Expect Miracles!

This last week was a very trying week for our family. My dad ended up in the hospital again- with some complications that he's had before. The first time was about 12 years ago and then again only two years ago. Both requiring intense surgeries. Two years ago he almost didn't make it through the difficult surgery and then the complications that followed. He was in the ICU for about 8 weeks. Our immediate and extended families pulled together in fasting and prayers. The symptoms each time have been the same. It hits suddenly (in the middle of the night) with vomiting, but no fever. This time however, we thought maybe the stomach flu, or food poisoning. He was in bed all day Wednesday, but there was an underlying feeling that he would end up in the hospital. My dad being a very positive and optimistic person kept saying he would be just fine. Of course knowing that, i told him that if he felt that there was something more- we should act. He would go from feeling fine (a little weak) to severe pains. Finally, Thursday evening he received a priesthood blessing and then he went into the hospital. This proved to be a good thing. Both surgeons that had done his surgeries before were out of town (Spring Break). There was a new surgeon on the mountain and he'd need to consult with my dad. Justin and i were in Phoenix because of his hearing test- but.... my mom called and set up a family fast for Friday. We fasted at that time for my dad to have comfort and peace because he was having terrible memories of the last time he was in the hospital. We also fasted for this new surgeon to be inspired in the hopes that surgery wouldn't be necessary.

I also fasted for my mom. She's an amazing woman.

Justin went in at 4:30 Friday morning for his test and because of how the military works, he didn't get a hold of me until noon. It was a bit of a let down for us because once again they had to send in a waiver for Justin's moderate hearing loss. He has normal hearing loss for his age, but one doctor back east makes the final decision. So we find ourselves in the exact same place we've been in the past month. They said we should find out if it was accepted in 2 to 5 days. To us that means 2 to 3 weeks! :) I am keeping my hopes up and expecting to find out this week. Anyway, i explained to Justin what was happening at home with my dad. My children were also at my parents- of course being alone during this time, but making cards and having a great amount of faith.

Faith of a child seems so simple....but is it?

I lean on my children for strength more than they know!

After some routine tests (at the hospital) -i get a phone call from my brother Britton (Friday morning) that this new surgeon seemed very confident that he could try another procedure and not do surgery. The tears flowed! It was at that moment for me that i was witnessing God's tender mercies. With what was going on with my dad & with Justin and i....it was at that very moment i knew God had heard our prayers. He knows what the future holds. Here we were, one family pleading for His hand and He heard and i knew it.

We had only been fasting for a few hours at this point, but the peace was overwhelming. Peace reminding me that He was in charge and i was to continue faithful.

Today is Monday and i feel so grateful even among all the uncertainty.

Yesterday we had another powerful family fast- first for gratitude, second for my dad's quick healing, third for my mom and last but not least for Justin and i. Was this too much to ask? Absolutely not! We will expect miracles, because they happen and they happen daily!! There is an article in the April 2009 Ensign on Fasting with Power. I recommend you read it.

I'm grateful for those friends and family who prayed and fasted this week in our behalf. My dad should be able to leave the hospital this week! As for Justin and i...we will know soon. The Lord knows our many concerns and He knows yours. I will continue to fast with power and expect miracles! We're commanded to pray always. I will do just that!!

Press on my friends, press on! I love you all!