Monday, July 20, 2015

WATCHING A MIRACLE UNFOLD


Yes.

This is what it feels like.

Wanna hear about it?!

As many of you know, a little over two years ago, life changed.  It was at that time that it became very apparent to my siblings and I that we needed to step into our parents' lives.

We began a sort of tag-team visitation schedule that continued until my dad fell and landed in the hospital.  Ten days later, he passed away.  This left my mom all alone, after nearly 62 years of marriage.  She was so very scared, so we spent the first six months or so after Dad's death shuttling her around.

This worked for a while, but then everyone became exhausted.  So, we went back to a visitation schedule, with days that Mom spent on her own.  A few months ago, as Mom became increasingly more fearful and confused, we knew we needed to do something more.

But…WHAT to do?

Mom wanted desperately to stay home, and yet, she didn't want to be alone. The dilemma arose when she also wasn't keen on having a *stranger* come in to help out.

Oh, the prayers that went up to heaven in the last several months.

Until…

Until God intervened, and we saw a miracle unfold.


Watch the dominoes fall...

A few months ago, I was down visiting my mom, and I got really sick (domino #1).  Too sick to drive home on the day I had planned to leave.  I stayed a few extra days (domino #2).

Because I was still in town, my brother opted not to come over to Mom's on his "regular" day (domino #3).  Instead, on the spur of the moment, he decided to head down the coast to an outlet store to buy some hiking boots (domino #4).

While there, he decided to try to have lunch with one of our cousins (domino #5).  (My sibs and I have only three first cousins – Dad being one of two sons, and my mom being an only child.  Therefore, we are more like siblings than cousins!)

She was having lunch with our other cousin, and my brother joined them (domino #6).

Of course, they asked all about how their special Auntie was doing.

My brother related some of the struggles we were facing (domino #7).

A bit later in the conversation, my brother asked one of my cousins how her job was going at a local surgical center (domino #8).  (She went back to school to become an R.N. after her boys were grown). 

She then informed him that she wasn't doing that anymore.  She was now working as the RN Case Manager for a company that does in-home caregiver placement for the elderly (domino #9).

I think time stopped at this point…

(I know if I'd been there I would have heard a choir break out into singing!!)

She offered to help us find a caregiver for Mom.  

Incidentally, she mentioned that if this lunch had happened a very few weeks later, she would not have been able to personally help us, as a new franchise was opening in Mom's county, precluding her ability to manage Mom's case (domino #10).


Fast forward to last week.

One thing after another fell rapidly into place, and my mother now has a wonderful Christian woman spending time with her.  

A woman who *just happens* to have lost her own mother.

A woman who *just happened* to hear about a job opportunity through someone she knew, who *just happened* to hear about it from our cousin.

A woman who *just happens* to have experience taking care of elderly people with cognitive challenges.

A woman who in her interview *just happened* to mention her father's passing, and how they played his favorite song at his funeral – "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."  A song taken from Lamentations 3:23.  A verse that *just happens* to be on my dad's headstone.

A woman who *just happens* to be supervised by our cousin, who will personally be managing my mom's case and visiting her on a regular basis.

A woman who *just happens* to be able to cover all the shifts with Mom.

A woman who has stepped into our lives like she's always been there.


My family is standing in awe.

Rarely have I seen such a direct answer to prayer.

I am humbled by it, so very grateful for it – still standing in disbelief at how this has all worked out so perfectly.

The other night, I was talking to another cousin (who has been part of our *care team* for Mom).  We were talking about the *miracle* of this whole situation.

And then she said something that has really stuck with me.

She said, "You know, Sharon, very few people get to see something this miraculous happen.  Few get to see an answer to prayer so directly linked to God's intervention.  I tell you what.  I told Him the other night that no matter what He asked me to do in my life going forward, I would do it.  I am His servant."

After I got off the phone, I couldn't stop thinking about what she said.

First of all, I am rather stunned at all the *just so happened* moments in this journey.  At each turn in the road, there was something that "just happened" right when it needed to happen.  

Like a wonder-full chess match, God was moving each piece into place.  

God works = CHECKMATE!!


I have seen His hand at work like that over and over again in His Word.  

The Bible is full of these moments:

"Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream…" (Genesis 41:1, NASB) – Joseph

"Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns…" 
(Genesis 22:13, NASB) – Abraham

"Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river…She saw the basket among the reeds…" 
(Exodus 2:5, ESV) – Moses

"Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah." 
(Jonah 1:17, NLT) – Jonah

"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" 
(Esther 4:14, NLT) – Esther


Even in the life of Jesus and His disciples, there were many, many *just so happened* moments.

Yes, at each twisty turn in His life, there was Someone at work.

The same Someone who is at work in our lives.

There are no coincidences in the believer's life – these moments are *God appointments* divinely orchestrated by the wise Providence of our Lord.

