Hi FRiends -
Been two months since my last update.... so here goes...
We spent a wonderful weekend with my daughter these past three days. I am awed at what God has seen fit to do in our family.
Amanda has about two months to go before she graduates from teen challenge... She has expressed interest in going back to school and working again. Her accelerator is 100mph... she wants to move forward in the worst way... sometimes I have to help her take the foot off the gas and take it one day at a time.... it is blessing.
Over the past weekend she told a neighbor that they are more than welcome to come to her graduation... but their daughter, someone who likely abuses, is not welcome... because ehs needs to move forward in a life that does not include such... my wife said she did it in a very beautiful and touching manner... I know that does not mean she will not stuggle with such for the rest of her life.... but I see she has a desire not to go back to who she was.
She also met with some people who were there when she first left our house to continue her usage. These two persons tried desperately to convince her to go... but the evil of drugs has a different message and pull... and she ignored them.
Bill and Christy are people of strong faith who never stoppped praying for her... Bill in particular has become a dear friend.
When they had to leave Amanda led a prayer with them... she brought Bill to tears... His quote... “I just heard one of the most powerful heartfelt bone marrow penetrating prayers”. Bill is a mountain of a man in stature and faith... it blessed my heart to hear those words.
Through this weekend I just tried to step back and let God take me where He wished.... it gave me a glimpse into what could be.... God willing..... what will be.... a family restored and reconcilled through God’s grace.
On the other front... my job.... my career.... with my company still looks like it may be coming to end... They are in full swing in outsourcing 1000’s of jobs to India. I will know my fate in January.
It is like a death by a thousand cuts.... each day you see people being let go (you pray for strength and for them).... each day you get a bit more bad news.... each day the reality becomes more clear.
Here too.... I hold to my faith. I KNOW God will provide.... even if the plan He has is not my plan. It is jusat a very difficult struggle....
I will continue to pray and ask God to renew, transform and bring us closer to Him each day.... To give us strength and courage.... to go with and before us.... opening doors that I could never otherwise move....
I kept a journal up until my daughter entered Teen Challenge.... I think I will start it up again. This next part of the journey God has us on may also give others hope.... a hope based on God’s mercy and grace.... not on our own doings...
Please continue to keep our family in your prayers.... pray for our health, strength and God’s blessings. I will continue to pray for all of you as well.... for you were there in spirit when we walked the darkest road of our lives.
BTW, Amanda’s grauation will be live streamed.... I will post the link as the time nears.
God Bleass... Tom & Alyssa
May Amanda continue to choose life the rest of her days; may her sins be forgiven and forgotten. May God grant her all the grace she needs to persevere and may it be well with you and those you love.
Prayers Warriors....Amanda update.
http://freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3192727/posts?page=336#336
Prayers continuing for Amanda, and you, and the whole family.
Prayers.
Continued prayers for your daughter and your family.
Wonderful update, PR!
Teen Challenge is a great organization-we know folks who have been through it, and our church here in southern DE supports the local organization.
As you look over this thread, only then can we see how far Amanda has progressed.
And our Lord was helping every step of the way.
You three are still a strong cord.
Tell Amanda we are proud of her and excited for her future.
And we thank our Lord for His mercy and love toward your whole family.
God bless.
Praying.