While writing in one of my many journals the other day (you know my "list habit"?? I have the same problem with journals!), I decided to include some of my answered prayers. I mean, I always write down my prayer requests, but I noticed that I don't always remember to record when those prayers have been answered. As I continued to list my abundant blessings, I realized that my cup is seriously overflowing! It brought me so much joy to look back upon the wonderful things that God has bestowed upon my family & friends this year that I thought I would share a few of them with you.
First of all, the picture above is one of the last ones that was taken w/ my friends in England. Wendy lovingly organized a good-bye party for me at the Old Plough, and we had the waiter get a quick picture of us before we left. When we moved to England, I was terrified. Would I make friends? How would I get involved? How in the world would I get acclimated to a new country when I missed my family so much? I prayed for a group of women that I could relate to, that I could become a part of, that would become my "new family". Well, you're looking at a snapshot of that answered prayer. These are just a few of the women that touched my heart while we lived overseas....just a few of the beautiful ladies that I will forever remember. God saw my despair & fear, and provided ten-fold. I am so grateful.
And my sweet girl, Elliana. As you all probably know (if you read my blog!), we prayed for this child. Our hearts longed for her (or him...we didn't care!). And I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to have this little life inside of me. She is a miracle, I am convinced of that more and more every day. And even though she isn't here yet, I am filled with a sense of wonder & amazement that we have been given this unbelievable gift. And God knows her intimately already:
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart." Jer 1:5
And my loving husband. This picture shows multiple answered prayers! First of all, that God provided me a husband that is absolutely perfect for me. I couldn't ask for a better man. Secondly, that he has been given the opportunity to live his dream. His has a heart for the military, and for flying, and that he has been able to get paid for that absolute love is just awesome. The fact that we got stationed in England, that he deployed & essentially saved lives, that he was a crew-member in the Mighty Eagle...all blessings, just stacked on top of each other! And lastly, that he came home to me, safe and sound, on what was possibly the happiest day of my life.
And then today, in a simple email, another prayer was answered.
It's always hard to move, and those same fears & concerns that I had in England have, once again, found me in Columbus. I have been praying that we find a church home (we're still looking), that I can find a women's bible study here in the area, and that I might meet some women in the same type of situation as I am (military/student wives) for fellowship. Well, seemingly out of nowhere, I got an email today from the DO's wife that included some info about the area, and the names of some women who will be the "Reps" for the students here. One of the Rep's has a blog, and even mentioned how much she enjoys her Bible Study. Even if I'm not able to join it, I just feel as if God is urging me to stop worrying, and to remember that He really does have everything under control. It's a remarkable feeling really...knowing how huge the world is, how many problems there are...that He truly cares about me & my simple fears & concerns.
We serve an AWESOME God, and I encourage you to take a moment to look at your own cup. I bet that you'll find that you've got some overflow as well!!
