Destination DuVall...how we got to where we are: "God-incidents"

Blessed to have this view from our porch!

I've been blessed reading a book, "Prayer-does it make any difference?" by Philip Yancey. In the chapter I read this week, he mentions how he tries to see "coincidences" as "God-incidents". He goes on to say, "If I remember, I can commit to God in advance a difficult letter I must answer, a thorny problem I must deal with in my writing, a nagging physical ailment, a phone call to a needy relative, a social engagement I dread. The very process of presenting these requests to God puts me in a different frame of mind before the event. And if I remember to pause afterward and reflect on what happened, often the traces of God appear, seen not by proof but by faith." (pg.106 Chapter 2: Unraveling the Mysteries)

One of the "God-incidents" we recently experienced was with our car. We got our routine service done couple of weeks ago. Right before that, Mike had noticed that the engine wasn't sounding right. So he mentioned it to the mechanic when he took it in. But the mechanic didn't hear anything. A week later, it was driving worse than before. So Mike tried to take it in and even took the mechanic out for a drive so that he can hear that the engine wasn't sounding right. The car drove perfectly...again! However, as soon as he starts driving home, it starts sounding funny. Mike tried taking it into the mechanics and drove him around AGAIN a week later, but exactly the same thing happened. It was so strange. It would be driving with a weird sound on the way to the car shop but as soon as the mechanic would get in, it starts driving just fine. The mechanic finally told Mike, "You are trying too hard to see a problem that's not there!" Believe me, we were not trying to make up car problems! We just wanted to get it fixed before it got worse. So I prayed really hard about our car everyday for a week. Guess what? It's driving fine now! I know it's a small thing, and some people probably will call it a "coincidence". But I'd like to believe that it was "God-incident". I'd like to think that God was trying to save us some money (because car parts are VERY expensive here on the island) and help us avoid unnecessary stress.

I'm guilty of waiting to pray about something specific until I consider it a "problem" (like the car situation for example). I need to present little things as well as big things that come to my mind during the day and present them to God. Because by communicating with Him like that, it will put me in a different frame of mind. It will help me SEE God's intervention and His presence in my life more clearly...something that's been there all along.

Mike's volunteers for his demonstration during "Dental Health" presentation.

Another "God-incident" that happened this month is Mike's been praying specifically that he'll have more opportunities to witness outside of the clinic. Mike was asked to be involved in a worship service last weekend at the church we usually go to and he was asked to do a short presentation on "Dental Health" at another SDA church that afternoon. This week, he was asked to preach at the downtown SDA church this Sabbath. Why all the invitations all of a sudden? Some people probably will call it a "coincidence". But I'd like to believe that it is "God-incident".

Megumi quickly making new friends.

Friendly children that came to the presentation.

I challenge you this week. Please try presenting your agendas, worries, requests, praises to God throughout the day. And when things happen and you want to just call it a "coincidence", try to see it as a "God-incident". I guarantee that you will see more and more of "God-incident" in your life and you will be blessed!

Daddy and the birthday girl!

One last thing...Our daughter, Megumi turned TWO years old at the beginning of this month. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. She's our sunshine and she brings so much laughter into our lives. Megumi helps me to be a better person and I am lucky to have her call me "mommy"! Megumi, we love you to the moon and back! Remember to keep shining for Jesus!