Work, Abundance, and Blessings

'O, My Gosh! It needs to be fed AGAIN!' was a phrase heard frequently last night as Kennedy multi-tasked taking care of Fiameta and trying to do homework. Fiameta 'came alive' at exactly 4:00 PM as predicted! You could here her coo, CRY, breathing, and eating. Feeding of course was followed up by burping and diaper changing. Madison even came to the rescue a few times to coddle and sooth. Kennedy was fortunate that Fiameta decided to sleep from 10:00 PM until 5:00 AM this morning. Fiameta then promptly, as promised 'shut off' at 7:00 AM this morning. Really? If babies were really that easy!

My simple statement before heading to bed last night checking in on Kennedy feeding the baby while trying to do her homework was, 'What have you learned from this experience?'

Kennedy, 'That this is A LOT of work!'

In route to home last night following a marketing gig I did to promote Reveal, I received a VERY happy phone call, from a VERY happy husband. Thinking he had sold some financial products at his 4:30 appointment, I quickly returned his phone call to celebrate with him. Instead Madison picked up and after giving me the low down on Fiameta she also added, 'Dad has some really exciting news!' That made me, extra curious!

He proceeded to share that our accountant had called to let us know our taxes were complete. The amount we were getting back was close to 5Xs more than any other year! In fact, it was only $600 short of being the EXACT amount we need to complete our short term savings goal set at the beginning of 2009. A goal we were hoping to hit by July, in order to provide a buffer as we transition to a 100% commission family! He then followed up the good news with 'God IS Good!' In 2008 we gave our final contribution to our churches' debt reduction campaign. This accompanied by all of the other donations given last year nearly matched the amount that we were getting back.

In believe that our willingness to give abundantly in 2008 coupled with our discipline in 2009 to be better stewards of our resources, while still maintaining our giving, resulted in God's provision for us and a BLESSING indeed!

When YOU abundantly GIVE, you will abundantly RECEIVE!