Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Miracles

They say you are strengthened through trials, so that must be why our ward is so strong. There have been so many heartbreaking trials that people in our ward have gone through (I hope you don't mind me sharing, but each one of these stories have really touched me). From my friend's sweet little girl who had a severe head injury resulting in a skull fracture, to the eight year old boy who was complaining of a stomach ache and they discovered that he had a tumor the size of a cantalope in his abdomen. There is also my friend who was on bedrest her entire pregnancy due to complications and delivered her baby just over 2 pounds at 28 weeks. Then there is the little toddler who was ran over by a car that was backing out of the driveway and there is also our Young Women president's husband who was diagnosed with bone cancer. You can imagine the heart ache experienced by each one of these families, but the true miracle is that although at times it seems that they were barely hanging on by a thread, through fasting and prayer each one of them have made miraculous recoveries. During this Christmas season my testimony has really been strengthened and there's no way that anyone could deny that Christ lives today and that miracles still happen. I also have several friends who have experienced trials that haven't always ended the way they would like and that's not to say that they didn't have enough faith. Infact, I believe that it takes an even greater faith to submit yourself to the Lord and say "not my will, but thine be done" and allow his comforting arms to get you through those unbearable times. I have another friend in the ward, Heidi that is in need of prayers right now. We were both so baby hungry and were trying to get pregnant at the same time. It's probably weird, but we both knew when the other person's "time of the month" was and would call each other around that time to see if the other person was pregnant. She was one of the first people I told when I found out that I was pregnant and I was so so excited when she found out that she was pregnant a couple of months later. During one of her routine ultrasounds they discovered that the baby has some serious heart complications. She was born 2 weeks ago today and has already undergone open heart surgery. It's so hard for me to look at my completely healthy baby and think of everything she is going through, needless to say, she's on my mind ALOT. I know that alot of you don't know her, but as a fellow mother I'm sure you can imagine the heartache she's experiencing so if you could, please keep baby Jersey in your prayers and during this Christmas season recognize all the little miracles in your own life.

16 comments:

Marisa said...

What a great post, Jamie! Isn't that the truth. And I totally appreciated this post today I've been very caught up in our trials and this really gave me perspective. So thank you! I will definitely pray for your friend!!!

Kelly said...

What a sweet post. I started to read your friend's blog, but I couldn't make it through very much of it. I think those people who are called to deal with those types of challengs are truly special, and the Lord is so mindful of them. I know that all will be revealed someday, and we will understand the Lord's grand designs. And we will thank Him. Thanks for offering some perspective today.

Michelle Y. said...

Thanks for this post. I just ache for the Andersen's and all of the other people in our ward going through so much.

Janessa said...

Wow, that is a lot for one ward to go through. You are such a great friend. I'm sure you've helped and touched so many of them as they've faced such trying times. This post really puts my little challenges into prespective. Thank you for sharing your touching thoughts. I wil pray for your friend and her little baby.

nicole said...

Well its hard for me to type this considering I've been bawling for the past ten minutes reading your friend's blog. She and her sweet baby will be in my prayers.

Jodee said...

Don't you just hug your kids a little tighter each day you have them? Life is so precious, I feel guilty at times knowing there are so many people going through such hard times. I guess we just do all we can to appreciate what we have and help others do the same. Love you Jame, I will keep little Jersey in my prayers!

Chelsea said...

sweet post Jamie, and oh so true. our ward has had A LOT of trials & miracles!! Great reminder.

Nichols Family said...

So nice of you to keep the Anderson's in mind. I think they have basically taken over my mind the last few weeks. Can't concentrate on anything else. You're a great friend!

Kathi said...

Thanks Jamie, sometimes it is easy to get tunnel vision and only look at what is going on in my life. What a great reminder that we are truly happy when we serve others and what great oppertunities your ward has been given to serve these people.

Angie Whitman said...

Thank you for the reminder. Our ward has been hit pretty hard and I am always amazed by the strength of those enduring their trials and the strength and love of those who are their giving support, love, and help. We are so blessed to be apart of such a great ward! Also, thanks for taking time to distract me by talking to me in the hall on Sunday. It was one of those days and I'm sure you probably thought I was being rude...I'm sorry!! You are a great girl and friend to so many!

DAVE AND CANDACE BOLLARD said...

It really puts life into perspective when you hear about different people's trials. Life seems just so unfair at times. I was bawling my eyes out reading about Jersey. What a good reminder to be grateful for everything the Lord gives us and helps us through.

Heather said...

What a sweet baby. Life is hard. Jersey's aunt Brooke was my roommate in college, and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law just moved into Chris's parents' ward! Chris also works for my brother-in-law. Crazy small world.

Suni said...

That was breaking my heart reading about baby Jersey. That is so hard having your little baby sick in the hospital and trying to balance everthing, I feel for them. I will keep them in my prayers, thanks for the reminder.

Pacefamily said...

I began reading thispost, and I instantly felt heartache for each of these families, and then as I continued to read, I could tell that you were thinking of me andourfamily and our little man who didn't make it. Some days it is easy for me to think of his life as a blessing and that he is safe, but other days I feel bitter and wonder why? Someday we will know. Thanks for remembering me Jamie. I truly love you and your family. I will be thinking and praying for your friend.

Andrea said...

Life is an absolute miracle and so precious and fragile - Every minute we have is a blessing. Keep praying.

Amber! said...

Thanks.