Miracles and Answered Prayers
Below you will find a few of the sweet miracles and Answered prayers God has done for me. Often times, just as the song says, I thank God for unanswered prayers. Those are miracles too. I'm NOT being puffed up but just going to offer times that God did move in our familie's life so that you can see for yourself where He has done the same in your life. Its exciting to know God works every single day and have Faith without miracles and answered prayers is best at all times. Our Faith in God's Word being alive is everything.
I have wondered often how come I, of all people, have been blessed so much by so many. There are times I wish I have not seen miracles. It is easier to have FAITH when you have not seen miracles. I personally feel God’s word is more beautiful than any miracle. I know that when I followed God more closely, the more I saw in the physical realm happen, from the spiritual realm. Especially during the most recent time when I was single and only having to true pay attention to God and then my children, He really answered prayers and worked miracles for our family and those we know. We will talk about that later as that is part of helping you wear your God Goggles. I have also decided it must be because of my being fatherless as God says He is near to the Fatherless and I can see this is ultimately Very true. Another reason I believe is because He knew and knows my simplicity at heart. I am truly a simple person, mostly due to my nature and well, autistic tendencies. I believe that even though I have made bad choices in life when dealing with people at times, He has covered me and brought good out of those choices. Anyways, more on that later. A last reason is it seems to have run in our family. I know my Great Grandfather, the pastor, saw many things in his time too. I wish I had been more bold and talked to him more while he was still with us. I know that he did not become a pastor until his late thirties which is neat to me in that I have not decided to proceed in being bold until my late thirties as well. Anyways, these are just a few of the interesting things God has done in my life over the years.
I believe that when you focus your God Goggles you will be able to also point out times in which God really showed Himself to you through your life as well. A lot of focusing our God Goggles is just recognizing and giving God the meaning behind what happens. I hope by reading these you can see how He works and maybe it will jog your memory in your own life as well.
After each miracle or answered prayer I put a tip to help you Focus Your God Goggles.
I could have written these in book form and used more descriptive language, but I am trying to keep them as short as possible so we can focus on learning from them and not just them, themselves. Some of these are more astounding than others depending on your own background and how much God has shown you over the years. I am not writing these in chronological order for my own reasons.
For now, enjoy God's Goodness and Grace. Please say a prayer before reading.
Naomi's Smile
My daughter Naomi is now almost a woman but years ago when she was in utero she gave us a great scare. About three weeks before she was born my midwife felt there might be too much amniotic fluid and ordered a sonogram. I remember laying on the table and gabbing with her softly about how amazing sonography was. She was explaining to me all the excintricities of her craft when all of a sudden she paused. She was very quiet for a long while. I asked her what was wrong and she said she would be right back. She came back several minutes later and again began scanning with the instrument. She was shaking her head and frowning. I finally said, ok give it up, what is wrong? She put the pointer on an area of the skull and began to explain to me that it looked to her like my baby would have not only a cleft lip but also a cleft palate. She was very distraught. I was calm though. Now, at this time, I loved the Lord and was trying to follow Him, but I was truly following my own desires in many ways. You know though, that at a time like this, even when you haven't taken the time to pray about normal things, praise, worship, anything like that with God- You start praying like the dickens. I left the office numb and shaken. I decided to pray hard for the next two weeks for a miracle..... On July 9 I was sent to the hospital for an induction procedure. My midwife was there but there were also numerous other doctors and hospital staff waiting on call that I had never seen before. Usually, I had long hard labors so we all expected to have plenty of time before handling whatever needed to be handled. My Aunt and Uncle were there to help me as well as my ex-husband. My midwife had just examined me and said it would be a while so she was going to run an errand and would be right back. I can remember laying on my side enduring the contractions and I felt something different than ever before. All of a sudden, they got stronger and harder. I told them to get the midwife quickly because I knew the baby was coming. When she came back into the room she was in utter disbelief and did not believe me until she looked to see my progress. In a split second, she had all the staff in and we were ready to have a baby. Naomi had decided to come so quickly that she had rotated and was coming face first! She came out with her lips first and they were just fine! Upon further inspection after birth, all you could see was a faint little line. I had worried and prayed like the dickens and God did not allow me to wait long for my answer to those prayers. In fact, He had Naomi come into this world smile showing first! She has smiled ever since and been a light in my life. God is So Good.
A Special Lady
Before moving to North Carolina, I had to pay steep daycare prices which made it difficult to survive. There were no funds available in Texas to assist me with daycare. This was the reason for me having to move halfway across country. When I got here, my ex-mother-in-law informed me that she could not watch my children. Before moving here, I had researched the area fully and knew that there was a small chance that funds were available for such a need. So, I had this in the back of my mind as a plan B.
I remember sitting on the sofa as she told me that the arrangement just would not work. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I was exhausted from driving twenty one hours straight a mere four days before. In fact, when I got here I slept for I think twelve hours straight and more the next day. I had gotten a job as a local restaurant and did not want to lose my position but without help for daycare, this was a given.
I left and headed home, recouping my thoughts. Then, like a light bulb, God reminded me of the information I had attained a year before when researching the area. You see, I had considered the plan to move here for quite some time. I should have put my name on the list for daycare but did not since I thought I would Never move from home.
I called the appropriate personnel the next day and set up an appointment. At that time the offices for the Childcare Resource and Referral Network were in our local social service building. I arrived at my appointment on time, full of nerves, feeling like I was going to pop from the stress of it all. I was missing my son back home in Texas, my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, friends, and familiarity. Here I was almost eighteen hundred miles from home with no way to get back and even if I had a way, I would be homeless. I was living in a little basement efficiency apartment with just the items that would fit into a four by six foot trailer and my little two door car. I was downtrodden, degenerate, and felt like there was absolutely no hope. I kept thinking, what if they tell me there is no daycare help. What then? Will I lose my children? Will they tell me what they told me in Texas? In Texas I had been told to bring my children to an orphanage and when I could provide for them, they would give them back! I did not want that to happen. Was I going to have to lower my standards and do a job I would never think of? Would I have to work in a bar or something worse? All these thoughts and more were swirling in my head....
I finally was called back to the room where I met Mrs. Amelia. She was rather busy but said with a smile for me to tell her my story and what was going on. I explained that I had come all the way from Texas and did not want to be a burden. I just wanted to work and work hard. I told her all about what happened in Texas and since then, since coming to North Carolina. Everything just bubbled up and out of me! I was crying and distraught. I think it all just finally came to an abrupt realization of the situation I was in. I had maybe two hundred dollars left, not enough to get home. I begged her for help. She then did the most wonderful thing. She reached across the big, businessy desk and took my hand (I had been leaning in crying.). She said, "Sweety, I just happen to have room for your two children. Not only that, you working at that restaurant is too much of a drive. Let me give you the number to a friend who works at a local temporary service and she can get you a better job asap. You will only need to pay 9% of your earnings for daycare!" I thought I was going to jump for joy! In months, I had not heard such news! After a year of working twelve hour shifts six and seven days a week and barely seeing my children, I now knew I could provide and still be a good mother, at least to two of them.
God sent that sweet woman and this program that is still running today in our community. I do not know where I would have been without it. Thank you Mrs. Amelia for ALL you do and thank you for your understanding, loving ways. She really touched my heart that day especially by caring enough to take my hand. She reached out in more ways than one. Her job has never been just a job to her, it is a miracle maker. She saved our family that day.
* TIP: You might say this is not a miracle but it is indeed an answered prayer. It is an answered prayer that is representitive by so many single parents today. If you are able to, please donate to such causes because you are saving families. And, pray for the men and women who run these programs that they will have discernment to give funds to the right people, that they will continue to care and not get tired, and that they too will be blessed. Thank you!
Ethan's Angel
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6 ESV
ETHAN'S ANGEL: A few years ago I went through a very trying seperation period for eighteen months and ultimately a divorce. During that time I figured out that yes I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour at age nine but I had not allowed Him to be ruler over my life. There is a big difference in the two... One night during our seperation period, my son daughter and I were sleeping. Now, you have to understand that we were renting a home that used either wood or oil for heat. I did not have money to pay for oil heat and therefore I would chop wood with my son for our woodstove. We would take turns at night stoking the fire to stay warm. This was a big responsibility for such a young boy of only age nine. When it got bitterly cold, we would close up all the rooms except my room and they would sleep with me. One would be on one side and one would be on the other. This way, they both had their momma to cozy up to and have a little extra warmth. I was awful boney then from all the fasting and not having money for food besides that but it did help. Well, this one night I was having a pretty tough time, well week, and I had been praying for about an hour and I rededicated my life to Christ. When I pray, I envision Jesus on his throne and I'm either sitting at his feet, touching the tip of His robes, or I curl up in the billowing folds of them. I love to envision Him as it takes me there, near to Him. You should try this sometimes! So, anyways, I told God that I would go to Africa even if He needed me to, anything, to spread His love to others. This truly was a large statement from me as I would love to go to Africa but I'm a very chicken person when it comes to change. I love things to stay the same..... I told Him I would do whatever it took even if it meant hurting myself to tell His love to everyone I knew. I desperately wanted others to feel what I felt and to be saved. I wanted others to KNOW Him like I did and do. I wanted others to be healed and whole. Having been left in a lurch with two kids, no car, a home to take care of and try to hold onto, responsibilities, was tough but God used the time to grow and teach me- I was ever so thankful for those times. There were times I thought I was going to die of loneliness but I look back now and wish I was there again.... I prayed and prayed and cried and cried some more. I felt the absolute closest to God I had ever felt. I was telling the Lord I didn't want money, fame or fortune and that if He would only see fit to give me wisdom... (I tell you what, years later, I wish I had not prayed that prayer sometimes and asked for a barn and some land, but there it is, got myself in a pickle with what all I asked for...) Well, while praying I saw some flashes of light. It was probably about 3:30 am and I assumed it was a car's headlights driving by but I felt all of a sudden a warmth, a strong sense of peacefulness and creaminess, and knew that no, that was no car, it was God/ Jesus. I just knew it. I have had lots of people ask me how I knew so they would know when the time comes- you just know. It's like when you want to talk to one of your children. You know if you holler out their name, they will answer. I just sensed that if I opened my eyes, He would be there.... I felt He was there with me. I said in my prayer to God, "Ok God, if you are here I do not want to look because if I do then you won't think I believe You are really here. Then also, if I look, I might freak out God, and think I'm crazy. Last, God, if I look I might not be able to handle it because in the Bible it says we cannot look upon your face." These were quick flashes of thoughts and prayers to Him and I saw some more flashes of light. Bright White Light like a strobe light. I felt Ethan tugging on my back of my pajamas and I said, "Ethan please wait a minute." He said, "but Momma..." and again I said, "Ethan just a few minutes, I'm praying". He said, "Ok." I finished up praying and didn't have a thought about poor little old Ethan because I had been so wrapped up in my own feelings and needs. When I had finished I turned over and looked at him. He proceeded to tell me that he had seen a huge man outside my window in what looked like military gear, shooting at me through the window with some kind of big gun and bullets. He said his face was all dirty and made up like a soldier. I thought that meant he had had a dream and I told him everything was ok. He said, "No, Momma, cause then there was this huge angel standing at the end of the bed! His head touched the ceiling and he was bright white with flickering whiteness and shine things on his robes. He was so bright it was hard to see. I couldn't see his face though! It was blackened out... He had his hands folded across and he was just staring at you! and, What is worse is I pee-peed all over myself." (See the photo on the next page that Ethan drew of the angel) Oh my goodness. I felt horrible! Here I had been so entranced and into my prayer I didn't realize Ethan had had a HUGE experience! He had seen what I had been too chicken to see and then well so he had to go and clean up but was scared to even do that. I told him it was just Jesus and I had rededicated my life, truly given my life, to the service of the Lord. What a night that was. ~ I was so glad that Ethan did see it and not me for I knew I wasn't crazy. I knew God, the Holy Spirit, or a representative angel really was there with us that night. Last it taught me that I knew that whatever was going on in the spiritual realm (the bad angel outside shooting) that God had control and I was still able to pray to Him, and last that our lives would Never be the same again. People, there is a TRUE spiritual realm and it is not fake. It is not fiction. It might be that God showed Ethan that soldier type of angel to teach us and symbolically show us that the war is real or it might be that they work in that way somehow. I do not know. I do know though that my son has never been the same. That experience opened his eyes. It is not concocted in our heads or just a fable for children. It is real. God is real. If I had seen the angel I might have for years questioned myself but my son saw Him. Faith like a child... God is good. Have faith as well.
* TIP- This miracle that happened made me think of one thing. I know that several times in the Bible God allowed things to happen that were presented pictorally. God uses pictures to show us what is going on in the spiritual realm. I believe that is what happened above. satan's minion/s was not happy about how close I was getting to God. God sent his angel or Jesus, someone, to protect us and showed us that the bad angel was outside but that he was not getting through. Mind you, this was AFTER I had annointed our home with Holy oils. He was shooting the arrows but I was safe, able to complete my prayer. My children were safe too! Ethan saw the angel as confirmation... So, remember that when you open your eyes and ask God to show you the spiritual realm you might see both good and bad. You might also see a picture or representation of what is really going on. Be sure and ask elders or leadership to help you discern the meaning if you do not understand it all.
* TIP 2- Listen to your children. Do not ignore them. They might have something INCREDIBLE to tell you. Let the children come.... as Jesus said.
A Home for $2500
When I had first moved to North Carolina, I had come here with just five hundred dollars, a 5x8 trailer filled to the brim with all our possessions, my car, and two children. I had managed to sell everything we owned at a yard sale, traded my living room furniture for a trailer, and driven the 21 hours straight to get here. It's another blessing story, but God gave me a good job quickly and I worked hard for those first few months. During that time we were barely making it and I ended up moving in with a young man I had met. He was a nice country boy with his own business. He had a cute little house with a huge space for a garden. That was all I wanted at the time, a home for my children and I, and all I could think about so when he asked me to move in, I did. We got along brilliantly and the kids really loved him. We lived this way for a few years but inside I was dying. I can remember laying in the bed at night and thinking of the beautiful little home we had made. I had painted all the rooms different colors and taken time to make it homey. I had grown a HUGE garden and tended it daily. My kids had a little pool to play in outside while I would work. The mountains could be seen off our porch in the distance. It was pituresque. We both had descent jobs and always had enough food, clothing, basic needs. Something was wrong though. I knew that I did not want to marry him. I began to feel horrid inside for I felt I was using him. I was so unhappy and unproud of myself and kept praying to God to help me to find a way to take care of my kids and do right by this man who did indeed love me. He probably would have married me but all I could think of at that time was getting home to Texas to people I knew, surroundings I knew, more potential in life, and my home church. I felt lost and abandoned. I knew my family back home was embarassed of me and the plight I was in, kids by two men.... I wanted to go home but couldn't. I began to believe I had to earn their respect back and knew I needed to go to college, to start doing things the 'right' way. So I started praying and even though I knew I wasn't living right with God, I hoped that He was listening.
