More Adventures in Faith & Budgeting

God is in charge...and He does not want me to be a tightwad.

Earlier in the week, we had company...a great band called the Hollands comprised of a family of four wonderful people--husband & wife, son & daughter--who live in a converted school bus and tour the country bringing love and joy everywhere they go. They played at Swallow Hill and we got to go see them, and celebrate two birthdays with them, and it was just super fun.

If you have been to our house and you are doing your math correctly, you know that means 6 people, 2 beds, and one bathroom. Somehow it all worked out, and we didn't even run out of hot water...which is probably a little miracle or a testament to the easygoing nature of the Hollands or both.

While shopping for some extra stuff at the grocery store, I began to stress out. Those of you who know me know that I have a strict budget. It's important to me. I love the spreadsheet. I love the grocery money jar. There is only so much cash in it and it has to last the whole month...feeding six is not the same as feeding two, and I really wanted to show them a good time but I was torn because I also really wanted to be responsible. As I strolled through the Safeway aisle, I heard a little voice whisper...

"Take care of them, and I will take care of you"

God, is that you?

Ok...I'm putting cookies in the cart.

Chips & salsa

"Take care of them, and I will take care of you"

I'm gonna buy some wine...

Are you sure I'm not just being nuts? 

We do have to eat in week 4 of November? 

Thanksgiving is coming...

"Take care of them, and I will take care of you"

I let go. I rolled with it. We had cookies. We had wine. We had birthday cheesecake. We made a big Indian dinner. It was so fun. My jar wasn't where it needed to be. I was just not going to think about that. 

Today, I went to a friend's house for coffee. As I left, she pointed to several boxes on the floor...

"We are started a whole new way of eating. I'm getting rid of most of the stuff in my pantry. If you can use this stuff, please take it!" Soups, pasta, rice, granola, real maple syrup. Seriously?

"Take care of them, and I will take care of you"

When Randy and I were on the road and touring for a living, we were constantly living on the edge. Sometimes, I was saying to the Hollands, I miss that, because it forces me to rely on God to take care of even the smallest of things, and He reveals Himself in the craziest ways and it reminds me that He cares and He uses other people. Self-reliance is not all it's cracked up to be. Faith is an amazing adventure. This week, I have been reminded...