During the years when our family was in turmoil, the words from Isaiah 61 quoted herein were a source of hope to me as I asked the Lord to make our family those "trees of righteousness" that display His splendor.  We have experienced a tremendous amount of healing and reconciliation over time.  My family brings me great happiness.

Family Plan

How can I ever thank You, my God,
For restoring this precious family?
The bitterness -- melted;  the anger -- dissolved;
You guided us into harmony.

Heavy was the burden of man-made walls,
that captured each one's heart in a vice.
Though envy, resentment and vengeance once reigned,
You replaced them with your peace and light.

Lord, I prayed through the years for healing,
As the tears freely flowed from my eyes.
You answered my prayers, in mercy revealing
You are gracious, redeeming and wise.     

Beauty from ashes, rejoicing from grief,
and a garment of praise You bestowed.
Forgiveness You wrought to show us Your splendor,
and the desert now blooms as a rose.

They will be called; They will be called
Oaks of Your righteousness,
Displaying Your splendor, that all eyes may see
The fruit of Your faithfulness.

Jesus identified Himself as the subject in these verses from the Old Testament:
"He has sent Me ..... to comfort all who mourn..... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor."
(from Isaiah 61, NIV)

"....the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing.....
they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God."
(from Isaiah 35, KJV)