Dear God, An Elephant Never Forgets!

Dear God,

  One thing that I often find myself frustrated with during my illness, is my memory, or perhaps lack of it. I find myself forgetting the little things on a daily basis.  I go to the pantry while cooking dinner, and totally forget what I went for! The hardest is trying to recall all of the little moments that I treasure with my boys. I never want to forget the first words, the first steps, or the precious little moments that my children came to know You.

I am grateful that I still can remember one day in particular when Spencer was just about three years old. He was in his car seat and we were driving home from the grocery store. It was a windy day, but the sun was hot and I had the windows rolled down in the car.   The breeze was blowing on his little face. All of a sudden Spencer started laughing and giggling with glee. I turned around and asked him what was so funny, he smiled the most precious smile, and said ” Momma, Jesus is blowing me kisses”!  I will never forget the look of perfect contentment on his little face. He has always had such a special relationship with You, Jesus, and I treasure that.

When Cooper was born with so many medical problems, and having 30+ seizures everyday, I just wished that I could forget what the doctors were telling us. I remember the night in the emergency room when the doctor came in and told me that the news was not good. Cooper would need a neurologist and many tests as soon as possible. The preliminary diagnosis was cerebral palsy. I wanted to just rewind that moment and pretend that this was somehow a huge mistake and I could pick up my baby and go home, pretending that nothing was wrong. I knew that as bad as it sounded, I still had You, and You would carry us through. God, Your grace and mercy made the years of heartache bearable. Without my faith in You, I could have never made it through the surgeries, the hospital stays, the emergency rooms, the shots, the medications, and the stress. You promised never to give me more than I could handle, and You kept Your promise. I love You, Lord!

They say that an elephant never forgets. That somehow the giant animal can remember his family and his surroundings. I heard that they can take an elephant out of the jungle and when it returns it will go back to it’s home, even after years of absence. While I won’t pretend to understand the psyche of the beast, I will say that it is impressive.  I believe that You knew us from the beginning, and know every breathe that we take and what paths our lives will take. You know each person on the planet and who will serve You.  I know that You guide us and protect us, and You remember the exact moment that we accept Your offer of salvation. You never leave us and will always be beside us to give us endurance and peace through trials.

I still grapple with the concept that the God of Everything, who is ALL knowing, would still love me enough to die for me, and that would forgive me for the sins that I commit. You promise that if we confess our sins, and repent from them, that You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. You tell us that You will separate our confessed sins,  as far as the East is from the West, that You will remember them no more! 

It is hard to fathom the same God who remembers every person’s name on the planet, and knows the amount of every hair upon their heads, can totally FORGET the sin that we confess and repent from. You are omnipotent, omnipresent, and all powerful! Hallelujah to the God who remembers each and every soul whom he died for.

Thankful for the God who remembers ME and Forgets My trespasses too,

Gina

Dear God, Ancestry

Dear God,

 I believe that each day our lives may be mimicked by our own children. I believe that we can have a very positive influence on them, or unfortunately, a negative one. Everyday we wake up and face the world with one of two reflections, The first is “Good Morning Lord”! or, “Good Lord, it’s Morning”! We can decide from the moment that we awake, just how we will allow our hearts and minds to perceive the day. Will it be wonderful, or disastrous? Full of stress, or full of joy?  Each may make a profound impact on our choices and our example to our children.

I know that  no matter which one we choose, our children our watching just how we live and who we serve. Is it You or the world? Every child looks to their parent for love, support, and guidance to help them reach their greatest potential. Not every day  is full of sunshine and abounding  joy, but we all have the opportunity to love You, and to ask that our days be spent as an example that may bring Your light and love into our lives.

