The Red Balloon Mystery Continues~"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock..." Revelation 3:20 KJV

Dear Fellow Travelers,

The Red Balloon Mystery Continues

I’ve just returned from my first attempt in reaching out to a prospective owner of the floating red balloons.  Just as I had prayed, God provided the encouragement I needed to resume my role as His servant. Despite those nervous butterflies that were fluttering about in my stomach, I was ready to carry on in sharing the hope I had found in Jesus Christ.  

So, I conducted a quick online search and located an address of a woman with the same name as the one found inside the greeting card. Directions to the address led me to a quiet, classic American neighborhood where gardens filled with an assortment of Spring flowers were in full bloom. I could almost picture the butterflies in my stomach fluttering with joy upon seeing the Marigolds in all their glory.

 

I grabbed the greeting card along with my homemade gift and confidently walked through the white picket fence, straight to the doorstep of the stranger’s home. Then I rang the bell. “Ding dang dong.” I waited for a reply. From outside the door, I could hear the footsteps of a person moving slowly towards me. I could also hear the shaking sounds of dog collar.  Then, suddenly all the noises from behind the door stopped. Therefore, I rang the bell as second time. Still, no reply.  I started to wonder, “Could someone be watching me from inside the home?” Then, I smiled brightly as I held my fragrant homemade bouquet of yellow-orange roses a little tighter. “If someone is indeed peering through the beveled glass, perhaps these flowers might make her feel more comfortable.” I thought to myself.

 

A few more moments went by with the only sound coming from the sidewalk behind me. A couple, perhaps man and wife, were strolling down the street together, chatting with one another. Soon, it became apparent that it was time to walk away. Before leaving, I placed the flower bouquet upon the cold doorstep beside the “Welcome” rug. Next to the flowers, I left a message of my own. On a small piece of paper with harmonizing flowers, I simply wrote, “Hello. My name is Donna Young and I am looking for a woman named _______. If you know her, could you please contact me at…”

 

As I returned to my car, I surmised that this story’s ending had not yet arrived.  “Was the woman behind the door actually the owner of the red balloons?” I wondered. “And if so, would she seize the opportunity to finally open the door to of her heart to Christ's restorative healing and hope?"

 

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES…

To read how I first accepted Jesus Christ into my heart, please go to: https://www.amazon.com/Apologies-Repentant-Christian-Donna-Young-ebook/dp/B00CBP6FDI FREE on KU! 

July 12, 2012 My Personal Journal Entry: Falling for Satan's schemes. Lead me not into Temptation.

Righteous are You, LORD when I come to You, You let me speak with You about Your ways. Another day has come and gone. Unlike those days when I lay my head down feeling satisfied and victorious, tonight, my burdened heart won’t let me sleep. Instead, I am still awake, during these early morning hours, completely lost in thought.

Sovereign LORD, why do You allow the Prince of Darkness to use life’s circumstances to tempt me? Satan comes on so strong. He rushes me, frightens me and confuses me. And, I am so weak. I fall for his ways. Oh LORD, I feel that my behavior today has let You down. And, I am sorry.

 Our trailer’s air conditioning unit simply couldn’t keep up with the rising outside temperature. The main circuit breaker box kept tripping. Travis and I were starting to swelter inside our little home.

Then, ants. Everywhere! To sit down meant they’d crawl on you. The determined small insects had even taken over improbable places. Inside the fridge, green grapes were freckled with those pesky ants while the interruption of electricity caused our food to begin to spoil. Meanwhile, Raid Ant Killer hovered in the motionless hot air.

Outside, the trailer park servicemen posted flyers warning of baby rattlesnakes. One had just been killed just two campsites away after the snake bit LeeRoy’s coworker’s dog on the nose. I began to wonder, “Which is more dangerous, keeping my son and rescued Chihuahuas inside with the heat and poisonous pesticide or taking our chances outside with the Rattlers?” 

Despite all of this, I still had a job to do. Grocery shop for new dinner ingredients and wash the mounds of dirty laundry that were piling up. In between hanging foil over the windows and battling the fuse box, I tried my best to keep Travis and our small dogs cool while attempting my household chores.