Not serendipity – but sovereignty.


Now, the other thing that I've really been pondering is this:

When I hung up the phone I thought to myself, "Yes, you have seen a miracle.  Now what are you going to do about it?"

I've been pondering.

What did people do when they saw the miracles of Jesus?

Reactions were mixed.


Some were grateful, others were thankless.

(Remember the ten lepers who were healed?)  

"One of them, when he saw that he was healedfell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had doneJesus asked, 'Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?'" (Luke 17:15-17, NLT)


Some were awed, others were skeptical.  

"But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him." (John 12:37, NLT)


Some wholeheartedly believed that He was who He said He was.  They instantly grasped onto His offer of salvation.

"And many who were there believed in Jesus." (John 10:42, NLT)


Others were threatened by Him, and began plotting to kill Him.

"Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." (Mark 3:6, NIV)



So, what am I going to do?

Praise Him, thank Him – of course.

Tell others about it – yes indeed.

But I want to do more than that.

I want this Divine Intervention to infuse my faith with more faith.

I want it to make a difference in how I trust God.  

I want it to deepen my understanding of God's faithfulness.

I want it to bring me peace as I face other turmoil in my life.

I want to KNOW more than ever, that God is in control, that He still sits on His throne, that His ways are wise and good and timely.

I want to believe…

Oh Lord, please help my unbelief.


I cannot end this post without one last perfect moment.

My mom's new caregiver has a name very similar to a member of our family, sometimes confusing my mom.  My sister was joking with her about it the other day.  The caregiver suggested, a bit tongue-in-cheek, that we could always call her by her middle name.

"What is your middle name?" my sister asked.

Are you ready for it?

"Oh,” she answered, "It's Grace."

Well yes, of course it is!

God, You are amazing.





Sweetest Mommy.

Full of Joy.

Blessed by Love.

Watched over by Grace. 



"It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." 
(Lamentations 3:22-23, AMP)

"Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation!" (Psalm 68:19, AMP)

"Commit everything you do to the LORD.  Trust him, and he will help you...Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act...Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent...The LORD directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand...He will keep them safe forever...The LORD rescues the godly...He saves them, and they find shelter in him." (From Psalm 37, NLT)

"Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22, NASB)

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, NLT)

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think...to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)



Have you ever witnessed a miracle?  Please share your story!



Linked with:

PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MOTIVATE & REJUVENATE MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, WORDS OF COMFORT MONDAY, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BELOVED BREWS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, TELL HIS STORY, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, HEARTS FOR HOME, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAYFELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, LIVING PROVERBS, TGI SATURDAYS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

52 comments:

  1. This was so sweet to read, Sharon. Your mother is lovely! Isn't it amazing how God orchestrates this all in so many people's lives? That alone is amazing how he can keep track of it all and arrange it all. It also does confirm a point made by the pastor yesterday at church about being willing to do what God wants us to do no matter what. I think your cousin and you are on that path with your conversations and thoughts :)

    So glad this worked out and so glad that your mom was willing to have someone in the house with her other than "family." I am sure Grace is going to become part of your family so very soon if she isn't already.

    betty

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  2. I am so happy for your family that God did this miracle of events. Your mom does look like a sweetheart. These kind of things surely do increase our faith and we remember them to build ourselves up when the next challenge arises. This story brought the verse to mind of how God makes the crooked places smooth. It sounds like a blessing for the caretaker too to care for your mom! When the Lord does it, everybody prospers!

    Much love,
    Mary

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  3. Some of the most obvious miracles I've ever seen have been these "just so happened" moments in the life of a family member who was stuck in a legal situation caused by the lies of another. How things fell into place to allow the situation to be resolved better than we could have hoped is only explained one way. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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  4. Thank you for sharing this story. We are walking through the same kinds of days -- just last week my mum moved into a nursing home after having lived with us for five years. No words to describe how this whole process has impacted our family. Blessings to you and your family as you persevere.

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  5. Praise God for that precious mother and putting this all together! Although this time of "wait" and wondering has certainly taken a toll on top of the tremendous loss of the one she (and you) held so dear of your dear dad ... God's miracle and timing and plan somehow seems so grand when you notice each piece come together. I know your heart has been heavy about this and I'm so glad to see that "... Grace" stepped in. Your mother is so blessed and adorable! She has that special glow and wink! Truly this is a tribute to her faithfulness and yours! God is so good! His sovereignty is supernatural!

    And as always, thank you Sharon for not only sharing God, your thankfulness, and this wonderful miracle, but showing us a divine lesson in all this!

