Today a serviceman came to change my phone over to another company. I was excited over the good deal I was getting but yet I felt a check in my spirit. "Lord, if this is not the right thing for me to do, please show me," I prayed before he arrived. As the serviceman was looking for hook-ups I asked him if this was the regular cost of bundling the phone and internet. Without hesitation he said, "O, this is just a promo. In three or six months it will be more than twice this amount." No one had told me this was just a promotional price.
I must have looked confused because the nice gentleman said, "Are you sure this is what you want to do? It will cost you big to change it back in several months if you can't afford the regular amount." I knew this was the Lord leading me to stay with what I have.
I'm so grateful that God can see the future and He knows what is best for us. I remembered an incident that happened right after Don passed away. A lady (I didn't know her very well) came up to me after church one Sunday. She handed me a sympathy card and then she said," I don't want you to think that I'm crazy when you see the amount I put on the check inside the card. I wanted to take it to the even amount....in fact, I did that, but I felt God was telling me to write it for this uneven amount so I tore up the check and rewrote it. Now, I'm just trusting I was really hearing the Lord." I gave her a hug and thanked her for listening to the small voice inside her.
When I arrived home, I looked at the check. It was for $74.26. "Lord, I know you have a special purpose for this check," I prayed, "so I'm going to put it in the drawer and wait for you to show me what it is for." At the end of the month my bills were coming in. When I saw my gas bill, it sounded familiar. I ran to the drawer and pulled out the check and the tears began to flow. The bill was for the exact amount of the check, $74.26.
On Sunday morning I put the bill and the check in my purse. As I was walking across the parking lot after church, I saw the lady who had given it to me. When I showed her the bill and check she fell into my arms sobbing uncontrollably. We stood there, both crying, unable to say anything except, "Thank you, Jesus!
I discovered this situation was not only to meet my needs but God was meeting a need in the life of my new friend. She shared how she had been discouraged, depressed, and couldn't seem to connect with God. She cried out to Him, "Please show me that you are there....that you care." The next day she read that Don had passed away and her heart was touched. She remembered how he had greeted her in the foyer at church and how his joyful spirit always lifted her up.
When she chose a card to give to me God spoke loud and clear in her heart to write me a check for $74.26. The incident not only showed her that God was there, but also assured her that she could still hear His voice. It also was exactly what I needed to help me through the next three months when I didn't have any income. I knew God was taking care of me...and He did.
I'm a little disappointed that I won't have long distance, calling ID or the eleven other amenities (whatever they are) that the new company promised but there is no amount of amenities that can take the place of PEACE in my heart because I have followed the Lord's leading. I am learning to "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and not depend on my own understanding. I want to seek His will in all I do and then know He is directing my paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 (NLT personalized) Is that You speaking, Lord? Your daughter is listening.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Paint Job
I looked up this morning and saw a nice size cobweb hanging on my bright yellow wall. I decided it was time to get the dust mop and rid my home of unwanted guest. As I cleaned I had an overwhelming gratefulness pour over me as I remembered God's faithfulness in helping me get my home painted two summers ago.
Heating by wood is not the cleanest means of warmth. The inside of my house really needed a good paint job. I asked God to help me figure out how to get it done. The estimates I had received from painters were not in my budget. I wrote my request in my prayer book and prayed about it all summer but it was as if God hadn't heard me. Winter came and my walls were still dirty.
The next spring I wrote the request in my prayer book again and asked God to please lay it on someone's heart to help me. I had all kind of ideas on who might be able to help me but I knew from experience that it is best to keep quiet and let God take care of it.
On June 24th, I received an email from a man I hadn't seen in many years. His daughter had been in my daycare when she was young and now she was grown and married. The email said, "Hi, Pat. Jim B. here. Was just talking with Lynn and we would like to send a work blessing crew to your home. This would be crew of 4 adult men, three of whom are working their way through various addictive/destructive behaviors....good guys that made wrong decisions. Let me know how this group of hard working guys could help you....inside or out....all different skills are represented. We will handle all cost of this."
I sat in shock for a few minutes. I would never have guessed in a million years who God had chosen to help me. Jim, Lynn, and the men came early one morning and by the end of a long day they had primed and painted the inside of my home, as well as made some other needed repairs.
