Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Miracle 70: Small Promptings

This darling woman is a recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently living in Florida. She is quite the member missionary and her light and example is one that awes us all. Someday I hope to be just like her.


The other day I was shopping and could not find my phone after leaving the mall. I went back to JC Penny's and began searching for it. As I was looking for my phone, I saw a woman behind the counter and asked if she had seen it. She quickly told me she had not and went about her business. I was in a hurry, but decided that I needed God's help. I said a prayer and then felt prompted by the Spirit to check the women's bathroom.While doing so, I ran into an elderly woman working at the store who asked if I needed help. I asked her about where my phone could be and surprisingly she led me right back to the first woman I had asked. But this time, with this darling elderly woman beside me, the other woman pulled out my pink phone and claimed they had just found it. Now, regardless of how honest that woman had been the first time I asked or not, I know that God helped me find my phone. He places people in our path that are there to help us out, no matter how trivial the situation might be. He cares about us and wants to help us each and every day.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Miracle 69: Christmas Cookies

This lovely miracle is from a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Las Vegas. His mission miracles are inspiring.


It was Christmas of 1994. Two months before the end of my mission! I was transferred into a new area a week before Christmas. My companion had health problems so he was sick in bed! I had an idea-while he was sick, I made some cookies! He said, "Wow, wouldn't it be a great idea if we made cookies and gave them to the people in the neighborhood?" 

So, we went to the small store by our house since we couldn't travel too far because he was sick. And surprisingly, we got everything we needed! After I baked all day, my companion asked for a blessing so he could be well the next day to pass them out! The next day, because of this elder's great faith, he felt better! We went to our neighbors and passed out the Christmas cookies singing Christmas carols! One neighbor enjoyed our singing and asked to hear more! We sang to her family I Am a Child of God! Since that hymn was the only one we both knew without a hymn book! I didn't notice after we finished that tears were in the sister's eyes because the song had touched her heart! The great words of the song told her God had sent us there! She asked us to come back and we ended up teaching her family! We gave her a Book of Mormon and sang to them a new song the next two visits because she loved music! I was then asked by the mission president after Christmas who I would like to serve with my last month on the mission! I'm so happy I chose was that same faithful elder. I learned the message of music works wonders!  


There can be miracles when you believe in God.


Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Friday, December 27, 2013

Miracle 68: Christmas Miracle

This darling Christmas miracle is from a former missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We love how she has continued to share the gospel! Fingers crossed we are all like her after our missions!


The same week I returned home from my mission, our family decided to get a Christmas tree. The guy that helped us load it up was the first person besides family and church friends that I'd seen since being released from my calling as a missionary. I trusted the Lord and worked up the courage to get to know him a little bit. After more discussions online, I found out he's always wondered why there isn't just one church. He is now ready to meet with the missionaries! There truly is no better season than this one to share the gospel!


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Miracle 67: Five Green Lights

This short and sweet miracle is from a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Jacksonville, Florida with me. Just to clarify, as missionaries we have a curfew and try our best to be in each night no later than 9:30. Exact obedience truly does bring miracles!


Here is a small miracle, but a miracle just the same. We left from a lesson, and it was about 9:20, and we wanted to get home before curfew. So we said a quick prayer, and stared driving. We went through five green lights, and we were able to get home right at 9:30.

There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Miracle 66: The Warnings of the Holy Spirit

This life-saving miracle is from a darling navy wife and mother living in Georgia. 


About 2 months ago, my husband and I were headed into town. There was nothing special about the day until we found ourselves behind a service van. I suddenly felt compelled to move over to the next lane even though our exit was coming up. The very instant we got into the next lane, the ladder flew off the top of the van and slid several yards behind the van. My husband looked at me in shock. All he could say was, "How did you know to move over?!" I shudder to think what may have happened if I hadn't of listened to the Holy Spirit that morning.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Miracle 65: Personal Answer to Prayer

This incredible miracle is from a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Jacksonville, Florida with us! He is a powerful missionary and truly knows how to communicate with His Heavenly Father. We love it! Merry Christmas!


Now this miracle isn't a recent one but is one that took place a couple years ago. And is about how I truly saw God's hand in not just my life, but those around me. I was about 16 years old and the day was just like any other school day. But things changed that afternoon when my father picked me up from school. On the way home he started tearing up and told me that my sister had just been diagnosed with cancer- a brain tumor. Everything happened so fast. She was living out of the state at the time and was instantly life-flighted into Spokane for surgery. I remember that day very well. At the time I had never truly gone to Heavenly Father for a specific thing before, but this was the time that that was going to change. I felt like I needed to do something but just didn't now what. There wasn't anything physically that I could do so I turn to what mattered most and went to Heavenly Father in prayer. I prayer for my sister that everything would turn out well and that it would be Heavenly Father's will that would be done. And of course Heavenly Father played a role beyond measure that night. He saved my sister. The doctors couldn't believe it and were astonished that she pulled through the surgery as well as she did. Since that day the cancer is completely gone and hasn't come back. I know that there were many others that were praying for her, and the Priesthood Blessing that she received played a huge role in it, but I felt like Heavenly Father personally answered my prayer that day. It is something that I will never forget. I know that Heavenly Father lives and that He does care about us and loves us. I know that the power of prayer is real, no matter how small or big it might be. I know that as we go to Him in prayer with faith that He is there and is listening. He will answer us. I am grateful for all that He does for us and look forward to the day when I will be able to see him again.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Miracle 64: Finding People to Teach

This direct answer to prayer is from a fellow missionary serving in Palatka, Florida.


So for the last couple weeks, my companion and I have been praying that we would be able to find a single parent with two kids where the kids would be interested to hear our message. Searching for something to do one evening, we decided to knock some doors in an apartment complex close to ours. And sure enough, we knocked into a nice lady who has two daughters. When we said that we were Mormons, her daughter ran up to us and started asking us a ton of questions. Come to find out, she was learning about different religions in her class at school and Mormonism had caught her attention. It was a big miracle for us, and a testimony builder to me that God hears and answers our prayers, as long as we have faith that He can.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world. 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Miracle 63: Overcoming Trials

This is Sister Hutchins posting tonight and I have the absolute pleasure of sharing with you all one of my darling best friend's miracles. I hope you love it because it made me cry.


