"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
Guest Post #6
"A Christmas Miracle" by Gentle Joy
"There was a Christmas when money was so very tight and presents would only be whatever small things I had on hand and could find to give. Our small son had severe medical problems (including a trach and heart problems) which required many expensive supplies and trips, but we were so thankful to have that son home and with us for Christmas. So many surgeries on his little body and so many prayers that he would make it through each one and someday be able to eat on his own, get strong and even talk.Life had been reduced to the needed and gifts were not a part of that even though we had children. The little artificial Christmas tree went up early and we sang carols as the kids made pictures to give as gifts, and we were thankful. Food was low and Christmas dinner would be as festive as I could make whatever we had on hand. In terms of “things” we had very little, but we were blessed to be together. The frequent surgery and hospital stays controlled our schedule and lack of money kept us from overeating, that’s for sure!
One day we were surprised by a call from a nurse friend of ours who said she and her nurse co-workers wanted to adopt us for Christmas and asked for a list of what we would like to have. That was a very uncomfortable thing to make as it felt like we were asking for things and we put a few things on the list, keeping them as inexpensive as possible, so they could pick one of them. Those precious nurses overwhelmed us with kindness and gave us EVERYTHING on the list and some other things too. I still use the brown glass bread pans from that Christmas over 25 years ago. The kids had toys, clothes and goodies... and we had food for a special Christmas dinner after all.
The kindness shown to us was precious and we appreciated those nurses and the gifts, but even more precious was the realization that we were okay with what we had and would have been thankful to have little instead of much. Being together as a family and having our sick son able to be aware for the holiday was sweet. God has taken care of us in many ways. We have been in need many times and other times we have had plenty and we thank God that He has always taken care of us. By the way, that “sick” son is now a healthy adult who eats (a LOT), works hard at his job and has his own lawn business besides and though his voice remains a bit raspy, he talks just fine. He loves the Lord and has a tender heart for people and is a man I greatly respect."
Gentle Joy's Bio:
I am a Christian wife and recently "retired" homeschooling mom after homeschooling all 6 of our kids k-12. (Does a homeschooling teacher ever REALLY retire?) I write 2 blogs about herbs, gardening, recipes, health and nutrition, saving money, projects, topics to inspire and make us think, photography, and more. I love the Lord and He is continuing to teach me and help me to grow in my walk with Him.
You can find Gentle Joy's homemaking blog at Gentle Joy Homemaker, and you can visit her photography blog at Gentle Joy Photography where you will find amazing photos like these!
And this! One of my personal favorites!
Thank you so much, Gentle Joy, for sharing this heartwarming story of God's providential care at Christmas!
In case you missed them, you can read previous Christmas Memory Sharing Posts by clicking these links:
For those who may not have seen the update on our last blog post, congratulations are in order for Kitty from Kitty's Kozy Kitchen!!
She was the winner of the giveaway for the Blind Pig & The Acorn Paul & Pap Wilson CD!!
Stay tuned for a sweet Christmas Memory Sharing post by Kitty sometime before Christmas!
What a sweet story. Sometimes the needs seem overwhelming. A sick child ranks top of that list and I skimmed to the end and rejoiced to know the boy is thriving, praise God! The past, present and future in our God allows us to see Him so clearly in hindsight. What a joy to move forward in faith with these memories nudging us with hope.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love what you said, "The past, present, and future in our God allows us to see Him so clearly in hindsight." I love to trace His hand and see how He has orchestrated the pieces to fall into place. He is so faithful! What He has done, He will continue to do in all of our lives. So grateful for you and your sweet comments, my friend!
DeleteIt is a joy to see that son thriving and loving the Lord. So true of the past, present and future... looking back now it is easy to see how God worked in so many ways to teach us even though at the time, things were very hard and discouraging. Thankfully, God gave joy even then, even when I wearied of the problems. Thank you for your encouraging words. :)
DeleteI loved reading this story. For sure I will hop over and visit Gentle Joy's blog. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of love. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful you enjoyed the story, Debbie! SO grateful for your sweet visit and kind words! You have a blessed day, too, and a wonderful Christmas season!
