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Bernie's Backyard Bash




A few years back we sold a home to a guy by the name of Bernie who loved to entertain people with big parties.  That’s why he needed a bigger home.  After Bernie settled into his new home, he celebrated with a big backyard bash and we were invited.  I didn’t want to go, but our sales manager, who is also my husband, said:  “We’re going.”

When we arrived, Bernie gave us a big hug and whooshed Dice into the den where he pointed to his computer that had big problems.  I suppose I could have hunkered down there bored out of my mind while my husband played tech genius, but I strolled toward the backyard to mingle with about 30 people I’ve never seen before in my life and it was pretty scary.  I passed clusters of women huddled together puffing on cigarettes, a whole bunch of folks accumulating at the makeshift bar, and a circle of cowboys tuning their guitars and drinking beer.  Umm, who among these party folks should I strike up a conversation with?  The answer was no one.

I went into the big white tent where all the food was displayed and filled my plate with roasted corn on the cob, grilled sausage, beans from the crock pot, cornbread, and a relish salad.  It felt lonely to eat by myself until a friendly voice asked me if I would like some dessert.  Ross offered me a choice of about six varieties from a tray of goodies he waved in front of me. He sat down to join me after bringing me a cup of coffee with cream just the way I like it.  He talked endlessly about himself while I finished eating.  I silently prayed that my husband would find me and rescue me from this man’s interest.  No such luck.  It felt like hours passed and Ross was still chatting away.  Ross knew I was the agent who sold Bernie his home and I repeatedly mentioned I was here with my husband who was ….somewhere.    I couldn’t take it anymore so I decided to evangelize Ross.  Maybe if Ross knew how much I loved Jesus and enjoyed things like going to church and worshipping God, he would think I was spooky and leave me alone.

My plan backfired.  Ross loved hearing about Jesus.  He told me he had just lost his mom.  She adored Jesus and comforted him when he almost died in a motorcycle accident.  I found myself listening to Ross’ words but now with less judgment.  “I may not attend church like my mother use to, but one thing I never do is crawl into bed at night until I get on my knees and ask God to forgive me if I hurt anyone that day,” he exclaimed.

Dice and I talked a lot on the drive home that night, and I thanked him for dragging me to the party.  Then I said:  “What do you think about praying together before we go to bed at night similarly to the way we do when we begin our day?” 

This is the kind of thing that happens when you bring Jesus to the party.

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Comments

  1. oh it is so true... I have felt like that too, and sometimes the least likely person is the very one we end up sharing with, and it was exactly the way God had it planned. This was just such a beautiful post Mary. It kind of makes me say... 'there goes God again... working things out in ways we couldn't imagine! :)

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  2. Absolutely beautiful! When I go somewhere new, I feel like God always reminds me, I am with you. His presence is so powerful. This encouraged me today!

    I added your blog to the list of Tea Ladies under my Tea on Tuesday's page, along with the other Tea Ladies who join us to share their faith on Tuesdays. I hope to see you again next week in the Tea Room!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your awesome story At
    http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
    I loved how you brought Jesus to the bash and it all turned out well.

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  4. Love this, I think it was a divine appt. I imagine you've impacted his life far more than you can imagine and that God will use the time spent chatting to touch his heart.
    Thank you for sharing-a good reminder that we are not alone and we should be open to sharing His love.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  5. What a happy ending of the story. We can really not judge a book by it's cover. Thanks for sharing:) visiting from Tell Me a Story:

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  6. What a beautiful, uplifting post!

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  7. I loved this, Mary! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

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  8. Great story. There are many times when I have gone out of my comfort zone & experienced something wonderful. I am pretty shy, so I love meeting people that will keep the conversation going without much effort from me...I especially love it when the person has something meaningful to share! Magic happens when we least expect it :)

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  9. I was thinking God was watching you the whole time and smiling, thinking..."Ohh Mary, you can try all you want to run away from this man but can't do that!"

    I'm glad you thought about bringing up about the Lord to him. Sometimes, I feel like a failure at work when I come across those inmates who I know need our Savior and couldn't bring up about the Good News. But if I wait for the "perfect time, perfect place" (when there's no such thing) I think that's how I let go of that opportunity to share our good Lord.

    And that remains to be my struggle...at work...

    Thank you for always keeping me in your prayers. I also pray for you and your family. To begin our day with the Lord and to end our day with the Lord is a great thing to do. What can go wrong if we start our day right and us driving "worries" outside our hearts' doors before catching some zzzz's??? Oh, to God be the glory.

    Take care sister! Thank you for always encouraging me!

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  10. I love this Mary! Isn't amazing how He interrupts our plans and does something like this! Awesome, isn't He!

    Thanks for sharing!

    HE IS FAITHFUL!

    Hugs!
    Jackie

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  11. Mary, what a beautiful post this is. I am so glad you decided to "evangelize" Ross just at the point that you were about to give up. No wonder he was chattering, he was in so much pain. And I am almost sure that your being there at that precise moment was ordained by God.

    And, not only that, how you and Dice decided to pray before going to sleep was inspired by Ross.

    This post has touched my heart today, Mary! I thank God I dropped by your place to read it.

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  12. A delightful post dear one. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

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  13. Love it! Often the most powerful segments of our lives are in those itty-bitty seconds between annoyance & awe. God sure showed up, didn't He? Then again, He always did love a good party.

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  14. Mary,
    That is a wonderful story. I am going to share it with Mister when he gets home.

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  15. What a wonderful story! I've had similar experiences in the past and it simply confirms that what God has planned for us is always the best one for us. Thank you for sharing. Found you through the blog hop :)

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  16. Hi Mary -

    You sold me on this piece from the get go. I enjoyed the engagement. And loved the ending.

    I term this an ace sale.

    Thank you, precious lady of GOD.

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