Facebook can make your dreams come true!

I had planned on sharing some simple, every-day happenings on our little nest today, but after an ordinary walk to the mailbox that turned into tearful walk around the neighborhood - I knew I just had to share...

This story actually starts a few weeks ago (at least, I think). I have been saving up my money for some time to buy the double stroller of my dreams - you know the one I posted about here.

However, when I realized it would take me years to save up that kind of cash ($269 to be exact). I opted for a lesser dream. I had $150 saved, so I did was any thrifty, experienced mom would do - I headed to craigslist.

I searched and I searched, but with no avail. Either they were asking too much, the print was too gender directed, or the seller didn't want to split up the car seat/stroller set. Bummer.

Once I had done what any thrift mom would have done by headed to craigslist, I then did what any respectable facebook would have done - I posted my woes as my status on facebook.

To be exact, I posted my status as, "looking for a double stroller on craigslist." This status update created quite a flurry. People wrote me asking what kind I wanted, how much I wanted to spend, links to strollers for sale, and ideas for other places to search. I thanked all, but still, had no luck.

Last week, when Ben's grandfather passed away, we had to get to Oklahoma, and in a hurry. We were really short on money because it was days from being pay day. We have some money in savings, but would Dave Ramsey have really constituted this as a reason to dip into the emergency fund? We agreed that probably not.

Can you guess how we payed for it???

I bet you don't need more than one guess.

Yep, that's right - gone was my $150. I was happy to share it because Papa did so much for us and there was no way we would have missed out on such a tremendous celebration of his life, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little sad that my double stroller dream had been lost.

Or so I thought.

This brings us to the present day. Well, actually the present yesterday.

After an emotional weekend and a quick return to regular life, Ben and I felt we had a lot to talk about. I was having "one of those days" where I was feeling lonely, out of sorts, and just down in the dumps. I need to talk to my best friend, so off Ben and I went.

We threw the girls in the stroller and headed on our way, with a quick detour at the mailbox. After prying it all out (because there was 5 days full of mail in there!), I cam across this envelope.

Hmmm, no return address. That's interesting. Ben opened it up while I went on to other mail. I saw out of the corner of my eye when he pulled out this simple, but God-sent note:
It took me a while to process exactly what is said. I think I read it like four times before I finally looked at Ben and he looked at me and said, "is this for real?"

I wasn't sure. Surely somebody wouldn't send us the exact $150 that we had just been obedient to the Lord in using this weekend. No way. That stuff never happens, well ok, so it happens all the time, just not to me.

I was still in denial, never expecting to actually see $150 in that envelope. I was kind of scared to open it, not sure what I would find.

Little did I know, this letter did not contain $150. nope, not even close.

This envelope contained $250. GOLLY JEEPERS! Tears immediately came to my eyes and I quickly started searching for a sender. I have my idea of who it is (and its a fabulous person who reads this blog), but I am sure he/she wants to remain anonymous, or they would have signed the letter. Besides, this money, although came from the obedient hands of a gracious giver, is from the Lord, and that is how Ben and I see it. It came just at a time when I felt no on really cared, no one really understood, and nothing would ever be the same again. Isn't God amazing.

So thank you, whoever you are for being obedient to the Lord and giving of your resources to help a family in need. We are so undeserving, and we will forever be grateful.

Leave it to God to take my cookie crumb dream and turn it into a masterpiece.

Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." The Lord truly did abundantly above all I could ask or think. Thank you Jesus and thank you fellow facebooker!