While the men were painting, I told them stories of how God had miraculously taken care of me. Jim later told me that God had not only brought us together to get my house painted, but also because these new Christians needed to understand how much God loves His children.
I asked Jim what made him call me. He said while he was doing his devotions, God spoke to his heart to give me a call. God put together a man wanting to serve, a widow desperately needing help, and some young men trying to get their lives together, even though we lived an hour and a half away from each other. What an awesome God!
The Bible says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 The year earlier, when I so desperately wanted to get the paint job accomplished, God knew about three young men that needed another year to get their lives ready to hear a grandma's stories. I am not a patient person, especially with spiders in spider webs on my walls, but I pray that when it comes to waiting on God, I can learn to say, "But I trust in you, O Lord: I say, 'You are my God'. My times are in your hands...." Psalm 31:14,15
Heating by wood is not the cleanest means of warmth. The inside of my house really needed a good paint job. I asked God to help me figure out how to get it done. The estimates I had received from painters were not in my budget. I wrote my request in my prayer book and prayed about it all summer but it was as if God hadn't heard me. Winter came and my walls were still dirty.
The next spring I wrote the request in my prayer book again and asked God to please lay it on someone's heart to help me. I had all kind of ideas on who might be able to help me but I knew from experience that it is best to keep quiet and let God take care of it.
On June 24th, I received an email from a man I hadn't seen in many years. His daughter had been in my daycare when she was young and now she was grown and married. The email said, "Hi, Pat. Jim B. here. Was just talking with Lynn and we would like to send a work blessing crew to your home. This would be crew of 4 adult men, three of whom are working their way through various addictive/destructive behaviors....good guys that made wrong decisions. Let me know how this group of hard working guys could help you....inside or out....all different skills are represented. We will handle all cost of this."
I sat in shock for a few minutes. I would never have guessed in a million years who God had chosen to help me. Jim, Lynn, and the men came early one morning and by the end of a long day they had primed and painted the inside of my home, as well as made some other needed repairs.
While the men were painting, I told them stories of how God had miraculously taken care of me. Jim later told me that God had not only brought us together to get my house painted, but also because these new Christians needed to understand how much God loves His children.
I asked Jim what made him call me. He said while he was doing his devotions, God spoke to his heart to give me a call. God put together a man wanting to serve, a widow desperately needing help, and some young men trying to get their lives together, even though we lived an hour and a half away from each other. What an awesome God!
The Bible says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 The year earlier, when I so desperately wanted to get the paint job accomplished, God knew about three young men that needed another year to get their lives ready to hear a grandma's stories. I am not a patient person, especially with spiders in spider webs on my walls, but I pray that when it comes to waiting on God, I can learn to say, "But I trust in you, O Lord: I say, 'You are my God'. My times are in your hands...." Psalm 31:14,15
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Comforter Set
I just finished changing the sheets on my bed. I can't believe how much harder that chore is now than it use to be. I don't have as much strength in my hands and back but with endurance and taking my time, I get the job accomplished.
My comforter is pretty heavy. I'm very grateful for its warmth on cold winter nights. It's not a pattern I chose but it's the one God gave me and I'm thankful for it. You probably raised your eyebrows when I said my comforter came from God....but that is exactly where it came from. It was the answer to the simple prayer of a widow in need.
About a year after the passing of my husband, I was making my bed one day. "I think I'll take this comforter to the laundry mat for a good washing," I said out loud to myself. When I folded the comfortable over I noticed that it was pulling apart at the seams. In fact, there were some pretty big holes on the back side. I realized the comforter Don and I had used for many years had seen its better days. I pulled the covers back up on the bed, walked to my desk and pulled out my prayer book. "Lord, I really need a different comforter set," I wrote. "This one won't take another washing. You know I don't have money for a new one so please show me what to do."
A few weeks later, Valerie called me. "Mom would you like to have a new comforter set for your bed." she asked? I was so stunned by her question that I could hardly speak. It seems that one of our Pastor's wives had re-decorated her master bedroom and was planning to sale her used comforter set on Ebay. As she was getting ready to list it, the Lord spoke to her heart to give it to Valerie. She assumed the Lord was saying Valerie needed it for her new guest bedroom.
