A lesson in answered prayers.

Why is it that when I pray, I don't live like God has heard and answered my prayers? I admit to praying prayers of repetition and with all the right words, going through the motions but lacking in the fervency that God deserves. I am so glad God still hears and protects us, even when I don't put in the effort I should.

Then life happens and God intervenes, and I got to see God's hand of protection over us in such a dramatic way, that it caused me to stop and PRAISE HIM. Our recent trip over Thanksgiving gave us one of these opportunities. If you would like to read of another incident you can read this post from back in June.

On Sunday Evening, we left for Charleston to visit family. I fell asleep for a few minutes.When I woke up the front end of the van was shaking. I asked Larry if he noticed it, he said yes. So we pulled over at  at gas station at the next exit. Larry looked at front end over and found this:

Our tire was completely shredded!  I was shocked! We put the van in the shop the Friday before for an oil change and check. They noticed we needed new windshield wipers, but neglected to notice our tire was about to fall apart!

I went in and asked the clerk if there were any tire shops or place that we could get a new tire. Keep in mind this was Sunday at about 4:00pm. She said no, but she knew someone who might come help. A moment later she was on the phone with Mr. Eddie. He showed up about 10 minutes later.

I wish I would have gotten a better picture of Mr. Eddie, a real life hero to my family, but I was keeping an eye on these two. The kids were completely unaware of the danger we had been in and the anxiety that I was feeling in determining how we could continue our trip. They were enjoying the cookies I bought to keep them sitting still.  Oh the sweet innocence of childhood. :)

Mr. Eddie is a mechanic and told us he was amazed that the tire had not burst. He helped Larry put the donut tire on, and 20 minutes later we were on our way. Thanks to my tech savvy brother in law he found a Sam's club in Lumberton with a tire section that was open. By 7:00 we were on the road with two new tires and the kids were full from the pizza dinner we had in the Sam's deli.

This incident could not have been dealt with any better if we had planned it. God was so GREAT to protect us, to have the kind people help us like the cashier and Mr. Eddie. I am again amazed at the goodness of God for answering our prayers for traveling mercies.

We often pray for traveling mercies before we leave on long trips. This is the first time I have ever seen "mercies" revealed so obviously! I wonder how many other things I've miss because I am so busy with life that God's blessings pass me by.

More Great Grands :)

We also were able to visit with Grandpa Clifford and Alice while in Charleston. They had a great time with the kids as well :)

Great Grands

While visiting Larry's family in Charleston we had a chance to visit with Larry's Grandfather, Papa Joe. He is doing great and has adjusted well to living in a Alzheimer's home. I don't think he knew who were were, but he enjoyed the visit, especially the children.

Josiah started to fuss for the pictures. Papa Joe leaned over and kissed him. It stopped him immediately. I guess we'll have to try that in the future.
Josiah's response was priceless.

Larry's Parents, Jeanne and David, Papa Joe and Larry .

Haiti Update

Dr. Vlad and Dr. Merline with some of their Patients.

I received an e-mail from Dr. Vlad tonight. Things in Haiti continue to be difficult. This is a part of his e-mail:

"CHOLERA is spreading day by day in Haiti and about 1000 people has been killed by this Intestinal Infection, i just transport 6 new cases to a treatment center of Samaritan's Purse(SP) where they had already about 60 more hospitalized. SP suggested us(NCBM) to join them on Cholera treatment,  Discussing that on a meeting with the Haitian Health Ministry, they advice NCBM to keep up the Good Work that we are doing via the Mobile Clinics so, we(Mr Curtis & Dr Vlad) agree with the Health Ministry cause it's a good way to Help other people suffering with other diseases and also those with Cholera to refere them."  

Please be in pray for the doctors, nurses, and workers with North Carolina Baptist Men and Samaritan's Purse. Pray for the Haitians who are suffering through these difficult times. Pray the Lord would continue to work in and amongst these situations to bring Glory to His name.