From time to time I will be repeating some of our Memorial Box Monday stories. I feel that I am supposed to repeat this one today because of a current situation we are in. I’ll explain in a couple of minutes (at the bottom). Also, if you do a Memorial Box Monday post, just tell me and I will link in a post later today. Do it! Do it! Do it!
Anyway, Memorial Box Monday is a time of remembering all the things God has done. Huge, gigantic things as well as things that might seem insignificant to most. God’s word is clear: We are to cast every care upon Him, because He cares for us. (I Peter 5:7). “Every care” means just that – every care!
Many years ago we were pastoring outside the Richmond, Virginia area where we had planted a church. We had a home on 15 acres and really wanted a swimming pool as we had six or seven kids at home at the time. Not a fancy pool, just a pool to splash around and cool off in. We started praying for one. We asked the Lord to provide a very specific pool. God’s word also says, “You have not because you ask not.” Based on that scripture we decided many years ago that when we bring our requests to the Lord we need to ask specifically.
So we asked for a pool that was shaped like a figure 8 and was used (but in great condition), so it would be very affordable. There was a used/swap kind of newspaper that was for Richmond and surrounding areas. I started checking that. Before long I realized that that little used/swap paper covered many miles. Some places advertising could be hours away. So I changed my prayer – Lord, you know how busy Dw is, could you please provide a used, figure 8 pool right here in our neighborhood of our little town? Now if you knew how rural and little this town was, you would have laughed. Dw did. Come on, what are the odds that a used, figure 8 pool right was right nearby? Odds in the world’s eyes? Slim! But in God’s eyes? *giggle* =)
Before long we were leaving to go to Western New York for our family vacation. Just before leaving I saw an ad in that little used/swap paper. It was for a used, figure 8 above ground pool that had only been used one season. It was for $700.00. And where was it listed? In our little very rural town!!
I called the man and left a message, but didn’t hear back. =( We left on vacation. I thought about that pool and asked the Lord to hold it for us till we got back two weeks later. When we got home there was a message on our answering machine. It said, “Don’t know if you are still interested, but my pool has not sold.” =)
Dw had already gone to the church office, so I called the guy. He explained that he had just bought the house, the pool was in the backyard, he didn’t want it and he had the receipt that it was only one year old. The previous owner had paid about $5,000.00 for it!! I said I would call my husband, but just before he hung up he said, “Listen, I just really want it out of here…I will sell it to you for $500.00” I was so excited (as I despise negotiating – ugh!!)
I hung up and called Dw. I forgot in my excitement to tell Dw that he had lowered the price to $500. Well Dw called the man and was talking to him about the pool and said, “My wife told me about the pool, but I can’t even remember how much you are asking.” He said, “I started at $700. but really I just want it gone. I will sell it to you for $300.00.” When Dw called me I was whooping, come on now friends – it started at $700.00, was just $500 and in the time it took for me to tell Dw and have Dw call him right back he had dropped it by $200 dollars!!
Dw called me to tell me we were going to look at it and it was $300. I was laughing – come on dude, we aren’t even there yet and you are dropping the price like a crazy man!! We said we would come to see it the next day. Where did that guy live? *giant giggles* Being there is rural farmland – he lived approximately 60 houses from us! =) We went to look at it the next day. He wanted to show us the receipt. It had just been installed the year before by the previous owner for over $5,000. It was a figure 8. It was wonderful!!
Then the man said, “I really think you will need a new liner because of the heat shrinking it (or something like this)…I just don’t feel comfortable selling it to you for $300, how about just for $200.?” LOL So for $200 we drove away with an almost brand spanking new pool which we didn’t even have to negotiate for – it brought us boatloads of fun for the years we pastored
there and it daily reminded us that God is into the details – if we just ask!! Yippee Jesus!
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And so in our Memorial Box there was a little rubber ducky representing the swimming fun of a pool (picture taken prior to fire)….A Memorial Box is explained in detail right here.
