Then There Were...FOUR!!: An encounter...of the most amazing kind

Ok, this may sound a little weird, but it has had a profound impact on me.

I am involved in a Bible Studies at church. Right now we are doing the study of James by Beth Moore. This past week, the topics of discussion were prayer, trusting God, and realizing your blessings from God. Here are some verses that really spoke to me:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened." Matthew 7: 7-8

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." James 1:6-8

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

"He replied, "the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Who ever has will be given more, and he will have and abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."" Matthew 13:11-12 In reference to doubting God.

Anyway, these verses were on my mind when I went to bed last night. While I was sleeping I had a dream. I was on a plane on my way to London, a LONG LONG over seas flight. If you know me, you know I HATE flying. In fact, I am beyond terrified. The night before a flight, I toss and turn with nightmares. On my honeymoon I cried like a baby on the 2 hour flight to Florida! NOT EVEN KIDDING! I am surprised that security let me on the plane at all! I even had to take pills to try to calm my nerves...didn't work.... but I digress! In my dream I was crying and terrified pleading and praying to God to protect me and to get me and the other passengers to our destination safely. BUT the whole time I was still crying and scared....

Still in my dream, I paused for a moment. If I truly trusted in God and his plan and power, why would I cry even after I prayed? Why would I be scared? It was hard, but I stopped crying and relaxed. The feelings of being scared did not completely go away, but every time they crept back into my mind I was reminded that I was in Gods hands. He loves me. His will be done. And I felt safe.

When I woke up (for real) this morning I couldn't stop thinking about my dream. I truly believe God was speaking to me. It wasn't just about flying, but it was about something so much more! I am not fully trusting God with my life. I say I am and go through the motions, but on the inside I am still trying to protect and save myself. God was telling me to trust him fully with my life. He will not let me crash and burn.

I don't know that I have ever been more sure that God was speaking directly to me! This was the first time that I can remember hearing God. ACTUALLY HEARING GOD and UNDERSTANDING EXACTLY WHAT HE WAS SAYING!

AMAZING!

Hudson, I hope that by the time you read this, you have already had may encounters with God. I hope that you have a real relationship with him and communicate with him every day. I hope and pray that you are letting Him guide you and that you are willing to follow. God has so many wonderful and amazing things in store for you, if you will open your heart to receive them. At the time I am typing this you are just a baby, but even now I am praying for your future and your salvation. I love you as much as humanly possible, just know Gods love for you is infinitely more than any mortal is capable of. That is the most amazing and comforting thought.

I hope by my writings you will have more insight to where you come from, who I am (wife, mother, daughter, sister....), who you are, and how God has blessed our lives through the good, bad, stressful, and calm times.

Because I can't help myself, here are some pictures of what has been going on!


3-2-12 The calm after the storm

This past Friday multiple tornadoes ripped through Southern Indiana and Kentucky. The outbreak was anticipated more than a day in advance. Schools dismissed their students early and business closed so people could be home with their families or find shelter to stay safe. Even with all that warning and anticipation, the storms moved through leaving many without homes and many lives lost. Thankfully, we (along with all family) were unharmed. My thoughts and prayers got out to everyone effected by the storms. It shows you just how powerful mother nature can be.

3-3-12 My beautiful mother turned 53!

Friday after the storms passed, we drove up North to celebrate my moms (Grandma Smith's) birthday! It was great to spend time with everyone INCLUDING my Great Uncle (Hudson's Great Great Uncle) Truman! He made the 2+ hour drive to spend the day with us and celebrate! We spent the day catching up, playing with Hudson (he has become a source of entertainment), and doing a group crossword puzzle (we come from a game playing/puzzle doing family)! I am horrible at them, but Uncle Truman is AMAZING!