Sweet Tender Mercies
My children had Fall Break for the past five days so we headed to Southern Utah where the weather is a lot warmer and the scenery is completely different (the red rock formations are breathtaking). On the way down, I was holding the puppy in my lap in the front seat (I'm trying to be a team player) and she had two accidents on me--not fun!
We camped in our fifth wheel (trailer) in a State Park called Sand Hollow.
Wow--what an amazing place. Right next to the campground is a beautiful large lake surrounded by miles and miles of red sand dunes. We had such a great time--playing and four wheeling in the sand, reading books, going on bike rides and enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Friday night we went to the Broadway play Cinderella at the Tuacahn outdoor theater near St. George. Sage LOVED it! The girls went to the movie The Game Plan (cute but predictable show) and the boys went to the BYU/UNLV game in Vegas. It was so funny--on Sunday we went to a church nearby and our family walked into the service a few minutes late. Every head turned when we walked in. We looked around and realized we were in a congregation for single young adults (ages 18-30)! The Bishop (leader) on the stand gave me a big welcoming smile and we stayed and enjoyed the service.
Now for the tender mercies. Four-wheeling in the sand is a lot different than on regular ground.
I went up one hill and came right back--it scared me so bad. Sage went out for a while but also didn't like it so came back to the car with me and Maggie. Steve was driving one four wheeler with Collin on the back; Kade was driving Brecken on the other ATV. On one particular hill, Steve and Collin came off it wrong and got thrown forward. Steve got a really bad rip in his pants but other than that they were fine. Around the same time, Kade and Brecken also got thrown from their four wheeler--they went one way and the four wheeler went down an incline. A nice man who was parked next to us (his wife had given me a chair to sit on) brought a crying Brecken down the hill. Steve went up with the man to rescue Kade and his four wheeler. I felt so lucky that nobody had been hurt (everyone was wearing helmets). What a tender mercy from the Lord. Now I'm rethinking whether I like four wheeling. We've doing it for years but I have to admit I'm not really excited about doing it again in the sand.
When we got home, we learned that Brecken's best friend, Kenya, had been in a horrible accident with her family Friday night while on vacation about an hour from here. Another car hit into their Surburban and their car flipped three times. They had almost invited Brecken to go with them but at the last minute decided to just take the family. (Another tender mercy.) Here is a photo of the car they were driving.
The entire family was taken by ambulance to two different hospitals. Everyone had bumps, bruises and the oldest daughter broke her spine in two places. But--can you believe nobody was seriously hurt?? Another tender mercy. (We love you, Anderson family!)
What are the tender mercies that you've experienced today?? Maybe it was as simple as getting all the kids out the door and on time for school without any forgotten homework, lunches, etc. (this is often a tender mercy for me). Maybe it was an unexpected check from an overpaid bill. Maybe your hubby surprised you by doing a hated chore (cleaning a toilet!). Whatever it may be, join with me in being thankful for the tender mercies that we all receive in our lives. And--share with us all what your tender mercy today was.
Thanks for letting me share.
Lisa
We camped in our fifth wheel (trailer) in a State Park called Sand Hollow.
Wow--what an amazing place. Right next to the campground is a beautiful large lake surrounded by miles and miles of red sand dunes. We had such a great time--playing and four wheeling in the sand, reading books, going on bike rides and enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Friday night we went to the Broadway play Cinderella at the Tuacahn outdoor theater near St. George. Sage LOVED it! The girls went to the movie The Game Plan (cute but predictable show) and the boys went to the BYU/UNLV game in Vegas. It was so funny--on Sunday we went to a church nearby and our family walked into the service a few minutes late. Every head turned when we walked in. We looked around and realized we were in a congregation for single young adults (ages 18-30)! The Bishop (leader) on the stand gave me a big welcoming smile and we stayed and enjoyed the service.
Now for the tender mercies. Four-wheeling in the sand is a lot different than on regular ground.
