Category Archives: Beauty

Avery’s Vision: A Spiritual Awakening in Evansville

Avery had lived in Evansville, Indiana, for most of her life. She loved the vibrant feel of the city, the blend of history and modernity, the tranquil riverwalk along the Ohio River, and the lively energy brought in by the students from the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana. But what she experienced one night in a dream was unlike anything she had ever encountered before.

In her dream, Avery found herself standing in the heart of downtown Evansville, right at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Main Street. The city looked familiar yet different. The streetlights cast a golden glow, and a soft mist hovered over the river. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept through, yet it carried a presence of peace rather than destruction. As she turned towards the Ohio River, she saw a mighty tidal wave rise—not of water, but of radiant, golden light.

A voice, strong yet tender, called her name: “Avery.” She turned and saw a figure clothed in brilliant white, His eyes like fire, yet filled with boundless love. She knew instantly it was Jesus.

“My daughter, do you see what I am doing in Evansville?” He gestured towards the city, and suddenly, she saw the streets come alive with a different kind of vibrancy. People were falling to their knees in prayer, worship rising from every corner. Families were being restored, and those who had long been afflicted found healing. The bars and restaurants, usually filled with the noise of the night, were now places where people gathered to share testimonies of transformation.

Avery felt overwhelmed by the beauty of what she was witnessing. “Lord, what is happening?” she asked.

“This is a fresh anointing,” He said. “I am moving in new ways, calling my people to abide in Me. No longer will they run to empty wells; they will find their source in Me. Those who have been accustomed to battle mode will now live ascended. Those who have been weighed down will rise in my strength.”

As He spoke, she saw waves of revival washing over the city. Churches overflowed with worshippers, and even those who had once rejected faith were now seeking His presence. The riverwalk, a place where tourists often strolled, became a place of divine encounters. People sat on the benches, tears streaming down their faces as they encountered God’s love.

“But Lord,” Avery asked, “how will this come to pass?”

He extended His hand, and in His palm, she saw a small seed. “It starts with a willing heart,” He said. “Those who seek My kingdom first will walk in a slipstream of My Spirit, carried by grace. The provision has already been made; the assignments are already set. They must trust, obey, and move with Me.”

Avery nodded, feeling a deep stirring in her spirit. She knew she had to share this vision. As the dream began to fade, she heard His final words: “Stay awake, positioned, present. The time of transformation is now.”

Then she woke up, the presence of the Lord still tangible in her room. She knew Evansville would never be the same again.

Christian Book Club Meeting in Denver

The warm evening air of Denver filled the room with a gentle breeze as members of the Christian Book Club gathered at a cozy community center in the heart of the Mile-High City. Mabel, a young and passionate leader of the group, stood at the front, ready to guide the evening’s discussion. The club had been growing steadily, attracting more members with each meeting, as word spread about the spiritual fellowship, thought-provoking book discussions, and the sense of community they were building together.

Denver, known for its stunning mountain views, vibrant arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods, was an ideal place for such a group to flourish. The city’s rich cultural mix mirrored the diversity of the book club members, who came from all walks of life. Some were lifelong residents of Denver, while others had moved to the city in search of new opportunities. Many had found in this city not only a bustling metropolis but also a spiritual home where they could grow in their faith.

“Welcome, everyone,” Mabel said as she smiled warmly at the group, which was comfortably seated in the well-lit room. “Tonight, we’re going to delve into a new book that’s been on my heart for a while. It’s called The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren, and it’s all about understanding God’s purpose for us and living a life that aligns with His will. I think it’s going to be a powerful discussion.”

The book club had been meeting for months, reading various Christian books that deepened their understanding of faith and helped them grow spiritually. But this book, The Purpose-Driven Life, was particularly special to Mabel. She had first read it during a difficult season in her life, when she was searching for direction and meaning. The book had helped her discover her true purpose in God’s grand design, and now, she wanted to share that same transformation with the group.

“Before we get into the discussion,” Mabel continued, “let’s take a moment to pray together.” She bowed her head, and the rest of the group followed suit. “Heavenly Father, we thank You for this beautiful evening and for bringing us together in Your name. We ask that You open our hearts and minds as we dive into this book. May we be encouraged, challenged, and transformed by the words You have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The group echoed a soft “Amen,” and the meeting began in earnest.

Mabel started by asking the group a simple yet profound question: “What do you think is the purpose of your life?” The question hung in the air for a moment, prompting introspection. Members shared their thoughts, each one reflecting on how they had come to understand their purpose through their Christian journey.

