Welcome to 2TheHeart!


"The past gives us experience and memories; the present gives us challenges and opportunities; the future gives us vision and hope." ~William Arthur Ward


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What an outpouring of loving, jubilant letters I received yesterday in response to Elizabeth Smart being returned home! It's wonderful to know that faith and prayers can still work miracles! Be sure to read the letter box for some of the letters about Elizabeth! Welcome to another new writer today!


"$2 Shoes"
by Arla Ford


For years I have taken pride in being a good bargain hunter and frugal shopper. I have clipped coupons, shopped the clearance racks, and frequented neighborhood garage sales in search of our family's necessities. Purchasing decisions were made by asking myself "Can I live without this?" Amazingly, the answer is usually "Yes;" most things can be lived without. Then I would go merrily on my way, content with having all that we really needed.

I was able to be a stay-at-home mother with my young ones because we did without and sacrificed many of the "wants". I usually pray before I shop and ask the Lord to lead me. I have been delighted with God's amazing provision for our family. I am grateful to my husband, Craig, for valuing my job as a full-time mom because it meant going without extra toys for him too.

I share all of this to explain a recent dilemma while browsing at the Hospice Thrift Store. I had prayed within the month asking for inexpensive black or navy low-heeled shoes to wear with dresses that don't look hip with my Birkenstocks! Now, on the thrift store shoe rack, sat a new pair of low-heeled, black leather pumps in my size. I tried them on. They not only fit, they were comfie. Bonus! The price, carefully written in black magic marker on the bottom of each sole said $2.00. Double bonus! Yes I knew I could live without them, but I'm not a legalist, and these were exactly what I had prayed for. Now the dilemma part. Several pairs down on the same rack sat an identical pair in navy, also marked $2.00. Since I am better at "making do" than at making decisions, I vacillated - black or navy? Navy or black?

Then the ridiculousness of the situation struck me. I was making a hard decision out of a blessing. Maybe it wouldn't be too frivolous to buy both! So I did! Now I don't want to come across as one of those martyr mothers who sacrifices resentfully, but I am willing to admit that I say yes to my kids' needs easier than I say yes to my own. Indulging myself with two pairs of shoes was a victory for me even if the total price tag was only four bucks.

Craig was jazzed that I had really "cut loose" since he usually tries to get me to spend money on myself. (I know this may not be a problem shared by many.) My friend pointed out that my shoes were "name brand". Triple bonus!

When I wore my bargain shoes to church Sunday, I was aware of God's love and provision for us in all things, large and small. Usually I complain to myself for women's weakness of bowing down to fashion dictates and wearing heels that cramp our feet and stilt us in an awkward, unnatural posture. But Sunday I didn't have to complain because I had on comfortable shoes. Thank you, God.

Pastor's sermon addressed the purity of our hearts and lives. As an object lesson he held up a lovely crystal pitcher of clear water representing our lives. When he held up a coffee decanter reportedly filled with "sewage sludge" in the bottom, he asked how much pollution we were willing to allow into our clean water. Just a dash clouded the lovely crystal pitcher. I didn't want a drink. He had my attention and so did God. I felt guilt for the pollution of some unredeeming R-rated videos I had allowed into our home. I truly wanted to have this ugly sewage purged from my life. I desired a pure mind. When the pastor gave us the opportunity to come to the altar for symbolic laying down of our "pollutants," I headed for the front. As I privately and earnestly knelt before the Lord asking for forgiveness and the will to allow him to purify my life, I thought of the $2.00 price written on the bottom of my shoes for everyone to see. Overcome with shame, I felt myself flush. I tried to cover my shoe bottoms with my skirt. No chance.

My mind raced. What was I trying to cover? That I had paid two lousy bucks for a nice pair of shoes? That the people behind me would know that I am a cheapskate? I was more concerned with the imagined thoughts of some friendly parishioners who could not care less about my shoe deal than I was with a holy God purifying my heart and life over something to truly be ashamed of. Father, forgive me. And then I felt God smile. Chagrined at being caught in the act, I let him hug me. I believe he gets a terrific kick out of his growing children. He provides all the lessons we need for life and godliness. He loves us and his mercy endures forever. Bonus!


Arla Ford Copyright 2003
counsel@ucinet.com

Arla Hock Ford, married for 32 years to father of my children, sons 25 and 22, and daughter 15. We are Christian Counselors in private practice who get the privilege to work with many of God's children as they embrace their journey. We write a weekly newspaper column called, "Relationships." We use our marriage, our children, and our Christian walk as the basis for much of our writing.


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SPRING BOUTIQUE!
To advertise your book, CD, crafts, business, web site or product on our online Spring Boutique (now through Easter), email me at editor@2theheart.com . Each space in the boutique is a flat fee of $10, and includes ad design if you need it! Our boutiques are lots of fun and a great way to get the word out about your product! To see what the Valentine Boutique looked like, click here: www.2theheart.com/boutique

THE SPRING BOUTIQUE WILL BE ONLINE MONDAY!

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The Letter Box:



Dear Elliott:
Isn't it wonderful when someone says just the thing to make your heart melt and remind you of who you really are and have come to be in this world? You are truly fortunate to have a daughter or two who feel comfortable enough to be able to do this for you! You are blessed! Jo Anne K.



Elliot,
Welcome to 2Theheart! Your story ("Lessons From a Child") was GREAT...thank you for sending it in. Marty Fahncke



Dear Elliott
Great first story - it touched my heart and I had tears as I read it. Looking forward to more stories from you. steve donaghy



Dear Susan,
We here in Georgia join you and the countless others who have been concerned, prayed for, and now praise the Lord for this miracle. I was at church tonight when a young mother came in, wearing a big smile, to announce the news. God truly is good. Perhaps you can let the family know how widespread are their "extended neighbors" and that we rejoice with them. In His love, Gloria Stargel, Georgia



Praise God!!!
I am so grateful to God for bring Elizabeth home to her family! It is a Miracle!!! Thank you for sharing. In his love,name,& glory, Melodie Tilander, Oregon



Susan,
People are often telling me I'm a miracle. I get uncomfortable and blush. When I heard the wonderful news, well, THAT is a miracle. I cried when I saw the breaking news--tears of joy. I'm sure I'm not alone in my emotions. I am so happy for the family [as well as her extended family in utah, as well as throughout the usa and the world]. Many prayers were answered today! I guess Elizabeth just proved to many people what I sign my emails or letters: KEEP HOPE ALIVE! Mike Segal, Texas


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