I went through a horrible childhood filled with physical abuse and much worse. I ended up going through 4 divorces because I had no self-esteem and no faith in myself. I have been a Christian since my early teens. I didn't hesitate to pray for others, but I had trouble accepting God's will in my life. Some wonderful friends helped me get back to God in the mid to late '90s. 

 

In May of 1998, I met the man of my dreams through a bunch of coincidences over the internet, that could only be the work of God. I lived in Florida, and he lived in the state of Washington. I moved to Washington and lived there for 8 months, but things weren't right and I returned to Florida in early 1999. We had plans for him to go to Florida shortly after I did, but things happened, and plans changed. Then, on March 22, 2000, exactly 3 years ago today, my oldest son was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 16. 

 

My entire family also turned against me at the same time. That's another horrible story all by itself. John broke up with me 2 weeks after my son died. In April, I found out that my father had lung cancer. He died in August. I turned to John, and he was right there for me.

 

In December of 2000, I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, which has effectively ended my career as a legal secretary/paralegal. After having surgery on both hands, I am still having problems. My disability benefits have terminated, and I am now looking for employment, but I'm not having a lot of luck yet.

 

In December of 2001, my ex-husband sued for custody of my younger son. In November of 2002, my mother passed away. It sometimes seems that I just can't handle any more before I break.

 

But...  God has kept me strong. He has reassured me that I will make it through. God has brought John and I back together, and we have been married for almost 7 months now. My younger son and I are happier than we have ever been in our lives.  And we are very blessed to live in the beautiful state of Washington. 

 

God has brought me through things I never could have survived on my own. 

 

I am so very thankful for God's gift of salvation, for the miracles he provides to us every day, and for the many blessings he gives us. I know firsthand that God takes care of us, even when we have no clue what we need. All we have to do is accept his love and salvation.