He was.
I developed a plan to take my 401K savings from my work and use it towards completing one year in college but in order to do this I needed a home that I could afford so I could work part time and swing it all. I didn't believe in section 8 and the like and at that time did not know that I could have received help for my son's autism. I was trying to do all this on my own with just God's help. So, I was looking through the paper at lunch one day and saw a trailer for sale. I about had a heart attack and thought perhaps there was a typo or something as it was listed for just $2500. Wowzers. I decided to go ahead and phone the people to at least let them know they had a mistake in the paper. When I called them though, they let me know that no, this was indeed the price. I went to look at the home later that day and was so happy to see it was just a few miles from my work. I took part of my tax return refund and bought the trailer immediately. It was a simple one and older than me but man was I proud! There were three bedrooms, perfect for my kids and I. We spent a lot of time repainting and fixing it up. I even learned how to put in a new toilet! The best part of all was the double oven where I could cook a turkey while cooking other items. I even owned my own air conditioner and heater! I felt so in control and my bad situation of having to stay with this man I was not married to was solved.
Folks, God always provides. In my life I have found that when I needed Him most, He showed up the best. When it was my heart's desire to follow Him, He has always given me what I needed to make that happen. In this case, it might not have been a home like the one I was raised in, but it was home. It might have had two spots with holes in the floors but it was home. With a little elbow grease and love we had it looking like the Tosh Mahal. As long as I have kept my eyes on Jesus, He has been there for me. It's when I start to look away that bad things happen. So, anyways, that is the story of the $2500 home. Did you ever believe a person could find a home for that cheap? I sure didn't and would not have believed it if God had not provided it for my little family. Simple, sweet and just what the doctor ordered.
You know, during that time God not only gave us the home for the amount of money I had to spend, free and clear, but He also provided a scholarship through the college for me to buy a computer I needed for school and to pay my lot rent up for the year. God is So good. Oh so good. When we are terrified of following for fear of there not being enough money, time, or know-how - He always shows us the way. Jump in with both feet and Trust Him today.
Shiny Baglady
Another time during my seperation from my husband I was out grocery shopping. I remember I was looking at the magazines and whatnots for sale at the register and I noticed the lady in front of me all in a huff semi-arguing with the check out lady. She was carrying a large twenty-four roll of toilet paper with some other groceries. I never want to stair at people but I sort of looked quickly and noticed she was a person who looked to maybe be homeless. I heard distinctly God say, "Give her a ride". I thought for a second about it and then decided to go ahead. You know, when you offer someone a ride it came make them feel like you presume they don't have a ride? I didn't want to hurt her feelings but went ahead. I asked her before she could leave if she would hold on a second till I finished my order. When I finished we walked out together and I asked her if she would like a ride. She was SO excited like a little girl! She said yes that she lived up the road and desperately needed a ride. She said she didn't know how she would carry that huge thing of toilet paper but it had been on sale and she could not pass up the buy. So, together we piled in the car. On the way home we made small talk. I talked about my kids and she talked about her life and how hard it had been. She lived in town above a little building that I have no clue anyone would ever live in at all! We pulled to the side of the road and before she got out I looked over to say goodbye but did not get a chance. Now yall do not think I'm nuts but her face started to kind of glow! It glowed like, well, like if someone had shined a yellow light on her like a stage light. She started quoting Bible verses word for word and telling me how much God loved me, knew I had lost my parents too young, and He was here for me. She said He knew I was alone thousands of miles from home and that God was gonna take care of it all. I can't remember all she said I just know I was crying and crying. She was telling me all I needed to hear for I felt so darned alone. My little boy was in Texas with his Daddy and I had a great burden in my heart for him too. I had had two husbands leave me. I was miles from any idea of home and trying to hold onto the one house that felt like home and had lived in for three years. I felt so lost but here this woman was telling me God loved me and knew my plight. Then, all of a sudden the glowing stopped and she grabbed my hand. She said thank you for the ride deary you are a sweet girl. I left so thankful for God's sweet words. God is Good.
* TIP- The Holy Spirit WILL speak through people who are willing. The key here is to use your discerning of spirits lessons we will talk about later in the project to be sure you are hearing from God.
$700 Car AND Now the $400 Car
When my ex-husband left, he left me without a vehicle. I went several months just using our local bus system to get around town to the grocers, church, work, you name it. I had to tow two kids with me too! If I had lived close in town, this would have been fine, but I was still renting the home we had had for three years as I wanted my kids to feel safe and secure. Remember, home was everything to me. Well, I only had $700 to my name which I actually was supposed to spend on rent but desperately needed a vehicle. At the time, I was making a little over seven dollars an hour also. I was sitting eating my lunch one day and I prayed and asked God to send me a car. I knew it was practically impossible as I could not afford a car payment at all. God was going to have to give me a car for seven hundred bucks. A few days later, eating lunch again, Iwanna in hand (our local classifieds), I went to work. I poured all through the paper hunting a car by an individual that would work and came up short. Discouraged, I shut the paper and laid it aside. I decided to look again and saw on the back an advertisement for a lot in town, not noticing which lot it was. I noticed particularly a little black Mazda Protege for only $850! WOWZERS! I called the lot when I got home and asked if the car was still available. The man said yes and that it was a good sound vehicle. Furthermore, he said, if you come down Right Now I'll sell it to you for just $700! WOWZERS again! I said Ok I would be right down. I looked to see where the lot was and would you guess what, well the lot was at the end of my street. Out of all the lots in town, it was just a block away! That is Majorly weird as there are no lots for miles from where we were at. What a Blessing from God! So I went and walked down to the lot and was sitting there mulling over how I would pay for the taxes and license. I asked the man if he would let me pay in a few days the rest for tax title and license and he said, "No ma'am, I told you I'd sell you that car for $700 and $700 it is!". God is Good. That little car got us around for two more years then I sold it to another family in need like ours for just $700.
The Three T's
TOILET PAPER, TOOTHPASTE, AND SOAP OH MY!- ...Back to my single days in between a marriage. There was a time when I really needed a few grocery items, specifically, toothpaste-toilet paper- soap- things like that. I prayed for those items specifically. Now this answer to prayer happened at least three times. When I would pray and ask specifically for the items, someone dropped them off on my doorstep! yep. Each item exactly as I asked. God is good.
Fasting and Anointing Oils
Now I debated how to tell this miracle because of not wanting to disrespect those involved. So, to keep privacy and in respect for all involved, I am leaving out name/s. I once had an issue with a certain person in my life. When they decided to not be in my life anymore I continued to pray for them because I knew there was a Huge issue going on inside and around them. At that time, I was not sure what all I was going up against with the Lord's help both in helping this person and protecting my family. Now, typically, the Bible says when you fast and pray to not tell others. It is a private thing but I want you to see what God can do when you do so. There are also several instances in the Bible where God's people use anointed oil. So, I fasted and prayed for 21 days. The was probably the hardest thing I ever did! God, though, was able to teach me SO much during that time. During this time, I would pray over some oil I had- just your typical cooking oil. I prayed God would make it His calling sign to all who came near, that He would use it to cast out evil presences, and much more. I prayed specifically over this oil. I would lay face down on the ground and pray like the dickens. Well, I took some and placed it on each and every window/ door in our home in the sign of a cross while praying and asking God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus to bless our home and keep us from evil. If you think this is nuts please refer to the Passover and study it. In it, God had the Jews place blood over their doors and the spirit of death passed over them. God is a Supernatural and Spiritual God folks! So this is what I did. I certainly did not wanna put blood everywhere... I also took it to this person's home and placed it on his doors as well while praying. A couple of days later, the person came to visit. He was so unsettled! I waited for an opportunity to go outside and place some on his vehicle. I found out about a week later that the person had moved quickly and had sold his car! Instead of dealing with God's touch, he got rid of the two things that had been blessed! A miracle people. God's anointed oil works. Now I will speak more of this later too but this is NOT a means of getting people to do what you want or a love potion at all. This is a means of breaking strongholds in the spiritual realm here in the physical realm. This is using the basis of things we read about in the Bible to help get rid of evil spirits. All it is is simply fasting and praying over oil. It need not be a fancy oil or expensive so don’t let Christian networks woo you by buying fancy things that you just don’t need. I used simple kitchen olive oil.
Triple Whammy
Another time I had decided to tithe even though my tithe would only be $30 a week. One week, school was starting soon, and I knew I needed to tithe but I also needed school supplies for my children. I told God on the way to church. Now, mind you, I was on the WAY to church talking to Him. I said, "Lord, if I give you this tithe then I won't have anything to work with to get school supplies for my children. I am trusting You to help me with this." Even up until the moment I went and put the envelope in the on the wall box, I was terrified. I felt like I might not be able to provide for my children but I wanted God to be happy so much too. Well, I went to my Sunday School class, alone, and what happened? There was this lady there who came up to me. She was a new acquaintance and I did not know her very well at all. She said to me that she did not want to hurt my feelings in any way but that she felt God wanted her to do something. She had quit teaching school to stay home with her new baby so she had to clean out her classroom. As she said that she turned around and what do you think she had but TWO HUGE Brown Grocery bags FULL of school supplies. She even had backpacks for the kids! I thought I would die of shock. I had just prayed on the way to church for those items. God answered my prayers BEFORE I had even asked them! WOWZERS! She said, when you get home look in the bottom as I wrote a note for you. When I got home later that day in the bottom sure enough was a little envelope. I opened it up to read what she said and out plopped $30 in CASH! So, not only did God give me the school supplies but he gave me back the cash! Then, two days later, I went to my ex-inlaws for a visit and what happened there? My in-laws gave me $30 as they said they had forgotten to give me any birthday present!!!! I got 3x back what I had given. I gave my last little bit... God gave me 3x as much back. You know, we have to give Him our all as He gave us 3x back long ago. He gave us Himself, the Holy Spirit and Jesus. God is oh sooooo good.
Hurricane Trees and Angel Man
A large hurricane decided to come through our parts, again during my time of seperation. We live in the mountains of Western North Carolina where hurricanes rarely dare to show up. So, we all thought that the warnings that night were for nought. We were wrong. I had my two children sleep with me that night and I had moved my bed just a few days before onto the far outside wall of my room, the usual woman decorating thing. I remember staying up all night long, praying and holding my two dear children. I was terrified. About once every thirty to fourty five minutes I would hear a tree fall right outside. We lived on a lot that had huge tall pine trees. I continually prayed a covering over our home and our bodies. The next morning I awoke to a huge mess! There were seven trees down in my yard alone. The whole neighborhood looked like a twister had come through. There were two trees down just feet from where we had slept in our front yard. There were three trees down right behind my car too, my little $700 miracle! WOWZERS! I was SO thankful! I cried and thanked God but then I realized I could not get to work either for the trees lay across the driveway. If I did not work, I did not get paid and well, making only eight fifty and hour at the time, I needed that money. I went to my next door neighbors and asked if they could help me cut the trees up real quick so I could roll them aside and get to work. His name was Mr Ron. He said no that he could not help me because they had poison oak on them and he was deathly allergic. I went back and sat on my porch and cried and cried, worried over losing my job as well. All my family was back home in Texas. I really didn't know anyone to call, maybe my pastor but I was too shy to do that. I was at a total loss and numbed by the situation. I definitely did not want to call my ex-husband for at the time we were not talking well. Now the house I lived in was a weird house in that the lot was square but the house sat on the lot catty corner. The house faced the road to the right, angled. So I could not see people driving by from the left unless I stood up and walked to the edge of the porch. I was sitting in the doorway of my home while the kids got ready to hopefully go to school as a little red car began to drive past. All of a sudden, when he went past my driveway the man in the car looked back. He backed his car up slowly to where he could see me. He hollered out to me across the yard and asked if I was ok. I said yes sir. He then proceeded to ask if I needed help getting those trees out of the yard!!! Now, I'm sitting there thinking how in the world did the guy even see me sitting on the porch? That is not the best part though. He was driving a little car not a truck. He went back to his trunk and got out a chainsaw! I thought wow of all things to carry in you trunk! He proceeded to talk to me nonstop about how God loved me, knew what I was going through, and was here for me. He mentioned things noone else would know. I know he could have just been any old man who had left his house, chain saw in hand to help people, but to me, he was my angel.
Baptism Rides
When I accepted the Lord, I asked our pastor to come over as both my kids decided to do it too. He came over one day and together in the middle of our den on the floor they accepted our Lord. We found out they were having baptisms at a large lake close to our church and signed up to get baptised. I had been baptised in a church baptismal pool before and I thought this is the ticket! I want my kids to have an experience as close as they could to how my own parents had been baptised and then to do it with me. So the day came for us to go and I had car issues! I was so upset! Of ALL the days for my little car to not work! I called my Sunday School teacher and he got to work. He said he had a ride for us to get there but not a ride home. So, on faith, we went. Once there the kids had lunch together while I sat next to a tree praying for a ride home. Then, together, we got baptised. It was the most miraculous thing watching my children stand there in the lake with me, taking turns, announcing our new faith and trust in God. No more would we just say we believed, we were acting it out. We were trusting God even that day.
I saw noone I knew! I guess we had gotten there late as most the church members got rebaptised. It seemed like hundreds of people. I actually had been doing a 3 week fast and was on my next to last day so I was a bit on the woozy side. I was worried people might think the worst of me but I continued to try to smile and hold my own. The children kept asking me how we would get home as the lake was well over 20 miles from our house. It was a day when the bus systems were closed too! I told them not to worry that we would find a way. I asked the Sunday School teacher to help me. Everyone was leaving and I think maybe fifty people were left. We were standing there about ready to freak out and I reminded my kids that God would provide. It would be ok. Finally, after what seemed like forever, a man ran up to us and asked us if we needed a ride. Apparently he had heard of our need. People we did not even know offered to take us home. I felt awkward but blessed. This was an answered prayer for us! We would not have missed getting baptised for all the world, even if we had to walk home.
