On Fire Day 24

Several weeks before giving my sermon on God`s grace, I noticed a new face at our worship service. As the praise band plays, her hands are usually high in the air praising our Lord. There is a warm smile of contentment glowing on her face, as she holds on to her bible!

After delivering my sermon, which I had made reference to the "God Look" I went up to this young lady and hugged her and complimented her on her God glow.

This week she came up to me and we introduced ourselves. Tammy asked if we needed help, I shared with her that we were getting ready for our Divine Diva Retreat for young girls in our church. I briefly explained what Divine Diva was about and asked if she would like to help. She was delighted to be included.

As we packed what we needed for our weekend Tammy shared that she feels the call to help teach young girls. She is currently living in a local shelter, like many of us I was sure that Tammy has valuable life lessons to share.

Tammy is on fire for the Lord and said that not everyone shares her enthusiasm; today she called to double check the time of our meeting. She said that she is so excited about helping on this weekend, that she started crying, not sad tears but happy tears. Tammy said, she knew I would understand. She was right! This weekend is going to benefit girls of all ages! I asked if I could pray with her,"of course".
"
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Divine Divas Day 23

This weekend 7 young ladies from our church will attend a 21 hour retreat. Four woman united by God, one 30 something, one 40 something, one 50 something and one close to 60 will host this God filled weekend. As I look at these ages , God has certainly chosen four different decades of experiences to share with these young ladies.

Today, I prayed for this amazing weekend, which has been in the planning stages for 9 months. Weeks of planning, growth, healing and a covenant between the leadership team will be put to the test this weekend.

Our goal is to nurture and share what God has done in and through us to these Divine Divas. Ultimately, helping them to realize how much God loves them and that putting God first in their lives will be the best decision they will ever make!

Titus 2:3-4 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.

I truly thank God for choicing this team!

Reflection Week 3

It taken me 59 years and three weeks of this blog to realize that I`m in control of absolutely nothing in my life. God created me and knows the plans that He has for me!

Thank you God, I`m buckled up and ready for the ride of my life.

Job 40:12 look at every proud man and humble him.

Barbara Green Day 22

My friend Carolyn lost her husband Joe about a year and a half ago, after a long dreadful battle with cancer. I visited Carolyn many times during Joe's illness, offering love, support and prayers during her time of need.

I called Carolyn, often to see how she was doing, as you can imagine loosing the love of her life, took it`s toll on her. Before ending our conversation I would always offer to pray with Carolyn and she would graciously accept. God always seemed to supply me with just the right words of comfort.

Several months after Joe`s death Carolyn was once again thrust into the clutches of the deadly disease. This time it was her life long high school friend Barbara Green. Carolyn spent the next l4 months will Barbara, taking her to treatment and doing whatever she could do for her wonderful friend.

Carolyn would share with me how difficult it was to go through this, so soon after Joe`s death, I assured her that God was using her in an amazing way. What a true loving and caring friend. There were many times throughout the year that Carolyn and I prayed for Barbara.

Barbara when home to be with the Lord on Thursday, once again I called Carolyn to check on her. While talking with Carolyn I realized that I knew Barbara`s daughter Stephanie.

It`s such a small world. I had even ran into Stephanie at the grocery store months ago and she told be about her mother`s illness and what a difficult struggle it was. I just never made the connection! I thank God for calling me to pray for not one friend but two friends in need.

Today I attended Barbara funeral, having never met her, but praying for her throughout the year. Our God is so amazing, I know that Carolyn and Stephanie both appreciated me being there.

Exodus 4:12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.

Dying Fish Day 21

Saturday was a day entirely spent in an attitude of prayer! I thank God for taking me by the hand and directing my steps. Because of His divine intervention and careful obedient listening on my part, I attended an afternoon of revival and renewal of faith.

I felt that I was definitely out of my league and comfort zone, but as usual God had different plans for me. By the end of the 4 hour session I truly felt more relaxed and felt an amazing presents of the Holy Spirit!

