Thursday, September 11, 2008

The power of prayer....




I defy anyone to say that prayer does NOT work....I just got off the phone with my daughter and she wants to come home! I don't want to rush things and I still have a lot of anger and hurt but we promised to be civil and talk and not throw accusations.....it's a time of healing and growing for all of us.....I know this is a difficult time as she is only 18~~we have all been there...BUT I hope to slowly mend things~~~when she was a little girl as I tucked her in at night I would always say " I love you bigger than the sky" to which she would reply " I love you bigger than the universe"~~~that's what she said as we hung up the phone tonight~~baby steps>>> I knew in my heart this was so out of character for her~~~but was afraid I might be wrong.......


I know how I raised my child~~~I hoped and prayed it would somehow, some way shine through and it did....





Now let me say I hesitated to blog about this but my husband encouraged me to do so because he felt I would get the support and strength I needed...so I did and he wasn't wrong....the overwhelming compassion and support from all you bloggers is unbelievable!! I wish I could spend time with each and everyone of you having coffee and chatting about life~~~we all have stories, we all go through difficult times.....You have ALL been there for me and that will NOT ever be forgotten! Tomorrow is a new day~~~and a new beginning~~~~




"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.




Thank You doesn't even seem to cover the emotion I feel for all the support you have given me! I promise to come by and visit each of you~~for now I am just thankful to be heading in the right direction again!




PS Sam~~~I love you bigger than the sky!






With all my heart and soul my thanks to all!!~~~~~Lisa xoxoxo

54 comments:

Bridget said...

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am for you and your entire family. I'm so glad that this did not drag out any longer than it did.
Good luck with working through all of the emotions yet to come.
Hugs to you sweetie, Bridget

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

Praise God! I'm so happy to hear some good news from you! Prayer definitly works! I could use some prayer too...so if you have a moment please lift me & my hubby up in prayer. Thanks!

Tootsie said...

girl...I am so happy that your nightmare is about to turn into a happy ending. I was worried for you...and your baby.
I was so happy to read that you are getting the miracle that you needed. The blog world may be almost faceless...but it is certainly not heartless. These people are filled with love and support and all you needed was say the word and we all came running!
I will thank God tonight for answering your prayers.
take care friend...you still have a road ahead...but at least you can sleep tonight

Kathy said...

I am so very pleased to hear that you and Sam are working it out French and she is coming home. You know, in a way we do have chat's over coffee or (tea), I could not even start my daily visits without a cup of tea. Your hubby is a smart fellow French he knew we would all be there with support and advice, hope little Jacob is feeling better now too. big hugs sweetie. Kathy

Anonymous said...

Lisa,
I am so glad to hear that Sam called and that she wants to come home! I'm happy for both of you! As hard as it was for you, I am sure it was equally as hard for her to make such a decision.

You know I always say, "There is power in Prayer". One day I will post why I am such a firm believer.

I couldn't be more happy for ya girlie!

xoxoxoxo
Donna

Justine said...

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am that your baby wants to come home. I hope you can get down to the root of why she felt the need to leave in the first place, and the way she did it. I'm here if you need me!

Justine :o )

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Awwwww. What a beautiful thing! I'm all misty eyed...

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Lisa, You are a very special person. I am so happy Sam is coming home. We all have our ups and downs. It's good to have friends to share them with. And god will never let us down. Every family has it issues. But, letting go and letting god sure helps!! I can't wait to see you on RMS tonight!! xoxoxo Terrie

Raxx - A day in the life said...

There I go again with the tears, I just so happy that things are on the mend, I know you will show her the love and forgiveness that she needs now, we all make mistakes, it's how we grow, someday this will be a memory to smile at.

Prayer does work, thanks for reminding me of that and giving me a reason to talk to God, because sometimes I forget.

cedwards55 said...

All I can say is, Thank you Jesus! I'll continue to pray that things go well. love, C

Twice as Nice said...

No one knows a child better than a parent. You said it wasn't in her character to do something like this. So many stay in a bad situation because they don't want to admit they were wrong. The family bond was stretched but not broken. The love for her family is what brought her home.