During the summer of 2012 I tore my ACL & my medial & lateral meniscus playing ultimate Frisbee. This was the first time that I had ever seriously injured myself. I am a collegiate athlete & have been competing in competitive sports my entire life since the age of 5.

This was the first time ever that an injury would keep me from doing what I loved to do. I received my ACL surgery right before my sophomore year of college began. After having had just completed a very successful season as a freshman in my sport, I was devastated & heartbroken that I would have to red shirt, or in other words, sit out for the next season due to my injury/surgery… Soon after I got my surgery, it was time for me to go back to school & needless to say I was an emotional mess. I started questioning everything: my worth, my faith, my talent, & just everything about my life in general & the direction I was heading at that time. I felt hopeless & worthless & could feel myself slipping into a dark place. I felt that I had hit rock bottom & that Satan was winning. I kept wondering “Why me, why now, how could this have happened, what did I do to deserve this emotional, physical, & spiritual pain?”… In retrospect I now realize that this trial was necessary. The turning point for me was right after I had finished my fall term & was on winter break.

My dearest & closest friend had given me a book 3 months earlier for my birthday that I didn’t have time to read until then, titled Heaven Is Here. In this memoir, the author Stephanie Nielson, tells the story of how she & her husband survived a small plane crash that almost took both of their lives. After burning over 80% of her body & being in a coma for 4 months, she lives & her story of faith & hope has become a beacon of light in my life ever since. If my friend hadn’t given me that book & if I hadn’t felt inspired to read it when I did I don’t know where I’d be right now.

It’s been a year since I read that book & during this time I have realized & come to understand that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves & since he knows us so well he strategically gives us trials so that we can grow & so that we can turn our weaknesses into strengths with His help of course. He will never hand us a trial that we will not be able to overcome or learn from. So in many ways my knee surgery & the trials that came along with it have been humbling miracles in my life because I now know that I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for that trial, & I am eternally grateful for the growth I’ve seen within myself over the past year that I would not have been able to see otherwise. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 62: Courage To Speak

This beautiful Christmas miracle is from one of my (Sister Heckel's) dearest friends in the whole entire world who just recently returned home after serving for 18 months as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Jacksonville, FL.


The same week I returned home from my mission, our family decided to get a Christmas tree. The guy that helped us load it up was the first person, besides family and church friends, that I'd seen since being released as a missionary. I trusted the Lord and worked up the courage to get to know him a little bit. After more discussions online, I found out he's always wondered why there isn't just one church. He is now ready to meet with the missionaries! No better season than this one to share the gospel of Jesus Christ


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Miracle 61: Question and Answer

This miracle is from a young woman in Georgia who has a beautiful testimony now of the miracle and power of prayer. 


I prayed to my Heavenly father to know if he wanted me to serve a mission. I had been inspired been to serve a mission by the missionaries that taught me the gospel.I prayed and pondered about serving a mission. It was as I was listening to the Prophet and Apostles at General Conference that i received an answer to my question. The answer was simple, Heavenly Father wanted me to serve a mission. I am so excited as I am planning on serving a mission soon. That just goes to show you that Heavenly Father does answer prayers. 


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 60: Going on a Mission

This darling miracle is from an equally darling sister missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Jacksonville, Florida.


The greatest miracle of all started when I knew I needed to go on a mission. I never wanted to go on a mission. I was scared of the unknown and was not sure I could do it. Finally, I put all of my faith and trust in the Lord and because of that I am on a mission. While being on a mission I have been faced with a lot of trials. I have had a lot of opportunities to grow and see who I can become. I have learned to rely on the Lord, to really get on my knees and pray to Him, and let him make my burdens light. I have learned the importance of the Priesthood and how real it is. I have received many Priesthood blessings while being on a mission and it has truly showed me the power that is has through our faith. There are many times that I have wanted to give up and go home, but as I pondered how I would feel if I gave into Satan it made me stay on my mission. It made me have a stronger desire to overcome my trials and show him that I will not give up because the Lord and this gospel means more to me. It taught me to show Heavenly Father how much I love him and how much He means to me. Heavenly Father has carried me through so many of my trials. The best way I can attempt to pay him back is by serving Him. But once you try to pay Him back he always finds a way to bless you even more.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Miracle 59: Dear Human Friend, God Loves You.

This is Sister Hutchins posting today and this simple, but incredible miracle is written by a sister missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I love with my whole heart. She is currently serving in Jacksonville, Florida very close to me!


To be honest, I see miracles in my life everyday. When I really stop and think about how God has extended
His hand of mercy and love to me through what we call miracles, I think of this particular incident.
I was going to school at Brigham Young University-Idaho. It was my first time living away from home and I didn’t feel very at home where I was living. To me, home was still 1,000 miles away in California. I was living in an apartment with 5 other girls, none of which I met prior to the day I moved in. I was away from friends and family. I just felt very alone. I found myself on the upper balcony of a building on campus.
I was overwhelmed and I did something I hadn’t done in a very long time…I began to sob. After crying until my eyes couldn’t cry any more, I heard footsteps coming towards me. The next thing I knew there was an arm around draped around me, comforting me. It was a couple that for some reason decided to walk through the that building when they found me. I’ll never forget their names even though I had never met them before or seen them since. They hugged me and gave me a balloon that had a note inside that said “Dear human friend, Smile. God loves you and so do we.” This wonderful couple was a miracle sent to me in a time of need. God answers prayers and reaches His hand out to bless us through small and simple, yet life changing, miracles.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  


Miracle 58: A Miracle Found Passing the Sacrament

This powerful miracle is from a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Utah. Hope you love it.


