Sweet Sounds From Heaven

Recently, while meditating on scriptures that promise God’s Protection, my Spirit was very refreshed. One of my favorites is Psalms 91, but there are lots of scriptures, especially in the Psalms, that show how God protected David over and over again. Watching David remain calm and always take the high road when he had such a fierce enemy, encourages me. David’s heart was Pure before God and he always remembered HIS Covenant. Out on the back side of a mountain, tending sheep, minding his own business, playing his harp, chillin’. What a future God had for David. No wonder the enemy used Saul to torment David all the live long day.

David was being perfected by these attacks, like Purified Gold. God used these enemies to David’s advantage. God never waste anything. I don’t know about you, but I have not come to the point where I can count it All Joy when I fall into trials. I have, however, learned that God will not allow me to fail, and He will not allow my enemies to prevail. He is purifying and protecting us all at the same time.

Back in the early 70’s, while traveling north on I-75 in my little VW Bug, I found myself behind a big truck. I was thinking about jutting out and passing the mass of metal simply for a better view. Looking into my side view mirror, contemplated the maneuver, and all seemed quite feasible. Before I could totally refocus on the vehicle ahead of me, out of the blue came an automobile passing me like Greased Lightening. Almost blew me off the road. Within less than 60 seconds, a police car, adorned with flashing lights but no siren, whipped past me with equal velocity. I felt like a spinning top. I’ll never forget that close call and how thankful I was, when the dust settled, to still be alive and breathing air.

Sometimes, we can look back and see clearly where God protected us. Others may not be known until we arrive in Heaven and the video tape of our life is played. Personally, I could list more of God’s Protective Interventions than you have time to read. Even when I did not give God the time of day, He was watching over me with due diligence to details.

Sometimes, the stuff that happens in our life defies all logic. It may not be until way down the road that we can look back and see how that particular piece of the puzzle, that was allowed by God, (not orchestrated, but allowed), fits into God’s Plan for our future. The Hard Times help us to get stronger, purified, perfected and come forth like Pure Gold. Like me, you may wish that God would just leave you as silver or even bronze, but just think about it, Gold has the Platform and takes the Top Prize.

God wants to use us in this dark world. How can we cheer on others if we have never learned how to walk in the dark. Gosh!, I can remember times when I would squirm like a worm, but still could not change the situation, stop the ill treatment, escape the horrifying reality that this is where I am in life, and I’ve got to ride it out. One thing that I am grateful for is that somehow, God always encouraged me in my mess. Somehow, I knew deep down in my heart that these hard times would turn out for my benefit, and that these difficulties would not be for naught. I don’t really know how HE intends to spin my life, but when God puts a spin on something, it’s more powerful than Greased Lightening.

Joseph is another Bible character that is admirable. Remember him? He could not help being his father’s favorite. His coat of many colors made his older brothers very jealous. Jealousy will cause people to do things that defy reasoning. God gave Joseph Dreams, that he would have been better off keeping to himself, in my opinion. His brothers hated this little Whippersnapper of a Dreamer. So, when Joseph was sent by his father to check on his brothers in the far country, and his brothers saw him coming, they conspired to kill him. Reuben, the eldest outwitted them and convinced them to throw him in a pit, with all intentions of delivering him out and back to their father. In Reuben’s absence, Judah and his brothers retrieved Joseph and sold him to some passersby.

Joseph landed in Potiphas’s house, overseeing everything, except Potiphas’s wife. Potiphas’s wife would have loved to have Joseph oversee her as well, but Joseph, knowing that God sees and knows everything, denied her persuasive entrapment and ran. She lied, Joseph was thrown into prison. In prison he met the Pharaoh’s Butler and Baker. This young Lad of a Dreamer, interpreted each of their dreams perfectly.

The Butler would be restored to the Pharaoh’s House and to his former duties as cup bearer. The Baker… not so good. He lost his head in three days. Joseph asked the Butler to remember him when he was restored. The Butler forgot all about Joseph. God gave the Pharaoh a dream. When no one could interpret the dream the Butler had a Mind Jolt and remembered Joseph. The Pharaoh had him brought forth and yes, you know the story, Joseph satisfied the Pharaoh by interpreting his dream. He saved the day and was placed second in command of everything. You can read this entire story starting in Genesis 37.

