Category Archives: answered prayer

A STORY OF PERCEPTION AND DOUBT

 

twisted road

 

At a random moment in May, my mind twirled itself into a knot about God.  My expanding understanding of Father’s presence within me had somehow “humanized” Him.  After all, if He is actually part of me and not living separate from me, then how does He remain divine?  How is He still omnipotent?  And what does that mean regarding the miracles I’ve experienced most of my life?  It seemed that the more I saw Him within me, the less miraculous He appeared.  Was He ordinary now?

Of course, that conclusion means my mind doesn’t have a miraculous perception of myself.  I’m still flawed with feet of clay, unable to fly.

Plus, I didn’t have time to contemplate this twist and talk it out with Him.  We had a family and friend event coming up at our home in mid-June and there were a multitude of projects to complete beforehand. So, while Hunny and I labored to finish building projects and landscaping, I put my dilemma on a shelf. Continue reading A STORY OF PERCEPTION AND DOUBT

WHOSE VOICE IS IT? GOOD OR EVIL

voices

 

Whose voice is speaking?  That’s the primary concern of believers wanting to hear God.  How can we know who is speaking?

When I began hearing Him, I asked Father God to prove Himself to me.  Not because I’m rebellious.  Nor am I a jerk.  But rather because it was His suggestion.  And as a result, over the course of several weeks, all doubt was erased from my mind.

He reminded me that we spend this same sort of time weighing and learning about any new friend.  We have conversations for days, weeks and months before we open ourselves up completely to someone new.  Friendships seldom have free reign in one day or one conversation.

That’s not to say, Father can’t do that.  He certainly can do anything.  But often the journey to hear His voice clearly and without doubt, is a rather long one. Continue reading WHOSE VOICE IS IT? GOOD OR EVIL

HOLY CROWS!!!!

crows

 

It was July 2nd, 2014, a warm peaceful morning, and I was enjoying sleeping a little longer than usual when the crows came and sat in the big tree outside my window.  It wasn’t a big deal except every one of them was crying at the top of their little lungs, which is surprisingly loud.  And I flinched and rolled over.  And then I jumped out of bed. “What the heck!?”  Then I waited patiently for them to disburse.  5 minutes, 10 minutes it continued.  “Oh, what in the world is going on?”

When I went to the window, I saw nothing strange.   There was only green grass, and a soft breeze.

So why were there crows screaming like they were having a raucous party in the loudest club downtown?  It felt like my nerves were being frayed one at a time as I pulled on my clothes and headed for a cuppa my favorite coffee. Continue reading HOLY CROWS!!!!

HOW CAN I AFFECT CURRENT DISASTERS?

praying

 

From my seat next to Jesus, I turned to Him and asked, “How can I affect these current disasters?  There’s a large hurricane headed for Florida and many fires burning in the northwest. And they aren’t exactly in my realm of influence, my kingdom.  So, my efforts aren’t as effective as someone who lives there and has the situation sitting in the middle of their heart.”

Continue reading HOW CAN I AFFECT CURRENT DISASTERS?

MOMMA’S NOTEBOOK FOR FOLLOWING HOLY SPIRIT

music notebook 2

My Momma had a notebook that assisted her in following Holy Spirit.

She took it to church stuffed with lyrics, choruses, hymns, and worship songs.  Some pages are from old hymnals, but others are typewritten sheets or handwritten scraps on the back of old browned pieces of paper.

You see, Momma played the organ and was often called out of a congregation to play without prior notice.  She didn’t like being Continue reading MOMMA’S NOTEBOOK FOR FOLLOWING HOLY SPIRIT

BACK IT UP WITH SCRIPTURE!

scripture

How many times have I been asked, “can you back it up with scripture?”  And then I have to explain that I don’t require that from Father.  Whoa, that annoys them!

I’m completely aware that it’s been done this way for a hundred years, but like so many other traditions, Father eventually tips them over.  And then I stand in fear and amazement at what He’s done.

