A Dream Come True

Dreams DO come true! 

These thoughts rolled around in my mind last Saturday, as I headed the Chattanooga, Tennessee for my first book signing. The devotional book was called Pearls of Promise. Forty-six writers in all had contributed but only 5 were able to attend this event. This was only the second time I have seen my writing in book form.

The day began at 11 am with a delicious lunch at Sticky Fingers. Our fellowship was lively as each of us shared stories. There seemed to be an instant sense of friendship and camaraderie. And then…the ribs came. They were the best ribs I have ever eaten. We laughed about getting a ‘BBQ sauce anointing’ while we tried to keep the sauce off our clothes. The manager was so taken by our group’s joy that he gave each of us a complimentary bottle of the sauce. I thought, Blessings are beginning to flow already. Thank you Lord. You have made my expectancy rise.

By the time we arrived at Barnes and Nobles around 12:30pm, everything was prepared for us. As we greeted Kelly, one of the store’s managers, he told us of his faith and commitment to make our time as fruitful as possible. Right before 1 pm, we all circled around (even Kelly), held hands, and prayed for God’s best. Along with signing a bunch of books, these are some of the highlights that followed:

Instant connections between all other

Christian authors presenting books there.

No competitive spirit among us.

Praying and ministering with a young father, Robert

about his newborn son, Nathan (mother-Rebecca)

who was born 6 weeks earlier with Gastroschisis

(born with intestines outside the body)

Kelly brought bottled water for each of us.

Authors ministered and prayed with other authors.

Words of prophesy were given and confirmed.

Prayers went upwards for one author who had not shown up

because her husband had been in a car horrible accident the day before,

and was in critical condition.

Kelly brought over oatmeal cookies in small white bags.

One of the author on our team got a call that her

little fourteen-year-old dog had to be put to sleep. She was heart broken.

I could hardly believe I was signing books and ministering

to people’s needs right in the middle of Barnes and Nobles.

For years, I have shopped at the store in our area and said, by faith,

“Yep, one of these days, I am going

to have a book on their shelves too.”

By the time 3 pm came, we could see that God had done something special with our newly formed friendships. The cohesiveness of our group did not happen just because we were all writers. It was because we all had servant hearts. Somewhere, we grasped that this day was not about promoting our own book and ourselves but about showing others Christ and being a living epistle for His glory.

What God-given dream are you working towards and expecting to manifest? Can you spread the Gospel of Christ through it? No matter what, don’t give up on your dreams. God is faithful to manifest what He has prepared you to do. Just keep moving forward by maturing your skills and the knowledge of Christ. Then one day, when you least expect it, your dream will come true.

Witness To God's Wonderful Works

As the Hospice donation truck backed up at my garage door, I knew the first phase of the garage cleanup had been completed. Two guys jumped out of the cab raring to go. Tyler was a young college student who didn’t mind the hard work. I told him he would go far, if he kept that good work ethic. Charles was the older black guy who could still work circles around any teenager. He claimed working hard kept him youthful and I agreed with him.

Those two working together, made my heavy boxes seem like they were pitching beach balls at the pool. I was amazed. As they continued to work, they asked about my wooded property and commented on its beauty. I told them how God had prepared and made a way for me to buy this property over twenty years ago.

“I can tell you are a believing woman.” Charles replied with a smile.

Gauging their interest, I said, “Yes sir, I sure am. Let me tell you about one more God experience I have had recently.” They kept on packing while I told them about the storm parting on the interstate for my friend after a prayer. (Blog Post: Friends Forever)

As Charles listened, his smile grew bigger and his eyes lit up. All he responded with was, “For Real! Wow! God is good!”

As I finished my story, they finished with their loading and closed the truck door.

“Well, I just wanted to bless you guys today. Know that God is on the move to help His children. Look to God in faith and know He wants to bless you too!

“You sure did bless us mam, you sure did. Charles replied.

Thanks!” they both said as they hopped back into the truck cab and drove off.

As I sat back down at my desk, I pondered the completed job and the fruitful witness. Joy flooded my soul. The Lord popped in with these words,

“That is the idea! I long to bless you abundantly so you are able to go out and glorify Me by telling others. When others witness your joy and the fire in your eyes, they will come to know the truth about Me. Tell them about my favor and my provisions. Tell them about my protection and healing. The retelling of My wonderful works to believers and unbelievers alike will not only kindle their faith in Me but keep yours glowing brightly too.”

God is ready to bless us with more then enough favor to see us through the toughest situations. However, before you get started, there are three questions you need to ask yourself.

Have to received Jesus as your Savior and Lord?

Are we willing to ask and believe according to His word?

When you are touched by His generous faithfulness, will you salt your conversations to glorify Him?

God’s will is to bless all His children. Come, believe, and taste His goodness.