There was a famine just like Joseph said. His brothers came to Egypt for grain. Joseph recognized his brothers, but his brothers did not recognize him. What do you think that did to Joseph? I betcha it made his liver quiver. Here he was, standing in HIS DREAM! A Dream, no doubt he had buried and forgotten… but not God. He’ll send a Butler to open doors for us. He’ll send a Baker, to place all the proper ingredients into the mix to make sure the cake bakes. He’ll send a Pharaoh to make sure we Rule and Reign in our Domain. It’s all that muddle in the middle that’s clear as mud. That’s when we must TRUST GOD right where we are on the way to where we are going. Forget looking for the ejection button. We’re in this for the long haul. God knows exactly when we have been refined. That’s when He’ll say WELL DONE, not half baked.

Hang in there!!! If you get Restored to Royalty right away, Remember me to our Righteous Ruler!!!

Yesterday I spent the day with my sister, Karen. We went to see her awesome grandson, Ryan Raymond and took lunch to share with Shanna, Karen’s awesome daughter-in-love. It is always wonderful to see Ryan because he is our Miracle Baby. Shanna almost lost him in the womb at 24 weeks, but Chris placed the phone call of his life time, God heard our prayer, answered and Triumph prevailed. We enjoyed watching him sling those arms and kick those legs trying to reach the White Teddy Bears on his Mobile above his bed. Initially, he was totally oblivious to our presence, even though we were eying him big time. Engrossed in his efforts to conquer early.

Karen was showing me some new picture frames she has purchased for Chris and Shanna. They were beautiful, I had seen them on a previous visit. One frame held a picture of Grandma Hensley holding Chris when he was a baby. As Karen tenderly held the picture, she said, “Sandy, you know I dream about Grandma several times a week, and they are always good dreams.” I thought, Wow!, Wonder why God don’t give me dreams about Grandma; we were Buds, but said “that’s great! Can’t beat a dream about Grandma.”

Today, committed to get my work done so I could watch the Florida/Tennessee match on TV. The game was really wop sided, so why not take a little nap at the half. Just a little Saturday afternoon cat nap. I dreamed about Grandma. Unbelievable! Grandma and I were lying on a bed in the old farm house; the one that burned to the ground in 1957. She was reading to me as if I were a child. I was a full grown adult. She hugged me when she finished reading. One of those Hugs that will take you all the way to the school house by foot on a cold blustery day.

Immediately, I heard someone at the door. There stood a man, whom I did not know, wanting to see Grandma. He had new windows with him. Unbeknownst to me, Grandma was putting new windows in the downstairs bedroom. He wanted to know if she liked the color of the frames. I was shocked! We both decided the color was good, when she revealed to me that she planned to change the exterior walls as well, and that might be just the beginning.

Incredible!! Grandma was refurbishing an old farm house. At her age, making decisions and “going for it,” seemed unusual to say the least. Lately, I’ve been pretty busy with my own forthcoming construction, which has not been without controversy. When I awoke from that dream, I was totally exhilarated. The Hug spoke volumes. God used a dream about Grandma to encourage me. Watching from the Banisters of Heaven, Grandma’s saying “Go For It, don’t let anything stop you.”

Psalms 27:2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. (3)Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. (5) For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. (6) And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of Joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. (7) Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. Teach me Thy way, O Lord and lead me in a level path because of my foes. (13) I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living.

Romans 8: 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?????

With all that said, I certainly am glad that God has ministered to me during these trying times. That He has reminded me to Pray and Stay in His Presence. He fights my battles for me and wins every time. He has only my best interest in mind all the time. Drop your rocks, principalities, powers, spiritual wickedness in heavenly places, rules of darkness. Jesus, Himself rendered you powerless, ineffective, spoiled, useless. Nothing has changed. Glory to God! When we remain on Jesus’ side, we win. Just a reminder that our fight is not with flesh and blood.

