Thankful...

Since starting this little food/budget journey on my blog, I feel like the Lord has been up to a LOT.  (Well I know He's always up to a lot, it's just that in this particular season, He's making it BLATANTLY obvious what He is up to!)

I started this mission a few weeks ago because I was legitimately struggling to stay within my budget when it came to feeding our family.  It's important to me and to Trent to set and live by a very specific budget so that we're not careless with our finances, but also so that we can keep only what He's allowing us to keep.  I can honestly say God is providing for us PERFECTLY.  He's blessed us abundantly and more than enough so that I can stay at home with Kinley...

 ...and I recognize that is a luxury that many don't have the option of considering! 

But I also know that God's not providing an overabundance of financial wealth for us on purpose.  I already have the sinful nature of wanting to take care of myself so He's actually caring for me very well by placing in me a need for which only He can satisfy.

So here's what He's been teaching me:
1) He's trustworthy (and patient that I need to be reminded of this over and over...)
2) He's reminding me that He's sooo worthy of my praise!

When I see a need that I can't meet myself and He clearly provides...I've nothing else to do but thank Him and praise Him for it.  Really the end goal of my entire life (in any situation...not just finances), is to...in plenty or in want...turn back to praise Him for His provision. 

Sometimes His provision looks like a paycheck, 

or a kind, overwhelming, and humbling giftcard, 

sometimes in free peppers from a church member,

or by providing just enough to re-do our kitchen nook into a playroom (more on that soon!!), 

or sometimes by causing food to stretch  further than I thought it would.

Today His provision showed up on my doorstep in a big Styrofoam box

Inside...as the note on the package says..."First aid for your budget"...meat from Omaha Steaks.  

WOW!

 

I am so thankful once again, and grateful for God's provision.  Isn't it like Him though to provide for us in overwhelming and astonishing ways (that's the GOSPEL!).  Not always in the form of food, and not always like we'd wish or hope.  But He always provides what is best.  I am thankful for His lavish gift today!!  What a treat!!!

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"  Romans 8:32