* TIP- Never put a lid on what God can do. I knew practically noone. I was majorly shy. I wasn't sure if I would even have the courage to ask people for rides, especially with gas costing so much. I had just three weeks of fasting and had one more day to go. I had to watch the people eat, while about fainting. I had to lean on God fully. I was taking my children 20 miles away hoping for a ride home, knowing it would be cold that evening, and walking would be risky on the highway. I launched out in faith on what seemed to me an insurmountable task. God calls us to do that when it is for Him and His good. I know He was in heaven doing a jig dance! I just know it. You can do it too. Launch out in Faith when you don't know where it will take you.
The Roar
Another odd miracle or wonder was when I was giving birth to one of my children. I had prayed much during the pregnancy. There was one point during the caeserean section when I was praying and so peaceful. I felt like I could just touch the Lord and was ready to 'go'. I almost felt ready to go and then the anesthesiologist leaned down next to my ear. He said that my heart was too slow, that I had lost too much blood too quickly, that I was making him nervous, and he was going to give me something to 'jumpstart' it. I was deep in prayer with the Lord and so peaceful. I could not care a bit at the point.... I was ready to go home. He insisted on getting me back, though, and Boy did he! Right before He did, though, I heard a low, growl type roar. I still do not know whether it was a positive or negative roar. The Bible says satan walks around roaring and prowling. Perhaps it was him hoping I would die and not be able to live for God. Perhaps it was the roar of the Lord. All I know was I was deep in prayer for my baby and with Jesus, I could literally feel Him there with me. I won't know until I do die who it was that roared but I will tell you, there is a Supernatural World out there!
Tools!
About three years ago my husband and I began praying about opening our own small business. We were not sure if this is exactly what God wanted for us to do so we began praying that if God wanted us to do this then He would provide the things necessary for us to do so. We were starting with a budget of a little over two thousand dollars and so there really was not a budget to buy new tools. Now this answered prayer might sound a little nasty but ready on folks. I take our household trash to the dump myself and one day I was praying on the way about how we really needed tools. When I got to the dump I pulled up to start backing into the giant buildings but then felt like God said no go on that side. I thought that was odd but went ahead and did it. Once I had backed up and got out then I realized just why God did that! There, sitting in a nice huge pile and some smaller organized piles were all the tools I could have ever dreamed of for our business! I looked at the man next to me unloading his items and asked him if saw what I saw. He said yes that he did and he had considered taking them home but that he had a huge 24x48 foot building already stacked high with tools. If he took them home his wife would kill him. He offered to help me load them and so we went to work. Now, I take my backseat out of my little minivan when taking the trash to the dump so to give you an idea of how many tools there were visualize a minivan's back, about 6 foot by 5 foot by 5 foot high. The ENTIRE area was full from the roof to the floor and then we had to load some of the tools up front also!
What an amazing answer to prayer in more ways than one. Of course, it was nice to get the tools to start our business but it also let us know God wanted us to start the business. God is so good.
White Swoosh of Light
Naomi and I were driving from town late one night and discussing things about the Lord. I remember I was tired and going rather fast but boy was she full of questions. I think it was one of our most productive talks about God. Well, we were coming up to a lake with a bridge before getting to our home. This is a very dark part of the treck as there are huge pine trees on all sides with not much sky peering through. It was just about pitch black except for my headlights and what we could see of our hood. All of a sudden, this huge ball of light came out of the sky and headed for our van! I thought it was going to hit us, like a meteor. It was a bright white light, like a flourescent light. It didn't hit the van though but came down turned right then back towards the tale of the van. We looked behind us and saw nothing. We were not sure what it was at the time but we were shaken up. We talked a little more and figured it was the spiritual battle at hand since we were having so much fun talking about God.
Dyllin's Prayers
I have prayed many years for my son Dyllin, my first son, who lives in Texas to both come home to me, and to God. I have prayed specifically for him to learn more of Jesus and His truths. I know that he doesn't trust me and really, me having left him, why would he want to know anything about the God I serve. Therefore, I prayed for God to send him a best friend, someone to mentor him and teach him about our Lord. One day, when praying this prayer, I said, Lord please send someone to help Dyllin. Please send a mentor, a man hopefully, who loves you and will show him what a true Christian is like for I was so weak when I was younger. I was afraid and didn't truly trust you. God send him, well, even if its a girl! (you know that is tough for a Momma, competition wise) I said ok God? And even, well even if she is his Girlfriend!!!! That is ok. And well, God, I'm SO serious, well, I could care less if she is black girl! So not only am I say its ok for there to be a girl when I can't fulfill his needs in teaching him of you, life, the foundations of love, but its ok if you go this far God! (Now I'm probably gonna get a few swift kicks in the bum for that but my meaning to God and He knows me, I'm not predjudious at all. My meaning was that in my family we feel it makes it difficult culturally at times for opposite cultures to mix. That is all. I knew that if any of my children did this, it might make it hard not only on them but their children. Nowadays, this doesn't really matter, but well this is what I said to God and I told you I would be honest in this book.) So, I said God, I could care less if he dates a beautiful black girl. Lord, let her be a cheerleader and let her be on fire for you. Well, guess what. He is dating the most beautiful, yes black, girl in the world. I got my answered prayer! At the time of this book, he is angry with me. I recently got the partial answer to part of my prayer, the other part. I had prayed for years for him to come here and ask questions. I prayed for us to mend our relationship. He came for a day recently and went back to Texas in the middle of the night. I'm still praying for him, for reconciliation in more ways than one, and for his ability to heal faster than it took for me to heal all these years. But, God did hear my prayers folks.
Naomi Heard the Lord
Ok, now I really enjoy telling this one since it is about my daughter, Naomi. This shows me my children are learning to listen to God's voice.
One night, about one thirty a.m. my two teenagers were up doing homework when they were not supposed to be. My husband and I had long since gone to bed. My two year was sleeping with me and my preschooler was in the den asleep on an armchair. We had shut our door that night and the teens were in the room across the hallway. Naomi says that they were almost done doing their homework when all of a sudden she looked up and said to Ethan, my son, "I think Jesus wants me to go to bed." He says that he was shocked and taken aback. Now if you know Naomi, she is a good girl and loves Jesus but she does not talk about Him that way. In fact, she can be known to have a strong spirit and be a rash at times. So, Ethan said to her, "Really?" She responded with yes and began to put up her books and get her things to take a shower with.
You have to know our home to understand the gravity of what was about to happen. Our home is a very old home that has had additions put on several times. So, its kind of a catty corner home that is long like a z shape. Naomi would have to travel about a hundred feet to get to the restroom to take her shower. She said that on the way there she noticed a lot of smoke and when entering the second hallway, saw that our half bath was ingulfged in flames.
She ran into our room screaming and telling us what was going on. Of course, Joe and Ethan immediately went to work. Joe was able to get the fire out before the firemen made it there, thank the Lord. I was so very proud of him for it could have been a horrible thing. He came out with burned armed, smoke inhalation, but stronger for the experience.
The miracle here is that Naomi listened. She is a teenage girl and she was able to hear that still small voice of Jesus giving her the thought to go to bed. Furthermore, it wasn't just a thought of needing to go to bed, she said she felt Jesus, Wanted, her to go to bed. That to me is amazing! If my daughter is learning to listen to Jesus, you can too. Read on folks. Lets learn to hear Him more.
POWER of the Lord's Prayer - BIGGEST one Yet
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? … In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56: 3,11)
This miracle as I call has been placed here to show you how the Pendulum Effect worked in my life, briefly. It is probably the one of the most powerful moment God has ever allowed me to be a part of at all. For the respect of the person involved, I have not given a name and cannot give great details but I want you to hear the story to know the Full Power of Jesus's own Prayer, the Lord's Prayer. I pray they are out of bondage now. The point here is just the Power of Jesus's / God's Words and the Holy Spirit Himself.
There was a time in my life when I was involved with a man, legally in God's site. This was during the time period when I had just started to get over the years of having reaped negative ideas in my mind. I know that satan was none too happy with me and definitely threw this event at me. Also, the person I was involved with was a direct effect and was in my life because I opened the doors to this negative realm. He was a person who I thought loved the Lord but had deep issues, much deeper than my little issue ever was. I wanted to help him. He became worse and worse though. All the praying in the world, the counseling, nothing helped and he was about to give up. I tried hard as I might but in the end.....
I had gone to see him one night at his apartment. I was doing what I thought God wanted. We women at times do things we never would have agreed to if it were not for trying to do our womanly duties.... I had annointed the apartment earlier in the week as well as the vehicle of this person. I felt safe and secure in the Lord so I went to visit this person.
While visiting, we became romantic. Again, for the privacy of the person, it was something God would have said ok to, the connection that is, and no to as well. The situation escalated though into one that was not mutually wanted and I could tell there was a difference going on. I will not give further details because it is not necessary. Just know, it hurt and was wrong in so many ways.
I can remember thinking of how to get out of the situation and praying to God, begging for help. I was looking over the edge of a bed at the floor and I felt safe all of a sudden and the thought came to mind to pray. I began to say the Lord's prayer, mentally. Then, I began to say the prayer out loud. God completely spoke out of my mouth in that I never in a million years would have had the gumption to say such a prayer out loud in such a circumstance. I was thinking, what am I doing? This person is gonna think I'm nuts! I expected this man to simply quit and look at me, maybe say something like what are you doing Kimberly. But no, This man who I knew, loved, adored, and tried to help, this man I shared my life with - this thing- then jumped up in the air off of me like a chimpanzee and move five feet away from me like he had springs in his legs onto the other side of the bed by the headboard and began to sort of growl type speak saying, "Stop it, you're hurting me, your're hurting me." He was looking at me with beady eyes, narrowed into slits, and a look I will NEVER forget on his face. I almost could see red in his eyes. His hands were curled up at his chest. His legs were bent, in a fetal position.
I knew this person had problems. I knew he had opened doors he never should have. I knew I had in the past let him treat me wrong thinking that God wanted me to provide for him. I knew that we had been to counseling. I knew that God loved him and was desperate to have him back but what was this? I knew I had been praying, fasting, anointing his home with oils and asking God for redemption but I had No Idea I was dealing with this. --- It was demonic. No way... but there he was, growling at me again saying the same words and ordering me out of his home.
Again, I thought, I had known him to be a little odd at times due to his sexual issues but never expected him to be that horrible, that curt, that - not himself. I knew at once I was not dealing with a ordinary thing, or even human. This man, this poor friend of mine, fellow believer, lover, obviously was dealing with something even greater than himself.
Have you ever had that happen? I haven't. Up until that point I had led a quiet life, a struggling one, but quiet nonetheless. No jail time, maybe a ticket in ten years. I went to work, church, the grocers, the library the park with the kids. I had been fantasying all my life about stupid vampires and the like but never had realized that there was a REAL nasty spiritual world out there. To me, it had been kind of a fairy tale. God spoke of it in the Bible, but man, that would never come into my life. That would never be real, to me.
Now, I was in Utter Shock. I knew or thought I knew this person to be a fellow believer in God. I did not expect this kind of a response at all. I had been taught that believers in God could not be possessed, only oppressed but obviously, this was possession full force.
I knew I had to get out of there but I am the ever optimist. I am constantly trying to fix people or help them to see God, to see they have a way out. I thought to myself, "God I need you now. What do I say? You speak for me please!"
I began speaking to Him while I got dressed, backing out of the apartment, towards the door (because of my police training I knew I had to get close to that door and could not turn my back on this thing). God began speaking through me: I told him to remember Paul in the Bible and how Paul had been Saul and had killed all those Christians. God still welcomed him back to Him even though he had done such a horrid thing. I reminded him that God wanted him back all he had to do was ask. He looked at me and said in that same growling, gutteral type voice as he was walking towards me, "I don't know anyone named Paul, or Saul for that matter....." I think I remember saying it again and then just saying ok, I will pray for you. I knew that I just had to get out. Something was telling me to just get out quickly. So I did.
* TIP- Now, people, there is a lot to say about this miracle but for now, get the full jest of the power of God's Holy Prayer. Remember this prayer, the prayer Jesus taught us, taught us how to pray with. You may need it someday and you may need Jesus to help you quickly. Remember the POWER of our Holy God. He will kick butt when needed.
Also see that I over the years had opened doors that I thought were inconsequential but had VAST effects on my life. How in the world could I had gotten involved with such a man? On the outside, he was Godly and went to church with me. His mother was also. So many things happened though that I turned a blind eye to and I should have paid attention. My current marriage with my husband is vastly different now because I know to be aware, and to be aware praying for my husband with God no matter what non-stop- before bad things like this happen. Any man can open the doors to these things, or woman. We must teach others how to close those doors and still live fulfilled lives with their mates or single, worshipping the Lord through our lives.
Later in the book I will go over demonic spirits and what to look for, things I had no clue and was not ready to see ahead of time here.
Stayin Alive
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 ESV
Since writing this book/ project, I and my family have come under such great spiritual warfare. We have been toyed with by satan and his minions for months now. Here lately though it has gotten worse and worse. So much has happened, actually, for the past few years during our time of trying to live for the Lord wholeheartedly and not for manna, ourselves, our kids, anything but God. These past two years have just been probably the most difficult of our lives, especially since Joe's giving his life to Jesus. - You will see in later chapter just how satan and his workers try to get under people's skins and to ruin lives, in turn, ruining testimonies and chances to help God change lives.
A few days ago my husband and I were having a quarrel. Actually, we had been quarreling just about daily for a week or so. We were just about at the point of getting a divorce. To us at the time it seemed easier than to continue to fight or to try to fight satan. This day in particular, we had come under a great amount of stress from a bill that we needed to pay, the van breaking down which would be yet another bill, my working a new job with different hours, homeschooling the kiddos, Joe's business being put to the test and slowly failing... so many more things to mention. It all had come to a head.
Joe was driving me to take care of this bill that we needed to pay because my van's radiator had a huge leak. He was upset with me over a family issue and I reckon this was the most upset I had ever heard him before. Now, my telling you this is yet another time of me being vulnerable so that you can see how satan works. We were driving along and he was getting very loud with me. Because of my history growing up, because of my somewhat autism link, and because of one of my ex-husband's history I have trouble in listening to my husband yell at me. I feel like I am a school girl again and only four inches tall, getting in trouble by my Daddy. This time was worse though. I could feel evil all around us. It was horrible. I think it was the worst that I have felt in that type of situation in years. So as we are driving along all of a sudden these thoughts come flying into my head as I'm looking at the trees whiz by.
