This Homeless Man Breaks Down During Praise Song!

We made our way to the ocean front view to eat our lunch. We were hoping for a relaxing day. God had other plans for us. A homeless man began to act crazy as group of kids antagonized him. I hadn't noticed because he was sitting next to my hubby and I was turned the opposite direction talking to my son. My hubby (Anthony) was getting worried. The man had a large, sharp stick and was waving it around near him. He finally tapped me and said, "This guy's stressing me out!" I replied, "Are you praying for him?" He said, "Ya." I began to pray also, quietly at first and then softly out loud...only my hubby could hear me. As I closed my prayer, "In Jesus' Name, Amen." The guy stopped his ranting, ran his hands down his chest and said, "Thank you Jesus, I feel better." 
WOAH! We both looked at each other, "WOW!" 

The man moved closer to my hubby. He was rubbing his injured leg (he was using the sharp stick as his cane.) I leaned over asking him if he wanted my hubby to pray for him? Anthony gave me that look, "What are you doing?" LOL! The homeless man answered, "Wait let me see your eyes first." Anthony took off his sunglasses. The man got right in his face, staring for a painstakingly long, awkward time. He finally said, "You can pray for me...you've got heart." He reached out and put a death grip on my hubby's shoulder, who responded in turn by grasping his outstretched arm.

He prayed a powerful prayer for him. Then he began to pray for us, it was for blessing and protection over our family. My hubby was leery about letting him at first but after praying, felt like the Holy Spirit was moving in the entire situation and knew it would be okay.

When we finished, he began to play a song on his harmonica, "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire." I asked if he could play along with music? I pulled out my music player, pressing play as "Oh Praise Him," by David Crowder, filled the area. He began to play along as the Worship music began to touch his spirit. He broke down. He was struggling. He made one last grunt, "Argh" a relenting...finally lifting his hands in Praise. I told my hubby to start his GoPro...having no idea how powerful the video would end up being. It was incredible to see the spiritual battle/warfare going on right in front of us. The song finished  abruptly as my battery ran out. He sat down below us and said he wanted to play another song for us. Anthony said, "That's okay you already played for us." He said, "Not this one!" Then he played, "O PRAISE HIM!" 

SERIOUSLY...Talk about having a moment! It was incredible.  A normal, ordinary day turned into an extraordinary encounter. 

No matter what is going on or where you find yourself...NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!

JESUS has a purpose, a plan for you each and every day. Don't miss it!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Are You Prepared?

Our Hike Last Year "The Narrows" at Zion National Park

I'm preparing, training, working towards an upcoming goal. This is not going to be easy and I need to be ready for the big hike (Mt. Timpanogos.) The steep elevation and lack of oxygen is something that I worry about. I've had altitude sickness before which put me in bed for a week with severe flu-like symptoms. Now that  I'm aware of it, I know what I need to do to prepare. I'm not only training my muscles and doing cardio, (lifting weights, riding my bike, stair stepper and yoga), I'm also hydrating. I'm ready to counteract the lack of oxygen this, sea-level living girl, normally receives. I'm also allowing several days of acclimation adjustment before embarking on this memorial hike to honor my dad.

The key to any journey in life is preparation. Being ready for the expected as well as the unexpected (as much as possible) that which "may" or "could" happen. If my body is in tip top shape when the unexpected arises, I will be strong enough to endure it.

Your daily life requires preparation for the trials and tragedies that may come upon you. This however requires a different type of training. You will need to train your mind and spirit. It requires seeking your Creator. The One who knows the obstacles on your road, "before" they come upon you. Building your faith and trust in The Lord through prayer, daily scripture study and quiet time. Spending time with Jesus allows you to grow stronger inside, as He reveals truth and hope right there in the middle of the storm. A peace found in nothing else. Daily spiritual training sets captives free. The Lord renews strength when you feel unable to go on. He lifts you up. He puts your feet back on solid ground. A beacon of light shining brightly in the darkness.

Don't go through this life unprepared; hopeless, lost or alone. Seek a "relationship" with Jesus Christ and allow Him to be your life guide. Your trainer. Your hope. Your Savior.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8