 Around mid-day, I finally finished the clothes. I began to put the clothes into each small space. That’s when I discovered the little bottle! Instantly, the father of lies began to whisper in my ear, “What happened to the smooth, hassle free, even romantic transition you waited patiently for? Maybe your friends and family were right. You shouldn’t have come here.” With the clothes basket still in my grasp, I sat back on the bed. Beads of sweat dripped into my eyes. Tired, hot and vulnerable, I slumped over and began to cry. Then, in instant, I felt my heart fill with self-righteous anger. So, I stood back upon my feet, cast my laundry basket to the side and impulsively called my husband at work. With a very discouraging tone, I condemned him for not seeking help. Amazingly, LeeRoy responded with grace. He remained calm and even seemed to be humbled by my call.  

Within hours, I was left sorrowfully repenting for how I had acted. I began to pray, “Heavenly Father, I am sorry. I do believe that You are still at work in our lives.  Please help me to trust Your plan even when I can’t make sense of it. Please God, help me to remember that You deliberately chose LeeRoy to be my husband. Please help me to reverence him instead of seeing him as a threat.  Please, LORD, use my marriage to glorify Your holy name! I love You, Christ Jesus. Amen.”

July 10, 2012: My Personal Journal Entry: How can cleaning the restroom bring God glory?

Holy Father, thank You for this morning. While Travis and I read Your Word together, I felt Your love enter my heart. Feeling as though I might burst if I didn’t share it, I ran to You for my next task.

Without hesitation, I thought about the state of the bathrooms here at our new campsite. What a mess! Clogged toilets, empty shampoo bottles and used bars of soap wrapped in long strands of hair.

Despite the heat, I find myself feeling an uncontrollable urge to clean the restrooms. “Perhaps this is another opportunity to share Your love with someone?” I wonder. “I have seen an elderly man cleaning the restrooms early each morning. Maybe he’s in charge of restroom maintenance?  I’m sure he’d appreciate some help.” I think.

Later on

Dear Jesus, it only took a few hours to complete my task with not one scuff mark left behind!  Right after I had prayed to You this morning, I grabbed my cleaning materials and walked to the restrooms located in the grassy area. I began to scrub. Almost immediately, salty sweat began to pour from my forehead and sting my eyes. As the chemicals mixed with the muggy air, I remembered Your request to sing. I began to sing the one familiar song I had heard in church a few days prior. “Bless the Lord oh my soul, ooooh my soul, worship His holy name… sing like never before, oh my soul, worship Your holy name. I worship Your holy name.” While singing songs of praise to You, time passed by quickly.

After I had finished cleaning, I realized that I felt sticky and kind of gross, so I gathered my young son and went to the pool to cool off. Without delay, You confirmed Your presence in the form of two doves that circled only a few feet above our heads.

Right then and there, I hanged my head and quietly prayed. “Oh LORD, being in Your presence is truly an overwhelming experience. Thank You for allowing me to follow You today and for teaching me that all assignments, no matter how small they may appear, can be used for Your glory. I can’t wait for You to reveal how You opened the eyes of another through the cleaning of a restroom. Thank You for conveying Your love for me in counting me to worthy to serve You today. Amen.

July 1, 2012: My Personal Journal Entry: God answers my prayer for our family to reunify under the same roof

Dear Elohim, after three and a half years of living apart, our family is once again reunified.  I would never have imagined our new life together would begin in a trailer park located just outside of Los Angeles. Yet, from the moment we pulled into the park, my heart practically burst from excitement. I could barely contain my eagerness to help my husband set up camp. I swiftly asked, “What do we do first?” as he began to attach the sewer line and electrical cords. LeeRoy sweetly responded, “I got this honey. I don’t want you to get dirty.” Like a little child, I had to fight the urge to fidget while I stood by his side offering words of encouragement.

With nothing better to do, I looked around and took in our new surroundings. Right away, I noticed two new neighbors. The two women, living in the neighboring campsite, kindly greeted us and welcomed us to the park.  Within a few hours, we were all set up and settled in.

