I'm Feeling Very Blessed Tonight

Growing up, my parents instilled in me a desire to use money wisely. They taught me that any money I had was ultimately God's and I should treat it so. They taught me that debt was something to run from. They taught me how to work hard to earn money. I'm so thankful for the example they set for their children in the area of money and the way they were (and still are) wise stewards of what God had given to them.

But, growing up, I had what I needed. I am the 4th child, so by the time I was old enough to realize what money really was, my parents were well established. When my clothes got torn or stained, we could go out a buy new ones. When our printer ran out of paper, I would reach for more from the huge stash under the desk (which magically never ran out - thanks to my Dad keeping it stocked week after week). When I felt hungry for Lasagna, I got in the cabinet, found the ingredients and made Lasagna.

Life changed, though, when I got married. No longer was everything I needed at my fingertips. And no longer could I just go and buy what I needed to be at my fingertips. Whereas trips to the grocery store used to be a quick pick up of what we needed at home, they now consist of coupons, a calculator, sale items and a small budget.

Most the time, it is great fun to see what all I can buy for a small amount of money. I enjoy trying to be the best stewards of the money we have and using it only when necessary (and not just every time we feel like it). God has been faithful to always meet our needs and give us much more than we deserve.

But sometimes, it can be overwhelming and discouraging. It can just get to the point where I wish I didn't have to see another coupon. Where I wish I could just have Joe pick something up from Subway on the way home from school and not think twice about it.

This week was one of those weeks.

But I have a very loving Heavenly Father who cares so much about me to do something miraculous in order to let me know He knows all my inmost thoughts, feelings and struggles.

Today, I had to make a run to the grocery store to mail some packages. While there, I thought I would use the opportunity to pick up a few items that were on sale (and which I had coupons for) that we use around our house. Since I'd already been grocery shopping this week, I had no more money to spend, but just figured it would only be a few dollars and I could take that out of next week's budget.

The cashier rang up my items and my total came to $19.38. I was praying that somehow I would only have to pay under $2. After scanning in all my coupons, my grand total came out to be -$0.46. Yes, negative $0.46! The computer went crazy since it said they owed me, so the cashier called the manager over. They both couldn't believe what had happened, but the manager went ahead and loaded the money onto my debit card, exclaiming, "How in the world did you do that???!!!"

All I have to say...My God is SO big! So great! So powerful!

And I feel very blessed that He cares so much about me.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." Luke 12:22-31