Back when our children were small, I proposed the idea of introducing them to Christ. My husband had very little background in what it meant to live as a Christian. I could tell over the course of our marriage that something had been missing. So, I did what I always did. I prayed on it. As a young girl, I was raised in a Catholic household. I can remember my mom or dad coming into my room to wake me early on Sunday mornings to ensure that we were all dressed, fed, and to service by 9a.m.. Over the course of time we did not go to services as regularly. However, my parents still ran a household that served God. We said prayers at night, said grace at dinner, practiced Christian values, and still attended services with various friends of different denominations. My parents never refused an opportunity for us to grow in our relationship with Christ. I wanted the same for our children. I wanted them, and my husband, to know the fulfillment and overwhelming love that can only be experienced through a relationship with God. After praying on it for a couple of weeks and touching on the subject with my husband, I decided that it was time to get back to my roots. My biggest hope was that my family would embrace the opportunity. My biggest fear was that they would think I was nuts and want nothing to do with it. So, I set out a plan of attack. I got up before the kids and hubby, got dressed, and started getting the kids up one by one. I told them that we were going to church and that they would learn something new today. Then, I took a deep breath and woke up my husband. I simply said, "Honey, it is time to get up. The kids and I are going to church this morning. Service starts at 11:00 a.m.. It is 10:00a.m., right now. If you would like to go, I am leaving at 9:45. If not, I understand, but would really love it if you were with us". Fifteen minutes later, a handsome, well dressed man stepped out of the bedroom with keys in hand and a big smile. "Let's go," he said. The rest is history.
Since that day, we have planted the seeds of Christ in the running of our home and the nurturing of our children. Are we a perfect Christian family. By no means. However, I can say with much confidence that no family is. The past few years we have come to rely on our faith and trust in God so much. A year ago, I was laying in the hospital, with a mouth full of stitches, my face altered, and unsure of where my future would be. But one thing I never doubted was God's purpose. My family also felt that way. They never once questioned why. They just supported me and prayed, as well. I spent nine months relearning how to talk, eat, tips and exercises to strengthen my facial muscles, and my body. Due to stress and not being on my meds, I could barely move, let alone walk. Therefore, a very slow rehabilitation started to get my entire body back into shape. My family never stopped believing in me, and God held my hand the whole way. I had pretty much been told to apply for disability. Not something I wanted to hear or accept. So, I prayed and prayed. For whatever reason, in my heart, I knew that was not what I was meant to do at that time. I made a deal with myself and with the Lord. The deal was that if I wasn't healthy enough to go back to work by the end of the year, I would throw in my towel and apply for disability. I got the clearance to go back in June, applied for over twenty positions, and prayed to God that if I wasn't meant to be there then don't let me be offered the position. So I continued to exercise, eat right, follow a strict medication regimine, and attend my doctors appointments. Then, one afternoon, the phone rang. It was an offer to take my old position back. I jumped at it, knowing that if I wasn't meant to be there, God wouldn't have brought the chance to do it.
Here we are a year later and I am simply amazed at what God has blessed us with. We are getting ready for our youngest to turn sixteen. Our daughter will be getting married in just a short few months. Our oldest and his wonderful wife are expecting our first grandchild. Which is still sinking in. Haha! I am back to work and feel better then I have in a very long time. I have been able to pursue some opportunities in writing and am getting ready to go back to school to become a Nurse Practioner. What a difference a year makes! I have no explanation for it except that the Lord had His hand in it. I think about the sacrifices and the trials we suffered along the way. Yet, it pales to the comparison to the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. When I think of the pain and the cruelty He endured, it brings tears to my eyes. I don't know anyone who would willingly do that for anyone. I don't know any parent that would sacrifice their son to save the lives of millions. It is sad how we see our problems and misfortunes has if they were the worst thing anyone could go through. Don't get me wrong. Some of us are dealing with some pretty awful battles. I don't make light of these struggles, at all. My point is that, no matter the problem, we don't have to go through it alone. Someone loved us so much that He gave His life for us. A love that can not be measured. A love that was proven three days later, when Jesus was resurrected. This resurrection stands as a promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him. It gives us hope and allows us to believe that we can overcome anything. We can confide and lean on our Lord and Savior. He wants us to. He has never let me down. He won't let you down either. I promise. Much love and many blessings! Oh, and HAPPY EASTER!
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