Blessings

These last two weeks have been very meaningful and special to us. I want to share, not to brag, but to give thanks to the Lord. We don't feel lucky, we just feel grateful that we got these experiences.

We believe in tithing. We have faith in tithing. It is a privledge to give the Lord's church 1/10 back after he gives us EVERTHING. The scriptures remind us that this is a commandment. As my friend Nichole says, "tithing helps us not have a love of money". Can you imagine a world where everyone gave back 10%? WOWOWOWOZA

Even Dave Ramsey says that everyone should give away at least 10% of their earnings. It is good for the world, it is healthy for the soul. "Money given produces more JOY than it can ever buy." "If you can't live off 90% of what you make, what makes you think you can live off 100%?"

Because of the way we bank our tithing into an account, I see the figure build every few weeks as we get paid and transfer the money. We just pay tithing 3x a year for simplicty, usually in June 30, Nov 1 and Dec 31.

However, Monday, I felt a prompting that we needed to release a particular dollar figure to the Bishop, right then and there. I didn't question the prompting, I didn't wonder, "did I just put that thought into my own head?" I recognized that the Spirit knew I was concerned about paying tithing without Troy working. I knew he wanted to test my Faith. I didn't want to give Satan even one minute to put doubt in my head so I immediately sent it off.

Within minutes of that bill pay:

1. We found out that we double paid our truck payment in March and now we don't have a payment due in June.
2. Then we found out that the GAP insurance that we requested a refund on, reduced our July truck payment by 2/3.
3. We also got our Costco rebate check and hadn't been planning on that and so our groceries this week were free!
4. We were able to get our Comcast bill cut in half with an easy phone call and they back dated it a month too, so we have a credit on our account for June.
5. We also received a refund from our annual escrow estimate.
6. Our food hasn't been depleting and we are beating our montly budget.
7. Alyssa got 3 babysitting jobs this past 10 days.
8. Troy was offered a summer gig using his computer science passion by our good friend.
9. We had a few friends approach Troy on some summer tile jobs they have been contemplating.
10. I had some great job interviews this week and feel very hopeful to landing my next role in the next month.
11. Today, we used coupons and saved $17 on our $38 shopping trip.
12. We are harvesting radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, leeks, green onions, and herbs already which is saving us money!

I mean, it is kind of shocking....... the blessings are overflowing and this is so fun and good for us! Things are just coming together well. We are loving Dave Ramsey too and really taking in the education to make changes in our spending, saving, investing and giving!

With Troy home, our daily schedule is not so chaotic! He has been able to give service 4x this week and Alyssa gave service 3x. I feel so happy with what we are sending out to the world and what is coming back. The positive energy is wonderful. I feel like our life is so much more whole now.

I am truly appreciative of this trial and lesson. It is good for me to see that giving and receiving can be like air.. endless!!! I don't have to hoard my time and money and worry about running out. I am trying to live with the motto of what we send out to the world, will be reflected in how we receive too! I see the benefits and positive changes in our life. Thank you for letting me share these personal thoughts!