Friday, March 6, 2009

Blogaversary Week! (Day 5!)

Woo-hoo! Happy Friday! You may or may not know I’ve been celebrating my blogaversary all week by repeating some of my favorite posts from the previous year. All comments for the entire week up until midnight tonight (Eastern time) are being placed in a drawing for my Giveaway pictured at the end of today’s post! The drawing will be tomorrow morning!

The post I’m sharing today was originally published in April of last year.

Worth the Wait
I’ve wanted one for years. I mean seriously…years! It was one of those silly wants I had never shared with anyone, because for me personally, it always seemed a bit extravagant. Upon occasion, I’d see them in the department store circulars, but even on “sale,” the price was too high. Maybe someday, I’d think. While Christmas shopping a couple of years ago, I saw a man (with two little ones in tow) buying one for his wife. The oldest, a little girl, was giddy with excitement. She could hardly hold still as he waited to pay. I remember she kept saying to her Daddy, "Mommy’s going to be SOOOOO HAPPY!!!" I had to admit as I watched her -- I was even excited for her Mommy, because on Christmas morning, she’d be opening a beautiful, brand new, sparkling white Kitchen Aid mixer.


Haven’t we all had things we wanted (sometimes for a long time), but the cost was too high? We eventually let it go and move on, only to find it later, on sale, or through any manner of circumstances, maybe even falling into our lap…free?

A friend of mine recently asked me…"Hey, do you do much baking?" I told her, "At this time of year…not too much…why?" "Just wondering," she said "I have a Kitchen Aid mixer that I received as a gift a while back and I’ve never used it. It’s just taking up space and I’d love to find someone who might want it." I felt my stomach do a little flip. I said, "How much are you asking for it?" She said, "Nothing, it was a gift." I said, "Are you kidding me? Why not sell it?" She wouldn’t hear of it. I continued, "You could list it on e-bay…put it in a yard sale…sell it in the classifieds. Do you know how much that’s worth!?" She was well aware of its worth, but because it hadn’t cost her anything, she refused to sell it. Instead, she wanted to give it, and she was asking me! When I told her I didn’t feel comfortable accepting something so costly, she just laughed and said "Oh c’mon…don’t be silly! I’d love for you to have it." We hadn’t talked about it for a few days but sure enough, this afternoon our doorbell rang, and there she stood with that beautiful, nearly new, sparkling white Kitchen Aid mixer. As soon as she placed it in my arms, she was quickly on her way (no doubt in an effort to escape before I tried to pay her something for it). Unbelievable.

This isn’t the first time God has provided something I’ve long desired. He’s provided many, both great and small, and I never fail to marvel at the means by which he does it. The joy I feel when God fulfills a secret longing of my heart, reminds me of the very personal nature of His love. And that never ceases to amaze me. It could be for this reason that I so enjoy giving gifts to others, particularly when the “nudge” to do so isn’t my own. = )

Now, when I use that mixer, instead of feeling guilty or indulgent for buying or asking for it, I’ll smile and think of Him and how He’s blessed me once again -- this time through the kindness of a friend. And like so many other "gifts" He’s provided to me, I’ll know…it was worth the wait.


Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. ~ James 1:17 (NASB)

Well, speaking of Gifts and things being “Worth the Wait…” Here’s my Giveaway! Remember, all comments count for this week up until midnight tonight! Stop by tomorrow to see who won! (Hope it’s you!)

* Give us this Day our Daily Bread wooden sign from Bittersweet Farm
* Cup which reads "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13
* Embroidered and beaded dish towel
* Rose colored journal and

* DVD (Though None Go with Me by Jerry Jenkins)

(There will also be some additional little goodies tucked in the box that will remain a surprise for the recipient. Can't wait to see who wins!) = )

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tracy, I love todays blog. It just
touched me. Thank you for sharing.
Also thank you for stopping by my
blog. This is new to me and I know
I don't post much. Maybe one day I
will be more comfortable posting
what is on my mind and heart.
Tammy

Julie said...

Loved reading this post again, friend....

He gives us the desires of our hearts...it's beautiful to see it happen, isn't it?

I love seeing your picture on the side of your blog as well.

Hope you are doing well.

Hugs from Georgia!

Melanie said...

What a great story and what a great friend! It just goes to show that when we seek God, He takes care of ALL our needs... even some that are more WANTS than NEEDS! :)

I've loved sharing your blogovesary week with you, Tracy! I love the way you've celebrated by posting favorite posts. It's been fun for me, too.

Have a great weekend!

Tricia said...

You do such great giveaways! What a blessing you are to many, many people!

I love this story, I remember reading it before... how precious of God to care so much about the little things in our lives!

I am planning a giveaway soon... A Resurrection Day Giveaway! I am excited and can't wait!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings!

~Trina~ said...

When I first started reading this blog I just knew it was a Kitchen Aide Mixer before I even got to that part. =) I had wanted one also for a long time, but it always seemed an extravance, but this past fall before I left my outside job, I went to Linen's and Things with my 20 percent off coupon and bought one. It didn't come in quite the same way yours did, but I knew God okayed the purchase. I have loved having it and don't know what I ever did without it. Okay, now I'm in the mood for baking.

