Provisions

When the phrase "God provides" is heard, so often it goes alongside the thought of Him providing with that green stuff...in dollars and cents. And He does provide that way....with dollars and sense. But it's also in ways beyond the pocket book that He shows Himself faithful and how much He intimately loves us and takes care of us. Throughout this first week of school I realized His provisions in little and big ways and closed each day with an overwhelming thankfulness. Its in those perfectly-timed phone calls, a monthly bill slightly lessened, a verse read that was ideal for that exact moment, an answered prayer when options had seemed to run out....those provisions that aren't necessarily "monetary" but still great provisions nonetheless that are given directly from the Lord not to be overlooked or taken for granted. 

He gave the boys an amazing first week of school....and lots of kleenex and peace and others' encouragement for their mama. 

lots of Mason and mama moments!! :)

kinda different watching Mason play by himself!

My school boys enjoyed the provision of a super-yummy after-dinner/pre-bedtime snack thanks to their Auntie Jen! You can never go wrong with Ben and Jerry's!! (makes me think of our college days when a single container would be gone in a matter of hours....and we didn't share with one another...haha!)

God provided a dinner visit with family we haven't seen in 6 years!! It was too short but indeed an added blessing to our week. Love you Uncle Johnny and Aunt Phyliss!! :)

Other photos captured this week....

making cookies with Jovi

Austin helping Mason with a puzzle after school one day

Carson's first project of the year--his raccoon puppet!

Mmmmm...popsicle!

Austin enjoying the pool!

ummmm...."dead man's float"?! :)

We survived the first week back to school and I almost made it through the week without tearing up everyday. As you know Monday was a wash-out, Tuesday a little bit better, and by this morning as the lunches were packed and backpacks put on, I was confident that I would make it through without even a tearing up....but sometimes these boys just melt a mama's heart! As we sat in the van ready to pull away, both of the older two boys wanted to pray today---Austin giving thanks for "strength and energy" and Carson closed with: "....and it's too bad that we don't have school tomorrow Jesus, but let us have a lot of fun at home...." I'm thankful that the transition for my boys has been easier on them than on me--it may be small, but I see it as another God-given provision from a Father who deeply loves His children.