Soon it was time for supper. Since it was our first real night spent around our new dinner table, I prepared some warm home comfort food: pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn, and applesauce. Our 7-year-old set the table. My husband took his seat while I made his plate. Then, I set his plate in front of him. Without hesitation, my husband humbly said, "This is so nice." Then, he reached out both of his hands, palm side up. We all held hands and my husband began to pray, "Lord Jesus, there are no words to express how grateful I feel right now. Thank You for this meal and for bringing my family home to me." My head slumped over a little further as tears fell like rain.  

In my heart, I said a little prayer of my own. "Thank You LORD for answering my prayer to reunify me with my husband under the same roof. In Jesus' name. Amen."

December 25, 2011 Christmas Morning Journal Entry

Happy Birthday, dear LORD! I know that today is not Your real birthday. Yet, I am so glad You came into this world to save us, whatever the actual day was. The events of today have caused me to believe that truly, You are the Prince of Peace.

The carpet made crunching sounds below my husband’s feet as he entered the living room. It was still very early in the morning when I peeled opened my eyes to find our new puppy curled up against my side.  During the wee morning hours, the small and insecure puppy must have followed me to the couch. I pulled our brand new, sweet little dog onto my chest and kissed her forehead. There’s something quite special about a newborn baby animal. My husband approached the two of us, bent down, and gave Bella and me a good morning kiss.  So as not to wake her, LeeRoy whispered, "Was I snoring too loud? When did you leave the bedroom?" I shook my head, smiled and replied, "Don't worry honey. It doesn't matter. Merry Christmas!"

Just then Travis came bursting forth, "Merry Christmas Mommy!"  Then, he leaned over, kissed our puppy and me and said, "Can I open my presents now?" I answered, "Not before we read God's Word." As fast as lightning, he ran to his room for a book called The Story of Christmas, sat down and began to read. I listened to the sweetness of his voice while he read the words of Luke, chapter two verses 1-16. Peace filled my soul. Halfway through the verses, our son stumbled upon the pronunciation of a few words. So, I offered to continue where he left off. At one point, I looked up from the page and glanced over my shoulder at my husband's intent face.  What an amazing gift to see his heart soft and vulnerable. After many years of being closed off, he now seemed opened to the real meaning of Christmas. When I had finished reading, our impatient son ran to his presents while I dragged myself off the couch and went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Right away, I noticed the sound of two doves cooing outside our kitchen window. I smiled as I was quickly reminded me of the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Soon, the sound of flying wrapping paper balls and laughter filled the air. My heart called me to the living room where all the action was taking place. I snapped a few pictures before excusing myself to spend some quiet alone time with You. Right away, a few scriptures lept off the pages as Your Spirit spoke to my heart. Like a welcome rain after a long drought,  peace had come finally come and settled into our home.

            When I finished,  I returned to the living room where I found a pile of presents created just for me. Wide-eyed, my husband and young son watched as I opened each special gift. The first present was a very fragile small glass vial wrapped in construction paper and black duct tape. A homemade card read, "God loves us." I gently pulled the construction paper away as our son inquisitively asked, "Do you remember what this was Mommy?" I replied, "Yes son, it’s the gold flakes you discovered the day we went gold panning last year." Then, with a very tender voice, Travis said, "I wanted you to have the same gift as Jesus!" Blinking back the tears, I hugged my son tightly. Then, while still choked up, I continued on, opening and relishing each handpicked gift.  Another Bible, some coffee, and a brand new coffee maker! I thought to myself, “LORD, I just want to thank You for this special moment. Through the hearts of my husband and son, I am able to see a glimpse of Your love for me. Thank You, LORD. Thank You for the gift of Your love.”

December 19, 2011 Journal Entry. How God led me to write

Precious Savior, the stories of my life have become so incredible that I fear no one will ever believe me. Yet, through Your Word, You repeatedly remind me to write about all the good You have done. Each time my Bible continually falls open to the book of Job and I read, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book!”  Job 19:23 KJV  I feel compelled to write. Perhaps no one but me will ever read about the events of my life. Even so, I will have done what I felt You instructed me to do. And, I'll have a record of my journey with You and a reminder of Your constant, unfailing and faithful guidance!