As I sit in church and enjoy the praise and worship band, I always find myself drawn to the children in the congregation. I love to see them enjoying the music and the fellowship in their own ways. They are the reflection of their surroundings, but more importantly of their families. There is one little boy in particular that brings a smile to my face whenever I think of him. As his mother and father are singing along and lift their hands to offer You  glory and praise,  their little boy is watching them, and so he is drawn to follow their example. It truly brings tears to my eyes. For every moment that we take the focus off of ourselves to honor You, we are teaching our children to do the same. This precious little soul with his tiny hands raised high, and his eyes closed, will occasionally peek to watch for his mother and father, to see what should happen next. He worships You with such innocence and faith. 

Unfortunately, the same may be said of the family who has not yet accepted You. Perhaps their ancestry is entangled with years of unfaithfulness, and they have denied the opportunity for salvation.  I pray for them right now, that they may hear the knock and be open to accepting Your love and grace. Those children may never see Jesus in their homes, and so they have not experienced the miraculous relationship that we may have with You. When I watch the little ones close their eyes and put their little hands together in prayer to show reverence to You, it is perhaps because they are reflecting  the love that they witness in the lives of their parents and family. 

What an awesome gift to give our children. The legacy that they may see  deep within us, and then pass it’s treasure down to the future generations. Our ancestry is a very important part of  our faith history and helps to develop the person that we may ultimately become. While we teach our children about their grandparents and aunts and uncles, it is also very important that we share the teachings of Your Holy word. We all are descended of Adam and Eve and share in the glorious ancestry that You created from the dust of the earth.

I believe that it is so crucial for parents to realize that each day is an opportunity to teach our children about Your  sacrifice that You made on the cross for our sins. I believe that it is our duty as their guardians to show them that we are not ashamed to pray in public . That we are not afraid to shout praises to Your name. That we will not be afraid to proclaim that You are our God and that we choose You over any worldly temptation that Satan has to offer. I also want to  be an example to my children that You are my Lord and Savior and that I will always make You first in my life. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and our ancestry is descended from the Creator of All things!

I praise You for our royal ancestry, and for Your sacrifice that You made to become our Father in heaven,

Gina

Dear God, Driving Ms. Daisy

Dear God,

 When I was 16 years old, I remember thinking my Mom and Dad were so stressed out when it came to teaching me and my sisters how to drive. I told myself, “When I’m a parent, I will never be that jumpy while my teenager is behind the wheel”.  Or so I thought……….

It’s funny how wisdom comes with age. I feel sure that Methuselah made for a fantastic driving instructor for his great-great-great-grandchildren (even if they were chariots and not his new mini-van). I tell myself, that my child has a good head on his shoulders and he is very cautious. He is very responsible and cares a great deal about other people. So…..why is it, when I hand over my set of the keys, that shear panic sets in? I will admit, on the daily commute to, and from school, he does great! It is when we are going into yet uncharted territory, that the hair on the back of my neck stands on end. I try to refrain from grasping at the seat cushion or shoving my shoe into the clearly absent break pedal on my “new” side of the vehicle. But, my biggest fear is of the unknown drivers that share the road with him. There are so many people that travel while doing a thousand other things at the same time, and become quickly distracted. While I can teach my son to obey all traffic patterns, use caution when at an intersection, and always drive within the speed limit, I cannot control the outside forces that could bring harm to him.

This morning it made perfect sense to me. You are the Daddy teaching us all how to steer our lives. How to watch for hidden dangers, and how to not take life too fast and without caution. We too, can become quickly distracted from the ways that Your word teach us. I am very thankful that like the DMV, You have also given us a manual that must be read thoroughly and obeyed. Our manual is the Bible. And, as funny as it may be….if we fail the first time, we can always be forgiven and retake the test!

As with driving, our lives are all about experience. The longer we drive and the more experiences that we encounter through the years, the better driver we become. The longer we’re Christians, and the more experience that we have in learning how to live by faith and strive to learn Your word and Your ways, then the better we will become.