“I used to think that life was about achieving success in my career and having a comfortable life,” said Mark, a man in his mid-thirties who had moved to Denver from another state. “But as I grew in my faith, I realized it’s really about serving others and sharing God’s love. That’s when I felt I started to live with real purpose.”

The group nodded in agreement. Many had similar experiences—times when they had been caught up in worldly pursuits only to realize that true fulfillment came from walking in alignment with God’s will.

Mabel smiled as she listened to each person’s story. “That’s exactly what the book talks about. Warren teaches us that our lives are not about us. Our purpose is not to be found in personal achievements or even in the accolades we may receive. It’s about living out God’s plan for our lives and finding meaning in His service.”

As the discussion progressed, Mabel shared her own story, about how The Purpose-Driven Life had helped her discover God’s calling in her life, especially during a time when she was uncertain about her direction. “When I read this book, I had just moved to Denver, and I was overwhelmed by all the changes. I didn’t know where I fit in or what I was supposed to do. But reading the book reminded me that God created me with a purpose, and that purpose wasn’t something I had to figure out on my own. It was already written by Him.”

Mabel’s vulnerability resonated deeply with the group, and several members spoke up, sharing how the book had also made an impact on their lives. “I love how Warren emphasizes that we’re here for something bigger than ourselves,” said Sarah, a college student who had joined the book club recently. “I think that’s what’s missing in a lot of people’s lives today. They’re searching for meaning, but they don’t realize that true purpose can only be found in God.”

The group continued to explore the themes of the book, diving into discussions about what it means to live a life of service, to love others selflessly, and to seek God’s guidance in all things. Mabel led them through key chapters, encouraging everyone to reflect on their own lives and how they could be more intentional about fulfilling their God-given purpose.

As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted to practical applications of what they had learned. “We live in such a fast-paced world here in Denver,” Mabel remarked, “with so many distractions. But the book reminds us that our purpose is not in doing more but in being more—more of who God created us to be. It’s about the little things, like showing kindness to others, being faithful in our work, and sharing the gospel whenever we can.”

The group nodded in agreement, recognizing the importance of integrating their faith into everyday life. Many members shared their personal struggles with balancing their careers, relationships, and faith, but they also encouraged each other, knowing that living with purpose wasn’t about perfection—it was about progress.

As the meeting drew to a close, Mabel shared a final thought: “Living a purpose-driven life isn’t just about what we accomplish; it’s about who we become in Christ. When we align ourselves with God’s will, we can experience true peace, joy, and fulfillment, no matter what circumstances we face.”

The group closed with a prayer, thanking God for the insights they had gained and asking for His strength to live out their purpose each day. They left the meeting feeling uplifted, encouraged, and inspired to continue seeking God’s purpose for their lives in the midst of the vibrant, bustling city of Denver.

Mabel watched as the members filtered out of the room, each person walking away with a renewed sense of purpose. In a city filled with excitement, culture, and adventure, the book club had found something even greater—the joy of living with a purpose grounded in faith and service to others.

Diagnosed with cancer in May 2024

Stories at the Marina

Trent scanned the menu, undecided. “Fish or just chips?”

Lisa smirked. “You’ve been looking at that menu for ten minutes.”

Across the table, Daisy, their friend from church, smiled. They had met her for lunch at the marina, and today, she was explaining healing ministry from a biblical perspective. The boats bobbed gently on the water, reflecting the warm afternoon sun.

“So, healing,” Daisy said, “it’s not just about asking. It’s about faith in God’s timing.”

Trent leaned in. “So, God doesn’t always heal instantly?”

Daisy shook her head. “No. Sometimes the healing is gradual, but He always works for our good.”

Lisa nodded quickly, as usual. “Like when you plant a seed and wait for it to grow.”

“Exactly,” Daisy smiled. “Take my friend, for example. She was diagnosed with cancer in May 2024. It was a shock. She didn’t see it coming.”

Trent raised his eyebrows. “Cancer? Wow.”

“She was surprised, of course. But she decided to trust God and look for healing. She found this place called the Healing Rooms.”

Chapter 2: The Miracle Story

Trent and Lisa both leaned in now, intrigued. “The Healing Rooms?” Trent asked.

“Yes, it’s a ministry that prays for people. She attended their prayer sessions weekly, just before her Tuesday chemo.”

Lisa’s eyes widened. “She went every week?”

Daisy nodded. “Yes. She said the Monday prayers were like a tonic. They helped her face the chemo.”

Trent frowned. “Did she just… wait for something to happen?”