Valerie didn't need the bed set. She knew immediately that the set was for me. I had not told anyone about my prayer but Val had noticed the deteriorating condition of my comforter. When she brought the set over, I showed her my recent prayer request and we rejoiced together for God's provision. The comforter was the right size, the right colors, in perfect condition, and it was definitely within my budget...free!
Sometimes it may seem petty to ask the Lord for the little things in our lives but the Bible says,"You do not have, because you do not ask God" James 4:3 Just like a child ask his daddy for something he needs, we can ask our Heavenly Father and wait for His timing in providing.
There have been times since I've been living alone that I find myself fearful at night. I crawl under my "gift from God" and remind myself, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 As I pull my comforter up under my neck I am assured that my Father is watching over me.
My comforter is pretty heavy. I'm very grateful for its warmth on cold winter nights. It's not a pattern I chose but it's the one God gave me and I'm thankful for it. You probably raised your eyebrows when I said my comforter came from God....but that is exactly where it came from. It was the answer to the simple prayer of a widow in need.
About a year after the passing of my husband, I was making my bed one day. "I think I'll take this comforter to the laundry mat for a good washing," I said out loud to myself. When I folded the comfortable over I noticed that it was pulling apart at the seams. In fact, there were some pretty big holes on the back side. I realized the comforter Don and I had used for many years had seen its better days. I pulled the covers back up on the bed, walked to my desk and pulled out my prayer book. "Lord, I really need a different comforter set," I wrote. "This one won't take another washing. You know I don't have money for a new one so please show me what to do."
A few weeks later, Valerie called me. "Mom would you like to have a new comforter set for your bed." she asked? I was so stunned by her question that I could hardly speak. It seems that one of our Pastor's wives had re-decorated her master bedroom and was planning to sale her used comforter set on Ebay. As she was getting ready to list it, the Lord spoke to her heart to give it to Valerie. She assumed the Lord was saying Valerie needed it for her new guest bedroom.
Valerie didn't need the bed set. She knew immediately that the set was for me. I had not told anyone about my prayer but Val had noticed the deteriorating condition of my comforter. When she brought the set over, I showed her my recent prayer request and we rejoiced together for God's provision. The comforter was the right size, the right colors, in perfect condition, and it was definitely within my budget...free!
Sometimes it may seem petty to ask the Lord for the little things in our lives but the Bible says,"You do not have, because you do not ask God" James 4:3 Just like a child ask his daddy for something he needs, we can ask our Heavenly Father and wait for His timing in providing.
There have been times since I've been living alone that I find myself fearful at night. I crawl under my "gift from God" and remind myself, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 As I pull my comforter up under my neck I am assured that my Father is watching over me.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bikes Wanted
Sandra just came by to get her dad's bike. It's been sitting in the shed for eight years and I'm grateful that she can use it. Don's helmet was hanging on the handlebar so she tried it on. We had a big laugh when it fell down over her eyes. "We knew no one could fill dad's shoes, I teased, but now we know no one can fill his helmet either."
"Mom, remember when we got our first bikes?" Sandra asked. "I was just thinking of that," I responded. "It's a time I'll never forget," I continued as we both drifted down memory lane. Valerie and Sandra were 5 and 7 and beginning to notice that every kid in the neighborhood had a bicycle except them. Don and I watched our girls stand on the sidelines while their friends rode their bikes. It made us very sad. Our pastorate in South Seattle barely provided for our basic needs.
One night Sandra was saying the blessing over the food. "And dear God, please let mom and dad want to buy me and Valerie a bike," she ended her prayer. My eyes locked with Don's across the dinner table and I could see the deep hurt he was feeling.
Our usual talkative family was quiet as the food was passed around. We began to eat in silence and then Don spoke softly, "Sandra, your mom and I want very much to buy you girls a bike but we do not have the money." He stood up and went over to the desk, coming back with a spiral notebook and pen. "This is our family's prayer book," Don began. "When we have a need we write it in this notebook asking God to provide for us."
"Why is some of the writing in red?" Valerie observed. "Those are the answers to our prayers," I responded. "When God meets our need, we write it in red so we can remember to thank Him."