I went up one hill and came right back--it scared me so bad. Sage went out for a while but also didn't like it so came back to the car with me and Maggie. Steve was driving one four wheeler with Collin on the back; Kade was driving Brecken on the other ATV. On one particular hill, Steve and Collin came off it wrong and got thrown forward. Steve got a really bad rip in his pants but other than that they were fine. Around the same time, Kade and Brecken also got thrown from their four wheeler--they went one way and the four wheeler went down an incline. A nice man who was parked next to us (his wife had given me a chair to sit on) brought a crying Brecken down the hill. Steve went up with the man to rescue Kade and his four wheeler. I felt so lucky that nobody had been hurt (everyone was wearing helmets). What a tender mercy from the Lord. Now I'm rethinking whether I like four wheeling. We've doing it for years but I have to admit I'm not really excited about doing it again in the sand.
When we got home, we learned that Brecken's best friend, Kenya, had been in a horrible accident with her family Friday night while on vacation about an hour from here. Another car hit into their Surburban and their car flipped three times. They had almost invited Brecken to go with them but at the last minute decided to just take the family. (Another tender mercy.) Here is a photo of the car they were driving.
The entire family was taken by ambulance to two different hospitals. Everyone had bumps, bruises and the oldest daughter broke her spine in two places. But--can you believe nobody was seriously hurt?? Another tender mercy. (We love you, Anderson family!)
What are the tender mercies that you've experienced today?? Maybe it was as simple as getting all the kids out the door and on time for school without any forgotten homework, lunches, etc. (this is often a tender mercy for me). Maybe it was an unexpected check from an overpaid bill. Maybe your hubby surprised you by doing a hated chore (cleaning a toilet!). Whatever it may be, join with me in being thankful for the tender mercies that we all receive in our lives. And--share with us all what your tender mercy today was.
Thanks for letting me share.
Lisa
39 Comments:
So glad that your family is all safe and well! Our newest blessing has been having a time adjusting to life outside the womb - I have been struggling to find just the right way to comfort her. Feeling helpless, I spoke to a family friend tonight who is also an O.T. (occupational therapist) and has spent exclusive time in the NICU- I was given several new calming ideas for our blessing - AND TONIGHT ONE OF THEM WORKED! It truly was a tender mercy from the LORD. Perhaps we will have a decent night's sleep tonight as well!
Sweet blessings!
Renee
This is small but means so much. My daughter was showcasing her talent tonight and I was hurrying to get there on time. I had to pick her brother up at the same time that she was to "perform"- Her activity day leader waited to start the whole thing (there were only 4 girls) so that I would not miss it.
This week my kids have their fall break and they love to stay with their grandparents. So here I am alone... Love that! But do you know I miss them. My mercy/blessing is having 3 healthy wonderful kids.
Onther is yesterday we went to the zoo with my mother, my kids and the 2 kids of my sister. A familyday out. The weather was lovely and we had a great time. That is tender mercy!
Inge
We have had a 2 week fall break from school. My boys have asked me every day "do we go to school today?" They don't like to miss one day of school (they're 4). Tomorrow they finally get to go back to school. They went right to bed tonight knowing that when they wake up they get to go to school. And I am going to go grocery shopping BY MYSELF tomorrow!
Hi Lisa
I just experienced a tender mercy from God. On our way to an appointment, going 70 down the highway, my cruise stuck on and the brakes were hard. I couldn't slow down and was following a slow semi with a car alongside me! My little girl was in the back seat! I was so scared! Just inches from these vehicles - I got the cruise to shut off!
We decided to take all side roads (slow speed) all the home! Another mercy came when a friend was following us and noticed my brake lights were also not working!
So, today my Yukon is in the shop getting a computer switch that went bad fixed!
We are so thankful to all be safe and together today!
Cindy
Tonight I am extremely thankful to have my husband home safe and sound from an interstate trip. When he is away the family just does not seem the same. Thankyou for delivering my special friend home.
Steph in OZ
A spine that's broken in two places is a serious injury. Thankfully they weren't killed.
The camping place looks beautiful!
Peace be with you and your family.
I'm a live... my family are happy that is my tender mercy today.. and thankful that your friends where being looked out for from above..Life is good xxxx
cyber hugs from Lucy
My little girl (who is 3) woke up yesterday with a little cold so she said "mommy will you pray for me?" and then my 2 year old son wanted me to pray for him. I thank God that He is real in my childrens lives and they know that He is.
Thanks for letting me share.
Nicole
I'm just thankful each day... for God giving me another day to love my children and husband, to be able to use my gifts for Him, the life that He has blessed me with... and just for each breath that I take...He is so good.
Glad your family is OK! Prayers out for the Anderson family too!
