Dimes and Hearts

This true account was written in the fall of 2011.  I have changed the names of the people involved; however, some of you, particularly those who live in the area where I live, will know whom I am writing about. This is an experience I will never forget, and the dime lies safely in a special container on my bookshelf. To this day, I continue to be in awe of God and His involvement in our everyday lives!!!

In the Old Testament book of Joshua, there’s a story of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan River. As God had parted the Red Sea for Moses and His chosen people to cross, He now provided a dry crossing for Joshua and the Israelites at the Jordan River. However, from this incident, God instructed Joshua to have one man from each of the twelve tribes pick a large rock and place the rocks where the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant had stood in the river. The reasoning behind this act was to be a reminder to the people and to their descendants of what God had done for them at the Jordan River.   As I pondered that story, I thought about my reminders of God, my rocks of recollection, and I realized that God provides me with dimes.

               When I was a child growing up, my mom and I enjoyed going to movies, both in the theater and at the drive-in. However, there were times when we didn’t have the “extra” money for movies so my mom started saving dimes to be used as our “movie money”. She kept them in an empty band aid can in the cupboard above the kitchen sink. Every once in a while I could hear her in the kitchen and the clink of the can soon followed.  I knew she had a movie in mind, and I couldn’t wait to go along.

               As I grew up, married and had a family of my own, I, too, started saving dimes for movies and other little extras that came along. Everyone chipped in with the dimes, and it soon became a family collection. Throughout the years, I really never thought too much about saving dimes, until I read an email concerning finding pennies. The message behind this particular email was that sometimes people ignore picking up pennies on the ground because of their one cent value. However, if you look at that penny, the motto, “In God We Trust” speaks volumes. God, our Father, can be trusted. Seeing a penny on the sidewalk or anywhere is a reminder of that truth. After reading that email and being reminded that we can count on God for anything at anytime and anywhere, I began finding pennies regularly. Instead of ignoring the one cent coin, I picked it up, smiled and thanked God for this reminder of His faithfulness.  Then, as though God wanted to bless me more, He began to shower me with dimes. Sometimes dimes would appear so unexpectedly in such unusual places, but not long ago, God presented me with a dime experience that I’ll never forget.

               About three years ago our church called a new minister. He and his family moved to our little town and immediately created an excitement not only in our church but in the community. People’s attitudes and behaviors changed as God used Pastor Andrew, his wife, LaJuan, and their daughter, Lauren, to bring healing to our church. LaJuan was 15 years younger than I, but God took hold of our   friendship, and we soon discovered we had much in common. For instance, we both enjoyed watching old classic movies; in fact, I learned that she was a fan of Doris Day, my all -time favorite movie actress. We also had similar tastes for favorite foods, fruit stripe gum, music and spontaneous trips among other things. But something we shared that was even more valuable was our view at looking for God’s Presence in our everyday lives. It was then that I shared my story of saving dimes and how I felt God was using them as reminders of His closeness. Likewise, LaJuan told me how she looked for hearts as her special connection to God. She found them in cloud formations, other forms of nature, like designs of leaves, and patterns on ordinary objects. Consequently, from then on LaJuan kept her eyes open for dimes and I began to look for hearts.

               Our connection to God and to each other grew stronger as we participated in a women’s Bible study, sang together in our church’s choir, prayed together in the city park and met at the local drive-in for an ice cream treat or drink. Yes, indeed, I had found a friend, a kindred spirit friend, with whom I could share anything, and LaJuan had felt the same about me. We both were truly blessed. Then, when life seemed to be moving at an even keel, I received a text message from LaJuan asking me to come to her house as she needed to talk to me.

               When I walked into the dining/family room, I felt something was amiss. Pastor Andrew and LaJuan seemed anxious. I sat with them at their table while Pastor Andrew informed me that he had been offered a pastoral position in a mission church in Hong Kong, and they needed prayer in making the decision whether or not to accept this calling. This news was unexpected but not out of the question since Pastor Andrew and LaJuan had an ongoing mission association in Africa. In fact, Pastor Andrew usually travelled to Africa twice a year to assist with different projects. So the news of a possible mission assignment for them was not as surprising as one would think; however, the location was.

