Heidi Hameed

Reading, Writing, Calligraphy, People I left San Francisco and headed further south, running into a town called Paradise. It was beautiful and I saw the ocean. Since I love the ocean, but hadn’t seen it in years, I decided to spend the day in Paradise. I walked by the ocean, running into a lady with a young daughter and the mother gave me a sand dollar she had picked up on the beach. I enjoyed Paradise very much and was sorry to leave. Before leaving, I was sitting on a towel by the beach about 30 feet from the ocean. I was praying, and I said to the Lord, “Ok, Lord, here’s the deal: I don’t know what you have in mind, but let’s leave it like this: if you want me to stay, you make the water come up to my blanket and not get it wet. If not, I’ll keep going wherever you lead me.” I turned around with my back to the ocean, looking at the homes built into the rocks now before me. I sat there for perhaps ten minutes or so imagining myself going from home to home asking if anyone needed a live-in maid. I became aware of people screeching and turned around to see that water come up to within 1/8 of an inch from my blanket and then recede. It amazed me and I answered the Lord and said, “Ok, that fleece has been answered. I’ll stay here in California. You just lead me the rest of the way, and I’ll be obedient.” I’ve always believed in fleeces. In the Old Testament, Gideon was led by God to defeat an army. He was somewhat timid and asked God to answer a couple of fleeces, which he did. I believe it should be noted that fleeces are generally used for immature Christians. As we grow in knowledge of God, we become more confident and learn to use the authority that God has given us. No decisions, particularly major decisions, should be made lightly, and seeking the aid of God is critically important. Seeking His aid in every area of our life will help us to keep connected with Him. We may still miss the mark, but with enough practice and perseverance, we will learn to follow his leading...