Wednesday, June 13, 2012

God's Provision On Our Road Trip


My mom, sisters, and I just took a six day road trip up the coast of California, ending up in San Francisco to see my son, Steven, graduate from dental school and visit wine country.  I was nervous about going because I was still recovering from the pain of the inflamed nerve in my face.

Right before we left, I went to grab my pillow and put it into the back of our car.  I closed the hatch with one arm and immediately my neck flared up.  Within five minutes, I was in so much pain it was hard to talk and breath.   I told my sisters I thought they needed to turn around and take me home.

Alisa suggested we just stop every half hour or so and get frozen peas so I could ice my neck the whole way up.  It would be the same thing I would be doing at home.  So every half hour or so, Alisa would hop out of the car and buy frozen peas.

When we got to the first hotel in Avila {absolutely beautiful!}, they let me have my own bed and made sure to find soft food for me so I wouldn't flare up the nerve in my face again.  They always made sure I had lots of ice and was comfortable.

On Sunday, the day of Stevens's graduation, Ryan and Erin came to his apartment first to go out to lunch with the family but Erin wasn't feeling well. She was so disappointed when Ryan said that he needed to take her back to her parent's home an hour away. We have learned that God's ways are not our ways and we have to rest in this truth.

Unfortunately, I was also unable to attend Steven's graduation because my neck hurt too badly.  While my whole family went to his graduation, I sat in his apartment icing my neck and thinking how awesome God has been to me.

We all had every intention to see Steven graduate but three of us couldn't go.  We know that God is in complete control of our lives and we believe it wholeheartedly.  I thought of how God completely took care of me, even to the tiniest detail during this trip, even though it was difficult.

His provision usually comes through other people.  My mom and sisters did everything they could to make me comfortable.  When I got to San Francisco, Ken and Cassi did everything they could to make sure I had ice and soft food.

God is so good.  He abundantly provides for us.  Through all of my pain and suffering, He has been with me every step of the way.  He has never failed me.  He proves this over and over again to me.

Lastly, I just want to thank my mom, sister, husband, and daughter for caring for me so lovingly.  You will never know how much it means to me.  I am blessed and I love you all very much.

But my God shall supply all your need according to
his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

The picture was taken in Sonoma at a beautiful vineyard.

Alphabe-Thursday

Comments (26)

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That's too bad you had to miss your son's graduation, and I know that trip must have been so hard. I haven't visited that part of California in some time. It is breathtaking! As I sit here and read your blog I am in a lot of pain. It started with some TMJ issues in the side of my head and then last week I thought for sure some of the dental work I had put off was catching up to me. I had two crowns and a filling replace all in a row and my dentist said he found no evidence of needing a root canal. He feels the pain is TMJ related and due to the fact the last set of crowns were way to high. At this very moment it feels like I need a root canal ~I am hoping that it is just an inflamed nerve that hasn't calmed down since last Thursday. I am trying so hard not to take meds, but pain in the face/head/neck is just not fun. I was looking for a past post to see what caused yours. Is this a common issue for you? How long does it take to calm down? I hope you are feeling better now :-)
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
Lori, Thank you for such a wondeful post. Even though you couldn't attend your son's graduation, I know that HE knows that you wanted to be there and sacrificed much to attend. It also allowed your family to serve you. Sometimes it is hard for moms to have someone else take care of them. That can be very humbling. I know you want God's best for you and realize he is on the throne. I am praying for you about your neck. I understand pain for I have walked in your flip flops. :-D But God!
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
This is basically what I wrote about today :) God is indeed in control.....and takes care of us....all of the time :)
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
Danielle B's avatar

Danielle B · 667 weeks ago

Hey Lori... might I suggest you read up in the Bible about healing? And write ALL the scriptures that deal w/healthy and healing down and put them to memory. And start confessing over your body that you are healed. (since Christ lives in you, sickness, and pain can NOT deal within you)

I do pray someone laid hands on you and prayed for you when the pain started on the trip. There is nothing like the power of prayer!
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
Sorry that you are having health problems. It sounds like you were in good hands with everyone taking care of you though. Hope you're better soon!
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
Cynthia Swenson's avatar

Cynthia Swenson · 667 weeks ago

Sorry to hear of your physical sufferings Lori, but am so glad to see you are still thanking & praising Him! I find plenty of Bible teaching that we are to share in the sufferings of Jesus at times during our lives & also count our trials as joy because sometimes God is teaching us precious things & drawing us closer to Him by means of these sufferings. Sufferings can be relational as well, such as rejection & persecution. We can count on God to comfort & carry us through whatever we have to go through, even if we get upset like Job, we can still worship & hope in Him! In His time we will find relief! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
1 reply · active 667 weeks ago
Love that quote, thanks! <a href="http://www.iheartpears.blogspot.com" target="_blank">www.iheartpears.blogspot.com
God is good, all the time! Hope you are feeling better. Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow mine, Saved by Grace: http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Love in Him,
Laurie Collett
I send prayers your way! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop, your bloggy friendship and participation is always appreciated xo
We can always find good in trying circumstances. Our pastor spoke on serving in church this morning. I was reminded of it when I read your post. Your family served you. I'll bet you won't be anxious to eat peas any time soon. Or maybe you will. Great picture by the way.
Blessings,
Charlotte
I hope you're feeling much better this week, Lori. That is a beautiful picture and setting. I would love to go to Sonoma someday.
So sorry you were not able to attend your son's graduation. It's nice that you have such a caring and supportive family to help you through this time.
A somewhat sad but yet inspiring story....!!

Visiting from Alphabet Thursday ( a bit early but taking a break between earlier 4th of july stuff and possibly fireworks later! :)
Dear friend,
As long as your son is healthy that is all that really matters. You will see and enjoy many, many more happier moments with him. Thanks for sharing.
It was great to have people around you to support you. And what a great attitude you have, too.
I'm glad you are able to see God's hand in everything. 1 Peter 5:10 has been a comfort to me when I'm going through a trial.
You have such a wonderful family! I hope you are feeling much better now.
You have a wonderful perspective on things. I'm sure it gives you strength. I hope you pain improves soon.
Oh my. Nerve pain is just the worst, isn't it? I'm sorry you had to endure that, but so happy you had the support of so many who love you!

What a gorgeous family portrait! You all share the same glorious smile!

Thank you for letting us tag along. I hope your pain is dimished some now!

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