    This is so Special that (as you already discovered) I just had to feature on "aMazing Grace ... -----, ------, Miracles. It's my honor to highlight such a beautiful touch of God's Grace and link to you & your mom. {hoping I did not write too much here today for once} Blessings as God continues to work this all out for His Glory! So thankful that your mom was accepting of this and she's being watched over by "Grace" (a new family member God's way) ... prayers answered but I'm still praying, sending love and a BIG HUG!~ Peggy

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  6. Oh my goodness, friend...what an amazing testimony to the wonderful "Grace" of Jesus! You are so right...there are no coinicidences in the life of the believer. I am just overflowing reading about this amazing work of our Father. Yes, I too have experienced the dominoes falling into place and when it does, there is no mistaking it. Thank you for sharing this awesome blessing! And oh yeah...your little mama is just adorable :)

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  7. Sharon, this blog and these many verses of Scripture were all written for me. In the midst of goosebumps and misty eyes, thank you.

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  8. Oh, Sharon ... what a wonderful post! Our God is always on time, always listening, always working on our behalf. Sometimes things take time for God to do, many pieces that have to come together. Your story is a perfect example. As my twin sisters said (above me), this gave me goosebumps and misty eyes.

    I don't have time or space to tell all of the miracles I've seen unfold in this way, some going back many years ago. God is simply amazing!

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  9. I love all these "just so happened" moments! God is so good! I'm rejoicing with you for how He has answered your prayers in such a beautiful way!

    Blessings, Joan

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  10. Sharon, I love this post...Here's my story...
    http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/2014/04/connecting-dots-to-blessing.html

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  11. this post totally blessed my socks off, thank you. prayers continue for you, and your precious mom. I inspire you?? you are the true inspiration, love you.

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  12. a wonderful story. We had a similar provision for us when my dad came to live with us and we needed relief. A woman who had no money for renting a room for herself, moved in with us who could not afford to pay for help. Our Angel got a free place to live and we got 10 hours of respite time. Loved your story.

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  13. Oh, how I praise God with you for this special miracle!!! It is SO neat to look back in retrospect and trace God's fingerprints...it is like connecting the dots!!!! Such a beautiful testimony of God's love and providential care. He is such a faithful, loving God!! I am just so grateful this all worked out so well. Much love to you, sweet friend. :)

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  14. I love these divine appointments that "just happen." Your story about the domino effect and how God's timing was perfect. You and I know it was a miracle of God's love shown to your mother (and to you all) in order for God to orchestrate all of this happening right on time. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  15. Oh, isn't it amazing how the Lord works these miracles in our everyday life! Praise the Lord! What a beautiful, hope-giving testimony of God's goodness this is, Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Sharon. I am going through this season right now where the Lord is showing me that He is still working His miracles, even in my life. I have had to confess so many times that I've almost stopped believing in His miracles, or that He works them still in my life. But this here, is such a beautiful testimony of how God works in our lives, and that His plans are truly perfect.

    God bless you, Sharon!

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  16. The coolest thing of all: I don't believe in coincidences. Or as you highlighted "just happens." I do believe in God's hand in everything. this is just one.

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  17. This is a good reminder to so many of us that are in this position of figuring out what the next step is. My MIL turned 100 in June, and we are having to answer questions. We went through this stage before the Lord opened the door for her to be in a wonderful care facility, where she has been for two years. Now we are walking out the season of her mental declining and her wanting to go home...home for her is her childhood home, which doesn't exist. God is faithful in all things...but to my MIL and to her children...my SIL does most of the care and she is 75. God hasn't forsaken us and yes, my faith needs to increase, and your post did just that.

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  18. Sharing thanks so much for sharing your heart and this encouraging words at Words of Comfort Link Up. Hope to see you next Monday with another encouraging post!

    Blessings,
    Tayrina from
    www.atinymixof.com

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  19. There is nothing better than seeing the Godincidences as they unfold in our lives........

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  20. Love this story/testimony of God working all things together for your sweet mom. He is the God of miracles!! Joel being completely healed from head to toe instantly has been an amazing miracle for us. My healing has also been amazing.....God is always at work. Trusting and strengthening our faith? Vital! He loves us that much! So happy for you and your mama. I'm finally back into the blog world and this was a great way to begin!

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  21. Oh, my dear, dear friend! You have needed this so much, this knitting together, this HEALING. So thankful for His blessing on your family, on YOU! God is so good.

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  22. I just read again this morning, "no good,(beneficial), thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly". I love seeing His good plan unfold!

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  23. God is always working on our behalf to provide us what we need exactly when we need it! I love how the caregivers name is Grace and that in Gods grace He and Grace are watching over your mom. Blessings to you dear one. God is at work and giving you and your family peace and miracles! Your neighbor at Women with Intention.

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  24. I just love our God! He is good ALWAYS. Joining you in praising Him.

    Friend, think of you lots. I read last week's post too but blogger is funny when I'm at work and that comment didn't take. Agh. Always a joy to come visit you here. Love you so. xoxo

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  25. I love the ripple effects of our God. Thanks for sharing this story!

