Christmas Miracles

Dear Kids,

Christmas miracles. That has been the theme for us this year.

Iddy-Biddy back story: In the last 6-9 months there have been some big IRS issues that have come up in our family under the old property management business that we lost and other past transactions with a business that was started and failed from about 10 years ago. We are working currently with a professional to help us with everything, but needless to say it has been tight and stressful. We have experienced a lot of up's and down's financially that have stretched us quite a bit. I say stretched us... I should say has been molding us and putting us through yet another strong "Refiner's Fire" experience.

I am sure it won't be our last "Refiner's Fire". But we have really felt the Lord "lifting our burden to make it light". It has been difficult, but completely worthwhile because of how the Lord is teaching us to be Spiritually Centered and rely on Him and His Son.

Anyway - back to Christmas miracles. We ended up having a decrease in pay with a few things your dad has been doing. Because of how extremely tight we are, going without the littlest bit of cash flow sets us back A LOT and it takes so much to catch back up again.

We have been planning very simple gifts for all of you this year. What I can sew, what we can make and then saving up a little bit of things here and there for a couple of small fun things.

Well, the miracles started happening a couple weeks ago. My neighbor has a blog that she receives things to do reviews on. This time she got a bunch of toys for girls - just perfect for Talia's age. She called me and asked me if I would like a few of these things she got. I was thinking she had a couple of small little things. Oh no, not small. She brought a big box of a bunch of toys that totally covers Talia's Christmas.

I felt like I could help with cash flow by doing some massages. I put it out there and within a week I have had so many appointments with about 3-4 more massages pending. Usually finding clientelle again takes some time... not this time!

Just last week we had someone drop off a couple of jars full of coins to help us. The kids were so excited to see these jars of coins on our doorstep! They thought it was from one of Santa's elves.

Then today some really good friends came and took me shopping (Brenda and Ken Kenworthy). She told me the spirit whispered to her that we needed some help and support. I just cried. They bought us a bunch of fun things for the boys. I was so touched that the Lord would answer our prayers through such an amazing and blessed friendship. She and her husband have no idea about the details of what we have been trying to get through with the IRS stuff.

Then tonight our Bishop showed up on our doorstep and gave us a very generous cash donation from the people in our neighborhood. It will help us to buy some updated shoes and nice clothes for all three of you! Immediately after he left and I opened the letter, my knees hit the floor and I just started sobbing.

I am just so grateful for the Lord showering us with love. It is such an amazing blessing to feel His support and help. We have been very quiet about everything going on... we are not the kind of people to say anything to really anyone! But the Lord knows. He has showed me that faith filled prayers are real, that what goes around comes around, that He hears and helps and guides and lifts.

I have been very alone through other "Refiner's Fire" experiences, but the Lord is showering us with love and help with this one. It has lifted my burden and helped so much. It feels so amazingly good to know that there are angels helping, the spirit is whispering and most importantly that the people in our lives have noticed.

Christmas miracles are real! This all has been such a testimony of listening to the whispers of the spirit... because those whispers are, I believe ALL THE TIME, answers to someone's prayers!

I love you,

Your Mom