179 ~ Think Back And Remember

By Kay Heitsch

As the years have gone by, I like to remember how God has cared for me in the past. Each time I relive an experience in my mind, I can see God's love and how He has cared for me.

Several years ago, I found myself in a situation I did not expect. My husband had decided to take a job that wouldn't require him to be home every day. I remember praying, "God, I'm trusting You to take care of me."

The first night I would be alone, a friend from another state came for a visit. I was expecting him, but I didn't realize I'd be alone. I could see this as God taking care of me right from the start.

Most days, I felt fine, but one night I felt a little lonely. Out of the blue, I received a message on FB. It was from a guy who had been in the youth group I co-led. He reminded me that I was never alone. I could clearly see that this message was from God. He was reminding me, once again, that He was taking care of me.

We have moved several times over the years. As a result, we've had additional mortgage payments. Our payment was pretty high.

One day, we heard the doorbell ring. Bill went to the door but didn't see anyone there. However, a package was left on the porch. Bill brought it in. We were curious, wondering what it could be.

Inside the package were many forms to fill out to refinance our home. We had not sent for this. Bill decided to fill out the paperwork and send it back, and see what happens.

Lo and behold, everything checked out, and our mortgage payment was significantly reduced.

We all go through uncertain times in our lives. We don't know what the future holds. During these uncertain times, I would like to suggest that you reflect on how the LORD has cared for you in the past.

Our past experiences with God can help us trust Him when we face situations in the present. Always remember that God loves you! Don't worry! Put your trust in Him. He will take care of you.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

178 ~ Is That It?

By Kay Heitsch

On Thanksgiving Day, many people say prayers before they eat.

I had an extraordinary friend named Dimple. She was one of the most spiritual people I have ever met. I'm not sure how old Dimple was, but she always said she was pushing 100.

Dimple and I spent a lot of time together. On many occasions, we would go out to lunch. Before we ate, Dimple would pray. I was surprised at her simple prayers. Sometimes she would close her eyes, but many times she just spoke.

For instance, she may say, "Father, thank You for this special time I can spend with Kay, and thank You for this food."

I was a new Christian at the time, and I remember thinking, "Is that it?" I had heard people pray many times, and they blessed everyone from ten-buck-two and went on and on until the food was almost cold.

Because of Dimple's relationship with God, she talked to Him as her friend. She didn't need to go on and on in her prayers.

Knowing Dimple, I'm sure she had conversations with the LORD all day long.

I'm so thankful to the LORD this Thanksgiving for bringing Dimple into my life. She taught me so much about how to live in a simple personal relationship with God.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

177 ~ Unconditional Love

By Kay Heitsch

I have been blessed to have very special people in my life. God has arranged what I call Divine Connections.

Two Divine Connections were teenage girls named Evy and Susan, who often came to visit me after Todd died.

I was not a Believer at the time, but they were. What got my attention was their non-judgmental attitude towards me. They looked for the good in me and showed me love.

Years later, now I see that what I experienced from them was God's unconditional love. It was this love that eventually drew me to Him.

I'm sure at the time, and maybe even now, they had no idea what their love and kindness meant to a broken-hearted mom. But their love helped me to see God differently.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

176 ~ I Needed Help

By Kay Heitsch

I remember the first time I called out to God in earnest, after Todd died. I was in distress! I needed God to help me. I had tried everything I knew, but now I was at the end of myself.

What I heard surprised me! I don't know what I was expecting, but God answered me in my thoughts with these words, "What took you so long? I've been here all along."

There is a Bible verse that says, "In my distress, I called to the LORD, and He answered me." Psalm 120:1 ESV

I relate to this verse. I sincerely called to the LORD in my distress. And much to my surprise, He answered me.

God was there all along, but I hadn't sincerely called to Him. It took being in distress to call.

Don't wait like I did until you're in distress to pray. Talk to God. He loves to hear from you throughout the day.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

175 ~ Recurring Nightmare

By Kay Heitsch

I was raised as an only child. My parent had me later in life. My Mom was 38, and my dad was 40 when I was born. For most of my life, some people thought my parents were my grandparents.

Maybe because of this, I don't know, but my Mom had a recurring nightmare that I was kidnapped. She would wake up very upset.

Mom had always taught me to be friendly with people, but because of these nightmares, I was also pretty aware of what was going on around me.

We lived about 2 or 3 blocks from downtown. The highway US 131 ran through the town. Almost daily, we walked to town. Sometimes I would go alone to pick up bread or something we needed, but my Mom and I often walked together.

It was fun to see people that we knew in town. My aunt worked at the insurance company, so we usually stopped in to say, "HI." On the office counter was an iron that had melted from being left on too long. I'll never forget that! It was there to remind people to unplug the iron.

One day, when I was around 10, my Mom asked me to go to town and buy something. I was on my way home when a car, with a man at the wheel and a woman in the passenger seat, stopped. The woman rolled down her window and asked me to come over to the car because they wanted to ask me something.

I felt fear run through my body! I don't know if it was from my Mom's recurring nightmare or what. I turned around and ran back towards town and went into the closest store. I told them what had happened. The shop owner ran out, but the car was gone.

This happened to me twice as a child. As most of you can tell, I'm very friendly and I was as a child too. I genuinely believe the Lord helped me know that these people were up to no good. Maybe my Mom's recurring nightmares enabled me to be aware, too.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

174 ~ She Can't Be Real

By Kay Heitsch

When the holidays roll around, special people who are no longer with us come to mind.

This year, I can't help but think of Aunt Carmeleta. I spend a lot of Thanksgivings with her and Uncle Fred.

I remember the first time Bill met Aunt Carmeleta. He said, "She can't be real!" But she was real. Bill had never met anyone so kind, loving, and full of mercy as Aunt Carmeleta.

I was blessed to have Aunt Carmeleta in my life. She always accepted me for who I was and would say, "Keep being yourself." I'm sure she saw many areas I could improve, but she let me be me.

I will miss Aunt Carmeleta this year, but she will always be close to my heart.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

173 ~ Survivor

By Kay Heitsch

Last night we were watching Survivor. One of the players had not won any challenges, so he hadn't eaten any real food for 16 days.

However, I assume he was eating coconuts and other things he could find. I don't think they let people starve on the show.

After the day's competition, he lost again. However, another contestant who had won offered him her reward. She said he could go in her place and have the reward of food.

At first, this guy refused to take the gift offered. He said he wanted to earn it. He didn't feel right taking a free gift. Finally, he did accept the reward of food.

I couldn't help but think of the free gift Jesus offers each of us. The free gift is offered, but we have to accept it.

Maybe this guy thinks there will be strings attached to accepting this gift on Survivor.

However, there are no strings attached to the free gift Jesus offers each of us. We simply believe that what Jesus did on the cross was good enough for us.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2