Blessed Christmas . . .

I'm like most people . . . shopping does help fuel the Christmas spirit a little. When I'm able to go out and purchase stuff to bless people and my kids. This year is super tight, financially, due to school. That I don't normally talk about, we chose the path we're on, I don't expect sympathy from anyone for that reason. Also I don't talk about financial struggles cuz God has come through EVERY time for our needs (and wants). He's a personal God that truly cares and loves us individually!

So that said. . . we weren't going to buy any presents, not even for the kids. Though two weeks prior to Christmas we broke down and bought Toby two firetrucks. I'm not sure the reasoning at the time and I'm not sure why we didn't purchase anything for Sam . . . though he doesn't really notice those things yet . . . everything that's Toby's is his too, right? :) Then about 10 days out from Christmas day, I get a phone call from the secretary at our church. She explained there was family in the church that had called the church office asking if they knew of a family in need that they could bless for Christmas. She said that we were the first mentioned (not sure by whom) and was asking my permission to let them bless us for the holidays. Of course I said yes. The pastors and some of the staff are good friends of ours and they know our personal lives relatively well. I never really think of us as needy . . . just having to live by faith in that realm. :) I can tell you through this journey, thus far, I have grown in my faith and my trust in my God and Saviour!!! It's easy to get lackadaisical in my thinking when there are regular paychecks coming in, but when have to budget over three months (for the most part) due to financial aide (and not that much either:) . . . it's tested my thinking and faith!

Back to the story. There are mixed emotions when somebody reaches out in this way. My first reaction is "I'm needy?" "Oh, I guess we don't have money for presents, so we are in need." "Are presents really a need?" Ultimately this gesture fueled something in me that lays dormant due to financial restriction, and that is that I want to bless people in this way . . . and more! We won't be in this position for long, a little more than two years at this point. And most firefighting jobs pay reasonably well. I get anxious about getting my own house, a big one so I can entertain and give people that need a place to stay . . . well, a place to stay . . . food to eat, warm clothes if need be. Justin doesn't know of this desire . . . he just knows that I like to give money out if its in my pocket (I've noticed he gives me less and less cash). :)

Ok, I'm getting back to the story. This ended up being a fantastic blessing . . . both my children had presents to open . . . plenty of adorable clothes, coats, socks, underwear (yeah, time to potty train Toby) and toys . . . plus a gift card for the Justinator and I! I'm not sure why I'm sharing so much detail. But I do want to say that God is so good!!! He knew what we needed (and wanted) and He provided. This is just an example . . . He does it every time, plus some!! I'm amazed! I'm learning to rest in Him, keep my family/life in prayer and just watch Him work. I know He's got great plans for Justin and I . . . but especially for our boys . . . I'm so grateful!!

I was struggling a bit this year with the Christmas thing and it ended up being one of the best! We met over at Tiff and Dan's for dinner. Amy and Jason were there too. It was SUCH a good time!!! Tiffany and Dan, thank you sooooo much for seafood dinner and your hospitality!!! Thank you, Jesus!

Ok, there is slideshow that follows. I have to say I got lazy with the photography at Tiff and Dan's, sorry about the minimal pics of that and how bad they are on top of it. :)

I hope all of your experiences were good this Christmas season!!!