Don took the pen and began to write in the notebook, "Dear God, Sandra and Valerie would really like to have a bike. If you know of one for them, please lead us to it. We give you thanks in advance." He closed the notebook and continued to eat his dinner.
About three days later I went to the mailbox to get the mail. Lying on top of the regular mail was an envelope with no stamp or address. It was blank except for the handwritten "Pastor Hintz" scrawled across the top. I went into the house and handed the envelope to Don. He opened it and out fell three $10.00 bills. There was no note or reason for the money. "What do you think that is for?" I asked. Without hesitation, Sandra shouted, "That's the money for our bikes." I glanced at Don and could read his thoughts. Thirty dollars wouldn't buy two bikes: besides, that money could provide some much needed groceries for our bare cupboards.
God saw the faith of those little girls and before the day was over, we had two very nice used bikes in our garage. God had opened my eyes to just the right ad in the newspaper. We acted on His leading, although the price advertised was twice the money we had available. He tendered the hearts of two teen-age girls who had outgrown their bikes. When they saw Sandra and Valerie's excitement they talked their dad into selling the bikes for the $30.00 God had given us. That day was the beginning of our girls understanding how much God truly cared for them.
As soon as we arrived home with the bikes, Sandra ran in and picked up the prayer book, along with the red pen. Our 7 yr. old had learned the importance of giving thanks after God answers prayer. As the girls grew, many times they witnessed God's provision and grace. We were hoping that when they became adults and faced tough times, they would have a storehouse of memories which would help them say as David did in Psalm 77:11, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yea, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Then maybe they too will head for the desk which holds their family's prayer book.
"Mom, remember when we got our first bikes?" Sandra asked. "I was just thinking of that," I responded. "It's a time I'll never forget," I continued as we both drifted down memory lane. Valerie and Sandra were 5 and 7 and beginning to notice that every kid in the neighborhood had a bicycle except them. Don and I watched our girls stand on the sidelines while their friends rode their bikes. It made us very sad. Our pastorate in South Seattle barely provided for our basic needs.
One night Sandra was saying the blessing over the food. "And dear God, please let mom and dad want to buy me and Valerie a bike," she ended her prayer. My eyes locked with Don's across the dinner table and I could see the deep hurt he was feeling.
Our usual talkative family was quiet as the food was passed around. We began to eat in silence and then Don spoke softly, "Sandra, your mom and I want very much to buy you girls a bike but we do not have the money." He stood up and went over to the desk, coming back with a spiral notebook and pen. "This is our family's prayer book," Don began. "When we have a need we write it in this notebook asking God to provide for us."
"Why is some of the writing in red?" Valerie observed. "Those are the answers to our prayers," I responded. "When God meets our need, we write it in red so we can remember to thank Him."
Don took the pen and began to write in the notebook, "Dear God, Sandra and Valerie would really like to have a bike. If you know of one for them, please lead us to it. We give you thanks in advance." He closed the notebook and continued to eat his dinner.
About three days later I went to the mailbox to get the mail. Lying on top of the regular mail was an envelope with no stamp or address. It was blank except for the handwritten "Pastor Hintz" scrawled across the top. I went into the house and handed the envelope to Don. He opened it and out fell three $10.00 bills. There was no note or reason for the money. "What do you think that is for?" I asked. Without hesitation, Sandra shouted, "That's the money for our bikes." I glanced at Don and could read his thoughts. Thirty dollars wouldn't buy two bikes: besides, that money could provide some much needed groceries for our bare cupboards.
God saw the faith of those little girls and before the day was over, we had two very nice used bikes in our garage. God had opened my eyes to just the right ad in the newspaper. We acted on His leading, although the price advertised was twice the money we had available. He tendered the hearts of two teen-age girls who had outgrown their bikes. When they saw Sandra and Valerie's excitement they talked their dad into selling the bikes for the $30.00 God had given us. That day was the beginning of our girls understanding how much God truly cared for them.
As soon as we arrived home with the bikes, Sandra ran in and picked up the prayer book, along with the red pen. Our 7 yr. old had learned the importance of giving thanks after God answers prayer. As the girls grew, many times they witnessed God's provision and grace. We were hoping that when they became adults and faced tough times, they would have a storehouse of memories which would help them say as David did in Psalm 77:11, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yea, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Then maybe they too will head for the desk which holds their family's prayer book.
