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Subject: PRAISE REPORT
Time: 10:08:00 PM EST
Author: slimhawk
It was December 7, 2007 at about 5:03 pm, 308 days, ten months and 4 days after my daughter left home, my cell phone rang and it was the voice of my daughter on the other end. At first I thought it wasn't real, all I could hear was hysterical crying. I couldn't make out the words and so I asked, who it was?? On the other end, the voice said, " it's your daughter. I can't even tell you what went through my mind because in an instant, I asked her, where are you, I'll come get you.
As I drove over to her house, I was praying and thanking God and focused on what God would have me say or do. When I got to her apartment, the door was open and there she was, sitting on the floor, crying her heart out. The first words she said to me were, " mommy, I'm so sorry. I wrapped my arms around her and held her and just kept focused on God and held her.
Today, it's been a week since she has been home and I am so thankful that she is some place safe. The one thing I keep realizing is that through this whole time, I have not let go of God. Those of you who read my journal know how much I have grown through this whole thing. I went back and read my entries from way back when she left and it's the evidence I have that God has been my rock and my refuge through this whole thing. I am so thankful for him and for the first time in my life, I have actually learned to trust the Lord with all my heart no matter what happens.
My children are both home now. In a matter of seven days, both of them have come home. The first night that my daughter was back, I remember laying in bed and thinking, as wonderful as it is to have her some place safe, nothing comes close to how it feels to know what an awesome God I have. One that never leaves us nor forsakes us, no matter what.
There was a time when I only knew how to praise God in the good times. Today I realize that I have learned to praise him every single day because of who he is. I've learned that even in the worst of times, we must always keep our eyes focused on him and trust him with all our hearts. I've learned that he is my best friend and nothing compares to him. He is my best friend and my everything and no matter what happens, I trust him.
I don't know what is going to happen. I asked the Lord to take her away from the people who were hurting her so much and restore our relationship and he chose to bring her home. I feel so sad that she has had to go through so much suffering but I am also praising God that he kept her safe and watched over her when I couldn't.
My prayer is that God continue to work his will in this situation. I pray that he continues to give me wisdom, love, patience and peace through this healing process for both of us. Last night, there was a situation and she lost control and just started screaming and wanting to break things. I was amazed at how God kept me calm and held my tongue so that I didn't say anything damaging. I simply told her that it was not ok for her to behave the way she was and that if she could not control herself, she needed to go for a walk or get away till she calmed down. The next thing I knew, she was leaving, screaming she hated me and out the door.
After a little while, she called me to tell me she was safe and she would be home later. I went to bed and then to work today and we didn't speak again. When I came home for lunch today, she came home a few minutes later and came over to me and cried and told me how sorry she was. That's a huge change in her. God is working.
The power of God to restore people is amazing to me. What he is doing in me, in my children and in our lives is so powerful. Things have not gone as quickly as I had hoped they would but I knew the whole time, God was in control.If my hope was in the situation or the people that are involved, I would be afraid and anxious but my hope is in the Lord. No matter what happens, I know he is in control. I am so thankful for those of you who have read my journal and gone all this way with me and prayed and been there for me. I hope and pray that God can use this situation and how I have reacted to it, to encourage another heart and give hope to the hopeless.
Six days ago, I had absolutely no clue that my daughter would come home. Still, I felt the same peace that I do today with her here. The reason is because my focus is on the Lord.
Your prayers are still needed because the healing process will take a lot of time but I am confident that he is faithful to finish the good work he has begun because his word tells us he is.
I pray for anyone who is reading this and in a situation where they feel hopeless because that is not from God, it's from the enemy. He wants to beat us down and make us give up because he knows that if we have faith, the size of a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains. Never give up, never stop praying and never stop seeking God's will in all things and the peace that passes understanding will keep you through it all. God bless. Thank you for all of your prayers.
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Hi honey. I love reading Praise reports. It is so uplifting to hear about the many different ways God works in people's lives. He is so Wonderful, ever so faithful, so dependable. I am so happy that your children are safe, are home with you again. I keep you, and the children too, in my prayers every day. God bless you, dear one. You've come such a long way, by GOD"S GRACE.
Haven't written much because my hands and arms are bothering me again.
Love you.
Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/FROMBARBSSPIRITUALJOURNA LS -
(((Ginger))) I remember your sadness over not being able to comfort and console your daughter. Not being able to hold her. I thank God you can now! I pray he continue to give you wisdom, strength, patience and control as you try to nurture and guide both David and Emily. - Barbara
http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/ -
Praise God!!! What a remarkable thing prayer and faith/trust in Him is. Yes, I've seen the whole process through this situation; I think you are a remarkable strong woman. I know you would say that it's Him not you...but who I see here in this world-you-through Him-that woman I treasure!!! Love & blessings all ways, Sassy ;-)
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Do you remember me telling you that it would work out, I told you I had a feeling I did not know when or how but I just knew? There is still a long road to go, you have all been throughh so much but at the moment take it one day at a time. Your steadfastness has been remarkable. Glory be to God, the worker of all miracles. I am so happy for you.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/
12/18/07 2:47 AM
Gloria, Kevin's mom