Eph 6:10-13 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord, be empowered through your union with Him; draw your strength from Him, that strength which His boundless might provides. Put on God’s whole armor, the armor of a heavy-armed soldier, which God supplies, that you may be able successfully to stand up against all the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood, contending only with physical opponents, but against the despotisms, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly, supernatural sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day of danger and having done all the crisis demands, to stand firmly in your place.

My place of Rest and Peace. Knowing that God has everything under control and everything will work out. I didn’t expect a Dream about Grandma. I didn’t expect a Wonderful Hug. I didn’t expect to learn that Grandma was Single Handedly taking on a Reconstruction Project. God knows just how to drop in on us, doesn’t He!! Just a little Saturday Afternoon Visit. I didn’t even ask God for a Dream about Grandma. I Just Wondered!!!

Ah, Jesus, Would You give Grandma a Great Big Hug for me please. He is still our Mediator. I Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6) Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Grandpa Hensley was a good looking fellow. He was more than just good looking, he was just plain good. He sure was good to me. As a child he bought me shoes just about every six to eight weeks. He had to, wore ‘em smack out. It was nothing unusual for him to taxi everyone in the community anywhere. Lots of people did not drive, so that station wagon got a real good work out. Taking folks to the doctor, to town to buy groceries; really just about anywhere they needed, or sometimes just wanted to go, he got his hat and keys. He was more than just appreciated, he exhibited Jesus to everyone. One of the most selfless people I have ever met.

Once when living with grandpa and grandma, we decided to take a trip to W. Virginia. He was ready in a flash. Took me and grandma a little longer. Grandpa was walking around in the living room with his hat on and cigarette in hand, just grinning, patiently waiting.

Suddenly Margaret, from across the road, appeared on our door step peeping through the glass storm door. She was swaying back and forth in her four year old style and proudly announced,  “My daddy goin’ to buy me a pretty little red gress.” Grandpa picked up that phrase and continued walking around, grinning, holding that cigarette, proudly proclaiming, “my daddy goin’ to buy me a pretty little red gress.” He was so funny. Such a stand up comedian. He said the same thing every time, however, just placing emphasis on one word or the other added so much imagination. Maybe it was the way he talked with his cigarette hand. Nevertheless, grandpa was in his very element. We were off to a good start. Margaret had no idea how much she added to our already adventurous day.

In that station wagon, winding our way through the mountain roads toward W. Virginia, singing seemed a natural thing for me to do. Grandma joined in with harmony. Suddenly grandpa also joined in with a wonderful addition of harmony. I knew grandma could sing, but never had heard grandpa sing. What a pleasant surprise! We sang old hymns in three part harmony all the way to W. Virginia. What a treat. Singing and Swinging in that ol’ station wagon. Who knew we could have so much fun. We even swapped parts. We all just blended in regardless of who started off. What a grand treasure, and it was all my pleasure.

Fresh out of high school and back in Whitetop. Really thankful to be through with school. Out of the blue they offered to send her to college. The thought disgusted her, however the value of education was huge, so off we go to higher learning. She hated it. She wanted to be home with grandma and grandpa. Later in life, the higher education afforded her promotions, just was not appreciated at the time. Once when home from college, she over heard grandpa say to grandma, “college has really taught Sandra a lot. How to smoke cigarettes and dance dirty.” You know, he was right. Her Spirit sunk because they were paying lots of money for her betterment and she was no better. Somehow overhearing that comment and sensing their concern helped her snap out of it, buckle down and concentrate on the goal, graduation.

Finally finished and on the job hunt. Seems now she’s over educated. Go Figure! Thank God for high school training in banking; she landed a job at the Financial Institution. Through the bank secretary, she landed a place to live, with dinner privileges daily. Seems like favor is following her around. Working at the bank was easy, but truly just a job.

