Blessings, so big and so small but so amazing and everlasting

Submitted by: Nana
On: 7/24/2011 4:33:15 PM

not more than 2 to 3 years ago my whole world was turned upside down by the current economic structure of the country. I went for a high paying salary position to no job and it was truly devastating. I had no immediate family in the area to assist but I knew from my past ostacles in my life that I could make it through this. There were steps to be taken and things to be done but mostly I needed to have faith in myself so I reached to the one person who I knew was there for me, God. I prayed every day for strength to downsize my life, sell or give away my posessions that I had for over 30 years and also to give me a direction to follow as I had no idea how I would survive.

I have a freind of over 45 yeatrs who has been part of my life and even though we are of different races, and also social structure he told me to get myself together, stay with him and my god daughter, until I could rebuild myself financially and we would be fine. It was truly culture shock as I had to move into the projects but at least I had shelter and people to care about me.

With his help I was able to find work, get back on my feet financially and rebuild my life again. It only lasted for a short time until it took another downhill slide but having his help and assurance made me able to withstand this again.

I am so grateful for people who just know who you are and what you need and go beyond the social and racial barriers to just love and help. I have repaid this many times as we help each other when we hit a "bump in the road" and life is good.

I thank God for him and also my lovely god daughter and also giving thanks to God for directing me in the right direction and having his love and guidance every day.

unexpected pay it forward

Submitted by: Patti L
From: PA
On: 7/19/2011 9:00:46 PM

As we all go along in life, day to day, with issues, and mine I thought many. A son who is/was an addict, living at home, drinking, wrecking one vehicle after another and as a mother, his life effecting mine. Working 40+ hrs a week, my husband part time/seasonal life is good, but demanding. We get by and pay the bills. I have not seen a vacation in many many yrs. But its life, its ok, and we get by. We are able to pay the bills and eat, for this I am grateful.
Last week after a long day of work, I had to get groceries. I proceeded to grab a cart and get busy, gathering and figureing the weeks food and pay. I had quite a bit in my buggy, and got in line. There was only one check out open and only one in front of me. As the lady in front of me checked out I as everyone does,just reflected, and looked at the candy bars, gums, mints to my side. An older gentleman came up behind me with 2 loafs of bread. I said oh please go ahead of me..he smiled, said thank you, and did. As he checked out I started to put my buggy of about 25 items on the belt, and noticed a gentleman behind me, arm full of items. I said oh my, please go ahead of me. He said oh no..go ahead..I backed up, and said oh no, please..set that down and go!...he said are you sure, and i replied..oh yes, I have nowhere to be. He did, and with a whew, he said thank you, and then said..."you know, I should do this more often, come in here and not get a buggy, I think I get less this way, because I can't pick up things I don't need."
We laughed, and I said.."oh that never works for me, I just drop it all over, and end up running back for what I forgot!"...we really laughed.
He proceeded to check out..again saying thanks, and I saying your welcome, but it was nothing.
I put my stuff on the belt, and stepped up to pay, saw money on the counter, and said...OH MY, I think that gentleman forgot his change!..perhaps I can catch him?...
The clerk said.."oh no, he said that is for you, to apply that to your bill!" I was like NO SIR!...are you kidding? I was just flabbergasted!..Such kindness at a time that I needed a lift. I intend to pay it forward! Thank you whomever you are!

Destiny's Journey

Submitted by: Mary Ames
From: Toledo, Ohio
On: 10/27/2009 6:17:36 AM

My great niece Destiny Hope has left this earth after a very short visit of 41 days. The loss that her family and all of those whose life she touched is great and the grief is vast. We know that with her illness her life with us would not be long but all of us would have been more than happy to just have "one more day". God has called her home to be with all others that have gone on before her and I know they have welcomed her with open arms. Her "Uncle Bill" is singing to her and her cousin "Linda" is going to play with her and I take great comfort in knowing she has a huge welcoming committee.

We will all grieve for a while but in the grieving process if we just touch our heart, recall the memories of her life that she has left with us, we can and will go on.

I am asking God to stay close to Tonya, Destiny's Mom, as her grief is the greatest of all. Losing a child at such a young age is just so hard to accept and even more difficult to explain. I ask her to take comfort in the realization that Destiny is no longer in any pain and happy with her heavenly family and that when we go to meet her she will greet us with open arms and smiling face.

Thank you for reading and sharing and please when you pray, pray for this family so they can recover and accept God's will for Destiny and be able to move on with their lives.

Mary Ames

Destiny Hope

Submitted by: Tonya
From: Toledo, Ohio
On: 10/1/2009 9:27:38 AM

As of today my daughter Destiny Hope is 21 days old. I pray each and every day that she is still here with us. She was not suppose to make it past birth because she has a rare disease that not many babys get. She has proved the doctors wrong though. She is showing them that she is a fighter and that she plans on staying here.
I need everyone to continue to pray for her. we need all the prayers we can get. I would go crazy if I ever lost her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I want to thank everyone that has prayed for her and I would appreciate it if you would continue to pray for her. Thanks