Provision

Several years ago, Steve and I took on The Compact challenge, vowing not to buy anything new for a year. Unlike the Compact initiators' goals, our objective was mostly budget-oriented: we wanted to see how much we could decrease our spending. That first year slowly turned into a lifestyle of living comfortably on less money through creative means. Though our purchasing guidelines have fluctuated over time depending on our circumstances (income, family size, time available, etc.), some special side effects of our experiment have emerged:

1.) We have a clear perspective on our "needs" vs. our "wants." We've come to realize that there is very little we actually need, and our Father promises to provide those things for us when we seek to make His priorities our own (Matthew 6:25-34).

2.) We are more grateful when we receive something. We have a greater appreciation for our possessions (and gifts we receive) and, as a result, are better stewards of those items.

3.) More of our income is freed up for investing in God's work.

4.) We are increasing in our understanding of God as our Provider. Instead of trusting in ourselves and our money (by immediately running out to buy every item we want or think we "need"), we have been blessed when we ask God, wait on His timing, and see Him provide in an unusual way. Numerous times we've waited to acquire an item, only to find exactly what we need at a garage sale or as a hand-me-down gift from another family. The Lord always provides beyond what we could ever need, ask, or even imagine!

So, finally, the impetus behind this post (and "what's with the diaper picture?" you say): just today, our family received three wonderful gifts from three wonderful moms: 1) clothes for Sam (in sizes that will last him for years!), 2) Resurrection Eggs, an Easter teaching tool (Steve and I were just preparing for how we would teach Sam about Easter!), and 3) seven brand-new cloth diapers (these are the Cadillac of cloth diapers, a real luxury!). You Three Special Ladies, know that the Lord has used you to bless us greatly!