February 4, 2012 God answers my prayer and makes it snow in Texas

Wonderful, Glorious God, Immediately when I woke up this morning, I glanced at my prayer board. Underneath the puffy cloud shaped “John 3:16,” I noticed my biological dad’s name. I smiled. Another reason to praise Your name.

 As You know, a little under two years ago, You reunited me with the man I called “Dad” as a child. Today, I find myself pondering how rapidly and effortlessly we connected after not having spoken one word to each other for 23 years. And, I am convinced that it was You Who orchestrated that treasured moment.

One day, a thought popped into my head. “Your dad is probably on Facebook.” Then, all I had to do was type his name on the computer screen before I found myself staring at my estranged biological dad’s picture online. The ease of finding him after all the failed attempts throughout the years leaves me feeling baffled.

In that very moment, I reached out to him. Over the computer, I wrote a few lines at best. He immediately responded. Soon, we were on the phone, chit chatting and making up lost time. I was amazed to hear that he had experienced a heart attack just a few months prior. I wonder, “Was I sent to proclaim the Gospel to him?” What perfect timing!

Like all the other hurting souls You had led me to before, my biological dad did not know You. Perhaps that is why You seemed to waste no time in displaying Your power and might.

 I remember one particular moment well. It arose from a light banter email. I had inquired about the weather conditions in my dad’s home state.  I asked, “How are you doing? Any snow?” He replied with a quipping remark, “Snow?  Right now, it’s 88 degrees and sunshine.  The coldest we have had is two days under freezing around 5 AM in the morning.  I think the last time we had any measurable snow was last year, so we are good for another 29 years.” 

I laughed at his sarcasm. Then I thought, “What if I prayed for snow? Surely, then he’d believe in You.”  So, I prayed, “Loving Father and loyal friend, my dad doesn’t seem to know You. Could You please make it snow in his hometown? I do not pray this for my glory, but so that he may come to know You as I have, powerful and mighty to save. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

A few days later, I received another email from my biological dad which said, “Well, I guess that He is making His presence known in a way that can't be ignored. The forecast was for a light dusting of snow, but as you can see in the pictures, it’s not that light.  Haven't seen something like this in Texas in the last 20 years, and from what I understand from the weather reports, we are due for more of the same next week.  I realize that I am stubborn about some things, but I don't believe He needed to go to this extreme to make His presence known in my life. In view of what has happened over the last few months, the many changes, our connection, and the uncertain future, I can believe that I cannot do anything alone anymore.”

I began to cry. Could his heart be yielding to You?  My soul responded to the moment causing me to fall to my knees. I bowed to You in humble adoration, and began to weep. “You are a mighty Father! What a glorious God I serve!” I prayed.

November 23, 2011 Journal entry. God's Plans are Always Perfect!

Dear God, You are essential, absolutely and exceptionally good! What a day it has been!  While my husband and I bathed like ancient kings and queens in the park’s free heated natural springs, our youngest son, Travis played for hours in his own warm 90-degree pool. Doves, many doves, perched and cooed in the palm trees above where we bathed. Such a sweet sound to my ears! I lost count as to how many of my favorite feathered friends had drawn near.  At one point, my heart became so overwhelmed with Your goodness, I thought it might burst. Under my breath, I quietly whispered, “It’s too much Father. Your love is too much for me to handle! I can barely soak it all in.”  

Then, as if to lavish even more love, You had my husband offer to take Travis and me for a ride in a dune-buggy. “You’ll have to visit the natural caves nearby.” The dune-buggy owner exclaimed as we signed the rental agreement.

Soon, we arrived at the caves the man had spoken about. My imagination began to run wild as biblical stories seemed to come alive. As I stood before the large natural rock dotted with shallow caves, I just knew that You were offering me an unforgettable experience!

In that moment, I shared with LeeRoy and Travis that Your only Son Jesus was more likely born in a cave rather than in a wooden manger. To my surprise, the two of them swiftly ran to one of the caves and curiously began exploring together, while I remained by the buggy staring at a series of caves along a cliff face. Swept up by the moment, I began to envision wondrous bible stories where dens and caves served as dwellings places of refuge and as ancient tombs. I shook my head, as I realized I could never have planned a moment such as this. All of our hearts stirred up for You simultaneously? Truly You have plans for our lives together. Plans to bring us closer together as we try our best to follow You.  I love You Lord! Thank You for this day! 

