God's story, your life.

Unfolding short stories.

Well, Thanksgiving is coming up, and it's traditionally a time where we think about abundance and gratitude.

But these days, at least for many people, the times don't feel very abundant.

65% of middle class Americans say they are struggling.

A third of U.S. workers are living paycheck to paycheck.

The holiday season may look and feel different for many families this year.

But for Mary Lou, her season of difficulty started in 2010.

She was a new single mom.

Her big bills were paid, as you'll hear, but the leftover stuff like groceries, the

budget was razor thin.

But what started out as her struggle to make ends meet quickly became a journey of discovering

just how thoroughly and creative God can provide.

My name is Mary Lou, and in 2010, I found myself single with an eight-year-old boy. Although we had bills paid, what I didn't have was grocery money.

The Lord, during that time frame, did some pretty big acts of provision that helped me learn that

despite my efforts, he was the provider and the creator and maker of all things, that I didn't

need to worry and be fearful. One of the simple ways that the Lord provided for me was during this

period where I was really fumbling,

trying to provide food for my family. But when I was grocery shopping, I would find coupons

for the very item that I needed, the very make and brand and size whatever of what I needed,

there would be a coupon sitting right in front of the item for me to use on that product. And they

would be substantial coupons.

...