grateful for answered prayer

After a week like the one our nation just faced, it is hard not to be depressed by the effects of sin in our world. I watched, read, and listened to the news more often than usual last week, just trying to keep up with it all: the Boston bombing, the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas, the flooding affecting so many in the midwest. Of course there were also things heavy on my heart that were not prominent in the headlines - a friend of mine who lost a dear friend and neighbor to cancer, and passing a deadly multi-car accident while driving on the parkway. I didn't know where to begin praying! While talking with a friend, I told her I hoped Jesus would return soon to bring an end to all of the sin and suffering in our world. This was not what God intended when He created this world, and I felt helpless about how to help bring about His kingdom here and now.

Then yesterday, my husband and I were able to sit down together for two meals (a rarity in one day!) and spend time reading God's word and praying after eating. A few months ago, we began writing our prayer requests on popsicle sticks, and since then we have been choosing a few to pray for each time we eat together. Our coffee mug of popsicle sticks has become more full since we began as it seems that there are always so many needs to bring before God. But, recently I found myself looking through the handful of sticks and realizing that many of our prayers have been answered since January. Here are just a few examples:

- Our neighbor, who was unemployed for a year and a half, recently found a new job and his first days have been going well! Also, two close friends who were seeking employment in new locations have received and accepted job offers.

- My brother, who had knee surgery in November, is now walking normally again and will be able to start running next month! The doctors are thrilled with his progress, and we are eager to see him enjoy sports again soon.

- A loved one has been more faithful in coming to church and attending classes about Christianity.

- We've started a discipling community group with others who live in our area who also want to be intentional about reaching out to our neighborhood. Our neighbors accepted an invitation to join us for dinner and we had a great night of conversation together.

- A good friend who is in the process of adopting from the Congo raised thousands of dollars through an online auction to help bring her daughter home!

- Though not without its difficulties, God is providing opportunities for change and growth in my husband's work place.

- Friends who were anxious about finding a new home have not only bought a house, but moved in, and feel settled and happy in their new space.

What a great reminder that, even in the midst of tragedy and despair, God is always working! He can bring good out of any situation. In spite of the sin that permeates our society, we must keep giving thanks for the blessings He provides. These blessings may not be on the front page of the newspaper, but are evident to those looking for them. I am so glad I can live in the hope that one day, Jesus will restore this world, but until then, I'll do my best to keep praying and watch for how God answers!

ironic

... because I don't have one!

I find it ironic that just a few days ago I was feeling overwhelmed by my busy schedule, thinking I would have to somehow squeeze some extra hours into the days so I would be prepared for parent/teacher conferences tomorrow and Friday.

But by Tuesday afternoon, after teaching 2 full days with a scratchy throat, my voice was lost. Seeing as it's pretty difficult to do my job without a voice, I decided the best decision for my class and my health was to take time off this morning to rest my voice. Yet even after a day of very little teaching and talking, my voice has yet to return. It seems no amount of throat lozenges or cups of tea will bring it back.

Is this God's way of telling me to slow down and make time for myself? If so, it's working.

With conferences coming up tomorrow, I'm beginning to get nervous that I won't be able to communicate what I need to. In order to save my voice for these meetings, my colleagues convinced me to take another half sick day tomorrow.

Between two mornings at home, and cancelled plans tonight so I can rest my voice, I've had the time I needed to get things in order for parent/teacher conferences. I can confidently say that I am feeling completely prepared for my conferences. If only I had a voice to share with the parents what I've been working on! Praying God will restore my voice and help me through my conferences tomorrow.

yearning for Myrtle Beach

Two weeks ago was my spring break. I enjoyed it in Myrtle Beach, SC with my husband, my parents, and my brother and sister-in-law. Most of us had never been to Myrtle Beach, and we were looking forward to a week of warmer weather in the south!

To our surprise, the weather was unpredictably cold in the southern states for the entire week. Good thing I had packed a fleece jacket and warm socks, "just in case!" I wore them every morning and night. Waking up to temperatures in the low 30's, we felt like we never left NJ! 

Throughout spring break, my family yearned for the 75 degree sunshine that we experienced here in NJ today. Yet ironically, now that I am home and back into the routine of my seems-to-never-slow-down busy life, oh how I wish to go back to the peace and calm of Myrtle Beach (even if it was chilly!).

Despite the cooler air, it was a week of relaxing, with all of the following:

long walks,

good books,

tasty restaurants,

rounds of golf for the boys,

outlet shopping for the girls,

several stops at ColdStone,

restful nights,

leisurely mornings,

summer drinks by the pool,

soaking up the few hours of warm from 12-2,

dips in the hot tub,

homemade breakfasts,

a night at the movies,

plenty of laughs,

and even a few tears in

family conversations and prayer

Though it may not have been what we hoped for or expected, our week in Myrtle Beach was definitely a treat - to be away from "normal" and enjoy time with people we love - what more could we ask for?