As I am now teaching my son to drive a car, I take the passenger seat and it is now my job to mentor and educate him on how to be a good and responsible driver. I am also the mentor and educator to him in his spiritual life. Teach me Your ways Oh Lord, and I will obey. Grant me patience and even humor when the moments become stressful….. and I will continue to remind him:

       NEVER DRIVE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY!

I hope that one day, I can crawl in the back seat completely at peace as my son becomes chauffeur to my many errands.  I feel sure that he will make a lot of “Driving Ms. Daisy” jokes, but I know that Your protection is always upon us, and I give You all the praise for it,

Gina

Dear God, Don’t Worry… Be Happy!

Dear God,

Well….It has been Costa Rica Central at my house the last 24 hours. Every paper needs to be read and re-read, all medical records collected, all financial letters written, addressed, folded and mailed. It seems as though my head is spinning right off of my shoulders!

As I picked up my bible this morning, I am reminded of the promise of protection and care that You provide us. In Luke 12, You tell me to not worry about anything in my life. Not of what I shall eat, or about my body, nor of what I will wear. Life is so much more than food, and the body more than clothes. While I do not worry on those things, I have been a little concerned about Spencer’s trip to Costa Rica. His health is always a priority, and I know that I will be thinking of, and praying for him the month that he is gone.  You have given me such a peace about his financial obligations for this missions trip. I do not know how, but I have complete faith that You will provide and meet each need.

One of my favorite verses is Luke 12:27, “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you”. You finish with,  ”O you of little faith!”  Lord, I never want to be of little faith. I never want to toil and spin to try to figure out how ANY need will ever be met. You are the creator of every living thing, and Your eye is upon me.

I love the song  “His eye is on the sparrow” You are always watching over the tiny sparrow and providing his meals and his safety in strong prevailing winds. Never shall he fret and worry, for even the sparrow can feel the peace that You bring into our lives. 

I remember being a young child and a friend of the family used to carve beautiful pieces of wood and make art of them. He made such a lovely wall hanging for us once. It read: “Worry is a lot like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere”.  How true is this statement? We all know that worry gets us nowhere!

God, help me to always remember that worry will never get me anywhere! That You will provide for all of my needs and Your protection is upon us. Your love will carry us through each season of change, and bring shelter from each storm cloud. Like the sparrow, or even the lilies of the field, our motto needs to be:

                                              DON’T WORRY… BE HAPPY!

Already knowing how much more valuable we are to You than the birds that You feed and shelter,

Gina

Dear God, ROBBED!

Dear God,

I am still amazed at how in every aspect of my life, You always bring it full circle. Yesterday in church before our tithes and offerings were collected, Pastor Chuck showed a video that was hilarious! While it made us laugh, it also reminded us about how tithing is SO important in our walk with You.

As I laid in bed this morning, and was grateful that there was no school. I thought about how I could sleep in and relax for a couple of extra hours. NOT.  You clearly had something for me to do that was far more important than catching a few extra winks in my cozy bed. So, I got up, and as You kept nudging me, I opened up my bible to a book that I did not think I was going to read this morning. You kept putting “Malachi” in my head.  I opened up and started reading as I was prompted to do. You were reminding me that in Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God”? I know without doubt that You proved to me a long time ago that tithing is not something that we do to simply receive blessings from You. In verse 10 You told us to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it”.  I DID test You in this, and You proved to me that Your love is richer and more powerful that any amount of money that we can obtain. We are never hungry. We live in a warm and beautiful home. We drive a safe and wonderful vehicle. We have all that we need. I am fleshly and sometimes question when I know that money is needed for certain things. But, You always provide.

