By Jane McKinney
My Story begins in 2004. My name is Jane McKinney and my husband Rick and I had been traveling in full-time evangelism for about 3 years. He came to me one day in early fall and said, “I believe God wants us to walk across America”. This didn’t shock me as it would most wives. He’s always been a dreamer but never anything this unconventional before. I had to be sure this was from God. We were in our 50’s, not athletic and, well, there were lots of reasons why this wouldn’t work.
After much prayer, soul searching, and researching, we decided that in 2006 we would walk across America. Rick had been preaching in revivals about how Christians need to reclaim America. He had read one day in Joshua 1 how God said to Joshua that every place he put the sole of his foot he could claim for God, so that’s what we were going to do.
We spent most of 2005 in preparation for the walk. We trained physically, gathered information about clothing, shoes, climate, routes, etc. We laid out the route: LA to Washington DC. We would leave Santa Monica Pier on January 1st and travel old Route 66 to Oklahoma City, then the I-40 corridor across the rest of OK, Arkansas and Tennessee. Then at Bristol, TN head north on St Rte 11, take 211 East at New Market, Virginia and into DC. We planned to arrive on July 4, 2006.
I don’t have space to tell you 6 months of stories, struggles, and triumphs. But I need to tell you that my faith in God was solidified more than ever before in that 6 months! In the 1500 miles we walked in 2005 in training I never got one blister. By the second week of the walk my feet were covered! I had blisters between my toes, the sides and bottoms of my feet and my heels. I was determined to finish, but just putting socks on was excruciating. But I would pray and take that first tentative step, then another and complete 20 miles. That was God, not Jane McKinney! When we walked across that bridge from Arlington, VA into Washington DC on July 4, 2006 I knew who my God was and what I could do with His strength.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Why I Believe in the Supernatural #20
by Michael Register
One Sunday morning in church, during worship, the presence of God was very strong and I had the urge to kneel before him. It wasn't uncommon for me to do this, and it wasn't out of place at all. I was about to kneel when very clearly I heard, "wait".
Puzzled, I began to speak to God in my mind, "Is this You? Why would I wait?" Silence.
I began to think, "I can't kneel right now so I'll raise my arms. As I began to lift my arms into the air again I heard, "wait".
Nothing like this had happened before so I decided to wait, albeit a little frustrated.
Just then my eleven year old son dropped to his knees beside me. He raised his arms into the air and I could see his eyes were closed. I couldn't help but cry. My little boy was following the leading of God on his own.
He later told me that in those fateful minutes he had felt like God wanted him to kneel but was scared. Normally he would join me in whatever I was doing, kneeling or raising my arms, but I wasn't doing anything. Several minutes passed before he was able to get up the nerve to do it, since I wasn't doing it. Once he heard my side of the story he knew it really was God speaking to him, while asking me to wait.
God gave an eleven year old a sign post that day. Something he could look back to and say "I followed my God, I can hear His voice and I was obedient. I can do it again."
http://www.facebook.com/michael.register3?v=info
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
One Sunday morning in church, during worship, the presence of God was very strong and I had the urge to kneel before him. It wasn't uncommon for me to do this, and it wasn't out of place at all. I was about to kneel when very clearly I heard, "wait".
Puzzled, I began to speak to God in my mind, "Is this You? Why would I wait?" Silence.
I began to think, "I can't kneel right now so I'll raise my arms. As I began to lift my arms into the air again I heard, "wait".
Nothing like this had happened before so I decided to wait, albeit a little frustrated.
Just then my eleven year old son dropped to his knees beside me. He raised his arms into the air and I could see his eyes were closed. I couldn't help but cry. My little boy was following the leading of God on his own.
He later told me that in those fateful minutes he had felt like God wanted him to kneel but was scared. Normally he would join me in whatever I was doing, kneeling or raising my arms, but I wasn't doing anything. Several minutes passed before he was able to get up the nerve to do it, since I wasn't doing it. Once he heard my side of the story he knew it really was God speaking to him, while asking me to wait.
God gave an eleven year old a sign post that day. Something he could look back to and say "I followed my God, I can hear His voice and I was obedient. I can do it again."
http://www.facebook.com/michael.register3?v=info
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Why I believe in the Supernatural #19
By Pamela
In 1984 Amy Grant's "Angels (Watching Over Me)" was a popular song on the Christian airwaves - possibly because it struck a note with so many people who had experienced unexplained near misses in their lives.
Later, after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, I heard numerous tales of people who normally would have been there but because of heavy traffic, oversleeping, or other delays, they escaped death on September 11. In my own life, I couldn't begin to enumerate the near misses my family or I have had over the years. Were angels watching over us? I would like to think so.