Enjoy your family tonight as you watch your debut on RMS. It will hold special meaning for each of us now as we know all will be well for you and those you love. God Bless

santamaker said...

Yippeeeeee ! So happy for your family!

bj said...

Dear Sweet French,
I know your heart has been broken by all of this. I wish there were words to make it all better but there isn't. Only from your daughter can you get the DEEP comfort you are needing right now.

I can say, however, that so many, many kids that hit that magical age of 18 JUST HAVE TO SPREAD THEIR WINGS...my daughter is having hard times with her 18 yr old son..I think my mom had trouble with me when I turned 18 and wanted to get off on my own...
bet HER mom had trouble with her when SHE turned 18, too...

We all come back to our raising and it seems your daughter is on her way back. I pray so.

And PRAYER IS THE MOST POWERFUL THING ON THIS EARTH. And, they are ALWAYS answered.

love, bj

Deb said...

The Lord *is* Good! Welcome home Sam! It's the only place you'll get unconditional love outside of the Lord's. Deb

Anonymous said...

Hello Lisa

I have been catching up through this week and just now reading about what happened.

I'm happy to hear this news of your daughter's return. I'll keep you in my prayers as you all heal.

Bo said...

What a beautiful daughter and a beautiful new beginning..all the best, Bo

onlymehere said...

Lisa, I'm so glad she called! I loved your comments about baby steps too. In time maybe she will be able to share all the details of her decision but even if you never know at least you have this bond and the fact she called proved that it's strong. I'll keep you in my prayers as you get things back on track to the way you need and want them to be. I look forward to watching RMS tonight too and seeing you! I just have to figure out what time it's on!! A happy day all around for you!

onlymehere said...

I almost forgot, I'll be looking ofr you tonight on Rate My Space, that is if it's still on!

Penny said...

I left you a comment yesterday, but I wasn't sure it took because it acted like it didn't. I guess it didn't. I really felt for you and wished you the best, along with my prayers.

SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad she's coming home. That's so excellent. And just in time for your show tonite! I'm looking forward to watching you tonite. Unless it's changed again or something? Hope not, we've had to wait for what seems like forever.

Love ya,
Penny

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Oh Lisa, I am so excited for you and your family that I am crying! Years down the road, this will be remembered as just a bump in the road. :) I hope all goes well and that you can all heal and get passed it! Hugs, Rhonda

Anonymous said...

So glad that healing is on the way. You are a good Mom to a sweet daughter. Yall will work it out, smile!

Salmagundi said...

Glad to hear the good news. Keep your Faith that things will continue to improve. We will keep praying! Sally

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Lisa, I came back over to tell you, I was watching TV and saw that Kmart has bedding that looks like the colors of your son's perspective room...the green! I don't know if it has any other colors on the quilt or not. It looked like a solid green! Just thought I would pass that on. I saw on Terrie's blog that you were going to be on RMS tonight! Can't wait to see it! ~Rhonda

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

French, that's such great news! Keep that communication open & you'll be fine. Glad to hear.

Rhoda

artis1111 said...

We love you too !Kathy

Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa, I'm on vacation and haven't been checking sites like normal...so sorry to hear about your ordeal with your daughter and thank heaven she called. Sometimes spending a monumental day like a birthday without family and friends can be very sobering. It can put lots of things in perspective. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nancy B

Kathy said...

Hope you all feel better today French, I will be watching my dear friend on TV tonight, I have been so looking forward to it, take care sweetie, Kathy

Justine said...

Wooooooooo hooooooooooooooo! French, you and G-man are STARSSSSSSSSSSSSS! You both look FANTASTIC on tv, and I just loved it when you said you were getting goose bumps. Too cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping they were going to use your gorgeous living room as inspiration, but hey, it was just a blast to see my friend on TV!

Justine :o )

Raxx - A day in the life said...

Lisa on a lighter note, YOU ROCKED!! on RMS!! You and hubby looked really great! How did you manage not to be nervous??

