Our Amazing God – Who Never Ceases to Amaze Me! =)

If you didn’t read yesterday’s post, then please read it first for the full background….otherwise this just probably won’t make alot of sense to you….

Anyway, the Lord never ceases to amaze me….yesterday I post a blog about the Lord providing etc., and then Dw and I left for our weekly morning date. St*arbucks for coffee, a muffin and a bagel – to go – yummm. We had a wonderful time driving around and enjoying the views….

Later in the day I asked Emma if she wanted to run an errand with me. See, for months I had been eyeing some jackets that are custom/handmade by a local designer/seamstress and sold at a Children’s Boutique in town. Being the boutique is next to Dw’s Barber Shop I pop in often to admire while he gets his hair “cut” (we use the word cut around here loosely). =)

Many, many months ago I had spotted some little jackets in there. They were adorable! Each one is unique and made of old quilts (I love, love, love quilts!!) and lace doilies and oh my(!) they are so stinkin’ adorable!! They are a tad pricey, but not ridiculous; especially for such a lovely little specialty item for a beautiful little girl who has just come home to her forever family -besides almost everything else we have for her we found at consignment shops!!

While waiting for Elizabeth to come home from Africa I had commented to the shopkeeper about asking the lady who makes them if she could maybe make one in a size 3-4 and please make it pink!!! When I returned from Africa I was downtown and went in for a peak. The designer had sent in 3 little jackets to sell. All sweet as a button – and one was pink!! It was adorable!! I wondered if it would fit Elizabeth and said I would bring her back to try it on. She agreed to hold it for a day. Life got crazy and I didn’t make it downtown for a few days and finally yesterday I decided I better go check. AND I had my birthday money that I could buy it with.

So we went in and I said, “You had been holding a jacket for me, but you probably have sold it by now because I couldn’t get back down here for a few days…” She said, “Oh! You’re the pastor’s wife – hold on…..” I was wondering how in the world she knew I was a pastor’s wife???

She went back behind the counter and came out with the sweetest little bag dressed up like a present. I must have had the most perplexed look on my face. She said, “Someone paid for this for you….it’s paid in full.” I said, “No, I was just looking at the jacket and no one even knew it.” She said, “Well someone found out you were looking at it and wanted you to have it.” I looked over at Emma. I was in disbelief. I told the lady, “No one (and I truly mean NO ONE, even knew about this but my family.” She said, “Well someone found out and wants to remain anonymous.” HUH? Seriously friends, these little God-surprises are such a mystery to me. I was tickled and perplexed and dumbfounded and delighted…Yippee Jesus! The very day I talk about finances/tithing, etc., God gives me a present – anonymously!! How amazing is that?

Then I got home and found another surprise….For months I have wanted to do a make-over on my blog. No one knew but my family. I had even picked out a kit that looked totally like it was made for me. But I couldn’t justify the cost of hiring someone at this time, with bringing three kids home. I wondered about trying to do it myself (I quickly dismissed that thought when I realized what I could do when I start messing with things that I have no clue about).

I opened my email yesterday and a sweet bloggy friend, whom I have corresponded with via email for months and months, had written and asked if her daughter could do a make-over on my blog? I was again speechless!!! I will keep her anonymous for now, but before long I will do the big reveal!! What a sweetheart!! Her daughter is just a teenager, but her mom said “she thinks you’re wonderful” A teenager? Me? (Again – they had NO clue) WOW!

Two complete surprises of financial blessings from my Miracle-Working, Mountain-Moving, Awe-Inspiring, Gasp-Giving God – just for me!! I don’t believe that it was co-incidental that they both happened yesterday either! If you read the comments from yesterday you will find testimony after testimony of families who have found that God’s economy is plentiful!

Lastly…..You know friends, when we feel God’s prompting to “speak up” about His truths, it can be a tad unnerving. Even though the vast majority of bloggers don’t know me, I, just like the rest of you, like to be liked. I mean, come on, who doesn’t?

And the whole issue of money….yeah, that’s just a sticky subject for many people. Even close friends can talk about all kinds of stuff, but when it comes to money – umm, not so much!?! What is up with that?