Thoughts like: You could just throw yourself out of the car. No one would care. Your in-law family would get the girls, their girls can't have kids, they would be happy. Your kids could live with their dad. He owes so much child support, he owes it to you. You could hang yourself in one of those trees, be one with the tree. You could do it quickly, just open the door. Roll yourself out. It won't hurt a bit.....
I knew where these thoughts were coming from but you know what guys, we are human. I wanted to play into them. I was tired of being the strong one. I was tired of all the years of being strong for everyone and I was actually considering it!
Jeepers. Well, I was pitying myself and the situation I was in. I was cursing the fact that I had married again, seeking a home again, a family. I was upset for having yet more kids with another man. I was so mad at myself. I started having thoughts about this book even and how unworthy I was to write it! I started thinking about how noone would respect me because of my history, who would care that I know Jesus now? Who would want to hear from a girl like me, a girl with a scarlet letter A on her chest?
So all these thoughts were bombarding my head while other thoughts too were coming in. God loves me. Be patient. He knows. It's alright. Give it time. He is there. He is here. Simple thoughts, short quick, affirming, and even some Bible verses.
But, man oh man, those evil thoughts were strong and I decided to give in.
When we got to our destination, I was numb. It was like all the energy and life was out of me. Joe was still ranting on and upset as I got out to go inside and take care of the issue at hand. I walked numbly up the steps and into the building, waiting in line to be seen to pay this darn bill. I remember seeing the lady who always helps me and walking up to see her. As I put the bill down she seemed kind of negative and aggitated too. I thought, oh great, another upset person, just what I need.
About one minute into our conversation, though, she completely changed and looked at me hard. She leaned in on one arm and furrowed her brows. She stared me down and said sternly, "Now you listen here. Don't you think one bit about going and hurting yourself. Don't you think about hurting yourself not one little bit. God loves you. He loves you! And He knows what you and your husband are going through. You hand tough and do not give up. You stand strong you hear?" I just started crying right there in the middle of that place with all those people. There was another worker right next to her too, but I didn't see her at all. It was as though it was just this one lady, and me. Then, all of a sudden just like it wasn't nothing at all, she went back to helping me with the bill and said goodbye.
Amazing people. Amazing. I don't know whether an angel told her to say that. I know she isn't an angel in disguise unless she works full time at the place I paid this bill. All I know is that there is no explanation except God knew I had to hear that and I had to hear it right then. I have had way too much happen in my life and I was about to give up. He does love us. There is no way she could have known I was thinking that. I know people believe in psychic stuff but when I walked up to her desk she was aggitated. She didn't look like she was intent on giving out advice at all. And, if you think about it, how could she have known that is what I was thinking? Does she say that to all the people who come in there? Do you honestly think it would be appropriate in a business situation to tell someone to not hurt themselves? I think not....
Yall listen when people say things and do not take it for granted. Compare it with what you are going through and look to see where the words are coming from. You might be surprised if you don't just drift through life aimlessly and truly watch, God will speak through others when you need to hear it. You just gotta listen.
Mercedes from God
Recently we have been having a rough time financially, spiritually, emotionally. I think most people are in this exasperating economic and end times. In our case, though, its gotten pretty dire. My wonderful hubby, Joe, has only walked with the Lord closely, truly accepting Him in daily decisions since our last baby, Liberty, was born in 09. So, Joe is kind of what you call a 'baby Christian.' In case you do not know what that is, I will explain what I think a baby Christian is like briefly. They tend to be a person who is still on fire for the Lord and living that 'high' you get when you accept Christ BUT they are going through the fire. (See Baby Christian Fire chapter for more.) This means they are being tempted heavily by satan as he is very ticked off, well and the rest of his crew, that this person whoever they are is following the Lord now.
Well, we have REALLY been hit this past year. You name it, its happened. First, we lost a baby, in utero after having gotten pregnant while taking bc pills so we thought the Lord wanted it. What a letdown! Next, we had a house fire after starting to help some friends who had a house fire and lost everything they owned. We were so thankful it was not a total loss though. There have been vehicle issues: eight flat tires not to mention my van is on its last leg, surpentine belt comes off every time it rains, Joe's transmission went out on his truck, and more. The cars are paid for though, thank goodness. One of our children who was living with us chose to live elsewhere. This broke Joe's heart because it was his only son. Business wise: Joe's business has tanked several times. He, as a man, has felt challenged beyond what he has been able to handle at times. Men feel they must 'bring home the bacon' and so this has been tough on Joe, having to have me go back to work and not be able to stay home full time with our children. He even sold his 1967 price Chevy pickup to earn the money to keep us afloat. Much more has happened even in our own relationships between each other. When Joe first became a true Christian in 09 he was hit with the temptation of another woman. Again, I'll leave this up to him to tell you the story which he does openly but suffice to say, it was TOUGH. It was tough for me because I have already had two marriages with the same issue. I ran the gammut of questions about why, why me, what am I not doing to provide for these men, how can I keep him on the path following the Lord, and more. There was much work done and still being done in our marriage sense that trial. Our children also have begun to try us, typical teenager angst.
So, this year has been pretty darn tough. There have been several times we thought we may be homeless if it were not for our wonderful landlord giving us leniency and time. God has been good but in the past few months, He allowed us to truly be tried beyond what we have been in so long. It just added all up! The last straw was when Joe's transmission went out on his truck. Now, when we first opened our little business in 2009 we only had my van and Joe would use it to work in. So we knew if push came to shove we could do it but it would be tough since I work security, swing shifts. Joe was at his limit. It had just been too much, too fast, too soon after giving his life to Jesus. He felt he was at his breaking point. He was almost to the point of not believing in the Lord anymore because he figured, God must not be listening. Why would He allow so many terrible things to happen when he, Joe, was following God? He thought that accepting the Lord meant life would be good and it had definitely taken a turn for the worst.
I told him just pray. Do not give up. Hang tough. God has a plan and reason! And..... God did! Joe went to a job for a couple in town and simply mentioned his truck dying in explaining his tardiness. He did the job for the couple and then a couple of days later the gentleman called and offered for Joe to buy his 1992 Mercedes station wagon! That is not all, he offered for him to trade some of the price for doing work around the house like painting for the couple! We could not believe it. The man told Joe to come over and pickup the car, test drive it for a week or so, and then we would handle the rest. This has just happened in the last three weeks! God DOES still answer prayers and just in the nick of time! It was a HUGE confirmation to Joe that God was listening.
Have you ever been through something like this? I am sure you have. If we had not gone through the tough year, losing so much, would we have recognized the blessing so vividly? I don't think so. I am praising God for the storm of the year we just lived through and looking forward to the blessings to come!
And, Remember, when you give unto others or enable them to continue the Lord's work you are letting Jesus work through you. You are being literally His hands and feet like this couple was and is to us.
Give Proper Due
Something you will notice in the above miracles or answered prayers. I do not count them as coincidence! Remember NOT to be puffed up but to give JESUS ALL the CREDIT only He is due. J I do not say the universe did them for me because I put it out there. I do not claim I did them because of some subconscious need. I count them as occurrences ordained or orchestrated by God Himself. I believe that because of that, He gives me more answered prayers and miracles! Even though I ran from God and His plan for my life out of fear. Even though I have hurt myself time and again by placing myself in bad situations. Even though I lived for me and not God. Even though I fantasied about vampires. Even though I slept with men out of marriage. Even though I let one man belittle me and treat me wrong. Even though I have been searching everywhere except where God is. Even though I eat and eat and eat, trying to cover the pain inside. Even though I cursed God for taking my parents. and more.... Even though I killed two of my own children through abortion.... Even though I am flawed, broken, unworthy, selfish, and drawn to things not of God- He loves me enough to show me time and again He is real. When I focus on Him. When I remember Him daily. When I walk through life with Him, and not alone.
God IS here. He Loves Me. He loves Y.O.U too.
Lord, Show us, .................................... you.
More Supernatural Stuff
The prior list is not comprehensive of all the miracles and wonders God has done in our lives. The Lord actually says NOT to listen to a Puffed up person so I cut the list short. There are SO many more. I just do not have time to mention them all here nor do I wanna sound puffed up but I want you to get an idea of the different ways God helps you.
In this chapter I am just going to use a bullet list. I'll dissect these items more in the coming pages. These occurrences could be of several different origins, but basically all are of either God or satan. For now, as I write this book I'm listening to the Lord and He is teaching me a lot too! Some of these God may have not shown me exactly why, who, what, where, or for what purpose they were yet. I know that a lot of the supernatural things you will see in life you may not have an answer for until you die, until I die. God does keep some things silent for His own reasons. Why He does this we won't know until the end either.
For now though, they are not that important but I am posting here to show you that not everything you see with your God Goggles will make sense. I considered not putting these in the book as I don't usually tell people all these things. In the past two days though, I have had some friends and then one man I didn't even know just open up to me and tell me about things they saw but could not understand. They both all said that they never told people because of fear of being cast as nuts or not leaning on God. People, the Bible says we wage war against the unseen.... So why not believe when you see things? If you are told to believe in things unseen and have faith how more can you believe what you do see, whether it comes from the Lord or from satan, it is real. As long as you know it can be satan trying to throw you off course, you lean on the Holy Spirit for direction, and keep Christ first I see no reason in not believing what we see.
Christ says for us to have faith as children and children have faith and believe in the unseen. In fact, children many times see things adults do not because we close off that part of us. So, I put the list in here so that if there are others who have seen things and wonder if they can still love God, still serve God, and have seen things they would see that yes they can. God loves us all and if we keep Him first, have Him in our Hearts, and trust Christ as our Savior- He will be giving us new bodies and introducing us to Heaven. Heaven is pretty darn super-natural place itself!
So, for this list and whatever you may have seen.... Sometimes you have to give it to God and just move on. You must remember that even satan can come as an angel of light. Get just as close to the Lord as you can possibly muster and when in doubt ask Him directly. If no answers comes, it is not necessary right now. Be patient. It will come or it won't. If it does not, it was not important. God will never and has never left a question or a door opened that He did not want either answered or closed. If God has something to say, be sure He will say it, loudly.
A main part of this project is for you to remember Supernatural Events that have happened in your life, figure out if they were of satan or God, give God the praise if they can be attributed to Him, and learn how to keep experiencing God more Fully and more often, daily. So, I would like for you to start by writing a list of all the events in your life that were astounding, out of the ordinary, an answer to prayer, came in the nick of time, were encouraging, blessed, gave you hope, or provided a need. Any Supernatural Events at all should be listed here. At the end of the text you will need this list again so be sure to do this. If you cannot think of any now, that is ok! From time to time I am sure you will while you read. When you remember one, come back here and write it down. Thanks!
The rest of the book teaches you what you need to know to be able to sort this through. I hope you can get out some paper and start writing down all the times God shows up for you or showed up. Remember let's not be puffed up but recognize God working.
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Below you will find a few of the sweet miracles and Answered prayers God has done for me. Often times, just as the song says, I thank God for unanswered prayers. Those are miracles too. I'm NOT being puffed up but just going to offer times that God did move in our familie's life so that you can see for yourself where He has done the same in your life. Its exciting to know God works every single day and have Faith without miracles and answered prayers is best at all times. Our Faith in God's Word being alive is everything.
I have wondered often how come I, of all people, have been blessed so much by so many. There are times I wish I have not seen miracles. It is easier to have FAITH when you have not seen miracles. I personally feel God’s word is more beautiful than any miracle. I know that when I followed God more closely, the more I saw in the physical realm happen, from the spiritual realm. Especially during the most recent time when I was single and only having to true pay attention to God and then my children, He really answered prayers and worked miracles for our family and those we know. We will talk about that later as that is part of helping you wear your God Goggles. I have also decided it must be because of my being fatherless as God says He is near to the Fatherless and I can see this is ultimately Very true. Another reason I believe is because He knew and knows my simplicity at heart. I am truly a simple person, mostly due to my nature and well, autistic tendencies. I believe that even though I have made bad choices in life when dealing with people at times, He has covered me and brought good out of those choices. Anyways, more on that later. A last reason is it seems to have run in our family. I know my Great Grandfather, the pastor, saw many things in his time too. I wish I had been more bold and talked to him more while he was still with us. I know that he did not become a pastor until his late thirties which is neat to me in that I have not decided to proceed in being bold until my late thirties as well. Anyways, these are just a few of the interesting things God has done in my life over the years.
I believe that when you focus your God Goggles you will be able to also point out times in which God really showed Himself to you through your life as well. A lot of focusing our God Goggles is just recognizing and giving God the meaning behind what happens. I hope by reading these you can see how He works and maybe it will jog your memory in your own life as well.
After each miracle or answered prayer I put a tip to help you Focus Your God Goggles.
I could have written these in book form and used more descriptive language, but I am trying to keep them as short as possible so we can focus on learning from them and not just them, themselves. Some of these are more astounding than others depending on your own background and how much God has shown you over the years. I am not writing these in chronological order for my own reasons.
For now, enjoy God's Goodness and Grace. Please say a prayer before reading.
- WILL MIRACLE: How God showed me where to find the will, providing so much.
- GREAT GRANDADDY'S MIRACLE: My Mother visiting my Great Grandaddy and letting him know she was ok.
- LIFE INSURANCE: This one is about their reworking their life insurance weeks before their deaths.
- DADDY'S WORDS: I hold dear in my heart those last words he said to me. They really are not just for me, although I have held them in all these years. They were for my whole family. "No you can't go but I WILL come back for you." My Dad was a true example of what a Father should be in Christ. It makes me think of how lucky I am and how words are so foreboding of what our own heavenly Father tells us every day, hundreds of times, in the Bible- and in our hearts to remind us. When we accept Him into our hearts, no we can't go right then to be with Him, but HE WILL come back for us, and, I hope soon. Isn't that good? Rest assured, He is coming.
- THE DREAM, THE ARTIST'S PEDASTAL, AND THE FOREST WHISPER: This was the way God reminded me of the will... I told about it in the intro.
- GRANDADDY ITS OK: This was also a story I already told about how my mother, or someone from heaven, alerted by Great Grandfather to the sad news.
