blessings

You know that story of the pioneer lady who was starving and her daughter found a pie on the side of the trail?  This story is kind of like that.  My shower has been leaking and I have been meaning to get some silicone for it but I keep forgetting to get some. even though I would rather not spend money on things like that (yes I know it only costs $2.50, but we are on a STRICT budget).

 I went to the grocery store yesterday with a very specific list and all the allotted cash that I was to spend on groceries (A total of $145)  As the cashier was swiping my groceries my eye was on the screen tallying up my total.  I couldn't believe it.  My total was $143.27 I was so thankful that I stayed on my budget.  As I was loading my groceries in the car I took a minute to thank my heavenly Father and to look over my receipt. I noticed the cashier forgot to charge me for 2 cases of soda.  It was then that I wrestled with my conscience.  I could just pack up and go home with my 2 extra dollars or I could unbuckle my little boys and go back in the store to fix the error.  I tried to reason that I could just pay for 2 cases next time I went shopping, but I knew I would never remember.  SO.. . .  I unbuckled my boys and headed back in the store.  I told the cashier of our mix up and he gladly helped me make it right.  It was more than $2, but I felt better that I was honest.

Now back to the pie/silicone.  I went out to bring in the garbage cans this morning and look what I found lying right there on the road.  A brand new tube of silicone.  I'm chalking it up to being blessed for honesty. 

I am grateful for small miracles and blessings in my life.  They are constant reminders that my Heavenly Father is always watching over me.

small miralces

I just wanted to testify that the Lord does love us and here our prayers.
Scott recently got his commission cut and work has not been abundant. This leaves for a very stressed, penny pinching Stringham family. So I have been doing all I can to be as frugal as possible but we still end up short. So in my morning prayers I told the Lord everything that was weighing on my heart. I felt a little better and went about my day. First thing on my list was grocery shopping. Trying to decide what we need and what we can do without. As I went to reach for the laundry detergent on the shelf, their happened to be a coupon cut from the paper for the soap I was intending to buy. My heart filled with with joy. For in that coupon was an answer to my prayers.
Now I realize a $2 off coupon is not going to make any great changes in my bill. But it was like the lord was saying "I am here. I hear you."
I know the Lord is there for us and he works by small and simple means. I am so grateful for all the ways he blesses me and my family.

Merry Christmas to All