A Walk In The Park

A few months ago, as I was walking with one of my students in the hallway, I heard the distant beating of drums. I followed the sound to one of the kindergarten rooms and peeked my head in. All of the children were seated in front of giant drums playing their little hearts out! I was so happy to be invited into such an incredible celebration of life orchestrated by a beautiful woman named Diana. When they all rose to their feet, she asked everyone to hold hands and led us in songs of peace and thankfulness. I offered to help Diana carry the heavy drums to her car and gave her a big hug. We saw each other on campus from time to time and would always smile and chat for a few minutes.

I went walking with a friend at the park yesterday afternoon. As we completed our first lap around the track, Diana crossed our path while heading to the parking lot. Her daughter was at soccer practice and had forgotten her bottle of water in the car. We were all amazed at the divine timing of our meeting and ended up talking for about twenty minutes. Diana mentioned that she was planning her first trip to Italy this summer and I shared that my husband, Derrick and I had traveled there a few years ago. I am so passionate when it comes to Italy, and was bubbling over with valuable tips and information. When I contacted Diana this evening, it was clear that I was chosen to assist her in the planning of her trip. When we surrender to God, He always gives us what we need, 

 

All Things Work Together for Good

Graham, the eldest son of the Steven’s family who lives down the street from my sister in Chicago, went to be with the Lord just before Easter. He was only 19 years old and loved God with all of his heart. The constant outpouring of love and support for Graham and his family from the community and on FaceBook (Prayers for Graham) was monumental. A celebration of his life was held on Easter Sunday. 

The Holy Spirit keeps guiding me to Romans 8:28 – We are assured and know that all things work together and are for good to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose. That is the scripture that I always turn to as a reminder that God always has a perfect purpose in all that He does. 

One of the many testimonies resulting from this incredible young man’s life occurred this afternoon. My niece, one of Graham’s friends, was incredibly stirred by the words of love expressed by the hundreds of people who attended his memorial service last night. As a result, she is now searching for a Christian church to attend so she can learn more about the Bible, and enjoy praise and worship time each Sunday. We agreed in prayer that God would lead her to the right place.

Our conversation confirmed what I know to be true – that our Father brings the good out of any situation, no matter how tragic it may seem to be. I am so thankful for my relationship with Him and for opening my niece’s heart to know Him better.

The Miracle of Prayer

Last Monday I worked with one of my former students who is now in the fourth grade. While we were on the playyard, one of his classmates told me, “Mrs. Cat, I will be having surgery to remove a growth on my thyroid this Friday. The doctor says it will be painful and most likely to come back and I’m nervous about the whole thing.”

Knowing that she is a believer, I took her hand and prayed to God, “Dear Father, we know you are in control of this situation and ask that you remove this growth and the fear from this child. We also agree that it will no longer be an issue and trust in you.” She went for the pre-op scheduled on Wednesday afternoon. The following morning, she flagged me down in the cafeteria. With excitement in her voice, she said, “Guess what? The doctor cancelled the surgery for Friday because he couldn’t find anything during the pre-op.” We rejoiced together and agreed it was a miracle from God.

As I was driving home from school that afternoon, I knew that I was to share this amazing testimony with others. I started that evening at my book signing and have continued to tell of this miraculous healing. Have a Good Friday and a beautiful Resurrection Sunday! God bless us all…  

 

Divine Timing

Last Friday evening I planned on attending One International Church’s “Beyond Beauty” Women’s gathering. I drove down the street and parked in front of my friend Gabriele’s home and dialed her number to invite her to go with me. She told me that she was right up the street from my home and was driving to a Bible study in downtown L.A. and asked if she should pick me up. I responded, “Sure” and told her that I was located in front of her building.

We had a wonderful evening and talked about how divine God’s timing is. She had left her house 10 minutes later than planned due to a phone call. We have to trust in God’s timing because it is always perfect!

A Day of Favor

My husband Derrick and I planned a little staycation in Santa Barbara to enjoy the perfect California sun and sites this holiday weekend. We would also stop along the way in Ventura for breakfast and to visit with my niece, Hanna. The breakfast spot of choice was Pete’s on Main Street. There was a half hour wait so we started chatting outside with a woman named Ruth Ann from Virginia. She shared some amazing personal stories of God’s perfect timing with us. Of course, I handed her my card with my contact information and told her I may be writing a sequel to “All In Perfect Time”.

We enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast of blueberry pancakes and other homemade dishes. When we finished our meal, I kindly asked the server for our check. A few minutes passed and I was becoming anxious to get back on the road and see my niece. The manager walked to our table and informed us that the woman who was seated behind me had paid our bill. I was so surprised because I had not even seen this woman or spoken to her! That is God’s favor right there!

The rest of our day just flowed with the same incredible energy and we woke up this morning so grateful for our marriage, our love, and our Father. Have a blessed and favored day!

Perfect Connections

One of my zumba instructors attended my book signing with her family. She purchased additional books for two friends who are grief counselors. I happened to meet them on Super Bowl Sunday and really connected with Sandi. A few days before, I was speaking with a woman, Julie who had called to confirm an appointment. We ended up conversing for ten minutes and discovering that we are both Christians. She confided in me and shared that she was having “empty nest syndrome” and inquired if I knew of a group she could attend to help her through this time.

I scheduled a lunch meeting with Sandi today and also asked her if grief counseling would be the right choice for Julie. She responded that it would be so I connected the two of them. It’s amazing how God works for our good and is always listening to our needs. He is the Provider and I am so thankful to be close to Him.

A Birthday Angel

Do you know when you’ve encountered one of God’s angels here on earth? I definitely know a beautiful little one who is turning 7 years old tomorrow. Her name is Chloe and she has the most loving and kindred spirit. I wear a silver ID bracelet that was my mom’s when she was a teenager. In memory of my mom, I inscribed her nickname, “Boopey” on the bracelet. Every time Chloe sees me, she runs up to me and touches my wrist and says, “Boopey” with compassion in her voice. It’s as if my mom is saying “hi” to me. I am so touched by the love of God through this sweet angel.

 

God Is Working Overtime

I have a new writing project early this year! One of my international readers has written her own story and has hired me to edit the book. Hallelujah! God is always connecting us through His love and nothing is impossible for Him! I am so thankful and will praise Him forever…