Today, I find myself writing about the events of this past week, that have once again, filled my heart with joy.  It all started one day when our now seven-year-old son, Travis blurted out, "I miss my friend." I knew right away that he was speaking about a teenage foster girl who used to live down the street from us. Each day, the beautiful thirteen-year-old girl walked up the street to our home and brought with her all the squealing excitement of any typical teenager. Within a few visits, she had become family.

For hours, the young girl and my son would sit right next to one another while playing video games and watching television shows. After several visits, we began to anticipate her arrival after school. Each day the same routine. She’d enter our home, offer hugs and kisses, open the refrigerator, get a snack and plop down on the couch, remote in hand. Her laugh was contagious! Travis and I couldn’t help but giggle too!

            Sadly one day, the young girl said she was moving to a new foster home. Troubles had mounted at her current home. Then without notice, she was gone without even a chance to say, “Goodbye.” We had lost a good friend. Months passed since we had seen the sweet young girl. Although I had heard that she moved north. But, I wasn’t told where. So, I prayed her where, hoping that one day, we’d meet again. This week, Travis mentioned how he had grown lonesome for his friend.

Simultaneously, my husband called home to announce his next weekend visit. During our conversation, LeeRoy described a longing of his own. Our rescued Chihuahua, Grace, had been spending long hours alone in our new trailer. The demands of his workload had mounted.  “Perhaps we should consider rescuing another dog as a companion for Grace.” I thought as I began to search online for possibilities. Sticker shock! Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

Unsure of Your will, I said a prayer asking for guidance. “LORD, could You be leading us to adopt another dog?" Soon, my mind occupied with thoughts of bringing another homeless puppy into our lives. I had almost completely forgotten about how my young son’s heart was missing that sweet foster child.

A few more days of searching online and soon I had found a puppy in our price range. When I called the number and spoke with the owner of the dog, I immediately felt at ease. She said, "We provide foster care to dogs. My husband and I work with a program called 'Heaven Help Us.' You can see the dogs we have up for adoption if you want. Our home is easily identifiable by the Nativity Scene on the front lawn. We're believers."  Happily, I made an appointment to choose a puppy.

On the day of the appointment, the woman and I shared a few laughs and some tears as I shared my personal testimony. While we spoke, a gentle small and frail puppy approached my side. I picked her up and cuddled her as I spoke to the woman. By the end of the conversation, I just knew. I didn’t have to choose a puppy. The puppy had chosen me.

            As we said our "Goodbyes,” the woman spoke about their other ministry as foster parents to children. She said, “We currently have one teenage foster child, but she will be leaving soon. She is returning home to live with her grandmother next week." I blurted out, "Is her name…?" Amazed, the woman asked, "How could you have known that?" I told her, "God brought the young girl into our lives too and lately, we’ve really missed her. I know I’ve only been walking with Jesus for a few years now, but He seems to orchestrate incredible moments just like this all the time!"

I couldn’t wait to share all that had happened with Travis.  For a couple of days, we waited in suspense to return to the foster home.  Our sweet joyful friend answered our knock upon the door. She immediately threw open her arms. Tearfully and joyfully, we reconnected with the foster child and received our new puppy. 
“You never cease to amaze me Father God! Your ways are so far above my ways! Thank You for this day! And thank You for the sweet new companion for Grace. Your concern for all of us is a very special gift indeed!

November 25, 2011 Journal Entry. Father God, even in this upside down world, Your plans are always good.

Holy and Mighty God, on this last day of our vacation, my heart fills with joyful anticipation. My husband has planned yet another surprise trip for our family.  Oh, how I love when You place a desire on my husband’s heart! 

Early this morning, LeeRoy told me that even before we arrived, he had asked his co-workers if they knew of a nearby site that Christians must see. One of his coworkers suggested a climbing trip to a local monument where another believer had spent much of his life creating a tribute to You.  Without hesitation, LeeRoy began to coordinate a day trip for our family.  I practically jumped out of his moving truck to witness the mighty Words of the Bible painted upon the mountainside.  