Daisy smiled. “No. She actively prayed for God to heal her, completely. And she wanted to be sure it was Him. She told Him, ‘Heal me, so I know it’s You.’ She didn’t want any doubt about where the healing came from.”

Trent scratched his head. “So, she had faith but didn’t just sit around doing nothing?”

“Exactly,” Daisy said. “She also prayed forgiveness prayers, because unforgiveness can block healing. And another person from the ministry encouraged her to take Holy Communion often.”

Lisa smiled knowingly. “That’s beautiful.”

Trent was starting to see the picture. “So, she prayed, forgave, and kept showing up.”

“Yes,” Daisy replied. “And on July 8th, during one of the prayer sessions, someone in the team had a word of knowledge. They told her God would heal her before her treatment was finished.”

Trent blinked. “Before she even finished chemo?”

“Exactly. They also saw occult activity—like an attack against her—but they prayed for it to be dismantled.”

Lisa tilted her head. “Occult? That’s intense.”

Daisy nodded seriously. “Yes. But God is bigger than any of that.”

Chapter 3: Faith and Results

Trent looked thoughtful. “What happened next?”

“The very next day, at her chemo session, her oncologist decided to do a full scan—CT, PET, MRI. They wanted to see if the treatment was shrinking the cancer.”

Trent leaned forward. “What did they find?”

Daisy smiled. “Not what they expected. The results came back showing no trace of cancer. Not even a shrinking tumor—just gone.”

Trent’s eyes widened. “Wait, the cancer was gone?”

Daisy nodded. “Her oncologist was surprised. He had expected some progress, but not complete disappearance.”

Lisa’s jaw dropped. “That’s incredible!”

“God had promised it,” Daisy said. “She knew the healing came from Him. Even the oncologist said it was a ‘100% response to treatment,’ but she knew better.”

Trent was still processing. “So, she got healed faster than anyone thought?”

“Yes,” Daisy continued. “And it didn’t end there. Three weeks earlier, they had done a genetic test because her grandmother had breast disease. The doctors wanted to see if there was a genetic predisposition to cancer. The test came back negative. No genetic link.”

Lisa gasped. “So, she had nothing to fear about the future?”

“Right,” Daisy said. “Then, on July 26th, she saw the oncologist again. He did a physical examination and exclaimed, ‘This doesn’t feel like a diseased breast!’ The lump was gone.”

Trent blinked in disbelief. “Just like that? No more cancer?”

“No more cancer,” Daisy affirmed. “God healed her completely, not the chemo. The doctors didn’t expect it to disappear this quickly, but God’s timing is different.”

Chapter 4: Limping into a Miracle

As they talked, Daisy’s attention shifted to a man limping by the marina. He moved slowly, his face tight with pain.

“Excuse me,” Daisy said, standing up abruptly.

Trent and Lisa exchanged a glance. “What’s she doing?” Trent asked.

“She’s about to pray for him,” Lisa said, eyes following Daisy.

Daisy approached the man, speaking gently. He looked confused at first but nodded. Daisy laid her hand on his shoulder and began to pray.

Trent watched, fascinated. “Do you think…”

“She’s definitely praying for his healing,” Lisa said softly.

As they watched, the man’s limp seemed to ease. He took a few cautious steps, testing his leg. Trent’s eyes widened. “Is it just me, or is he walking better?”

Lisa smiled. “It’s not just you.”

They both watched as the man walked with more confidence, his limp significantly reduced. Trent shook his head. “That’s… incredible.”

Daisy returned to the table with a calm smile. “God is always at work.”

Chapter 5: Trent’s Epiphany

Trent sat back, stunned. “That was real, wasn’t it? The limp… it’s almost gone.”

Daisy nodded. “Yes. God’s healing power is real, and He’s ready to move when we ask in faith.”

Lisa beamed at Trent. “You’re starting to get it, aren’t you?”

Trent nodded slowly. “Yeah. You know, when you were talking about your friend’s cancer healing, something clicked for me. Healing isn’t just physical. It’s about faith, forgiveness, and trusting God. That’s why she was healed so completely.”

Daisy smiled warmly. “Exactly. And because she believed, God healed her fully. No fear of the cancer returning.”

Trent laughed, shaking his head. “I guess I’ve been overthinking this. It’s simpler than I thought. You trust, you forgive, and you let God handle the rest.”

Lisa laughed too. “Finally, some wisdom from you!”

They all laughed, the weight of the conversation lifting. Trent may have been slow to understand sometimes, but today, the message sank deep. Healing wasn’t just a miracle for the body—it was for the heart and soul too. And when God healed, it was always complete.