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  26. There are no coincidences - God has the most perfect plans! I'm so glad your mom gets to stay in her home! My grandmother was able to stay in her home until a few months before she died at age 94. It was challenging - but such a blessing to her! So very happy for your mom!

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  27. Wow what a wonderful story of God's work here on earth! Hopefully you will be more at ease knowing that your mom is being cared for by such a wonderful person sent from God. :)

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  28. This truly made me hold back some tears. A miracle for sure in my opinion. I've had to face the same situation with aging parents and it is very difficult. God certainly knew your heart and answered your prayers. Thanks for sharing this heartfelt story on our Tuesday Talk this week. Lovely scripture verses to compliment your post. See you next week Lord willing!

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  29. I love that you shared your beautiful mom's caregiver story. We need to be witnesses to each other of God's goodness. We need to share the good news that God cares for us and wants nothing but good for us. Answered prayer...and tonight I will thank Him in my prayers for the blessing He has shown you and your family.
    Great is His faithfulness!

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  30. I loved your post. My husband and I are living with my mother in law because she lost her husband three years ago. I am a hospital case manager so I know how wonderful it is to have the gift of someone staying in her home. Your neighbor at #livefree Thursdays. Blessings Diana

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  31. I absolutely LOVE hearing testimonies like this of God working in the lives of His people - giving them the desires of their heart and unseen and unexpected ways!

    I have been so blessed visiting here today! :-)

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  32. Rejoicing with you, Sharon. He really does show up big when we most need Him to.

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  33. Oh, Sharon, I am standing in awe alongside you. God is so good and so gracious. I say Amen and Hallelujah!
    ~ linda

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  34. Oh, how wonderful Sharon that God has given you a christan care giver for your mom, what a blessing, and what an answer to prayer. I am so glad that you shared this with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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  35. This sweet post brought tears to my eyes. Isn't God wonderful to care about our family situations. I remember a time when I needed a job and applied for a really good one at school where the hours would allow me to be home for my daughter but it went to a friend of mine. The day before she was to start the job she decided she didn't want it and, without me knowing, suggested that I still might like the job. I did, of course, and spent 19 happy years there. I love how God works !!! Thanks for sharing. Stopping by from Dancing with Jesus.

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  36. AWESOME! Praising God with y'all! Have a blessed and beautiful week!

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  37. Praise the Lord!! So happy for you and your family :)

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  38. What a wonderful testimony!! So glad you shared it on #JoyHopeLive

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  39. Awesome post of praise! The world says "just happens", we know the hand of our Father and that there are no coincidences in life. Love follows love, sister. Thanks again for showing and sharing His and yours.

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  40. Holy Lord. (Literally.) Sharon, I don't know whether to squeal or leap for joy or weep (or do all three at once.) I have God-bumps all over my body right now.

    Thank you, THANK YOU for sharing this-- all the dominos and proving that it is NOT serendipity, but sovereignty.

    Oh. And it *just so happened* that the "Sharon" sticky note prayer in my closet caught my eye last week and I prayed for this stuff with your mom.

    What a coincidence. #Not #GOJESUS

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  41. Nothing ever "just happens" does it?? I love hearing your story of how God orchestrated care for your mom. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this at The Weekend Brew.

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  42. Amazing how God works! It's like of course it's Grace. And God was like, "pun intended". :)

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  43. That is just super amazing!! I love reading God stories :-) Thank you for sharing!!

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  44. Amen. Reminds me of the truth, "a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." I've seen lots of miracles and divine intervention and it amazes me every time. So many opportunities to praise! Thanks Sharon.

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  45. I love this! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of God's goodness. I am so glad for your family!

    Thanks so much for joining Grace at Home. I'm featuring you this week!

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  46. How wonderful! We went through a very similar situation with my mom and it was not easy. In the end our prayers were answered and she is now living with my sister.

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  47. Sharon - What a wonderful story and testament to God's amazing works. I am going through a trying time right now and it was so good to read your words. It has given my renewed hope. I would love for you to share this on our Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop today. You can find it here: http://surroundingsbydebi.com/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-200th-celebration-im-so-excited/ Thank you once again for sharing this wonderful answer to prayer. Blessings, Debi

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  48. Absolutely beautiful , God's amazing guidance is always there. Right when we need it. So happy ti all worked out so well. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

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  49. Oh, Sharon! This is just precious! I love every part of this. It encouraged me so much as we walk through our own storms in my house! Watched over by Grace! Amen! Loved this too ---> "Not serendipity – but sovereignty." Amen!

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  50. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful miracle! God works in wondrous ways. So happy Grace is with you and may God bless you and your family.

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  51. Sharon - Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Stop by today and check out my Tuesday Treasures where you will see your Miracle featured! It was great to see you at the hop.

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  52. Our God is so awesome! And I love what you are doing with your miracle. I so enjoy your writing! What an absolutely beautiful story.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)