At times, as the speaker Linda Hostelley(author, speaker, teacher and artist), she wears a lot of hats, delivered her message I felt that she was speaking only to me. Does God know what we need, or what?

Now for the best part, Linda also did an alter call; I found myself patiently waiting in line. When asked what she could pray for, I asked for freedom from the bondage of addiction in me and my entire family. I currently celebrate 4 years of sobriety from alcohol, but certainly can always use God`s help to retain my sobriety! I was kind of greedy and had a second request! That God would remove any fears that would prevent me from being lead by Him to do His will for my life.

Linda placed her hands on me and began to pray. I listened eagerly as she continued praying; suddenly I felt myself fall back into the chair behind me, my entire body began to jerk and pulsate in total surrender and release! Uncontrollably my hands and legs flopped like a dying fish! Linda encouraged me to let it all out! Apparently I did exactly as she instructed, when I got up I felt total peace and tranquility from within the pit of stomach.

I thank God that the Holy Spirit allowed me to experience this amazing gift of grace and healing, shared by FAITH!

Lamentation 3:22-23 Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Glory be to God!

Fasting Day 20

In the past weeks, I have spent 2 work days fasting. One 24 hours and the other l8 hours. Fasting brings a gentle peace and closeness to our Heavenly Father. There is solitude and limited distractions when our bodies only focus on our prayers and connecting with God!

Yes, I heard from God on both of my friends behalf; by scripture, songs, people places and things! I just needed to turn up my God listening ears, Holy Spirit goose bumps and total tranquility are usually my affirmations! He is so faithful. Thank you God.

Imagine how pleasing it would be to God, if we had a nation wide day of prayer and fasting. Glory to our Lord the KING!

Psalm 35:13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.

Fig Bars Day19

Today I was in the back of my big brown truck in the parking lot of the Family Dollar store when an elderly lady approached me. She was very attractive lady, she was using a cane to steady her steps.

She wanted to know why she couldn't`t find Little Debbie fig bar anywhere? She eats one fig bar every morning of her life with her cup of tea. Fearing that I would soon be beaten with her cane, I quickly produced her breakfast of choice; I gave her a gift of three boxes of her favorite cookies!

I must admit that I have a soft spot for elderly women, I always think how blessed their families are to still have them. My mom passed away 10 years ago, how I miss her!

I introduced myself and found out that her name was Phylis, I knew that my gift of figs had won her approval of me. Phylis thanked me and began to walk toward her car. I yelled and began to walk toward her, "do you pray,"" of course".

I told her about my friend Ginger, and her stroke, and ask if she would pray for her! Phylis said that she would be glad to pray and that she would even have her daughter do the same.

I`m not really sure how many prayers you receive for 3 boxes of fig bars, but I do know that God will hears prayers for Ginger, from Phylis and her daughter.

Thank you God!

1 Samuel 30:12 They also gave him a piece of fig cake and two cluster of raisins When he had eaten, his spirit revived; for he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three days and three night.

Ordinary Day 18

As I fall into a routine of God`s blog it continue to educate and open my ears to God`s voice. God eagerly listens to each and every prayer, none are more or less important that another! I had to remove the mind set that blogging was only about something special and extraordinary moments.

Of course, there have been several favorite days for me, days that I feel have had a divine touch! Thank you God for those moments!

I must admit that I do a lot of praying while driving my big brown truck. I also have my favorite roads that I pray on. I reach a certain spot and the praying begins. By the grace God, three times a week I travel the same road that I lived on most of my childhood. This would probably bore most of you to tears, but for me it allows flooding of childhood memories. Memories of a wonderful, slower, cherished time and way of life. Oh my, I sound like my mother!

Today I prayed for my brothers and sister and their children and their children`s children. My step children and their families. For Rose, Pam, Joan, Barb, Divine Divas, Amy,Julie, Ashley, Lamie,Billy,Steven and for my dear friend Ginger. For the Emmaus teams and Pilgrims. For the owners of the big black cat that layed lifeless in the middle of the road. How could I even begin to call these prayers ordinary?

