Couch Chronicles: June 2012

Divine Appointments & Fun Reunions

Home Sweet Home - my last week here

It has been a very productive week here at my mom's house. She has kept me busy that's for sure. We spent four days going through her house trying to get rid of extra stuff and prepping it for her garage sale. I still say she wasn't ruthless enough - we could probably go through the house again and have another huge garage sale! Friday was busy and we sold over half of our items. Saturday was a lot slower - but we still did pretty good. We got all the leftovers boxed up and ready to donate; and mom was thrilled to have her car parked back in the garage.

Today was the day I've been looking forward to this whole trip! I got to visit my home church that I grew up in - Turning Point Open Bible - and reconnect with lots of folks! It was also my book signing day at the Service Station Coffee House. I felt so blessed by all the support of my Spokane friends! I sold 14 books today! (Last weekend I sold 8 at the Intersection Church.) I have lots of fun pictures from the day - but first, I want to talk about my divine appointment I encountered today.

Divine Encounter? You bet!

I often say, "it is way too easy to leave church in the same condition that you arrived." In other words, we are good at putting on our "church" face and hiding our bruises (hey, isn't there a book about that?) from those around us. Mom and I found our way to our seats this morning at TPOB. I knew Pastor Monte was going to have me stand as he announced my book signing event so I strategically placed myself sort of in the middle of the room. you know; so I could do my turn while doing the princess wave! Anyway, there were four empty seats next to me. Pastor Monte had me stand as he talked about my book. When he mentioned my book was on surviving domestic violence, the lady that was in the fifth seat over from me, past the empty seats, gasped and looked astonished and amazed. During the "meet and greet" time - the lady slide over to me and whispered, "I need to talk with you after the service." I knew she had someone in her life that was experiencing domestic violence.

After the service, she sought me out and said that when Pastor Monte said my book was on surviving domestic violence she knew it was God's divine timing to place someone in her life who would understand. She continued to tell me that her husband of 30 years beat her up again just last night. We talked for quite awhile - and she was amazed at how much I was understanding and really knowing what she was talking about. "You just don't know how good it is to talk to someone who knows," she said. While the pain and trauma was still so fresh to her from the night before, I could see the relief and hope on her face as we continued our conversation. It was very apparent she too had been hiding her bruises while sitting in the congregation. She was amazed that others, me, had the same thoughts and feelings that she has. She was finally aware that she was not alone. I was able to give her some resources for some classes that take place here in Spokane. I also gave her a copy of my book. We prayed together and she left a little more hopeful than when she arrived.

So, do I believe in God's divine appointments? Absolutely!

OK - so here are some pics from my book signing event today - I'm so blessed and thankful.