A Miraculous Answer to Prayer (with pretty pictures)

What happened when I boldly prayed for a romantic miracle + sharing a few of my favorite things

 I’m still not sure how I could’ve been so bold.

Although I’d been praying for our oldest son for over a decade. Lifting up the same prayer request over and over again. But this time, it was different. 

This was a clear request with a specific deadline: “Lord, help him find his wife before he turns 30.”

What made it particularly bold was that our son was already 29 years old without anyone special on the horizon. 

Yet I prayed anyway, writing it down in my journal so I wouldn’t forget what I had asked—right there on paper in my scrawling cursive in black ink. 

And while it already felt like a “longshot” back when I’d declared it in the spring, imagine what it felt like come fall and still . . . nothing and no one.

So, I wasn’t feeling particularly hopeful when our son flew back home (to Oregon) from his place in Texas for a family friend’s wedding—a quick two-day trip here and back. And, privately, it felt like an unwise expense, considering it was a long way to travel for a four-hour event.

But our son is a show-up guy, so he showed up. 

That Hallmark Moment

The wedding was out in the country, on our friend’s acreage. The kind of wedding where you’ve known the groom since he was a little boy and you’ll likely know most of the other guests there as well.

And that’s just how it was, too. Including the young woman we knew back when our older kids were homeschooling through high school. 

We immediately recognized her beautiful smile, so my husband (her former sports coach) walked over to speak with her. He then reintroduced her to our son after all these years and left them alone to catch up. 

And they caught up alright. 

They talked for several hours, standing near the dance floor as if they were the only two people in the world. Everyone tiptoed around them; no one wanting to interrupt the moment, all sensing something magical was happening. Like one of those cheesy scenes from a Hallmark movie, except that we were watching it in real-time. 

We were watching an answer to a mother’s bold, but heartfelt prayer—a miracle.

The Miracle Timeline: 

• Britain and Amy reconnected on October 21, 2023 (after 10+ years).

• They got engaged on November 24, 2023 (not a typo).

• Britain moved back home to Oregon from Texas on December 3, 2023.

• Britain and Amy were married on February 17, 2024. 

• Britain turned 30 on March 22, 2024 . . . a few weeks after his wedding day.

God heard and answered my prayers (not only mine but those of many others). 

*Our four sons

*The Jacobson family

**Britain’s dad officiated their wedding

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What If You’re Still Waiting for Your Miracle?

In truth, this answer to prayer came toward the end of a particularly heavy and discouraging season. Not that I didn’t believe in the goodness of God or that He hears our prayers, but that I wondered if I’d ever again experience such goodness “in the land of the living.” 

In heaven, certainly. But here? And now? Less certain. 

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living!
 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong, and let your heart take courage;
    wait for the Lord!

~ Psalm 27:13-14

And maybe that’s where you’re at, too. Perhaps you’re struggling to see the “goodness of God” or wonder if He’s heard your cries and prayers. If so, I’m right there with you. 

Above, I’ve shared with you a most amazing answer to prayer, but I’ll tell you that I have other heart cries that remain just that—quiet cries. I am still painfully waiting for another miracle. 

If that is your current situation and “miracles” seem like something that only happens to other people, I want to offer you encouragement and a glimmer of hope. Because our Heavenly Father cares about our anguish, and we can trust Him to be at work, even when we can’t see it. 

We can be confident that He is good, always good. And that He hears your prayers, my friend. 

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Favorite Resources and Recommendations

On My Book Stack: 

Something New:

I have long been a big fan of Sara Hagerty’s writing and have read all of her books, so when I say that her new release, The Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries, is my favorite so far? Well, that’s saying a lot! I highly recommend this beautifully written, deeply profound, and practical book. 

P.S. If you enjoy listening to books, my daughter raved about the Audible version of Sara’s book (read by the author).

Something Old: 

Even if you’re unfamiliar with or not particularly interested in mission books, Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II is a highly faith-building and powerful read. It’s one of the few books that I read over and over again every few years. I LOVE this book! I predict you’ll have a hard time putting it down, and the story will stay with you for a long time to come.

In Our Kitchen: 

If asked what is one of my most-used kitchen gadgets, I’d have to answer that it’s my garlic press. It gets daily use around here! And because I’ve been using the same press for a couple of decades, I was concerned when my husband recently informed me that he’d purchased a new one. 

I needn’t have worried. This has got to be the best garlic press I’ve ever had (and hopefully, it’s still ON SALE)! 

And here’s a recipe worthy of bringing out the garlic press! I made this Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken, which was a big hit in our home (and easy!). I found thyme that survived the winter in my herb garden (speaking of miracles!), but any fresh grocery-store thyme would work well too.

*The spring view from our Guesthouse

Hospitality In Our Home:

If you’re new here, my husband and I run the Cascades Ranch Guesthouse, a short-term rental, on our property. 

It’s been relatively quiet the past few months, but bookings are picking up now that spring is here. One of the comments we keep hearing is how “thoughtful” the little touches are around the place. And that’s the thing---they really are simple little offerings, such as a small breakfast offering and a basket full of snacks and goodies. 

But you don’t have to host a guesthouse to be thoughtful. Consider what you can offer your own guests – strangers, friends, or family – things that will say, “I’m so glad you’re here” when they arrive.

If you’re stuck, let me offer some starter ideas: 

• A specialty tea or coffee (maybe local or out-of-the-ordinary)

• Anything homemade (cookies, bread, or a healthy snack)

• A small gift (perhaps a favorite book to share or an artisan soap)

• A handmade craft (confession: I’m not “crafty,” but I love it when my friends are!)

It is surprising how something so small can communicate such care to your guests.

A Closing Blessing

I recently hosted a Baby Blessing for one of the young moms in our church family, and it reminded me once again of the power of speaking words of blessing.

Rather than simply throwing a baby shower, we began a tradition of offering a blessing over the mama and her little one—speaking words of hope and promise over them both. And each time, it’s always been a deeply touching and memorable event.

So, with that in mind, I’d like to close with a word of blessing over you, too.

I pray that you will know God’s love and be bold to make your requests before Him.

May you have a fresh sense that your Heavenly Father hears your prayers and cares for you.

I hope your eyes are open to the many miracles around you — big and small — that you may be reminded of His goodness to you.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

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1. Photography by JENNACHERNICHPHOTOGRAPHY