My companion and I were sitting at the beginning in our Branch Sacrament meeting. It had snowed all night which had a pretty big effect on people coming to church. Only half of the ward members were able to make it and we couldn't see any of the people we were teaching. Feeling a little bummed, Sacrament meeting started and we began singing the opening hymn. As we were singing, a recent convert stood up and walked to sit with the deacons to pass the Sacrament. He had just received the Aaronic Priesthood and had been ordained a priest the week prior. Immediately, our disappointed feelings were gone as we watched this new member conquer his nervousness to use the priesthood for the first time. He has three sons under the age of 12 and all three of them were watching intently as the meeting went on. I am grateful for this opportunity we had to witness this incredible miracle with such a special family. This young father is learning and growing in the Gospel and setting a righteous example for his young sons. He and his wife plan on being sealed as a family for time and all eternity next August.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  



Saturday, December 14, 2013

Miracle 57: My Brother and Savior

The darling woman who wrote this miracle lives in Jacksonville! Enjoy.


When I was about five years old my parents were fighting something fierce; they were both on drugs and crazy biker types. This particular night they were really going at it and I got scared because they beat on each other (My dad also had PTSD from Vietnam-he beat on my brother and I). I went and hid behind the couch and was waiting for them to stop fighting, totally distraught knowing that they were going to kill each other when a man, that I believe to be Jesus, appeared beside me took me in his arms. He told me everything would be okay and that I should go to sleep and he would protect me until morning. I remember waking up the next day thinking it was a dream. That was when I knew for sure that my brother and Savior was always looking out for me.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.


Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Miracle 56: A Simple Knock

This incredible miracle is from an LDS man living in Las Vegas. Missionary work truly is a miracle!


The best thing that happened in my life was becoming an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints again! I think it's great that missionaries don't just try to find new members of the church, but they also go to less active members' homes and welcome them back as well. That happened to me this past April. I was at home on a day off and I heard a knock at the door! So I opened it and across the hall were two missionaries. I started talking to them and they asked me questions. Then I invited them back! To tell the truth, I skipped out on appointments, but the Elders didn't give up on me. I saw them at the mailbox and at Walmart. They just wanted me to come back so they went out of their way to care for me! I have been an active member now because of their care and my great ward!! And here's the best part...my best friend and neighbor just got baptized into the church because the missionaries asked me if I had friends interested in the church. I also fellowship with the current members and help them remain active! And all of this is simply from a knock from a set of missionaries one April morning as they visited the less active members. I'm thankful for missionary work to members and non-members alike!


There can be miracles when you believe in God.


Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Friday, December 13, 2013

Miracle 55: In The Fast Lane

This lovely miracle is from a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Kingsland, Georgia. She's is quite the crafty woman, and I adore her kind soul with my whole heart. 


I have several miracles that have been major things in my life and miracles that happen every day (aka-blessings). People expect that a miracle has to be a large happening in their life. That is not always the case. I count my every day blessings in life as small miracles because God and Jesus Christ choose to be a part of my life if I accept them as part of mine.

I have a miracle that was rather big in my life that I will share with you. In October of 1989 I was planning a trip to the Temple in Atlanta from Macon, Georgia. I first had to find a way there because my car had broke down. My Bishop let me use his car and him and his wife watched my children. I was in the Atlanta area on I-75 driving in the far left lane, going about 70 MPH (according to the speedometer) and the interstate had three lanes to drive in. I was driving and suddenly I heard this voice (mind you-I was alone); I thought that maybe I was imagining the voice so I kept driving. Again I heard a voice and it was more clear this time--it told me to get over in to the far right lane. It was not an easy task in Atlanta traffic--many, many cars were coming by me very fast. When I heard this voice speak the second time I looked and amazingly the traffic opened up to let me through to the far right lane. I had to slow down in order to get over and by the time I had reached the right lane I was going much slower than I had been. As soon as I got into the right lane I had a tire blowout and I was able to move smoothly into the emergency lane. That could be the end of the story but it is not. When I returned home I told the Bishop what had happened and later that week he found out that his car was displaying the speedometer wrong instead of the 70 that I thought I was going, I was going 80. Had I had the blowout at that speed there could have been many people hurt or killed. My Heavenly Father was watching over me that day and I was in the right place to hear the Holy Ghost warn me to get over. I am thankful for that affirmation that living the gospel can cause great things to come to pass.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   


Miracle 53 & 54: God's Little Hello's

These darling miracles are from a return sister missionary attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. 


The power went out Wednesday morning and it was 15 below here in Utah. A couple years ago my parents had installed a gas fireplace, but that was no good without power for the fan. But my dad had installed an outlet on the outside of the house for it. So he was able to fire up a generator and plug the fan part of the fireplace in to the generator. So even though we were out of power for 8 hours in below zero weather we were able to stay warm. Miracle!

I have the flu really bad and have missed a week of class. And I was super nervous to have missed so much right before finals. I went back to one class yesterday and the girl in front of me turned around and gave me all her notes for the stuff I've missed so that I can get caught up. Miracle!!! That was such a tender mercy.
The Lord loves us!!! I am so grateful for the little things He does every day to remind me that He loves me. If we just pay attention we can see little "hello's" from God every day.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Miracle 52: Finding a Co-Blogger

This is Sister Jenessa Hutchins writing and I have an incredible miracle to share. Are you ready? It deals entirely with this blog of miracles. You gotta love it.


I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed about reaching 1000 miracles by October 25th. The other night I knelt down and asked God how I was going to accomplish this task. I knew with faith and inspiration that it could be done, but I kept questioning how I could do it with the limited time I have on a computer as a missionary each day. The idea came to STOP doing it alone. I needed to switch from an "I" mentality to a "we" mentality. All I could think of was a co-blogger...someone to accomplish this crazy and amazing task with me. The VERY next day, I received an email from another darling missionary who had two miracles for me that she had collected herself. Right then and there I knew she should be my co-blogger. And miraculously, she was thrilled at the idea. So, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that this goal of reaching 1000 miracles is no longer being coordinated by just me. Sister-Jenessa Heckel will be working with me and together, with your help as well, we will reach this inspired goal of 1000 miracles. (Don't you love that her name is Jenessa too? It's much too perfect!) The world will know that God's hand truly is in every one of our days. I know this to be true with all my heart. God is in the details of our lives. Can't you feel it?


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   


Miracle 51: In An Instant

This is Sister Heckel posting today and this miracle comes from a man very near and dear to my heart, all the way across the country in Vancouver, WA. This miracle changed his whole life! 


