If I Pray...

"So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

- Romans 15:13

Three truths the Lord showed me in my quiet time today:
IF I PRAY
It's so easy to do everything quickly and efficiently these days, but why does it seem so hard to push pause and pray? So many things pull for our attention, but true change - in heart and deed- happens when we are still before Him for answers and direction. We have been praying for the past few weeks about school, therapy, and how to disciple our kids - especially my most challenging child.  Many days it has SEEMED as if God has been quiet with little direction. But I have felt led to just be still before Him and wait.

GOD WILL GIVE ME HOPE 
Yesterday our answer came - in such an unlikely way too! My son was at his occupational therapy evaluation at a new place when the doctor overseeing us suggested we check out a new place, Brain Balance (nationally known) that is coming soon to Naples, our home town, so we did! What an awesome encouragement - the testimonials were-  on their website to a mom of a child with Asbergers! We are checking them out as I type! I prayed for it, and here was my HOPE!

HE WILL KEEP ME HAPPY & FULL OF PEACE
God promises that If I pray the result will be a life that is happy and full of peace. How true this is and convicting at the same time. I need to pause throughout my busy day, full of balancing life with three kiddos, and ask for HOPE, HAPPINESS, and PEACE. It is three things that will help me especially in those times when I want to throw in the towel. HE hasn't forgotten about me, HE hears my prayers, and like any good father wants to see me full of happiness and peace. But the only path to those three things STARTS with prayer. 

HE heard my prayers for a new beginning full of hope and peace - as we start our school year. The answer didn't come immediately, but HE doesn't promise that it will! My heart has such a hard time with patience, but I must remember how HE works behind the scenes making the perfect connections for my life. Sometimes it takes a little while, but it is well worth the wait as it brings such indescribable peace. We are excited to move forward and follow His direction as we seek Him in prayer daily - and watch Him work! How about you?

Do you feel sluggish lately, in a slump in need of peace and happiness?

Seek His face (Psalm 105:4) in prayer daily and ask Him for a fresh dose of HOPE for your family! 

Jesus loves you much and IS working behind the scenes even when it SEEMS as if He is silent!

Proper Perspective

Now may the God of hope fill you

 with all joy and peace in believing,

 that you may abound in hope

 by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

- Romans 15:13 

 

On Friday my son went in the hospital to have some tests done on his bladder. It was a long day but the doctor assured us that as we press forward things will get better. His doctor doesn't know Jesus but I truly believe the Lord will use us to encourage him towards the Lord. It takes time, relationship (we've known this doctor for 4 years), faith, and prayer. We are praying and believing that the Lord will use our trials for His glory (John 9:1-3). 

As we began our trip back home across Alligator Ally (2 hour straight road with very few exits and little to look at besides water and grass on both sides) I began to praise the Lord for our car. It is a 2007, and has been such a gift. We received it free (along with 6 months of free insurance) from a sweet family in the faith. To which, right after my car completely gave out causing me to have to pull over and put my flashers on. 

After many attempts to start it again, phone calls to our roadside assistance number, freaking out to my husband on the phone, and the Road Ranger behind our car - I found a peace that surpasses understanding. Someone was praying for me. So needed and it was overwhelmingly felt by my spirit. My kids were playing together trying to catch mosquitoes let in by my window. Our vent was blowing cool air because the battery worked enough to. It gave way to proper perspective. 

This breakdown caused me to praise God for many things. 

Thankful I had a car (at all - some have to take a bus or walk). 

Thankful that my kids are best friends (even though they can fight like the best of them ) and look out for each other. I watched them try to soothe their little sister as she had a few meltdowns. 

Thankful we got to ride in the awesome Road Ranger car to meet my husband at the  nearest exit. (My kids loved it!)

Thankful that my husband was our "hero" (as my oldest son stated) and came to "rescue" us.

Thankful that we have good friends who were across the ally already and stopped to look at our car, on their way over, and plan to tow it back for us (something the tow truck wanted to charge $450 for).  That was so supernatural. What a gift. 

Proper perspective. Looking at the glass half full instead of half empty. That's what knowing Jesus will do. 

Ladies look at your situation with "biblical goggles" seeing how the Lord is working in it all.

Remember to praise your kids for those little moments where they choose to behave in the midst of crazy.

Praise your husband (earthly if you have one - heavenly if you do not) for the way he steps up to protect and "rescue" your family.

What do you think HE is saying to you through this today?