Living at Miss Mary’s was more than an adventure. Miss Mary was 88, nearly deaf, a wonderful cook, sharp as a tack, always formal and wonderful at conversation. She planned a full course evening meal daily for her new boarder, Miss Ruth, the bank secretary, Cookie, her daughter, and herself. She served everything with elegance. Conversation was rich. We enjoyed each others company. All this for $1.65 a day. One dollar for the furnished room, and bath, $0.65 for the evening meal. The conversation and laughter were free. No helping with the dishes was allowed. She considered it a privilege to serve. What an honor to know her even for a short period of time in my young life.

Just settling in good over the summer and looking forward to hanging out with her new found friends a long time, we were awaken with really bad news. Willis came to tell her that Grandpa Hensley had died over night. That’s impossible, she’s thinking. She just saw him late yesterday. She remembered specifically, grandpa coming down the hallway towards her with his wallet open and taking out his last ten dollar bill. He handed it to her. She looked confused. She was now working and had money of her own. He insisted that she take it. Grandpa recently had a hemorrhoids’ operation, and was losing more blood than anyone knew, which resulted in a heart attack. It’s at times like that when our blood seems to run hot and cold at the same time. The shock of it all, hits us directly in the heart. It’s not that she didn’t know what she had until he was gone, she realized fully what a treasure he was. It was just much too soon to be without him in her life.

Life has a way of making us well rounded whether we want to be or not. Like round smooth stones that the water courses of life flow over, as it cuts it’s own way through our lives. Leaving in it’s wake, ripples of memories, no one can take away. It was hard and even confusing to lose grandpa so soon. But, one thing was learned well from this wonderful selfless man. He did everything he did as unto the Lord. Matthew 5:16 summarizes his life as was seen by all. “Let Your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Did this man leave a lasting impression on his first grandchild? When she surrendered wholly to God in 1978, immediately she started having supernatural dreams. She heard a knock at the door and arose to answer. When she opened the door, there he stood, Good Looking as ever with his cowboy neck tie, his grey felt hat, grinning from ear to ear. She awoke. Grandpa went to Heaven in 1965. He just wanted to show up and let her know that he knew she was new. Dad gum, if she ain’t still his favorite. She has to be. Did he make a lasting impression on her? I’d say that’s an unequivocal YES!

It had been raining for several days. Gloomy, overcast, steady rain. Sometimes, it rained harder with winds that blew sideways. Just seemed weird to last so long. This is Atlanta, not Seattle. She’s thinking, rain, rain go away, come again another day, but it did not. She called her home office to ask if she should go to work. Management sounded perturbed that she even asked. She was not trying to avoid work. It just seemed rather dangerous outside.

She went to the “L” shaped shopping center where her assignment was to open and maintain a fabric store. She was a lowly clerk and only employee. The shopping center was small with a grocery store on one end and a finance company on the other. The fabric store was situated in the arc of the shopping center. She’s still thinking, this weather is terrible. For people to come out in this weather, they’d have to be crazy. So she tuned in the radio and began her maintenance program. Straightening up would be the order of the day. Now, the radio is even questioning sanity of people who would venture out in the current weather, and asking people to please stay home, if possible . Evidently, management did not listen to the radio.

The store was all glass front with glass doors. The rain was going sideways again. This time, from inside the store it seemed as if she were in a big mixing bowl with rain whipping against the glass front with walloping, copious jolts of water and debris. She could hardly see through the glass at all, but it seemed as if she saw a car whipping across the parking lot. Oh my goodness! She strained and saw what seemed to be the roof of the grocery store whirling through the air towards the finance company. The radio had just announced that a tornado had touched down in Candler Shopping Center. Oh My Goodness! That’s Me, she’s thinking.

Her driver, who had just dropped her off less than an hour ago, also had the radio on and heard the same news. He made a “U” turn in the road and headed back toward Candler Shopping Center to retrieve his precious cargo. This all happened so quick, she did not have time to get scared. Over and done before anyone knew what was happening. Immediately inundated with emergency personnel and authority figures in uniform. They used her store as a satellite office, since it still had a roof. Amazing! She was relieved when her ride came and she went home, leaving the store keys and it’s contents in the hands of the police.

When she reflects on such matters, it occurs to her that she could have been the one who was killed, but she was not. Why did her roof remain when others blew away. She was not living for God. Only prayed when in danger. Someone else must have prayed for her. God had to have a right to intervene on her behalf. Yes, it’s true. God is still honoring prayers from years ago. Generations may come and go, but prayers remain.

Just want to take some time to thank all the people in my life who have and still do pray for me. People who always strived to show me Jesus. In my late teenage years when I was in College and Carla was in high school, we spent a good bit of time together. Slick would always ask God’s Blessing on our food. When he would finish, Carla and I would keep our heads bowed and eyes closed as if we had fallen asleep. We had not, we heard every word he said. When driving down Straight Branch, there was a big flat rock that stuck out of the mountain. On it was painted the words, “JESUS SAVES.” Slick would slow down to a crawl, he wanted to make sure Carla and I saw what it said. We would probably roll our eyes. Not any more.

It took more faith for me than it did for Carla. She was royalty, I was a rebel. Even before being crowned Home Coming Queen, she was royalty. Don’t think she ever got a spanking. I was a rebel from the womb. When I spent the night with her, before retiring, she would always read her Bible. I had my head stuck in a romance comic. We both finished reading about the same time. We just looked at each other and laughed. At least, she didn’t condemn me. I didn’t know enough to applaud her. I was still thinking about Ronnie and Veronica.

Thank you Slick for your prayers. Thank you Grandma Greer for your prayers. Thank you Grandma Hensley for your prayers. Thank you mama and daddy for your prayers. Thank you everyone who prayed for me and did not give up on me. Took real faith, but God had a plan and still does for me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your prayers kept me safe in unsafe situations, kept me going when the going got tough. Kept me from sinking when the sands beneath my feet were shifting.

When people pray, it gives God an avenue to work in someone else’s life. Can’t help but think about Peter in Luke 22:31,32. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: BUT, I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Romans 8:34 says it this way: “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us.”

All this is wonderful, however God relies on people on the earth to touch Heaven. Remember Jesus was talking directly to Peter, face to face. Jesus is currently seated at the right hand of Almighty God and has left the Holy Spirit here on earth to get the job done. Hallelujah!! So thank you everyone who has ever taken a knee for me!!

I remember reading the Bible with these new eyes. I’d read until I could not contain another story. I held my Bible close to my chest and said, “Lord Jesus, does anything like that ever happen today?” and went to sleep.

It truly was like reading after superman. Feeding thousands with just five loaves and two fishes, turning water into wine, opening blind eyes, deaf ears, raising the dead, miraculous healings all the time, disappearing out of the middle of a crowd, walking through walls. and one of my favorites, putting an ear back in place after it had been cut off by His own disciple. Sweet and Gentle Jesus! Jesus always did the right thing even when the right thing was not being done to Him. He always pleased His Father.

I always marveled at the way Jesus would show up and walk along with common folks and they didn’t even know who He was until He had left. There was always a stirring in their hearts though. You know, He still shows up and walks along side common folks today.

I dreamed that a man came to Richard requesting that he cast out a devil. Richard said he would. There were only three other people present, my two neighbors and me. We gathered around this gentleman and Richard used his oil, touched the man’s forehead with his finger and commanded the devil to come out of the man in the Name of Jesus, and he did. We were all rejoicing that the man was free.

This thing came out of the man’s back; it looked like a snowflake. It was beautiful and just kind of floated through the air. No one else was paying any attention to it, they were all praising God for deliverance. I was engrossed in the snowflake.

The snowflake started methodically and effortlessly moving in my direction. Now, I like snowflakes, but this particular one was demonic, and I knew it. I did not want this snowflake to enter into me, I had my own issues. It moved slowly so I just hit it with my little blue Bible every time it got near me. Kind of like playing ping pong in slow motion.

My friends were paying me NO attention. It was like there was a glass between me and them. I’m thinking, where are my friends when I need them. I was definitely on my own. You know, I’m not real smart, but it dawned on me, this snowflake uses NO energy. Even though all I did was hit it with my Bible, sooner or later I would be too exhausted to continue to hit it and it would prevail over me. I would lose my game at ping pong. I was beginning to sweat. Actually, I was a little angry that my friends were out to lunch.

I hit that snowflake like I hated it and said, ” In the Name of Jesus!” That snowflake melted and fell to the ground. I could not believe my eyes. What a revelation. The name of Jesus. I immediately woke up.

The name of Jesus is more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet. We don’t even have to find a telephone booth and change clothes. We just need a changed heart, and that’s His specialty. It’s HIS NAME, not ours, Hallelujah for that!!

I love animals and they have always been a big part of my life. As far back as I can remember I have had dogs or cats and sometimes both. They give us so much love. People who have never loved an animal don’t know what they are missing. That unconditional love, we don’t always get from people, unfortunately.

The latest animals who lived with me were two big dogs, Dusty Rose and Karl. Dusty Rose came from the animal shelter and Karl just came.

Taking a trip to the beach with some friends and Pat was doggie sitting with Dusty Rose. Upon arriving home there was this big collie outside my fence. After speaking with Pat, she informed me that the Collie had been there ever since I left, 3 days. Oh no!

Wrecked my car on the way back from the beach just outside of St. Augustine and had to have help to get home. Now this collie is looking longingly in my direction. I’m thinking, Oh great, I lost a car and found a dog. What a swap. I really did not want another dog, Dusty Rose was just plenty.

Pastor Danny was consulted to pray. I needed favor with my insurance company since the wreck was my fault and this big dog needs a good home. Pastor Danny prayed for both and favor was extended. My car came back better than before. And as he prayed for a good home for the collie, I’m thinking no, no, no. Well, you guessed it, I kept him.

Since Dusty Rose and Karl were big dogs, I kind of felt sorry for them because they never had any bones. You know, like real dogs. So I went to the grocery store and bought bones, neck bones. Boiled them and served them. Little did I realize these dogs were swallowing the neck bones whole. When I realized what had happened, it was much too late. The dog’s digestive systems were locked up. I was horrified! They would shun the bowl of food, literally ran away from it as if it were poison. They were not having bowel movements.  My heart was sick.

Of course, my vet was consulted, which literally put the nail in the coffin for my dogs. They informed me that dog’s digestive systems cannot breakdown bones, and there was nothing they could do. Operations of this type were not performed. They were much too risky and expensive, sorry.

I prayed and cried and laid hands on my dogs for 3 days. No change. The vet had given me no hope. I’m thinking, my dogs dying was not an option, especially since it was my fault.

Again Pastor Danny was consulted and informed about the situation. It was obvious I had been crying. Pastor Danny prayed: “God, you hear the request. These dogs mean a lot to Sandra. Father God, I ask that you take your finger and turn it into a laser beam and crush and annihilate any obstructions in her dog’s digestive system, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

I agreed with the prayer and said “Amen.” After hanging up the phone, I’m thinking, don’t know where Pastor Danny was reading in the Bible this morning, but it sure was powerful. Both dogs got relief. One that afternoon, the other the following morning. I was so happy and very grateful. Thank you Jesus, that you care about everything that concerns us. Just like Psalms 57:2 says: “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performs all things for me.”

Laser beam! I wish I’d thought of that.

I had company. Reed and Donna Raye with their new baby, Amos had come from Quitman, Georgia to visit Aunt Sandy in Florida. What a treat. We all worked and somehow people don’t visit like they used to. At least, that’s what my grandma always said to me, and she was right. Donna Raye and I decided to run into Starke, our nearest town and play while Reed stayed with Amos Coy. We played in the Dollar Store and laughed until we couldn’t. We were trying on clothes and the mirror was evidently from Mars as it made us look like aliens. I don’t know, looking back, maybe that was an improvement. Anyway, we were having lots of fun when we remembered Reed and Amos were home alone. This was in 1981 and before cell phones. We decided we had better check in, so we headed toward Graham.