God's tender mercy for me was to bring 3 best friends from high school, and me, back together. We just had our 20th reunion---and we basically lost touch with eachother over the years! Getting together at this reunion---was God's way of showing us how much we STILL mean to each other (we went through a lot--growing up, boys, grades, parents, part time jobs, etc...)---and that our bond is stronger than ever!
I love my friends like my own family--they are my family! ;)
Lori C.
we are new to 4 wheelers also and we love riding... but no sand for us - yet
and for tender mercies... the cold in my sinus that is holding back from going full force when I just don't have the time or energy to deal with it right now... very tender mercy for me
Tender mercies are always around in our family. My son has a rare immune deficiency. He has responded well to treatments and I am thankful to my Heavenly Father everyday when he is not sick.
Heidi
"Tender Mercy".........a lovely phrase that I will use often. Lisa, your faith is inspiring, your honesty is delightful....thankyou.
My tender mercy today would have to be the Fun(d) raiser we're planning for a cousin of mine who is battling cancer, he has been so sick for so long but keeps on going. We're happy to be able to celebrate him this Friday.
Carolyn
I am thankful today...I got my Dec kotm delivered to my door this morning.....hip hip horay!
Thanks Lisa for a really fun contests on your blog.
Don't give up the 4 wheelers...they look like alot of fun. Just maybe stay away from sand dunes with them. Ha! We use to drive 3 wheelers and 4 wheelers are much safer. Glad to hear you where your helmets. Kudos!
That car accident looks terrible. Thank goodness everyone ok.
PS-LOL on the doggie pee peeing on your lap. I shouldn't laugh but your such a good sport for puttin in your time with the puppy.
Wonderful photos of S. Utah. WOW!
It is good to hear your family and you are safe. It was fun to hear about the good things on your trip!
My sister was on her way to meet my mom and I for lunch today and when she was getting on the freeway a semi wouldn't let her in and the car behind her come up on her right side and tried to push her into the semi! Thank you for the tender mercies from God she was fine and got here safe! Another tender mercy is for modern medicine to help by sick baby! That is such a blessing!
-CMB
I was looking for my daughters shot records in an old purse and found a check that I did not cash. Luckily, I can still use it and now I have a little extra money for my crop weekend coming up! My daughter on the other hand will still have to get the shot! I am thankful she is a healthy young woman and the immunization will only futher her wellness.
I have been a super basket case with a lot of things on my plate. My middle son came down with a cold -- bad enough to stay home from everything but well enough to not be a problem. I feel very blessed to have had two days off -- especially since I was supposed to go to the dentist today!
Glad everyone is okay on your end.
Unbelievable! I read your blog this morning and didn't think about it until just now. I was picking my daughter up from school and she said there was something in her throat that she couldn't get out. I looked in her throat and it really freaked me out. There was a white lump hanging from the top of her throat. I immediately took her to the doctor and was so relieved to find out that it's something that is very normal for teenagers to get. It was just her body getting rid of extra white blood cells and gunk (sorry, sounds gross!) Anyway, I was so thankful that it wasn't something more serious, like cancer, which is the first thing I thought of!
My tender mercies today? My son curling up next to me reading books before bedtime, and rocking him while singing hymns. Truly a God moment. God bless you and yours!
My sister and her 4-year-old quadruplets were in a car accident last Tuesday. It is a miracle that they survived. Abbi had to have 13 stiches in her arm but other than that (and the loss of the van) they are all doing OK. I've thanked God EVERY day for His mercy and His grace.
Wow-- what wonderful blessings everyone received! I'm so glad no one was hurt-- and the vehicle. Wow.
My mercies... I found out I won't need a complete hysterectomy-- they might be able to leave at least one of my ovaries. Very, very grateful....
I can home from a meeting tonight for a charity event I am co-chairing. To my delight I found dishes done & the kitchen clean.I just had to chuckle when I discovered they had used all paper products to eat from-- I give them credit, no mess...
God's tender mercies were with our family this past month. The clinic told my son he had a life threating illness. We all have been praying and he was annoited. He had more extensive blood test and today they called to tell him it was clear! He does not have the illness!!!! We are praising God! He is so good!
4-wheeling is different on sand! Same thing happened to my son while at Pismo Beach in CA. He was fine on the packed, wet sand on the beach, but flipped on the dunes. Amazingly he wasn't hurt a bit, just his pride.