Several years ago on an evening in the late fall, my two children and I were driving down the highway at the fifty-five mph speed limit on our way to choir practice and children's activities at our church. Suddenly I heard a distinct voice in my head that told me to move to the left lane. There was no other traffic nearby so I mentally argued with the voice at the same time I obeyed it. About that time I noticed an eighteen wheeler parked parallel to the edge of the highway. As I drew close to the truck, the driver stepped out the door, missed the step and fell backwards into the highway - right where I would have driven if I had not changed lanes. As I passed, I saw him get up and walk away so I didn't stop. I have always regretted that because it might have been an opportunity to witness to the man.
I don't know what might have happened if I hadn't changed lanes. I probably would have run over the truck driver or lost control of my small car. Were angels watching over the truck driver, my children and me that night? Was the voice I heard the Holy Spirit? I will always believe it was. I know I will never forget the experience.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
In 1984 Amy Grant's "Angels (Watching Over Me)" was a popular song on the Christian airwaves - possibly because it struck a note with so many people who had experienced unexplained near misses in their lives.
Later, after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, I heard numerous tales of people who normally would have been there but because of heavy traffic, oversleeping, or other delays, they escaped death on September 11. In my own life, I couldn't begin to enumerate the near misses my family or I have had over the years. Were angels watching over us? I would like to think so.
Several years ago on an evening in the late fall, my two children and I were driving down the highway at the fifty-five mph speed limit on our way to choir practice and children's activities at our church. Suddenly I heard a distinct voice in my head that told me to move to the left lane. There was no other traffic nearby so I mentally argued with the voice at the same time I obeyed it. About that time I noticed an eighteen wheeler parked parallel to the edge of the highway. As I drew close to the truck, the driver stepped out the door, missed the step and fell backwards into the highway - right where I would have driven if I had not changed lanes. As I passed, I saw him get up and walk away so I didn't stop. I have always regretted that because it might have been an opportunity to witness to the man.
I don't know what might have happened if I hadn't changed lanes. I probably would have run over the truck driver or lost control of my small car. Were angels watching over the truck driver, my children and me that night? Was the voice I heard the Holy Spirit? I will always believe it was. I know I will never forget the experience.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Why I Believe in the Supernatural #18
By Suzanne Simpson
Jason, do you remember the missing straight pin? You were 5 , your sister and brother were 3 and 2 years old.
I had used it to hang something on the wall. Why did I do that? Not very bright, I know. You needed whatever “it” was and pulled it from the wall. The pin was gone. I was ticked and didn't want to find it via the bottom of my foot. I scolded you lightly and told you to find it. We all looked. It did not show up. After all it was pretty small and there was a lot of area to look around. I decided to put the responsibility on you and God. I told you that you needed to pray and ask God to show you where it was. We all prayed and you asked God to show you where it was. Amen!
"God said it was in the toy box. I need to empty everything out. He's pointing into the corner." You said.
I helped you to carefully pull most of the toys out of the box. I even pushed stuff around for a clear view. It was not there, I looked.
"Mom, God said to take everything out." You said.
"Well, Jason, this is your problem. If God said ... then you do what he said." I walked away to let him handle this. I didn't want to get frustrated, I wanted God to show himself to this boy. Someday he would need to remember this story.
"Mom! Mom! I found it! I took everything out of the box like God said and there it was lying in the corner, right where He was pointing!" You shouted while running to find me and show off your treasure .
Love, your mom, Suzanne
I kept this trophy of yours. Priceless!
Another proof that God speaks to you and you know how to hear his voice.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Jason, do you remember the missing straight pin? You were 5 , your sister and brother were 3 and 2 years old.
I had used it to hang something on the wall. Why did I do that? Not very bright, I know. You needed whatever “it” was and pulled it from the wall. The pin was gone. I was ticked and didn't want to find it via the bottom of my foot. I scolded you lightly and told you to find it. We all looked. It did not show up. After all it was pretty small and there was a lot of area to look around. I decided to put the responsibility on you and God. I told you that you needed to pray and ask God to show you where it was. We all prayed and you asked God to show you where it was. Amen!
"God said it was in the toy box. I need to empty everything out. He's pointing into the corner." You said.
I helped you to carefully pull most of the toys out of the box. I even pushed stuff around for a clear view. It was not there, I looked.
"Mom, God said to take everything out." You said.
"Well, Jason, this is your problem. If God said ... then you do what he said." I walked away to let him handle this. I didn't want to get frustrated, I wanted God to show himself to this boy. Someday he would need to remember this story.