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Three Prayers Day 17

Early today I prayed with a dear friend that recently separated from her husband. She is taking time to really get to know who she is and is looking to God for the answers.

We prayed together in the restaurant where she works, just as if we were the only 2 in the room. I was sure this was the prayer of the day.

Prayer #2, I met Lisa about a year and a half ago, she was climbing out of a dumpster, behind Acme Market. She immediately place her goodies in her car. We talked and she assured me that she used these discarded goodies to feed her chicken and bees(at the time she made bees wax soap) Of course I gave her a box of out of date Little Debbies!

Today, again behind Acme we met, she showed me a baby chick, that she had in an old purse. She was hand feeding this little peep for some reason. The peep`s name was Gus. He was named after a dear friend that recently died from 4th stage lung cancer, Gus was only 41. I gave her my condolences and was getting in my truck, when I received the go pray nudge from God. I when back to Lisa and asked if I could pray with her. She agreed, with tears in her eyes, she thanked me and said that no one else had done that for her.

I thanked God for that little nudge.

Prayer #3 By the grace I God I ran into my friend Ross today. Ross used to deliver Lance products, but had to go out for health reasons. Ross was definiately my prayer pal for several years, we prayed with and for one another whenever needed.

I had just thought of him about an hour before I ran into him, thinking how great it would be to see. God is so amazing! We spent about 30 minutes catching up, I even got to meet his wife, Connie.

The 3 of us huddled together and prayed behind my big brown truck in the parking lot of the Dollar General store. Thank you, God for this wonderful reunion.

Psalm 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Evangelism Day 16

Yesterday at Jacob`s Well, after my sermon, Levin Vansant introduced himself to me. He is chair person for the Conference Evangelism Outreach, he said that he would like to speak to me about joining the evangelism team. I was overwhelmed with excitement and enthusiasm. I could hardly believe what I was hearing.

Evangelism has always been of great interest to me, of course I am truly evangelising as I witness to people throughout my work day. The thought of traveling throughout the Peninsula-Delaware Conference evangelising is more than I can fathom.

Today, I prayed and I prayed, then I prayed some more that God would direct my path and that I would be a part of this conference team. Of course, if that is His will for me!

Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of the deer, he enables me to go on the height.

Sermon Day 15

Today I delivered my first sermon, actually I delivered my first sermon three times. At 8:45, 10:00 and 11:00, after rushing to make all three services, I have a greater appreciation for Pastor Amy. She`s been rushing at this crazy pace for the last 4 years. We need to give her a break! We are truly blessed by her devotion to our church family.

From the comments I received from many people I truly feel that I delivered the message that God intended. For me, listening to God is something that requires paying close attention to people, places and things in my busy life; in addition to a close personal relationship and prayer life with our Heavenly Father.

I humbly, thank God for His amazing grace and blessings in my life. I anxiously wait for His continued peace, direction and guidance.

1 Corinthian 2:9 However, as it is written:"No eye as seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

Reflection Week 2

Praying is very much about listening and showing concern for those we pray with and for. Praying in my opinion, is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone. Especially for someone who have little or no personal relationship with God. Intercession on someones behalf is a privilege, given by the grace of God. Thank you, God.

What a blessing for me, on Wednesday as Haywood just grabbed the hand of a total stranger and prayed. I listened and received God`s love and mighty power, as I held on tight, to this quick thinking young man! It is still amazing that Haywood did not call 911, he just connected me to the Holy Spirit and trusted God to calm my fears!

It sure is comforting to know that there are Haywood`s walking around on a daily basis responding to God`s directions!

Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me.

Saturday - Day 14

Saturday is a great day to pray! Plenty of peace, quite and time! Unless, you`re like most people, continually rushing around like a chicken with your head cut off, no matter what day it is! I try to keep at least one day a weekend for my sabbath! A great lesson from our pastor, Amy.



Today I prayed with my friend Pam, tomorrow I`m giving a sermon at church. We prayed that the Holy Spirit would bless this message and all that hear it.

