Saturday evening we brought the kids preemie clothes to the NICU at the hospital, they were very happy to receive them. I thanked them for keeping our babies healthy and happy during their stay there. That was such a tender time for me. I remember leaving with Mikes parents one evening and Ella had come home that day, so it was just Alex left in the NICU...my heart shattered in a million pieces when we stood at the elevator door, I didn't want to leave him there all by himself. At least before Ella Bella was with him, makes me cry now just thinking of it. Carol hugged me and said it was okay, that was just what I needed at that moment. Thankfully, Alex came home the very next day. And look at them now, beautiful healthy children who are far from their preemie days.
We met with budget counselors from church last Sunday, they came to our house and went over finances with us. We are both TERRIBLE with money, it was hard to admit we needed someone to show us the way. Usually one person in a marriage is the better manager, but unfortunately, we both admit we are clueless and need some direction and focus. I never learned how to manage money, I always just seemed to have it growing up, my parents were far more generous than I probably deserve, but I always babysat or worked at a deli and a grocery store, so I never considered myself spoiled or anything. When I graduated from college I did not save a penny, I knew about saving...but didn't. I guess I always thought there would be time for it. Now its time to take responsibility, we don't want to pass down our poor money management and planning to our children. I want to start young teaching the kids about money and how to give, SAVE and manage their money, the best way to do that is lead by example. Cash only and always. We are paying for past mistakes so it greatly affects our present, I just want it to be done. On top of it all, Mike has a pile of school loans. We have lots of work to do to get ourselves debt free, but with determination and time, we WILL get there. I'm not worried, I have to trust it will all work out good and Mike is optimistic. The good thing is, we acknowledge the problem and pledge to change it. While we are not rich with padded bank accounts, we are rich with love, and I am certain I prefer that over anything money can buy or pay off. Okay, moving on to a much more pleasant topic.
This morning was a challenge to get out the door, then we got to church and there were no parking spots, so I brought the kids into their Sunday School classes and parked across the street and took a bus. I'll be sure to come early for our Sunday school class so I can get a spot near Kiddie Korner. I think our church is definitely growing, which is a good thing. People from all over the metro area are coming to our church. Mike is working Sundays now, so I am bummed he cannot join us to praise God in His house, he is disappointed also. We always look forward to Sundays, it's an extra special day for us. After church we take the same route home and look for choo choo's - the enjoy it and Alex AND Ella know right when we come upon the tracks, it must be in their blood to adore trains the way their dad and grand dad do. If we see a train, Ella mostly says - more more choo choo, more more choo choo. Everything Ella wants more of these days, she says, "more more daddy", "more more costco", more more book - she always wants more, she's such a dollie! Alex is saying more more now with everything he would like more of, its beyond cute. Their vocabulary is growing every day and they are not afraid to try and say new words. After we do our usual route, we go home, have lunch together, then it's off to nap time, sometimes for us too. Then up again and we have more time together, we usually walk to the park or go for a car ride to look for more more choo choo's!
On Monday, my mom sent me money for my birthday so I could buy myself some clothing and get a pedicure and whatever else I wanted. It was nice to be able to go into a store and shop for just me, of course I got the kids something. I don't know if that's good or bad, neither, I'm sure. So I was in a lovely gift shop and the vera bradley bags were on sale, 40% off. I went to the counter and asked how much this one daisey diaper bag was, with the discount it was $55, I wanted to think that one over before I decided to get it. I wandered around the store and enjoyed browsing. Then I decided that bag was for me! I went and a different gal rang me up. I had found a cute little votive holder as well and just had to get that since it was 60% off $4.95. So the total was around $42 and I knew the bag was $55 - I asked, did you get the votive on there? She said, "yes, I did." I said, "okay, good." and paid the amount I knew must have been incorrect. As I was walking out the store, I delighted in the fact that I got such a good deal. But really, I had bought more than just a good deal. It weighed on my mind and I told Mike, he said "you need to call them in the morning and tell them" I agreed and felt better. I called the next morning and the lady was very puzzled, I had got more off than I was suppose to and I was actually calling to report it!? She chuckled and put me on hold, she came back and thought that was very nice that I had called, but not to worry. I still felt unsettled about it and I wrote out a check for the difference and mailed it. Seventeen dollars wasn't worth my integrity for a great bargain. I don't tell you this story to give praise to what I did, because really I didn't do anything special. I could have corrected it in the store and God gave me the opportunity to do it, but I chose not to. However, the wonderful thing is, I came to God and told him I was sorry I hadn't corrected the miscalculation in the store and that very much pleases God when we tell him our wrongs and turn away from evil. Since Jesus laid down his life for me, our sins are forgiven as far as the east is from the west, and God forgets them forever and ever....what a gracious and loving God He is. He is very much pleased with me, that I was able to hear the tug of the holy spirit and respond appropriately even though it took me a few tries. I'm charmed with my purchase and it reminds me of a valuable lesson that I will carry with me much longer than my beautiful bag.
Now I know when the holy spirit directs me on what to do, I will hear it and respond in a way that will be pleasing to God. I am thankful that God taught me how to hear His call and I know now how to listen and respond when He does. What a blessing and a privilege it is to know the loving, forgiving, Sovereign and ALL KNOWING awesome God who created the universe and EVERYTHING IN IT. Wow.
“The God we serve is able to deliver us…and he will.” Daniel 3:17
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Phil 2:14
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6
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