Our Provider at work!

All four of our boys needed new coats this year...Vinny outgrew his, Trevor's was worn out, Nick's zipper broke, and Kyle's had stains on it that I couldn't wash out (or identify...not sure that I want to either). I hadn't said anything to anyone about this, I hadn't even prayed about it yet. But with all of the expenses we have had this year, especially recently, money is a little tight and I was wondering how we would afford to replace all of their coats at once. Well, it turns out I had no reason to worry...God was working on it (even before I asked Him to.)

Early in the fall, a friend of mine at work asked me one day if I would be interested in some clothes for the boys...her daughter was getting rid of some of her sons' clothes and she thought of asking me. I said sure! What a blessing it turned out to be...besides getting enough jeans & shirts to complete Nick & Vinny's wardrobes for this year, there were two winter coats that were in great condition and fit them perfectly!

Fast forward to last week...a friend of mine from church called me up and said she didn't know if I would be interested or not, but she had two almost-new winter coats that she thought might fit Trevor and wanted to know if I wanted them. Thank you Lord! Not only did they fit him, but one of them he actually likes!! And it's a snowboarding jacket...so Trevor really digs that.

Ok, so that left Kyle. Not only does his coat have stains on it, but the zipper recently broke and he's been snapping it shut. That's ok for the cold weather, but when it starts to snow and he goes outside to play it just won't do. So I was in Walmart Monday night and decided I'd have to get him one. I picked one out, along with some other necessities, and got all the way to the checkout when I thought...we really can't afford this right now. I gave the jacket to the cashier and told her I had decided not to buy it. As I did, I said a quick prayer asking God to provide a coat for Kyle. When I got home and went through Kyle's backpack, and in there was a note from the school principal. It said that an organization in town had sponsored a drive called "Coats for Character", and they were awarding 100 coats with the school logo embroidered on it to students who displayed strong character, and that Kyle was being awarded one of these coats. His teacher nominated him because he's been responsible in his work and helpful to other students, and we could stop into the school anytime this week and pick it up! I couldn't believe it - God is quick! The next morning we went in to the office to get his new coat. I told the school secretary about how he needed one, and I almost bought him one the night before. She said "that's good timing"! No, my friend, that's GOD timing!!! He is our Provider, and He knows what we need even before we ask. He promises to meet ALL of our needs, and I love seeing how creative He can be about it. I can't wait to see what He does next!

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:28-33

Quote for the day!

Ok, this is funny! Vince thinks it's really dumb, but I think it's hysterical. It's the quote for today on my daily flip calendar:

"I hope this plane doesn't travel faster than sound," said the girl to the flight attendant.

"Why?"

"Because my friend and I want to talk."

Ok....now tell me, honestly, if YOU think that was funny or not! I have to know...

Amazing!

These beautiful and amazing pictures are from the Hubble telescope site:

http://hubblesite.org/gallery/

I've been drawn to these pictures lately.....and God is impressing on my heart and mind just how incredibly awesome He is...how BIG He is....how powerful and beyond our imagination He is. How could I ever think that He can't help me with my struggles or needs, when He has created all of this???

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Halloween Fun!

Halloween was interesting at our house! Vince and I were busy taking Trevor to Rochester (he is in the process of blogging about all of that if you are not already in the know). So, my mom & her fiance' came over to help the kids carve their pumpkins and took Hope and Kyle trick or treating. Vinny & Nick went out with a group of their friends, on a mission to go to every single house in town. From the haul they brought home, I think they were close to accomplishing their goal! They all had a blast.

Here are some pics of the pumpkins (veggies and kids) When Vinny & Nick got back from their adventure, it was a frenzy of candy & stories and then bedtime routines started up and I completely forgot to take a pic of them! Oh well.....imagine Nick all dressed in Vikings attire from head to toe (including hat & mittens) as he was dressed as a Vikings fan...and Vinny was a "beat up skater" with his skater shirt, shoes, and helmet, along with a bruised up face (makeup of course).

Here they are...Hopie as "Juke Box Jill" and Kyle as a "hunter dude"!

The aliens have invaded!!!

The following pics are from a halloween party the kids went to here in town last Saturday. They really had fun!

This is Kyle one of his best buddies Michael

And this is Hope and her new best friend Destiny.