Everything Is Beautiful

Last weekend I traveled from West Virginia home to North Carolina. I was going to meet my twin grandsons who were born on February 26^th. Of course it was a chance to visit with my son and parents. I never could have anticipated the blessings that would be experienced. The answers to prayer manifested and witnessed. Not just my prayers, but the prayers of many others. If this weekend is even a taste of what is to come in Cambodia and in our future…I cannot wait to see God’s handy work.

Friends

I have a friend from high school. He was always the class clown and could turn boring day in orchestra or at lunch into the highlight of your day. He is the person who introduced my husband into working with the NC prison system, which also led me to my rewarding time as a probation officer. I would have to say that Lucas set many life changing things into motion. I always thought the world of him. My kids and husband liked him, but like most of us…he had issues and battles that left the people who cared about him wringing their hands in worry or falling to their knees to pray. I am certain his mother spent many sleepless nights praying for him. (Just as mine did for me.)

I have had a handful of chats with his wife via Facebook. She was working with a ministry event for the homeless and I was compelled to donate. We arranged for me to stop by and drop the items off during my brief visit. She is an absolute doll. A loving, woman of God and it radiates off her. More personally, I see that radiating out of my friend of many, many years. They have a beautiful family and hearts to serve others. The ride away from their home I poured with tears of joy for the life my friend Lucas now has and the new sister in Christ I am privileged to know. (If you ever need a baked good in the cape Fear Region of NC check out Agape Bakery.)
 

New and Extending Family

The purpose of the trip was to meet my grandsons. I was excited to meet them, but anxious about the rest of the crew. There have been some disagreements between my husband and son. There were also some communication failures that created a little tension between everyone. I prayed and prayed in the weeks leading up to my visit that all would go well.

God is good! You really can’t say more than that. It was a pleasant visit. (Much too short due to my time constraints.) We had pleasant conversation and I truly did not want the visits to end. (OF course, part of that was cuddling with those sweet little babes.)

Forgiveness

My youngest son from my first marriage, Vincent, went on the trip with me. I had been hoping and praying that he would reconcile with his Father. Despite our histories, when I rededicated my life a few years ago, it became evident that forgiving my ex-husband was a massive piece of the puzzle in drawing closer to the Lord. I prayed, sometimes through gritted teeth, for his health, happiness, and his family. It got easier and eventually I found myself really meaning it. I have been stressing to my sons that they needed to do the same. Forgive and move on.

Vincent had no desire or plan to reach out to his Dad but after the ride down and a conversation with Nana, he changed his tune. (At that time he did not know I had given his Father a heads up he would be in town.) I felt compelled by the Spirit to encourage and foster this reconnection. I am pleased they seemed to have a nice visit with each other.

The kicker to this equation was a very pleasant visit with my ex-husband as we cooed and fawned over our new grandchildren. It was a lovely time between my Mom, my Ex and I reminiscing about the boys when they were little and comparing the twins to their Daddy. To feel no hate or anger toward this man was a gift I did not expect on this trip. I know that is a result of the prayers I prayed for him, his family and our sons. I sensed changes in him as well. As a now ordained minister, I am certain he has experienced some major changes and has a testimony to share too.

Family Tradition

There is this tradition of sisters not being very sisterly in my family. My Mom and Aunt have had years of being up and down with one another. It was always a source of heartbreak for me because I love my Mom, but my Aunt is literally my hero. They are both super women in their own unique ways and I would not be the woman I am now without BOTH of them in my life. Not only are my Mom and Aunt spending time together, my Uncle and Dad are along for the ride. They have breakfast together and were speaking to each other at dinner the other night. I had to choke back many tears seeing the way my family was changing. I know that is result of prayer.

My sister and I just never had a deep connection. I always blame it on the age difference and we genuinely are two totally different people. Even that relationship is changing. My sister and I faced off in an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday. She beat me, fair and square. We talked and laughed and finally have a connection. This extends to my brother-in-law too. Since his accident, God has brought us closer to one another. Jesus is at the center of it all.

I saw excitement in my Grandmother’s eyes at the anticipation of meeting her Great-Great Grandchildren. We once again have 5 generations of my family around. Then Sunday morning someone mentioned at the Firehouse Sunday School that my Grandparents were responsible for all this and pointed to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that were present. What a heritage and legacy? We sang the song “Thank You Lord” by the Easter Brothers. Take a look at the lyrics:

“As the world looks upon me, as I struggle along
They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong
In my heart I'm rejoicing, how I wish they could see
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me
Chorus
There's a roof up above me
I've a good place to sleep
There's food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me
Verse II
Now I know I'm not wealthy, and these clothes , they're not new
I don't have much money, but Lord I have you
And to me that's all that matters, though the world cannot see
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me”

I cried the entire song. It is such a reflection of my life and of the weekend I was experiencing. Seeing family and friends come full circle into fellowship with one another and with God. I bore witness to my own prayers and the prayers of others being manifested. None of us are flashy, wealthy or successful by the standards of the world…but we have God and we have each other.

Thank you, Lord, for your blessing on me!