We also prayed for our entire church family as we are going though a difficult and challenging period of growth.

John 10:9 I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved, He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

Listening - 13

God really got me off to an early start today, by 8:30 I had already prayed with 2 people. Interestedly enough there was a common thread, both friends where in need of prayer for their relationship with their significant others. When do we get to a point of no return; and then where do we go?

Having lived through this situation myself, I surely knew how they were both feeling. I listen with compassion and understanding as they both openly shared their stories. Perhaps, listening was the biggest part of my obligation for the day.

Of course a good prayer lead by the Holy Spirit, goes a long way.

Psalms 10:17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.

Yesterday afternoon while I was working away at my desk; my thoughts were fixed on getting as much work done and in as little time as possible. My boss has just been after me these past few weeks to increase production even though I am now doing the work of two people all myself, so twice the work in half the time!
Well I glanced up from my desk and saw a wonderful sight; one of my best friends was walking outside of my office!
I jumped up and hurried outside – friend, what are you doing? I asked
Looking for you, she answered
Me? Why, is something wrong?
She told me – wrong, no. worrisome, somewhat. I just need someone to pray with me and so I came looking for you!
I was so thankful that this wonderful friend had come to me for prayer “ME!” Wow, I am always asking everyone else to pray with me – what a blessing it was that I was asked to be there for someone else!
We sat for a few minutes, talked, and then I prayed –
Thank you God!
~ ~ ~ Don’t worry that you’re not strong enough before you begin. It is in the journey that God makes you strong. ~ ~ ~
………. The Lord shall guide thee continually and satisfy thy soul. Isiah 58:11 ……….

Rick,my hubby Day 12

Thursday was an unusual day in the Little Debbie world, normally I receive a fresh delivery of cakes in the early morning hours. However, this wasn`t the case today, my shipment didn`t arrive until late in the afternoon. I delivery what I had left in my big brown truck and found myself home at 9:30 am.

Perhaps, this was a gift from God, this extra time allowed me to finish TAX stuff, it was April l5th. Oh yes, I am the queen of procrastination!

I did get a lot done, but at the end of day I really didn`t feel anything worthy of posting to this blog. Sure I had prayed with and for several friends and my own daily prayers, but still nothing came to mind. When I went to bed I felt a little empty and that I was letting God down.

And then it happened, as my husband snuggled gently close to me, I whispered a soft comforting good night prayer to God. Patience is a virtue, thank you God.

Genesis 2:23-24 The man said, " This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Haywood,my angel Day 11

There is now no doubt, this blog is totally controlled by my heavenly Father. I will patiently await each and every lead from Him. Wow, what an amazing life lesson! How long has He been trying to get that through my thick head?

Today can only affirm His loving assurance of His mercy and grace! For hours, tears of pure adoration flowed freely.

Until today, I thought that I was supposed to lift others in prayer. Today God was using this ministry as a multi tasking event!

I have a condition called SVT, there`s some type of electrical short in my heart that for no particular reason my heart rate beats 3 to 4 times its normal rate. Not a real comfortable feeling. The first and second time it happened I drove myself to the hospital. They administer some type of shot and eventually, all is well. I`m just a little tired after all that heavy heart pounding. Yes, I do take medication for this.

It started today while I was putting Little Debbies cakes at the 301 Truck Plaza. Normally I can slow my heart down by applying pressure to the artery in my neck. Not today; I started sweating and felt uncomfortable.

Dicy a friend of many years works at 301. Dicy worked for me many years ago and to say the least, because of some poor decisions on my part, I'm not one of her favorite people. I have apologized to her for my poor choices. She is very cordial, but I realize that she harbors unforgiveness toward me!

Back to today: I asked Dicy if I looked pale; she agreed and added that I was breathing heavy. I had to make a decisions about what to do and soon!

Without uttering a word a young man that was standing beside me grabbed me by the hand and started praying. He prayed with authority and intensity. Holding on to me tightly, I stepped closer to him ,hanging onto every word that was coming from his mouth, in the name of Jesus, rebuking any hold that was attacking my body. As he prayed, I felt as if I was truly wrapped in the embrace and love of Jesus Christ.

