Articles with the Tag Free to be Authentic

TREASURING OUR MEMORIES

Hope, Joy, Life, Loss, Love
Published on
Slice of Time

What is one of your favorite memories? Why is it precious to you?

One of the fondest memories that comes to my mind is spending a sunny afternoon with my 90-year-old uncle and taking this picture together. That day remains special because we talked a lot about our heartaches.  

Cascading illnesses and death in my extended family had threatened to overcome me. Within three years, I had said goodbye to six beloved members of my dwindling family. The tears kept coming, especially for my brother who died in his sixties from leukemia. However, God’s light always shown through when I remembered that all of them were enjoying the beauty of heaven and the presence of their God.

On one emotional day I pleaded with God. 

“Please don’t let Uncle Miles die yet!
I can’t bear to say goodbye to one more person. Please give us more time together.”

Let me tell you what happened!

God heard my prayer and gave me six more years with Uncle Miles! Years that gave us a chance to build a deeper and sweeter bond, and a more honest, caring, and loving relationship.

When he entered heaven at 96 years of age, joy came first before sadness, because God had given me more time to love and be loved by my unforgettable uncle.

What is your special memory? I hope you will share yours with us by leaving your comment in the box below. Let’s continue building memories to cherish.

The Open Door

Connections, Faith, Freedom, Hope, Life
Published on
exit-419280_1280

Sometimes God opens a door when we least expect it!

One day I called GoDaddy to ask some questions. A young woman answered and gave me her name.

“That’s the name of my best friend from elementary school,” I exclaimed, “and we’re still in touch. How do you spell your name?”

My question became God's open door.  

Later, Malia mentioned an experience at work that ended positively. I couldn’t resist adding, “I have God in my life, and that sounds like something He would do. Perhaps you’re a Christian?”

“Yes. God is with me every day.”

Malia said to me, “Gail, I see that your current website highlights your books. After talking with you, I think you should consider creating a small website. This would let people know who you are, your vision and how you can provide assistance to others through your own wisdom and teachings.” 

I sat in my chair, astonished by her comments. Only God could have given Malia those insights about my future and my desire to connect with women personally. With confidence, I said yes to a new website.

The next day Malia sent me a recap of our conversation. She ended with, “I’m super excited to see your vision become reality.” My viewpoint: God’s vision expressed through Malia!

Keep on asking,
and you will receive
what you ask for.
Keep on seeking,
and you will find.
Keep on knocking
and the door
will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:8 (NLT)

I had been knocking and asking God to show me the way. Then He opened the door and Malia walked into my life!

Have you seen God open a door for you? What was the outcome?

Share your experience in the comment box below! 

 

* Open door Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay