Today’s standing stone represents a pivotal time in the life of our family. In July 1996 Chris and I became parents upon the birth of our Michaela Brooke. We knew without a doubt that God’s best plan was for me to stay at home and care for her and any subsequent children. In the months leading up to her birth we buckled down on our finances, worked to pay off debt, and made adjustments to get used to living on just Chris’ income.
I quit my job a week before the big arrival. It’s not that we had all the kinks worked out in our finances or knew exactly how we would get by month to month, but we did know that we were following God’s best and that he would provide. Over that first year of being on just one income our faith grew by leaps and bounds. You see, God provided just as we needed a bit at a time. Each month something different would come up that got us through. For a short period I was able to do a bit of work for my old office from home. For a bit I did some work for Chris’ company from home. A surprise hefty bonus came in. A surprise tax refund came in. And on, and on. We knew we had made the right choice all along, but we were amazed and excited each time Jehovah Jireh showed His hand.
By the end of that first year of my staying at home with Michaela, Chris had received a big promotion at work and started earning a much higher salary. In fact, that salary was very close to what the two of us combined had been earning just a year before when I quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom. It would have been a whole lot easier if God has just provided that promotion and raise a year earlier, but we would not have had the faith stretching and exciting year that we did. He knew what was best and when we followed His best we were blessed!
Tonight we will add this cute standing stone, representative of Michaela’s arrival and the story behind God’s provision.
The arrival of Michaela was very, very special – our first niecey-niece! She continues to amaze us with her beauty and Christ-like heart. We are so proud of the young lady she has become and her parents who trusted God to provide all things to raise her in His love.