               As I listened to Pastor Andrew explain more of the work they would be doing there, I heard excitement in his voice. He shared his recent signs from God, how many issues in his life had been resolved and roads had been opened that once were closed. Likewise, with LaJuan I sensed her Spirit’s flame glowing and growing brighter as she appeared to be ready and willing to undertake this amazing Christian opportunity. Inside, I felt myself becoming excited with them but yet, my flesh, in selfishness, didn’t want them to leave. So for the next few days, we prayed and waited for God’s direction. His answer came as He told Pastor Andrew that He needed him in Hong Kong.

               With the call to Hong Kong, Pastor Andrew and LaJuan began the moving process.  Pastor Andrew would be going to Hong Kong first, then LaJuan and Lauren would follow in a month. In the meantime, LaJuan and Lauren would leave our little town and travel to Texas to stay with their relatives until Pastor Andrew’s return. During this time, LaJuan and I spent as much time together as possible. Even though she had piles of things to do, she made time for me and we always seemed to laugh and make light of our separation. However, when the time to depart came, I was only able to let go with God’s help.

  Now, I live in the country, and I enjoy taking walks down our quarter mile road. It’s during these walks that I talk with God about all kinds of things. It was during one of these walks that God reminded me of His Presence firsthand. LaJuan had been in Texas about a week when I suddenly felt an overwhelming sadness. I missed my friend. I missed our talks, our texting, our unexpected outings and our prayer time together. So after supper, I grabbed my sweatshirt and strolled down the quarter mile road.

As I walked, I shared with God my concerns about LaJuan’s bottling up her emotions about leaving our little town and her friends as well as concerns about our friendship, the long distance kind. Then, I asked God why He would separate us now when we were planning possible outreach women ministries and when we were growing together spiritually? But, on the other hand, I knew God needed them in Hong Kong. I was rambling, switching subjects frequently. Then, as I took a step, I noticed a small, round object in my path. I picked it up, brushed it off and it was a DIME, an old liberty head dime (1920)! Yes, a dime in the middle of a country, dirt road lay on the path I was walking. Tears entered my eyes as I looked up to the sky’s growing evening light.  I praised God for placing the dime but that was not His only placement. I walked a few paces and there in the sand was a HEART-shaped print. My heart literally stopped and I became breathless. Two signs appeared on the road: a dime for me and a heart for LaJuan.  

When I was finally able to compose myself, I couldn’t help but shout for joy and praise God for His loving action. For me, it was as though God had said, “I am not separating you. You are together in my eyes and I have work for both of you to do – separately but yet together.”  What an amazing response from our Heavenly Father!   Just as God had given instruction to Joshua to place the stones as a reminder of His assistance in crossing the Jordan River so God had given me a dime and a heart-shaped print as a reminder of His Presence in LaJuan’s and my friendship no matter the distance.

Birds

In the mornings I enjoy watching the early rising birds from my kitchen window.  I live in the country so a wide range of wildlife flourishes around my house, especially since there is no fence to keep them out. Most creatures disappear with the approaching sunlight while birds, on the other hand, make their appearance.

As I observe their activities, I see patterns unfolding. At first, the small flock is taking refuge in the row of lilac bushes that line my backyard to the west. When the sun rays become more direct toward the flock’s hiding place, they seem to arouse the restful birds, as though the rays bring anticipated energy.

Once awakened, the eager ones and perhaps most hungry dart from their protective hedge to begin the search for food. Their little legs move quickly as they scour the ground for any remnant of scraps I had thrown out the night before. In this case, dried bread crumbs greet their arrival.

I notice that sharing can be a problem. When one finds a morsel, another bird moves in to investigate while still another decides to grab it right before their eyes and flies away. Sometimes, however, a larger remnant creates a communal effort.

In this case, an oversized bread crumb is discovered by one of the gathering sparrows. It pecks at the morsel briefly, flies away and then returns. This time the sparrow tries dragging it, but it’s too large to drag so it stays with it momentarily but soon loses interest and leaves. Then, another bird takes its turn and before long several have arrived to find nourishment in the larger piece. Each takes its turn until the crumb is small enough where it can be dragged to the edge of the bushes and enjoyed in the safety of its enclosure.

However, during all the various feeding antics, everything stops when an unexpected noise or movement interrupts their meal. Some scurry into the protective covering of the bushes while others fly completely out of sight. But as soon as the danger passes, one, two or even three courageously come into view for more food. Eventually, so do the rest.

