Tag: testimonies

Agenda

“The dying have their own agenda”

The night before Dan launched the hospice nurse sat us down for her “hard talk”. She told us “The dying have their own agenda as to when they are going to leave this world. So if you’re someone who is going to feel guilty or cheated because you weren’t there when they take their last breath, you need to get this. They might leave just when you step out of the room. Don’t wait. Tell Dan tonight how much you loved him, share good memories, and it’s okay to tell him that you will miss him but that you will be okay. It may not seem like it, but he can still hear you.”

I was glad for her frank talk but I thought he can’t be leaving this soon. Just that morning, another hospice nurse had told us that Dan had probably 4-6 more days. I had to go back home for a day, but maybe he would hang on until I returned. Besides, I didn’t even know what to say and didn’t want to break down. Dan had told me earlier in the day that I needed to be his “positive reinforcement” and to believe for his miraculous healing.

Several hours later, I slipped into Dan’s room and sat on the bed. I leaned down close to whisper in his ear so a group in the next room couldn’t hear me. Lord please help me to say goodbye.

I was surprised at how easily my feelings for him poured out of me. I told Dan I loved him and was grateful for every minute I had gotten with him. I shared some special memories of him and our trips and asked forgiveness for not always being a pleasant redhead. I shared that I had never felt loved by anyone as I did by him and that he had helped to heal a big hole in my heart. I cried as I told him that I would miss him terribly, but that I would be okay.

I sat back up and looked down at Dan’s face and saw one large beautiful tear coming down from his left eye. I knew he had heard me and I wanted to hold onto that precious perfect moment forever. The presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room and I could feel God’s eternal love for both of us. I was sad, but yet I felt joyful as the realization hit me that I would see Dan again.

Early the next morning, I briefly stepped out of Dan’s room to dig something out of my purse and seconds later he left. Like, I am not waiting around for you to find some gadget in that Bermuda Triangle purse of yours. The purse he bought me because my old one wasn’t “big enough”. I was like WTHeck? I was just talking to you!

I am so glad the hospice nurse had given us her hard talk. I may have mistakenly thought I had more time to think of the perfect way to say see you later….

Please don’t wait to share with someone how you feel.

Someone needs to hear this…. you can do this and I love you!

Babies From Ashes

The following is a story from my friend Tamara… Beauty from ashes over and over and over……

One of my friends kept trying to get pregnant and eventually just could not medically try anymore. While she lay in ICU she was wheeled to a recovery room and shared a room with a woman. The woman began to talk to her and as they talked the woman said, ” Do you want a baby, my daughter is about to have a baby and doesn’t want it?
My friend did not know what was happening because it was so fast that she and her husband took foster care classes and became the foster parents to a newborn that they watched come into the world.
Over time they became one of the top foster care families in the county. And now have officially adopted five.
They became known as the couple who has so much love to share that babies healed when placed with them. Children have had legs become straight, and be healed mentally and emotionally.
If you ask my friend she would say God called her to motherhood. She knew she was supposed to be a mother. She just didn’t know how it would happen. To God be the Glory it is happening. 🔥🙌💕

No Longer A Fit

When I put my shoes on to run to Cub Foods, God told me to donate my coat at a nearby Goodwill on my way home. Ok. No problem. I had lost a little weight so it was big on me anyway. I pulled into the Goodwill donation bay, took off my coat, checked the pockets for any future winning lottery tickets, and handed it to the donation clerk. She gave me a puzzled look, probably because it was the middle of winter, and then tossed it in a bin.

On the drive home, God continued to speak to me about how we hang onto things that no longer fit us. Things that are no longer good for us. Or beneficial. Why? Because it feels familiar. Comfortable. Predictable. Hard to turn the page and get to that next chapter when we have a permanent and immovable bookmark.

What causes us to hang on to old crap? Fear of the unknown. Fear that things could get worse. Or worse yet……they could get better and we wouldn’t know how to handle ourselves. Or anyone else. Think about it peeps! What old coat are you unwilling to part with even though it no longer fits you and where you want to go? Or need to go? Or will be bored to death if you don’t go? I don’t want to be on my deathbed sorry that I played it safe. I just want to be smiling because I DARED to play! Dared to draw outside of the lines! Left the fenced-in area!