Friday, July 31, 2009
God is Never Late
My daughter, Elaine, just went back to Anchorage after a week here in Puyallup. I know it is hard for her to leave her home, her daughter, son-in-law, and other family members to go back to Alaska to work. Elaine didn't want to move to Alaska but when there was not adequate work for an Escrow Officer in Washington State, she followed the Lord's leading and took work where it was still available. She learned early in life that the best road to take is not always the easy one.
I recently read a statement by George MacDonald that said:
"I am content to be and have
what in Thy heart I am meant to be and have."
This made me think of Elaine when she was 16 years old. She had been invited to tour with one of the Northwest District Choirs. She learned the songs, practiced with the choir, made a record with the choir and then it was time to get her required money together. She worked hard selling records to family and friends until she had completely paid her tuition for the choir tour.
Elaine needed some pocket money to pay for a few meal stops not covered on the tour and other incidentals. The three of us prayed and prayed for the extra money but not one penny came in. Elaine's tour was meeting in Spokane. Our friend allowed us to charge the gas so we could drive her there. We didn't have even a dollar we could give Elaine for her trip. Don was pastor of a small church without a fixed salary. He received a percentage of the Sunday morning offering and sometimes it wasn't even a two figure amount. Our family had learned to pray and wait for God to provide, even sometimes for the food we were to eat.
Elaine understood our situation and assured us she would be fine missing a meal or two. She was so precious. She never complained but just thanked the Lord for the opportunity to go with the choir. I was really sad on the trip over the mountain. God had always met our needs and I could not understand why some miracle wasn't taking place for Elaine.
Chaos broke loose when we arrived at the church in Spokane. Kids, all dressed alike in the traveling outfits, were everywhere talking, laughing, choosing bus seats and loading luggage. Everyone was excited, including Elaine. Just as we were about to say our goodbyes, Don's sister-in-law from Moses Lake drove up. "I'm so glad I didn't miss seeing Elaine off", she said as she came up to us. "This morning the Lord laid it on my heart that I needed to meet you here", she continued. Shirley had driven almost a hundred miles to obey God's small voice in her heart.
Elaine came over to give us hugs. Shirley put an envelope in her hand as she wished her a safe and fun trip. We did not know what was in the envelope but we did know in our hearts that God had met our daughter's need.
I asked God to forgive me for doubting his provision. My 16 yr. old daughter had taught me what it means to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. She had decided "to be content whatever the circumstances." Phil. 4:11
I would prefer that Elaine didn't have to head back to Alaska but I have learned that God's "thoughts are not my thoughts, neither His ways my ways."Isaiah 55:8 He has a greater purpose for Elaine being away from her family and I trust my daughter to live out God's plan in her life. She has learned from many years of experience that "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant." Psalm 25:10
I recently read a statement by George MacDonald that said:
"I am content to be and have
what in Thy heart I am meant to be and have."
This made me think of Elaine when she was 16 years old. She had been invited to tour with one of the Northwest District Choirs. She learned the songs, practiced with the choir, made a record with the choir and then it was time to get her required money together. She worked hard selling records to family and friends until she had completely paid her tuition for the choir tour.
Elaine needed some pocket money to pay for a few meal stops not covered on the tour and other incidentals. The three of us prayed and prayed for the extra money but not one penny came in. Elaine's tour was meeting in Spokane. Our friend allowed us to charge the gas so we could drive her there. We didn't have even a dollar we could give Elaine for her trip. Don was pastor of a small church without a fixed salary. He received a percentage of the Sunday morning offering and sometimes it wasn't even a two figure amount. Our family had learned to pray and wait for God to provide, even sometimes for the food we were to eat.
Elaine understood our situation and assured us she would be fine missing a meal or two. She was so precious. She never complained but just thanked the Lord for the opportunity to go with the choir. I was really sad on the trip over the mountain. God had always met our needs and I could not understand why some miracle wasn't taking place for Elaine.
