Yesterday was "box" day. I was anticipating the brown truck all day and it finally arrived around 5:30 pm. My plans were to spend the evening drooling over everything I had purchased for next year. However, the US mail was right on time and delivered a notice at 11 am that was a financial blow to the gut. I spent most of the rest of the day spiraling. Or doing the wave - down, up, down, up. At the end of the day, I came to this conclusion: it's going to be an amazing year of faith for us.
I shared this with the kids (the amazing year of faith). I know, I know, it's best not to make the kids worry about finances. But a bit of explanation is in order when you cancel internet, cancel piano, and spend $10 for their birthday instead of $75.
And food? We've already been cutting way back on groceries, but now I think I need to do a bit of research on eating European style. I read somewhere, I believe it was in a L'abri book, about a man who stayed with a family in the Alps while he was training for the ministry. Everyday they had the same simple meals. Every single day. At first the man was quite taken aback by this. But after spending several weeks with this family he came to deeply appreciate this simple way of life.
You guys have been a blessing. I will pop on and say hello when we use the internet at the library. 
And you know what? By next year this time, I'll be sharing about God's provision during this difficult time. So you guys stick around for the good news. 
