Kittens tell a story: God winks

The Kittens at Play

I Peter 5:8 was one of my scriptures in Bible Study this morning.  

As I’m reading from the Amplified Bible, I’m writing my paraphrase in my journal – “Be well balanced. My adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion (Nero use to feed Christians to the lions) seeking someone with chinks in their armor (I studied Ephesians 6 last week) to consume.”  

As I finish writing this sentence, I hear what sounds like a knock at my front door.   I open the door to see my two cats chasing a chipmunk…and you guessed it – they devoured it.   It was not the first chipmunk and it will not be the last chipmunk.

The fact that God provided me a visual of the scripture in my daily reading is amazing.

By Tina Wagner

God Winks: Caring Friends

Caring Friends

“A friend loveth at all times… Proverbs17:17 (KJV)

We sat in the surgical waiting room watching the minutes slowly turn into hours. Would the surgery ever end?

The night before my Mom hadn’t felt well. I didn’t think much of it, since she had good and bad days as a rheumatoid arthritic. My call to her after we arrived at our lake cabin set off alarms as she described her symptoms. I knew we needed to go home in the morning.

The five-hour trip, which usually passed quickly with a good book or tatting project, seemed interminable. Finally we pulled into our underground parking space.

Bypassing the elevator, I ran up the stairs to our condo. One look at Mom, and I knew she needed immediate medical intervention. I called her doctor’s office to tell them we were heading for the emergency room.

X-rays showed adhesions from a previous surgery resulted in a bowel obstruction. She was scheduled for emergency surgery and wheeled into the operating room several hours later.

By then, it was early evening, and my husband and I sat alone in the waiting room. Weary from our trip home, bored with the old magazines and unable to concentrate on the book I’d brought, I tried to sleep. Instead, my mind wandered. What if she dies? As the last of my immediate family and best friend, I couldn’t imagine life without her.

Evidently I dozed, because I awoke with a startel when I heard footsteps. Thinking it was the doctor, I stood up and stretched, trying to wake up. When I looked at the doorway, I saw a couple, dear friends for many years. Someone had called to ask them to pray for Mom. After they prayed, they headed to the hospital.

They greeted us and asked for an update. Then they sat down intending to stay until the surgery was over. We continued to visit and share memories until the doctor came out an hour later, telling us all was well. The surgery had been successful.

We rejoiced in the good news and thanked God for sparing Mom. Obviously, she still had work to do.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for loving, caring friends who are there for us, especially during crisis times. They bring Your peace and comfort when we can’t think clearly enough to claim them for ourselves. Please remind us to do that for others in their times of need. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

Thought: How often have we sensed the Spirit prompting us to do something and ignored it? How many blessings have we and others missed by our lack of follow through? Next time we sense the Spirit leading us to do something, let’s respond immediately.

By Joyce Heiser

My Four Leaf Clover: God Winks

My father once said that "Luck was where opportunity met preparation!"  Although, I don't believe in luck alone, I enjoy four leaf clovers!  And, I do believe that in our preparations and commitment to excellence in all God asks of us, God blesses. 

The story I am about to share is no exception.  A young lady is blessed and encouraged through God whispering (winking) in my heart to share a document in our study of inner beauty one night.  Read on and may you know that God winks in the little details of your life as well.

I have started sharing outer and inner beauty tips at my Mary Kay training/workshop nights.  My mentors through Women's Empowerment University (www.donnapartow.com) along with a business coach have played a huge part in my journey to a new brand.  They have infused belief in me and the confidence to live out the woman God wants me to be.

Last Tuesday night, our group met for the second time. Two young ladies returned for the second study on inner beauty. The first hour we do outer beauty with training in our Mary Kay products and fun glamour techniques. The night is "Dazzle Outer and Inner Beauty!"

As I prayed the last few days as to how approach our next topic brought up the last time by one of the girls; Appearance - does God allow us to wear nice clothes and jewelry, is it ok? I kept thinking of this affirmation sheet that I have on security, acceptance and significance in Christ. It was clear, it was to go alongside our study. I didn't quite know why or how it was all going to work together, but knew I was supposed to use it. I studied, prayed and prepared.  God winks and I listened not knowing exactly why I was nudged.

As we shared our thoughts, I had them look at Prov 31:10-31 and ask God to show them what He thought. The young lady that asked the question initially came and had been writing in her journal and meditating on this scripture.

God winks by showing me a scripture for this young lady.  It was a "four leaf clover" for her so to speak, a special find just for her.   I knew Psalm 1:1-3 was for her.  God would bless her because she truly meditated on His Word.

The next thing was what blew my mind, but why should it?! God showed up!! I shared the sheet of affirmations in the areas stated above. As we shared our final thoughts, one of the girls got tears in her eyes and said this was exactly what she needed. It was where she was at. I told her how I had prayed over the study and the night and that God would not let me get that sheet out of my mind. I was supposed to share it. NOW, I knew why. It was for her!!! LOVE God using me. It is a home in my heart that I cannot put words too.  God winks by using me to encourage someone else!  Wow!!

