James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. It has been a while, but if I have talked to you recently, you understand the reasons it has been a bit since the last e mail. On behalf of my family, we are deeply touched and humbled by those who have helped in so many ways, prayed and continue lifting us up as we learn and grow through these days. We give God glory for whatever He is working out through this situation. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.here with you all today. Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. On Friday, July 17, J and I were just starting our weekend groove. C headed out for work around 5:20 p.m. and J and I were going to more than likely have a nice little dinner at one of our favorite mom and pop establishments. The 21st we had tickets to a play we were going to attend with a friend, so we decided just to keep it simple until then. Not long after leaving, our son called and said that his car, the one we just spent a small fortune on not long ago, quit on his way to work. Jonathan told me just to stay here at home and he would be back in just a little while and we would grab something to eat. I was not all that pleased with the situation, especially since we had just put money into that car, but J as always, just rolled with the punches and said it would “work out” fine. Typically I sigh, probably because he is right, it does “work”. While sitting on the couch waiting, I shot out a few prayer requests, not for the guys but that the REPAIRS would not be costly. Eventually they told me that it looked like a radiator hose, so there, prayer answered, a relatively easy fix. They were waiting on the tow truck, I was told, and then we would take our evening off “pause”. As I waited for Jonathan to come through the door any minute, I saw that C was calling me. I thought maybe he was just telling me dad was on his way, or that he was joining us, I just was not connecting those dots. It was a little odd, but nothing prepared me for what I heard next. C proceeded to tell me not to panic, but to meet them at the hospital. My first thought was that J got overheated and had some kind of asthma issue. I asked C if it was J’s breathing. He told me “they” thought his leg may be broken, just meet at the hospital. The only other thing I was told is that they were hit. I knew they were looking under the hood so I asked if it was their body and he said no, it was the car. J had gone over with C what to tell me so I would panic the least. I scrambled about the house, trying to lock up and leave on enough lights that C and I could get J back in with a cast. It was cloudy and about 6:30 p.m. by then, so a little duskiness was falling as I drove, trying my best not to come unglued, fearing it was far worse than I was being led to believe. When I got to the ER, the guys were not there yet, so I didn’t know what to anticipate. The lady at the desk finally said they were coming in and I saw C walking slowly since he had strained his shoulder and was clearly stiff and shaken, then I saw my husband of 28 years up on the gurney, in pain, with blood on the side of his head, his pillow, neck in a brace and left leg on a board. At the time, my son was feeling responsible since Jonathan was there as a result of helping him. J, the girls and I assured C, in no way was what happened his fault. Then was not the time to cry, look worried or fearful. I knew needed help and support. Quickly, I called on someone from our church who also arrived before the guys and stayed probably a least 5 hours, praying and supporting C. Although the pastor was working a soup kitchen that night and had company from out of town, he came later, stayed a long while and ended up following C and I home in his car to make sure we made it back safely between 1 and 2 a.m. The guys were sitting in J’s new Nissan (we just made the 3rd payment that Monday), waiting on the tow truck for C’s car, when a 27 year-old woman plowed into both of our vehicles, totaling them. The accident sprained C’s shoulder and (doctors believe), pushed J’s knee up, crushing the ball of his hip, shattering the surrounding area and sent glass flying like shrapnel, leaving Jonathan with 4 stitches, 4 staples and a necessary total hip replacement. MIRACLES (We know, many we are unaware): >The Hand of God working this situation out before it even happened >The Word of God, giving peace >The Great Comforter >Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior >J could have just dropped off the AAA card and C would have been alone >All three of us could have been together, putting one of us in the back seat (very probably critically injuring that person, at best) >The guys were both just standing outside the car with their heads under the hood shortly before the driver came at them at 70 mph >Jonathan and I were on the phone minutes before impact (God spared me hearing that all unfold and chaos) >C wasn’t injured more seriously or killed >Medical staff, etc, were amazed that J was not more severely injured or killed >The other driver and passengers (including a man and two children in car seats) were not seriously hurt or killed >Charles’ composure in the situation, from helping Jonathan control bleeding, calling 911, staying calm and the way he communicated with everyone (including answering my questions). Jonathan has told everyone how proud he is of Charles for handling everything so maturely. >For a husband who, through the excruciating pain of a broken hip and other injuries, was concerned about Charles and also inquired about the safety of the other passengers. He also demonstrated concern for me, in that he offered specific directions as how to tell me so I would be able to drive to the hospital. What compassion and kindness. >For my girls who have supported us throughout this situation >Family who stepped in to pray and help when and where needed >For the many friends rallying around, praying for and loving on us, helping in so many ways This devotional has been tossing about in my mind since the accident, waiting until I could come up with what I have learned so far from this entire experience. Thankfulness and a keen awareness of God’s absolutely POWERFUL and PERFECT WILL for each of us. He doesn’t call us to understand, only to trust Him. Does a dog KNOW it is a dog? A tree can’t be a river. God may call some to do one thing for a lifetime and others to change around in careers or location. We never know where the Lord will take us, why nor how He will get us there. A life offered back to the Creator Who so willingly gave His own, is privileged (not easy by any means), and blessed beyond anything this world has to offer. Luke 22: 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from Heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. PLEASE NEVER PART COMPANY WITHOUT TELLING THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT THAT YOU LOVE THEM! DON’T ALLOW ANYTHING SAID OR DONE KEEP YOU FROM SAYING “I love you”! After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. In Christ Alone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0393FXu_I How Great Thou Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0QVWzCv9k ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LJwSkEhruw Praise You In This Storm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5bLvVjJ4MA Blessed Be Your Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnWKehsOXu8 10,000 Reasons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E