Chaos broke loose when we arrived at the church in Spokane. Kids, all dressed alike in the traveling outfits, were everywhere talking, laughing, choosing bus seats and loading luggage. Everyone was excited, including Elaine. Just as we were about to say our goodbyes, Don's sister-in-law from Moses Lake drove up. "I'm so glad I didn't miss seeing Elaine off", she said as she came up to us. "This morning the Lord laid it on my heart that I needed to meet you here", she continued. Shirley had driven almost a hundred miles to obey God's small voice in her heart.
Elaine came over to give us hugs. Shirley put an envelope in her hand as she wished her a safe and fun trip. We did not know what was in the envelope but we did know in our hearts that God had met our daughter's need.
I asked God to forgive me for doubting his provision. My 16 yr. old daughter had taught me what it means to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. She had decided "to be content whatever the circumstances." Phil. 4:11
I would prefer that Elaine didn't have to head back to Alaska but I have learned that God's "thoughts are not my thoughts, neither His ways my ways."Isaiah 55:8 He has a greater purpose for Elaine being away from her family and I trust my daughter to live out God's plan in her life. She has learned from many years of experience that "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant." Psalm 25:10
Saturday, July 18, 2009
An Unforgetable "Independence Day" Weekend
Pop..Pop...pop pop...Pop....Boom! I sat straight up in bed for the "umpteen" time that night. The clock said it was 2:50 a.m. and I wondered when the 4th of July was going to end in my community. I could see there was no reason to try to sleep so I headed to my comfy chair in the living room and turned on "Nick at Night". I laughed for a while at Steve Irkel and gradually sleep overtook my tired body.
The bright sunshine coming through my living room window told me I had slept too long to make it to my usual Sunday services. I was sad that I had missed my Prime Time Class where I connect each Sunday with friends and with God. "I really wanted to go to church," I said out loud to God as I headed for the shower.
After getting myself dressed for the day, I realized the hunger pains were really getting strong. "I wonder if my family is at the new Mongolian Grill," I thought as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. They eat there after church once in a while. After not seeing any familiar cars in the parking lot, I picked up some food at the Panda Express and started home to eat.
I was only a few blocks from home when the car in front of me stopped. I reached my foot up to put on the brake and the brake peddle jammed into my open-toe shoe, between my foot and the sole of my shoe. I kicked, pulled and did every thing I could to get my shoe untangled while I watched in horror as the car in front of me was getting closer and closer. I tried pushing the brake with my left foot just as I hit the car and my air bag activated. What a helpless feeling! I've never experienced anything like that before.
Sleep didn't come so easy the next few nights. Every time I closed my eyes, I re-lived the terrible feeling of approaching that car with no way to get my car stopped. I spent much time in prayer....praying that the nice young couple I hit would not have to go through much pain, praying that God would work out all the details of another car...praying that I could forgive myself and stop re-living the accident, and praying that I could get over my nervousness every time I drove the rental car.
"Father, I don't have any money to make car payments," I wrote in my prayer journal. "Please help me find a car for the meager amount of money my 96 Grand Marquis was worth. I gave it all to God and now I just had to trust Him for all the details. "When doubts filled my mind, your comfort, gave me renew hope and cheer." Pslam 94:19 (NLB)
As soon as Art, a car salesman from our church, heard about the wreck, he began to help me by researching what my car was worth and making sure the insurance company was being fair to me, as well as praying for God to help him find the right car for me.
God is so faithful. Four days after the accident, I was signing papers for just the car I needed. It was a one owner car in very good shape, had all the power equipment I needed to be comfortable, plenty of room to transport grandchildren, and the dealer let me have it for the price I was getting from my wrecked car. God met all my needs without me ever putting a foot on a used car lot.
I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of the Lord or the kindness of His people. I am so thankful that the Word promises us, "The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.: Psalm 34:17 (NLB)
The bright sunshine coming through my living room window told me I had slept too long to make it to my usual Sunday services. I was sad that I had missed my Prime Time Class where I connect each Sunday with friends and with God. "I really wanted to go to church," I said out loud to God as I headed for the shower.
After getting myself dressed for the day, I realized the hunger pains were really getting strong. "I wonder if my family is at the new Mongolian Grill," I thought as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. They eat there after church once in a while. After not seeing any familiar cars in the parking lot, I picked up some food at the Panda Express and started home to eat.
