Amanda is enjoying her time back ‘home’ at her apartment. Her new A-Vap (like a bi-pap for all you sleep apnea people out there) works great and she is sleeping well. She is lord of her castle and relishes the control and familiarity of having her own place.

Amanda called me this morning, giggling. She said, “You won’t believe what I experienced for the first time today!” Well, I tried to guess and suggested that she heard a yelling and cussing fight from her neighbors, or she had finally met the dog she hears barking across the hall. “No,” she replied, “I was in my bathroom and I heard someone above me going pee – and boy did they go a lot!” I suggested that she better be careful how much ‘noise’ she makes in the bathroom as well – they might be listening to her!

It has been humbling and so very dear when I consider all the people who have said prayers for Amanda. Thank you. It is wonderful that we have a God who always hears and listens when we pray. Right now my prayers are of thanks – for good friends and family, for keeping Ted safe in his travels, for bringing Amanda back to health, for watching over my other daughters, Kristen and Jillian, and their husbands Ric & Andy, for my job, for my church, and for so many blessings too numerous to list.

Psalm 66:19-2019 but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

I read a magazine article today about how to say a blessing before a meal. The writer did not dwell on having to say the proper words or using fancy bible language. He said that even a moment of silence with bowed heads was a prayer – because in the silence you hear your breath … and your heartbeat … and if God is the Lord and giver of life … and if we are aware that each day we have to live this life on earth is a gift from God – then to listen to life: a breath or a heartbeat is acknowledging God’s presence.

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

May you feel God’s presence as you pray. And may you listen to what He has to say to you. I hope you get as excited as Amanda was at what you hear!

Just Laurel