The room turned out fantastic!!

Picket said...

Oh my word Frenchie....I am just now trying to do some catch up reading and I am just in shock at what you and the family have been going thru...girl I raised 5 kids and I know your pain but I also know God moved in every situation and we pulled thru..I am so rejoicing with you girl that you have made contact with your daughter..it is hard to be a parent but it is also hard to be a young adult these days...There is way too much love in your family for something like this to destroy it...I hate you had to go thru that heart wrenching experience...but you will always be her mama & she knows you love her no matter what...I am just so happy for you sweetie..I also thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of me & my family..it means more than you will ever know! Love ya girl!

imjacobsmom said...

Oh I am so glad that everything is working out. You never know what those kids are thinking. But i'm glad that she felt that she could come home. My niece moved to Colorado to follow her boyfriend and my cousins daughter followed hers to New Orleans. Girls....Robyn

Anonymous said...

PS~You really rocked it out tonight...it was so great to see you on TV...so calm,reasuring and not a bit nervous . I hope you were able to enjoy the show with friends and family at your side ( and a nice big glass of wine;-)
NancyB

Anonymous said...

That's wonderful news...just take it a little slow at first....
Pat H aka 9405018

janet said...

Dear Lisa
Im so very pleased to read this news, as a mother of three teen girls and my oldest will be eighteen in january i could only imagine your pain. One thing i have learned from raising teens is, that they are the most unpredicatable creatures on this earth...lol All we can do is give them proper teachings and lots of love but they will choose thier own path in the end, and i would say you have done all of that so i feel in my heart everything will turn out just fine. At the tender age of 18 i think they are going through a transformation with thier emotions, not really a child but not really an independent adult yet, scarey time for both the child and parent. Dont try too hard to find out why because i think in their world it may be as simple as 'i just wanted to feel like i was an adult" It sounds like you have always been a close family and that will prevail in the end. Nobody can prepare us for raising teens and the crazy up and downs we will have with them. Im glad you shared with us, at least i have a place to run when one of our girls puts us through a trying time and im sure one or more of them will...*smiles* hang in there girl and things will work out just fine.
many hugs
many smiles
janet

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Lisa, I hope you had a good day! I have to tell you. I watched RMS tonight. You and Gordan looked as cute as can be. I thought you did a great job!! I know you were nervous about how your were going to look on tv. You looked beautiful. I know you were an inspiration to that lady. But, you are an inspiration to all of us.
I am proud to call you my friend.
Have a great night!!
Hugs, Terrie

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Just checking back...thought of you often and I was hoping things had improved. Those prayers are truly working...so glad you've heard from your sweet daughter. You don't worry about responding to all of us...you just take care of you and your family. With love and prayers,
Susan

Unknown said...

I'm Praying for you . There are so many good loving people praying for you and God will guide all of you in the words you say and the things you do . A few months back 2 of my grand sons went away for a while . real far away . We were so scard we would never see them again . Some of the same people that prayed for us and them also prayed for you and your daughter . The power of God and good praying friends means so much .
God Bless you and your family .
Mary

Deb said...

Hey Lisa, I just caught you on HGTV, I missed the earlier show and caught you at 12am. You were like a Pro girl, so calm and the camera loved you! Gordon was good too, you both were so natural. It was so great to see you and hear your voice. Deb

Anonymous said...

Your blog brought me to tears, I also went through this and it last for years, but like you , I have a happy ending now. I had a friend that once said to me that God gave you kids to test your strenght.

Naz said...

I came here to congratulate you and your husband on being TV stars (which may I add you both did so well). Both of you seemed very natural in front of the camera.
When reading back on your blog I see that you've had some troubling family life. It's not easy being parents especially in this day and age. I do hope you and your beautiful daughter will work thru this difficult time with good results. God bless your family.

Rue said...

I hope things went well sweetie.

You looked beautiful last night. It was great "seeing" you :)

love,
rue

mrsben said...

