Started my day at 445am..

I awoke early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. Part of it was worry..about finances (minor worry) and a friend who may have metastacized cancer -she's a mama to 5 young'uns. (major worry) Her name is Stacey if you'd like to keep her in prayer. She's in Oregon.

So I gave up and came downstairs, knowing Gabe hadn't left for work just yet. He leaves at 5am. He's always glad to see me before he leaves! It hasn't happened since I became preggy. I do love getting up early. It's 7am now and the children will be waking soon...but to have those two hours of quiet in the house...ahhhhh!

I made out a new seven day crock pot menu yesterday. Seven days to be repeated the next week, lasting until next payday. I planned out suppers and lunches, and some choices for breakfast. I made out my shopping list yesterday afternoon, since we were going shopping last night after work. I was excited that I had a menu to go by again, and easy one to boot!
Food prices are making me crazy, though. I always feel so bummed when I can't get everything on my list. I'll have to do some tweaking of my menu now, cutting out some meals that require beef, and cheese. Our pantry is full, our fridge..not so much. Which this morning I realize may be a blessing in disguise..Gabe mentioned how warm the fridge seemed when he woke this morning. I think it's days are numbered.
I know we are richer than many, many people in other countries. Sometimes it's SO frustrating to be shopping so carefully to buy inexpensive things to feed my family, meaning I need to cook from scratch and plan  ..and I see people filling their carts with 'cr*p' (aka-frozen boxed foods, sodas and chips) and paying with an EBT card. Considering we do qualify for SNAP benefits and choose not to use them, ya..I'm a little judgy-wudgy this morning. Maybe I need another cup of coffee. (see how rich I am? I get to drink coffee..with milk! Sitting in a nice chair, in a home that's warm- or cool when I want it to be..and the FREEDOM to read my Bible and not have to worry about being arrested for owning one. Yeah..there's bigger things in this world to be fretting over.)

Lord forgive me for being judgemental, and for worrying..and complaining. I know You provide for our every need...and even for our wants! Forgive me for coveting the ease that others seem to have. Help me to be a better steward of our resources..to share with others. Thank you for these blessings that surround our table...the joy they bring to our lives. When our numbered days are over..our CHILDREN are the only thing we leave behind on this earth that matter. What a blessing it is to have our quiver full.