Naomi's Smile
My daughter Naomi is now almost a woman but years ago when she was in utero she gave us a great scare. About three weeks before she was born my midwife felt there might be too much amniotic fluid and ordered a sonogram. I remember laying on the table and gabbing with her softly about how amazing sonography was. She was explaining to me all the excintricities of her craft when all of a sudden she paused. She was very quiet for a long while. I asked her what was wrong and she said she would be right back. She came back several minutes later and again began scanning with the instrument. She was shaking her head and frowning. I finally said, ok give it up, what is wrong? She put the pointer on an area of the skull and began to explain to me that it looked to her like my baby would have not only a cleft lip but also a cleft palate. She was very distraught. I was calm though. Now, at this time, I loved the Lord and was trying to follow Him, but I was truly following my own desires in many ways. You know though, that at a time like this, even when you haven't taken the time to pray about normal things, praise, worship, anything like that with God- You start praying like the dickens. I left the office numb and shaken. I decided to pray hard for the next two weeks for a miracle..... On July 9 I was sent to the hospital for an induction procedure. My midwife was there but there were also numerous other doctors and hospital staff waiting on call that I had never seen before. Usually, I had long hard labors so we all expected to have plenty of time before handling whatever needed to be handled. My Aunt and Uncle were there to help me as well as my ex-husband. My midwife had just examined me and said it would be a while so she was going to run an errand and would be right back. I can remember laying on my side enduring the contractions and I felt something different than ever before. All of a sudden, they got stronger and harder. I told them to get the midwife quickly because I knew the baby was coming. When she came back into the room she was in utter disbelief and did not believe me until she looked to see my progress. In a split second, she had all the staff in and we were ready to have a baby. Naomi had decided to come so quickly that she had rotated and was coming face first! She came out with her lips first and they were just fine! Upon further inspection after birth, all you could see was a faint little line. I had worried and prayed like the dickens and God did not allow me to wait long for my answer to those prayers. In fact, He had Naomi come into this world smile showing first! She has smiled ever since and been a light in my life. God is So Good.
A Special Lady
Before moving to North Carolina, I had to pay steep daycare prices which made it difficult to survive. There were no funds available in Texas to assist me with daycare. This was the reason for me having to move halfway across country. When I got here, my ex-mother-in-law informed me that she could not watch my children. Before moving here, I had researched the area fully and knew that there was a small chance that funds were available for such a need. So, I had this in the back of my mind as a plan B.
I remember sitting on the sofa as she told me that the arrangement just would not work. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I was exhausted from driving twenty one hours straight a mere four days before. In fact, when I got here I slept for I think twelve hours straight and more the next day. I had gotten a job as a local restaurant and did not want to lose my position but without help for daycare, this was a given.
I left and headed home, recouping my thoughts. Then, like a light bulb, God reminded me of the information I had attained a year before when researching the area. You see, I had considered the plan to move here for quite some time. I should have put my name on the list for daycare but did not since I thought I would Never move from home.
I called the appropriate personnel the next day and set up an appointment. At that time the offices for the Childcare Resource and Referral Network were in our local social service building. I arrived at my appointment on time, full of nerves, feeling like I was going to pop from the stress of it all. I was missing my son back home in Texas, my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, friends, and familiarity. Here I was almost eighteen hundred miles from home with no way to get back and even if I had a way, I would be homeless. I was living in a little basement efficiency apartment with just the items that would fit into a four by six foot trailer and my little two door car. I was downtrodden, degenerate, and felt like there was absolutely no hope. I kept thinking, what if they tell me there is no daycare help. What then? Will I lose my children? Will they tell me what they told me in Texas? In Texas I had been told to bring my children to an orphanage and when I could provide for them, they would give them back! I did not want that to happen. Was I going to have to lower my standards and do a job I would never think of? Would I have to work in a bar or something worse? All these thoughts and more were swirling in my head....
I finally was called back to the room where I met Mrs. Amelia. She was rather busy but said with a smile for me to tell her my story and what was going on. I explained that I had come all the way from Texas and did not want to be a burden. I just wanted to work and work hard. I told her all about what happened in Texas and since then, since coming to North Carolina. Everything just bubbled up and out of me! I was crying and distraught. I think it all just finally came to an abrupt realization of the situation I was in. I had maybe two hundred dollars left, not enough to get home. I begged her for help. She then did the most wonderful thing. She reached across the big, businessy desk and took my hand (I had been leaning in crying.). She said, "Sweety, I just happen to have room for your two children. Not only that, you working at that restaurant is too much of a drive. Let me give you the number to a friend who works at a local temporary service and she can get you a better job asap. You will only need to pay 9% of your earnings for daycare!" I thought I was going to jump for joy! In months, I had not heard such news! After a year of working twelve hour shifts six and seven days a week and barely seeing my children, I now knew I could provide and still be a good mother, at least to two of them.
God sent that sweet woman and this program that is still running today in our community. I do not know where I would have been without it. Thank you Mrs. Amelia for ALL you do and thank you for your understanding, loving ways. She really touched my heart that day especially by caring enough to take my hand. She reached out in more ways than one. Her job has never been just a job to her, it is a miracle maker. She saved our family that day.
* TIP: You might say this is not a miracle but it is indeed an answered prayer. It is an answered prayer that is representitive by so many single parents today. If you are able to, please donate to such causes because you are saving families. And, pray for the men and women who run these programs that they will have discernment to give funds to the right people, that they will continue to care and not get tired, and that they too will be blessed. Thank you!
Ethan's Angel
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6 ESV
ETHAN'S ANGEL: A few years ago I went through a very trying seperation period for eighteen months and ultimately a divorce. During that time I figured out that yes I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour at age nine but I had not allowed Him to be ruler over my life. There is a big difference in the two... One night during our seperation period, my son daughter and I were sleeping. Now, you have to understand that we were renting a home that used either wood or oil for heat. I did not have money to pay for oil heat and therefore I would chop wood with my son for our woodstove. We would take turns at night stoking the fire to stay warm. This was a big responsibility for such a young boy of only age nine. When it got bitterly cold, we would close up all the rooms except my room and they would sleep with me. One would be on one side and one would be on the other. This way, they both had their momma to cozy up to and have a little extra warmth. I was awful boney then from all the fasting and not having money for food besides that but it did help. Well, this one night I was having a pretty tough time, well week, and I had been praying for about an hour and I rededicated my life to Christ. When I pray, I envision Jesus on his throne and I'm either sitting at his feet, touching the tip of His robes, or I curl up in the billowing folds of them. I love to envision Him as it takes me there, near to Him. You should try this sometimes! So, anyways, I told God that I would go to Africa even if He needed me to, anything, to spread His love to others. This truly was a large statement from me as I would love to go to Africa but I'm a very chicken person when it comes to change. I love things to stay the same..... I told Him I would do whatever it took even if it meant hurting myself to tell His love to everyone I knew. I desperately wanted others to feel what I felt and to be saved. I wanted others to KNOW Him like I did and do. I wanted others to be healed and whole. Having been left in a lurch with two kids, no car, a home to take care of and try to hold onto, responsibilities, was tough but God used the time to grow and teach me- I was ever so thankful for those times. There were times I thought I was going to die of loneliness but I look back now and wish I was there again.... I prayed and prayed and cried and cried some more. I felt the absolute closest to God I had ever felt. I was telling the Lord I didn't want money, fame or fortune and that if He would only see fit to give me wisdom... (I tell you what, years later, I wish I had not prayed that prayer sometimes and asked for a barn and some land, but there it is, got myself in a pickle with what all I asked for...) Well, while praying I saw some flashes of light. It was probably about 3:30 am and I assumed it was a car's headlights driving by but I felt all of a sudden a warmth, a strong sense of peacefulness and creaminess, and knew that no, that was no car, it was God/ Jesus. I just knew it. I have had lots of people ask me how I knew so they would know when the time comes- you just know. It's like when you want to talk to one of your children. You know if you holler out their name, they will answer. I just sensed that if I opened my eyes, He would be there.... I felt He was there with me. I said in my prayer to God, "Ok God, if you are here I do not want to look because if I do then you won't think I believe You are really here. Then also, if I look, I might freak out God, and think I'm crazy. Last, God, if I look I might not be able to handle it because in the Bible it says we cannot look upon your face." These were quick flashes of thoughts and prayers to Him and I saw some more flashes of light. Bright White Light like a strobe light. I felt Ethan tugging on my back of my pajamas and I said, "Ethan please wait a minute." He said, "but Momma..." and again I said, "Ethan just a few minutes, I'm praying". He said, "Ok." I finished up praying and didn't have a thought about poor little old Ethan because I had been so wrapped up in my own feelings and needs. When I had finished I turned over and looked at him. He proceeded to tell me that he had seen a huge man outside my window in what looked like military gear, shooting at me through the window with some kind of big gun and bullets. He said his face was all dirty and made up like a soldier. I thought that meant he had had a dream and I told him everything was ok. He said, "No, Momma, cause then there was this huge angel standing at the end of the bed! His head touched the ceiling and he was bright white with flickering whiteness and shine things on his robes. He was so bright it was hard to see. I couldn't see his face though! It was blackened out... He had his hands folded across and he was just staring at you! and, What is worse is I pee-peed all over myself." (See the photo on the next page that Ethan drew of the angel) Oh my goodness. I felt horrible! Here I had been so entranced and into my prayer I didn't realize Ethan had had a HUGE experience! He had seen what I had been too chicken to see and then well so he had to go and clean up but was scared to even do that. I told him it was just Jesus and I had rededicated my life, truly given my life, to the service of the Lord. What a night that was. ~ I was so glad that Ethan did see it and not me for I knew I wasn't crazy. I knew God, the Holy Spirit, or a representative angel really was there with us that night. Last it taught me that I knew that whatever was going on in the spiritual realm (the bad angel outside shooting) that God had control and I was still able to pray to Him, and last that our lives would Never be the same again. People, there is a TRUE spiritual realm and it is not fake. It is not fiction. It might be that God showed Ethan that soldier type of angel to teach us and symbolically show us that the war is real or it might be that they work in that way somehow. I do not know. I do know though that my son has never been the same. That experience opened his eyes. It is not concocted in our heads or just a fable for children. It is real. God is real. If I had seen the angel I might have for years questioned myself but my son saw Him. Faith like a child... God is good. Have faith as well.
* TIP- This miracle that happened made me think of one thing. I know that several times in the Bible God allowed things to happen that were presented pictorally. God uses pictures to show us what is going on in the spiritual realm. I believe that is what happened above. satan's minion/s was not happy about how close I was getting to God. God sent his angel or Jesus, someone, to protect us and showed us that the bad angel was outside but that he was not getting through. Mind you, this was AFTER I had annointed our home with Holy oils. He was shooting the arrows but I was safe, able to complete my prayer. My children were safe too! Ethan saw the angel as confirmation... So, remember that when you open your eyes and ask God to show you the spiritual realm you might see both good and bad. You might also see a picture or representation of what is really going on. Be sure and ask elders or leadership to help you discern the meaning if you do not understand it all.
* TIP 2- Listen to your children. Do not ignore them. They might have something INCREDIBLE to tell you. Let the children come.... as Jesus said.
A Home for $2500
When I had first moved to North Carolina, I had come here with just five hundred dollars, a 5x8 trailer filled to the brim with all our possessions, my car, and two children. I had managed to sell everything we owned at a yard sale, traded my living room furniture for a trailer, and driven the 21 hours straight to get here. It's another blessing story, but God gave me a good job quickly and I worked hard for those first few months. During that time we were barely making it and I ended up moving in with a young man I had met. He was a nice country boy with his own business. He had a cute little house with a huge space for a garden. That was all I wanted at the time, a home for my children and I, and all I could think about so when he asked me to move in, I did. We got along brilliantly and the kids really loved him. We lived this way for a few years but inside I was dying. I can remember laying in the bed at night and thinking of the beautiful little home we had made. I had painted all the rooms different colors and taken time to make it homey. I had grown a HUGE garden and tended it daily. My kids had a little pool to play in outside while I would work. The mountains could be seen off our porch in the distance. It was pituresque. We both had descent jobs and always had enough food, clothing, basic needs. Something was wrong though. I knew that I did not want to marry him. I began to feel horrid inside for I felt I was using him. I was so unhappy and unproud of myself and kept praying to God to help me to find a way to take care of my kids and do right by this man who did indeed love me. He probably would have married me but all I could think of at that time was getting home to Texas to people I knew, surroundings I knew, more potential in life, and my home church. I felt lost and abandoned. I knew my family back home was embarassed of me and the plight I was in, kids by two men.... I wanted to go home but couldn't. I began to believe I had to earn their respect back and knew I needed to go to college, to start doing things the 'right' way. So I started praying and even though I knew I wasn't living right with God, I hoped that He was listening.
He was.
I developed a plan to take my 401K savings from my work and use it towards completing one year in college but in order to do this I needed a home that I could afford so I could work part time and swing it all. I didn't believe in section 8 and the like and at that time did not know that I could have received help for my son's autism. I was trying to do all this on my own with just God's help. So, I was looking through the paper at lunch one day and saw a trailer for sale. I about had a heart attack and thought perhaps there was a typo or something as it was listed for just $2500. Wowzers. I decided to go ahead and phone the people to at least let them know they had a mistake in the paper. When I called them though, they let me know that no, this was indeed the price. I went to look at the home later that day and was so happy to see it was just a few miles from my work. I took part of my tax return refund and bought the trailer immediately. It was a simple one and older than me but man was I proud! There were three bedrooms, perfect for my kids and I. We spent a lot of time repainting and fixing it up. I even learned how to put in a new toilet! The best part of all was the double oven where I could cook a turkey while cooking other items. I even owned my own air conditioner and heater! I felt so in control and my bad situation of having to stay with this man I was not married to was solved.
Folks, God always provides. In my life I have found that when I needed Him most, He showed up the best. When it was my heart's desire to follow Him, He has always given me what I needed to make that happen. In this case, it might not have been a home like the one I was raised in, but it was home. It might have had two spots with holes in the floors but it was home. With a little elbow grease and love we had it looking like the Tosh Mahal. As long as I have kept my eyes on Jesus, He has been there for me. It's when I start to look away that bad things happen. So, anyways, that is the story of the $2500 home. Did you ever believe a person could find a home for that cheap? I sure didn't and would not have believed it if God had not provided it for my little family. Simple, sweet and just what the doctor ordered.
You know, during that time God not only gave us the home for the amount of money I had to spend, free and clear, but He also provided a scholarship through the college for me to buy a computer I needed for school and to pay my lot rent up for the year. God is So good. Oh so good. When we are terrified of following for fear of there not being enough money, time, or know-how - He always shows us the way. Jump in with both feet and Trust Him today.