As we backed away from one another, with tears in her eyes, Dicy said "Your color's back, I saw it, I saw it" as if witnessing a miracle.

I introduced myself and asked this angel his name, "Haywood, I have a job to do."I thanked him and told him that I was usually the one that prayed for others.

While Dicy and I shared hugs of joy, softly through tears, I whispered that I was so very sorry for ever hurting her! Perhaps, after witnessing such an amazing act of God grace, she can finally forgive me!

Haywood disappeared before I could thank him again!

Hebrews 13:1-2 Keep on loving each other as brothers, Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.


.

Crying Out

I did not pray with Anne today but I have prayed with her many times in the past couple of years. Anne has faith and believes in God but has many hang-ups from childhood religious experiences.

Anne works very hard and prides herself in caring for family and those closest to her. Yes, taking care of everyone but herself and her spiritual needs. An easy thing for most people to ignore, we`re just to busy.

At times, the stress and anxiety of managing everyone's affairs take its toll on her health and well being. But she always manages to make it to work, merely because she has to!

I have also shared with her how God has brought me from where she is, to a
life of faith, peace and living in His daily grace. She told me today that she could truly see how it radiates from me. Thank you, God.

Anne was an emotional mess today as she shared with me how she truly feels lost and uncared for by the people closest to her. She admitted crying herself to sleep on a regular basis.

I knew if we prayed together she would have started to cry, so we just hugged one another in tender loving embrace.

Of course, I prayed for Anne several times throughout my work day. I pray that she develops a sincere meaningful relationship with Father, God.

Lamentation 1:16 For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears; for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my courage; my children are desolate, for the enemy has prevailed.

Cancer Again Day 9

Linda is no stranger to cancer, she battled her own illness several years ago, and is currently in good health. Within the past year her husband Harvey has also fought and won his battle. Of course with each illness comes months and months of agonizing uncertainty and total loss of control of life as you have known it.

As Linda worried about her dear husband there were many times I would reach for her hands and prayed with her.

Now for the third time, she is once again confronted by this dreadful disease and its possible invasion into the life of her 87 year old mother. Enough
is enough, she is visibly worn out. Today was the day her mother had a biopsy for breast cancer, once again the waiting begins.

She greeted me today with the look of exhaustion. I hugged her and asked if I could pray with her. "Of course." We gently embraced one another in a tender hug and I began to pray. The hug lasted way beyond the prayer. She stepped back and said, " You hardly know me, yet you take the time to pray for me! Thank you."

What a privilege to share my faith and the grace of God with a friend in need.

Psalm 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Reflection Week 1

One week down, 51 to go. Blogging daily is not in my comfort zone, however I do feel led by God to successfully complete this prayer ministry. I must admit that 3 out of 7 blogs this week seemed to have been totally prompted by the holy spirit and flowed with great ease. I anxiously await the days to come.

I feel that God has proven to me that he heard my prayers though out the past months and years; my reunion with Brandon and Theresa were gifts of assurance that He truly loves, listens and reveals what I need to know when I need to know it.

Job9:10 He preforms wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

FATHOMED! I like that word. I hope that I am worthy of using it in the days and weeks to come!
.

Ginger Day 8

I called Ginger today to check and see how she is doing, not much changed since our visit on Wednesday. I know that progress and recovery is one day at a time. Doctors do believe that she may achieve an 80% brain function recovery, perhaps within the next 3-4months. But how can that even begin to allow her to return to work as a registered nurse, that financially supported her family?

Life doesn't always go according to our plans, God is the only one that can see the entire picture. Ginger has always been the caregiver and the queen enabler for her entire family. Now it is their time to do the same for their wife and mother.

Ginger and Bobby have been married for close to 4 decades and like most marriages they have had their good times and bad times. When I visited on Wednesday I did see something between the two of them that I hadn't seen in years, the look of love that I saw as they looked at one another was so magnified with intense passion. Thanks to God for the restoration of love between my best friend and her husband.

Granted recovery will be one day at a time, but, their love for one another has risen to a new depth.

Of course I prayed with Ginger, but I must admit praying now reminds me of my mother and her life with Alzheimer's. Ginger is alive and on the other end of the phone but I miss her so!

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Thanks to God for my lasting love and friendship with Ginger!

My Intercessor Day 7

Shirley and I met when we served on team for The Walk to Emmaus. The walk is a 72 hour retreat that strengthens your relationship with Jesus Christ. Shirley was to present a talk during the weekend and my job was to pray with each speaker before and after their talk.



Shirley and I quickly developed one of the relationship that feels like you`ve known one another forever,I believe these friendship have a special divine blessing. Thank you God!



Today at an Emmaus meeting Shirley and I prayed together again! I`m presenting the sermon next week at church and Shirley was just the person to pray with me. As in the first time that I prayed with Shirley, today proved to be just as intense and moving, connecting our spirits to the holy spirit. Our hearts and souls were overflowing with dynamic power filled energy.

I left Shirley filled with the confidence that the holy spirit would carry me through my sermon next week. I thank God for the blessing of love and friendship that he sent to me in my friend Shirley.

Job 16:20-21 My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on my behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.

Tight Grip Day 6

James is a manager at one of my Shore Stops, one of the nicest and most pleasant managers to do business with. He is a real people person and seems to enjoy his job.

To my dismay he informed me that this would be his last day, his store was struggling with an employee thief problem. Of course since he couldn't`t solve the problem it was reason for his dismissal.

It seemed that James just needed a kind compassionate person to talk to. Thanks to God for allowing me to accommodate that. James told me of several employment opportunities and thoughts of even going back into the military.

As I listen and tried to offer encouraging feed back, James seemed to appreciate my true concern. I assured him that he will be successful wherever God leads him!

I asked if I could pray with him,"sure that would be nice." We joined hands and I began to pray. James was holding onto my hands with such a tight gripe that I`m sure the holy spirit was squeezed right out of my palms. His gripe suggested that he certainly needed these words to hang on to and penetrate his very soul.

John 14 : 1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Theresa Day5

I met Theresa about 2 years ago when I was delivering Little Debbie snacks to her parent`s, mom and pop restaurant, in downtown Sudlersville, MD. Theresa was wearing the all to familiar, cancer treatment in progress, turban. I discovered that her treatment was well underway and all was going great!

Through out the next year we often talked about her recovery and how she was feeling. I even got to know Theresa with a full head of beautiful hair.

I had the perfect gift for Theresa, a tee shirt from the American Cancer fundraising event for Relay for Life! In bright pink letters across the front,
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL, and she had done exactly that.

It had been quite a while since I`d seen Theresa, when I ran into her at the local Food Lion and she was wearing the tee shirt I had given her. She told me that the cancer was back in several different spots through out her body. The reunion soon turned into a flash back of memories that I had shared with my very dear friend Shirley. Shirley had battled, battled, and battled and lost the fight with this devastating disease. Immediately feelings of grief, pain and defeat come over me for my friend, Theresa.

As soon as I left Theresa the tears began to flow, for the loss of my dear friend Shirley and perhaps my new friend. My immediate response was to pray. I even called Shirley`s sister-in-law Gail, and asked her to join me in continued pray for Theresa. Of course I put Theresa on our prayer list at church.

Months pasted without seeing Theresa, but her mother kept me abreast of her treatment and success.

Today was another joyous reunion with Theresa, again at the local Food Lion. " I had my last treatment and I`m cancer free"! She grinned from ear to ear as we shared a hug like two giddy school girls. What a joy to see the excitement and peace in her face. With her short spiky hair, that she proudly worn as a victory trophy against the defeated enemy, her proud round face reminded me of a beautiful cabbage patch doll. Beautiful indeed! Alive and well, thank you God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We joined hands, hugged again and prayed.

Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.

PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD THE FATHER










.

