If you don’t believe God likes to shop, I’m here to challenge your perceptions.
Or maybe He just likes me to shop.
See last Wednesday was my birthday. I finish a tall cup of nice, hot tea and good conversation with a friend at Starbucks and had a little space between our time together and my next appointment.
Leaning back on the comfy chair I let the joy of unscheduled time wash over me. “What should we do next, God, for my birthday?”
I swear He said, “Let’s see what they have at Hobby Lobby.”
Bet you’ll believe me when you hear the rest of the story.
This whole new family room thing is a bigger deal than most of you know. I’ve prayed for at least ten years to be able to redecorate. I am going to be brave and admit to the world at large that the carpet down there is at least 30 years old and held together with duct tape. So when God brought the resources to give that space a face-lift, well, it’s an answer to years of prayer. (When we’re finally done I’ll take pictures. Promise!)
So back to my story. My birthday. Hobby Lobby. I was drawn to the pictures. Not the little ones. The big ones. And in that department I drooled, then stopped dead in my tracks.
In front of me was a photo on canvas. Not only did the picture invite me to saunter down to the ocean and dangle my feet in the water, the heart of its message communicated exactly what I want my new family room to say.
Breathe.
Be at peace.
Relax. Be refreshed.
I stared.
It was also the perfect colors to connect that new pewter lamp with the “sand” sofa and the calming blues, greens, and grays of the new paint.
I flipped that sucker over and moaned. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money. “I’d pay half that,” I thought.
With a wistful sigh I continued my wanderings around the store. I resisted the temptation to look at the bracelet charms. I browsed the fabric, a past-time made enjoyable thanks to a grandmother who sewed me dresses when I was a child.
Then I saw it. A sign advertising 50% off canvas prints!
I rushed back to the picture section to inquire. Evidently, the sale was over, but one of the signs advertising it had been overlooked when they were taken down. Store policy said they had to honor the discount! I was told to check out with a particular cashier to receive that amazing price.
I grabbed the perfect candles (also 50% off) to continue with my sand and sea theme and headed to the check out counter.
The cashier’s name was Joy.
Could it be more perfect?
“Do you want to hear a joyful story?” I asked.
“Of course!” She said.
I poured it all out. How the canvas was the culmination of years of prayer and a brand new look in my family room.
Her wide smile matched my own. “The Lord wanted you to have that picture!” she said.
Yes. Yes he did.
I don’t really know what He thinks about shopping, but I do know we have a Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. He knows our hearts. He cares about the little things.
Happy here in Colorado,
Tagged: God, God's love, Hobby Lobby, home decorating, home life, joy, Paula Moldenhauer, photos, sales, simple things, simple things that make life better
Paula's Blog 
Oh I’ve had the same experience with a living room picture! I was scanning a Garden Ridge store and had basically been through every aisle looking for the “perfect” picture for our newly painted room. One of those things where I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted, I just knew I would know when I found it. I prayed to God in the store, “Lord, please help me find something!” One of those prayers where I wasn’t really sure if I was serious, or if it was something worth praying for, but I just went with it.
So no sooner did I pray that than I walked down the last aisle and lo and behold, there was a beautiful painting, with perfect matching colors, with the following verse “Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you.”
Coincidence? I think not. But I’ll let you decide. 🙂
Love when God does those little things for us, just to show how much He cares, even in the small things. So happy for you that you are getting your new place of rest! And happy late birthday 🙂
Oh Rebekah! What a wonderful story. I love how God cares about the little things!!!
What a gorgeous picture! I love the candles, too. Both are so relaxing. Are you like me? I plan to quickly go into Michael’s or Hobby Lobby for something small, and come out 4 or 5 hours later having no idea where the time went! Target is the same!
I do like to wander Hobby Lobby! And it makes me happy that you like my new things. Can you believe we’re getting carpet, too?? Now I need to pray for wisdom ’cause I haven’t made a purchase that big in probably 20 years!
What fun! I love any redecorating project. Enjoy picking out your new carpet! 🙂
I love it when folks recognize and give God the Glory. I love the picture and the sea and sand. Many blessings.
Much love Tom
Thanks, Tom! He is good to us and worthy of glory!
I read this accounting again even though I’ve heard it three times already. It still makes my heart smile. Love you, my friend!
You made me laugh. Yup. You heard the story over and over and THAT is a true friend to read it too.
Love this story Paula. I had happy tears streaming down my face for you and because our God is so sweet and kind. I think your new theme is so wonderful and the picture and candles are beautiful. Thank you for always opening my eyes to the little wonders. I’m in the midst of homeschooling 3 boys and teaching classes and feeding what feels like an army and sometimes the little things escape me. I know you remember those days. You remind me to look for God’s gifts and hear His voice and invite Him into my busy world :-
Forgot the mouth on my smiley face 🙂
Can’t forget the MOUTH!! lol. Thank you, sweet friend. Yes, I remember the busy day, the mountains of food, the feeling like it never stops. I am thrilled to know that the quest for joy forged in my own struggles is helping your quest in your busy season. Hugs to you, precious, precious, woman.
Hugs to you. Someday we’ll have an English period marathon with dainty snacks & tea :-
Sounds wonderful!
Seriously? The mouth again 🙂
Thanks for the laugh!
A lovely picture and a lovely story to go with it. Sometimes the fates conspire to give us what we want or need. I look forward to see the new room.
Ran across a picture today I hadn’t seen of when the kids were taking the room apart. I was shocked by the difference! We get new carpet soon, then window coverings and this long remodeling process will be finished (in that room)!
[…] grateful for a God who is returning to us the things stolen during the hard season. For a God who cared even about the perfect painting to set the theme for my remodeled room and the 50% off candles that tied the colors of the new sectional together with the blues and greens of the […]