our week, in review

 Last Monday our daughter-in-law was due to have our grandson so we knew that a trip to North Carolina was in store, at some point, that week.  We had several logistical issues to figure out; do we take the kids, do we leave them home, do we have enough money to cover the trip with or without the kids.  Lots to ponder but we knew we needed to be there, our kids requested that we be there.  I began praying on Monday that if God wanted us there that he would provide "specifically" for the trip.  This was a conversation that I had solely with the Lord, no one else.  I knew in my heart that we were supposed to go but Den also knew that our finances didn't warrant such a trip.  Each morning during my quiet time I would ask God to provide; I also did this throughout the day and as each day came to a close I would give my worries to Him, trusting that He would provide.  Wednesday morning I told the kids to pack their clothes giving specifics on what to put in a bag (by that time we had decided that if we went they were going).  Though God still hadn't yet given my husband the financial ok, we packed and placed everything in the dining room.  Wednesday drew to a close and Thursday morning I said to God, "this is the day, Lord.  We have to leave tonight if we're going! I'm trusting you to provide!"  Den was sharing with a good friend about our indecision  to go when he said, hang on a minute; I have something I want to give you and out he came with a handful of cash.  He handed it to Den and said that he wanted him to use it for our trip expenses.  He said he saves money, a little bit here, a little bit there, for ministry purposes and this was one he wanted to invest in.  Den called me, choking back tears and told me the story and how much it was. . . . $220.00! We both cried and I sent praises up to God for answering my prayer as my faith grew by leaps and bounds.

Fast forward to North Carolina, Sunday afternoon: Den is talking with our son's neighbor, Jack about the trip home, the best route to take, etc, when Jack goes to leave he says to Den, "I know how tough it is to travel with a family, across country, so we'd like to help you with your expenses on the way home," of which he handed Den a $100 bill in a handshake! We had just met Jack and his family, over the weekend, as we enjoyed their wonderful southern hospitality.  They are an amazing family that truly love our kids (Dave, Casey and Breeze) and we are so thankful they have a surrogate family that will continue to look after them and care for them when we, as parents, are not able too. I love the way God chooses to connect people! Not only was it hard to leave our children and new grandson, but these precious neighbors as well.  In just a few short days God blessed us, not only financially, but with life-long friends.


We left our sons at 6:30 last night and arrived home at 7pm this morning.  No weather, vehicle, or sickness issues; the kids slept until we were about 10 minutes from home and we were able to bring home some of that wonderful North Carolina heat and humidity, 'cause we're just that kinda people who like to share and it's how we roll!