Heart Choices: Always Be Ready -->

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Always Be Ready


It's been a very busy summer for me. Ten weeks of summer camp with lots of little ones and I was ready for some much needed rest and relaxation! I'm fortunate to have wonderful friends who rent a house in Carmel, California for the summer. They invited me to fly over for a few days and I took them up on it. I'll have to post more about that in another post.

But what I wanted to share today is about always being ready. Let me explain.

I was on my way home. I was leaving Carmel on a foggy day with a temperature of 59 degrees. I knew it would be sunny with triple digit heat in Phoenix. I found my seat on the airplane and settled in.

A lovely woman several years my senior sat next to me. I had noticed her in the terminal as she was carrying a beautiful plant. We exchanged pleasantries and discovered that she was a recently retired teacher. We spoke for some time about schools and teaching.

I can't remember how we got on this topic. I think I mentioned that my previous career was in nursing. I've been at the bedside of many patients when they died. She was quite curious about this and began asking me if I had witnessed any near death or unique situations surrounding death.

I told her several stories. I had no stories of people coming back and talking of bright lights, etc. Only one patient that I can recall had a horrific experience that frightened him after he was resuscitated. But I shared several stories of people who accepted Jesus into their hearts before dying. I told her about Vivian who prayed only three days before her death. At her funeral, I was able to share with her family and they rejoiced as they had been praying for years for this.

I also told this very educated woman about having to be perfect to come before a Holy God. On a scale of 100, maybe Billy Graham or Mother Theresa might be in the 90's but where would we be? And that's where Jesus comes in. He paid the price for our sins by living a perfect life; 100%. Through Jesus we can come before a Holy God and be accepted.

1 Peter 3:15
Maybe I planted a seed that day. I don't know. Chances are I will never see this woman again. But I hope I planted a seed. And maybe someone else will come alongside and water it.

One plants and another harvests.

It reminds me of the plant she was carrying back to Charlotte.

Always be ready!

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
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6 comments:

  1. What a wonderful experience. I don't believe it was an accident that you sat by her. And how blessed to be able to spend time in Carmel. It's one of my favorite places in the world.

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  2. Good for you! I agree; we should always be ready to share the faith we believe. It's up to God to do the rest!

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  3. Oh, what a sweet, sweet story and I'm sure the encounter will bear much fruit in the days to come. Glad you got to enjoy some down time. I can't wait to hear about it.

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  4. LOVED this story. It's always such a blessing to be given an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. I believe you were right where you were supposed to be that morning, and took full advantage of the God appointed time. And now prayerfully others will do their part too and this sweet woman will come to know Him. And who knows how many other little seeds you plant along the way in the lives of those little ones you spend your time with,.... I am soo glad you were given this time away, and that you were able to have this encounter with her. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

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  5. Debbie, You did that woman a wonderful service, and aren't we told - "one plants, another waters, but God gives the increase.' You did your part, God will do His. Blessings to you - marsha

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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