Unanswered Prayers

Have you heard the song (by Garth Brooks) called "Unanswered Prayers?" I used to really like that song... still kinda do. It has always bothered me, though, because no prayer is ever unanswered... just because it doesn't get answered the way WE wanted it to, doesn't mean it was unanswered.

I was thinking about that song today... and I was thinking about how my life used to be: the expectations I had, the plans I had, the dreams... how funny to see me where I am right now. In general, not in a specific place. I never thought this would be the way God would do things.

My biggest thing that I was thinking about was a guy I dated right before Jeffrey... he was a good guy, don't get me wrong. But circumstances in each of our lives were making a relationship very difficult. My mom advised me to back away and let God take me where He wants me... it was hard to do, and deep down, I felt a little angry at God for not letting that guy be "the one." But had I married that guy my life would be TOTALLY different than it is right now... in SO MANY ways. Not all horrible ways, but my life would not be as wonderful as it is right now. With that, I want to list many blessings that I have because I heeded to Mom's advice, and God's will in my life:

* I married the most wonderfullest (tee hee) man in the whole entire world.
* I am not spoiled, and I am learning to appreciate every little thing.
* I live within just a few short miles of my parents, two of my sisters, and my grandpa.
* I have really close relationships/friendships with my parents and my two sisters in Elgin.
* I am able to serve and bless people in the Elgin area... it's that large and that needy... and I think that's awesome that God planted me here.
* I have many many friends that I enjoy spending time with.
* My dad is close enough to fix all our home issues (thanks, Daddy!).
* My nieces are close enough to babysit.
* My sisters (Jessica and Molly) are close enough to have Girls Nights (with "Heaven in a Cup").
* My in-laws are wonderful and always give great advice as well as lots of love and support.
* I'm able to sing with my two sisters as much as we can and want to... something I LOVE doing.
* I am learning about God and about His word (thanks, Honey!).
* My husband (that wonderfullest man I talked about) puts God first and then me... I very much appreciate that.
* We have been blessed by friends, family, Freecycle, and garbages and have saved a TON of money. :) (Thanks for the paint, Jess!)
* I don't have any children yet... and as much as I really want some (and want to give my in-laws their first grandchild), days like yesterday remind me of how much days off are appreciated.
* Woodmans. (Need I say more?)
* I had the ability to leave my job... my husband trusts God enough to know that He will always provide... and He does. :)
* I am close to my WONDERFUL doctors that are able to work with me and help me feel my best.
* My husband works pretty normal/set hours, and although our weeknights are pretty full, I do get to spend lots of time with him.
* My pastor is not only my pastor, but my friend and also a wonderful counselor. (And he's a great guy!)
* I have opportunities to serve at church with my husband, sisters and dad.
* I have two (crazy) cats, that I absolutely love and that give me lots of love and snuggles.

Okay okay... this list could just go on. But yeah... I just am praising God for answering my prayers the way He saw fit. And He continues to do so. :)