The little things matter

We've told you many stories of how God has provided for all our needs while we've been here. And he continues to do so! We are so thankful to everyone who has supported us while we've been here. We couldn't have done it without you! We have had people support us week to week, and many one off donations. One of our prayer requests in an earlier post was for our travel insurance to be covered. We had people give us $1500 which was more than enough to cover our insurance. We've had people donate money towards Dave's school fees (which are paid off :) ) and donations towards his ministry and missions trips. We also had unexpected money come in just before Christmas - perfect timing!

But today we want to tell you about how God has also blessed us with the little things (actually they are more 'wants' rather than little things :) ).

Firstly, when we came to the USA my GHD hair straightener was an older model, so didn't convert to US power. So I bought a cheaper straightener here (every girl needs a straightener :) ). Well, it lasted a year. We were telling some people about it and how I wanted to save up for another GHD. The next week, we had some friends present me with a jar to start my savings! However, they had put a cheque inside the jar which was enough to cover the whole GHD! Not only that, they had a friend who could get one at wholesale. So now I have my new hair straightener and I love it! It will work anywhere in the world too!

Not long after that, I said to Dave that I would love to get away for a couple of nights without the kids. We worked out that there was 1 weekend that we could do it, or it possibly wouldn't happen for a long time. We waited until the night before to book our accommodation. We had been praying about it and felt that God would provide for it. We had lined up people to come and stay to help look after the kids - Tim and Anna needed somewhere to stay for a few nights while someone else was using their house. It worked perfectly. Within minutes of booking our accommodation, I received an email from someone saying that they had just put money in our account! The money was to go towards Dave's tuition, then on a holiday or whatever we chose for the remainder! We were able to finish paying for his school fees, and cover our trip away! How blessed are we! We spent 2 nights in San Fran in a room with wall to ceiling windows with views of Bay Bridge and the city. And we had the most beautiful weather (which is a rare thing!).

The most recent surprise we've had....well, Dave's birthday was Christmas eve, and I cashed in on his birthday gifts! Dave and I were both given iPhone 4's!!! We were astounded! We had been looking into them as a possibility, comparing the prices of what we were spending on phones to what it would cost. One day Dave was sitting in a cafe and was trying to research them. None of the websites would work for him. He felt God say that he would give him one. Sure enough, we got 2! They are linked with some other people on a family plan which makes it cheaper, so we're not paying much more than we already were for our phones. They are really handy - especially to record all the prophetic words that people speak over you! (Not to mention accessing skype and facebook when away from the computer :) ).

I think it's just amazing that God not only cares about what we need, but the things that aren't such a necessity. We have been blown away by God's favour on our lives. His grace is for all areas of our lives! His love is abundant and his generosity unending! We live in the Kings house and have access to all that is His! What an inheritance (more on this another time :) ).

Just a few months ago...

So, we've been a little slack with the updates! Apologies to anyone who might happen to check this :).

What's been happening? Some of the fun things we've had is having friends and family from Australia come to visit! We've had a ball showing people our life here in Redding. Back in early September, Colleen & Mason Thomson came to visit. We enjoyed the end of summer with them hiking, swimming and eating lots of food! Colleen came with a group of ladies to do the Trees Of Life conference. Mason came along for the journey and he's been convinced that this would be a great place to come to very soon.

For the month of November we had some of our closest friends staying with us. Jase, Rach, Judah, and Kahlan spent 5 weeks in the US, most of it spent with us. The house was definitely full but we really valued this time with them. There is something special about being able to share your 'new life' with 'old friends'. During their time here, we spend 4 nights in Yosemite National Park. It was the most beautiful winter wonderland I've ever seen. Absolutely spectacular! We also had a special Thanksgiving dinner (one of three that were hosted at our house :) ). A good friend of ours loves to cook...and I love to have people in the house. So we made a deal - I'll open the house and she could cook the food! Far deal to me :).

During December, I (Taff) was asked to play for the Choir for their Christmas events. I also had the opportunity to sing a couple of songs, including one of my own Christmas songs. I had so much fun playing piano for them! Also during this time, I was asked to play & sing at a community outreach event. While I was playing, I watch a man get healed as people were praying for him right in front of me. His leg grew out, his back and knee were healed, then later than night he went to the house church in the neighbourhood and was filled with the Holy Spirit! Wow! Come on Jesus! His life has been radically changed. What a privilege to be a part of what God was doing.

I've been surprised at how much I play and sing these days! I have hardly done it in the past, but felt that I had to practice....and now everywhere I sing, I play also. I'm really enjoying. I'm still leading worship for the parenting group I'm involved in, home group at our house every wednesday, and I co-lead once a month at Healing Rooms. I'm continually being stretched, and I'm excited about what I'm going to learn this year.

Just before Christmas, my sister was on a business trip to the US but I wasn't going to be able to catch up with her. While she was here, she ended up having to change her flight home. In order to get the cheaper flight, it meant that she had to stay a week longer in the US - so guess where she spent the week! With me! I was so excited to have her here, especially around Christmas time.

Our house was full of people again on Christmas day. It was a really nice relaxed, 'family' day. There were 8 kids that were beautifully behaved, and about 16 adults. So nice to be able to celebrate with friends that have become our family here.

We had a very relaxed New Years Eve - for once we didn't host anything which was really nice! We spent the night with a few friends...and were totally excited when it began snowing at 11pm! It was amazing! We stood outside watching the snow and the fireworks...counting down about 10 times...weren't sure of the actual time :). I was most excited when our yard was still covered in snow in the morning! It was such a beautiful experience (when you haven't had many snow adventures). The memories (with the help of photos) will stay in my mind forever!