My wife and I were married in September of 2009. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but I wasn't. Being a very spiritual person I went to church with her occasionally. While there, I could feel the spirit and was amazed by the friendship and family values that were very strong in the church.In October of 2010 we were going out for a walk, but were delayed by a number of things. We almost didn't go, but then decided to just make it a short walk. When we got to the gate we saw three young men riding by on bicycles. My wife knew they were missionaries from the church, but I didn't. We talked for awhile and she told them if they would give a lesson on family home evening that she would feed them dinner. They came over and we had a wonderful evening. They asked me if I would read the Book of Mormon and pray to know that it was true. I agreed. They visited at least once a week for about 7-months. I had many questions and they had more answers. I read and prayed and pondered the Book of Mormon. They fasted with us that I would find that it was true. I started to believe when I realized that the Book of Mormon was translated by a boy with a 4th grade education in about 90 days. I still didn't feel the spirit until one night we were on our way to dinner and I announced that I wanted to be baptized. My wife and the other people in the car were totally blown away. It's incredible how, in an instant, everything came together and I realized all the things that the missionaries and other members had been teaching me were true. I was baptized and confirmed about a month later. At he same time the spirit guided me to change jobs after 19 years at the same place of employment and my income increased by 50%. I know that it was a blessing from our Heavenly Father. I can't say that everyone who's baptized will receive that type of blessing, but I can guarantee that they will be blessed if they keep the covenants and endure to the end. That's my story condensed for everyone who wants to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the restored church of Jesus Christ and that the Book of Mormon is true. I pass this information on in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen 


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Miracle 50: Miracles Happen As We Perform His Work

This miracle is from a darling missionary, Sister Jenessa Heckel, who is actually going to be a co-blogger working on this lovely project of reaching 1000 miracles with me. She's a gem. 


I have suffered from back pain for years. It was one of the main reasons why I had to return home from my mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after only 6 months. When I was preparing to return, I still had some minor issues, but nothing that couldn't be dealt with. Since I have been out, MIRACULOUSLY, I have not had ANY back pain!!!! The Lord has completely spared me of that pain that I might be able to do the work that He has called me to do!! I can say that I have been completely back pain free for over 6 weeks now, after struggling for nearly 6 YEARS!!!

There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find us on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins  and Sister-Jenessa Heckel or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! We would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  


Miracle 49: Living Worthy of Divine Help

This lovely miracle is from a young woman I admire more and more with each passing day. She has a heart of gold and is changing the world on her mission.


Anyone can experience a miracle. But sometimes, we have to qualify ourselves for a miracle. When I was in high school, I took an ACT prep course so that I could do well on that college entrance standardized exam. I wanted to do well on the test so that I would get into my desired colleges and be able to get scholarships.
 

So I took the prep course and steadily improved my scores throughout it. The class finished on a Friday morning and the real exam was that next Saturday morning. I went out with friends that Friday night to have a good time before I would have to focus and take the test. That night, I did not follow the youth standards that had been set by my church and our prophet, and that I had committed to live by. I didn't think anything of it that night, but the next morning, I prayed for help on the exam...and I did horrible. I couldn't focus, couldn't remember the strategies I had learned, ran out of time, and gave up. I was so frustrated with myself for taking for granted the power of God's miracles. 

The next time I took the ACT a month later, I had repented and resolved to not let the adversary lead my life ever again. I had humbled myself before God as I should have done long before. I studied my scriptures more diligently and prayed more fervently the weeks leading up to the exam. I fasted that Sunday in preparation for that exam. I went to bed early the night before. When it came time to take the ACT, I said one last prayer and got to work.


And God worked a miracle. I know that for a fact. I received a near perfect overall score on the ACT, scoring 100% in some sections of the test. I had never before done even close to as well as I did. As I qualified myself for divine help, God granted me a miracle as I trusted and had faith in Him.
This miracle God blessed me with allowed me to attend my desired college with a 4-year full-tuition scholarship...a blessing that continues to bring forth more good fruits as my life continues.



There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 48: The Power of Animals

This miracle is also from my darling missionary companion who hopes to one day be a Veterinary Technician.


It was my senior year of high school. I had been very stressed out. Things at home were bad and I was just having one of those bad days we all have some times. Luckily it was Wednesday, the night we have Young Womens. That night we were going up to my leader’s ranch. One of the other girls and I got up there a little early. Since my friend knew I had had a bad day, she asked our leader if we could go out and pet the horses before the rest of the girls got there. As I was petting the horses my mood started to change.  By the time Lori called us back in the house I had forgotten about the rest of my day and I was able to have a good time with the rest of the girls. The Lord works in many different ways to help people.One of the greatest ways He helps me is through animals. I can feel His love for me whenever I am around some of His greatest creations. Sometimes I think the He created them just for me to be able to find peace.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  



Saturday, December 7, 2013

Miracle 47: God is Guiding Us

I’m Sister Deanna Hibpshman. I’m serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints in Jacksonville, Florida.


My companion, Sister Hutchins, and I were out knocking doors trying to find someone to share the message of the restored  gospel with. Sister Hutchins and I had felt very led by the Spirit to the street we were on. We had been knocking doors for a little under an hour, it had gotten dark, we were having no success, and we had another appointment to get to. Remembering that we had been led to this street, we decided to knock one more door before walking back to the car. We knocked and out stepped Jim. We offered to pray for him. Sister Hutchins said the prayer and we all felt a very strong spirit. I then asked if we could come back and share with him more of what we believe and help him feel of the spirit more.  He accepted and we are now teaching him about the restored gospel and helping him come closer to his Father in Heaven. I know that God really does guide each of us. He guides his missionaries to the people who are looking for him. God is there.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 46: Not One, But Two

This inspiring miracle is from a Mormon mom living in Jacksonville. I love it a little extra. Enjoy!


This is the story of how Heavenly Father blessed my family. My mother and father were very eager to start a family when they first were married in 1980. They had dreams of having a large family. But sad news soon followed. After months of trying to get pregnant, they discovered that because of medical reasons my mother had to have her ovaries removed. She was left with only a quarter of an ovary. Doctors told them they would never be able to have children. They were devastated. Their dreams of having a biological family were shattered. My mother took this news especially hard. She remembers watching the news and hearing of mothers abandoning their children and of one particular mother who threw her newborn baby in the dumpster. She remembers praying to God to have someone leave a baby in her garbage can and then feeling angry that she would never have children. She soon repented. After much prayer and time had passed, my father and mother resigned themselves to the fact that biological children would never enter their home.