Dorothy form Wizard of Oz comes to mind, "There's no place like home, There's no place like home!" I agree sharing His word and watching Him orchestrate people's lives to touch one lovely, young woman's heart, is a beautiful home!!  

There is no place like home!

I pray I never run away from home.  God winks in preparation and shows up to bless again!!  

By Joni Ormsbee

God Winks: God Shows Up in the Clouds

Promises in the Clouds

This week I came across a picture that was very similar to what I saw on a trip of my own.  While flying back from one of my trips, I looked out the window and saw a rainbow.  Then I looked again, it was not only a rainbow but a circle rainbow.   Just like this picture, the sun was on the opposite side and hit the plane just right to put the shadow of the plane inside the rainbow!!  I couldn't believe it.  I couldn't get my camera out fast enough.  I am so glad I saw this picture because although it was from the other side of my plane then this picture, it is the same idea!

It was as if God was saying to me that day, "I got you!  It will be ok."  You see, like most of us, I was going through some hard things.  I was personally struggling through some hurts.  But, God spoke or winked through His creation and a rainbow.  He spoke to my heart through something very tangible but rarely seen.   I was in awe of His personal touch for me.

It made me thankful and want to smile.  I saw this picture today and really it is what prompted me to think of God Winks - those times when we just look up and say "Thanks, I knew that was You, God!" 

Being Thankful!

Although I didn't have to look up that day because I was already in the clouds, I still was very grateful for His personal touch, His Wink!!

       I Thessalonians 5:18  In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

          Hebrews 12: 28  let us be thankful, and so worship God

May you see God wink through His creation this week so you smile and look up to say, "I just knew that was you God, Thank You!"

By Joni Ormsbee

Valentine's Day: God Winks in an Everlasting Love

God rejoices over you!

What is your first love?   Who has every inch of your heart?

Over the past couple years, the last especially, I spent time healing my heart and seeking the only One who could ultimately fill every hole of pain and sadness.

Was it selfish?  I don’t think so.  Over the last year I got closer to the One Valentine, the One who can fill every void of my heart if I let Him inside the emptiness.

I had to face the reality and truth that my husband or anything else for that matter cannot fill every part of my emptiness felt in my heart and soul.  I found only He can fill the voids.  In the moments where marriage was hard and I found myself looking to him to fill the “holes,”  I had to realize only my God could.

As I took time to spend with Him over the last few years, especially the last one, I found out a few things which led me to some truths that healed the emptiness.  The truth of His love for me filled the voids and granted me a new found freedom.  It was wonderful.  Other friends noticed as well as my face radiated the peace only He granted.  And, my marriage was better too!!

Here is what I would call “God’s Love Letter” to me!!   I reference scriptures so you can find the truth in His word too. 

      My dear daughter,  

      You are enough. 

“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  II Corinthians 5:21   Through Him we are made perfect.  Surely perfect is better than good enough!

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.

I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” 

Psalm 139:13-18

You have a unique purpose, only you can fulfill.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10

You are significant. 

“But now, this is what the LORD says----

He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel:

‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” Isaiah 43:1

You are loved with an everlasting love. 

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:  ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness.’”  Jeremiah 31:3

Nothing can separate you from My Love.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.”  Romans 8:38-39

I AM your refuge!

“But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.”  Psalm 94:22

     Love,

     Your Father

I know the heartache of being single much longer than I desired.  I know I ran to other things to fill the void in my singleness and my marriage.  Loneliness can occur at any season of life. 

What I did find it when I ran into the arms of my Heavenly Father, I found a peace I found no where else. May you find a quiet peace as you look to Him for the everlasting love of your heart.

By Joni Ormsbee

Love in a Sign and a Rainbow: God Winks

To know who I am or the specifics I face, really isn’t relevant. What matters is the commonality my story has with anyone else. In reality, this isn’t even the story itself, but a story within the story; the mechanics of how my story is to unfold: my God Winks.

I am standing at a crossroad. In my life journey, it has never been more clear or apparent. In soaking myself in the Word alongside the joined forces of a collection of beautiful, godly women in Women’s Empowerment University (WEU), since the beginning of January, I feel a strength and a lightness while knowing I’m in a battle. No longer am I in darkness with my decisions, as this class has helped to shine God’s light so I may make wise and bold actions based on my listening to him through my now open line of communication. He is confirming and reaffirming His mighty glory...

This particular day was one of the loudest conversations the Lord and I shared so far. The night prior, I couldn’t sleep, troubled with a heavy family matter. I tossed and turned and finally opened, yes, Facebook. Before me was one post, “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.” I let go.

In the morning, I awoke to my Donna Partow routine of lemon water and reading my outline for the day, “Topic Thinking.” Of course it was. Until this point in our class, I had been so focused. Targeted. I headed out to volunteer at my daughter’s school.

My thoughts turned against me. I rehashed the nightmare. Lies of the past. I then pulled out a pocket-sized notebook filled with the hand-written affirmations based on scripture that Donna’s book, “Becoming The Woman I Want To Be,” encouraged us to keep close. I meditated on one in particular. My heart slowed and the pressure in my chest disappeared.

