A Fresh Start

We all have a life story that matters to God.  How can our life experiences and the lessons we learn reflect God's amazing grace, love and provision for us, so we can be a blessing to others?� In April of 2003, my then beautiful 7 year old, Micayla and I packed up the few things we had in Las Vegas and drove back to Reno to start over and be with family.  My three older girls lived here in Reno and were students at UNR. As Paul had learned to be content whatever the circumstances, Philippians 4:11, God had carried us through so much heartache and loss, and I too had learned this lesson that I can do everything through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:13.  Micayla and I had no place live, I was unemployed and my sister and brother in-law graciously opened their home to us. God gives and takes away but never leaves us alone without hope. One of the verses I held onto during this time was from Jeremiah 29: 11, For I know the plans I have for you “declares the Lord, “ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The first thing I wanted to do after we got here was to find a church to belong to.  A week later we attended Grace Church in search of fellowship, comfort and connection.

This chapter started with my husband, John, collapsing unexpectedly with Congestive Heart Failure in the year 2000. We had been married 6 years and the reality and security of our lives had changed in an instant. God was in our full lives, at a distance and not in first place.  John was a dentist in a growing group practice, we had a thriving consulting company, working with dental offices in Las Vegas and we were on the fast track, caught up in the busy-ness of life. Reflecting on the events of that time, we had pulled away from God and His will, driven to accomplish our own agenda, seeking success in business and the pursuit of the American dream. Sometimes, I believe God has to get our attention by turning our world upside down, touching our physical health and striping the material things away that we hold on to as our security, in order to save us from our all important self direction. There is nothing quite like a crises to straighten out our priorities.  His desire is to draw us closer to Him than we ever knew possible. Calling us to trust Him for everything. This was a storm in our lives that made the awareness of mortality very real.  I looked at each precious moment differently now and I was afraid of what the future would bring. We learned to live 1 day at a time.

Thirteen months later, 3 days after Christmas 2003, I found John semi-conscious on the bathroom floor of our new home. It was clear to me that his condition was serious. John’s prognosis was dismal; he had had a stroke and aneurism in the brain stem. He was not expected to live. God had a different course planned. John was in God’s hands, in a coma for 3 turbulent months, on life support while he experienced another stroke, was partially paralyzed and then he suddenly woke up. We experienced God’s power and miracles when we were devastated and hopeless.  John came home after 6 months in the hospital, totally disabled and needing 24-hour care.  He spent the last 8 months of his life, loving the Lord, growing in his faith. He lived courageously and trusted his life to God, preparing for his reunion with our Lord. Being surrounded by Christian friends to minister, pray and encourage us was a true blessing.  This was the most difficult time of my life and having God back in the center as my source made all the difference.

Everyone we met at Grace Church graciously welcomed, accepted and encouraged us to get involved and find new purpose, in a new life. There have been so many wonderful opportunities to serve and worship the Lord and grow in our relationship with Him. Micayla got involved in Awana, the youth classes and vacation bible school and she has grown to love and trust the Lord.  Joining in the small group bible study has been a great way for me to learn and grow in God’s word and fellowship with new friends. We got involved in the HUGS ministry and the prayer chain, which is rewarding and a great reminder of God’s mercy and love for us. Being a part of Grace church is being a part of something much bigger than ourselves and has enriched our lives immensely. 

Restoration comes only through God’s healing touch and now, four years later, our lives look very different.  We have been deeply blessed beyond my imagination. Micayla is a healthy, intelligent and talented young lady.  I have a son and daughter doing well in college and my other two girls are married to great young men and I am the proud grandma of an adorable 8 month old grandson. God knows what we need and has provided very well for us. He has given me work to do and the ability to do it. God’s grace and plan is still unfolding. Most amazingly, God has healed my heart and brought an incredible, loving man into our lives who is absolutely perfect for me and our unique family.  The love, joy and peace that we have been given is a precious gift for both of us that we will cherish for the rest of our lives for God’s glory. He is not through with us yet.