They say red cars have the highest rate of theft...

My car was stolen today.... Miss Cherry Ames..

And I got her BACK! It was a complicated mess, with the best case scenario turn out, because I have a graciuos, gracious heavenly Father!

So far, it looks like a homeless woman wandering the church courtyard (spotted and spoken to by pastor) took my keys out of my bag in the Sunday school room during church, and drove my car to a liquor store. Unfortunately by purse was in my car.

After sunday school, I couldn't find my keys, many church members were helping until one of my friends went looking to see if they fell out of my bag in the parking lot, and my car was gone! My phone indicated missed messages from my husband, who had seen some strange liquor store purchases on our account. Thank goodness my husband knows i don't generally frequent the liquor store during church hours!

I immediately cancelled all credit cards, and notified the police.

I felt so violated, but was surprisingly calm. After having my dad in the hospital last year, something as trivial as a car theft seems a bit silly for me to freak out over.

However, I am so grateful for the support of my church. Two men from church went looking for my car.. and FOUND it! Keys laying the cup holder, purse and everything still there! (well, about $60 cash from a good tip week was missing, and my red aluminum card case and credit/debit cards) And Miss Ames was perfectly in tact! Not a scratch! Steelers dice still swaying in the windshield, even the driver's seat hadn't been adjusted! My driver's license, which had been in my purse, was shut up in the middle console. I thanked God that I cleaned out my ipod and some accumulated sundries that morning from my car!

Within 4 hours of my car being stolen, between Joseph and some church guys, they found my car, ID'd the woman who took it, locating the video tape and exact transaction time she used my card ( a clear videotaped picture of her using my red aluminum wallet)

So minus some cash, and a few transactions at Walmart, Frys, and the liquor store that won't be charged against us because of our timely cancellations, this was the 'best case care theft scenario.'

After we settled everything the cops showed up and finalized the details. They were impressed my car hadn't been trashed. I think it even looked cleaner, I wonder if she vacuumed for me??

God gives us material things, they are gifts not rites. I am glad that being faced with the fact i may not have had transportation during this crazy 4 job time for my family, I managed to 'sorta' keep it together as I waited for the Lord to show me His divine plan for today. Only He can grant that peace and comfort during a trial like that.

So, similar to how I felt after being rear ended at the beginning of the year, I feel nervous and skittish, but this too shall pass. And, if anything, as my husband says, maybe I finally learned to NOT leave my purse in the car.....oops