Amydeanne said...

what a lovely treat! regardless of winning, I'm always blessed when I come by your place! Happy Anniversary!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Loved this post and a great reminder that God cares about every little detail of our lives.

Teresa

Laurie Ann said...

Great post, Tracy! I love how God fulfills our desires. I loved reading about He provided you with the mixer! How awesome is that? He so attentive to the details. :) Great give-away! I heart that journal and coffee mug especially.

Paula V said...

I love this. I have an electric skillet that I'd love to find an owner for. I used it once. I still have the box and everything. I love giving when I know someone wants something specific much like you and your mixer.

Your items are all very beautiful. I'd prefer to have my name withdrawn so that someone else could be blessed. Is that okay? I want to pass your blessing onto someone else. I hope that's okay and doesn't sound ungrateful or something.
Love,
Paula

Just a little something from Judy said...

Tracy, Since our Heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills...He delights in giving us blessing after blessing. Loved this story. How exciting to know that we can never outgive God! Speaking of...your gifts are so lovely. What a generous idea on your part. I have enjoyed all of your stories this week.

Paula V said...

I'm guessing you might now have received my reply to your reply of my comment. I forgot my email won't go through to yours.

I'm already so blessed. I feel guilty at times being so blessed with stuff and comfort and really all I need...except my sweet beloved C. I do like the stuff but really want someone else to be blessed.

You are a blessing. Hey, I didn't tell you that I led our small group twice...last night and last Thursday. The leader was unavailable last week and I said yes. She was sick yesterday and sprung it on me so I went with it. It's not that bad. I feel like I ramble at times but I wasn't really nervous, not like giving speeches in college or even presenting at work to a group of employees. I sent this email reply earlier today. Wait until you read the one I just sent you regarding leading a study. I sent it to your home and work. I hope you don't have to wait until Monday to read it. You can pray then anyway.
Love,

LisaShaw said...

Everything you share is refreshing because you speak from your heart. I appreciate you my dear friend.

Love you.

natalie said...

What a blessing your blog has been to me! Thanks for sharing the thoughts our Heavenly Father lays on your heart.

Grace 2 U,
natalie

Joyfulsheep said...

Wow, I loved your post today too. You really have blessed me the last month since I have been reading your blog on a regular basis. May God bless you and may He really make your cup run over! Thanks so much for sharing your life with us.

Jennifer

Kari Dana said...

What a GREAT story!

My husband and I, like everyone, will have unexpected expenses pop up from time to time. For instance, car repair, home repair, etc. Then within a short period of time, we will receive an unexpected gift of money from his grandma or a refund for something. And it's always for a similar amount as our expense.

He is our Provider, even of things we don't need. :)

Anonymous said...

Tracy,
I love this post... and for me it was a timely reminder. I remember reading it the first time... and thinking, that is so cool, but doesn't happen to me.
But it does. And God used you to remind me.
Today, after balancing the checkbook, I realized that once a check cleared, we were barely going to make it till the next check comes in. Then I looked over on my desk and found a check that will tide us over until this coming thursday, that my hubby was given when he did some work on someone's computer for free!
God is so good. He knows our needs, and our desires before we can even voice them. This time He didn't even let me have time to worry about it for even more than a minute!
Thank you for your blog, and for writing. I have been by, just not left a comment for a long time!
God bless!
Heather

Joyful said...

This story is just as good the second time around. Thanks for sharing it again...and happy blog-aversary!

Blessings,
Joy

Addicted to Beadz said...

What a great idea on how to celebrate your blogaversary! Thanks for sharing these posts from the past.

Thanks also for checking on me! So thankful to count you as friend!

Love,

Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for your comment, and your prayers..,
Interesting enough my second scripture memory for Beth Moore's Scripture memory challenge was Philippians 4:4-7
Definitely something I need... that peace that transcends all understanding.
God bless,
Heather

Alexis said...

That was a GREAT story to tell (again)!! How often do I WISH for things that I think would make my life easier, or more stress-free, etc... only to just wait and have it land in my lap someday! I did that this past Christmas. I wanted a food processor really badly... I used a tiny "food chopper" for years with a 1 cup capacity! To make and put away food for a family of six typically means we use more than one cup, you know what I'm saying? For Christmas, my beloved gave me a new food processor. Bigger capacity, but... it wasn't quite what I had been dreaming of. It broke - after the first use. (I promise I didn't do it on purpose) *sigh* I continued to act grateful and loving... and it just sat there looking at me. Then this past weekend, the one I REALLY had been wanting - was given to me by him! He didn't complain about the money he already spent on the cheaper model that broke, he just gave me a new one that was better. It's like I had to pass all these rigorous tests or something to truly appreciate what I have been given. I love lessons like that - it applies to all areas of life and I appreciate yours as well! Happy Blogaversary!!

Yolanda said...

I remember reading this particular post. Do you use your mixer? :-)

God and His blessings are so amazing and puts a little jig in our feet!

Lovingly and Happy Blog Anniversary!

Leaon Mary said...

OH how I love that story about the mixer. I LOOOOOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll be smiling all the way to bed tonight.
GOD'S SOOOO GOOD!
YOU are pretty *special* too. ;)
Holykisses
L

I've never seen that movie before... I'll have to check it out! COOLBEANS AND CONGRATS TO Melanie!!!!!!!! WHOOhOoOOOO