In 1984, they were getting ready to travel to Mexico with the hopes of starting their journey toward adoption. Right before their trip my mother was feeling ill and went to a clinic for a checkup. The nurse walked out with the results of the tests they had done. She then very coldly told my mom that she was pregnant and asked if she wanted to keep the baby. My mother and father were astonished! This was the answer to their many prayers for four long years! And, of course, they were going to keep the baby Heavenly Father had sent them. They knew that a miracle had just happened. They walked out of that doctor’s office feeling happier than they had ever been before. And the miracles did not stop then. Several months later my mother’s doctor kept noticing she was gaining more weight than she should have been gaining at that point in her pregnancy. The doctor was concerned. After an ultrasound they found out Heavenly Father was not only blessing them with one miracle but with two! My twin sister and I were born in April of 1985.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 45: With Humble Heart

This wonderful miracle is from my missionary companion's father. He's great. We love him. And we love this miracle.


We were living in a apartment in Silt, Colorado and knew we had to move. We were having a hard time finding another place to live within the boundaries of our church congregation that we had been attending. I had been praying and praying for weeks that some place would open up. My wife and I were getting desperate as the time to move was fast approaching and we were not getting any answer from Heavenly Father. About two weeks before we were to move, my wife and I were talking about what we were going to do. We were starting to prepare to have to camp out somewhere until we found something. My wife asked me if I had been humble in my prayers and I had to admit that I had not been and was getting frustrated that I had received no revelation or answer to my prayers. So we kneeled down and took the time to humble our hearts to Heavenly Father. We began to pray with humble hearts and as we prayed I could hear the Holy Spirit telling me to go talk to our bishop. When we had finished our prayer and I told my wife what I felt. We called and set up an appointment with our bishop. At the meeting, we told our bishop what was going on. He told us of a Church member in a local congregation that had a house in our congregation that may be available. He made a phone call right then and it was true! The next day we met with the owner of the house and he was just finishing up remodeling it and was glad to rent to us. He said we would be able to move in the same day that we would have to move out of our apartment. We lived there for 8 years until we moved to where we live now. So now when I pray I make sure to take the time to humble my heart to the Lord before I pray. In Jesus' name, amen.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Friday, December 6, 2013

Miracle 44: Simple Tender Mercies

This darling sister missionary is someone I adore with my whole heart. She's from Utah and has been our serving here in Jacksonville for 3 months.


Mine is a small miracle, maybe more of a tender mercy. Some might say it was just good timing or a coincidence. But for me, I know it was a little miracle, just for me.

It was a very cold, and rainy day in Orem, Utah. The sky was dark and gloomy, the rain was coming down hard. I had worked a long 14 hour shift the day before and was just finishing up my classes for the day. I was exhausted. As I was headed outside to walk bake to my apartment form campus it started to rain even harder as the drops slowly turned to hail. I didn’t want to walk home in this weather! I was so tired, school had been long and very difficult that day. I got a little weepy as I do when I’m over tired, as the first tear fell my phone rang. It was my mom. She said that she had been thinking of me and missed me so she drove down to visit. I was so excited! She came and found me, took me to a nice dinner and had a great time laughing and joking. It was just what I needed. My Heavenly Father knew I was having a rough day so he sent an angel to lift my spirits. My mom had no idea I was so tired and on the brink of tears when she called, she had no idea that I so hoped for someone to get me a ride home so I didn’t have to walk in the horrible weather, but God did. He knows us, He loves us and He watches over us. God places people in our lives to be his helping hands, to get us the hug we need, right when we need it. I’m grateful for his love for all of us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  



Miracle 43: "God Heard My Prayer"


This 2 in 1 miracle is from a college student living in Utah. He served his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jacksonville, Florida as well!

 
Last Wednesday I was in Colorado with a mission friend for Thanksgiving. We decided that we'd do a study together in the morning for our daily scripture study. I started the study with prayer and asked that God would again give us a witness of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. That Sunday, which was this last Sunday (12-1-13) my friend Michael stood to give his testimony. While listening to the spirit testify of his words I was prompted to pick up my scriptures. I held the Book of Mormon I took on my LDS mission. Without opening it at all, I felt the Holy Ghost manifest the truth of the Book of Mormon to me. I then walked to pulpit and testified of its truth. I was and am thankful for that. We left for Utah that day after a nice dinner. A friend asked if I could pick her up from Salt Lake City airport. I thought this is the opportunity to serve one of Gods children that I had been praying for. Of course I said yes. With a 45 minute drive in front of me, I remembered my tires were so bold that I could see the inner lining of the tire. Still having a strong desire to serve, I prayed asking Eternal Father if He'd get me to the airport safely. I ended my prayer in Jesus Christ's name. Twenty minutes later without saying a word to one of my friends, he turns to me and asks, "Do you want to take this car to pick your friend up...that way you won't have to worry about your tires?" Oh the joy I felt as I immediately recognized that the Lord had heard my prayer and answered the desires of my heart. I was able to pick up my friend and she was very thankful. Heavenly Father loves his children and if we desire he will allow us to serve n His kingdom and receive a strong spiritual witness of his existence. I know He lives and loves us. This knowledge has changed my life forever. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  


Thursday, December 5, 2013

Miracle 42: Miraculous Priesthood Blessings

This darling sister missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is currently serving in Jacksonville, has one beautiful testimony, and shares my first name...so I love her a little bit extra.
 


I was 10 years old at the time and it had been less than 24 hours since my dad had come home from having surgery on his knee. He all of a sudden was struggling to breath and in a LOT of pain. My mother rushed him to the hospital and they found that he had a blood clot in his lung. He was transported by ambulance to a larger hospital with better facilities. He went by ambulance because the cloud cover was too thick for life-flight. One of my uncles was on call that night and so he was in the ambulance with my father. He gave my father a Priesthood blessing, when my uncle said "Amen," my father took a deep breath and the pain was GONE! When they arrived at the larger hospital in Salt Lake City, the blood clot was nowhere to be found. It was truly a miracle. Not many people survive that kind of blood clot. I feel truly blessed by the amazing power of the Priesthood and the miracle of still having my father alive today!