Make a decision to make one commitment to yourself this year to move forward. Don’t know what that is? Ask the big Guy. He knows. We have an ever-forward-moving God! He is never stagnant. Me? I am asking for His wisdom this year. His wisdom in ALL THINGS. I am ready to move forward. Even if I am screaming and freaked out on the way!

Join me?

Ready To Pivot

I heard “MOVE OVER” and immediately turned my wheel in the direction of the curb just as a car in the left lane crossed over into mine. By 2 feet! The driver quickly corrected the error and got back into their lane. If I hadn’t immediately moved over when I heard the command, they would have hit me!

What did “MOVE OVER” sound like? Just like my own thoughts, only very matter-of-fact. So I reacted on autopilot. Kind of like, “Dunkin Donuts! Drive-thru for Cold Brew!”

I am still amazed that my vehicle moved over to the precise spot to avoid the accident. Like Jesus had taken over the wheel (OMG, don’t start singing that song in your head.)

One time Dan and I were driving back from Iowa. I saw a woman coming down a very long entrance ramp onto 35W. Her head was turned as she was yelling at someone in the backseat. God said to me “She doesn’t see you. Move over, she doesn’t see you.” So I relayed this to Dan and he got upset. “We have the right of way. Relax! I know how to drive! ” I kept one eye on her car and continued to plead with him to move over, but, he wouldn’t budge. He told me I was being paranoid because I had been in a serious car accident. As the woman came off the ramp, Dan had to swerve into the left lane and yelled, “She almost hit us! She didn’t see us!”

“I tried to tell you, Dan! I heard Him, but apparently, you didn’t”. Isn’t that just how life is? God may be warning you of something and your family thinks you’re nuts. Paranoid. Early dementia.

God may also be calling you to stop, move over or go in a new direction. Suddenly you are selfish. Or controlling. Or off your meds. It’s hard when others can’t see or agree with the road He has you on. Especially if they are not called to ride along or are fearful they will be left behind.

Allow God to Uber this wild ride you are called to for 2023. Give others the grace to take their own Uber. 2023 is going to be an interesting year. Eye-opening. Life changing.

Get ready to pivot kids.

God’s Garden

One plants, one waters, one harvests.

We need to stop thinking that we have to do it all or we aren’t a true son. That unless, in a single encounter, we can make Jesus real, score a “sinners prayer” and build a Holy Spirit down line that we are failures!

Andrew was the first of the apostles to share his faith and bring another to Christ. Andrew’s testimony touched Peter who then went on to become one of the most influential apostles. Peter wrote 2 books of the Bible and brought thousands to Christ thru Holy Spirit signs and wonders! I don’t recall a book of Andrew in my ESV, but without Andrew there would be no Peter.

I’ve had people tell me there is no way they could do what I do. Nice pat on the back and I wish I could take more credit. But, I told God a long time ago that He had to land them in my lap and then light ‘em up. No guessing who He wants to chat with. Then fill my mouth with His words. His love. His healing. With no Mall Police escort out of the building. I am not kidding 🙂

You see I don’t like to be bothered when I am shopping. Or dining. Or getting a mammogram. If you know me well, you know that I get panicked in crowds. And the first thing I look for when I enter a room is the exit.

But when God turns on the light I get out of the way and He shines. Not me. I don’t have to do anything but repeat what He tells me.

Le Him decide what part you and I play in His garden.

Have a lovely week, Beloveds!
Andy

Holy Hat Trick

It has been stressful looking for a car after mine was totaled in a recent accident. Thursday, I was even up all night looking at cars online. A photo listing kept popping up of a RAV4 that looked faded like it had sat out in the sun for a couple of years. it was also an odd color. Like the color of an old Eggplant. I could see what looked like dirt or dents on the hood and bald tires. That was probably why the car hadn’t sold and the price had dropped several times in the past month. I couldn’t understand why it kept coming up! NOPE. Unless it’s free, that ain’t my car. I imagined my friends asking me if I was in the witness protection program and sending me Eggplant emojis… 😉

I was so overwhelmed looking at cars that I finally gave in and set up an appointment to see the Eggplant as I needed to start somewhere. A saleswoman at the dealership emailed me back and set up a test drive for the next day, which was Saturday. As I was getting ready for bed, I was surprised when God started downloading a word for the saleswoman. I rarely get a long WOK or Prophecy prior to meeting someone. “God if this is you, I won’t remember all of this tomorrow!” God laughed “No, but I will.” Ok. I decided I would wait until we were done looking at cars as I didn’t want it to hinder any negotiations if I saw a car I was interested in. I just knew I wasn’t driving the Eggplant home.

When I woke up I didn’t want to go. I was tired and not excited about being trapped at a car dealer on a busy Saturday. I decided to text “Sherri” and change our meeting to Monday instead. Of course, God had other plans and He soon put my shoes on and drove me to the dealership.

As I pulled out of the parking lot to take the car for a test drive God said “tell her NOW.” I was too tired to argue with Big Sky Daddy and let it rip, “Sherri, I know this is weird but God told me last night that you really should be in the finance department so you can have better hours and make more money. Are you a single parent or have a lot of people you are responsible for? God wants to make things easier for you this year.” I went on to tell her that her coworkers loved her and that she was a bright light at work. She was a hard worker, went over and above, and was very direct. It was a lengthy word and I won’t bore you with the rest BUT…she starts crying! I am test-driving a car and the salesperson is CRYING!

She said, “how did you know all this?” I said, “God told me last night.” She said “there is no way you would know this! I cried on my way to work today and told my manager when I got in that there is an opening in finance and I want it. My daughter decided she is moving to Texas with my brother and leaving today. She is also leaving my two grandchildren with me to take care of. She can’t handle them anymore. They are 1 and 3. You don’t even know how much I needed to hear this today!” Now I started to tear up and took the next exit, “Wow. Ok, I’ll take the car. I know God set up this whole day for the both of us.”

So we went back and sat down to start the paperwork. Sherri kept telling me how blown away she was. Then she found her manager and asked me to tell her what God had said to me. The manager smiled and kept nodding her head. She is a believer too and remarked, “Yes when it comes to God there are no coincidences.” Then another employee got introduced to me and I gave him a word. I said ” Do you like your job? Because God is telling me that you are in the perfect place for you right now.” He smiled ” Great, I think so too. Besides, I was in car sales for a while and I sucked at it.” He then asked me if I was a psychic or if I gave readings. This is ALWAYS a fun one to answer.

I finally ended up in the finance office with two managers, one of them I’ll call Pete. “Pete,” asked me what I did now that I was retired. “Hmmm. Working on a book and I am in ministry. “Really?” “Yes” So Pete leaves the office and when he came back asked again, “Are you really in ministry?” “Yes” Apparently, the red hair must just throw people off as no one ever believes me 🙂. He left the office again and came back in and asked if I was a minister would I pray for him as he really needed it. “Ok, I’ll do it now”. Pete started to kind of freak out because he wasn’t expecting that. People always expect you to say yes, but forget later to pray. Why wait? 🙂 I winked at him as I assured him I wasn’t going to read his mail. Even though God showed me generally what was going on with Pete, He put these words in my mouth ” God is telling me that you regret moving here. You wonder if you made a huge mistake. But God is going to smooth everything out for you. No matter what it looks like now. You also need to stop worrying about money. God is also going to heal a relationship that you have been struggling with for quite a while this year.” Pete’s mouth dropped open and his eyes teared up for a heartbeat. It was so beautiful to witness. You can always tell when God has connected with someone’s heart because you don’t have to give out any more details. The Holy Spirit is a big boy and can handle it from there. Pete thanked me numerous times and told me how much he needed to hear from God today.

I finally got home at 5pm and sat for 2 hours unpacking what had just happened. I was more excited by Big Sky Daddy’s Hat Trick than I was about my new car! I wondered what God’s kids told their friends and family later. Sharing God’s love in action always has a ripple effect. Good reminder to share your stories.

Oh, and my car looks nothing like the photo. Clean and scratch-free, inside and out. New tires. Low mileage. MN Viking Purple. It is perfect and was waiting for me.

It was a God-awesome Saturday! This stuff NEVER gets old!

Jared

Our young server squatted down at our table to take our order. The restaurant was packed and very noisy so maybe it made it easier to hear us. When he quickly bounced up to go grab our drinks, my sister Carolyn told “Jared” to appreciate how easily he could do that now as when you get to our age it is hard to just get out of bed some mornings. I suddenly blurted out “Are you a dancer? God is showing me a picture of you dancing.” Jared, who barely looked 18, flashed an awkward smile like….where is this going? and replied,” Yes, sometimes.” He looked like a deer in headlights, frozen in place, as I started to give him a word. Carolyn reassuringly interrupted with “she is in ministry and does this all the time.” As in, no your parents didn’t send us here. Ha!

Even though the restaurant was busy, he stayed and listened to what God was saying about him. He looked intrigued until suddenly a look of fear went over his face. Like I was going to read his mail or give some corrections. God whispered “Tell Jared that I love him. Just as he is. That he does not need to be anyone else but himself”

When I relayed this to him, Jared’s smile quickly returned and I saw a lightbulb go off. That for some reason Jared needed to hear those words. God then told me why, but I won’t share that with you :).

We paid our bill at our table and as we were leaving, Jared stopped us “Thank you, ladies! And thanks for the word and God bless you.” I was surprised that he knew the lingo. Must be or have been, at some point, a pentecostal churchgoer.

As I drove away, I felt a sweetness in my heart for Jared. And also for Big Sky Daddy. A good reminder that as believers we are spirit in a body. His spirit. You are connected to the Father at all times and you really do hear from Him. You can help change and heal this world one person at a time. The bible states that believers shall lay hands on the sick and they will recover. That also includes hearing His voice to help yourself or others emotionally heal. How awesome to be used by Him! To help His children see His love for them as you release love, hope, and encouragement. When a word hits home it brings the reality of God to the receiver. That Daddy God knows them intimately and cares deeply. Even if you are already a believer there is nothing sweeter than to see a REAL TIME GOD IN ACTION! This stuff never gets old. For the giver or the receiver.

Please step out when you get prompted. I assure you, it only gets easier and it will help build your faith too. Oh and always leave a great tip, Beloveds. Big Sky Daddy ain’t cheap and ministry is NEVER the tip.

Debby

My sister Carolyn and I had stopped at a grocery store close to my cousin’s home in Maine. As we were getting back into the truck a woman approached us “Did you drive all the way from Minnesota? I lived in Duluth for several years.” For over 20 minutes Debby continued to tell us about her life since then. We loved her strong Maine accent ….especially when she told us numerous times that her grandchildren were “sooooo SMAHHHHT.” Debby, who was 70, apologized if she smelled like Pot, but her son smoked a lot and was also growing it, in hopes of starting his own dispensary. Debby added” I had enough of that in the ’60s and ’70s. 🙂

She kept complaining about health issues and I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to pray over her, but I was waiting for a break from her long monologue. I finally said ” Can we pray for you?” and was surprised she agreed and then moved within inches of us even though she was wearing a mask. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit rattle through my right hand and my whole arm shook. Debby seemed surprised and then remarked, “I can feel that in my body! You have the gift like my friend does!” Me, “It’s the Holy Spirit’s power. Check your leg.” I kept hitting it and she continued to test it out. She was obviously delighted that her hip and leg had less pain. We then spoke healing to her heart and other ailments.

Even though it delayed our shopping trip by almost a half hour, Carolyn and I were blessed to talk and pray with her. God is everywhere. Even when you are on vacation. 🙂.

This is a good reminder that even though you might think a stranger would not be open to prayer. If you are getting that nudge, it might just be a Godly “land one in your lap” moment.

Silver

I recently attended a prophetic conference. When it came time for the offering I looked in my purse and did not have my checkbook with me. “Hmmm. I suppose I could use a credit card.” Then I heard God say “Give the ounce of silver you have in your purse.” So I interrupted Him with my human logic 🙂 “No. That’s a hassle for a donation. Then they will have to find a shop to turn it in or…..” Before I could continue to argue I heard” No, give it to Lauren. Tell her that I told you to give it to her.”

It was very noisy in the auditorium. A worship band was playing and the place was filled with people walking up to the front with their offerings. I could see that Lauren was now seated in the front row with her family and other organizers of the event. I didn’t want to disturb them. I thought maybe I could catch Lauren at the end for a couple of minutes. God whispered “No, go now and give it to her.” “But, I am barefoot…” God persisted “When has that ever stopped you?….. GO NOW!” I get panicky in crowds and struggle with some claustrophobia and am surprised that I felt no anxiety as I walked barefoot down the long
aisle, filled with people, to the front. I even squeezed behind some people to get to Lauren. I tried not to shout too loud as I handed her the silver bar and mumbled something about God telling me to give it to her. Lauren is always very gracious and wasn’t bothered by the interruption. She smiled, gave me a hug, and thanked me for coming.

I went back to my seat and laughed when the next speaker twice repeated some healing testimony story and how it related to the verse “silver and gold I have not but what I have, I give to you.” I began laughing to myself because my God is very creative and funny. I envisioned God smiling and saying ” Ok, Lauren, maybe the speaker doesn’t have any gold or silver, but I do! Daughter, I have ALL the gold and silver. I own everything! You don’t have to worry. You can trust me.” I enjoyed the rest of the conference and then left.

The next day I had this urge to message Lauren and tell her the story and the significance of the ounce of silver. Nah. She has young kids and is probably super busy after the conference. Besides, I am sure she got the point. She has been a believer and around this stuff longer than I have. But the feeling did not go away.

So, I finally messaged her and told of how God wanted her to have the silver instead of it going into the collection. Lauren was delighted that I had reached out with the details. She had been looking for confirmation that God was specifically speaking to her during the conference about something that was on her heart. Yes, He was Lauren! And I am so happy that I obeyed and disregarded my own logic of not wanting to bother someone.

Please don’t hesitate to share more of the “story” if you feel prompted to do so. Especially, if you feel someone has a closer walk with God, more spiritual experience, or is in a higher position than you are.

We all need confirmation that God is real, alive, and knows us intimately. I will admit I enjoy consistent reminders that He loves me and has my back! Step out. Even if you feel awkward about it. I’ve never met anyone who thought I was “ridiculous” for following up and clarifying what I heard or saw.

Make it a God-Awesome week, Beloveds!

One By One


As I was getting dressed for an appointment, God said “tell Kelli (the receptionist) that she was created to create.” Huh? In the past 2 years, I have never had a word for Kelli nor said much more to her than hello or goodbye. Then I heard a bunch of random single words. “Artist. Creative. Writer. Children. Book. Crafts. Etsy. Sales. Training”

Me: Huh? Which one is it, God?
God: All of it.
Me: Nah. Can’t be.

Ever start getting a word and then it continues on longer than you expected so you think it must just be you? So I start trying to figure out what God said and what I added. On my 25 minute drive I kept asking God, to help ME put it together. What is she supposed to be creating? I got nothing more.

When I signed in, Kelli was alone so I whispered “Do you know what a word of knowledge is? Or prophecy?” “Ahhh no?” So I explained it and told her God had spoken to me this morning about her. Her eyes got wide and I started with what He told me. Then suddenly All of the single words came out ONE by ONE. Just like I heard. She was surprised and told me that she was kind of working on all of them but hadn’t gotten serious yet.

When I left she thanked me for the encouragement and said that she would sit her butt down and get going on it.

Good reminder to stop trying to figure everything out. You aren’t going to look stupid, crazy, or wrong If you get just one word. GIVE one word. If you get a string of them give them too… just like you heard them. Our brains just want to fill in the blanks so it makes sense TO us! Trust that as He speaks thru you the Holy Spirit will fill in the blanks and the receiver spirit’s lightbulb will turn on…. by no effort of your own.

How many times have you gotten just ONE word and then you opened up your mouth and He filled it? He isn’t holding out on you nor trying to see if you will trust or be obedient.

Sometimes we can’t handle a couple of paragraphs without our twist on it. If it comes out in REAL TIME our brains don’t have time to put our human twist on it. Get used to not having a script before He uses you. Half the fun is to see how and when He will speak or heal thru you.

Oh, and you aren’t being prideful if you get a kick out of being used by God! Or sharing your part in it! We all know it is God through you doing the healing. Relax religious police. Just know and trust that He gets a kick out of YOU enjoying being used by Him and sharing those stories.