So in the middle of the night when I was typing the post, I knew what the Lord wanted me to say because He had been stirring it in my heart for days. I have no problem speaking TRUTH when I know the Lord is prompting, but there is still that little human “ohhh boy”.

Like when Dw preaches a strong message about something (like tithing) and he and I go home and are changing our clothes and one of us turns to the other and will say, “How many did we lose today?” Of course, we always kind of smile and know that God’s laws/commandments/plans/desires are all higher than ours and yes, we will speak the truth no matter the cost. BUT we are humans and we do not love it when people get all bent out of shape, get their panties in a twist or their boxers in a bunch and march out. I mean really, who does? Just not so fun.

Anyway, so yesterday the thought crossed my mind… ‘Wonder just how my bloggy friends will respond and I really wonder if any will “stop following“?’ And then I looked to see just how many followers/friends I had.

Now that whole “follower” thing…… sure, it’s fun and exciting and I find it encouraging and I haven’t mentioned it even once – until now. Truly some days I don’t even notice it and then I remember and look to see if any more friends have joined in the fun.

BUT I, personally, am even more fascinated though with where people are from and what nations they represent when they are “dropping by” our home at A Place Called Simplicity….from all over the world they stop in and visit..AND from my little log home (with the wood stove roaring) that’s nestled in the Rocky Mountains – well I am just humbled and in awe of that!!
So yesterday, about an hour after hitting the “post” button I looked and someone had already deleted themselves as a follower. Dw’s day off is Friday and so I just turned and said to him, “Yup, someone already stopped following.” He said, “oh well.”

So last night I fell asleep while we were watching Get Smart as a family – a ol’ gal sure can’t hack those 2:45am “wake-up calls” like I could have when I was a tad younger…..

This morning when I hopped on to see what was going on I almost fell over….No one else had stopped being my friend but instead there were SIX new friends joining in the fun. I was giggling!! The timing was obviously from the Lord – so a great big gigantic hug and thank you to Leslie, Jackie, Melissa, Susan, Hezra, and Denise. Welcome to the group of
“followers” that I call my friends!! All 114 of you guys totally rock! xo

20 thoughts on “Our Amazing God – Who Never Ceases to Amaze Me! =)

  1. And isn’t it just so stinkin’ funny that you have even TWO MORE followers since you posted that???

    I liked your post about tithing and it even prompted a discussion with Mr. Daddy. God even directed circumstances today so we have our next fun tithe all ready because someone’s need just “happened” to be known today.

    Can’t wait to see the blog makeover… but it sure as heck better still include a ton of pictures! 🙂

  2. Dear friend, I had goosebumps reading your post. God is indeed awesome. Everytime I read your blog, I’m blessed. Thank you for sharing your heart and for sharing what our dear Lord wants you to share.
    hugs

  3. Kevin and I were amazed reading your post from yesterday. We have definitely decided to adopt again, and from China, but this little issue of the economy and our finances keep my insides stirred up a bit! I know that God will provide, but the human side of me keeps seeing the human picture. Thank goodness God is patient with me. He has been saying that He will provide through our minister’s sermons, Bible verses in our daily reading, and now speaking through you once more! Keeping preaching!

    Janet

  4. Wow what a great site!! Found you thru a friend. So glad I did. I was adopted to a strong christian home. My dad is a baptist minister of almost 50 years now. God couldnt have blessed me with a better home. I will continue to follow and pray for your family as a fellow troop in Christ’s Army.

    Please feel free to visit our blog, you are welcome to follow along with us in our mission of seeking his will. We love new friends and followers as well.

    God Bless.

  5. No, YOU rock Linn! And you are bloggin’ so fast I can’t even keep up with you! Thanks for the mention in your last post, woohoo for all the military mamas!

    Loved the middle of the night preaching! Isn’t it amazing what you can do in the wee hours, from your cozy cabin, with a Cheerio eatin’ sweetie beside you? You are changing lives Linn, really, you are. . . . the lives of us who are “following along”, and the lives of those that we will touch because we listened to what the Lord had to say, through you! Thank you for your obedience to share what He lays on your heart . . . it’s good, good stuff!

    Lovin’ the surprise gifts, how cool is that? Please, please, please can we see your sweet Elizabeth in her new pink jacket?

