The "small" offerings...pass it on.

This week we have been blessed.

Things are a bit different in our lives now that I am at home full-time and our times of going out are few and far between. We are making sacrifices financially, but gaining so much more in the fact that we are able to spend time with and shape Noah. The more I think about it, I wouldn't even call it a sacrifice, but a change of lifestyle. God has continued to bless us each day, by continually providing us with "our daily bread" and then some! I spent yesterday truly counting our blessings and thinking that my life is amazing. The closer I get to the heart of God the more I am able to understand how He has carried me to this point in my life and He is nothing short of indescribable! There have been some many times in my life when I stepped out in faith and God has provided me with the means to continue on His path.

This weekend Nate and I were able to go out on a date for the second time in eight months! To make it even better, God provided us with free babysitting and dinner. Ironically, it was provided by friends and a family member who are probably in a more stringent financial state than we are. The fact that they gave what they had to encourage our time out and in-turn support our marriage, truly touched me.

Their acts of kindness reminded me that no matter how difficult one's situation is, we are called to continue giving, loving, encouraging, and supporting one another. Immediately, I thought about the story in Luke 21 of the widow who gave all she had- although to the rest of the world it seemed so small, to her it was huge. Her heart followed God and her acts were done in obedience. She trusted the Lord with all of her heart, even after she lost the love of her life.

I am in awe of the blessings that God bestows on us and forever grateful for all of the many people who have touched our lives in special ways. I pray that my heart would grow closer to God so that I too can have the same faith as the giving widow. Moreover, I hope to encourage and impact others in ways that glorify the Lord.