A Day with Ginger Day 4

Today I made it my priority to spend the day with my friend Ginger, its been 3 weeks since she suffered a life changing stroke. Of course this is the kind of thing at you think will never happen to you or anyone that you love. But in the blink of eye, Ginger went from working everyday in the nursing field, to a patient in recovery.

Granted she is recovering but it `s going to be a long slow road. Slowly choosing every word she is able to have limited conversation, but soon starts babbling sentences with no meaning. Just uttering words of confusion. It truly pierced me to the bone to see my life-long friend struggling so!

I did take Ginger to her speech therapy session and was allowed to join the session. The therapist was indeed impressed with Ginger`s success but I felt less hopeful and great sadness for my beloved friend. It was if the therapist was working with my 6 year old granddaughter. Ginger struggled to identify, colors, food groups and even her own address! As I listen, the overwhelming desire was to pray, and silently, I did. At the end of the session, the 3 of us joined hands and I offered praise and prayer to God for His love and faithfulness and healing for the dear friend.

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you

Brandon Day 3

Actually praying with people through out the coarse of my work day started for me nearly 3 years ago. That is when God answered a desperate prayer for a job, soon the opportunity to become a Little Debbie distributor was before me. No, I had never driven a big brown truck(UPS truck size) nor was I familiar with the men`s world of vending. At the age of 56 I stepped out in faith and gladly claimed, that if this is where God put me, I can do this. I told my pastor that I knew that God has me doing the job for more that just putting cakes on a shelf.

Everyday I cover miles of territory and meet lots of people. Praying with and for people fell into place. While in Chestertown, at the Family Dollar store I met Brandon and his grandmother. She was looking for a particular chocolate cake that Brandon liked. He was very sick and losing weight and the doctors couldn`t diagnose what was happening to him. I assured them that I would pray for Brandon, and I did, more that once.

Months and even years passed and I never ran into them again, nor had the clerk at the Family Dollar store seen them. I randomly prayed for Brandon wandering what had happened to him.

Today while I was busy placing my Little Debbie's on a shelf and young man stepped up behind me and asked if I knew where he could find a sun visors. As I do many times a days I told him that I didn`t work for the store, that I was a Little Debbie distributor.

About 15 minutes later this young man appeared again, still in searching for a sun visor. O.K, somewhat bothered, I stopped working and decided to help him. To my amazement this young man looked very familiar, sure enough it was Brandon. He had grown about a foot and looked relatively healthy. When I called him by name a sheepish sweet smile erupted. I felt such a feeling of peace and contentment. God had surely answered many prayers.

Brandon lead me to his grandmother, in the aisle we formed a prayer circle and praised God for this reunion, and His may blessings.

Proverbs 8:33-35 Listen to my instruction and be wise do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and and receives favor from the Lord.

Thank you God !

Seeking Day 2

The day after Easter is certainly an easy day to start a conversation that is directed toward God. Did you have a nice Easter, did you go to church? That was my first question to Michael the Utz delivery man. Micheal is a hard working man that does`nt seem to have time for a personal life. Just get those chips on the shelves! Sadly he admitted that he did not go to church, but with a smile in his voice he did confess that a friend was working on him and that he might go next week. Seizing the moment, I asked if I could pray with him. Standing behind his hugh delivery truck we joined hands and I began to pray.

Perhaps God was using me as a second friend to nudge Michael toward the importance of taking the time for God on Sunday!

This same scenario repeated it`s self in the afternoon, on my delivery to the Dollar General store. Cortney was outside on a break enjoying the warmth of the day, did you have a nice Easter, did you go to church? No I didn`t go to church but my mom did, she hasn`t been to church in a very long time and she really liked it. I shared with Cortney that I did attended church and what a wonderful feeling it is to have God as your best friend. Her eyes twinkled with amazing curiosity!

She asked where I attended church and said that she was going to starting looking for a church since she had recently moved to the Smyrna area. I suggested that she try out several churches until she found one that felt like the right fit. Next while standing in from of her counter and cash register we joined hand and prayed. She said, that was sweet, when are you coming back. No there were customers waiting for Cortney`s attention. God no doubt took care of that.

