Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Saturday, September 7, 2013

Roadblocks to Rome



This is a story of an unbelieving mother and her son who has never taken "No" for an answer.  This is also a story of how our God loves on His own, non-desiring children.  This is a story of joy packed in the middle of tremendous struggles.

Our second-born son Allen has never met a challenge that he didn't conquer by going over the top in achievements.  All you have to do is set a goal before him and he starts to run.  From a young age, he topped out every challenge he was given.  From Awana to sports to music to business achievements, there hasn't been a mountain he couldn't climb with a triumphant victory.

As mentioned in past post, I can see the enemy before me and many times forget the army behind me.

After my son's over-the-top engagement mentioned in my post http://janettessage.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-chihuly-day.html, last August the roadblocks became too hard to overcome in my head.  When he announced the wedding would be in Italy, I guarded my heart by resolving that I wouldn't see the wedding...  HE announced I would be there.  I promised to lose weight, which was just as big of hurdle as the trip would be.

Roadblocks to Rome
NO PASSPORTS FOR THE FOUR OF US
MONEY - PROVISION NEEDED - UNEMPLOYMENT WAS DRYING US OUT
SCHOOL WOULD HAVE TO BE MISSED BY BOTH BOYS

Son sent money for passports.  We were rejected twice and the process took double the amount of time it should have.  I continued to guard my heart with the anticipation of not going to the wedding.

He called, inviting ONLY the parents to join them at the courthouse.  Because the wedding would be officiated in another country, they would need to be "legally" married in the states as well.
Both sets of parents were giddy as we arrived at the Dallas Courthouse to see our children joined in marriage.  I felt so HONORED that they had allowed us to witness this event.  The icing on the cake was when both sets of parents, with 71 years combined in marriage, signed their marriage license.
I resolved at that time before the Lord that this was enough.  If I didn't get to Italy, I had been blessed to see the exchange of vows.
Our God is a Big God and He wasn't finished yet.


As the months of unemployment carried on longer and longer, so did my disbelief. Yes, God could take care of us and provide through the unemployment for our needs, but this trip wasn't a need.  Even up to the week before, I still didn't believe that I would see my son get married in Italy.

Ps. 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Oh, what little faith.  Oh, what a loving God. Oh, what a faithful son who was going to fulfill his promise to his mother.  Oh, the answers of so many friends' prayers.  This was to be a lesson to me on how God truly moves the roadblocks, even when we don't even have the faith of a mustard seed.

The story will continue...



Ephesians 3:20-21

New International Version (NIV)
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.




22 Joining in with more words:

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Can you hear me smiling????

Pom Pom said...

I love those shoes! Eat lots of pasta!

Sandy said...

This is all so wonderfully glorifying to our Father and I am savoring every moment. Can hardly wait for your next post.
Hugs!

Leslie said...

What a cute couple! Congratulations! This is my first visit here and see you are a fellow Texan and must live in the Metroplex. I look forward to getting to know you and your family better. Blessings!
Leslie

Debbie Petras said...

I'm excited to hear all the details! I had to laugh as I read Sonja's comment. Yes I can hear her smiling!

Love,
Debbie

Maryann said...

How exciting this must have been for you...I can't wait to hear more. BTW love those shoes

camp and cottage living said...

Janette
I'm enjoying hearing how the Lord has provided this special gift.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I have a feeling I am going to love the end of this story.

Fondly,
Glenda

Nancy said...

So like God to work things out in His time and in His way...I can't wait to read the next installment.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Oh, this is better than a Karen Kingsbury novel. So, so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Here is what is grabbing me...."As the months of unemployment carried on longer and longer, so did my disbelief. Yes, God could take care of us and provide through the unemployment for our needs, but this trip wasn't a need."
I'm listening! And savoring, anticipating more!

Tanna said...

I cannot wait to hear more... but, I do hope you are enjoying that precious grandson this evening. ;) blessings ~ tanna

Debbie said...

I am on the edge of my seat over here...just like a good book I can barely wait to see how this all comes out! Soo exciting!

Sue said...

What can I say, Janette? What a big wonderful God we serve, as with me He has proven over and over just how Big He is, though it wasn't necessary, He still likes to reveal Satan's lies.
"Welcome Home" I can hardly wait to hear more of His love and faithfulness.
Loved the last post, what a beautiful family, my best wishes to the happy couple and the uniting of these two families.
love,
Sue
p.s.
As always say hi to Benjamin and give him a big hug for me.

Rebecca said...

Oh, this is going to be GOOD!

Christine said...

I have Goosebumps all over!
And a tear in my eye.
You should write a book. Really!

Sharon said...

I love it. Absolutely love every single thing about your son, and about the God who does the impossible!

Waiting eagerly for the next installment.

GOD BLESS!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Amazing God! I'm so glad you got to go. Can't wait to hear more. What a whirlwind you're living in, my friend!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Powerful post Jeanette. I love what you said - I can see the enemy before me and forget the army behind me.

Love that our kids become our teachers. Hugs!!!!

Debbie said...

OK, I am caught up to this point. I can't wait to see more.

My heart was sort of racing as I read through this. I know you know what I mean.

From one whose faith has become a midget mustard seed right now, this is a huge love note from an even "huger" God.

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

So happy for you! Interesting about an Italian wedding not being recognized by the US. Bill's and my Zimbabwe certificate was recognized by both the Social Security Admin, the DMV and every other government office we went to. We did re-marry in the states when we wanted a visa for South America. They only recognize countries who are members of the Hague, and Zimbabwe is not one.

Oh, but what a joy to witness the first step, know the rest was coming!

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

You are one of my favorite story tellers - no matter the outcome you always point to The Lord's gifts! Nobody deserves a happy ending more than you dear friend! I am delighted for you!
xoxo
Leslie

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