Sharon Sloan

Delighted by His Word. Dependent on His Grace.

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A Table For Two…and A Give-Away

August 18, 2009 | 24 Comments

(Pictures of the table at the shore house. Our friends, Dan and Tricia, who own the shore house, are now the wonderful stewards of this precious gift from the Carpenter.)
“‘Where did this Man get these things?’ they asked. ‘What’s this wisdom that has been given Him, that He even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter?” Mark 6:2-3 (NIV)

“Lord, I stand in awe of Your fame, I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known.” Habakkuk 3:2

“They were all filled with awe and praised God.” Luke 7:16


Today I have a devotion published through Proverbs 31 Ministry (click here), which shares my “Table Testimony”. As the verse above says, I stood in awe of His gracious deed toward me in providing a table for me for my morning quiet time on vacation. The Carpenter’s gift was a serendipitous and sweet answer to prayer.

As I shared this story with family and friends, many were understandably looking for some sort of logical explanation as to how the table got in our friends’ (Dan and Tricia) shore home, which we were renting for vacation. Recently during a gathering at our home, one of my friends, Cheryll, asked me to share the “Table Testimony” with our guests. After I told the story, there was silence. I felt as though I needed to say something more, give some sort of explanation as I could see our guests’ wheels turning in their heads. Cheryll, discerning what was going on in my heart, quietly said, “Just let that be the end of the story.” No reasonable explanation. No logic. Simply, it was a miracle. “God wanted to bless you, Sharon”, Cheryll said. It still overwhelms me.

He gets all the glory! A few days after Cheryll so beautifully spoke those words to my heart, I was reading Wendy Blight’s book “Hidden Joy In A Dark Corner”. In her book she was sharing about a miraculous answer to prayer concerning a “wall of angels” surrounding her home. She then wrote, “He did not want rationalizations and logical explanations to prevail. He wanted all the glory.” He receives and deserves all the glory.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Col. 4:2
Now, my prayer in sharing this testimony of God’s amazing provision and love is that your faith will grow. Desiring to draw closer to Him. Praying and watching with expectation for His answers. Thanking Him, giving Him the glory and sharing what He has done. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony…” John 4:39 Amen!

“May my life be one unbroken gaze fixed upon the beauty of Your face.” Vicky Beeching

At my daily devotion table here in my home, I keep a stack of pretty note cards. One of my favorite things to do since I was a very little girl is to write notes and collect note cards. Stationery stores beckon me from afar. I love to “shower the people you love with love”, as James Taylor’s song tells us. And often the Lord will put someone on my heart during my quiet time, so I’ll write them a quick little note and put it in the mail.

Recently, during our annual family trip to Camp Of The Woods (a Christian family camp in the Adirondacks of New York), I met a new friend, Kristen. She and her family were seated at the table right next to us in the dining hall. Maryland is where she now resides with her husband and two sons,but both she and her hubby grew up right here in our home town in Pennsylvania!

Kristen makes beautiful note cards. I confessed to her that I am a note card fanatic! I asked her if she’d join me in a little give-away here at Joy In The Truth. So, if you love note cards and filling mail boxes with colorful and friendly envelopes (rather than bills and advertisements), please leave me a comment, including your contact information. Also, along with the note cards, you’ll receive a copy of Wendy Blight’s book “Hidden Joy In A Dark Corner”. A winner will be chosen on Friday 8/21. Pictures of Kristen and me and her adorable note cards are below.

I pray His truth has filled you with joy today. Be sure to meet Him today. He has prepared a table just for you.

Kristen and Me

You can contact Kristen for home-made note cards at: ksdurn@msn.com

“I…am writing this with my own hand.”
Philemon 1:19

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

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Filed Under: Joy in the Truth

Comments

  1. Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family says

    August 18, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    WOW! Ok, so I needed your ENTIRE message this morning! πŸ™‚ thanks! And I want to enter to win because I love the note cards and sharing them and I NEED that book! πŸ™‚ So I am praying here that I just might win!. Thanks for sharing truth and Joy into my life with your blog! You are an instrument of the true and living God!

    Blessings in HIM,
    Tami Sisemore
    PRAYING JEREMIAH HOME QUICKLY
    http://www.tillGodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com
    Tamijoysisemore@aol.com

    Reply
  2. Unknown says

    August 18, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Congrats on the publication! And so quickly too, after posting your story. Proud of you!!! And to God be the glory of course! But proud of you for sharing and writing to well.

    Enter me for notecards. Love 'em!

    Reply
  3. The Calm of His Presence says

    August 18, 2009 at 12:55 pm

    Sharon,

    Thank you for your P31 post today. I long for a quiet place I can carve out a little niche for my quiet time. God has met me where I am all summer. It is time for me to meet Him where he is!

    One of my gifts is that of encouragement. I love sending notes to my friends letting them know I am praying for them. The cards by Kristen are lovely. I would love to know I was sending cards to friends that were personally made.

    Thank you for sharing your story.

    Mary
    mboswell98@bellsouth.net

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    I read that devotion in my inbox this morning and just sat in silent awe for a long time. He is so faithful, and somehow, the demands of daily life recently have left me forgetting just how faithful He is, how CLOSE He is at all times, and in all ways. Your testimony will stay with me always.

    Blessings,
    Lisa

    Reply
  5. Unknown says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Sharon,

    I cannot express sufficiently with words how "The Table Testimony" moved me. I burst into sobs and praised Him. Such a tangible gift; how awesome to touch an unexplainable miracle! He is Majesty!