    Last but not least, your “Middle of the Night” post prompted me to act on something that I was totally dragging my feet on! So, thank you again! And thank you Lord for speaking through Linn!

    Blessings to you my friend!

    Tina

  6. I have been coming for a little while and have so enjoyed the views your family share and the love that just spills over in every post……

    Prayers that your blog will be around for a while and that you will be able to reach out and touch as many as possieble

  7. Linny,
    Have Rett and I told you that many of the sermons at our church since you being in Africa have gone right along with what you have been blogging. Well, we went to church last night and it went right along with your post from the other day. They are doing something called “The Love Movement” and they talked about giving last night. They didn’t talk about tithing but that extra giving whether it be physical or through helping in another way. I have to say this was the coolest service I have ever been to. They encouraged people to do random acts of kindness this week and they laid tons of little cards on the alter with things for people to do this week and then you just went up and picked one up not knowing what was on the other side. Anyway I hope this makes sense and I’m not just babbling but it was awesome and I thought of your incredible post about “secret giving” the whole time. Linny, you guys are awesome amd don’t worry about those few who might not like what you say.

  8. Thanks for your comment on my blog! I wanted to become a follower because I love to read blogs that inspire me…and yours does my friend. I am feeling called to adopt again, but hubby is not on board, will you pray for me? Thanks!!

  9. I have been a lurker for a LONG time (since you brought Isaiah home, but guess I should make it “official”. I LOVE reading your blog. Checked it out 3 or 4 times a day when you were in Africa. You are absolutely amazing.

  10. I do not have my own blog but I have been following your for a long time now. And what I love is your honesty and just the realness of everything. I pray for your family alot. And honestly I pray God would send a friend in my life like you. I feel the way you do about things but it does seem everyone doesn’t always get how I feel. LOL But that is OK. So just keep on keeping on. I know God will bless you as he already has.
    Melissa in KY

  11. I also thank you for the comment on my blog. I was involved with Uturn (2001-03) before I went to Japan for YWAM. From what I’ve heard from my friends down there, you guys are awesome. From your blog, I can see they were right. Stay blessed.

  12. I’m no longer a lurker! I have told several people about your $ post! Including our pastor and his wife. They are struggling with some jumping off the cliff without a parachute issues! NOT TO MENTION that he also preached on the whole love thing and challenged us to give love (also spelled time) reaching out and putting our faith in action. Not just our finances but our kind words and listening ears! Whoa. How about that for God moving in a big way. Do you think He may be on a tangent or something about this LOVE thing! Hee Hee
    Don’t worry about loosing people. God has brought the folks whom He wants to be here. I have no idea how I found your blog except to say it was God! Keep on being faithful.
    Isn’t funny how God wakes us up in the middle of the night to tell us the important stuff! I guess it makes more of an impression!!!
    Thanks again for being faithful. You are certainly blessing me (and the people I share your stories with! 😉 Sheri

  13. Add one more to the list. I have been a “lurker” since about your 3rd or 4th day in Africa to bring the kidos home. I am really enjoying your story and I thank you for sharing it. We have one child adopted from China, home 18 months now. He is 4 years old. We are in the very early stages of our next adoption. Currently we are feeling led to Korea but we are following God’s lead. The path He led us on to China started with applications to Ukraine 🙂 I have been grateful for all the examples you have shared about how God so readily supplies all that is needed to bring about His plan for us. I am really feeling a peace about how he will provide the funds we need to grow our family again through adoption. Glad to be part of the “official” crowd now.
    Julie in Georgia

  14. I for one am inspired by the way you use your blog as a ministry. With all ministry the are “touchy” subjects but it is evident that God has proved Himself faithful to the faithful! Preach on my sista!!

  15. Linn,

    Question for you. Did you ever think that when you started your blog that you would touch so many people for the sake of Christ? Maybe you did, I don’t know. I just appreciate how honest and real you and Dw are. I just have to read your blog every day because I know, I know, I know that I will be blessed and will continue to grow in my own faith. You have challenged me to step out in faith and have planted many seeds that I can’t wait to see how God grows!

    Oh, I too want to see a picture of Miss Elizabeth in the pink jacket!

    Hugs,
    Robin
    (woohoo 139 followers now!)

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