I Don't Believe In Coincidences

Do you? Believe in coincidences? I don't. I don't believe things 'just' happen, so I guess you could say I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe that because I believe Jesus orchestrates our every move, our every step, for some purpose or another. Allow me to give you an example.

My awesome father in law posted on Facebook that there was a crazy shoe sale at the local department store. Shoes? Sale? I'm there. As soon as I saw the post, I was out the door. When I got to the store it was packed. I mean, can't move, people everywhere, line out the building packed. I searched high and low for the new Nike sneakers I wanted, but I couldn't find them. Luckily, my husband was home and was able to get them online for the sale price! Score!

I was a little disappointed I didn't get to have the joy of purchasing my new sneakers, so I decided to go shop around. After all, I had gone to the store to spend some money! I made my way over to the Christmas section (c'mon, who doesn't love Christmas, even at the beginning of November). The display was gorgeous! I walked around and thought about what I would splurge on (I'm a stay at home mom on a tight budget). I couldn't find one thing I REALLY wanted. Then, I saw the Department 56 Villages Collection display. If you know me, you know I have the Department 56 North Pole Village. Yes, these buildings and their accessories are expensive. That's why I don't buy them, I get them as gifts. :) I've collected quite a bit over the years and am always looking out for any new pieces to ask for as a Christmas gift.

I looked up and down the isles and decided that this year's new pieces weren't something I desired. Then, there it was, the one piece I've wanted since I started collecting. This piece was big, beautiful, and perfect for my collection. Unfortunately, with this big, beautiful piece, came a hefty price tag. I never asked for it for Christmas because it would be the ONLY gift I would get and I thought that would be silly. I mean after all, it was just a building. Oh, but what a beautiful building it was...

I stared at the box in amazement. Even the picture on the box sparkled. As I stared at the box, my eyes wondered to the top of the box where the price tag was. I looked at the price, already knowing what it would say and looked away. Wait a second, did I see that right? What in the world?! There must be a mistake. Here was a $150 building and the price I was reading said $24.95. That's twenty four dollars and ninety five cents. "No, that can't be. There probably should be a one in front of that two," I thought.

I was baffled. BUT, having worked retail in college, I decided to take the box to the register and see if they would honor the price on the box. "Hey, the worst that could happen is that they say no." So I grabbed the box and carried it to the register with the biggest smile on my face having a feeling of ownership already. The box was empty, so I knew the building was on display somewhere. I told the girl at the register the box was empty and that the building was on display, but I wanted to purchase it. She told me to wait while she hunted it down.

I waited patiently, hoping, praying, that the price on the box was for real. I waited for about five minutes and the girl came back with MY building. Oh it was so beautiful. I was in love. I talked to her about how busy the store was while she packaged the building in it's perfect box. Then, I held my breath as she scanned the price tag. "Ok, your total is $26.34." YES YES YES!!!! It was the right price!! Honestly, I don't remember the cents...I just heard $26 and blanked out after that because I was so excited!

The best part? I didn't pay the $26.34 or whatever it was. The sweet girl at the register decided to give me a 25% discount. I have no idea why. I know at one point she thought a piece had broken off, but I showed her that the one piece she thought was missing was actually in the box and was supposed to be detachable. But that's the only reason I can think of why she would give me a discount...

So, how much did I pay for the building in the end? A building that was originally $150? And if you know anything about Department 56, they don't go on sale. I paid the lovely price of $19.05. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
My village is complete now. :) Except for maybe a few accessories... ;)

A coincidence? I don't think so. I believe it to be a blessing from God. And you can think I'm crazy for thanking Him over and over for it. Because I believe God does care about the stupid things we care about, even silly buildings. :)

#GodMustReallyLoveMe


My new building :)

...I count it all as loss...

I sit here. It's a Friday night. My 19 month old is sleeping. My husband is reading article after article about the hottest new computer game on his Ipad. The tv is on, but no one is watching. I stare blankly at the laptop in front of me. I have no idea what I'm reading because I'm in deep thought. How did my life end up like this? What happened to those fun Friday nights out in high school and college? I swore my life would never be this way. Yet, here I am, doing exactly what I swore I'd never do.

Life used to be fun. Now, it just seems stressful and overwhelming. So much to do, so little time. Not enough time to do the things I want and desire. No time to foster new friendships and relationships. No time to work out as much as I want. No time to just breathe and enjoy life. Instead, I eat at the kitchen counter because actually getting to eat is a luxury between chasing my 19 month old and keeping him happy (yes, I have constant indigestion). I've convinced myself doing dishes is fun and therapeutic since I do them at least three times a day. And laundry? That's the highlight of my day.

It's Friday night. I sit here thinking. I'm slowly drowning in self despair. I tell myself I need to stop. I need Jesus. I need some hope. I turn to google. "Daily devotional for women." I see this verse: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3 

This is exactly what I need to read. 

My trial is minimal, but the road is no less rocky. I needed to see this. I needed to be reminded that when the world constantly fails me, God never does and He shows up at the perfect times. Like on this Friday night, when I feel like the biggest loser ever. 

Thank You God for who You Are and continue to Be in my life even though I constantly fail and disappoint You. Thank You for loving me no matter what. Thank You for being there for me when I feel alone. Thank You for giving me hope in a world that has none. Thank You for the trials that teach me how to persevere, persist, and trust. Thank You Father 

God has given me this verse: What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ - Philippians 3:8