Shiny Baglady
Another time during my seperation from my husband I was out grocery shopping. I remember I was looking at the magazines and whatnots for sale at the register and I noticed the lady in front of me all in a huff semi-arguing with the check out lady. She was carrying a large twenty-four roll of toilet paper with some other groceries. I never want to stair at people but I sort of looked quickly and noticed she was a person who looked to maybe be homeless. I heard distinctly God say, "Give her a ride". I thought for a second about it and then decided to go ahead. You know, when you offer someone a ride it came make them feel like you presume they don't have a ride? I didn't want to hurt her feelings but went ahead. I asked her before she could leave if she would hold on a second till I finished my order. When I finished we walked out together and I asked her if she would like a ride. She was SO excited like a little girl! She said yes that she lived up the road and desperately needed a ride. She said she didn't know how she would carry that huge thing of toilet paper but it had been on sale and she could not pass up the buy. So, together we piled in the car. On the way home we made small talk. I talked about my kids and she talked about her life and how hard it had been. She lived in town above a little building that I have no clue anyone would ever live in at all! We pulled to the side of the road and before she got out I looked over to say goodbye but did not get a chance. Now yall do not think I'm nuts but her face started to kind of glow! It glowed like, well, like if someone had shined a yellow light on her like a stage light. She started quoting Bible verses word for word and telling me how much God loved me, knew I had lost my parents too young, and He was here for me. She said He knew I was alone thousands of miles from home and that God was gonna take care of it all. I can't remember all she said I just know I was crying and crying. She was telling me all I needed to hear for I felt so darned alone. My little boy was in Texas with his Daddy and I had a great burden in my heart for him too. I had had two husbands leave me. I was miles from any idea of home and trying to hold onto the one house that felt like home and had lived in for three years. I felt so lost but here this woman was telling me God loved me and knew my plight. Then, all of a sudden the glowing stopped and she grabbed my hand. She said thank you for the ride deary you are a sweet girl. I left so thankful for God's sweet words. God is Good.
* TIP- The Holy Spirit WILL speak through people who are willing. The key here is to use your discerning of spirits lessons we will talk about later in the project to be sure you are hearing from God.
$700 Car AND Now the $400 Car
When my ex-husband left, he left me without a vehicle. I went several months just using our local bus system to get around town to the grocers, church, work, you name it. I had to tow two kids with me too! If I had lived close in town, this would have been fine, but I was still renting the home we had had for three years as I wanted my kids to feel safe and secure. Remember, home was everything to me. Well, I only had $700 to my name which I actually was supposed to spend on rent but desperately needed a vehicle. At the time, I was making a little over seven dollars an hour also. I was sitting eating my lunch one day and I prayed and asked God to send me a car. I knew it was practically impossible as I could not afford a car payment at all. God was going to have to give me a car for seven hundred bucks. A few days later, eating lunch again, Iwanna in hand (our local classifieds), I went to work. I poured all through the paper hunting a car by an individual that would work and came up short. Discouraged, I shut the paper and laid it aside. I decided to look again and saw on the back an advertisement for a lot in town, not noticing which lot it was. I noticed particularly a little black Mazda Protege for only $850! WOWZERS! I called the lot when I got home and asked if the car was still available. The man said yes and that it was a good sound vehicle. Furthermore, he said, if you come down Right Now I'll sell it to you for just $700! WOWZERS again! I said Ok I would be right down. I looked to see where the lot was and would you guess what, well the lot was at the end of my street. Out of all the lots in town, it was just a block away! That is Majorly weird as there are no lots for miles from where we were at. What a Blessing from God! So I went and walked down to the lot and was sitting there mulling over how I would pay for the taxes and license. I asked the man if he would let me pay in a few days the rest for tax title and license and he said, "No ma'am, I told you I'd sell you that car for $700 and $700 it is!". God is Good. That little car got us around for two more years then I sold it to another family in need like ours for just $700.
The Three T's
TOILET PAPER, TOOTHPASTE, AND SOAP OH MY!- ...Back to my single days in between a marriage. There was a time when I really needed a few grocery items, specifically, toothpaste-toilet paper- soap- things like that. I prayed for those items specifically. Now this answer to prayer happened at least three times. When I would pray and ask specifically for the items, someone dropped them off on my doorstep! yep. Each item exactly as I asked. God is good.
Fasting and Anointing Oils
Now I debated how to tell this miracle because of not wanting to disrespect those involved. So, to keep privacy and in respect for all involved, I am leaving out name/s. I once had an issue with a certain person in my life. When they decided to not be in my life anymore I continued to pray for them because I knew there was a Huge issue going on inside and around them. At that time, I was not sure what all I was going up against with the Lord's help both in helping this person and protecting my family. Now, typically, the Bible says when you fast and pray to not tell others. It is a private thing but I want you to see what God can do when you do so. There are also several instances in the Bible where God's people use anointed oil. So, I fasted and prayed for 21 days. The was probably the hardest thing I ever did! God, though, was able to teach me SO much during that time. During this time, I would pray over some oil I had- just your typical cooking oil. I prayed God would make it His calling sign to all who came near, that He would use it to cast out evil presences, and much more. I prayed specifically over this oil. I would lay face down on the ground and pray like the dickens. Well, I took some and placed it on each and every window/ door in our home in the sign of a cross while praying and asking God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus to bless our home and keep us from evil. If you think this is nuts please refer to the Passover and study it. In it, God had the Jews place blood over their doors and the spirit of death passed over them. God is a Supernatural and Spiritual God folks! So this is what I did. I certainly did not wanna put blood everywhere... I also took it to this person's home and placed it on his doors as well while praying. A couple of days later, the person came to visit. He was so unsettled! I waited for an opportunity to go outside and place some on his vehicle. I found out about a week later that the person had moved quickly and had sold his car! Instead of dealing with God's touch, he got rid of the two things that had been blessed! A miracle people. God's anointed oil works. Now I will speak more of this later too but this is NOT a means of getting people to do what you want or a love potion at all. This is a means of breaking strongholds in the spiritual realm here in the physical realm. This is using the basis of things we read about in the Bible to help get rid of evil spirits. All it is is simply fasting and praying over oil. It need not be a fancy oil or expensive so don’t let Christian networks woo you by buying fancy things that you just don’t need. I used simple kitchen olive oil.
Triple Whammy
Another time I had decided to tithe even though my tithe would only be $30 a week. One week, school was starting soon, and I knew I needed to tithe but I also needed school supplies for my children. I told God on the way to church. Now, mind you, I was on the WAY to church talking to Him. I said, "Lord, if I give you this tithe then I won't have anything to work with to get school supplies for my children. I am trusting You to help me with this." Even up until the moment I went and put the envelope in the on the wall box, I was terrified. I felt like I might not be able to provide for my children but I wanted God to be happy so much too. Well, I went to my Sunday School class, alone, and what happened? There was this lady there who came up to me. She was a new acquaintance and I did not know her very well at all. She said to me that she did not want to hurt my feelings in any way but that she felt God wanted her to do something. She had quit teaching school to stay home with her new baby so she had to clean out her classroom. As she said that she turned around and what do you think she had but TWO HUGE Brown Grocery bags FULL of school supplies. She even had backpacks for the kids! I thought I would die of shock. I had just prayed on the way to church for those items. God answered my prayers BEFORE I had even asked them! WOWZERS! She said, when you get home look in the bottom as I wrote a note for you. When I got home later that day in the bottom sure enough was a little envelope. I opened it up to read what she said and out plopped $30 in CASH! So, not only did God give me the school supplies but he gave me back the cash! Then, two days later, I went to my ex-inlaws for a visit and what happened there? My in-laws gave me $30 as they said they had forgotten to give me any birthday present!!!! I got 3x back what I had given. I gave my last little bit... God gave me 3x as much back. You know, we have to give Him our all as He gave us 3x back long ago. He gave us Himself, the Holy Spirit and Jesus. God is oh sooooo good.
Hurricane Trees and Angel Man
A large hurricane decided to come through our parts, again during my time of seperation. We live in the mountains of Western North Carolina where hurricanes rarely dare to show up. So, we all thought that the warnings that night were for nought. We were wrong. I had my two children sleep with me that night and I had moved my bed just a few days before onto the far outside wall of my room, the usual woman decorating thing. I remember staying up all night long, praying and holding my two dear children. I was terrified. About once every thirty to fourty five minutes I would hear a tree fall right outside. We lived on a lot that had huge tall pine trees. I continually prayed a covering over our home and our bodies. The next morning I awoke to a huge mess! There were seven trees down in my yard alone. The whole neighborhood looked like a twister had come through. There were two trees down just feet from where we had slept in our front yard. There were three trees down right behind my car too, my little $700 miracle! WOWZERS! I was SO thankful! I cried and thanked God but then I realized I could not get to work either for the trees lay across the driveway. If I did not work, I did not get paid and well, making only eight fifty and hour at the time, I needed that money. I went to my next door neighbors and asked if they could help me cut the trees up real quick so I could roll them aside and get to work. His name was Mr Ron. He said no that he could not help me because they had poison oak on them and he was deathly allergic. I went back and sat on my porch and cried and cried, worried over losing my job as well. All my family was back home in Texas. I really didn't know anyone to call, maybe my pastor but I was too shy to do that. I was at a total loss and numbed by the situation. I definitely did not want to call my ex-husband for at the time we were not talking well. Now the house I lived in was a weird house in that the lot was square but the house sat on the lot catty corner. The house faced the road to the right, angled. So I could not see people driving by from the left unless I stood up and walked to the edge of the porch. I was sitting in the doorway of my home while the kids got ready to hopefully go to school as a little red car began to drive past. All of a sudden, when he went past my driveway the man in the car looked back. He backed his car up slowly to where he could see me. He hollered out to me across the yard and asked if I was ok. I said yes sir. He then proceeded to ask if I needed help getting those trees out of the yard!!! Now, I'm sitting there thinking how in the world did the guy even see me sitting on the porch? That is not the best part though. He was driving a little car not a truck. He went back to his trunk and got out a chainsaw! I thought wow of all things to carry in you trunk! He proceeded to talk to me nonstop about how God loved me, knew what I was going through, and was here for me. He mentioned things noone else would know. I know he could have just been any old man who had left his house, chain saw in hand to help people, but to me, he was my angel.
Baptism Rides
When I accepted the Lord, I asked our pastor to come over as both my kids decided to do it too. He came over one day and together in the middle of our den on the floor they accepted our Lord. We found out they were having baptisms at a large lake close to our church and signed up to get baptised. I had been baptised in a church baptismal pool before and I thought this is the ticket! I want my kids to have an experience as close as they could to how my own parents had been baptised and then to do it with me. So the day came for us to go and I had car issues! I was so upset! Of ALL the days for my little car to not work! I called my Sunday School teacher and he got to work. He said he had a ride for us to get there but not a ride home. So, on faith, we went. Once there the kids had lunch together while I sat next to a tree praying for a ride home. Then, together, we got baptised. It was the most miraculous thing watching my children stand there in the lake with me, taking turns, announcing our new faith and trust in God. No more would we just say we believed, we were acting it out. We were trusting God even that day.
I saw noone I knew! I guess we had gotten there late as most the church members got rebaptised. It seemed like hundreds of people. I actually had been doing a 3 week fast and was on my next to last day so I was a bit on the woozy side. I was worried people might think the worst of me but I continued to try to smile and hold my own. The children kept asking me how we would get home as the lake was well over 20 miles from our house. It was a day when the bus systems were closed too! I told them not to worry that we would find a way. I asked the Sunday School teacher to help me. Everyone was leaving and I think maybe fifty people were left. We were standing there about ready to freak out and I reminded my kids that God would provide. It would be ok. Finally, after what seemed like forever, a man ran up to us and asked us if we needed a ride. Apparently he had heard of our need. People we did not even know offered to take us home. I felt awkward but blessed. This was an answered prayer for us! We would not have missed getting baptised for all the world, even if we had to walk home.
* TIP- Never put a lid on what God can do. I knew practically noone. I was majorly shy. I wasn't sure if I would even have the courage to ask people for rides, especially with gas costing so much. I had just three weeks of fasting and had one more day to go. I had to watch the people eat, while about fainting. I had to lean on God fully. I was taking my children 20 miles away hoping for a ride home, knowing it would be cold that evening, and walking would be risky on the highway. I launched out in faith on what seemed to me an insurmountable task. God calls us to do that when it is for Him and His good. I know He was in heaven doing a jig dance! I just know it. You can do it too. Launch out in Faith when you don't know where it will take you.
The Roar
Another odd miracle or wonder was when I was giving birth to one of my children. I had prayed much during the pregnancy. There was one point during the caeserean section when I was praying and so peaceful. I felt like I could just touch the Lord and was ready to 'go'. I almost felt ready to go and then the anesthesiologist leaned down next to my ear. He said that my heart was too slow, that I had lost too much blood too quickly, that I was making him nervous, and he was going to give me something to 'jumpstart' it. I was deep in prayer with the Lord and so peaceful. I could not care a bit at the point.... I was ready to go home. He insisted on getting me back, though, and Boy did he! Right before He did, though, I heard a low, growl type roar. I still do not know whether it was a positive or negative roar. The Bible says satan walks around roaring and prowling. Perhaps it was him hoping I would die and not be able to live for God. Perhaps it was the roar of the Lord. All I know was I was deep in prayer for my baby and with Jesus, I could literally feel Him there with me. I won't know until I do die who it was that roared but I will tell you, there is a Supernatural World out there!
Tools!
About three years ago my husband and I began praying about opening our own small business. We were not sure if this is exactly what God wanted for us to do so we began praying that if God wanted us to do this then He would provide the things necessary for us to do so. We were starting with a budget of a little over two thousand dollars and so there really was not a budget to buy new tools. Now this answered prayer might sound a little nasty but ready on folks. I take our household trash to the dump myself and one day I was praying on the way about how we really needed tools. When I got to the dump I pulled up to start backing into the giant buildings but then felt like God said no go on that side. I thought that was odd but went ahead and did it. Once I had backed up and got out then I realized just why God did that! There, sitting in a nice huge pile and some smaller organized piles were all the tools I could have ever dreamed of for our business! I looked at the man next to me unloading his items and asked him if saw what I saw. He said yes that he did and he had considered taking them home but that he had a huge 24x48 foot building already stacked high with tools. If he took them home his wife would kill him. He offered to help me load them and so we went to work. Now, I take my backseat out of my little minivan when taking the trash to the dump so to give you an idea of how many tools there were visualize a minivan's back, about 6 foot by 5 foot by 5 foot high. The ENTIRE area was full from the roof to the floor and then we had to load some of the tools up front also!
What an amazing answer to prayer in more ways than one. Of course, it was nice to get the tools to start our business but it also let us know God wanted us to start the business. God is so good.