 When we arrived Reed was in some kind of a tizzy. Amos was limp and seemed to be running quite a fever. Reed had already placed him in tepid water in the bathtub seemingly to no avail. Well, now Donna Raye and I were in a tizzy too. We were all pretty scared. I came up with the idea to call my pastor just down the road. Of all times for him not to be home. With church tonight, I knew he could not be far, however time was an issue. Amos’ eyes did not look good. Seemed to me they were disappearing in the back of his head. I said to Reed and Donna Raye, “listen, now the Bible says believers shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover, it didn’t say we had to be a pastor.” They both agreed wholeheartedly. I said, “look here, I have hands and we are all believers. I’ll lay hands on Amos Coy and you two agree and we’ll just expect Jesus The Healer to heal him.”  At that point, I think they would have agreed to just about anything, but we were going to stick with the Bible.

I also remembered and reminded them about Peter’s mother-in-law who was healed of a fever by Jesus, and that Jesus never changes, and He is no respecter of persons. They laid little Amos in my lap. I laid my hands on his little, very warm body and prayed. Actually, I just reminded Jesus of his word. That He was the one who told us to lay hands on the sick and we were just following His orders. His job was to heal Amos. I also told the fever to leave Amos’ body in Jesus’ name. We agreed and said amen. Little Amos’ body began to cool off and he fell into a deep sleep. His color looked a lot better immediately and we were grateful. We went to church that night and Reed held little Amos in his arms and testified of God’s healing power and His faithfulness. Today Amos is married and serving his country in Iraq.

It was a beautiful fall day in the mountains of Grayson County Virginia. My sister, brother-in-law and I had just arrived for a weeks visit at Whitetop, and we were so excited. This is where Karen and I were from and we had not been home in some time. Karen and Ralph stayed on Pond Mountain in the cabin where our grandmother was born in 1903. I stayed with Doyle and Kaye, as I am a creature of comfort. We were trying to see as many of our folks as possible and one cousin lived across Whitetop mountain in Troutdale. Teresa invited us to come over for dinner and play guitar and sing, as was our custom when we got together. Karen and Ralph went over early and I told them I would be over later. We enjoyed their company and played and sang until we couldn’t.

It was about 6 o’clock and we decided we had better head back across the mountain toward our temporary homes. The sky had grown rather dark and a little snow had just begun to fall. This storm came out of nowhere. We left and by the time we reached the base of the mountain we were to cross, we were in a full fledged blizzard. I could hardly believe my eyes. Karen and Ralph were in front of me in a truck and I was in my trusty Honda. We had climbed the base of the mountain at its widest point just before it narrows to practically nothing. Nothing that is, but an embankment on the right and a deep fall to sudden death on the left.

Ralph stopped the truck and came back to my car. I had already started praying because things seemed to be pretty dire. Ralph was obviously shaken and said, “Sandy, I can’t see anything; this snow is blinding me and the headlights just go into space.” I said, “I know Ralph, this is serious.” He suggested I go in front and see if I could see any better. It was worth a try. I made it around his truck and was in the lead. I could see no better. However, I prayed “Jesus, if I ever needed you, I need you now.”

Suddenly, my headlights turned 45 degrees toward the embankment. I was shocked beyond belief. I could see the mountain. Dirt had never looked so good. I simply followed the winding, narrow dirt road all the way up the mountain, across the mountain and down the other side. It took about 10 minutes and the headlights never left the side of the mountain. I was crying and rejoicing all the while. It was obvious we were descending, but still could see nothing but the mountain. Then the headlights were straight ahead again. I thought, oh no, He’s left me, then immediately I saw the black top directly in front of me. Highway 58 was so beautiful I wanted to kiss it. I was so pleased and excited. We were safe. God had intervened and literally saved our lives.

 God is so good and I am ever grateful we have a God who can do anything. The next day was another beautiful fall day; the snow was history, so short lived. I stood on the porch and looked at my Honda as if it had life. It sure did the night before. Somehow I wanted it to talk to me, wink, blow kisses, anything, but of course it did nothing but sit there in the driveway like a good little car. You know, Jesus spoke to trees, the wind, dead people, fevers and they all obeyed Him.  Obviously, headlights obey Him too.  I will never forget our trip to Whitetop in October 1988 and especially our trip across Whitetop Mountain. God is so faithful and very, very smart.