As I write this story I'm sitting in the computer room of the La Quinta Inn in Chapel Hill, N.C.  Today has been an unusual day in traveling from Morganton to attend a Small Claims Seminar at the University of North Carolina for the rest of this week.  When I awoke this morning I immediately began to pack for my (3) day trip and delayed mowing grass.

However, I wondered if a bike ride or a short jog would be possible because it was such a beautiful morning.  I typically ride my bike 4.2 miles to one end of the Greenway and then jog back, but today it was as if the Holy Spirit decided on a different course. 

As I traveled around the soccer field and by a community garden sponsored by the City of Morganton, I saw several men working in their gardens.  My curiosity made me want to inquire about this community garden, but each time I thought of talking with one of them it appeared to me that they were busy and I should wait till another day.  So, I turned my bike around to leave, but in my head I was thinking....you're here, quit procrastinating and you might as well ask. I caught a glimpse of a lady watering flowers on the far end of the garden.  I approached her and said, "Excuse me ma'am but could you tell me about the purpose and operations of this community garden?"  She explained that it was sponsored by the City for residents who live in apartments, mobile home parks, etc. that like to garden but have none.  As she explained, I sensed a very sweet spirit about her, and she seemed to be humble. Her demeanor was that of a Christian person so I asked, "Ma'am are you a Christian?"

What she said next surprised me. She replied, "No, I'm not a Christian but I believe in God."  I asked her if she knew what it meant to be a Christian, which she did not and I went on to explain.  It was so amazing how the Holy Spirit just came over me and started giving me words and illustrations.  I shared my salvation experience and was able to use God's Creation to find common ground and the wind as an illustration of the Holy Spirit of God. I shared that many people are going to miss heaven by (18") the distance between our mind and our heart, the difference between believing in God and having a personal relationship with Jesus who lives in one's heart.  I talked about divine appointments that God sets up daily for us. I shared Proverbs 20:24 of how a man's steps are directed by the Lord so he can understand his own way.  I shared John 3:16, the Roman Road, parts of the F.A.I.T. H. evangelism outline and lots of other wonderful scriptures explaining the Gospel.  When I was finished sharing and explaining, I said to her, "Ma'am can I ask you a question?"  She nodded her head yes.  I asked, "If you had the cure to cancer would you keep it to yourself?"

She said, "Of course not!"  I said, " Neither would I but you know what,  I also have the answer for a sin disease that ultimately will end in death, It's called Jesus Christ.".....Ma'am would you like to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and invite Him to be your Savior and Lord?  She replied, "Yes, I would."....."Ma'am, would you like to do that right here in the midst of your Garden?" she replied, "Yes, I really would like to do that."

Right there in the Community Garden across from the Soccer field, Donna prayed to receive Christ as her Savior and Lord. After praying she expressed her thanks again and again.  She told me, "I know God sent you here today, you have no idea, if you only knew...."

Goose bumps came over me in thinking about what she may have been facing or contemplating. For a short time longer I talked with her about being a baby Christian and the next steps.  I asked her if I could bring her a Bible and some new believer materials and she agree and told me how to find her. 

In closing, I wanted to finish with these words.  Luke 9:23 says, "If any man comes after me let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me."  Do you know what the hardest part is?  To deny yourself.  You see, I'm really a selfish person and I make time for my wants.  Today, God set up a divine appointment for me, actually each day He does this.  The question is how often do I miss that appointment because of my own selfishness?  Today, I thank God that I was sensitive to His Holy Spirit because the truth is Each Day, Each Moment, and Could Be My Last!  Therefore, I need to always LIVE WITH URGENCY, SEIZING the DIVINE APPOINTMENTS that GOD has set up for me.  I look forward to seeing my new sister in Christ again and to to help her grow in Christ.  Please remember Donna in your prayers and praise God for her new found faith in Jesus Christ.