WEEK 361

Positive post Sunday, January 28, 2024…. Week 361.  One of my favorite topics to write about is how frequently God speaks to us during our daily lives (see Positive post Sunday, December 3, 2023…. Week 353).  Well, I had yet another experience that some might see as a coincidence, but I choose to classify as divine affirmation.  As Samuel replied to the Lord, so do I, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9-10)!

I just finished reading the book, “This is Why I’m Here” by Michael Ivanov, a practical guide to discovering your purpose and nurturing your dreams.  A very thoughtful and thought-provoking book that I highly recommend.  When I turned to page 66 and read about passions not being handed out but rather being developed, with the example of the reader being invited to an event at a nursing home by a friend who was passionate about serving elderly people, it caught my attention.  Then, when Ivanov goes on to write about having conversations with the old people, hearing their stories and wisdom, and recognizing they are often lonely and wanting to help, I began to feel like he was talking directly to me. 

With great anticipation, I continued to read.  When I read the very next paragraph, “Suddenly, something sparks, and out of nowhere, you have an idea to create a non-profit that helps connect lonely old people to young volunteers who come and spend time with the old people.  Suddenly, a little passion is born within you.”, I felt like I was having an out of body experience.  Those words jumped right out of that book and into my heart.  Although hard to express and explain my emotions and the sense of aura I felt as I was reading, it was very clear that God was definitely speaking to me, affirming my purpose!

Those of you who have been following my PPS writings will understand why reading this was a timely, amazing, and powerful experience that reaffirmed my purpose, to serve others, including connecting seniors and youth in a meaningful way.  My Positive post Sunday, December 31, 2023…. Week 357, which was written before I read Ivanov’s book, announced the launching of Bridge of Grace, a nonprofit being led by Founder and Executive Director, Jay McCall, whom I am sure will have a deep appreciation for this profound and intimate encounter I experienced with our Lord.

As noted in PPS Week 357, I’m honored and blessed to be called by God to be on Jay’s Board of Directors for Bridge of Grace.  Our mission is to inspire and encourage young people to write stories and poetry as well as create artwork to be published and shared with senior citizens, many of whom battle illness and loneliness. Our mission includes promoting the arts to children, to create a bridge between youth and the elderly, to bring much-needed joy to seniors and to honor God with our efforts.  Here’s the link to Bridge of Grace, https://bridgeofgrace.net/.  Sound familiar?!  Perhaps, now it’s clear why I have found reading page 66 of Ivanov’s book, “Why I’m Here”, to be a Godly experience.

All my positive posts are now available at www.positivepostsunday.com. 

Are your ears, eyes, and most importantly your heart, open to hear, see and feel God talking to you?

Do you respond and act according to His guidance and plan for you?