So...I've been working on losing myself...poundage, that is! The good thing is that recently, my jeans have become increasing baggy, but SAGGY is just not in this season! However, I just can't really justify buying a new pair right now given the current state of my finances.
I was back in VA for a quick visit last weekend and while there was bemoaning the fact that I now need to put my jeans in the dryer in a sad attempt to shrink them each time I put them on (yes, it is a good problem, but still...). When I mentionned the size that I'm nearly fitting into, my friend and former roomate announced that she has several pairs of jeans that she had planned to take to the church's clothing ministry. I laughed at the thought of fitting into her jeans, but figured, why not try???
As it turned out, they all actually fit...just WAY TOO LONG! ha ha! So, I came home with 4 pairs of practically new jeans!! And, I'd just like to add they are much nicer than I would ever have bought for myself!!!!
That's what I call "above and beyond what you could ask or imagine".
Worthy of all my praise...once again!
First of all, thank you SO much to all of you who prayed with me about the tax situation - it really means a lot!
Going into my appointment, I was praying first and foremost that I would just trust God with the outcome...no matter what. I really didn't know what to expect...I knew that He could work things out so that I got a (surprise) refund or He could also allow me to owe money that I don't have and then somehow provide what I need.
I don't doubt for a minute that the guy who helped me was hand-picked! As we started finalizing things, I only ended up owing $19 for Federal (which was a very pleasant surprise!) and I did get some money back from my conference job. Then came good ole Virginia state taxes...the form showed that I owed $774.
I must admit, despite trying to prepare myself for this possibility, it was still a major blow. As I sat there, already trying to figure out how in the world I would ever pay this much, Jim, my tax preparer extraordinaire was still trying to figure out any possible deductions which could possibly help me...I really appreciated his willingness to continue looking for wasy to save me money eventhough it obviously didn't make any difference to him personally! I was just sitting there watching him, praying that he might find something that would make a difference, even a small one.
Just as it seemed like we needed to wrap things up, he asked me when I moved to Indiana. When he entered the time frame and checked the amount owed, it had dropped down to only $173!!! I just sat there and stared at the screen...unbelievable...one little detail saved me over $600! I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I was still blown away by such an incredible provision!!!
So, in the end, once I get the refund from my one job, I'll have only ended up paying about $20!?!
Going into my appointment, I was praying first and foremost that I would just trust God with the outcome...no matter what. I really didn't know what to expect...I knew that He could work things out so that I got a (surprise) refund or He could also allow me to owe money that I don't have and then somehow provide what I need.
I don't doubt for a minute that the guy who helped me was hand-picked! As we started finalizing things, I only ended up owing $19 for Federal (which was a very pleasant surprise!) and I did get some money back from my conference job. Then came good ole Virginia state taxes...the form showed that I owed $774.
I must admit, despite trying to prepare myself for this possibility, it was still a major blow. As I sat there, already trying to figure out how in the world I would ever pay this much, Jim, my tax preparer extraordinaire was still trying to figure out any possible deductions which could possibly help me...I really appreciated his willingness to continue looking for wasy to save me money eventhough it obviously didn't make any difference to him personally! I was just sitting there watching him, praying that he might find something that would make a difference, even a small one.
Just as it seemed like we needed to wrap things up, he asked me when I moved to Indiana. When he entered the time frame and checked the amount owed, it had dropped down to only $173!!! I just sat there and stared at the screen...unbelievable...one little detail saved me over $600! I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I was still blown away by such an incredible provision!!!
So, in the end, once I get the refund from my one job, I'll have only ended up paying about $20!?!
I will give, you all my worship
I will give, you all my praise
You alone, I long to worship
You alone, are worthy of my praise