Tender mercies: Prayers were answered today.
Thank heavens that nobody was seriously hurt, that is truly amazing , thank you for sharing this story with us .... just shows us again how precious life is .
Thankful that my kids had the day off school yesterday because of fog. We had a great day!
Linda
This one may sound sort of shallow, but it is a true tender mercy for us! My just-turned three year old tells us that she does not like her bed and she will not sleep in it. We find her in our room every night, often squeezed right in between us. It is such a chore to get her to lay on her own bed. She tells us if she had a pink monkey bed, she would sleep in her own bed. Today we went to Mervyns...and found pink monkey sheets on sale for $12!!!! My dd went right to sleep in her bed tonight!
My tender mercy...my dd and I were in an accident on Monday morning and aside from a few stitches, bruises, and aches...we are ok!!! God wrapped his arms around mine and helped me hold my baby tight. She was spared from any injury.
One of our tender mercies from yesterday is a little humorous. We had our first mouse - not a pet - but our very first vermin to invade our home. We spotted him running across the kitchen floor in the morning. A few hours later we heard him rustling around in the cabinets. To make our home less attractive to him I had already put our trash can outside. The noise he was making was coming somewhere near the recycling bin. A little frightened I would encounter him in person, I bravely grabbed the recycle bin and threw it in the outside recycle bin - no way to escape from there. Since then we have not seen or heard any evidence of him. I even set a couple of traps (loaned to us by some friends, grateful I didn't even have to go out and buy some!) last night and they were empty this morning. Oh and my husband is out of town, so I would have had to deal with this all on my own! EEK! Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for us that our mouse was only a short term visitor!
Just returned home after a minor car accident just now and still had this up on my computer. My newest tender mercy is there was a witness who called me over to give me their number because they said the man who hit me was a "?&#%". The tender mercy part is that I have a very nice person who stepped up to be on my side not to mention my three little boys didn't even feel it - we are all safe and sound, not even a scratch. What is it about all of these accidents?! Drive safe everyone!!
My tender mercy is that my family is here and safe with me, we are able to eat a good meal, have a good laugh and enjoy each other's company. MY DH cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen, how sweet and wonderful that after 20 years the man I love still spoils me. I could not imagine my life without him! Tender Mercies for LOVE! :)
Thank you Lisa for letting me share!
what a blessing. They will be in my prayers for sppedy recoveries. I was in a car accident with 7 children. We were t-boned and about to roll. Kids were already starting to head out of the van. The Lord so kindly placed a school bus in our way which stopped the roll and knocked them all back in.
Today's tender mercy is knowing that my son who is serving in Afghanistan is safe today. I got an email from him. Those always give me a bit of peace.
You got to experience 4-wheeling in my backyard. Way Fun!!! You do have to be careful on the sand. It is different everyday.
My tender mercy: my two girls. Seeing how far they have come. (the oldest was in an abusive and drug filled home until 18 months) We were able to adopt her later. I have been blessed with a family I never thought I would have.
April
On Saturday we were told that my older sister needed to go into hospice immediately - we only learned she had cancer earlier this week. On Sunday her primary doctor said that was nonsense, he hadn't finished tests to even make a diagnosis. It has spread but she will have weeks maybe months to life and after Saturday's roller coaster, I am grateful for that. Her girls are 21 and 20.
I'm so late... I have been fussing about not having a computer ( I blogged about it) and realized I was getting ticked because they told me 3 days TOPS.. 8 days ago... I went into the computer place cause I was gonna "give it to them"... only to calm down.. chat with another guy and realize that my favorite (geek guy... that's what they call themselves) lost his two year old son .. just this morning.... My problems in my life right now.. are soooooooooo SMALL compared to this mans loss...
I know just how you feel. My son had an accident on his motercyle yesterday. A driver didn't see him and hit him throwing him 20 feet across the road. He walked away from this accident with major scrapes but no broken bones. I know he had angels all around him to protect him from oncoming traffic that he was thrown into. Tender mercies in our lives are all around us.
I experienced a tender mercy when I attended California Utah Women boutique and luncheon yesterday, accompanied by my daughter, daughter-in-law and oldest grand daughter. I am so blessed to have them all near. When Providence sang, I got all teary. Thank you God for family.
patisue
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