The surprise arrived in a letter from the city. Appraisals jumped. In my case, from 117,000 to 135,000. Seriously?
I began to calculate the increase in taxes and insurance which equaled an increased monthly payment.
How fast can I write more books and sign more writing clients? Must I forfeit buying flowers this year?
I sent in my appeal, in spite of no guarantee they’ll accept it. Should I try to sell this house? But then where do we live and how do we survive?
To delete the appraisal from my mind, I worked on old files. In the never-ending quest to clean out and de-clutter, I discovered a notebook filled with answered prayers.
During the post-divorce months as finances were so scary, my daily prayers began with, “Oh God oh God oh God! Don’t let us be homeless and don’t let my son be hungry.”
And every month, God showed up, often in amazing ways:
- A sack of groceries on the porch – no clue to who brought them
- Somebody’s change jar filled to the brim – a total of $64.36
- Coupons and gift cards in the mail for groceries, pizza and Sonic BOGO night
- Meals delivered – fresh food and generous helpings for leftovers
- Friends paid for my dues so I could sing in the Lawrence Civic Choir. “Because you’re special to us,” they said. Did they realize how I hugged that statement to my heart?
- Cards with sweet thoughts – cash tucked in the fold
- Someone paying school fees for my son
- An anonymous someone buying me an Amplified Bible
As I read through the pages of my notebook, I remembered the reason why I kept it. So I would never forget how God took care of us.
We never lacked housing. In fact, God provided through generous and kind hearts a beautiful townhome where we healed. My son was never hungry, and neither was I.
Tears of remembered gratitude rivered down my cheeks. God showed up back then, disguised as friends and family. Often anonymously. Always right on time.
And now I’m worried about an excessive appraisal?
Hope reminds me that God does not change. He has provided for us these 18 years. He will continue to take care of us.
Time to start another answered prayers notebook.
©2018 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
If you’re wondering how hope works on a daily basis, check out Hope Shines. Encouraging nuggets for weary souls.
A rich reminder to be reminded. Great being able to review the tangibles of his faithfulness!
Yes – forever and always faithful !
Beautiful Rebecca. Yes, it can be overwhelming. I feel it too many times. I trust in Phil. 4:13 many days. Thank you for sharing. Here’s to answered prayers!
amen! Thanks for the comment.
Indeed God is good.
Yes, Sally. He certainly is – even in the hard times.