February & March in Pictures:

As I stated in my last blog from January I have been spending LOTS of precious time with my family.  Being based in Tacoma these last few months has given me almost daily time with my sisters Annamarie and Britlese.  They are incredible mothers & wives and I respect them so much and appreciate their friendship!

 

A few weeks ago I organized an afternoon outing to the Tacoma Art Museum...does that surprise you?

Chihuley Glass Bridge

Painting in the art room

 Near the end of February I was blessed to fly down to San Fransisco to see one of my best buddies JJ.  We were meant to join up with some of her friends in Tahoe on the Saturday but icy roads changed our plans, so we drove south to Carmel & Monterey.  It had been a dream of mine as a kid to visit Carmel...as this is the hometown of Doris Day!

Celebrating Stephanie's 30th

Birthday party for my friend Jessica's 2 girls, (friend Melisa is holding my niece Abigail)

Every Friday is Cooking Club at my aunt Jane's house in Gig Harbor.  My sisters have been doing this for a few years now but I have loved joining them weekly while I have been 'home'.

  

Creative Provision

One of my favorite books is Rolland & Heidi Baker's Always Enough. That title is so true in my life, and has especially been so these past few years...Jesus has always provided for me, and even though my finances remain tight, it is always enough!  Time and again in my life he has proved to be my intimate provider and I love sharing stories of His faithfulness.  A year ago I started a 'Provision Journal' to record the many ways that Jesus provides for me...its been a reminder to me of His power, creativity & love!  Here are some stories from the last month:

• Last month some friends gifted me with a little money that I assumed should go towards gas (petrol) or food, but what I really needed was new pair of jeans...so I just prayed that Jesus would surprise me in the week ahead.  Well, the very next day I was in Gig Harbor with my sisters and we stopped by Ann Taylor, a very nice clothing store, as they were having a sale. As we were casually looking I immediately spotted a pair of jeans...when I went to try them on they fit perfectly! The best part was that they were originally priced $70...and get this, I got them on sale for $4.98!!! God is the best shopper ever! I fully believe that he saves items on racks and shelves that I am meant to find.

• I have also been recently blessed with designer shoes! A few weeks ago my grandmother called and she had a pair of shoes from her friend who had recently passed away...they were just my size and she wanted me to try them on. 'Granny Shoes?' I thought. Ok, it wouldn't hurt to look at them and then say no thanks. However when I saw them I realized they were brand new COACH walking shoes...surprisingly cute and they fit great. Once home I looked them up online and was shocked to find they were worth $125! I probably could have resold them on ebay to make some cash...but I love walking around smiling in my shoes...laughing with the Lord at his creative ways of providing!

• Another fun story is that I was in a Thrift Store (Charity Shop) last week looking for some children's books. I was quickly perusing the CDs and saw a title that I recognized...it was called Holy by Matt Gilman & Cory Ashbury. They are two worship leaders from IHOP and I think the CD came out last year. Well, just last week Britlese was playing their music and I was commenting on how I would like to get their CD. Well here it was in front of me, and the best part was that it was brand new and still in the plastic! When I went up to pay for it, it was significantly cheaper than the other CDs as it didn't have a $2.99 sticker on it...so I got it for 99¢! Thanks Jesus...

• Lastly, last week I received a surprise card in the mail from some overseas friends, which said they were praying for my transition and included a check for $200! Little did I know then, how significant this check would be. The very next day I was meant to start working for an old boss doing admin for the month of March...however, at the last minute the job opportunity fell through.  Despite the unexpected change, I was so full of peace...and had a $200 check in hand that would cover March payments.  Jesus definitely knows what I need and when I need it!

The Lord has also provided through countless meals, free rent (as I'm still house sitting for my parents), airline tickets, gas and lots of fun hand-me-down clothes! I am blessed by the exciting faith adventure that I get to live!