October 5, 2011 Journal Entry. Living Separate from my Spouse.

Father God, thank You for surprising Travis and me with an unexpected visit from my husband last night. Sometimes, it is difficult to remain in our little apartment while LeeRoy commutes home on the weekends. That's why this mid-week visit sure is a heavenly gift.  I was surprised when he walked through the door. Without much of an explanation, LeeRoy simply said, "We finished the job on time, so my boss gave me the night off." Wow! You must have known, that I had been missing my husband.

After a quick hug and kiss, I began reheating some leftover spaghetti while Travis jumped up and down and fought for his dad's attention. It didn't take long before we had caught up on all that was happening in our separate lives.  By 8:30 pm my husband was snoring on the couch. 

This morning, as usual, I woke up before anyone else; made my coffee and grabbed my Bible. As I finished reading Psalm 105, my husband entered the room and kissed me. After a short embrace, I went to the computer to play a song for him. The pouring rain outside, made me quickly think about a CD I had recently come across while cleaning out our storage unit. I put the cd in my computer and hit play.

Right away, the artist began to sing, “I got down on my knees an' prayed. Lord, when I get to Heaven, can I taste the Milky Way? I don't want to come to visit 'cause I'm coming home to stay? I can't wait to see my family and meet Jesus face to face. Do you think, Lord, you could use just one more Angel, to help pour out the rain?”

From the corner of my eye, I watched as my husband wiped his eyes dry. Suddenly, I remembered the song’s 2003 radio debut, the same year we married. I reminded my husband of the day he raced to the Base Exchange to purchase a copy for me. Back then, all I had to say was," I love this song," and off he'd go. 

LeeRoy continued to listen intently to each word as they reached through to his heart. Then, we reflected on how fast the past eight years had flown by. Without saying a word, our eyes met, and we smiled. In my heart, I thanked You once again for this marriage.

August 7, 2011 Journal Entry. God pays my unpaid bills.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a wonderful provider. How could I have known that You’d answer my prayer in such a glorious way? It was only six months ago when I quit my long career in Social Work to walk by Your side full-time.  At the time, I had no idea how You’d provide financially. I simply followed what I believed You were instructing me to do through Your Word. Unbelievably, You laid it upon my husband’s heart to pay all of my household bills for the first time in our marriage. What an incredible blessing, especially since this means he is paying for two separate rentals. I am still praying that You will reunite us under the same roof someday soon.

As I find rest in Your presence today, thankful for Your mighty hand of provision, something odd happens to me. My mind begins to take notice of a few unexpected bills.  I tell myself, “You have a plan. There is a roof over our head and enough money to meet our needs. Why should I worry?” Oh LORD, please return my focus back to You. And, help me to trust You more. Amen.  

July 25, 2011 Journal Entry. Who am I that You should count me worthy to serve You?

Father God, as I sit here today, Your Word resting in my hands, I begin to wonder, “Who am I that You should count me worthy to serve You?” Your holiness is beyond comprehension.  When I compare myself to the character of Your Son Jesus, I feel unfit for service. I know that Your Word says that Your Spirit dwells within me. And, therefore, I can do all things. But, sometimes, insecurity plagues my heart. I am reminded of my life before You and suddenly, my heart fills with sadness. Sovereign LORD, You are my strength, my joy, and my heart. Please, Father; give me the courage to face my doubts and fears today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 

July 9, 2011 Journal Entry. Sometimes this world in which we live is difficult to navigate.

Tender Shepherd, I hardly wait for these quiet moments alone by Your side. Thank You for teaching me Your truth and bringing me into an intimate relationship with You. The more time I spend with You, Jesus, the more my heart falls in love. Oh LORD, thank You for Your glorious plan for my life and for that precious jail cell where I first met You. What an unlikely place for my heart to finally soften, my conscience to be alarmed and to first believe!

I must say, so far, You’ve truly been everything Your Word promised You’d be. Learning to see this world through Your eyes sure is an unbelievable experience. Sometimes this world in which we live is difficult to navigate. Yet, knowing that You are with me and that I’m never alone, provides my heart with hope. Perhaps that’s why, I am even more convinced that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate me from the love of God which is in You, Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Romans 8:28-29).