Gentle Reminders

Yes.  A long overdue “hello” is in order.

Hello.

It’s crazy.  I feel busier now than when I had a job.  How is that possible?  And, how is it going to be possible to juggle everything when a new job is thrown back in the mix?

Well, I guess I’ll just have to think about that tomorrow, or when that day comes.  Won’t I Scarlett?

First of all, I am so grateful to the Lord for His provision.  You know when all seems to be raining down on you and you wonder where God is and what He’s up to, something happens to put it all in line.  A big reminder comes in that you know can only come from God?

Well, that is exactly what happened a couple weeks ago at the Fundraiser for Danny at our alma mater, Mt. Paran Christian School.

We showed up and got loved on.  It was overwhelming really.  I went in thinking that we might raise a couple thousand dollars, but what God did was certainly above and beyond what I could even hope or imagine.

The total was announced at $5300 and I cried.  I had no idea people would give like that.

Then, at the conclusion of the game, a new total was announced at $9300.  I squatted down on my heels and sobbed.  It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I was going to sleep soundly.

It wasn’t until the next morning that the true total came to life.  A kind couple had approached me during the game with an envelope and told me it held a donation.  I thanked them for their generosity, not knowing how much that donation held.

I put God in a box.  I limited Him and He decided to blow me away.

Our total, including change, was more than $11400.

Now, first thanks goes Mt. Paran for holding such an event, for doing what they said they’d do.  Secondly, I thank God for moving the people and I thank the people for heeding His call.

More than $6000 was written specifically to the NTAF for Danny’s uninsured medical costs, which includes his participation in Beyond Therapy at Shepherd.

The remainder, we will use to cover our expenses while I search for a job and all the change filled Corbin’s dinosaur bank to the brim.  Those funds go into a savings account for him.

Now, I realize I don’t have to tell you what we do with the money, but at the same time, I want you to know that we want to be good stewards with the blessing.  At the same time, we decided to continue with our long, planned trip to Disney.  We did something “normal” for our family.

I will update the Gallery with pictures from the trip.

Back to God’s gentle, or not so gentle reminders that He has us in His Hands….a story about Mary.

Not Mary the mother of Jesus, but Mary the single, mother of two small children.  I’m just using the name Mary to keep her anonymous.

Friends of ours started a ministry called One Need, which links those in need with those that can fulfill those needs.  It’s a great way to show the love of God.  You’ll hear more about One Need in days to come, but if you’re local in the Atlanta area, sign up to be a “deeder” at www.oneneed.org.

We signed up to be general deeders to actually see how the system works, so we receive random emails for needs that fall into the general category.

As you can imagine, Christmas was a busy time of people with needs.  Not tooting our horns, but we read one need and Danny wanted to help.

Mary is a single mom and she needed presents for her young children for Christmas.  Well, we couldn’t imagine not having a present for Corbin for Christmas.  I followed Danny’s‘ heart and replied that we’d fill this need, even though, I have to admit, I was still feeling ugh about losing my job and fearful about filling our family’s needs.

I called Mary to tell her that we’d purchased a gift for each of her children and wanted to schedule time to drop them off.  We set a time and I drove to her home by myself.

I was honestly a bit skeptical.  What if she really doesn’t have this need?  What if she is making bad choices?  I am ashamed that I felt that way.

Mary’s apartment was empty, lone for a sorry looking Christmas tree, and pictures of her children leaning on the walls.  No furniture. No tv. No lamps.  No kitchen table with chairs.  No kids toys. Nothing.

I was humbled.

Her small son came toddling down the stairs and his eyes lit up at the sight of the wrapped gifts.

I asked Mary if there was anything else I could do for them.

Her eyes were sad, embarrassed as she told me they needed food.

“What kind of food?”  I asked.  “Anything” was her reply.

I told her I’d get her food.  I couldn’t get out of there fast enough to the safety of my car where I could let out the gut, wrenching sob creeping to my mouth.

How could I leave her there, her small son there and not give them food?

So, I shopped on Christmas Eve day at the grocery store and cried the whole way through.

Not for Mary and her kids, but what God has done for me.  I cried tears of thankfulness, for shame that I sometimes ask God ‘what gives’ and He answers me that He does.

And wouldn’t you know, but the same amount of money I spent on Mary’s groceries, was given back to me.

God is good, all the time.  Even when we doubt it.

I thank God for the gentle and not so gentle reminders of his faithfulness.

Our future is still uncertain.  It’s still stressful.  I still hear the ticking clock as I look for a suitable job and try to get Corbin in the right school, or keep Danny in therapy as long as we can.

But, God is faithful and though my mind may falter in trust, my heart and my soul know it is the only Thing, we can trust.

Danny has set a goal for himself.  He wants to walk with the walker by the end of the year.  Can you help us get there, 80ft. at a time?