I have never had the misfortune of being robbed. And, I hope I never do. But, when we do not tithe, we are robbing You. In Malachi verse 8, it says, “Will a man rob God”? Yet you rob me. That was the most powerful thing that You could ever speak to us. When we keep all that we have and do not give any to You, then we are essentially stealing from You. Wow! That still brings fear and awe to me. Not for fear of wrath, but for fear of hurting the loving and generous God that died for me. I only want to bring honor and glory to Your name. I never want to disappoint You or deliberately disobey Your commands for our lives. If we do not give our tithes and offerings to You, the one who freely gives all to us, and owns it anyway, then we are robbing You.  Nothing that I have is truly all mine anyway.  You have allowed me to live in comfort, and with luxuries. You bring me blessings that I could never thank You enough for.  I never want to steal from Your kingdom! I never want to believe that each payday won’t be sufficient unless I keep that 10% for other bills. For I know that in doing so, I would have robbed You from Your wealth of what could be mine in heaven one day. I want to come to heaven and be able to look into Your eyes and cry tears of  joy for every time that You blessed me when I didn’t deserve it. To thank You for the cover of protection over my family when we needed You the most. For providing enough money to pay the medical bills, the mortgage, the school, the cars, the groceries, and all that was needed.

I could never walk into someones house and see money laying on a table and put it in my pocket. The thought would never cross my mind. But, if we do not tithe back to You, then essentially we have done such an act. If a bank teller gave us too much money back from cashing our paycheck, and we said nothing and took it home and spent it, then we stole what did not belong to us. We took what we did not earn ourselves by working all week long. We robbed the bank! Maybe without a gun and ski-masks, but we still stole from them. How could we ever think that by not giving You, what already belongs to You, is not robbing the loving and Holy God.

I thank You for all that is given, and for the the floodgates of heaven that flow down on me. I love You, Lord.

Never want to steal, but always to feel… the Glory of  Your Love,

Gina

Dear God, Risk versus Reward

Dear God,

As I think about all of the brave service men and women who fight for our country everyday, I am reminded of their risk factors. For every morning comes the discovery of a new threat or pending disaster. With each sunset their own safety must come with the heightened sense that the enemy may be just beyond the next corner. These brave souls must weigh the risk versus the reward factor each day of their lives.

How many of us are willing to risk our own personal health and safety for another. Surely, every mother would risk injury to herself, to protect her children. But, who of us is willing to succumb to the risk, albeit of death itself, in the pursuit of the peace and safety of strangers. Our military does such an act everyday. This truly takes a commitment that so few are willing to sacrifice. While there are thousand of troops stationed around the world, we still do not have the absolute assurance that the enemy will not try to harm us. We can take all of the necessary precautions to attempt or institute warnings and security measures, but, in the end,we know that the risks that we take may just out weigh our rewards on the earthly fight for peace.

I am thankful that even in today’s world, when occasionally the enemy alludes capture, we still have the peace in knowing that You are ultimately in control of the universe. Your life was given so that others may have the gift of eternal life.  To live in peace with our Lord and Savior is our reward for the faith that we put in You, Jesus. Only once in existence, did someone lay out their life, endure beatings, whipped, kicked, bruised, and virtually tortured, and yet, having never committed a single sin,  all for the life of another…….You alone God are the ultimate example of risk versus reward. Because of Your selflessness, we are able to live our life with joy and have the complete, and utter faith that our reward lies in spending eternity with our universal hero!

The greatest enemy every known, Satan, looms the earth looking for souls to destroy and attempt to steal from You. The risk is great for those who have not secured their faith in Your mighty hands. The reward is enormous for those who know that to fight the good fight now, is to reap the riches of eternity with You in Glory land.

True, the safety of  those whom we love dearly, may be the cost that they pay in a war of the souls. But, to allow the enemy to deceive and curse us, means that we will have to stand up for what is right, even if we know that the battle may be long and hard.

The fewer the casualties, the firmer we stand. The greater the unity, the stronger the force. The more determined the fighter, the higher the risk. The longer the endurance, the richer the reward….

I know that the glory of Your reward is waiting,

Gina

Dear God, Falling from the Sky

Dear God,

This morning the news was not good. In fact it was devastating. The downed flight from New York that has left 50 people dead in a fiery crash with virtually no warning.  I listened as family members and friends told of their loved ones aboard this flight. Their love for them fought back tears of anguish at the thought of loosing them forever. One woman commented on how her friend was on the plane, and that victims husband had perished in the 9-11 twin towers terrorist attack. She said that her only comfort was that she knew that they were together again now.