"Mom! Mom! I found it! I took everything out of the box like God said and there it was lying in the corner, right where He was pointing!" You shouted while running to find me and show off your treasure .
Love, your mom, Suzanne
I kept this trophy of yours. Priceless!
Another proof that God speaks to you and you know how to hear his voice.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Why I believe in the Supernatural #17
by Craig Elliot
My personal spiritual journey began at age seven.
I can still remember vividly spending the afternoon at my grandparent’s place. Walking across the front yard, I passed by the dogwood tree that my grandfather had planted; the one he defied anyone to touch. A feeling of euphoria struck me, an overwhelming sense of pure happiness and goodness. I was walking on clouds, that everyone was wonderful in their own way, much more so than is normally seen through even a child’s eyes. I kept it to myself, which is my nature, and went about my business.
A month or so later I was at school, third grade homeroom. Out of nowhere a feeling swept across me that was much different than the previous encounter. I decided to be the stereotypical rebellious, obnoxious kid. I don’t recall all that I did, other than getting out of line in the hall, which was quite an offense in those days. The spirit in me was different, and it happened instantaneous, just like the visitation a month before. I ended up staying after school that day, and I never could explain to my parents what had happened. Something changed forever that day; the innocence was gone, and for the first time I had to consciously make decisions that would affect my life and others.
Fast forward to the age of twenty. As I walked down the sidewalk of an old strip mall in my hometown, an old, hunchback, scraggly looking old woman approached me, oblivious to the many shoppers close by. She fixed her eyes on me, and asked, “Are you a Christian?” in a bold tone that left no doubt she was unashamed. Although my beliefs at the time weren’t more than a casual acceptance, I said “Yes, I am.”
She silently nodded her head yes, smiled, and walked away. I turned into the door to the tag office, and as I walked in, I looked back. She was gone. Nothing to step behind, and no where she could have gone quickly, but she was gone.
A test of faith, even when my faith was anything but unfailing.
The good vs. bad war has raged within me ever since, although the good has generally come out ahead. The bad seems to be in my mind, not in action. I suppose I’ve taken the higher road.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
My personal spiritual journey began at age seven.
I can still remember vividly spending the afternoon at my grandparent’s place. Walking across the front yard, I passed by the dogwood tree that my grandfather had planted; the one he defied anyone to touch. A feeling of euphoria struck me, an overwhelming sense of pure happiness and goodness. I was walking on clouds, that everyone was wonderful in their own way, much more so than is normally seen through even a child’s eyes. I kept it to myself, which is my nature, and went about my business.
A month or so later I was at school, third grade homeroom. Out of nowhere a feeling swept across me that was much different than the previous encounter. I decided to be the stereotypical rebellious, obnoxious kid. I don’t recall all that I did, other than getting out of line in the hall, which was quite an offense in those days. The spirit in me was different, and it happened instantaneous, just like the visitation a month before. I ended up staying after school that day, and I never could explain to my parents what had happened. Something changed forever that day; the innocence was gone, and for the first time I had to consciously make decisions that would affect my life and others.
Fast forward to the age of twenty. As I walked down the sidewalk of an old strip mall in my hometown, an old, hunchback, scraggly looking old woman approached me, oblivious to the many shoppers close by. She fixed her eyes on me, and asked, “Are you a Christian?” in a bold tone that left no doubt she was unashamed. Although my beliefs at the time weren’t more than a casual acceptance, I said “Yes, I am.”
She silently nodded her head yes, smiled, and walked away. I turned into the door to the tag office, and as I walked in, I looked back. She was gone. Nothing to step behind, and no where she could have gone quickly, but she was gone.
A test of faith, even when my faith was anything but unfailing.
