Answered Prayers and Counted Blessings

Several years ago, over five to be exact, I had a falling out with my sister-in-law, Carol. It was surreal because we had such a great rapport and had spent so many fun years together. This just seemed to boil up like a sleeping volcano. It broke my heart. We were both hurting said things to each other we shouldn't have in anger, and it seemed as if that relationship was gone forever. I asked her forgiveness, but exactly for what, I don't know. I just wanted to establish familial peace. She was not ready and she didn't feel like making nice with me. She said, "Things will never be as they were before." Kevin and I lost lots of sleep over it. We love her. We didn't like this. We also didn't want Mom and Dad to suffer. Truth is, we all suffered awkwardly through family events for a few years. There was a minimum of contact between us during those years. But prayers too numerous to mention went up. Kevin and I met with an elder and his wife at the Pleasant Hill congregation where we used to attend. We respected this couple and they had reared a large family. They could relate inasmuch as they had had something similar happen among their children. They said to us, "You've done all you can do. The ball's in her court. You've just got to have faith and keep on praying about it. We did for a few more years. Then, one night just before the Christmas holiday 2006, I was getting ready to attend a family event by myself. Kevin had to work and couldn't get loose. I had begged and pleaded with God to have the Holy Spirit work on her heart and mine; that all I ever really wanted for Christmas was a peaceful reunion with her. It had been a harrowing year for other family members. Kevin's cousin, Tracy, had successfully battled breast cancer, and that really hit home with me and I'm sure it did Carol too because we're not that far apart in years. It was just so wonderful to know that that prayer had been answered and she was in full remission. We all hugged each other. There was closeness where before their had been a hint of animosity. I asked Carol about their new house they had just moved in the week prior. Some of the old, comfortable familiarity was there. A spark of kindness was there. I was so relieved at the night's outcome, that I cried happy tears when I got home. I slept with a peace that had eluded me for years. God gave me the gift I most coveted. He gave me my Carol Ann back.

This past Christmas, I got another prayer answered. My Aunt Marie (Aunt Ree to me) was having severe complications due to a benign brain tumor. She lost her cognitive and motor skill abilities and was going down hill fast. She required emergency double brain surgery the day before we had planned my grandmother's surprise 90th birthday party. The whole family was panic-stricken. Aunt Ree had her surgery November 2nd. My mother had died May 4 seven years earlier. Grandma was a basketcase. We didn't find out the outcome of Aunt Ree's surgery until the day before the party. God gave our family two reasons to celebrate. My aunt's life was spared and her chances for full recovery were great, and Grandma was so excited and thrilled to see her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her brothers, nieces and nephews! It was a day to rejoice! I told Aunt Ree this past Christmas that she was the finest Christmas present I could have ever received. Santa doesn't bring my gifts. God does, and His gifts whip Santa Clause's goodies to the curb!

Some blessings are robed in crisis. Kevin losing his job from Tower was a difficult readjustment period for our marriage. There were times when I lost patience with him; but yet there were other times that I had a chance to re-acquaint myself with him that we wouldn't have had if our world hadn't stopped spinning. I have learned to love and appreciate him on a whole new level. It tested my ability to move within my God-given role as wife and treat him as I should despite my anxiety over our situation at that time. I learned that he's in this marriage for the long haul too; that he's devoted to me. I realize that that level of love makes me the richest woman in the world. He doesn't know that I put my hand in the middle of his back at night and pray over him. I ask God to strengthen our bond, and He's been faithful to do that.

What are some of your answered prayers, blessings, etc.? I'd love to hear them.

Love Ya,
God Bless!