My Jesus has the best sense of humor. This morning was glorious, waking with “wee hours” in my heart. Like every other word on my heart, at any time, I go straight to the “wee hour in the Bible” search. I learned exponentially more than I could have imagined. I sent one of the best articles to Joyce, as she is the first person on my heart when I read or hear the word “watchman”. This is to be the placemark and reminder to delve deeper in the future.
Immediately upon opening the store, I attempted to record my revised testimony. It should be noted, bubbling over with the Holy Spirit does not always make for good video. For one thing, the Holy Spirit will shut my mouth, and the expressions are not particularly pleasant. Add tears and perhaps you get a glimpse of why the videos are distracting. However, I learned several things which are meant to be included. How? When I become THAT verklempt, it is because it is so deeply entrenched in my heart. The Holy Spirit will literally squeeze every drop of love out of me.
The word verklempt is not in the Bible. However, I was directed to search CLAMPS and was directed to 1 Chron 22:3 where David provided iron for the clamps and nails needed for the gates and doors. Just prior to this, I read The Holy Spirit and Hinges (Acts 2:1-13). Yes, indeed, the Holy Spirit is my hinge pin and keeps the door open to Jesus and God. The door is wide open today.
The reason I have been redirected here instead of working on the ever-growing testimony is to share how that open door is represented by the door to my shop every day. No matter who walks in, I strive to see the Jesus in them. We have lots of Godversations in this little vape shop. Many customers/friends know there is scripture under these floors and behind the walls. This business belongs to God.
On this incredibly rainy day, our Kentucky 500 customers visit me. Back in July, I heard the heartbreaking loss of their sister-in-law. The wife’s brother was truly in despair. Ever since, I tend to pray for them all whenever I see the husband or wife from our Kentucky 500 customers. Today, the wife was in for the first time in two months. I asked her how her brother was doing and learned he was remarried! Bottom line, it sounded like God put the exact childhood friend in the widower’s life to bring him back into the land of the truly living.
At the tail end of that Godversation, Nissan Scott was paying close attention. After the couple left, Scott share with me about how his brother was very much in a similar situation. In his case, his best friend had died, leaving a widow and two children. His brother married his best friend’s widow, and they have been blessed with thirty years together. Interesting factoid: I have had Godversations many times with Scott’s partner, Karen. Today was the first real Godversation with him.
The next customer in the door listened to the last of my conversation with Nissan Scott. He opened the Godversation by telling me what he gathered from Nissan Scott’s story. I said something to the effect of God having his His Hand on all of it. He was so incredibly kind and complementary when he said, “You sound like my mother!” It was truly kind. Extemporaneously, he shares the nutshell of his life story. He was born and raised in Franklin, TN, developed a struggle with alcohol and chose to move to Murfreesboro to change his life. Just last week, he was dismissed from his management job. The following day, he got a job which uses all of his skills, without the management title, for the same money. His mom essentially told him, “Scott, this is proof God has your back.” We enjoyed an extensive Godversation and the Holy Spirit told me to write it down with “GREAT SCOTTS”. It thrills my ever-loving heart to hear that I am like anyone else who reminds people that God has their back! Thank you, Lord!
Yes, I googled and there is no mention of Great Scotts in the Bible. However, the Oxford Dictionary of English calls it a “dated” euphemism for “GREAT GOD!” YESSIR! I see exactly what He did there, too.
As if this were not enough, two more extensive Godversations ensued with Pickle Ball Kenny and Star Wars Patrick. I met both through Hope Fellowship more than a decade ago. When Kenny talked about the pickleball community and how they WELCOME ALL, I told him they modeled a biblical church. Being truly connected to others connects us to God. Also, the Edwards Clan will forever be in my prayers with any Star Wars reference. Patrick told me they were just thinking about our family on the way to the store today. Godwinks galore! To be extra clear, we have been open 3.3 hours, it’s 1:22 at this moment. I am here until 8 pm tonight.
Good Lord, thank you for ALL of it today. I am overwhelmed by your love pouring out. Please help me continue to represent Jesus to the best of my ability today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Floodgates. It is now 1:51 and Michigan Jake just left the store. What began as a conversation about whether or not he was from Chicago grew into the most powerful presence of the Holy Spirit today. I learned he is in a difficult season of marital separation and is father to three young kids. I encouraged him to consider less nicotine when I learned he never smoked before. I was nudged to bless him with a SidePiece with 60 percent less nicotine. He was moved and shared he feels like God keeps reaching out to him. I confirmed if he feels like God is reaching out, it is because that is very much what He does! Prayers followed with encouragement to read Hosea and keep asking the Holy Spirit to reveal why the message is for him. So many tears and not all of them flowed from my eyes. I am excited for that Godversation to continue.
Filled up. Poured out. Repeat.
The heart of the day is all about Jesus. I am so blessed to carry the heart of this day into writing the Growing Testimony.
, grateful to have some way to connect. Excited to hear if you meet Josie & Mimmo. I trust the day you read this will be exactly as designed. We truly loved our evening with you!
My God Room 