I was only a few blocks from home when the car in front of me stopped. I reached my foot up to put on the brake and the brake peddle jammed into my open-toe shoe, between my foot and the sole of my shoe. I kicked, pulled and did every thing I could to get my shoe untangled while I watched in horror as the car in front of me was getting closer and closer. I tried pushing the brake with my left foot just as I hit the car and my air bag activated. What a helpless feeling! I've never experienced anything like that before.
Sleep didn't come so easy the next few nights. Every time I closed my eyes, I re-lived the terrible feeling of approaching that car with no way to get my car stopped. I spent much time in prayer....praying that the nice young couple I hit would not have to go through much pain, praying that God would work out all the details of another car...praying that I could forgive myself and stop re-living the accident, and praying that I could get over my nervousness every time I drove the rental car.
"Father, I don't have any money to make car payments," I wrote in my prayer journal. "Please help me find a car for the meager amount of money my 96 Grand Marquis was worth. I gave it all to God and now I just had to trust Him for all the details. "When doubts filled my mind, your comfort, gave me renew hope and cheer." Pslam 94:19 (NLB)
As soon as Art, a car salesman from our church, heard about the wreck, he began to help me by researching what my car was worth and making sure the insurance company was being fair to me, as well as praying for God to help him find the right car for me.
God is so faithful. Four days after the accident, I was signing papers for just the car I needed. It was a one owner car in very good shape, had all the power equipment I needed to be comfortable, plenty of room to transport grandchildren, and the dealer let me have it for the price I was getting from my wrecked car. God met all my needs without me ever putting a foot on a used car lot.
I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of the Lord or the kindness of His people. I am so thankful that the Word promises us, "The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.: Psalm 34:17 (NLB)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Celebrating our Freedom
Silence hung in the air around us. Except for the clicking of heels on the pavement, total reverence penetrated the still, hot air at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. Our family of four had joined other spectators to view the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The year was 1987. We were on a trip celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and Valerie and Sandra’s high school graduations.
I glanced across the massive manicured lawns with its hundreds and hundreds of tombstones. Tears threatened my eyes as I reflected on the many wives, children and other family members left alone while their loved ones died for our freedom. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our military families, our free country and for my husband who had been one of the blessed ones to return from Viet Nam.
Today is July 4th. I was reading an article this morning about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. These men paid a big price for our freedom. Five of them were captured and tortured, twelve had their home ransacked and burned, nine died in the Revolutionary War. Others had to run for their lives, their wives and children were hurt. They lost their possessions and wealth. They had to sell their businesses and homes to pay off their many debts. These men gave so much for our freedom. Freedom is never free.
My mind goes to another man who gave his all for our freedom. He gave His life on a cross so we could be released from our sins. The Bible says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36 NLB)
We are blessed to live in America where we can celebrate Independence Day with our family and friends, as well as openly worship the one who truly sets us free. We have a beautiful warm day to enjoy ice cold watermelon, hearty laughter from family stories, or a sweaty game of ultimate Frisbee. Yes, we have the privilege of living our life however we choose. But to have true happiness in our freedom we must live according to the Word: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil: live as servants of God.” I Peter 2:16
I glanced across the massive manicured lawns with its hundreds and hundreds of tombstones. Tears threatened my eyes as I reflected on the many wives, children and other family members left alone while their loved ones died for our freedom. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our military families, our free country and for my husband who had been one of the blessed ones to return from Viet Nam.
Today is July 4th. I was reading an article this morning about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. These men paid a big price for our freedom. Five of them were captured and tortured, twelve had their home ransacked and burned, nine died in the Revolutionary War. Others had to run for their lives, their wives and children were hurt. They lost their possessions and wealth. They had to sell their businesses and homes to pay off their many debts. These men gave so much for our freedom. Freedom is never free.
My mind goes to another man who gave his all for our freedom. He gave His life on a cross so we could be released from our sins. The Bible says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36 NLB)
We are blessed to live in America where we can celebrate Independence Day with our family and friends, as well as openly worship the one who truly sets us free. We have a beautiful warm day to enjoy ice cold watermelon, hearty laughter from family stories, or a sweaty game of ultimate Frisbee. Yes, we have the privilege of living our life however we choose. But to have true happiness in our freedom we must live according to the Word: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil: live as servants of God.” I Peter 2:16
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)