I was raised in a christian family and most of my foundation was given to me by two of the sweetest people on earth!! My grand mother and grandfather Welsh!! My "Dee" as we call him has the greatest relationship with God...it is like they are best friends walking around with their arms on each other's shoulders!! My "Deegana" (I always get misty eyes when I talk of her) was beyond a doubt a living breathing angel!! She never spoke or listened to an unkind word about others. When she was diagnosed with cancer I told God (I was 31) if He would spare her life I would get mine straight and live for Him. She never got angry at God or questioned Him as to why her. As her body slowly faded and she lost her hair from chemo she always had a smile and was the first to ask: "How are you?" I had her for over 80 years.

No I didn't keep my promise to God...not then...I was still young and had lots of living to do!! Well one year to the day I went to church on an Easter Sunday and I assure you it was the last place I wanted to be. As I sat in that pew I literally came face to face with God and He was not happy with me!! He grabbed me by my collar and told me He was tired of my games and promises!! Have you ever done something wrong or put something off til your dad came up and let you know he had enough? Well that is what it was like!! For the first time in my life I was afraid if I put Him off one more time He would turn away from me until I decided and as weak a person as I am...I knew if I didn't accept Him right then I never would!! I prayed and a peace came over me. A year later my "Deegana" passed away!! I won't tell you it did not hurt and that I shed no tears...but I can tell you I have never been happier!! I know now she has a new body and is with Jesus!!

My life has not been easy since I have been a christian!! I have had my trials and tribulations!! When my husband left me right before my grandmother died and then trying to get my oldest through school...there have been times when I cursed God and even turned away from Him!! But you know what!! He loves me uncondionally and He knows my pain and what is in my heart!! Besides giving me three of the most wonderful sons in the world and His greatest gift, His Son...He has saved my two oldest sons...YES!! *jumping for joy* they are christians too!! I have faith my littlest one will make that decision when he is old enough to understand!! He also blessed me with a wonderful husband!! He got saved right before my sons and I was the happiest woman on earth the day I watched the three of them get baptized together!! I once prayed God would save my marriage to my first husband and was bitter for a long time when He didn't answer the way I wanted but I can now say: "Thank God for unanswered prayer!!"

Prayer has been a powerful part of my life. I am as guilty as most when God answers my prayer by responding with surprise. A pastor once said in his sermon why are we surprised when God answers our prayers? Do we not expect an answer when we pray? Yes we do and I often find myself saying a prayer of "sorry Lord for being surprised" He has answered so many of my prayers, not all the way I had hoped, but he answered just the same!! I could go on and on about the prayers I prayed and the responses I got but I think it is easier just to say if you have a need in your life, pray....God listens and He answers. Just remember He may not answer as quickly as we expect and the answer may not be what we want it to be, but we pray His will be done not our will and God's answer is for our good.

WHATEVER YOUR CROSS

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, There will always be sunshine after the rain.

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall, But God's always ready to answer your call.

He knows every heartache, sees every tear, A word from His lips can calm every fear.

Your sorrows may linger throughout the night, But suddenly vanish at dawn's early light.

The Savior is waiting somewhere above, To give you His grace and send you His love.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, God always sends rainbows after the rain.

~~Author Unknown~~