[To read more about this miracle, follow this link!]



There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Miracle 41: Acting By Faith

This gem of a missionary views his decision to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a miracle and I absolutely love it.


One that particularly stands out to me is how I came to the decision to go on a mission. I was 24 years old, and life was busy! I had a great job at a bank, working in the residential lending division. I was also making my way through school, studying business. Things seemed to be going along at an amazing clip. I was finally focused, and getting things done. At this point in my life, I had only been going to church for about 8 months, having been inactive since the age of 13. For some reason, a mission continued to pop into my head, what seemed like daily. I ignored it, and rationalized my thinking, then ignored it some more. How could I go on a mission? I will be 27 when I get back. I will have 2  years left of school to finish. I want to get married and start a family. To boot, I will need to be working, and be making money for the future! So much faced me on the tail end! I felt overwhelmed just thinking about it. Frankly, it seemed impossible. I prayed about it often. I continued to get the impression, that i indeed needed to serve a mission. One night, after working late, I sat in my office, and decided to call my Bishop. That night, I went straight from work to the Bishop's office, to meet with him. I was nervous. Many thoughts were going through my head. Many doubts filled my mind, and seemed like they were going to be the victor. I was able to make it to the church building. That night, I filled out all of my missionary paperwork. The only thing left to do was to get a doctor's appointment, as well as a dentist check up, which were able to get done, miraculously, in the following two days. I still was nervous, but I was going for it. I guess this is what 'acting by faith' really was. I was putting my faith to the test. The second I submitted my papers, an overwhelming sense of peace came over me. I knew without a doubt, that this is what I needed to do, and that everything would take care of itself post-mission. I feel so blessed to have this amazing opportunity to serve the Lord. To think that I almost let it pass me by, makes me sick. I am so grateful for the hand of the Lord that guided me through each trial and tribulation. With each decision I made throughout this process, the Lord was by my side, teaching me, and helping me along. I will be forever grateful. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Miracle 40: Falling Out The Window

This lovely miracle is from a young man living in Kingsland,Georgia. He is one of four sons and has one amazing family.


When I was about five, I was looking out the window at night, and the screen broke. I fell out and hit the ground, though I really don't remember falling. After that, I remember being completely calm, except for when the fire rescue people cut open my Buzz Light-year shirt. I was taken to a hospital where they checked me and put me through CAT scans, but couldn't find anything wrong with me. I only had a scratch on the knee, and I consider that a miracle.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.


Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   
 

Miracle 39: Tender Mercies From Following the Spirit

Another miracle from another missionary serving in Jacksonville with me! Hope you love it.


The first night of my time in a new area was an interesting experience, it was like starting my mission all over again. I was determined to hit the ground running though and as we know in missionary work, nothing happens until you find someone to teach. So, I was really hoping the spirit would guide us somewhere, and I was listening closely for any kind of prompting from the Spirit. We had just knocked on the door of a potential investigator who wasn't home, and as we were walking away I felt prompted that we should knock on the neighbor's door. The man who answered happened to be a less-active member of the church who talked to us for a good 20 minutes and then asked that we come back again. Oh how beautiful are the miraculous tender-mercies that come from listening to the spirit.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.
 
Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Miracle 38: Prayers For Another

I cannot wait for you to keep reading today! This incredible miracle is one that brought tears to my eyes. This woman is amazing.


I grew up in the south, and had never even heard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was married, but separated from an abusive drug addict, struggling to raise our two precious daughters. My husband had moved across the country to start a new business with his father. I was trying to decide if I should move out there with him, and repair our marriage. He made a lot of promises to change, and to get clean and sober. 

I did not know what to do. I was scared. And as I was wrestling with these big decisions, two missionaries knocked on my door. A sweet spirit unlike I've ever witnessed before, came over me, and I knew that their message for me was true before they uttered a word. I invited them in, but because I was alone, they rescheduled a visit for a time they could bring a sister with them. 


Well, our schedules never worked out, so I never heard their message. All I had was the Book of Mormon they gave me. In the meantime, I had decided to get back together with my husband. I told the missionaries on the phone that I was moving. The elder said (and I will never forget this... It still gives me chills, and you will see why at the end of my story), he said, "I don't know why we came to your house. We were not in your neighborhood, but the spirit directed us to your door. Something is telling me that you are in danger and the gospel will save you. I really want to give you the message Heavenly Father has for you. I don't think you should leave. I am going to pray that you hear the gospel when you get to wherever you are going. I will pray for your safety."


 After that, I thought that guy was nuts. It freaked me out and at the time I felt glad that I didn't tell them where I was going. It was creepy! Fast forward a few weeks later and the first person I meet in my new home town thousands of miles away, is a Mormon. Fast forward months later, and I am trapped in a nightmare of unbelievable domestic violence. I lost my job as a teacher because of bruises and marks all over me. And my husband was stalking me at school, making sure I was there.


Later, the Mormon I met on my first day there, comes back into my life and hears that I lost my job. He offers me a job in his auto repair shop. I take it. He teaches me the gospel every day. 


I get baptized. And then the abuse gets worse. Much worse. This man rescues my two little girls and me. After an 18 month legal battle, we are finally free, and we came back to Georgia to start our lives over.
A year later, some friends from church set me up on a blind date. 6 weeks later, we got engaged and 6 weeks later, we got married! A year later, he adopted my two little girls, and we've had three more babies since! We've been married 14 years now, and are more in love than ever. We are a forever family.


I wish I knew who the elder's name who listened to the spirit and prayed on my behalf. I was too ashamed of the abuse to ask for help. If it had not been for the man who rescued us, I would not have lasted much longer. I would not be here today. Heavenly Father hears our prayers for others. I am so thankful that someone was willing to pray for me.




There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Friday, November 29, 2013

Miracle 37: The Wonder of Temple Work

This miracle is from another missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Philadelphia! 


