Unwrapping His Gifts

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Thirteen

'Joy, stand up. Stand up. She's asking for volunteers. The sooner you get this over with, the sooner your heartbeat will return to a normal rate and your hands will quit perspiring. You'll feel better once you get this over with. The gals in this room don't look like a lynch mob. Just do it. Stand up'.

Those were the thoughts running through my head three years ago as I sat in my first Speaker's Evaluation Group at "She Speaks". Suite 412 of the Renaissance Hotel would be my platform, and other aspiring speakers my audience. Though fear was strong, passion for the Lord and His message did propel me to my feet and the journey began.

Leading this evaluation group was the kindest, most encouraging gal. She was so happy and cheery, presenting a very non-threatening atmosphere. Lovingly she shared words of advice to counteract the knocking knees and unsteady nerves. Her constant smile during my entire mini message was an invitation to keep going. She seemed excited to hear what I had to share. She made going back the following evening so much easier. Her countenance created a safe and welcoming harbour. God and His Word are my life, and I had an attentive assembly.

One gal in this peer group captured my heart. She sat quietly. Her heart had recently been grieved, yet in her pain she was ministering to us. Tears flowed. She was real. Despite her loss, God's strength was sustaining and shaping her and giving her a testimony to share. She touched my life in a profound way. We exchanged e-mails, but like so often happens, life interrupted plans of staying in contact. However, I often thought of her. In our brief encounter that weekend her name was written across my heart.

Now, three years later, I was excited to be seeing my group leader again. We had e-mailed back and forth, increasingly more as the Conference was drawing closer. In fact, she made a visit to Canada weeks before I was to head to the States and it was such a surprise to receive that message informing me of her whereabouts. Unfortunately, her schedule didn't allow for any free time, but we did visit via computer.

Saturday morning, just before lunch, it was so great to connect again with Charlene. We hugged and shared and enjoyed a quick time of reminiscing together. While speaking with Charlene, she asked me if I knew that one of the gals from our group in 2005 was at the Conference again this year too. When she told me who it was, I knew God again was acting beyond what my heart could imagine. Can you believe it was this gal who had touched my life so deeply three years ago. Charlene said she would try and find her, and if she did she would bring her over to see me. Now, you must realize, there were over 500 women at this Conference. For Charlene to make this happen, she would have to first find this gal, and then find me! Not an easy task...BUT GOD!

Saturday evening while eating supper I felt a tap on my shoulder and it was Charlene standing there with Cheri. I couldn't believe it! God is SO GOOD! Our time together was far too short - only minutes and a quick picture, but again I felt so blessed. God was lavishing gifts on me that I would treasure always. (*As an aside, God was going to bring Cheri back into my life for another God-story before this weekend was over, so be sure to stay tuned!)



My Mom has a saying I've heard so often, "Each new day holds some lovely secret waiting to unfold". God loves to surprise us with unexpected blessings. He enjoys giving good gifts to His children. Thank Him today for some of the many blessings He has given to you and be sure to include His best gift ever - Jesus!

Tomorrow I will unwrap with you the message that God sent me to North Carolina to hear. Y'all come back now!