a view through annie's eyes

This is my first time to participate in Patty’s Girlfriends in God Godstop Friday. If you would like to see other’s great Godstop moments this week, drop by. I know you will enjoy it.

This week I saw God’s Handprint in the sweetest moments—one that I know only my amazing God could have orchestrated down to the last detail. It all happened in the land of blog where perhaps there is more authenticity and dear hearts for God than in much of the rest of my life. In a very real way, you are Christ extended to me.

A few years ago, I met my first internet friend, Jean, when we decided to go to a Living Proof Live conference in her area. When I met her daughter, she said “So you’re the ax murderer from Texas.” She was right. I was the one I warned my kids about all those years. Don’t talk to people on the internet. Be safe. Be smart. The thing I knew about Jean was, had she been a predator, she would have been bored silly by the time we finally decided to meet in person. She had such a heart for God and had offered some of my most trusted wisdom. We both had a safe place to visit and feel accepted, in our “dust ourselves off and try again” walks with the Lord. Despite the distance, we are the best of friends.

Earlier this week, I text messaged my blog friend, Angie, as she traveled to see her mom over the weekend. We email back and forth and will meet soon to know face to face the sweet friendship we’ve shared over a computer screen. I’m already so very excited. And one of the best parts is we will worship together and share some hymns and give our God some mighty praise for all He has blessed us, especially in orchestrating our friendship.

All week, I have eagerly awaited Kathy’s grandson, Collin, to arrive, praying right through her countdown on her blog, and knowing her Kaitie will be raising Collin by herself for a while, as her husband serves our country. I prayed for their family when they should be together but for his unselfish gift, are not. Welcome, Collin Robert Wicker, born January 25!

Two days ago, my blog friend, Shonda, emailed me with an urgent health concern—one I have known well over the years. She found a “lump” and thought of me because I “would know how to pray.” We talked on the phone, and it was a sweet coupling of Christian friends to walk through a scare together. I had the privilege of sharing her miracle this week of good news that all was okay, and her heart for a couple of days with a live precious voice.

A few hours ago, I met my online Bible study facilitator, Bev, at Starbucks. She was traveling through Houston, and we met for the first time, though it seemed we had known each other for much longer. We both choked back tears through smiles as we hugged each other tightly, for the closeness God had given us through an immediate connection. Neither of us could remember that first contact. I remember reading a comment of hers and wanting to know more about that heart that ran as deep as the river of love she had for “her beautiful God.” She is just as beautiful as you all might have imagined, and the time flew as we talked of those same deep things that touch both of us and how good God is to give us each other at this time.

That was just this week, and I am blown away by His goodness for us–for the connections through a tool like the internet, for deep hearts for Christ that enrich my life more than words can convey. So many of you have blessed me beyond what a single post could say, but I want you to know how grateful I am for you. I pray for daily things that go on in your lives, and I often am touched to the core with your love for Him. And today, especially I thank Him for Patty, who hosts this pause in my day to reflect on where I see Christ. Godstops, indeed. Ones that bring me to my knees in gratitude for a source of friendships I would have voted “least likely to succeed.” All are Godstops that make me love Him even more.