I had a really cool experience on August 3rd. I went with my companion to the Washington temple and as the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my family, I was able to perform the sacred ordinances for my grandfather. When I was in the Celestial Room, I prayed to our Heavenly Father to know if my grandfather accepted the work I had done. This amazing feeling of peace came to me and I knew in that moment that my grandpa had accepted it. I am so grateful to be member of the true church on the earth. Just last week was my 3 year anniversary of being a member of the church.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Miracle 36: Our Savior is The Miracle

This darling miracle is from my very first missionary companion in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. To say the least, I love this Las Vegas girl more than words can say.


I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I have been on my mission for almost six months. I have learned in these past few months that miracles happen every single day, we just have to have our eyes and hearts open to recognize God's hand in our lives. I wanted to share some miracles that would be considered small by some, but my companion and I know that they are truly miracles! We were let into someone's home after hours of being out in the cold and were able to share a message about prophets with him. We were given Powerade by someone after a long evening of knocking doors. We were able to serve at the Mandarin food bank. We did NOT get eaten by a dog who could have attacked us. We see the greatest miracle each morning as the Lord gives us strength beyond our own to love His children, share our testimonies, and wear His name. Our Savior Jesus Christ is THE miracle and He is who we dedicate our lives to!


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   
 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Miracle 35: Missionary Miracles

I love missionary experiences. They truly are all miracles because it involves bringing people closer to Christ. This one is from an young man serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


So I'm on a mission in the hood of Philadelphia, serving in a small branch and we've been praying a ton for the Lord to place people in our way to help the branch grow. A few Sundays ago, two sisters came in to our building and sat in for Sacrament meeting. After which they both had a bunch of questions about what the Book of Mormon was. We've been seeing them twice a week for the past couple weeks and they are developing such a strong testimony of the restored Gospel-it's incredible to watch! They are going to be baptized on December 8th of this year! The Lord answers prayers and works miracles! It's just up to us to recognize them.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Miracle 34: The Wonder of Member Missionary Work

This lovely Mormon mom is quite the member missionary. Oh how all missionaries LOVE when members get involved. I'm grateful for her example and faith. 


One of the most amazing miracles I have experienced involved praying for a missionary opportunity and then watching the Lord's hand in the life of my neighbor and seeing them embrace the gospel. Noticing the change that took place in their faces and eyes. Now I continue to hope and pray for them that they will desire to continue with those blessings and absolutely those miracles, as they go forward.I pray they will have the strength they need to push Satan out of their lives.

As I witnessed this miracle, my testimony was strengthened as to the love and influence Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost have in our lives. I am so grateful for that knowledge.



There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Monday, November 25, 2013

Miracle 32 & 33: Trusting in His Timing

These two lovely miracles are from a darling and faithful girl living in Utah. Hope you love these miracles as much as me!


Four years ago, my family was at their lowest point. My grandfather had passed away from cancer and my father was deployed. My sisters' children were taken from her custody and put into foster care. I was scared, sad, and feeling lonely. I was home schooled and kind of an outcast, even in my own ward. My life had basically ended, or so it felt. We didn't know what was going to happen or how we were going to make it through. How did we make it through? We made it because of the gospel. We made it through with priesthood blessings, prayer, service, (that we were given and the service that we gave.) and fasting. We grew together as a family. We all knew that we would see my grandfather again. We had been sealed for time and all eternity in the temple.

As for my sisters kids, well my aunt and uncle who couldn't have children(and had many adoptions fall through over years and years of attempts) were able to be sealed to them for time and all eternity. From these experiences, we gained a testimony of God's hand in our lives. We learned to trust in the Lord and his timing.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Miracle 31: A Missing Aerator Plug

This simple, but powerful miracle is from a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who is also serving in Jacksonville with me. He's from the lovely state of Utah.


My friend and I would aerate lawns to make some extra money. On the aerator there is a tank full of water to weigh it down so the machine will actually work. Well the small plug that keeps all the water in that is about the size of the dirt plugs that the machine pulls out of the yard. So after one job I noticed water leaking from my aerator. The small plug had come out somewhere and we had just been to 3 different houses. So we searched the lawns that were covered in dirt plugs that were about the same size as the plug for the machine. I called my mom (because I did not want to call my dad and tell him I broke his machine) and asked if there was anything I could do. She asked if we had said a prayer to find the plug. After talking to her, my friend and I said a prayer so we could find the missing plug. We went back to the lawn we had just done and my friend asked if I had looked in the corner of the yard next to the fence. I told him yes and that it couldn't possibly be there. But we decided to look anyway and the first leaf my friend turned over, he found the plug we were looking for. It was a huge miracle for me at that time because I knew that God cared enough about me to answer our simple prayer for an aerator plug. I know that God loves us so much and will bless us as we seek his help.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Friday, November 22, 2013

Miracle 30: A Simple Answer to Prayer

I've got a special place in my heart for this miracle. I'm so grateful for answers to prayers, especially in the lives of those I love much too much.


My best friend was an energy pirate (in other words...she talks like crazy). She would not shut up and I wanted to strangle her. The missionaries said a prayer for me to help deal with her in a nice way and us not kill each other. I'll be darned because the next day at work ... she was happy and quiet!! 


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Miracle 29: Short and Sweet

This lovely miracle is from a new member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Georgia.


Well I got what you would call a miracle! I didn't know a whole lot about the gospel at the time and I prayed to Heavenly Father. I wanted Him to send me someone that would teach me about the gospel. And Heavenly Father sent me the missionaries to help me learn about the gospel and to get baptized.


There can be miracles when you believe in God. 

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.   

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Miracle 27: A Miraculous Father-Daughter Bond

My darling missionary companion here in Jacksonville is amazing. And her dad wrote all about how her birth and even the rest of her life has been a miracle in their lives. I absolutely love it.


