward to their favorite scenes.)
And our fun discovery….. the large middle window actually rolls down to the push of a button. Whew – now when it does get hot, those in the back will get air – oh, wait a minute – we have air conditioning now! Wow! Well, we’ll just enjoy the spring breeze until August when it may reach 90!

I remember, years ago, studying Beth Moore’s A Woman’s Heart(about the OT tabernacle) and learning that the priests in Israel had no inheritance in the land. They were dependent on the sacrifices of the people for their food, homes, holiday celebrations, etc. At that time, (and honestly, sometimes today) I resented this calling-was even embarrassed by it. I would rather be the giver than the receiver. It is uncomfortable to be in need.

In 16 years, our finances have never “worked” on paper, but we have never been without. There have been times of struggle and even bitterness over what seemed like a delay on God’s part, but He has ALWAYS provided. I can say today that I am thankful to be in this place of dependence. It is an opportunity to see the power, love, and faithfulness of the Lord.