Answered Prayers

In Joyce Meyer's new book "Never Give Up!" the compiled stories of answered prayers is both inspirational and confirming...

The last serious day I had in court with my son was seeing him in a bright orange jumpsuit, shackled and handcuffed and being sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Well that 18 months has come and gone and today, July 17Th, 2009 he had a very different day in court with a very different outcome.

I watched him approaching me while waiting outside of court...I hardly recognized him...Walking toward me in a blue suit, white shirt, and blue stripped tie, and a slight shuffle to his step...He walked tall and proud with his head held high. This was to be his day in court to gain primary custody of his 4 year old son Dylan.

While we waited anxiously to hear the judge's verdict...I took stock of the people in the room. His family, friends and his counselor (who saw Eric at his worst) was here to applaud his efforts and his new found character if called upon. Along with his twin brother, sister, aunts and closet friends all came to show their support and offer their unconditional love.

But it was God in the room this particular morning that paved our way. There was little tension as both sides sat in the same room while the lawyers battled it out.
These of course are the days we pray for. And after being a praying parent for all my children, 15 years of waiting to see a life turned around came to be today. An answered prayer to those who wait on the Lord. Trust and patience are the key words...

The verdict was in our favor...My son has primary custody of his son. And for this mother I could hardly breathe and was overcome with resounding joy. My heart silently wept with gratitude and thankfulness. Our God is an awesome God.

When you grow weary we must remain focused on our prayer life and continue with unceasing prayer. Because miracles do happen. We don't always know when and what the answer will be, but it is God who asks us to trust...So continue to trust and love and be waiting for your miracle...It will all be done in God's time. If not for Eric's generous gift of life (a kidney)I would not be here to see this miracle or tell the story. Thank you again Eric for the gift of life...

And remember "For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God." Saint Teresa...

Time...A Gift ...

Time is the gift I am thankful for today. I thank God everyday for allowing me time to fulfill my purpose and for directing my path.

This week I was reunited with two life long friends who remain connected in my life. Sherri and Otis. These two people filled a purpose in my life. They both taught me to love unconditionally and how to let go of things you cannot change. They both taught me about courage and how to stand strong in the darkest of times.

Thank you both for your time.

When I was very ill and my son was going down the road to hell through his addiction...it was Ottis who helped me keep my sanity and help direct my energy into letting my son go. He taught me that love was letting go and allowing my son to make his own mistakes and learn to stand on his own. A difficult thing for a mother to do. (Well this mother anyway.) But without his continued support and love I don't want to think how it could have ended. To him today I say thank you. Thank you for your patience, your continuous nagging until I got it right. Thank you for just being there. Thank you for your unconditional friendship and love.

My first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" could not have been written had I not had the courage to do the right thing. Ottis helped me to do the right thing... It was this son that stepped up to the plate and gave me a kidney. Pictured above is Eric (my donor) Ann his counselor and Ottis his mentor and friend. Ottis just celebrated his 30 year anniversary of sobriety...Congratulations on a job well done.
Be of good courage. Psalm 31:24 (NKJV

To Sherri, I don't think there are enough words to thank you for being the most loyal and loving friend...You went through every hospitalization and would always make time for me in my deepest despair. Your support never wavered or faltered...No matter what the circumstances she remained like A Mighty Oak...strong, resilient, and grounded. She was the one who saw me...Thank you my friend for continuing to do God's work and give your love so unconditionally. You are one of God's special angels.

Remember to always keep your heart open for unexpected gifts, like friendships...you never know when you might need a friend to fill a need. The world is full of unknowns, it helps if we are ready.

So remember to take the TIME to reconnect with an old friend or make a new one. And give them the best gift...YOUR TIME...

"So That Others May Live"

This morning I awoke to an email from a friend, the email was written by a soldier named Isaac.

He quickly reminded me of the blood, sweat and tears that are shed everyday in this country by a soldier who has given his or her LIFE so that we remain free. It matters not your political view about the war or wars past. It never changes the fact that soldiers die for your very freedom...

Maybe today would be a good day for quiet reflection and to honor those who give their lives everyday. To all the military both past and present I say thank you...Thank you for standing tall and proud and putting your life on the line..."So That Others May Live"...May God's grace be upon you and keep you safe and well, so that you too can come home and enjoy the very freedoms you have afforded us...May we NEVER take you for granted...

Thank you Isaac for reminding me...Let us all be reminded to remember...