What Denver Was All About

Jesus told us, "My sheep hear my voice." He also tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our helper/counselor. Like any Christian, I hear this voice--often. Sometimes it tells me to walk down the other side of the aisle at Wal-Mart. I don't obey and when I go back into the store to get the chips that I'd forgotten, guess where they are? Sometimes He reveals things about Himself to me--his kindness, love, forgiveness, joy over me being His child. Sometimes He tells me to go with my friend on her speaking engagement to Denver. This time I obeyed.

About two months ago, my friend, Ava, casually mentioned that she was going to speak at a women's conference in Denver. The Holy Spirit (HS) gently nudged me--you should go with her. What a nice thought, I mused. Won't that be great...when the kids are older and I'll be able to do stuff like that?

A month later Jon and I went to Ava's house for a Bible study. Afterward, she mentioned the speaking engagement again, this time just 2 weeks away. The HS again nudged me--no, pushed me. "Go!" He said.

On the way home I mentioned to Jon that I thought that God wanted me to go to Denver with Ava. He agreed that if God told me to go I better go.

The next morning I told Jon that I was going to make travel arrangements. What?!!! You're really doing this?

Days and days passed, but I was patient.

Week of the event-- Jon, have you prayed about whether or not I should go with Ava? No.

Five days before the event-- I was about to read Narnia to Gem when the HS told me that now was the time to talk to Jon about Denver. I told Gem that she would have to wait and went to talk with Jon. I brought up the subject then let it go and went back to read to Gem. When I came downstairs Jon was booking my flight.

I had called Ava for details about the event and found out that it wasn't really a conference, but a ladies' tea. Ava would be the only speaker. She was going to teach on blood covenant.

When I told the kids, Gem said, "So you're going all the way to Denver to have tea?"

When I arrived in Denver my mind was in a fog (altitude? air travel? so excited I could hardly sleep?). It stayed that way the whole time. But what an experience!

The first night I got to go to dinner with two ladies from the hosting church. They were so excited about Jesus. It was wonderful to be with them since I was excited too.

I woke up the next morning early (5am in NC/3am in Denver). I did my Bible study on blood covenant and got so excited about the covenant that God made with Jesus/HS before the foundation of the world. Then I got ready for the day while listening to "Big House" by Audio Adrenaline. I would have been so embarrassed if there had been a camera. I looked like an iPod commercial.

Then I got into my car and started driving. I drove and drove and the HS kept telling me where to turn. It was kindof fun and got me guessing. Eventually, I hit 6th street in downtown Denver and knew where I was going--my uncle's house.

He had no clue that I even in town and it was only 7:30 in the morning and he usually sleeps in on Saturday. It was the last day of skiing at Vail and he was up early to hit the slopes. I called him from my cell phone and watched him cross the window to check caller ID. I called again when he didn't pick up, but this time when he crossed the room he glanced out the window and did a double-take.

After he got over the initial shock, we had breakfast and talked. I told him what God is doing in my life and in Jon's and about how exciting it is. It was a nice visit.

Then it was off to the ladies' tea. Ava presented blood covenant and then prayed with individuals afterward. I also prayed with a few ladies. I was so touched by one woman I prayed with. It was a blessing to be used to minister to her.

Later that evening, the host asked Ava how much money had been given to her in the offering. Ava hadn't counted it, but said that she would. As she began tallying, the host laughed and turned to me and asked, "Don't you feel like you're on the inside--like you're really not supposed to see this part?" I replied, "No, not really."

But in my heart, I did feel like I was on the inside--of something much bigger than I could comprehend--something that God was up to. I don't know why I was supposed to go to Denver. I'm just glad I did.