Some years ago, when Father showed me a new insight or revelation, I’d put my hand up and stop Him from going too far.  Looking back I think it was a horrible response.  But, He didn’t seem offended. He waited patiently while I scoured scriptures and commentaries for confirmation.  Only then could I embrace His gift and experience the thrill of receiving it.

Continue reading BACK IT UP WITH SCRIPTURE!

HOPE AND FEAR, or “DO IT AFRAID”

hope and fear

 

On the way home from work one night, I had an intense encounter with hope and fear.

This trial and testing had begun with a horrible sound around my back right tire just as I was getting to work.  Nervously, I asked one of the guys to take a look but he saw nothing of concern.  So, I said, “Then I think it was slushy snow build-up in the wheel-well, clunking around.”

But for the evening, fear lurked just over my head, periodically interjecting his thoughts and torments.  I did my best to ignore him and hold on to my one hope.

Finally, at the end of my shift, I started the ignition and sat for a moment with Father.  I said, “Father, it’s You and me as usual.  And I’m asking that my car is perfect, and my ride home is without any unusual incidents.  You know my trust is completely on You, as always.”

After my little prayer and a deep, cleansing breath of peace, I slowly proceeded out of the parking lot and onto the road.  A half-moon peeked out of the clouds along the desolate countryside.   And I put on 2 pairs of gloves to handle the steering wheel in the 6-degree temps.   Smatterings of sand sprinkled the snow packed icy roads and I felt like I was holding my breath as I headed for home.

Thoughts of a broken-down vehicle in the deserted cold, night were frightening floating across my imagination.  Dangerous animals and even more dangerous humans crossed my mind accented by the fact that cell phone service sometimes cut out in the area.

Torment was doing a good job.  But even as he worked his terrible magic, I also remembered Joyce Meyer had said years ago.  “Do it afraid”.   And the words had stuck with me, like a mantra.  Every time I was up against fear and holding on to a slim thread of hope that Father would never let me down, I remembered those words.

Minutes seemed to take hours but finally, I pulled into my dry carport, safely.  It was one more time in the millions of times, that He’d cared for me.  He’d answered my request.  I arrived home, warm and toasty without a single variation of an incident along the way.  My wheels had not slipped on the ice, nor had the horrible sound come from the wheel-well.  Not even an animal had darted out from the side of the road.

I was safe and overcome with thankfulness.  Fear had played his hand and pulled the Torment card once again.  But also, once again I “did it afraid” and Father kept His promise to never leave me or forsake me.

Fear comes sometimes.   It taunts me sometimes with horrible unbelieving thoughts.  But I know where they are coming from.  And I know these are the moments of endurance where I hold on to one hope – HIM.

And it works.  Every time.

me.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.  Blessings on yours.

Faith

CAUSE AND EFFECT, and Gravity

Cause and effect

 

Let’s talk about Cause and Effect.  And maybe about Gravity, too.

It’s true I don’t take cause and effect very seriously anymore. After all the years of miracles and favor and such, I don’t expect everything that goes UP, must come DOWN.

For instance, for every financial mistake I make, I don’t have to live in financial hardship. For every virus I contract, I don’t have to be sick. Continue reading CAUSE AND EFFECT, and Gravity

GOD WEARS A PLAID SHIRT

plaid

 

Hunny had a dream in which God wore a plaid shirt and looked like Andy Griffith.  It was an oddball answer to a couple days of illness.  And I want to share it with you because I enjoy the way Father performs uniquely in our life.

Tremendous pain coaxed him to call me home from work but my Hunny wouldn’t concede because he’s a tough guy.   So upon my arrival, we began the process: vitamins, herbs, and prayer.  I tried to visualize him well, but it was a weak vision at best. Continue reading GOD WEARS A PLAID SHIRT

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH FAMILY TROUBLE?

 

family trouble

 

Family trouble is heartbreaking enough, but when I was facing another visit from them, Father showed me a different way to pray. It involved understanding that I have a kingdom. He’s shown me this scenario several times now. Continue reading WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH FAMILY TROUBLE?