DeleteThank you for the kind comment... it is encouraging. I hope you enjoy the blogs also. I find it precious that God takes those hard times and makes something beautiful out of them... even years later. :)
DeleteWow, such a touching story! I loved it and the gorgeous photographs, too. Blessings to you, Cheryl, and to Gentle Joy for sharing here.
ReplyDeleteMy heart was touched in remembering that Christmas as well and the reminder of God's goodness then is helpful as we walk through other difficulties. God is good all of the time and He has shown it so many times even when we get weary in the problems of life. Thank you so much for your encouraging comment. :)
DeleteBlessings to you, too, Martha! I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season!
DeleteThis story truly blessed me today. Thank you for sharing it with us. It is another reminder to me that small kindnesses are never forgotten and we need to be aware of the people God is laying on our hearts and minds.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I am so glad you came and commented. I agree the small kindnesses mean much.. especially to those who are walking in difficulty. My habit has long been to pray for people I see walking, at the store, or wherever... some may look sad or discouraged or just very busy and tired. One day, I realized that probably there are other people out there who do the same thing and maybe God had prompted someone else to pray for me too! That thought sure helped me and I took comfort in it in hard times. I love how God uses us to bless others... and it sure is precious when He also uses others to bless us. Thank you. :)
DeleteYour comment brought tears to my eyes, Betsy. I started thinking how much is riding on our obedience and if we fail to be aware of those people God is laying on our hearts and minds, who will suffer because of that? My, it really touched my heart. I love your comment, too, Gentle Joy. It is comforting to know that strangers could be praying for us, too.
DeleteI needed to read this. I have no Christmas budget this year. Praying, waiting patiently on the LORD and working with my hands.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all!
Laura
Laura... that is hard not to have a Christmas budget... so glad you are praying, waiting on the Lord and working with your hands. May God bless your obedience in your walk with Him in this hard time.
DeleteLife can surely be so difficult. May the Lord supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory, Laura. Much love to you.
Delete"...that “sick” son is now a healthy adult who eats (a LOT), works hard at his job and has his own lawn business besides and though his voice remains a bit raspy, he talks just fine. He loves the Lord and has a tender heart for people and is a man I greatly respect."
ReplyDeleteWow...wow...wow. Tears of joy. Heading over to her blog right now! Thank you for sharing this, Cheryl!
Isn't that amazing? God is SO faithful, and to read of a miraculous testimony like this just reinforces and proves that once again. Thank you so much for visiting here and also going over to visit with Gentle Joy. It is much appreciated! Merry Christmas!
DeleteSandi, I have tears in response to your "wow"s about my precious son and what God has done/is doing in his life. Thank you so much. :)
DeleteWhat a precious memory of the goodness of God. No that's what Christmas is all about. ♥
ReplyDeleteAmen, and amen, sweet sister! This testimony is so powerful, and I think we all desperately needed to read it right now. God is so faithful!
DeleteGod has been faithful and that is even more obvious in looking back. It is a good reminder to me of trusting Him fully in the current difficulties as they arise. Thank you for your comment. :)
DeleteA wonderful story and great photos too.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes, indeed, Victor! It is always a great joy to see her photos, and this story was so encouraging. I love reading and hearing about the faithfulness of our God! May He bless you today!
DeleteThank you for your encouragement... I'm so glad you visited. :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful story! It can be so hard to accept gifts from others. We were in a similar situation when my husband was in seminary and basically his entire tuition was provided for by God's people moved to help pay. It is a very humbling position to be in, but one that blesses the giver who is moving according to the Lord's movement in them. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Cheryl for hosting this wonderful series!
Thank you so much for sharing your story, too, sweet friend! That is wonderful how the people of God rallied behind you and your husband and were such a blessing to you. God is so faithful to work through the hands and feet of His children to meet the needs of others. God bless you, dear Karen!
DeleteYou're right, it can be hard to accept gifts from others and it feels so much nicer to be the giver rather than the receiver, but oh, what a blessing we would have missed if we let our pride stand in the way of letting others bless us! It was precious and is such a good memory. Thank you for your sweet comment. :)
DeleteBeautiful story of God's working in our lives and the lives of others when we have a need.
ReplyDeleteYes, amen!
DeleteThank you. He promises to meet our needs and it is wonderful that He always does... sometimes in very unexpected ways. Thank you for your comment. :)
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