One miracle is your companion Sister Hibpshman. She has had to fight from the time she was born.She was born premature weighing in at 2 lbs 14 oz. She has been a true "Child of God" from the time of her birth. She was able to breath on her own at her birth. most premature babies can't and have to be on a respirator. That fight has been there ever since. I met her Mom and her 10 years ago. Ever since I met Deanna there has been a connection between us. She was the first to accept me as I started dating her mom. She has always had a testimony of the church. When you are around her you can feel the spirit that she has. She has always wanted to go on a mission and now she is on a mission. As teens grow up they get pulled in several directions, tempted with drugs, alcohol, sex, and who knows what and I am grateful that she has never wavered. I could go on and on about Deanna, but I won't. I am so so blessed to have Deanna in my life. We may not be Father & Daughter by birth, but she is my daughter by the bond of our Heart and by the Hands of God.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 26: Saved By a Quarter Inch

I personally am oh so grateful for this miracle. Without it, my darling fam bam wouldn't be here. Here's a miracle from my father.

During the summer of 1968 before entering 4th grade, I had many friends in my south San Jose neighborhood.  On this warm, week-day morning, I rode my bike a couple of blocks away to play with one friend who had two dogs - one was a pregnant German Sheppard.  We were on the front porch playing and the pregnant dog was with us.  I remember wrestling with my friend and having the dog at my eye level.  You need to know that I was not a dog person then (or now), so I was not comfortable around big dogs.  We started petting her and I made a quick move toward her as if to hug her.  She growled and I then began to recoil backward in fear.  Because I was a stranger and I moved too quickly I suppose, she reached out bit my exposed neck!  I now had puncture wounds across my throat.  I was scared and probably in shock.  My friend offered to get his mother, but I said I needed to go home.  I had blood on my neck and on my t-shirt.  I rode the long two blocks home, which may have been just 600 yards.  I was scared, probably crying and had no idea what just happened.  Upon reaching home and dropping my bike on the front sidewalk, my mom heard my shouts as I ran into the house and nearly fainted when she saw my punctured neck and t-shirt with blood on it.  She immediately drove me to the doctor.  I don’t remember much of the car ride or receiving stitches in 3 places on my neck, but what I do remember was the Doctor telling my Mom that I was lucky to be alive.  Another quarter inch one way would have punctured a vein.  The trickle of blood may have been a flow that could have been an early end to my life.  Certainly, a tender mercy from Heavenly Father when you consider I needed stitches in several places on my neck.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who watched over me that day.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  
 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Miracle 25: Sisters Surviving the Typhoon

I usually wouldn't post a miracle that hadn't been written specifically for this blog, but this story was too amazing not to pass on. God is so aware of us and performing miracles all over the world, even in the darkest of moments. Follow this link and you can read the story about 10 sister missionaries surviving the typhoon in the Philippines.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 24: Lost and Found

This lovely miracle is from a couple living in Utah. Meet Alison and Robert and their baby girl Abigail.


Robert has lost his wedding ring twice in the past month. The first time he found it in the grass outside the Talmage building on BYU campus where he had been playing hacky sack a couple days before. It was a miracle. The second time he lost it for over a week. He looked everywhere and couldn't find it. Then one day he was looking for something else in our bedroom and he found his ring hiding in between our bed and Abigail's bassinet. We don't know how it would have gotten there. I think Heavenly Father put it there in answer to our prayers.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Miracle 23: The Power of an Everyday Miracle

It's my turn to share another miracle with the world. I have been loving collecting miracles from so many incredible people. It's truly been inspiring. I've noticed that so many of these miracles are all about the big miracles in our lives. Today I wanted to write about a simple miracle that helps me feel God's hand in every single day of my life. I sincerely hope this helps open all of our eyes to how powerful the simple miracles are.


My companion and I go to the library almost every single day. We spend quite a lot of time in the lovely Jacksonville Public Library doing missionary work over Facebook and of course, with this blog. About a month ago, the thought came to talk to a man we see there quite often, but I pushed the thought aside and kept walking. A couple days later the thought came again and luckily, I was paying attention and listened. After just a few minutes talking to this man, I felt instantly connected to him. His love of God, his genuine kindness, and his ability to brighten everyone's day was stunning. Since that day, we've become dear friends. He wrote one of my favorite miracles yet and I don't know quite how he does it, but no matter how hard my day has been, he is able to put a smile on my face as we walk in the library. Often as missionaries, we encounter lots of people who, let's just say, don't love talking to us. Sometimes it's a bit disheartening, but then God's hand is at work and someone like Junius is there to pick my spirits back up again. I love how incredibly powerful God's simple everyday miracles are. He truly is aware of us in our biggest trials, but also in our day to day trials as well.


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Friday, November 15, 2013

Miracle 22: The Blessings of a Mother's Brain Surgery

The darling daughter that wrote this miracle is a senior in high school in Georgia.


My mom was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was around 7 years old. Throughout these years she lived a rough life going to school, having seizures, having them at work, and at home where her children were. In the year of 2005 she had brain surgery to help her get rid of her epilepsy, and it worked! She risked brain surgery for a better, safe life. She is now clean free of seizures, and I thank the Lord for that very much. I'm so glad that I have my mom in my life, I don't know what I would do without her!


There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.  

Miracle 21: An Answer in the 11th Hour

This inspiring miracle is from a mother of four boys living in Georgia. I adore her.


My husband was serving in the army in upstate New York when he discovered that his unit would have to go to Bosnia for a year of duty. We were anxious and discouraged because the date he would have to leave was only 2 weeks after our second son was due to be born. My husband did everything he physically could do to find someone else to take his place. He petitioned everyone of his higher ranking officers. Most importantly, we fasted and prayed and prayed some more that Heavenly Father would intervene. We felt strongly that him leaving for a year would be detrimental to our family. As the date approached, we grew more frantic, but tried to trust in the Lord and His will for our family. The day before he was scheduled to leave, bags packed, a young soldier transferred to his unit. Not only was he willing to take my husband's place, but he was eager to get the extra pay. He didn't have a family nor any other commitments.

This event was truly a miracle in our family. It taught us several things: The Lord loves us and is aware of our situations and knows us perfectly. Second, sometimes the Lord tests us and the answer doesn't come until the 11th hour. I know God lives and loves us and is aware of our every need and the desires of our hearts.



There can be miracles when you believe in God.

Have a miracle to share? Find me on Facebook: Sister-Jenessa Hutchins or like the When You Believe in God Facebook page! I would love nothing more than to share your miracles with the world.