And why did I need to remind myself of this story? Because we have been praying and looking for a van/little bus for months that would accomodate all of us – seven kids, Dw & I and Uncle Mark (and a few more). We have asked the Lord to provide one by March 3rd as we have will be leaving to take Jubilee to the doctor in Denver. We have found some that look interesting, but they are in Ohio and far away places like that, which would take a few days to drive it back. So I have been feeling like the Lord is saying, “Can you not ask me again to provide one close by?” (ouch, yes, Lord, I should have learned that lesson from the swimming pool, huh?)
So here I am reminding myself that He was faithful with the pool, He will be faithful with a vehicle as well. See just how important a Memorial Box is? Ouch, ouch, ouch.
Oh I am praying!!!! The Lord knows right where that perfect van is right at this second! Thanks again for the Memorial Box idea….I had so much fun wiriting the post for today!!!!! God is SO,SO, SO good!
Linn,
I will begin praying for you bus to arrive SOON!!!! God is awesome why is it that we ever question anything he is always right on time, never late, never early, always just right! Thanks for sharing I LOVE your blog it brings me so much joy!!
Linny – It's as if you shared your story again just for me. Although I'm sure I'm not the only person who needed to read your story again this very day. 🙂
Linn,
I love your stories. I love how God reveals them to you and how you do such a good job of giving God so much glory in all of it. Thank you for this reminder today. Thank you for who you are to me. I love you. I am praying for you to get that van that perfect van made just for your growing family. LOVE YOU! -jen
Ohhh…we understand the prayer for the van. We're right there with you! LOVE the reminder!!!!
My favorite story. : ) Now we can all help you pray for a van!
Praying there is a little van in your Memorial Box very soon!!
I did it…finally! My first Memorial Box Monday!
I've made a list ofstories and items to go along with them. Now I just need Mondays (which come too quickly), a box, and the actual items!
I remember that memorial box story about the pool – it is an amazing testimony of God's provision!
I will be praying for your need for a van/vehicle.
Love you guys!
Thanks. I needed that.
Hello Linny
Beautiful story! I am always amazed at how he provides…and asking for the impossible or a desire not a need…is something I am only now becoming more bold with! I love this!
I have posted today at
http://www.myautumnyears.blogspot.com
Linny, I just love it that our God cares about every detail. I'm in awe that His timing is always perfect. I know He will provide just the right vehicle for your family.
I shared a Memorial Box Monday on my blog today. It's also a story of our great God of little details. Thanks for sharing your idea of keeping a memorial of God's faithfulness. Our box has become one of our most precious possessions.
Much Love to Your Sweet Family,
Kathie from http://goodnessandmercyshallfollow.blogspot.com
I hope to have a Memorial Box post up before too terribly long today, but I just wanted to thank you for your posts. I read your posts (and look forward to them everyday) and am always both challenged and encouraged. So, thank you. 🙂
-Stephanie
Thanks for the reminder! Prayed for my husband to have a job by Jan 31. The Friday before that his "would be" boss said how much he was going to offer, what his job would be, etc but just have to do paperwork and a formal offer will come through. Every week we have gotten a phone call saying that Jeff is still the man but still no "formal" offer. Last Friday he said they would call on Monday or Tues. Should I have prayed that he would be WORKING by the 31st? LOL Waiting is a hard one for me! Learning to trust! I sure hope that they will call with an offer and not put us off anymore. The Lord has affirmed that this is the job…just need to remain still and faithful! Would you pray too?
Tricia
Thank you for Memorial Box Monday… I just posted my first one. How incredible to share the miracles of God so that we don't ever forget. Not just to remember, but to honor him for his incredible goodness!
I love reading this story the second time around. It's incredible how God takes care of everything. I just know that you are going to get that van that works perfectly for your family. Hugs and love
We are starting Memorial Box Monday… check it out on my blog… 🙂
Oh Linny, I couldn't live without your Memorial Box Monday Posts. I so need to hear that we need to ask for what we need… it's OK to ask.
I finally got mine typed up and posted. 🙂
oh, i am SO encouraged every single time. what a faithful, loving God we serve!!! i LOVE it.
I'll be praying for your vehicle needs. I started a Memorial Box Monday but I don't have a box yet.. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled!