The Cruise; Book number two

Shortly after my first encounter with giving away a book, my husband and I went to the barbeque being served on Cococay for lunch. We sat down with our plates at a picnic table. Beginning to eat, we were joined by a couple who sat across from us. They shared with us that they came with two friends; their Pastor and his wife. I knew this was again, no 'chance' encounter. My thoughts drifted to the book and what God would have me say. Often my nerves get the best of me. I do not want to ever come across as prideful when telling someone I have a book out. I know, without a doubt, this book is His not mine. Even saying the words "I have a book out" is often hard for me. We began talking and shared where we were from, and then their friends joined us. I wrestled with whether or not I should bring the book up. Finally the thought went through my mind that if I did not step out in faith that I might miss the chance for God to use the book and me. I did bring it up and it was well received. I not only left the second book I had brought on the trip with them, but received a call asking for another book to be sent.

God's voice and strength lives inside of all believers and we are often called to step out in faith to do His will. Stepping out will not always be easy but can come with the great blessing of feeling His presence as we do His will.

The Cruise; Book number one

Last week I was on a cruise with my husband. Before I went I felt God encourging me to bring two books. I had gone through seven days of the trip and still had both books. On the seventh and last day I woke up thinking of missed oportunities. I thought that maybe I had been so caught up in the wonderful places I was visiting and this beautiful ship I was on, that I had missed who these books were to be given to. My husband and I boarded a small boat and went to the last island we would visit, Cococay. I could not stop thinking about the two books. I spoke to God sitting on the beach that day saying "I want to do your will with the books Lord, and not miss an opportunity". I decided to go look at the things the locals were selling on the beach. I walked through a booth with a Christian music station playing. As I was leaving I told the Lord I wanted to buy something at this booth. Well, something caught my eye just as I was stepping out of the booth, (God is so good) and yes I bought it. The best part was not the cute swimsuit wrap I found, but the man that helped me with the purchase started talking about our Lord and sharing how good He is. I walked away knowing I was coming back to leave the first of the books with him.

Maybe I did miss oppurtunities on this trip, but our God is so good to let us have the opportunity to serve Him again and again. What an honor.

The art show

I went to view a friends' art work that was on display at one of our local gift stores. I shared with her that my book had come out. I pulled it out of my purse to show it to her when someone shopping overheard us. She asked if she could see the book, so I let her have a look. As she looked it over she began to share with me the story of the funeral she would soon be attending. A friends' daughter had lost her husband while he was working out of the country. It was a tragic and very sad death and his wife was pregnant with their first child. The lady that I met in the gift store bought the book that day. I was told that the young widow gave birth to a little girl around the holidays and the book has become part of the memories she will share with this little girl someday.

The lady from the gift store has become a good friend of mine. She continues to share the book "I'll See You in Heaven", with many as they go through grief of their own.

Vickie

Welcome to May

I pray this will be a blessed month for all. For those of you grieving, I pray this month will bring healing; That this month will breath new life and strength into you as each of you experience the beauty of God's creation's coming into bloom.
God Bless all,
Vickie

Hearing the Voice of the Lord

My husband and I were on our way over to our cabin in Eastern Washington. I put a book in my purse just in case I met someone who might be in need of it. I want to do the will of God with the book, and I know it is such a miracle just to be apart of it. My husband was driving and I was enjoying the beautiful colors of the trees when a thought passed through my mind. I would meet someone God wanted me to give the book "I'll see you in Heaven" to. I actually said in my head "God, if this is you, I want to be obedient". I questioned if this was my voice I was hearing or God's voice. Thinking I was just talking to myself, I almost dismissed this thought but again heard the voice of the Lord speak to me that He wanted me to do this.


We got to our cabin and decided to go into town and get something to eat. I was sitting in a chair when I first noticed the blonde woman with angel pins on her jacket. As I looked over at her my heart began to beat faster and faster. It was at this time I realized she was the one the book was for. Fear came all over me in an instant. Satan is always actively working to stop the plans the Father has for his people. All I could think was "I want to be obedient Father. Please give me strength". Before I knew it, I was approaching her and telling her I liked the angel pins. This started a conversation where she shared with me her story; The story of how her, her husband, son, and grandson were on their way to a wedding when a drunk driver hit them head on, killing her son and her grandson. She held her grandson in her arms as he passed away.
I reached in my purse and pulled out the book and told her "God told me to give this to you". We both started to cry. She loved the book, and was so moved by it. She ordered a few to have available for personal use for those she encounters on her journey as a speaker for MADD in schools in her area.


I saw for the first time that day how God was going to call me into obedience again and again to reach out to those He loves so dearly using the book.

"I Never Thought"

Ok, this is hard. I never thought I would be blogging at the age of 54. I never thought I would have a book out, let alone a book about grief of all things! There are so many, "I never thoughts" in my life today and I can pretty much contribute most all to my relationship with my Savior. When this journey started many years ago my life was turned upside down. Things I never thought possible started becoming possible. So here I am, being led by God to share with you my journey, with the book, with my God, and my life. Just so all of you know, I do this with fear sitting on one shoulder telling me I am not capable, I am not smart enough, I am not interesting enough, or I will just make myself look stupid. This being said, I will trust God, putting this before Him and believing He will lead.


May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you; show you his favor; and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24,25,26


Blessings,
Vickie

University Presbyterian Church wrote

I received your book today and spent a little time looking at it. I work with grief support groups and also families going through loss so I am sure I will have opportunity to share it. It is very well done.