God, You know that the death of those we hold so dear, is a very difficult experience for each of us, and dealt with on all realms of emotion. Some of us wear our hearts on our sleeves and show our grief in an outward expression.  Some tend to keep it all bottled up inside, waiting for something small and insignificant to occur, just so we can have the excuse to cry and shout out our frustration of the loss. But, I do believe, that the world allows itself to be comforted with the promise, that if they are gone, they will surly be in heaven.  It is my most honest appeal that I pray for each of those lives taken last night, to be in the loving arms of Jesus.

I have to give mention to the obvious. Many people believe that they can live their lives in any manner that they choose and expect to die at an old age with many memories and no regrets. But, too many people tend to live each day as if it is just a fragment on their calendar of today’s scheduled events. I feel sure that there could have been someone on that flight that was chatting on their cell phone, making arrangement for the next days business meeting. Perhaps young couples who had planned to meet at the airport for a celebration of Valentines Day. Perhaps even small children sleeping on their mothers laps, yearning for their own bed to crawl back into last night.

No matter what age, gender, occupation, or expectation that was aboard the flight, I have to ask, “Were they ready”? It is almost taboo to wonder upon such a question in the midst of such tragedy, but do we not want to share in the joy that even though their lives on earth were cut short, that they might now be in eternity with You?

It is my greatest request that as that plane was falling from the sky, that Your mighty hand came down and took every single one of those passengers. Holding them and giving comfort to each and wiping away every single tear that must have slowly trickled from their cheek. Knowing You, after all, is the greatest comfort that we will every be able to obtain.

It would be my desire that this event, so closely exchanged in time with our nationally celebrated Valentines Day, would make everyone take a second look at how precious each moment can be. I have loved ones now, who keep putting off salvation, even when they have full understanding that Your return, like a thief in the night, will come with no forewarning. You have told us in Revelation to be prepared, to be on the watch. For no man knows the day of the coming of the Lord, only God himself. We all seemed to grasp to You when the terrorist attacks stole  so many lives eight years ago. Unfortunately, it was only a temporary experience for many. I feel sure that there are those who came to know You in their despair, and are still loving and  serving You today. Praise God for any soul that is won into Your kingdom!

I pray right now for those who were on that fateful flight and had not chosen You. For a multitude of reasons or excuses, I feel sure that their regret is unfathomable. But You are a loving God, and want no one to suffer. Your love for us is boundless and eternal. So, I pray for anyone who has teetered and tried to sit on both sides of the fence their whole lives. Always indecisive on making You their final choice. They may see just how sheer seconds can make that decision for them.

Thank You God, for giving me the choice to make and the chance to serve. Bring comfort and peace to ALL family and friends of this tragic disaster. This has been a difficult conversation today. I love people so much, and usually get very emotionally invested in strangers hurt and pain. I believe that this is because You have put a love for others so deeply in my heart, that I only want joy and happiness for them. Please use this to perhaps bring others into Your arms of comfort and allow them to choose to sit idly by no more, but to stand up for You before they fall for the world.

Praying for Peace and Comfort to those lost today,

Gina

Dear God, Go Ye Into The World and Teach the Gospel

Dear God,

Well….after a 3 day vigil at the bedside of Spencer, he is finally well enough to return to school today. The migraine headaches and vertigo took hold of his life for the past three days and nights. I knew that there was nothing that I could do to make it go away. So, I watched TV and we talked and I brought him his meals in bed on a tray until he recovered. Once again, You healed the pain and gave him the strength to go back to school today.

I just wanted to say, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”. You are such an awesome God that never ceases to amaze me. I am so thankful that Spencer gets to go to Costa Rica with Liberty and teach the gospel to those whom have not yet come to know You as their savior. It is so exciting. I remember when he returned from Mexico two years ago. He was so appreciative for everything, and had such a yearning for those less fortunate. I could not be more proud, that he has decided to go into youth ministry. I am concerned for his health, but he has such a passion to serve You and is so dedicated to bringing others to Your kingdom.

Last night Cooper went to Destiny Family Center and came home happier than a kid in a candy store. I am so grateful that my children love You and still crave to be with others who love you, and to learn more each day . When I went in to tell him good night, I realized that he was still awake. I asked him what he was doing and he showed me that he was reading his bible on his ipod. I was so proud of him!

Jesus, I know that when You walked the earth, Your passion was for others to know the truth.   The path to finding the greatest joy ever known, was Your Mission. You told us to go into the world and teach the gospel.

I love that my child can hear about You and learn more, right here in our home town. I am also blessed that my oldest son has the awesome opportunity to travel to another country and spread the word of Your gospel.

Last week when I was telling a friend about the trip to Costa Rica, she said that she just didn’t understand why we were sending people overseas to do missionary work. She stated that she believed that we should start by doing that work here in America. I felt as though I needed to explain something to her. I believe that there are so many lives that are in desperate need right here. But, I also know that other countries do not have the resources to reach the lives of the people in their area. Some countries like China, it is forbidden to claim Jesus as their savior. They have to meet secretly to share their faith. In some countries you are not allowed to own a bible.  I feel that for so many, we may be the only Jesus that they ever see in their lives.

We have the opportunity to share our faith with someone who might otherwise never have the experience to receive the gift of life through salvation.  We truly need to  fulfill our duty to Your desires for our lives.

I thank You for the beautiful sunshine today. I thank You for the opportunity to hear Your message everyday. I thank You that I can get out my bible and read without the fear that I will be persecuted for my faith. I thank You for my wonderful children and their love for You!

Blessed by missions, here and around the world,

Gina

Dear God, Can one person save seven lives?

Dear God,

 I heard on Good Morning America today, that in Maine, seven jobs were to be cut from a public school system. When the decision was made known to the staff, everyone decided to give up one days pay per year to ensure that no ones job be lost. In the end, everyone from Superintendent to janitor was involved and some even gave personal checks to ensure that all seven jobs were saved.

This is truly a case that one person can change seven lives. If we would all have the mentality that our lives are not just about our own selfish needs, then we could see the large picture and show a willingness to give a little, so that it may ignite our passion for others, and our hearts for You.

I believe that most of us are ready to give that helping hand when it comes to parents, our children, or immediate family members. When it is asked of friends, the usual retort is, “Don’t ever lend money to friends”. It’s just a bad idea. We seem to be more fearful that if we give, we might not get repaid, and the price paid would be the relationship itself.  Did You not give up Your LIFE, so that we might be saved, not of employment, or financial stability, but of the eternity of death in hell?   I believe that the truth is, if we are truly someones friend, then we should be the first to extend a hand. Your word tells us to be faithful to the widows and children. To love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  Your perfect example has never been rivaled. For You gave Your own completely perfect and sinless life for all. You paid the ultimate price for those whom You loved, and even for those who spat in Your face.

It is a far easier task to give to the person who is always giving of themselves. It is far easier to help those, whom have helped us in our times of need. But, we have the predisposition that we need not help those who we will probably never meet face to face to get the warm response of gratitude and gratefulness.  Even in Your final moments of breath, You prayed to God, “Forgive them, Father,  for they no not what they do”.  I believe that these seven jobs were saved, not because one person agreed to give a day, but because when one person showed their generosity, it ignited for another, then another, then another. When we lead by example, then the movement is capable to grow exponentially. The result of the negative, unfortunately, can also claim a similar effect.  Our economy did not wither and die from the actions of just one family, or CEO, or bank. No, it is the direct result that once the domino’s begin to fall, the rest can be assumed to follow. I understand that the now estimated bail out will total 1.5 trillion dollars. To me this is staggering. We need to quit looking to the financial leadership to propose the needed repairs, but to ask all Americans to finally do just their part. Stop following the examples to spend what we don’t have and use credit to buy what we know we can not afford. This small town decided that they must act upon their own incentive to ensure the prosperity of their peers.

