Large or small, so grateful prayers are heard and answered...

I don't know if you heard... Yes, it was that huge sigh that just came from the depths of my being.  If you only could have experienced the anxiety I've been feeling--weighing me down, hanging over my head, never quite out of my mind, then you would appreciate that sigh.  What is the cause?  Yep, I joined our school PTA, and what's more than that, I volunteered to head a new fundraiser! 

Please, keep the snickering down.  Good has already come from it as I've had another opportunity to see the Lord's tender mercies in my life.  I agree, this may not be considered a huge, or really important item, but I know that isn't how our Heavenly Father judges importance.  Because I am a daughter of our Heavenly Father, just as each of us are His children, I know that if something holds importance in my life, it is in turn important to Him.  Now, I know that doesn't mean that all my cares are completely taken away and that challenges won't fall across my path, but I can rest assured that I will learn from each of life's experiences and that I can become better because of them--regardless of the outcome.  I also know that there are those precious, brilliant moments when with complete certainty I can say "my prayer was answered".  It's so wonderful to be paying attention at those times.  I wonder how many other times prayers are answered, possibly in ways that I wasn't expecting or maybe even wanting, and I missed recognizing the Lord's hand in my life; missed a chance to thank Him specifically for His blessings.  I'm feeling very grateful right now.  Let me explain...

Back to the PTA.  So I am chairing the Poinsettia Sale that our primary and middle schools are having.  It's the first year for this particular fundraiser so there hasn't been any past information with which I could benefit.  Did I mention that my committee consists of me?  Just little ole me.  Just little ole me who is brand spanking new to PTA and not familliar with the schools at all!!!  YIKES!  Let me just say that I have been learning a lot, and taking tons more time than what might have been needed if there would have been help.  I'll try to focus on the "learning a lot" part to that, but more important, my latest challenge was overcome today!

With fundraisers and other events, visual publicity is important; flyers, email blasts, signs, etc.  For those that know me, it is undisputed that I lack in visually artistic talents--I don't draw, paint, sketch--you get the picture--I was blessed with siblings that do all of that!  Regardless of that well known fact among my circle of friends and family, the PTA required that I perform.

Before submitting to my daunting task of creating TWO, 10 to 12 foot long signs, I took a moment to say a simple prayer.  I asked for help in accomplishing this task that was ahead of me.  After explaining my perdicament, I simply asked that I might be blessed with the ability to make the signs look presentable.  I wasn't asking for a talent that I didn't have or extremely unrealistic results.  Grateful for the peace that comes with prayer, I began.  Wouldn't you know, the Big Guy Lowe just happened to come in then (we had just put the boys to sleep) and asked what he could do to help.  Another level of peace came with the help of my greatest love.  (thanks babe)  I layed the paper out and began with the paint.  After a few hours of real work, I was thrilled with the results.  My prayers had indeed been answered.  The signs were finished and they looked great! (remember who's talking here!!)

Now, this might not have been like the time when the Big Guy Lowe and I were pleading with the Lord that we might be blessed to have children, even when the doctors told us it wouldn't be possible.  It might not be like the time we had just put money down on a house in California when we thought it was right, just to know it wasn't the next week, allowing us to safely remove ourselves without any negative consequences.  It might not be like the nights I have sat up with a sick child, praying that they might get better or that I might know when to take them to the hospital if things were to get worse.  But without a doubt in my mind and heart, I know the simple prayer offered last night from a little mother struggling to fulfill her seemingly inconsequential PTA responsibility was answered, and I am grateful. 

There is a God.  We are His children.  He loves us and wants us to reach out to Him.  He will always bless us, even when those blessings might not come as a requested 'poster'.  As for last night, I'm grateful the blessing did come in the form of finished posters--after much work.  He helped me be better than I was by myself.  I'm grateful, so very grateful.

Want to see the posters?  Take a look at these!

The Big Guy Lowe and I hung them up today.  I am so relieved they are finished...

and I am grateful...