Answered Prayers

Note from author:  So, it's been awhile since I've posted on my blogs (there is another one).  I have yet to figure out how I want to handle both of them.  I feel like this one A Joyful Journey, needs to be more about family - sharing photos, and updates, etc.  The other one "My Life as an Oxymoron" is how God is teaching me.  I'm still figuring it out, so that's why there are two posts today in two different blogs.

I can't begin to tell all of you how much it meant these past few months to have family and friends storming the throne of grace on our behalf.  Our fall was really rough - so rough I feel like I'm still recovering from it all, then Christmas and New Year's.  It's one reason why I haven't posted a new blog entry since November 30th!  The messages from family and friends that told us they cried when they heard the news about Toby's need to go back into surgery again and again and again.

"I am crying for you, Carrie"

"I am spending time on my knees for you today."

You do not realize what it means to have others sharing in our burdens asking for ways to help - sending texts or continually asking what we need.

It's a humbling place to be in.  I'm a fairly independent person, and it's difficult to depend on others, especially without any foresight as to how we can give back when we are in such a needy place, and may be for awhile.  I don't like being needy at all.  It's a struggle to always be a "taker" when you are wired to be a "giver."

I do have to share this amazing story about how God cares about the little things.  In the middle of the fall chaos, everyone was asking us "How can I help?"  Of course my house was not as clean as I would like (I tend to be pretty picky about it, though), but it's hard to ask someone to clean it, especially when there were week long breaks in between hospital stays when life was somewhat normal.  I just didn't feel up to cleaning very much.  Of course, I can clean it myself, and I did, but I'm one of those people who LOVES to have their entire house clean.  I function better, and am able to lay that stuff aside to do fun things (read this other post to understand why I am wired so strange!)  I am okay with asking for help with meals, but it just feels strange asking for something so personal.  Not to mention, it's humbling.  I am always afraid that our life group at church will see us coming and run the other way because we are always so "needy".

So, I began to pray about the house cleaning - telling the Lord, what I just told you.  Asking Him that if this is something we really needed that He would just provide it without my having to ask.  Again, I never felt like I should ask when I can very well do it myself!  Then, a friend showed up at my door one night and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I was thinking about what I would need if we were in your situation, so I thought of this.  I know a lady that cleans several of my neighbor's homes, and she's going to stop by at this time one day to see what you need done, and then this time on Friday to clean your home.  Here is her number if these times don't work."

After she left, the tears began to fall, because God is very good.  He showed me again that He cares, even about silly things like my need for life to be neat and orderly when the rest of it is in shambles.  This friend had no idea that she would be answer to my prayer, but she was.  It has taught me to always obey God's calling at the moment He says to send a text, or an e-mail of encouragement.  To make a donation for someone's adoption, etc.  You never know when you might be answer to someone's prayers!

So, this is my thank you post to everyone who has supported us these past few months.  We are thankful for all of you!