There are some experiences in life, that we cannot chalk up to coincidence or luck. There are relationships that are unquestionably formed by the hand and grace of God. Here’s my story.
God Bless You
Those were the first words I spoke to Judy Warpole, my downstairs neighbor, after I heard a sneeze from down below 🤧
It was Friday, February 7th and a beautiful, bright, sunshiny day ☀️
Even though I had only been in Texas for 3 weeks, I was sitting on the balcony of what was our 2nd apartment since our move.
Three weeks prior, Christian and I sat in the apartment we previously picked out before moving. We were surrounded by boxes and shaking our heads as water leaked across the floors, cabinet doors fell off the walls, toilets backed up and fireplace slate cracked and broke in front of our eyes. Our apartment was literally falling apart 😰
The place we moved into was far from the pictures we saw online and did not resemble what the leasing agent (who no longer worked there) explained to us over the phone. We submitted service tickets for the many repairs and issues we had and tried to be patient with a resolution, but the issues continued and nothing was resolved.
Feeling frustrated and tired from a cross country move, I scheduled an appointment with the complex manager. I knew the odds were against me trying to break our lease without penalty. I was ready to introduce the feisty Italian from upstate NY, should the need arise, because there was no way we were living in what I now refer back to as “gangland.”
Long story short, my meeting was successful and we immediately started searching for a new place. Within days we found ourselves touring the complex and signing a new lease at Marquis at Stonebriar. With lakeside views and a golf course in our backyard, our hearts were grateful to be in a safe and functional apartment 🙏
I had prepared for months for this move and a season in life to rest and refresh. I planned to use my new found free time to go on a journey; a Jesus journey. I prayed for months that upon our move God would put me in front of the people and places that would best guide me.
Note: I’m often asked what I mean when I use the phrase “Jesus Journey.” Let me explain:
I went on my Jesus Journey because I wanted to evolve from being a person who believed in God to becoming a person who has a personal relationship with Jesus.
The sneeze from down below responded with “Thank you. You must be our new neighbors.” As that initial introduction evolved, I learned that my downstairs neighbors, Ron and Judy Warpole, were retired missionaries who dedicated their life to introducing people to Jesus Christ.
I nearly fell right off the balcony! My eyes swelled with tears and my heart erupted with thanksgiving. In that moment everything came full circle and the last three weeks finally made sense. I looked up to the heavens, laughed out loud and shook my head. “Well played, God. Well played.” ☺️
I almost forgot to mention that Judy is the author of a book titled “The Pleasure of His Company.” Gods invitation to enjoy the pleasure of His company.
Whoa. I can’t make this stuff up!
The following days turned into weeks that turned into months of studying, learning, asking 506,458 questions and opening my heart to Jesus, with Ron and Judy as my loving guides.
I knew my relationship with Christian was an answered prayer and I knew our move above Ron and Judy was also an answered prayer.
What I didn’t know, was that the exact same patio where Judy sneezed, would be the same patio where Christian and I were married. Married by Ron and Judy, the retired missionary couple, who are not only our downstairs neighbors, but our friends and family in Christ Jesus.
I didn’t know how perfect His plans could be or that blessings this big were possible.
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May God bless and protect our country and everyone reading.
~MLO
Great story!!!
Beautiful!