White Swoosh of Light
Naomi and I were driving from town late one night and discussing things about the Lord. I remember I was tired and going rather fast but boy was she full of questions. I think it was one of our most productive talks about God. Well, we were coming up to a lake with a bridge before getting to our home. This is a very dark part of the treck as there are huge pine trees on all sides with not much sky peering through. It was just about pitch black except for my headlights and what we could see of our hood. All of a sudden, this huge ball of light came out of the sky and headed for our van! I thought it was going to hit us, like a meteor. It was a bright white light, like a flourescent light. It didn't hit the van though but came down turned right then back towards the tale of the van. We looked behind us and saw nothing. We were not sure what it was at the time but we were shaken up. We talked a little more and figured it was the spiritual battle at hand since we were having so much fun talking about God.
Dyllin's Prayers
I have prayed many years for my son Dyllin, my first son, who lives in Texas to both come home to me, and to God. I have prayed specifically for him to learn more of Jesus and His truths. I know that he doesn't trust me and really, me having left him, why would he want to know anything about the God I serve. Therefore, I prayed for God to send him a best friend, someone to mentor him and teach him about our Lord. One day, when praying this prayer, I said, Lord please send someone to help Dyllin. Please send a mentor, a man hopefully, who loves you and will show him what a true Christian is like for I was so weak when I was younger. I was afraid and didn't truly trust you. God send him, well, even if its a girl! (you know that is tough for a Momma, competition wise) I said ok God? And even, well even if she is his Girlfriend!!!! That is ok. And well, God, I'm SO serious, well, I could care less if she is black girl! So not only am I say its ok for there to be a girl when I can't fulfill his needs in teaching him of you, life, the foundations of love, but its ok if you go this far God! (Now I'm probably gonna get a few swift kicks in the bum for that but my meaning to God and He knows me, I'm not predjudious at all. My meaning was that in my family we feel it makes it difficult culturally at times for opposite cultures to mix. That is all. I knew that if any of my children did this, it might make it hard not only on them but their children. Nowadays, this doesn't really matter, but well this is what I said to God and I told you I would be honest in this book.) So, I said God, I could care less if he dates a beautiful black girl. Lord, let her be a cheerleader and let her be on fire for you. Well, guess what. He is dating the most beautiful, yes black, girl in the world. I got my answered prayer! At the time of this book, he is angry with me. I recently got the partial answer to part of my prayer, the other part. I had prayed for years for him to come here and ask questions. I prayed for us to mend our relationship. He came for a day recently and went back to Texas in the middle of the night. I'm still praying for him, for reconciliation in more ways than one, and for his ability to heal faster than it took for me to heal all these years. But, God did hear my prayers folks.
Naomi Heard the Lord
Ok, now I really enjoy telling this one since it is about my daughter, Naomi. This shows me my children are learning to listen to God's voice.
One night, about one thirty a.m. my two teenagers were up doing homework when they were not supposed to be. My husband and I had long since gone to bed. My two year was sleeping with me and my preschooler was in the den asleep on an armchair. We had shut our door that night and the teens were in the room across the hallway. Naomi says that they were almost done doing their homework when all of a sudden she looked up and said to Ethan, my son, "I think Jesus wants me to go to bed." He says that he was shocked and taken aback. Now if you know Naomi, she is a good girl and loves Jesus but she does not talk about Him that way. In fact, she can be known to have a strong spirit and be a rash at times. So, Ethan said to her, "Really?" She responded with yes and began to put up her books and get her things to take a shower with.
You have to know our home to understand the gravity of what was about to happen. Our home is a very old home that has had additions put on several times. So, its kind of a catty corner home that is long like a z shape. Naomi would have to travel about a hundred feet to get to the restroom to take her shower. She said that on the way there she noticed a lot of smoke and when entering the second hallway, saw that our half bath was ingulfged in flames.
She ran into our room screaming and telling us what was going on. Of course, Joe and Ethan immediately went to work. Joe was able to get the fire out before the firemen made it there, thank the Lord. I was so very proud of him for it could have been a horrible thing. He came out with burned armed, smoke inhalation, but stronger for the experience.
The miracle here is that Naomi listened. She is a teenage girl and she was able to hear that still small voice of Jesus giving her the thought to go to bed. Furthermore, it wasn't just a thought of needing to go to bed, she said she felt Jesus, Wanted, her to go to bed. That to me is amazing! If my daughter is learning to listen to Jesus, you can too. Read on folks. Lets learn to hear Him more.
POWER of the Lord's Prayer - BIGGEST one Yet
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? … In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56: 3,11)
This miracle as I call has been placed here to show you how the Pendulum Effect worked in my life, briefly. It is probably the one of the most powerful moment God has ever allowed me to be a part of at all. For the respect of the person involved, I have not given a name and cannot give great details but I want you to hear the story to know the Full Power of Jesus's own Prayer, the Lord's Prayer. I pray they are out of bondage now. The point here is just the Power of Jesus's / God's Words and the Holy Spirit Himself.
There was a time in my life when I was involved with a man, legally in God's site. This was during the time period when I had just started to get over the years of having reaped negative ideas in my mind. I know that satan was none too happy with me and definitely threw this event at me. Also, the person I was involved with was a direct effect and was in my life because I opened the doors to this negative realm. He was a person who I thought loved the Lord but had deep issues, much deeper than my little issue ever was. I wanted to help him. He became worse and worse though. All the praying in the world, the counseling, nothing helped and he was about to give up. I tried hard as I might but in the end.....
I had gone to see him one night at his apartment. I was doing what I thought God wanted. We women at times do things we never would have agreed to if it were not for trying to do our womanly duties.... I had annointed the apartment earlier in the week as well as the vehicle of this person. I felt safe and secure in the Lord so I went to visit this person.
While visiting, we became romantic. Again, for the privacy of the person, it was something God would have said ok to, the connection that is, and no to as well. The situation escalated though into one that was not mutually wanted and I could tell there was a difference going on. I will not give further details because it is not necessary. Just know, it hurt and was wrong in so many ways.
I can remember thinking of how to get out of the situation and praying to God, begging for help. I was looking over the edge of a bed at the floor and I felt safe all of a sudden and the thought came to mind to pray. I began to say the Lord's prayer, mentally. Then, I began to say the prayer out loud. God completely spoke out of my mouth in that I never in a million years would have had the gumption to say such a prayer out loud in such a circumstance. I was thinking, what am I doing? This person is gonna think I'm nuts! I expected this man to simply quit and look at me, maybe say something like what are you doing Kimberly. But no, This man who I knew, loved, adored, and tried to help, this man I shared my life with - this thing- then jumped up in the air off of me like a chimpanzee and move five feet away from me like he had springs in his legs onto the other side of the bed by the headboard and began to sort of growl type speak saying, "Stop it, you're hurting me, your're hurting me." He was looking at me with beady eyes, narrowed into slits, and a look I will NEVER forget on his face. I almost could see red in his eyes. His hands were curled up at his chest. His legs were bent, in a fetal position.
I knew this person had problems. I knew he had opened doors he never should have. I knew I had in the past let him treat me wrong thinking that God wanted me to provide for him. I knew that we had been to counseling. I knew that God loved him and was desperate to have him back but what was this? I knew I had been praying, fasting, anointing his home with oils and asking God for redemption but I had No Idea I was dealing with this. --- It was demonic. No way... but there he was, growling at me again saying the same words and ordering me out of his home.
Again, I thought, I had known him to be a little odd at times due to his sexual issues but never expected him to be that horrible, that curt, that - not himself. I knew at once I was not dealing with a ordinary thing, or even human. This man, this poor friend of mine, fellow believer, lover, obviously was dealing with something even greater than himself.
Have you ever had that happen? I haven't. Up until that point I had led a quiet life, a struggling one, but quiet nonetheless. No jail time, maybe a ticket in ten years. I went to work, church, the grocers, the library the park with the kids. I had been fantasying all my life about stupid vampires and the like but never had realized that there was a REAL nasty spiritual world out there. To me, it had been kind of a fairy tale. God spoke of it in the Bible, but man, that would never come into my life. That would never be real, to me.
Now, I was in Utter Shock. I knew or thought I knew this person to be a fellow believer in God. I did not expect this kind of a response at all. I had been taught that believers in God could not be possessed, only oppressed but obviously, this was possession full force.
I knew I had to get out of there but I am the ever optimist. I am constantly trying to fix people or help them to see God, to see they have a way out. I thought to myself, "God I need you now. What do I say? You speak for me please!"
I began speaking to Him while I got dressed, backing out of the apartment, towards the door (because of my police training I knew I had to get close to that door and could not turn my back on this thing). God began speaking through me: I told him to remember Paul in the Bible and how Paul had been Saul and had killed all those Christians. God still welcomed him back to Him even though he had done such a horrid thing. I reminded him that God wanted him back all he had to do was ask. He looked at me and said in that same growling, gutteral type voice as he was walking towards me, "I don't know anyone named Paul, or Saul for that matter....." I think I remember saying it again and then just saying ok, I will pray for you. I knew that I just had to get out. Something was telling me to just get out quickly. So I did.
* TIP- Now, people, there is a lot to say about this miracle but for now, get the full jest of the power of God's Holy Prayer. Remember this prayer, the prayer Jesus taught us, taught us how to pray with. You may need it someday and you may need Jesus to help you quickly. Remember the POWER of our Holy God. He will kick butt when needed.
Also see that I over the years had opened doors that I thought were inconsequential but had VAST effects on my life. How in the world could I had gotten involved with such a man? On the outside, he was Godly and went to church with me. His mother was also. So many things happened though that I turned a blind eye to and I should have paid attention. My current marriage with my husband is vastly different now because I know to be aware, and to be aware praying for my husband with God no matter what non-stop- before bad things like this happen. Any man can open the doors to these things, or woman. We must teach others how to close those doors and still live fulfilled lives with their mates or single, worshipping the Lord through our lives.
Later in the book I will go over demonic spirits and what to look for, things I had no clue and was not ready to see ahead of time here.
Stayin Alive
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 ESV
Since writing this book/ project, I and my family have come under such great spiritual warfare. We have been toyed with by satan and his minions for months now. Here lately though it has gotten worse and worse. So much has happened, actually, for the past few years during our time of trying to live for the Lord wholeheartedly and not for manna, ourselves, our kids, anything but God. These past two years have just been probably the most difficult of our lives, especially since Joe's giving his life to Jesus. - You will see in later chapter just how satan and his workers try to get under people's skins and to ruin lives, in turn, ruining testimonies and chances to help God change lives.
A few days ago my husband and I were having a quarrel. Actually, we had been quarreling just about daily for a week or so. We were just about at the point of getting a divorce. To us at the time it seemed easier than to continue to fight or to try to fight satan. This day in particular, we had come under a great amount of stress from a bill that we needed to pay, the van breaking down which would be yet another bill, my working a new job with different hours, homeschooling the kiddos, Joe's business being put to the test and slowly failing... so many more things to mention. It all had come to a head.
Joe was driving me to take care of this bill that we needed to pay because my van's radiator had a huge leak. He was upset with me over a family issue and I reckon this was the most upset I had ever heard him before. Now, my telling you this is yet another time of me being vulnerable so that you can see how satan works. We were driving along and he was getting very loud with me. Because of my history growing up, because of my somewhat autism link, and because of one of my ex-husband's history I have trouble in listening to my husband yell at me. I feel like I am a school girl again and only four inches tall, getting in trouble by my Daddy. This time was worse though. I could feel evil all around us. It was horrible. I think it was the worst that I have felt in that type of situation in years. So as we are driving along all of a sudden these thoughts come flying into my head as I'm looking at the trees whiz by.
Thoughts like: You could just throw yourself out of the car. No one would care. Your in-law family would get the girls, their girls can't have kids, they would be happy. Your kids could live with their dad. He owes so much child support, he owes it to you. You could hang yourself in one of those trees, be one with the tree. You could do it quickly, just open the door. Roll yourself out. It won't hurt a bit.....
I knew where these thoughts were coming from but you know what guys, we are human. I wanted to play into them. I was tired of being the strong one. I was tired of all the years of being strong for everyone and I was actually considering it!
Jeepers. Well, I was pitying myself and the situation I was in. I was cursing the fact that I had married again, seeking a home again, a family. I was upset for having yet more kids with another man. I was so mad at myself. I started having thoughts about this book even and how unworthy I was to write it! I started thinking about how noone would respect me because of my history, who would care that I know Jesus now? Who would want to hear from a girl like me, a girl with a scarlet letter A on her chest?
So all these thoughts were bombarding my head while other thoughts too were coming in. God loves me. Be patient. He knows. It's alright. Give it time. He is there. He is here. Simple thoughts, short quick, affirming, and even some Bible verses.
But, man oh man, those evil thoughts were strong and I decided to give in.
When we got to our destination, I was numb. It was like all the energy and life was out of me. Joe was still ranting on and upset as I got out to go inside and take care of the issue at hand. I walked numbly up the steps and into the building, waiting in line to be seen to pay this darn bill. I remember seeing the lady who always helps me and walking up to see her. As I put the bill down she seemed kind of negative and aggitated too. I thought, oh great, another upset person, just what I need.
About one minute into our conversation, though, she completely changed and looked at me hard. She leaned in on one arm and furrowed her brows. She stared me down and said sternly, "Now you listen here. Don't you think one bit about going and hurting yourself. Don't you think about hurting yourself not one little bit. God loves you. He loves you! And He knows what you and your husband are going through. You hand tough and do not give up. You stand strong you hear?" I just started crying right there in the middle of that place with all those people. There was another worker right next to her too, but I didn't see her at all. It was as though it was just this one lady, and me. Then, all of a sudden just like it wasn't nothing at all, she went back to helping me with the bill and said goodbye.
Amazing people. Amazing. I don't know whether an angel told her to say that. I know she isn't an angel in disguise unless she works full time at the place I paid this bill. All I know is that there is no explanation except God knew I had to hear that and I had to hear it right then. I have had way too much happen in my life and I was about to give up. He does love us. There is no way she could have known I was thinking that. I know people believe in psychic stuff but when I walked up to her desk she was aggitated. She didn't look like she was intent on giving out advice at all. And, if you think about it, how could she have known that is what I was thinking? Does she say that to all the people who come in there? Do you honestly think it would be appropriate in a business situation to tell someone to not hurt themselves? I think not....
Yall listen when people say things and do not take it for granted. Compare it with what you are going through and look to see where the words are coming from. You might be surprised if you don't just drift through life aimlessly and truly watch, God will speak through others when you need to hear it. You just gotta listen.