The good vs. bad war has raged within me ever since, although the good has generally come out ahead. The bad seems to be in my mind, not in action. I suppose I’ve taken the higher road.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Why I believe in the Supernatural #16
by Tina McLain
I have felt the hand of God. It was about 15 years ago, I had just gone through a very controlling and abusive relationship. I lost everyone of my friends and wasn't in contact with my family because of this guy so I was feeling very alone and distraught. My girls were 2 years old and 4 years old, and they were the only part of my life that meant anything to me. So one day they were taking naps and I was sitting outside at a table smoking a cigerette and just lost it. I crying so hard I couldn't breathe. I started praying to God that I was done and couldn't do it any more I needed him so badly or I was going to end things. I really needed to know He was there. I stopped crying and started just staring out at nothing, All of a sudden I felt this peace come over me and I felt a hand on my left shoulder and I looked down and there was this kinda glowing hand there and I felt so comforted right then and there and I knew it was Gods, He had answered me and shown me a part of himself. I will never in my lifetime forget that. God is always with us. I had never been baptised and so the very next day I went to a church and asked to be baptised and was. I thank God every day.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
I have felt the hand of God. It was about 15 years ago, I had just gone through a very controlling and abusive relationship. I lost everyone of my friends and wasn't in contact with my family because of this guy so I was feeling very alone and distraught. My girls were 2 years old and 4 years old, and they were the only part of my life that meant anything to me. So one day they were taking naps and I was sitting outside at a table smoking a cigerette and just lost it. I crying so hard I couldn't breathe. I started praying to God that I was done and couldn't do it any more I needed him so badly or I was going to end things. I really needed to know He was there. I stopped crying and started just staring out at nothing, All of a sudden I felt this peace come over me and I felt a hand on my left shoulder and I looked down and there was this kinda glowing hand there and I felt so comforted right then and there and I knew it was Gods, He had answered me and shown me a part of himself. I will never in my lifetime forget that. God is always with us. I had never been baptised and so the very next day I went to a church and asked to be baptised and was. I thank God every day.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Why I Believe in the Supernatural #15
My Mom
By Karen Lockinger Greenberg
My belief in the spiritual world, and its power over those of us on Earth, was cemented during an event in my teenage years. My mom and I had been fighting, and there never seemed to be a time in which we were at peace. I wanted the fighting to stop, and I’m sure she did, too.
One night I went to bed, having had a long day of teenage moodiness and arguments with my parents. Sometime in the middle of the night, my mom appeared in my bedroom. She was standing at the end of my bed, not saying a word. The air around us was different, in a way that I can’t quite describe. It seemed almost smoky in my bedroom, and it was hard to see clearly.
For several minutes my mom stood at the foot of my bed. She looked at me, and I could feel the love she held for me. She never said a word. Curiously, neither did I. Mom eventually left my bedroom and walked into her own. I put my head on my pillow, closed my eyes, and slept more deeply than I had in weeks. The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face rather than the usual scowl everyone had become accustomed to.
Mom and I never talked about her visit to my room, and for a short time our relationship was better. Her visit didn‘t change everything, but a simple smile can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. A loving gaze can mean the world to a girl just looking to fit in.
Several weeks later I was reading a book about spirits, and it dawned on me that the visit from my mom wasn’t one that occurred in the natural world. This was a special visit. Her soul communicated with mine in a way I would never forget. The book explained that sometimes when something needs to be said it can’t always be vocalized. The soul, however, can’t let it go unsaid if it is that important. I will never forget the night that my mom told me, heart to heart, that I WAS worth all the trouble we were going through and that I will always be loved.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
By Karen Lockinger Greenberg
My belief in the spiritual world, and its power over those of us on Earth, was cemented during an event in my teenage years. My mom and I had been fighting, and there never seemed to be a time in which we were at peace. I wanted the fighting to stop, and I’m sure she did, too.
One night I went to bed, having had a long day of teenage moodiness and arguments with my parents. Sometime in the middle of the night, my mom appeared in my bedroom. She was standing at the end of my bed, not saying a word. The air around us was different, in a way that I can’t quite describe. It seemed almost smoky in my bedroom, and it was hard to see clearly.
For several minutes my mom stood at the foot of my bed. She looked at me, and I could feel the love she held for me. She never said a word. Curiously, neither did I. Mom eventually left my bedroom and walked into her own. I put my head on my pillow, closed my eyes, and slept more deeply than I had in weeks. The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face rather than the usual scowl everyone had become accustomed to.
Mom and I never talked about her visit to my room, and for a short time our relationship was better. Her visit didn‘t change everything, but a simple smile can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. A loving gaze can mean the world to a girl just looking to fit in.
Several weeks later I was reading a book about spirits, and it dawned on me that the visit from my mom wasn’t one that occurred in the natural world. This was a special visit. Her soul communicated with mine in a way I would never forget. The book explained that sometimes when something needs to be said it can’t always be vocalized. The soul, however, can’t let it go unsaid if it is that important. I will never forget the night that my mom told me, heart to heart, that I WAS worth all the trouble we were going through and that I will always be loved.
For her birthday this year, Erin asked readers to send her their personal tales of why they believe in a supernatural world. A couple times a week, some of those submissions will appear here as a series. All stories appear with the author’s permission. We encourage you to comment on the stories and to continue sharing your own! Stories can be posted on Erin’s Facebook Fan Page or as comments on her Blog. Join the discussion!
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