Hoppin' for Encouragement

I was really excited about participating in the McLinky BlogHop today because the theme is Encouragement. I have so many things that I wanted to put on here- but here are the lyrics from one of my favorite Garth Brooks songs- Unanswered Prayers:

Just the other night a hometown football game
My wife and I ran into my old high school flame
And as I introduced them the past came back to me
And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be.

She was the one that I'd wanted for all times
And each night Id spend prayin' that God would make her mine
And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then
I'd never ask for anything again.

(chorus)
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when youre talkin to the man upstairs
That just because he doesnt answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

She wasnt quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
In her eyes too it seemed
We tried to talk about the old days
There wasn't much we could recall
I guess the Lord knows what He's doin' after all.

And as she walked away, I looked at my wife
And then and there I thanked the good Lord
For the gifts in my life.

*chorus*
Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers


I know that it is just a simple song, but doesn't that really make you think about things in a different way? I mean how many times do we beg and plead with God, only to see a prayer go unanswered. There are times when I've questioned Him and wondered if did something wrong because of the way things turned out. But that's not the kind of God that we serve. As hard as it is sometimes, He tells us no because He has something else in mind.

Think about it- how many guys did you pray about marrying? Go ahead- Admit it!!! I think I can remember a couple! I prayed and prayed over a job three years ago and was devastated when I didn't get it. But a month later, a kindergarten job was created six weeks into school starting. I got the job and Kindergarten is what I've always wanted to teach. I prayed month after month for a baby. At the time, Michael's job required a lot of overtime hours. Two weeks after he got a better job that allowed him to be at home more, I found out I was pregnant. And of course, the first time I held her in my arms- I knew she was worth the wait!

I just look back and think, "What if God had answered those prayers about highschool boyfriends?" Then I think about my wonderful husband, the wonderful life we've built together, and the gorgeous and healthy daughter that is napping in her room and I definitely thank God for the unanswered prayers in my life as well as the answered ones.

Two quotes to leave you with:
"When it feels like things are falling apart- they may just be falling into place."

"Don't give up five minutes before your miracle happens."

And of course, I have put a couple pictures of my wonderful family:







"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I hope everyone else enjoyed today's Blog Hop as much as I did. It was very uplifting...like a lot of little devotionals from all kinds of different view points!

Click here to enter your link in the blog hop and view the entire list of entered links...