One of those days

Have you ever had one of those days where not much is going right? Well, let me tell you about yesterday. Or, maybe I should start with a couple of weeks ago. I know God (and my husband :)) has been convicting me of my spending habits. So, Steven and I have worked out a way that helps me to control my spending by limiting how much access I have to our money. I have done so well this month, and I am expecting to come in under budget for January. So imagine my frustration when things keep happening that are forcing us to spend more than we've budgeted for. First, a couple of weeks ago, the battery in my van died in the McCain mall parking lot about 30 minutes before I had to pick up the kids from school. Fortunately, my mom was available to come get me so we could get the kids on time. So there goes some money out the window. Then, this Wednesday night when the kids and I got home from church, Steven reports the bad news that our microwave is dead. Don't know yet how much that is going to cost! And, finally, yesterday morning I took my kids into school. When I came out and tried to drive my van away, I realized I had a flat tire. Fortunately, that was a $10 fix. I'm just discouraged right now because I am trying to do my best and save money so we can build a new house. These unexpected items are a part of life, I know. But it's so hard when you've done your best at something and can't see the impact it has made. My devotional for Wednesday focused on 2Timothy 4:1-5. The prayer was O God, help me not be a quitter, but to endure hardships knowing you are walking beside me all the way. That is my prayer that I do not get overwhelmed by some of these minor things and know that if I keep plugging on I will see a difference in our financial situation.