Journey of a Second Chance- Gate of New Beginnings- Answered Prayers-(Part 13)

We returned home and there was an invisible protective force that continued to guide us. Within a couple of months we sold several rental properties and even sold the assets of our business. Our personal home sold shortly after we moved. Within three months of discovering Maryville, TN, we were living in our new home in this wonderful new place.

It was as if all of the things I admired, acknowledged and desired was all here in this community. Every single thing. One of the things I loved about Arlington was driving down Highway 70 in the fall.  I admired the beautiful trees and vibrant colors.  Here, there are countless trees and the beauty is breathtaking.  I love my Jeep, and we now live in “Jeep Country.” One of my biggest desires was to find a way to help others and give back.  I even tried to start a non-profit business called “A Little Good News.”  That idea didn’t get far off the ground, because we didn’t have enough time or enough funds to really make it go.  We were led to a church (that happened to be close to our home), which provides an amazing platform for giving back in the community.   (Serving others is a great place to lose yourself and to heal.)  God is so great and omnipotent.  When He puts it together, it is amazing and incredible!

We could not have accomplished this on our own.  No matter what anyone chooses to believe, I know it was an answered prayer.  Just like the painting over my bed (Footprints in the Sand), God carried me.  I am truly blessed and incredibly thankful.  Sometimes we all go through things we don’t want to go through.  Just remember we are not alone.  Trust God.  Trust that He knows what we are going through.  Trust that “this too shall pass,” and allow the process to strengthen you and draw you nearer to Him.  He will never fail you or forsake you.

The Footprints In the Sand

One night I had a dream…

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the
most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.