 Okay, so for those of you who don't know, we have a new Jeep!!
Since about this time last year we have had some pretty major car problems. We have had to be towed twice and been into the shop numerous times for repairs large and small. The latest in the series of unfortunate car events led us on a search for a new vehicle.
 As we began our journey, we had many blessings. For instance, when the blue car broke down coming back from Searcy and we had to be towed, Bridget came and drove us all the way back to Little Rock. (Thank you so much. We really appreciate you!!!) Then Grandad loaned us his truck for a couple of weeks so that we would have at least one set of wheels that we could count on (Dad, thank you again. We couldn't have made it without your kindness and generosity.).
 Darren looked and looked for a vehicle. He made inquiries and tried to figure out if we could even get financing. We were all starting to get discouraged with the search. But one dealer really took an interest in us and worked hard to find us a vehicle that would fit our needs and budget.
The week before Thanksgiving he gave us a call and said that he had a Jeep he wanted us to take a look at. He felt like he could get us a good deal on it.  We thought that sounds great!! We loved our old Jeep and would enjoy driving a new one. So Darren went in for a test drive. He fell in love with the car at first sight. But there was a big problem. It was way beyond our price range. He told the guy "Thanks, but no this won't work." and began to walk out. Of course the guy came back with a counter-offer and they haggled for a while. Darren finally agreed to bring the jeep home for me to see, but still didn't think that this was a possibility.
After Gavin and I had a chance to see it, we loved it too. It had all the extras like a moon roof, leather heated seats, 6-CD changer, power everything, satellite radio, on-board computer, etc.
 After quite a bit of discussion, we decided that this Jeep was wonderful, but just wasn't feasible on our budget. This luxury was way beyond us. We decided we would keep looking and settle for a nice sensible little car.
So the next morning Darren drove the Jeep back to the dealership and turned in the keys. He told the guy that we loved it, but it just wasn't in the cards for us. The dealer called him back later and said he was continuing to try to work something out for us. We thought, "Yea that sounds great, but it won't happen."  We really didn't want to give up the Jeep, but we had to consider the long range and monthly budgets and all that stuff.
As is often the case when I am feeling confused and overwhelmed, I picked up my Bible. I went to a Scripture that had helped me before and I read it again. This time different verses popped up. I am going to share a couple of them with you, but first let me give you a quick background check. Lamentations was written by Jeremiah. He was in a really bad place. He knew what suffering was and he shares with us the sorrow and agony that he felt. He also shares with us just exactly how he copes.
Lamentations 3:25 and 29(NCV)
The LORD is good to those who hope in Him, to those who seek Him...He (who wants the LORD to rescue him) should bow down to the ground; maybe there is still hope.
So I decided to do something dramatic. I needed a good infusion of hope and I was desperate enough to try anything. So, I got down on my face on the floor and I began to pray (and to cry).
Gavin had been in the kitchen, but he noticed that his mommy was laying on the floor, so he came and placed his little hand on my back. He placed his face up close to mine and he quietly asked, "Mommy what's wrong?"
 I got up from my position on the floor and said, "Nothing is wrong darling. I am just praying." I read to him the verse that I just shared with you and explained on 4-year-old terms that sometimes we need to come humbly before God and tell him what is on our hearts and minds.
Gavin said, "I want to pray too." So he got down on the floor next to me on his face and I led us in prayer about all the things that were on my mind. Then we got up and went on about our day. But later, Gavin came up to me and said I want to pray for Sissy now. So we got down on the floor again and this time Gavin led in prayer for Sissy and a couple of other things.
 I still didn't have an answer about the Jeep, about Sissy, or about any of the other things that seem to weigh on my mind when I am quiet, but I was finally at peace. I could live with the thoughts in my head and I felt prepared for whatever the day might bring.
As I guess you can tell from the picture at the beginning of the post, we got the Jeep back. Several more little miracles happened. God moved. We now have a Jeep. We can ride in luxury and safety, all without compromising our monthly budget. God has answered one of His servant's fervent prayers. Now I am eagerly awaiting the answer of the others. Also, in case you are wondering, the day after Thanksgiving we went to Pinnacle with Grammie. These pictures are of our fun-filled, but chilly outing!! Hope you enjoy.
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