Where God has brought Me

In previous posts I have mentioned my son, Jacob and my husband Frank. But did I tell you how we got here in this promised land? Well, sit back, this might be a lengthy post.

Before my real life began, I had been in some really bad relationships. When I say bad, I mean bad for me. They were not the healthy give/take kind. I was the giver, they were the takers. I was the one who ended up hurt and discouraged. This went on for what seemed like an eternity. Praise my loving God it wasn't. In 1993, I swore off men forever!! I started college (at age 27-go ahead add it up) and decided it was time for me. The part I left out at that point in my life was God. I didn't consult Him about what He wanted me to do. So, college life proved difficult for me - not the academic part - the social part. I felt so much older than everyone else. But, I did make friends and thankfully, the age difference proved not to matter. Most of my new friends didn't realize there was an age difference. However, I did get some questions and funny looks when I declined attending parties. I just couldn't go that route.

So, after three years of college, (yes, right before my senior year) I left school to get a full time job. At the time, my reasoning was that I needed the money and would return to college later. But, I still didn't go to God first. What was I thinking (or not thinking).
But, PRAISE HIM!! PRAISE HIM!! He was watching over me anyway. You see, in 1996, I met Frank while working at the local hospital. I was working in the office of the Chief Engineer for Maintenance and one very snowy (3 1/2 feet) morning, Frank came into the office to meet with my boss. Frank's company was to install a new fire alarm system to the hospital so he had to go over the plans with my boss.
Here's the sweet part - Frank had been in the hospital before and unknowing to me, had seen me before. He had asked some of the maintenance guys about me and wanted to meet me. That's why he kept his appointment on that snowy day. Well, I had not been able to drive that morning (my dad's friend drove me) so Frank spent the entire day at the hospital so he could drive me home. When he drove me home that afternoon I was so excited. Although I had sworn off men, I could tell there was something different about Frank. His eyes are the most beautiful blue in the world and they just mesmerized me.
Well, when I entered the house, my mom asked who drove me home and without thinking, I said "That's the man I'm going to marry." And I did. Two years and ten days later.
You see, that night, I went to God for the first time in several years. I just got down on my knees and asked His forgiveness and for His guidance. He has been with me ever since.
Frank and I were married on February 14, 1998. It was a sweet little wedding. I only had three requirements. I wanted to be married in God's house. I wanted my daddy to give me away and I wanted a double ring ceremony. After that, it just didn't matter. But it was a sweet wedding without too many trimmings. Frank's children served us as Best Man and Maid of Honor. We were a family.

About a year after we were married, I wanted a baby. I had always been told that I couldn't have children. I had problems of the female sort and my doctor just didn't think it was possible. Well, I knew that my God is bigger than any problem I could have, so I went to the book of 1 Samuel and prayed the prayer of Hannah. I left it to God believing His will would be done.

On April 27, 2000, I found out I was pregnant. Glory!!! My pregnancy was so easy. I was never sick, I ate everything and gained 62 wonderful pounds. Jacob was born on December 21st after just three hours labor. It was a breeze.
But, three days after Jacob was born, I went into post-partum toxemia (extremely rare), which led to fluid on my lungs. I was rushed to the hospital on Christmas Eve. The doctors were desperately fighting congestive heart failure. But, my God is bigger! The medications they gave me expelled the fluid enough to let me go home that night so I could be home with my husband, new baby and children on Christmas morning.

Believe me when I say that I have never let go of God since. I will never go back to the way I was before. You see, it was when I met Frank that my real life began. It was on that day that God reminded me that, without Him, I really didn't have a life. With Him, I could have life and have it abundantly. (From John 10:10)
Now, don't get me wrong, we are not rich in material things, but we are exceedingly rich in the things that matter. We have a Christ centered marriage and a Christ centered home. All three of our children know and serve God. Who could ask for anything more?

So, that's the short version of where God has brought me. I just love this journey but I love taking it with Him most. I shudder to think where I might be if I had left God out. Isn't He wonderful? He never gave up on me. He brought me out of the muck and mire to sit me upon the Rock. He cleaned me up and blessed me. I am His and He is mine.
Oh, Bless Him!! Bless Him.

I love God. I just can't get enough of Him - I pray I never do!! I want Him. I want more of Him. He is awesome!!!