As I observe the actions and reactions of these birds, I can’t help but compare them to humans. With the rising of the sun, most of us are energized and eager for the day, but as the day progresses, our energy and eagerness wane with unexpected interruptions and challenges. Then, too, when it comes to sharing, we, like the birds, have difficulty. However, if we put our selfishness behind us and work together as one body, we accomplish much. We can learn valuable life insights by observing birds and their behaviors. Perhaps that was part of God’s plan when He created them.

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’”  Gen. 1: 20

A Humbling Experience

  

Sometimes during our spiritual walks through life, unexpected events occur that humble us. One such occasion happened to me at the close of 2014.

               After being treated for a virus as well as a sinus infection, during the night I suddenly felt a burning sensation in my chest which spread to my back. I thought I was having a heart attack, but as it turned out, I had had a severe reaction to a new medicine that had been prescribed for my sinus infection. I felt relieved and very grateful that my heart was in good condition. But most of all, I was in awe of God’s faithfulness because while I was experiencing this health issue, He was at work behind-the-scenes through a variety of people.

               First, my husband heard my cry and called 911. Second, our youngest daughter, home for Christmas, began texting and messaging my prayer partners. Third, despite the bitter, blowing snow storm, the ambulance made it to our farm safely and then to the hospital. Fourth, the head nurse who greeted me in the ER was a good friend from our former church family. Fifth, as I was being transported to a special cardiac unit in another town, my attending EMT was a personable professional with a pleasant smile. Sixth, upon arrival at the cardiac unit, my cousin’s daughter was my head nurse. Seventh,  our second daughter, who lived nearby, had begun a prayer chain from her church. Eighth, our youngest daughter had received news that other prayer chains had been started. I truly had been covered with prayer.

               However, after all the excitement had ceased, and I had had time to reflect, I realized that I was really afraid that I might die. I also felt sad and disappointed with myself because I hadn’t prayed immediately while this was happening to me. I was scared, and I guess I relied on others to be strong for me. I know God was with me, but I failed to relax and trust Him completely.  Despite my lack of faith and trust, He took care of me anyway through all the events mentioned above! It was an experience I hope I don’t have to go through again, but if I do, I  hope I can be less afraid and more trusting in my faithful FATHER!!!

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”  Deut. 31:8

A Christmas Gift Mystery

Christmas had passed, and I still had one gift to deliver. The recipient was one of my prayer partners, but circumstances in both of our lives had delayed our exchange. I had planned to give Holly a daily devotion book written by Christian women writers. I had purchased one the previous year and had thoroughly enjoyed its messages. In fact, when I had been notified of the new upcoming edition, I pre-ordered one for myself. When I received it, I thought of Holly so when I paid for my copy, I ordered one for her, expecting it to arrive in plenty of time for Christmas since this transaction took place the last of October.  However, when December arrived, the book had not.

Disappointed about not receiving the second copy, I decided to give my copy to Holly.  I assumed that my order had not been fulfilled; afterall, I hadn’t paid for it and neither had I received a bill so nothing was lost, except my copy. But that didn’t bother me. I wanted Holly to have it so when we were finally able to meet, she was excited to get the book.

About two weeks had passed since our visit when I received a bill from the publisher for the devotion book. Now, I was totally confused. Locating a telephone number to the publisher, I called to inquire about the billing. As it turned out, I had written Holly’s address on the book order form so they had sent the book directly to her address in November. To say the least, I felt foolish because I didn’t remember putting her address on the form. I had expected to receive the book myself. With this discovery, another strange thought crossed my mind. What if Holly had received the book but was too polite to tell me she already had it. I had to find out.

Sheepishly, I called her and explained my dilemma. At first, she said that she hadn’t received the book, but the more we visited, the more her memory was jarred. She remembered she had received a book, but due to her busy schedule at the time, she didn’t pay much attention. In fact, she thought it was a free book that she might have won unknowingly. She had put it away on her closet shelf with intentions of giving it to her mom for Christmas but had forgotten about it until our conversation. When I explained what had happened, we both laughed.

Then, with the reference to the book, Holly shared that her mom was experiencing some difficult life trials, and the book might be a source of encouragement for her. Hearing her words brought a sense of joy to my heart. Apparently, God was waiting for the perfect time to reveal the mystery of the missing book, and this was the time.

“As for God, His way is perfect;”    Psalm 18:30a