I Heard The Same Voice, Again 

I tucked myself into the guest room at my daughter-in-law’s home while my son was away on a work trip. 
My job there was undefined and potentially unnecessary. However, we were all unsure if this would be the case until hindsight became part of the equation. 

So I settled into the comfy king-sized bed with my door cracked open in case Jodi called for assistance as she was still healing from her brain surgery. 
She went to bed early and I had followed suit as early morning pickleball had become part of my routine.  I uttered a quick prayer-
Expressing gratitude for Jodi’s healing and of course – my eclectic group of unlikely friends that I gathered with on courts 15 and 21 at Sunset Park each morning in Las Vegas. 
We were each soooo different from one another. I loved it! And even more- each story I coaxed out the people I met there. 😉I adored them and told God how blessed I felt to have met Donna (the group’s organizer) a few days after moving to Las. Vegas.  

I had quickly fallen asleep post or perhaps even mid-prayer.😳
I’m not sure how much time had passed- but I awoke to someone calling for me. 
I assumed it was Jodi —
But she wasn’t at the door–
She hadn’t texted for help and there was no sign of distress. 

I wondered if God or one of His angels had awakened me–
I listened for a message, a directive, or something–
Anything to explain who was seemingly talking to me. 

My search was returned with silence. I told God that He had a captive audience and that if there was anything I should know about —
Any kind of work that He needed me to do-
I was now wide awake in the pitch black of night ready to listen. 

I had just reconciled myself…
Professing I was willing to give Him my time…
And yet…
Silence… 

Until all of a sudden–
I heard the same voice, again. 
The one that had awakened me from deep sleep. 
I recognized it…

Her message wasn’t really for me. Perhaps more of a general message for the household–
I just happened to be the only one listening. 

She’s beloved for her helpfulness in keeping the floors of the home clean…
She’s the household robotic vacuum and mopper. 
She had completed her tasks and was signing off and returning to her charging station for the night. 

There was no message from God that night- despite my belief that there could be. 
No angel was waking me up to help anyone- as no one needed my help. 
It’s caused me to ponder why God chooses when He sends us messages. 

I was ready to receive it. 
Willing to go and do it. 
Losing sleep anyway–
And yet, God was silent. 

The next thought that I believe originated from Him came the next day-
While I was busy–
Distracted even. 

God had to fight through my internal monologue of somewhat chaotic homeless thoughts to prompt me to journal some ideas. 
And I had to fight through the same to receive it. 

That’s His timing. 
God was teaching me about Him and how He works. 

In so doing–
I can better identify what messages are from Him. 
Maybe it’s not always supposed to be easy to hear Him. 
Perhaps the greater growth I need is in learning to listen…

-JC

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

6 tablespoons melted butter
1 ¼ cups peanut butter
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

Stir butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Mix together graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and salt.
Combine peanut butter mixture with graham mixture. Spoon into a greased or parchment lined 8” x 8” square pan. Pat gently to level top. Frost with Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge.
Let set. Cut into squares. Share!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge 
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of salt

Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt. Spread onto bars while Fudge is warm.