This is my story...This is my song...

Grateful. That's the only word I have to describe the overwhelming feeling inside me these days. I was emailing a very close friend the other day. I told her in my email that I didn't have enough time to tell her all that my Father has done for me since April 1st. I've decided to attempt to put some of it into words, for all the world to see. Every single day, without fail, He has given me at least one special gift of love, just for me. Many days, there were far more than one gift, but several hugs and kisses from my God.

As you all know, after a 7 month long illness, I have gone through a painful, difficult divorce. The divorce was final a few weeks ago. I have decided to attempt to write about His faithfulness and love today to encourage anyone going through a nightmare in their life. As the lyrics of one of my favorite songs says, "You were with us all along"! That is my story, too. Looking back over the past few months, He was with me all along. He showed off, showed his faithfulness, and left me no doubt of His presence on a daily basis. He didn't remove the pain, grief, and tears. He carried me through it instead. So, here goes my feeble attempt to list some of the things my Heavenly Father has done....

My friends and family rushed to my side as soon as my tragedy began. They surrounded me with love, prayers, and their constant presence, or contact through email, Facebook, text, and phone calls.
He blessed me with several new friends along the way, as well as bringing old friends back into my life. Many friends that I did not even know very well rushed to my side to hold me up, encourage me, and point me in the right direction. My life long friend, Sherri, began immediately doing her homework and helping weed through the legal system. I was still very ill from my surgery 4 weeks prior. She became my strength, my mind, and my constant help in time of trouble.

My parents and extended family loved me back to life. Total strangers prayed for me and my kids. God called people from all over to pray. I am convinced I won't know who all these people were until I meet them in Heaven! That is so overwhelming to me!

As time passed, my physical strength began to return. I began to slowly get stronger and stronger from my surgery. As I began to stand on my own two feet, God began pouring out His presence in new ways.

He brought me back to my home church, Silverdale Baptist Church.
He laid it on the hearts of people whom I hardly knew to send me monetary gifts.
I received cards, and notes that were like blankets of His love wrapping around me.
He allowed me to return to my job, where I was met with the love of my dear friends, and the children I so adore.
He sent me special moments in the mountains, which is my favorite place to be. I was blessed to get 2 trips to my favorite cabin, one trip with my family, and one trip alone. Each time, His presence was there in a tangible way.
I saw sunrises, and sunsets that showed off His glory. I often felt they were painted just for me.
He has continued to send me new friends who understand exactly what I am going through.
I had lunches and dinners with many people who love me.
He sent me a wonderful counselor, who encouraged me, guided me, advised me, and laughed with me as I walk this journey.
He gave me special Bible verses constantly. I have studied the Word for years, but some days it was as if I was reading these verses for the first time, and they were written just for me.
Laughter. He has given us laughter. Sometimes at the oddest times. Sometimes over the oddest things. But it was definitely fun and laughter from Him to me!
He has returned to me dear friends that I thought I had lost forever.
He has preserved my reputation, and integrity.
He has given me a new hope, and is leading daily in new directions.
Flowers, birds, wildlife, and natures beauty, which are all some of my favorite things.
Kisses and hugs from my babies at work.
Encouragement from Pastors. God has sent several pastors to encourage me along the way, and bless me with their words of kindness.
Gifts left in my mailbox.
A gift from Lindsay of a tattoo reminding me of His unfailing love.
A shopping spree compliments of some loved ones! I felt like a kid at Christmas!
Visits from my beloved son, Daniel, and sometimes his roommate, Neil. They always bring me joy.
Encouragement through text from people that I didn't even know had my phone number.
Music. The Ethos CD, Byan and Katie Torwalt, AJ Cheek. They have all become my constant companions.
Gordon. Dear old Gordon. There's nothing like a dog for a constant companion and unconditional love.
Lindsay and Daniel. Their love unconditional love for me never ceases.
Daniel Beckler, my new 2nd son. He has stuck by our side through all that's happened, and never ran like many young men would do.

These are only a few of the things my Father has blessed me with. I am sure I left many things out. I have come to appreciate and embrace every single moment, and every single thing He sends. They are all like Love letters from Him just for me.  

So.. This is my story! This is my song! Praising my Savior all the day long!
My precious friends, I can't hold back! HE IS FAITHFUL!!! His Word is true! He never leaves, even during your darkest hour! He is more than my words could ever describe! He's Beautiful! Yahweh! Holy! The Great I AM! My words fail me. If you don't know Him, if you've never experienced Him the way I have, it's time for you to come into His presence. Don't go through another day without my God! He's amazing!