WELCOME HOME SAM! As Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz said "there is no place like home, there is no place like home". Happy that you found your way back.

(Lisa, unfortunately I will have to wait to see the online segment of RMS as we do not get it here in Canada.)

Wishing both of you a beautiful weekend. Hugs -Brenda-

Anonymous said...

*FrenchFry, I just came buy to congratulate you on your TV debut, saw some comments and went to back-read... Wow, you've really been through the mill lately, kiddo. Am relieved to learn that your Sam is coming home after all ~ (am so sorry that you all went through so much heartache n' worry, tho). May you all sit down, really "talk" n' make healthy amends... Sending you the best I can of my share of His blessings, XOXO, Linda

Michael said...

Things have a way of working themselves out...this experience will somehow make your relationship stronger in the end. Good luck!

And congrats on the TV debut...I saw you last night and screamed "I've read her blog" at the TV, LOL.

~M

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa, my comments aren't getting through, so I'm trying again. Just wanted you to be sure to know that I also join with celebration that GREAT news about Sam!!! ... also so sorry that I can't see your tv debut here in Canada. ... best of wishes during the days and weeks ahead. :-)Sincerely, SherylCanadianGirl

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful pair you and your daughter make, and how wonderful that she is back home. Prayers still with you and your family as you work through these difficult times. Laurie (bargainhunr)

queenbee said...

This is great news. I remember when I was going through a similar stage and I am sooo glad that your daughter made the decision to come back home. Moms are so great, I love mine and appreciate her so very much. On another note when you get the opportunity please come over to my blog and check out my rooms and give me some advice. I love all of your rooms by the way

queenbee said...

Hi. I am glad that your daughter made the decision to come home and is safe andsound. This experience will bring you two even closer together, I know from experience. On another note, please stop by my space and give me some much needed tips. I want to incorporated aqua and brown into my rooms. Help me please.

squawmama said...

I am so glad I visited your site...It is awesome and it is a very touching story. I am keeping you & your family in my thoughts... I have 2 daughters of my own and I can tell you no matter how old they get we are always their mother and we worry.

Blees You and may you find the strenght you need during these times... Donna

nikkicrumpet said...

YAY...I am so happy your wonderful daughter is home. I knew with great parents like she has...she'd be fine and would come back to you. They struggle so much at that age...and we struggle as parents trying to figure out how best to help them become independant and still have functioning brains. My daughters 25, and 26 still give me night sweats sometimes. But I have faith that between God and I...things will work out for them. And I pray for the same with you and yours!

Janice said...

Yes prayer is powerful. Don't forget to say Thank you. God likes good manners. I hope she came home. I texted her. I didn't put the (YSLB) on there. I just wanted to let her know I love her and hope she is home. She didn't reply. I see that your American blogging friends have commented on the TV show--which we can't see. uugh!! So, if your baby is safely home--use the moments you TIME OUT yourself (to keep from exploding) to figure out how us kids here are going to get a peak. Thanks. Love You. I'll try calling you next week. Give Sam and Jake an extra squeeze in your next hug--from me.
x0xoXo

SG said...

Hi French! I'm so sorry I wasn't here in your time of need. And I'm so glad she's back home. I hope things go well between you two now.

I know my friends, Bridget, Suzanne/Buffie and Justine and Tootsie were sooooo upset for you. I think Bridget took it the hardest because she has a daughter too. She was so distraught for you. She is such a good friend to us all.

Anyway, I'm glad she's back home.

Christie said...

Oh French! I am so happy that things worked out...you really poured your heart out on your blog honey, I just read the post before this one, and I know how happy your prayers were answered and answered fast. It seems like sometimes we have to wait a long time for a prayer to be answered and sometimes it happens so fast it takes us by surprise. I love it when it happens fast! So glad your daughter came back. She's beautiful, just like her mama!
xoxo,
Queenie!

Lisa Marie said...

My heart was breaking for you as I read both of these post, I'm so glad to see there was a happy ending, and every night when I tuck my baby girls into bed we say almost the same words..hugs, lisa

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