Answered Prayers

Everyday Bethany Claire cracks me up, like I literally laugh out loud at the child. She says the craziest things. Sometimes I share what she says on twitter. Sometimes you just need to see the way her eyes light up or hear the sweet tone or giggle in her voice.

Yesterday she came running up to me as proud as she could be and declared "I have my busters on!!" After asking a couple of different questions to figure out what she was talking about I asked her to show me. She pointed to her feet. She had her "slippers" on.

She calls every bug a spider. This morning, I was driving down Valleydale and one of the billboards had a ladybug. It she started yelling "SPIDER! SPIDER! We have to be VERY careful!"

She blends words. Instead of saying "little bit" or "just a minute". She says she wants to do things for a "little minute."

If a toy is lost it's a BIG mystery! Once she finds the toy, it becomes her treasure.

Somehow, Chris and I started talking about all the little things Bethany says everyday. I mentioned that I don't remember Lane saying such funny things at this age. Which is really odd because Lane is such a funny kid.

Then it hit me.

Lane didn't say things like this because when he was Bethany's age he was basically nonverbal. He could say a couple of words, but almost everything was single syllables. He called me "Ma" for the longest time. In fact when Lane was Bethany's age right now we were doing Speech therapy with the ARC and testing him trying to get him in to the Hoover school's preschool program for early intervention. That year was full of prayers over sweet Lane. It was full of frustration for me. That was such a helpless time - not knowing how to help your child.

Earlier that same year Bethany got a bad report from the pediatrician. He spotted something wrong with her eyes. We were referred to another Dr. If it was confirmed, best case she would have to have surgery and glasses, worst case she would be blind. Again the prayers of so many that covered my sweet baby.

Fast forward two years.

Bethany eyes are perfect. She never needed surgery or glasses. Lane is talking very well. Actually, he talks almost constantly.

So, what's my point? Our God is a good and faithful God. He answers prayers for us constantly. He loves my kids and is concerned for them far more than I do - I can't even comprehend a love deeper than I have for them but I KNOW He loves them more.

I don't know about you, but it is SO easy for me to get busy doing life and before I realize it I've forgotten about all the times God has come to my rescue. My prayer this week has been that I would remember all the times the Lord has been so good and faithful to me.

I read Psalm 145 today and absolutely loved every bit of it. He can never be praised enough!

So, if you're struggling or heavy burdened right now. I challenge you think about the times God has proven himself faithful in your life. If you're like me, it won't take long to think of several times God has shown up! Remembering those moments and all God's promises encourage me to boldly approach the Lord with any situation. Never forget He cares about what's on your heart and He loves you more than you know.


Ps 145 MSG:
I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right— the trademark on all his works is love. God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them. God sticks by all who love him, but it's all over for those who don't. My mouth is filled with God's praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!