Story Time

Spring Break is way more exciting than I would have given it credit for. At least, the first day has been.

Now comes the time in which I must share the two really interesting stories that really have God stamped all over them.

(Because I like stories like that.)

Story 1

So last week, I decided that I really wanted some Converse All Stars. I'm the world's slowest when it comes to conforming to fashion trends. I'm partially cautious, and sometimes just simply unaware. At any rate, after three years of Converse being "in", I'd finally decided that not only did I think they were adorable, but that I'd like to have some. The local Rack Room Shoe store had them on sale, and there really wasn't much else to worry about. Ok, so there were a few things...

Stewardship and Converse?

When I buy clothes and such, I try to make sure that I spend my money wisely. This usually means establishing that there is a "need" for clothes/shoes/hats/scarves/etc, that it's a "deal", and that God will be glorified in through me wearing whatever.

Well, there really wasn't much of a need , for them...Except I didn't have any casually cute tennis shoes...I just had running shoes. Ok, I told myself quickly, that'll work.

Next? Oh yes, a "deal." Well, I try not to spend $30 on just one pair of shoes (yes, I shop at Wal-Mart and Payless *smile*) and when I do, they'd better be genuine leather, super comfortable, and professional. Converse are far from genuine leather and not necessarily comfortable. I was feeling guilty. Next criteria?

Hmm...that really gave me something to think about. Converse and God? Well, I'd wait til after church to decide since the store was on the way home.

Sort of. *insert sheepish grin*

Blessed is he that considereth the poor...

On Wednesday nights at church, now, we're starting to take up an offering for the poor fund. I usually try to contribute at least a dollar because I like to know that God can take my dollar, and someone else's dollar, and use the church to bless a family that needs it. I only had $32 in my purse, and w/out any form of ID (that's the next story), I couldn't write a check.

-Oh well. If I'm not meant to have the shoes, then I just won't worry about it.

After church, I went by Rack Room and found the Converse section with zero difficulty. About the time I walked into the store, a friend I hadn't talked to in a while gave me a call...we stayed on the phone while I walked up to the shoes, barely glanced at the price, tried some on, and decided that yes, I'd get them.

...the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

I said goodbye, and walked up to the register. The nice older man behind the counter smiled and rang up my purchase.

-Ma'am that'll be $32.64.

-Oh. I think I'm a dollar short. Let me get my change from the car.

-Oh no. Look, I've got a dollar right here.

He displayed six shiny quarters and a nickel.

Long and short...I got my shoes for $31...but I think it's neat that God put that man behind the counter who was willing to help out...more than that...to go the extra mile. That inspired me for the rest of the week, and now, when I look at those shoes that now sit proudly in my room, I remember how God pays attention to the details even when I don't.

Story 2

The second story is a tale of...well. Just wait til I tell you. mk?

We (we being myself, Paige, Bekah, Jonathan, and my mother), took a road trip up to the TN national open tournament in Jefferson City at Carson Newman College. It was a fabulous trip and awesome experience. But that's not what this story is about.

See, I didn't want to cary a purse around...but I was going to need my billfold for my DL and other such necessities. So, I took the BF, and left the purse.

I kept up with it (miraculously) throughout the trip up and the tournament. On the way home, we stopped at a rest stop off I40 to stretch our legs. I saw vending machines and thought "hmmm", grabbed my BF and headed out for an adventure. Without finding anything, though, we went back to the car pressed on.

Shortly after arriving home, I discovered my BF was missing. Thinking it was probably just in the car, I didn't panic.

The car left for OKC less than a day later. I didn't have a chance to look through it, but it did mean that I was without ID for the rest of the week. Frustrating, scary, and amusing.

When the car (and the fam) got back from OKC, we tore the van apart. Nothing.

Today, about thirty minutes before five, my cell phone rang. I looked at the number and was mystified...CA...but not Rachel. I answered and a male's voice began speaking:

-Hi Rachel? This is Kyle Green calling from PHC? I don't know if you remember me, but we did debate camp together I guess two years ago and debated in the same league for a little bit...

-Oh hey Kyle! Wow! Yes, I remember you...what's up?

-Well, have you travelled down I40 in TN recently?

I am thoroughly taken aback. First this guy I haven't talked to in two years calls my cell phone... now he's asking if I'd been down I40????

-Why, yes, I was there just last week.

To make a long story short, the only phone number in my billfold was the number on my PHC ID card. The lady in charge of the rest area called PHC and Kyle was working as the receptionist at the time...he recognized my name and you know? I still don't know how he got my cell number...

God is good, yes?



In the meantime

I am discovering the fun of html editing...

Now my only dilemma is in determining how on earth to insert an image into the background...hmmm...