I've said it a lot, but it needs to be said again and again! Thanks to everyone who helped us in many ways with our yard sale! Seriously, even if you came and just talked with us, it made us feel loved! I feel so humbled and undeserving of the friends and family that I feel God has placed in our lives - because y'all are just so amazing!
A couple weeks ago I read this verse and just thought it was perfect how my Christian friends are showing God's love to us just like in Acts.
"and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." Acts 3:45
A couple of my favorite moments of the day (or leading up to the day):
- Seriously, everyone who came out and supported us in every way, even just with a visit! It was great to see everyone! Thank you for loving us!
- People that went out of their way to donate to us! We are thankful beyond words!
- A woman told me that she was so excited about one of my mom's decorating books! She said that it reminded her of her home in Mexico that she missed! This stranger and I had a sweet conversation about where she was from. It was just the coolest thing to meet her and some other sweet people who live near us, but aren't from the seminary.
- Also, because I hate parting with things, it makes me so happy that a lot of things we sold I felt the people were genuinely excited about them! The umbrella stand that my grandmother bought a long time ago went to an adorable couple! I found out that my friend needed a car bike rack while just talking, and remembered that I had one in the closet that we didn't need and I was able to sell it to her for what I had paid for it!
- Our friend's telling strangers why we were holding a yard sale, and many people paying over the asking prices!
Probably one of the most emotional and awesome part of the day was when a neighbor (who I barely know) wrote me a sweet note that she slipped in my hand with a check that said that she was adopted too and was so happy that we are "changing the life of a child"... which of course made me cry when I read it.
This made me think...
If you are a Christian like us, we are all "adopted". We are not born Christians. I am not a Christian because I am from the United States, or white, or went to church as a kid. It is a choice to follow Jesus.
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5-7
So, I love that about Jesus... because no matter the culture, or color, or nationality, or whatever, we can all be heirs. I love that adoption is such a great metaphor for Christianity, and we will be able to explain this to our children.
So, I thank God for giving us awesome people to love and encourage us!
Oh yeah, and you are probably wondering how the sale went in the money-sense, huh?
We were able, with your help, to raise almost the full amount for our homestudy fees! Isn't that awesome?! It was about $1300!
Thank you all again! Thanks to those who were praying from out of town as well!
Happy for you guys!!
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