Then, the image came from the words...”I have the power to change my life because the spirit of the Lord rests upon me.”  ‘Power,’ equals strength, force and might. ‘Rests,’ insinuates peaceful, ease, etc. Then I see it: the image of a gentle, slow snowfall. No wind, as if each flake was pronounced and intended but in choreography with God. I pictured the Spirit of the Lord resting on me like a snowflake would on my face.

On my way home, about a mile in, I passed a sign in front of a church. “Decisions, Decisions,” it read. Yes, I turned around a took a photograph. Then, another mile down the road (and unbeknownst to me at the time, almost simultaneously with a posting from Donna Partow directed at me on Facebook about not focusing on my outside circumstances, but rather on that which is going on inside me), I saw the sun. 

I pulled over immediately and took another photo. To be sure of what I saw, I stopped again a few blocks further. There was a bizarre and beautiful circle around the sun with a protective rainbow to keep it in; The Son! I understood; this new group of women at WEU is my circle around the SON and the promise of His rainbow keeping us all safely in His presence.

My spirit and soul smiled, as God winked.

By Kristin Jacobson

Pay it Forward: God winks through a gift

There are many times when I know I miss God’s prompting, but this is a time I actually got it. Fortunately, God made it so clear, even I could not mess it up.

Christmas 2012 my boss gave me a wonderful Christian devotional. I really enjoyed it and bought the same devotional for several of my friends. This life changing devotional came up often in my conversation with others who also purchased it for their self and friends.

I was sharing a prayer request for my sister-in-law and my friend suggested I send her a copy of this devotional. I thought it was a good idea, but said I would pray about it because she is of another faith.

The next day I was talking to a different friend and she says to me “I got an extra copy of that devotional for Christmas if you know anyone who needs one.” (John 10:27)

HUGE God wink. I did get it and sent it to her. She acknowledged she received it, but had not had time to read it yet. The important part for me is I was obedient (this time) to God's promptings. 

It was a blessing that God provided the free book also. It was a beautiful leather bound gift edition. God does this right! (Luke 6:38)  

By Tina Wagner

God Winks in a book to buy?

I was reading in a devotional book, Becoming the Woman I Want to Be, by Donna Partow. I was in Day 11 and read, "You might want to purchase the book Operation World, by Patrick Johnstone, which is a guide to praying for the nations of the world."

I thought, maybe I should buy that book.  That was it, a brief thought.  I go downstairs and am cleaning up for a few minutes before heading to the gym and pick up a book, Operation World.  I thought, that sounds familar but that couldn't be the same book.  I went back to Day 11 to see...YEP, same book!!!

I have never seen that book in our home and that same night I asked my husband about it.  His reply, "Oh, yes" he says, "I got it at the church bookstore.  " 

Hmmmm....think I will read it!!!  We are now reading it together as a family at dinner time!

God Winks!!

If you are interested in Donna's current study using the book, visit her web-site at www.donnapartow.com.

by Joni Ormsbee

God Winks: Can a delay really protect?

God winks in a seemingly mindless decision to go back in the house to get something on my way to get my son from basketball practice.  Grab a cup of coffee and let me share God's protection. 

I know we serve a God who orchestrates our steps, even those we think, in the moment, insignificant...  I would discover this very personally on an afternoon in late December.

I had company for the days between Christmas and New Year's and was busy entertaining, cooking, visiting, playing games and taking care of my family.  This one particular afternoon, I was headed out to get my son from basketball practice.  I was running a little late and had to go back in the house.  You know I cannot remember what it was for now, but only that I did go back in for a few seconds to take care of something.  I remember being annoyed and telling my niece I would be right back as I flew out the door for the second time.

As I left, I drove up the street like I always do.  Out of an alley came a car which did not stop.  I saw it at the last minute, hit the brakes HARD, and swerved out of the way.  I went up on the sidewalk near a driveway entrance on the right side of the road.  The driver swerved in the opposite direction to miss me but really I don't think she even braked.  I couldn't believe she didn't even stop!   I was very shook up.  I was thankful for good brakes and quick reflexes.  However, it was later that I would realize how bad it could have been.

You see, I was telling my husband about it later that evening after we got home from my brother's for Christmas dinner with my side of the family.  He reminded me how seconds can change our destiny.  I thought about the quote, "God's delay is often God's protection."  I remembered how I had gone back in the house for just a few seconds to get something.  Those seconds returning into the house, which were at the time very annoying because I was already running late, probably SAVED my life. Or, at least saved me from a very bad accident.

A few seconds earlier, the car that barely missed me would have T-boned right into my side of the car.  I rarely forget my seat belt.  In that moment, I didn't have it on.  I realized it after I braked and returned to the road to get my son.

YES, a momentary, seemingly annoying, meaningless decision, causing only seconds in my delay, saved me from potential serious injuires, maybe even my life.

YES, God orchestrated my steps that day and every day.  He just let me realize it in that moment and I am very thankful. 

May you KNOW that He does the same for you even if you don't realize it in the moment, after or perhaps ever, why.  He does orchestrate your steps...

How have you seen in the past year God's delay provide protection?  Please share....

Happy New Year!!!

Joni