Mercedes from God
Recently we have been having a rough time financially, spiritually, emotionally. I think most people are in this exasperating economic and end times. In our case, though, its gotten pretty dire. My wonderful hubby, Joe, has only walked with the Lord closely, truly accepting Him in daily decisions since our last baby, Liberty, was born in 09. So, Joe is kind of what you call a 'baby Christian.' In case you do not know what that is, I will explain what I think a baby Christian is like briefly. They tend to be a person who is still on fire for the Lord and living that 'high' you get when you accept Christ BUT they are going through the fire. (See Baby Christian Fire chapter for more.) This means they are being tempted heavily by satan as he is very ticked off, well and the rest of his crew, that this person whoever they are is following the Lord now.
Well, we have REALLY been hit this past year. You name it, its happened. First, we lost a baby, in utero after having gotten pregnant while taking bc pills so we thought the Lord wanted it. What a letdown! Next, we had a house fire after starting to help some friends who had a house fire and lost everything they owned. We were so thankful it was not a total loss though. There have been vehicle issues: eight flat tires not to mention my van is on its last leg, surpentine belt comes off every time it rains, Joe's transmission went out on his truck, and more. The cars are paid for though, thank goodness. One of our children who was living with us chose to live elsewhere. This broke Joe's heart because it was his only son. Business wise: Joe's business has tanked several times. He, as a man, has felt challenged beyond what he has been able to handle at times. Men feel they must 'bring home the bacon' and so this has been tough on Joe, having to have me go back to work and not be able to stay home full time with our children. He even sold his 1967 price Chevy pickup to earn the money to keep us afloat. Much more has happened even in our own relationships between each other. When Joe first became a true Christian in 09 he was hit with the temptation of another woman. Again, I'll leave this up to him to tell you the story which he does openly but suffice to say, it was TOUGH. It was tough for me because I have already had two marriages with the same issue. I ran the gammut of questions about why, why me, what am I not doing to provide for these men, how can I keep him on the path following the Lord, and more. There was much work done and still being done in our marriage sense that trial. Our children also have begun to try us, typical teenager angst.
So, this year has been pretty darn tough. There have been several times we thought we may be homeless if it were not for our wonderful landlord giving us leniency and time. God has been good but in the past few months, He allowed us to truly be tried beyond what we have been in so long. It just added all up! The last straw was when Joe's transmission went out on his truck. Now, when we first opened our little business in 2009 we only had my van and Joe would use it to work in. So we knew if push came to shove we could do it but it would be tough since I work security, swing shifts. Joe was at his limit. It had just been too much, too fast, too soon after giving his life to Jesus. He felt he was at his breaking point. He was almost to the point of not believing in the Lord anymore because he figured, God must not be listening. Why would He allow so many terrible things to happen when he, Joe, was following God? He thought that accepting the Lord meant life would be good and it had definitely taken a turn for the worst.
I told him just pray. Do not give up. Hang tough. God has a plan and reason! And..... God did! Joe went to a job for a couple in town and simply mentioned his truck dying in explaining his tardiness. He did the job for the couple and then a couple of days later the gentleman called and offered for Joe to buy his 1992 Mercedes station wagon! That is not all, he offered for him to trade some of the price for doing work around the house like painting for the couple! We could not believe it. The man told Joe to come over and pickup the car, test drive it for a week or so, and then we would handle the rest. This has just happened in the last three weeks! God DOES still answer prayers and just in the nick of time! It was a HUGE confirmation to Joe that God was listening.
Have you ever been through something like this? I am sure you have. If we had not gone through the tough year, losing so much, would we have recognized the blessing so vividly? I don't think so. I am praising God for the storm of the year we just lived through and looking forward to the blessings to come!
And, Remember, when you give unto others or enable them to continue the Lord's work you are letting Jesus work through you. You are being literally His hands and feet like this couple was and is to us.
Give Proper Due
Something you will notice in the above miracles or answered prayers. I do not count them as coincidence! Remember NOT to be puffed up but to give JESUS ALL the CREDIT only He is due. J I do not say the universe did them for me because I put it out there. I do not claim I did them because of some subconscious need. I count them as occurrences ordained or orchestrated by God Himself. I believe that because of that, He gives me more answered prayers and miracles! Even though I ran from God and His plan for my life out of fear. Even though I have hurt myself time and again by placing myself in bad situations. Even though I lived for me and not God. Even though I fantasied about vampires. Even though I slept with men out of marriage. Even though I let one man belittle me and treat me wrong. Even though I have been searching everywhere except where God is. Even though I eat and eat and eat, trying to cover the pain inside. Even though I cursed God for taking my parents. and more.... Even though I killed two of my own children through abortion.... Even though I am flawed, broken, unworthy, selfish, and drawn to things not of God- He loves me enough to show me time and again He is real. When I focus on Him. When I remember Him daily. When I walk through life with Him, and not alone.
God IS here. He Loves Me. He loves Y.O.U too.
Lord, Show us, .................................... you.
More Supernatural Stuff
The prior list is not comprehensive of all the miracles and wonders God has done in our lives. The Lord actually says NOT to listen to a Puffed up person so I cut the list short. There are SO many more. I just do not have time to mention them all here nor do I wanna sound puffed up but I want you to get an idea of the different ways God helps you.
In this chapter I am just going to use a bullet list. I'll dissect these items more in the coming pages. These occurrences could be of several different origins, but basically all are of either God or satan. For now, as I write this book I'm listening to the Lord and He is teaching me a lot too! Some of these God may have not shown me exactly why, who, what, where, or for what purpose they were yet. I know that a lot of the supernatural things you will see in life you may not have an answer for until you die, until I die. God does keep some things silent for His own reasons. Why He does this we won't know until the end either.
For now though, they are not that important but I am posting here to show you that not everything you see with your God Goggles will make sense. I considered not putting these in the book as I don't usually tell people all these things. In the past two days though, I have had some friends and then one man I didn't even know just open up to me and tell me about things they saw but could not understand. They both all said that they never told people because of fear of being cast as nuts or not leaning on God. People, the Bible says we wage war against the unseen.... So why not believe when you see things? If you are told to believe in things unseen and have faith how more can you believe what you do see, whether it comes from the Lord or from satan, it is real. As long as you know it can be satan trying to throw you off course, you lean on the Holy Spirit for direction, and keep Christ first I see no reason in not believing what we see.
Christ says for us to have faith as children and children have faith and believe in the unseen. In fact, children many times see things adults do not because we close off that part of us. So, I put the list in here so that if there are others who have seen things and wonder if they can still love God, still serve God, and have seen things they would see that yes they can. God loves us all and if we keep Him first, have Him in our Hearts, and trust Christ as our Savior- He will be giving us new bodies and introducing us to Heaven. Heaven is pretty darn super-natural place itself!
So, for this list and whatever you may have seen.... Sometimes you have to give it to God and just move on. You must remember that even satan can come as an angel of light. Get just as close to the Lord as you can possibly muster and when in doubt ask Him directly. If no answers comes, it is not necessary right now. Be patient. It will come or it won't. If it does not, it was not important. God will never and has never left a question or a door opened that He did not want either answered or closed. If God has something to say, be sure He will say it, loudly.
- Green Man in Texas- While driving through Texas on a visit home with my two children late in the middle of the night, probably about 2:30 am, I was looking ahead at a barn coming up on the right. Upon getting closer, I saw a tall flourescent green man type thing standing there and just staring at me. My heart started beating and I broke out in a cold sweat. I kicked the car up to 120 mph and got the heck out of there. I didn't look back for over an hour but when I finally calmed down I realized that whatever it was was not menacing. Several years later I looked up on the computer to see if anyone else had seen such a sight and sure enough they had. Now, it could be satan trying to lead people to believe in aliens. It could have been an angel. It could have been a farmer dressed in a leotard from head to foot with glowing paint for all I know. All I know is that typically you don't see shining, flourescent, tall skinny people things in the middle of Texas with no clothes on standing by barns. It was an oddity and one I just chock up to another weird experience.
- The Hanging Scorpion: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 -- This was actually one of the first Big visions I have had... When I began dating one of my exes, we were living together. I know..... but I did it so here is the story. We were in bed one night fast asleep and all of a sudden I got the weird sensation something wasn't right. I opened my eyes and saw what looked like a scorpion hanging from the ceiling above his head glaring at him. It was about 3 feet long and a ruddy red color. I thought I must be dreaming but it did not go away. So, I shut my eyes and started praying. When I reopened them, it was gone. I have sense looked in the Bible to see if I can find anything to explain it and I have found a few verses speaking of scorpions being symbolic of the opposition. I probably will never know but I can tell you that I now believe I should have taken it as a warning for that relationship ended up Terrible. satan had a firm grasp on that man.
- Black or Red Shadows: This one is one that seems to always be seen when the spiritual war is amped up. It isn't much of anything except a black or red blob of a shadow on the walls or in cracks of walls. I usually see it when its on its way out of the room. When seeing it praying the Lord's prayer or asking Jesus to send them away works every time.
- Mimi's Fall: My Mimi, grandmother, and I were very close. I remember one time I had a dream of her stepping out the door of my Aunt and Uncle's house. (She was staying there at the time). Well, she had to step down this tiny step. I was standing on the basketball court/ driveway which was on the other side of a chain link fence. I saw her start to fall and reach through the gate for me. I was able to reach through the gate and grab her hand! What a dream. I knew something was wrong and called my Aunt. She sure had fallen out the back step and broken her hip. This was confirmation. The main thing was I missed my Mimi bigtime and I think she missed me too. In some way, I wanted to be there for her and could not. God connects us with our loved ones and this is ok. This is not against God. This is not psychic stuff. It is just pure love.
- Man in the Top Hat with Suit Hovering Over Bed: Again, this was during the time I was dating a young man and living with him. I remember waking up and finding this old man in a top hat, kind of green hue and see through, hovering over our bed! I was in shock and just shut my eyes real fast and started praying! When I opened them, he was gone.
- Moving Keys and Arguing: When my husband and I first moved into our current home five years ago we were going to bed one night, exhausted and unpacking. There were boxes all over our room and I had laid my keys on top of one of them that was about five feet from the closet. The closet doors were standing wide open as I had started hanging up my clothes. We started snuggling down in the bed when all of a sudden the keys went flying across the room into the closet! Ok, we thought that was odd but given our backgrounds we did not care and started to go to bed again. I just said a little prayer and that was that. A little later though, we started to hear arguing in the den which was one wall over from us. It was loud arguing between a man and a woman. The woman was telling the man it wasn't time yet and the man, well we could not hear what he was saying. Joe got up and took his sword with him into the den to check out what was going on (yes, he has a sword near our bed at all times, goofy boy). Anyways, when he got into the den the arguing had stopped and he found nothing there. Remember people that there are things in this world we do not understand. Whether ghosts and the like are just demons trying to throw us off course or whether or not God allows some people to still stay, its a highly debatable subject which I do not want to go into right now. The main thing is to be sure you heart is right so you can go to heaven with God and then to not get hung up when God allows you to see with your God Goggles things you cannot explain. You need to just pray for wisdom, direction, guidance, and safety/ protection and move on. Do not allow satan to get you so fixated that you waste time or years investigating these types of things. There are people who do so and help to bless homes and cast out demons. If you are called to work in that realm, fine. If not, make sure to continue pressing on in the areas God calls you and use your spiritual gifts. Remember that things like this can be a tactic of satan to get you off course. ---- I have thought about this alot over the years. I don't think it was so much a bunch of ghosts arguing. I don't really believe in ghosts. I think it was angels or spiritual beings arguing over giving me, or Joe, more time. I was pregnant with Isabella at the time. When I gave birth to her, I almost passed. I knew God had more for me to do for Him though and so I stayed. Remember when you see or hear the other realm to not let satan get you off track and only blame it on 'ghosts'. That is so cultural fed. Remember to be Spirit led, Holy spirit led and ask Him why you see what you see.
- Once, I had this huge lump in my throat. It actually comes and goes but this time was the worst. I could barely swallow. I was worried it might be something really wrong and so I prayed about it. I asked God to take care of me and take it away if it was something really awful. A few days later I remember being asleep at night. I was barely awake, you know the kind of half sleep you get? Well, I remember laying there on my back and feeling something weird in my throat. I saw in my spirit's eye that a large lump was being taken from my throat that had like bumps all over it. It was large and pink. It kind of looked like a placenta at birth. Anyways, it was lifted up and out of my throat and disappeared into nothingness. The next morning I woke up with a perfectly fine throat! God healed me! This was truly a miracle and I was so thankful.
- Recently, and Lord help me, I may lose my chances at ever being in police work, well, jeepers, I might after this book anyways so... Recently I have been working a security job. At this job we have security cameras with all kinds of shots. Most are black and white but some are in color. Well, I was working third shift one night and it was not too late, maybe twelve-ish. I was watching a car drive by from an angle of being up a hill. You can see tall pine trees in the background and another guard shack below. I watched as a car went by and above it what did I see? An angel. This was like white light with wings, flapping and keeping pace with the car. It was fast but not too fast. I sat there in amazement, not believing what I just saw. Sometimes, God shows us things when we least expect it. I also sat wondering who in the world it was. Why were they out late? Were they ok? Was something wrong? Obviously, they are being protected! So, I said a little prayer and went about my business. I prayed for them and for the angel, for strength to do his business. So, remember to stay aware. If I had not been watching I might have missed a little grace.
- There have been many other little things, too many to remember. The key is to try and decipher if its of God or not. I went through spells of seeking ghosts and seeing them with my spiritual eyes. This is just not good. Always try and seek after the Lord and He will take care of you no matter what comes along that you 'See'.
A main part of this project is for you to remember Supernatural Events that have happened in your life, figure out if they were of satan or God, give God the praise if they can be attributed to Him, and learn how to keep experiencing God more Fully and more often, daily. So, I would like for you to start by writing a list of all the events in your life that were astounding, out of the ordinary, an answer to prayer, came in the nick of time, were encouraging, blessed, gave you hope, or provided a need. Any Supernatural Events at all should be listed here. At the end of the text you will need this list again so be sure to do this. If you cannot think of any now, that is ok! From time to time I am sure you will while you read. When you remember one, come back here and write it down. Thanks!
The rest of the book teaches you what you need to know to be able to sort this through. I hope you can get out some paper and start writing down all the times God shows up for you or showed up. Remember let's not be puffed up but recognize God working.
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