God, only You know our hearts. I remember the story of the elderly widow who gave less than a penny. She gave all that she had in the service of her Lord. If that is all that we have to give, then I know that You will honor that. But if we spend without regard for others, how can we expect to be blessed? I pray that for anyone who has absolutely no financial wealth, to give of their hearts to those who just need  to know that they are loved and given the opportunity to receive “Your absolutely FREE GIFT of salvation.

I know that it only took “ONE MAN”  to save the lives of All by one selfless act. It only took one school to save the lives of seven of their peers. If we act upon Your guidance and Your example, then maybe we can save those whom are lost, and even find a way to share our bounty with those who need it most. Not just in the economic realms, but in the response that we can save millions of lives, just by sharing Your grace and mercy through faith. There are no riches on earth that can ever be compared to Your love!

One day at a time. One life at a time. One heart at a time. One selfless act at a time.

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE~

Gina

Dear God, Ask and Ye Shall Receive…..or not

Dear God,

  I was talking with some friends yesterday, and the unavoidable topic of politics came into play. With President Obama and the big Bail Out in the works, everyone seems to be holding out for the magic pill to make our economy wake up and be healed* overnight!

A couple of years ago, it seemed like everything that I could have ever wanted was just within my grasp. We were looking for a new home, and hopefully, a new addition to the family. All I could think about was making this dream my own reality.  However, I did remember something that a friend of mine told me many, many years ago. “God wants us to be happy, and He wants to give us our hearts desires. But, when we pray, we must always end with- “If  it be Your will“. I will never forget that.

So, here I am two years later, at the same address and still two beautiful boys to love. I know that we must have looked at a hundred houses in the real estate section of the newspaper, and made appointments to view about a dozen more. Each time that I would open that front door, I would hold my breath, for just a second, and wonder if this one could be the right match for our family. Somehow, each one presented with its’ own set of problems. Each time, there became a single reason why it would not work out for us. I finally surmised that maybe we should just stay put for now. Then came the question of whether we would hear the little patter of feet, that we wanted to see giggling down our hallways. Nope, this could not be the proper time for that request as well.  With a saddened heart, I just had to cry out to You. “Why can’t we have what seems to be a reasonable request”?   You quickly reminded me, that although I prayed diligently to receive all that I wanted, I had also added…”If it be Your will“.

How could I have ever seen, what You knew all along. That the state of this nation is teetering on the brink with foreclosures in every state. That friends are strapped with $1200 a month mortgages and struggling to make it pay day to pay day.  Not only did You bless us immensely by the renovation of our home, but we now have an even lower monthly mortgage. You blessed us with a brand new vehicle that I still am trying to figure out all of it’s bells and whistles. You allowed for new furniture and vacations, and more than I can sit here and name. You are the Lord of Lords and I know that You desire for us to be happy. In NOT receiving what I thought that I desperately needed two years ago, You were allowed to work miracles and blessings that have overwhelmed my soul and brought me closer to You!

We all desire to have a better life, and I think that all too often we believe that if we say “I prayed for that”. Then we believe that it should be quickly and efficiently sent down from heaven. I am so very blessed that You did not answer Yes, to my prayers at the time. In patiently waiting, Your ways were so much higher than my ways. You are the alpha and the omega.  You knew me from the beginning and You know how it all will end.

So I thank You now God, for “unanswered” prayers. Not that You do not hear them, but that in Your infinite wisdom, You choose to change the script that we have in mind, and turn it into something so much more.

In my asking  and receiving, …….or not….I have the faith to know that You will decide based on Your will and not mine.

Gina