With Michael and Cortney was God using me as a messenger to remind both of them that He so desperately wants to have a personal relationship with them.

Proverb:17-19 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.

First Official Day

Today, Easter Sunday is the official beginning of a year long quest to pray with or for someone everyday of the years! Preferably with someone, but that`s in God`s hands! So far after being awake for only 6 hours, I`m off to a pretty good start.

I attended a sunrise service that accumulated prayer number one, to my surprise I prayed first for myself. Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thought, neither are your ways my ways,"declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thought. Actually I prayed this kind of in my owns words, I also asked God to remove the scales from in eyes so that I could focus more clearly on His plans.

Image this, on Easter Sunday God had time to affirm my prayers within minutes! You`d surely think Easter must be a real busy day in heaven. While driving home perched high in a very tall tree I spotted a beautiful, majestic eagle. It was as if God was tell me to open my eyes and always be aware of my immediate surroundings and He will do the rest. Thank you God, thank you God! Is that prayer number 2?

Off to a second Easter service at my home church. While enjoying the praise band the pastor walked up and asked if I`d anoint people during the service. I eagerly agreed, and also asked her if anointing someone would be considered praying with them. You guessed it, well of course it is!

Now I`ve prayed with an additional 50-60 people, I also received a special prayer request. Ross, from the praise band asked if I would please pray with him before leaving today. Has God placed a neon sign above my head saying(Linda will pray with you) that everyone can see, but me. I`m really liking this.

As the band was tearing down I went on stage to pray with Ross, he was busy talking so I starting talking to Miles. I had noticed, or God called to my attention, that Miles seemed a little down, we began talking and yes, I asked if I could pray with him. He eagerly accepted. As I was walking out into the lobby a dear friend, Pam also requested that we pray before leaving and to make it ever better Sue joined us. Thank you God, thank you God.

I can hardly wait for my second day of this quest!

Pete, my first customer

Today while making a Little Debbie delivery, I spotted a lady that looked very familiar. I said to her you look familiar , she agreed. Before Little Debbie I owned and operated a small deli and restaurant. It was a Cheers kind of place, we knew every ones name and were always glad you came. We both had ah ha moment. She said she used to come in there with her brother Pete and sister Shirley. I shared with her that Pete was my very first customer, some 30 years ago!

She said she wished she`d know that, she would have put in his obituary, we just buried him last week. I listened as she told me that events that lead to Pete`s death from cancer. With tears in her eyes she told me how much she missed her beloved brother. I hugged her and asked if I could pray with her, I prayed that God would give her peace and courage to face the days to come. I thank God that we were both in the right place at the right time.

Black Chevy Pick-up

Today I was driving my big brown truck en route to make a Little Debbie delivery at Food Lion. At a traffic light a small pick-up truck was in distress, the young male driver was attempting to push the truck through the traffic light. I felt compassion for him but helpless to assist him. Thanks to God, a man in a black pick up stopped to lend assistance. The 2 of them pushed the truck to safety. I immediately felt prompted to pray for the driver and the pair of helping hands that come to his rescue.

Slight Confusion

I must admit there was a slight confusion on my part for establishing this blog. I thought it was to a haven for posting and sharing great God stories and prayers. God, as usual had a different plan. Two days after my 59th birthday I received a call about my BFF (over 50 years) Ginger. Ginger had a stroke and was still in the hospital. We arrived at the hospital and I found that Ginger (58 I`m the old lady of the group) had suddenly become a reflection of my 75 year old mother that suffered the devastating disease, alzheimers. Ginger had a vocabulary of about 8 words. How could this happen to a nurse and caregiver of the entire world! What a reality check. Recovery is continuing at home with 4 days a week of therapy.

The intensity of a prayer circle at our church on Sunday was such a needed blessing. We held a picture of Ginger and prayed for her healing and recovery, I remember that my entire body was trembling as I beckon to God on my friend behalf. Thanks to God for hearing our prayers!