The Provision Continues ...

So, we are half-way through month 2 of this "envelope" system budgeting ... and again, it seems a little bleak.  There was a day or two I even just got a little angry about the whole thing.  I had gone to Family Dollar with Andrew & Anna to use some of my coupons that matched with what was on sale there - and there was a dress in Anna's size for $10.  Normally, I wouldn't think twice about buying a dress for $10 for her - and it was a NICE, decent dress too - something you just don't find very often!  However, knowing that hair cuts were coming up (for me & Anna), and knowing the amount of money in the hair/make-up/clothes envelope, I put the dress back - and then picked it up again - and then held it up to Anna to see what it would look like on her ... and heard Anna say, "OH!  It's my FAVORITE color!!" - but I put the dress back again.  It was HARD - and I was a little mad that I had to be "controlled" by those stupid envelopes - and who cares about money anyway - we're just going to DIE some day and who cares if we DIE in debt ... and so, I went on to have my little pity party. 

Soon after my pity party, I got a hold of myself and talked myself down from the ledge of a financial devil-may-care attitude ... and went on with life.  A few days ago, I talked to my (biological) father on the phone - he is a blog entry all to himself, but I'll just say that I talk to him about twice a year - and get postcards from him occasionally from his travels in Southeast Asia (most recently island hopping in the Philippines).  He was in Germany (where he "lives") for a short time and wanted to touch base.  At the end of the conversation he said, "And I'm sending you some money for the children."  (Actually, he said it in German since that is what he speaks!)... and I immediately went to Family Dollar & bought that dress for Anna.  My (biological) father is NOT a Christian, sadly, but I so wanted to tell him that GOD has used him to supply my family's needs/wants!!  

(I was going to post a pic of Anna in her new dress ... but she spilled spaghetti sauce ALL OVER IT ... so those  pics will have to wait.)

And on it goes.  I was telling my friends who go yard-saling to look for an exersaucer for Miriam.  I think she would so enjoy one right now.  And a new friend - who had NO IDEA what I was wishing, sent me a message on facebook a few days later, asking if I wanted a jumperoo (and another toy) that her son had outgrown.  I thought a jumperoo was like a "johnny-jump-up" that you put in a doorway (anyone know what I'm talking about??!) ... but instead, it is like an exersaucer on springs!  (See pic above of Miss Miriam).  And now I don't need an exersaucer after all!!!!  Thank you, God.  Another want - check. 

I think I am going to put out there that I *want* a mini-van!!  because I really do!!!!  ;)  I'm waiting for a friend to say, "So, there's this mini-van that is in great shape available for free ... do you want it?!"  Yeah, I know ... asking a little much!! :) 

But why do I doubt?  Why do I waste my time being angry?  Why don't I just trust and live by faith?  I guess because I'm a head-strong, always-been-independent woman who doesn't like letting go of control or relying on anyone else to give me what I want/need.  Well, slowly but surely I'm basically turning into putty in God's Hands ... emphasis on slowly ... but I am seeing more often that He truly is the Divine Potter, and I am but a lump of clay in His capable Hands.  These things are so out of my own incapable hands! God does such a better job at taking care of things than I do anyway! 

PS  Stay tuned for a potential 'nother "Provision" story ... my 10-year-old washing machine hasn't been acting right for a while now - the rinse cycle works sometimes, and sometimes I have to run it twice to get the clothes wrung out (maybe it's actually the spin cycle that is on the fritz?!) ...  We've already discussed that we do have enough in the "emergency" fund to buy a new washer - but we're waiting for ours to die completely.
Anyway, another friend has mentioned she has a friend who is giving away her old washer/dryer set & did I know anyone who needed one?!  Ummm, YES, ME!!!!  I haven't heard back if the washer is still available - but I am wondering what God is up to.  Could He possibly be providing for us yet again - even BEFORE we have a need??!  I'll be anxious to find out!