My New Friend Joey

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

October 19, 2025, Crisp autumn air beckoned me as I began the beautiful drive to a country church I had planned to attend for quite a while. I left home in plenty of time to arrive early. Ooops! I can’t hear the turn signals! Oh, no!  My hearing aids are on the table (where I surely would not forget to pick them up!)

As I left the house for the second time, my spirit lagged a bit as I changed my destination. Was it me, or was it God doing the changing?

Thankful for a spot near the front door of our old home church, I grabbed my Bible and entered the sanctuary. It had been a long, weary week; I needed God-hugs from His children and His word. My first hug was from a sweet neighbor lady who “just happened” to be there for a baptism..

The music drew my hungry soul straight into the Lord’s presence; the pastor’s clear message nourished my heart. Since the baptism was in an adjoining building at the back of the church. I planned to quietly slip out the front entrance and head home. I knew the walk would be too much for me. Yet, as we stood to leave, my feet followed the crowd!

Only God could orchestrate what happened after the baptisms. I approached a young man in the crowd. “Hi, you don’t know me, but could you bring my car to me from the front of the church? I know I can’t walk that far.”

“Of course,” he said. “And I know you. When I was helping build this church, your husband would come by my house often to visit. He was a really nice man. He encouraged me to join this church, and I did.”

As I pulled out of the driveway of the church I had no plans to attend today, my heart was exploding. I can’t begin to tell you all the God-hugs of this day. Words don’t adequately express the joy of being in the right place at the right time.

Do you know my Jesus? Do you have the peace in your heart that only He can give? Have you learned to trust Him when things do not go as you planned? Can you freely give Him your itinerary? If not, we need to talk.

With prayers and hugs,

Susie