How Do I Love Thee, A.A.A.?

This has been quite a day.
Isn't it funny, when you look back at the beginning of your day, that you realize that the Lord was in control of the whole thing? That is such a basic truth, but I realize it anew often.

This morning, the coffee was extra good. I don't know why, but it was. After reading a while in my Bible, I was drawn to my handwritten journal of 2002 - 2004. (The beginning of "Living on Daily Bread") The memories were so sweet as I flipped through each page and remembered each individual card, momento and thought that I had scribbled. One particular entry especially made me smile - because the title of that day was: "Three Kittens and Three Kids". I'm sure I'll reference that story in this finished project - so I'll just summarize it by saying that it was all about God meeting our exact needs. Not too little or too much - but often exactly what we need!

Another entry at the beginning made me smile:
October 28, 2002
"It is hard to put into words the many thoughts in the heart! But fall short as they may, they chronicle our days; the joys and pains, the simple and complex events that comprise our days ~
It has long been a desire of Dan and I to journal events in our lives that have brought us a new awareness of God's presense in our everyday affairs. The way He cares for us, provides for our needs~ even the people He uses to bless us! (and how MANY there have been!)
Each event and person is so special to us, that we want to pass these stories on to our children: (thus far: Nathanael, Caleb, Zachery, Seth, Micah, Danielle, Jon-Mark and Michaela).
We NEVER want to forget God's goodness! It brings joy to our hearts each time we recall these times ~ times that have changed us forever as we have grown in our faith in the Lord.
"...for we walk by FAITH
not by sight..." II Cor. 5:7
Over the years, I have saved bits and pieces of items to help me recall these acts of kindness and now it is time to pull all the pieces together.
Over and over again in Scripture I see examples of men and women of God "remembering"...where they have been, how God has led them, protected them, provided for them supernaturally. Whenever I am doubting the Lord's presense in my life, it does me great benefit to remember.
May this journal of bits and pieces, words and stories; weave together a tapestry that remains a testimony of the Lord's faithfulness in our lives.
To HIM be the glory ~ both now and forevermore!"

I have been working on this in my mind - for many years now!
Little did I know that exactly 4 years later, to the day, Nathanael would marry his Jen and our family would be blessed with our first daughter in law.
Little did I know then, that Dan would be dianosed with cancer in 2005.
Little did I know then, that my dear Titus 2 mentor, would have a brain tumor and go home to be with the Lord.
Little did I know then, that we would leave our beloved Church family in 2006, and start all over again in a new fellowship.
Little did I know then, that we would still be struggling on so many fronts - but primarily, with Dan's job and the finances.

I didn't know it then, but in the years to follow - the Lord would continue to be so real to me!

Life comes at you fast, as the insurance commercial illustrates!
Having this time alone with the Lord this morning greatly helped the outcome of what the day would soon hold. I started my day peaceful, grateful and so full of hope. Mid-morning, I had the opportunity to talk about the Lord and His goodness with a couple of my girlfriends. Things were definately going well today.

Weeks ago, I decided to have a garage sale. (Sigh...I know - it's a crazy thing to do and a LOT of work.) But we all worked hard (including some of my faithful friends!!!) - cleaning, sorting and organizing some of the rooms of our house. My main goal was to CLEAN and declutter the house - getting it ready for Caleb's Open House later this month. Of course I was hoping to make a little money too. It rained (as usual) but we cleared about $200 - plus Dan traded our two old couches (I was asking $50 for the pair) for a working laptop for me! I was thrilled. Years ago he wanted to get me a laptop so I could write more - especially for "Living on Daily Bread". I feel like such a grown up now....lap-top and all. :-)

Well...as expected, everything didn't sell, so I boxed up 8 seperate containers of stuff to try to sell to the local thrift shops. I was packed to the max! I was alone on my errands today - which was unusual. Danielle had to work, Jon-Mark had guitar lesson, and Michaela wanted to stay close to home. About mid-way through our trip, I noticed that our 1992 Toyota Previa wasn't running too smoothly. (We've loved this van! It was given to us, with new tires! almost 2 years ago. She's run like a top. Well...sometimes a noisy top with the clanks and all - but I've been most grateful for her. Even without air conditioning or a radio. She's just good reliable transportation! Plus, she came at a time when we desperately needed a van. If you haven't been a "shut - in" - without transportation, you won't understand what I mean. But for weeks we had to borrow vehicles just to get to very basic places: the grocery store, Co-Op, work, etc.)

I prayed out loud that the Lord would enable the van to get me home. I was feeling pretty good about things, since I had sold most of my leftover things for almost $50.00. The Lord did get me home late that afternoon - but it was in a AAA tow truck with our van in tow. Just about 5 miles from home the van started sputtering, then lost all power, and died. I coasted to the side of the road, but it was a busy part of this road and cars were just flying by me. I couldn't start it again to get completely off. Good old A.A.A.!!! I called and they informed me that they would be there in an hour. Two kind ladies stopped to check on me: One in a Lexus, and one in a Sherriff's car. Because I could see poison ivy on the side of the road - I opted to remain in the van with the windows down for the hour. even though it was hot. Thankfully, I had purchased a bottle of water just an hour before, plus just a day ago, I had put a small New Testament in my purse! I was all set. I read in Philippians, prayed some, and enjoyed reading a cook - book that I had just purchased for $2 at the thrift shop! I rehearsed things I was thankful for...hmmm....I don't have a bunch of little children with me, we still have a working Honda Civic, The Lord is working out Phil. 1:5 in my life! The hour went by quickly and the couple that picked me up were so friendly and helpful. I enjoyed visiting with them, and they dropped me off at home.

We've been so thankful for God and A.A.A. The two have retrieved us out of many tough situations. We've driven old vehicles for years so our yearly dues have been well worth it.

While I was in tow, Dan had another conference call for these two pending jobs. Back in January we heard that a decision should be made around March 6th. It will be May 6th tomorrow (Funnel's 26th birthday!) - and we're still not sure what the outcome will be. But we ARE sure that God is still in control, and remains faithful to care for us each and every day!

Four of the kids played frisbee golf tonight, Michaela and I enjoyed some Monopoly, and we even managed to get some major yard work done with the kids. The girls and I watched one of our favorite shows "Jon and Kate Plus Eight"~ (a show that ALWAYS makes me laugh!) plus we enjoyed the meal that Danielle made in my absense: Jasmine brown rice and chicken with Stir fry veggies. mmm.....it's been a very good day. I think one of my favorite parts was walking through the front door and talking to Danielle. Her comment was: "Isn't it amazing that we were thinkng about giving that van to someone else if Dad got the project - and here it broke down for US and not them! " I like her perspective on life. I can see the Lord teaching her through her time in the Word. Yes, a good day. Even if my van is sitting in a lonely spot in the back of the Mechanic's shop awaiting her verdit tomorrow. Even if we need to come up with about $2,300.00 just to pay our bills these next two weeks. It is really the Lord I love, not A.A.A. He continues to amaze me each and every day. As I posted on my facebook account:
Life is good, because God is good.