The Lord's Prayer

 I was still feeling bewildered by my husband’s sweet attempt to please me when he joyfully grabbed my hand and walked by my side as we slowly climbed the mountain and read scripture together.  I captured the moment on film as we enjoyed “Salvation Mountain,” as it is called. In my heart, I couldn’t help but offer You thanks yet again. I softly prayed, “Father God, even in this upside down world, Your plans are always good. You seem to know just how to demonstrate Your majesty. Thank You for all the activities You planned for us as a family this week. I know now, that Your love is what has sustained my marriage. And, I pray that this love will always be painted upon my heart. Amen.” 

November 23, 2011 Journal entry. God's Plans are Always Perfect!

Dear God, You are essential, absolutely and exceptionally good! What a day it has been!  While my husband and I bathed like ancient kings and queens in the park’s free heated natural springs, our youngest son, Travis played for hours in his own warm 90-degree pool. Doves, many doves, perched and cooed in the palm trees above where we bathed. Such a sweet sound to my ears! I lost count as to how many of my favorite feathered friends had drawn near.  At one point, my heart became so overwhelmed with Your goodness, I thought it might burst. Under my breath, I quietly whispered, “It’s too much Father. Your love is too much for me to handle! I can barely soak it all in.”  

Then, as if to lavish even more love, You had my husband offer to take Travis and me for a ride in a dune-buggy. “You’ll have to visit the natural caves nearby.” The dune-buggy owner exclaimed as we signed the rental agreement.

Soon, we arrived at the caves the man had spoken about. My imagination began to run wild as biblical stories seemed to come alive. As I stood before the large natural rock dotted with shallow caves, I just knew that You were offering me an unforgettable experience!

In that moment, I shared with LeeRoy and Travis that Your only Son Jesus was more likely born in a cave rather than in a wooden manger. To my surprise, the two of them swiftly ran to one of the caves and curiously began exploring together, while I remained by the buggy staring at a series of caves along a cliff face. Swept up by the moment, I began to envision wondrous bible stories where dens and caves served as dwellings places of refuge and as ancient tombs. I shook my head, as I realized I could never have planned a moment such as this. All of our hearts stirred up for You simultaneously? Truly You have plans for our lives together. Plans to bring us closer together as we try our best to follow You.  I love You Lord! Thank You for this day! 

November 19, 2011 journal entry. How God's plans are better than our own

Father God, You have outdone Yourself again! I can hardly contain my excitement. This campground is beautiful, complete with natural hot spring waterfalls and majestic mountains. Not only that, but there are date palm trees and sandy dunes. I feel as though I’ve somehow stepped back in time. Amidst these deserts sands, I can’t stop my mind from drifting, as we pull up to the park's main office area. I see my husband waving in the distance as I begin to wonder, “Could this be what ancient Jerusalem looked like?”

My husband is wearing an ear to ear grin and greets us with a warmhearted welcome. I feel my mind begin to idle in sync with our car as I try my best to allow You to etch the moment into memory. In my heart, a say a little prayer. “Holy and Righteous Father, thank You for Your love. I know I didn't earn it. And, I know I don't deserve it. Yet, You offer it so freely. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for this joy I feel right now.  Thank You for leading to this place. Please help me to share You with those living in this park, especially my husband. In Jesus' name. Amen.”

August 10, 2011 Journal Entry. Once again, God proved that He can and will meet all of my needs.

Dear Jesus, You are truly an all-sufficient provider. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Through the work of Your Spirit, I was able to ignore those worrisome thoughts and stay focused on Your will. Once again, You proved that You can and will meet all of my needs. 

As he walked through the front door today, my husband was bursting with an elevated spirit as he said, "Honey, you are not going to believe this! They gave me a raise at work. I guess my supervisor requested the raise some time ago. The raise was granted yesterday.  I'll be getting an extra few dollars per hour. Now, I can help pay for all those extra expenses you mentioned!"

Oh LORD, I didn’t have to worry. You had a plan all along. What a remarkable God You are!