God Winks.....

God Winks is a term I picked up from one of the first Christian books I read. The man who coined the term is Squire Rushnell. He defines a God Wink as "An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it could only have come from divine origin." I used to see them in my life quite frequently and loved sharing the stories where I could see God working in my life. I could see where I would pray about something and then I would get my answer through a conversation with someone or that mornings scripture reading. I haven't had a God wink happen in quite some time, and I don't think it is because God doesn't love me or hear my prayers. I believe it is because I became complacent in a few areas and stopped seeing them because I got too busy just living life. I am sure some of you can relate to the rush of every day, always being in a hurry, trying to accomplish to-do lists, while juggling the children. Many of you may know that I have been dealing with some postpartum depression since having Jacoby and I have to say that it is amazing who God has placed in my path to help me through this. I kept this to myself for the longest time and just started to feel very lonely and like I was almost drowning. If you haven't experienced any type of depression I don't expect for you to understand what I am talking about. Any who, I promise this story will lead up to my God Wink for today, just stay with me. About 7 months ago I heard a sermon about how important it is to share what we are going through with people and to praise the situations we are in because there is always a reason we are at that point in our life. Just so God would have it, I slowly started to share what I was going through with my circle of girl friends at our church. Some looked at me like I had 3 heads because they hadn't been through it personally, one said her mom had been through it and even wrote a book on it, and others shared stories how they got through it with prayer and support many years prior. God has been with me through all of this. He freed up those moments in each of our lives and placed us all where we needed to be at just the right time. I have to say that each person I shared this with may not have experienced it personally but have since been praying for me. They continuously reach out to see how the progress is coming along, and show love at just the right time. The God Wink in that situation was one of the ladies I shared it with whom mother had written the book was a dear friend Ginger. She hasn't had kids yet, but was so sympathetic for me. She quickly responded with love and explained that her mom had been through it when she and her sister were younger. This book titled "Released" was written by Tina Thompson, and it was a such an influential moment in my life. I completed the book the day she gave it to me, and felt a little better just knowing I wasn't lone. I even had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mrs. Thompson when she came to visit our church one Sunday. What a blessing, this woman opened up her life experiences, challenges, and fears with the world in hopes that it will help even just one woman get through what she went through. Oh who knew I would be writing about 2 God Winks today?? With this all being said, there is two verses that I have held onto since it began. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) I have been reading these verses everyday for the last 2 weeks, I even highlighted them in my Bible (btw this is the only marking in this Bible). This morning was different. I woke up and before reading it, I prayed. I prayed long and hard, I even asked that He restore the joy to my life that has been missing. So I go to Lifeway to purchase a journal to be able to keep up with prayer request and praises, and this one with a lot of pink (my favorite color) catches my eye. On the cover it says "Stop Worrying. Start Praying. Philippians 4:6." On the inside of the cover Philippians 4:6 is written out. Amazing! I am in just awe when I slow down and take the time to see God working in my life. I am so blessed with the life God has blessed me with. I praise Him for my trials, I praise Him in all that I do. Slow down friends, pray, take time to listen and see where and how God is working in your life. Next time you see me, share your God Winks, I would love to hear them.