GOD is in the Small Stuff

This morning I got three duffel bags in my car full with clothes, shoes, underwear, toiletries and inspirational books. These were for three ladies coming out of prison today and who have been my students while in prison.

As I was driving to take the highway, I wanted coffee since my first cup was about 6:30AM and now it was 10AM and I had not eaten anything. Besides is kind of a psychological thing with me - sip some good coffee while driving the 50 miles to the prison. I pulled over at Starbucks driveway and before driving to the window I did count my cash which was actually my parking money. I counted $18 which is exactly what I need for the rest of the week. So, I prayed while driving to the window to place my order using my personal debit card instead, "God, I'll be using my husband's hard earned money for an expensive cup of coffee. Please pardon me for not exercising self-control since I had proposed in my heart to only use cash." I have not made a promise about not using my debit card but I'm trying not to spend on impulse and certainly not in coffee. The cash means 'allowance' money and not family budget.

I placed my order and when I handed my card to the cashier, he motioned a 'no'. "The person in the car in front of you paid for your coffee." I looked up and said, "Oh, God. I'm taking care of these women with what little I have and you are taking care of me even in my little cravings." Psalm 37:4 came to mind "... he will give you the desires of your heart." This is not about needs for this is not a need, but a desire, sort of a wishful thinking.

This is great if you know the whole picture. When I quit my job, I thought that was the end of my Starbucks' trips. I work -- as many of you know -- PT at JCPenney while the house is being built. I cover gas and other expenses directly related to the prison ministry, including parking, books, Bibles, some of the clothes and underwear for these ladies with the money from that job. (My job at JCPenney ends OCT 10 and I'll go back at covering these expenses with my husband's salary.)None of the donated money for the ministry goes to the every day expenses I incur - that's strictly for building and future needs as we take women in. This week I earned $80 net since I was scheduled to work only for about 9 hours. From there after tithes and offering, I took $20 for my weekly parking at Dawson and put gas in the tank. I bought one of the duffel bags at Wal-Mart for $10 plus tax since only two were donated. Not much left after that. Since my parking needs vary from $15 to $20 weekly, that's why I counted it hoping I had $3 extra without touching the family money. I must say, GOD IS GREAT and faithful. He is OUR provider and HE IS in the small stuff because HE CARES for all his children.


Had my coffee, delivered the bags, gave a few hugs, and now going to work for 5 hours.