A Rich Life

This morning, my son said, “Mom, remember at the old house, there were stray cats?” He was only 4 years old when we lived at our previous house. I stopped, and I did remember. It was such an innocent comment, yet it reminded me how far God has brought us in 4 years. At the old house, there were often dogs without leashes that would bite neighbors out running or walking. It happened more than a few times. It concerned me so much, that I was frightened to go for walks with my kids, who were 2 and 4 at the time. I had forgotten these memories, and I felt so thankful to God for the blessings that he has given us in four years.

Four years ago, I believed in God, however I didn’t seek God. I would pray for what I wanted, but I didn’t listen to what God wanted me to do. Four years ago, we went through a difficult time. My husband lost his job. I had surgery. Then, my father passed away on Christmas Eve, a week after my surgery. During this time, I started reading the bible. When I was stressed out, I would read the bible, so I was reading it quite often. My husband and I decided to live on faith that God would bring us through these storms. I remember it being excruciating, as we waited for life to get better. It was like walking around in a fog.

When we try and do things on our own, life can be so difficult. God will give us peace in our hearts and mind that cannot be found anywhere else.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
–Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

I couldn’t comprehend the peace available from praying and believing in God. God wants us to be happy and at peace. God knows what is best for us and has so many blessings to pour on us, if we listen and seek him. We don’t have to be stressed. We can stop and seek the Lord by praying and bringing our petitions to God. Pray and thank God for all that you do have. God will protect our hearts and minds from all the stuff in the world through Jesus. How does he do it? I have no idea. God is wondrous and amazing. God will give you a sense of peace within yourself, shielding you from the worries of the world. Try it.

Four years ago, our house was on the market for a year and did not sell, so we took it off the market. Then we prayed that God would give us the right realtor, and he did. We accepted an offer within a week. I was working, but my husband was out of work. Seven months after his last contract ended, he received a job offer. In one day, he interviewed and received the offer that day, with an increased salary. God, didn’t stop there. We felt we should move to a different state, Virginia, to a certain neighborhood. Once we had the offer, we were approved for a home loan. The houses sold so quickly in the neighborhood that we wanted, we weren’t sure how we could get a house there. A house came on the market the day after our loan was approved. I knew this would be our house. We put in an offer and moved in one month later. I left my job and became a stay-at-home mom. There have been countless blessings along the way. I thanked God everyday for a year. God answered our prayers, however he gave us so much more. God knew what we needed and gave us things that we didn’t even think about. I am so grateful for all that God has done in our lives.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
–Hebrews 11:6

When we sought God, he rewarded us with so many blessings, great neighbors, friends, great schools, and the things that make life rich. When you seek the Lord and pray, God will reward you with a rich life, full of what really matters. God will give you what you need, not what you think you want. Thanksgiving is next week, and I am so grateful to remember and rejoice in all that the Lord has done for my family. Happy Thanksgiving!