    I've posted today's devotion on my Facebook page and am praying that it will touch many hearts. May God continue to bless you and use you for His glory.

    I hope I win your drawing for today, but I'm sure the Lord will place it where it is most needed.

    Be blessed,

    Penny Flowers
    pennyflowers@gmail.com

    Reply
  6. hirstmom says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Good Morning Sharon,
    The Lord never ceases to amaze me at the blessings that He has up His sleeves for His people.
    Thank you for sharing.

    We are packing our youngest son for college, leaving bright and early in the morning. After 22 years with two boys in the house, our season is changing.

    I am seeking that special table now asking for the Lord's plan for my life to be revealed. All of the energy that I have given our two sons, I would like to put to good use somewhere in the Kingdom of God. Where, I am not sure yet, but I am sure that I will not walk this new path alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ will be right there beside me.

    Praising Him for His invitation to dine at the Master's table.
    Blessings,
    Susan

    Reply
  7. Danielle says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    Sharon, I have seen you comment around before, but I confess, I haven't been to your blog. I will be from now on.

    I was brought here today by our loving Father. You devo from P31 is a testiment to the awesomeness of our God. There are no words sometimes… we just have to sit back, enjoy the fact that God loves us that deeply and give Him the glory for a perfect blessing.

    I too love Wendy's story about the Wall of Angels. It gave me chills, just as your own testimony did.

    Enter me in for those cards, please, Ma'am! They are beautiful! endeavor2@bellsouth.net

    P.S. Are you a graduate from this years SS or last years?

    Reply
  8. KelliGirl says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Congrats on your P31 devo today. It's great to see your story reach a larger audience. I'm sure it will bless many.

    Looks like you had a fabulous time at COTW. I love that place…and I only visited for a few days last year!

    Love the notecards, too!

    Reply
  9. Fields of gold says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Love hearing your journey with the Lord! Thanks for sharing with us at P31. You're so special!!

    Love, Samantha

    Reply
  10. Heather says

    August 18, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    First of all, I love this song. Secondly and certainly not less than the fact that song is perfect is that tis is what faith is all about, accepting the irrational, foregoing logic to accept that our God is bigger, bigger than anything we could ever fathom, that is the whole point. He can do what we could not or could not dream, HOPE! Congratulations on your being published, what a blessing. Yes, I know the Lord gives you the words, but you are the obedient vessel who shares…so much joy in that! So much talent in that!

    Enjoy this special moment and the lives you are touching with this God appointed story.

    Love & Hugs,
    Heather

    Reply
  11. christy rose says

    August 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    I remember your table story from this summer. It was an awesome testimony to the desire of the Lord for us. He would surely prepare a place for us to meet with Him. He is definitely so faithful.

    Love the cards. I would love to be entered in the giveaway.
    rosesonpeach@aol.com

    Thanks for sharing and being used to touch our hearts with your writing about the awesome love and care of our God.
    Christy

    Reply
  12. Eagles Wings says

    August 18, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    wow –waht an awesome devotion…
    Thanks for sharing this morning, it brought tears to my eyes…

    I love writing cards/notes to people…my husband laughes cause I like to go out and get the mail too…
    Please enter me in the contest…

    Reply
  13. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious says

    August 18, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you Sharon for sharing your true story as a devo today. I just came over from the Proverbs31.org website where I first left a comment for you there.

    I was in tears after reading your story. I wonder how many times we miss the miracles that God does in our lives on a daily basis? I sometimes forget to pray for the tangible things that my heart desires. I suppose part of that reason is because, maybe down deep I didn't believe God actually had the time to give me all my heart desired. How wrong of thinking was that!

    Thank you for reminding me to take all things to Him in prayer. Even the little things my heart desires. (we have not because we ask not…..not sure where that scripture vs is right now)

    I am thankful and being watchful today.

    Lee Ann

    Reply
  14. Leah Stirewalt says

    August 18, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    What a beautiful devotion about a beautiful God! Isn't He so amazing? I continue to be in awe at the way He blesses His children! Thank you for sharing your "table testimony".

    As for the notecards…I love to send/receive them. In the world of emails, writing notes "the old way" seems to be a lost art. It is always such a treasure for me to receive and give a handwritten note. Please enter me in the giveaway also: leahgillen89@yahoo.com

    Be blessed!

    Reply
  15. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious says

    August 18, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Oh I forgot to tell you my info for the giveaway on my comment earlier. I love encouraging others through notes and cards.

    Here you go: lee_ann_garrett@hotmail.com

    Reply
  16. Wendy Blight says

    August 18, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    I love this story more every time I read it, Sharon!! And thank you for giving away a copy of Hidden Joy. I am honored that you would share my story alongside your amazing story.

    Your story today shows us our God is a BIG God, yes, but He is also a very PERSONAL God who cares about every detail of our lives.

    I am so thankful for you!!!

    Blessings,

    Wendy

    Reply
  17. Unknown says

    August 18, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    Being a Mommy of 8 – forgoes all logic!

    It is simply the glory of God – end of story right there.

    His desire to grow our faith and to show us how wide and deep His love for us is!

    He loves to bless us when we pray of our hearts desires in secret. Thus, the table for you!

    Oh how I love this story and cherished it the first time you shared it this summer!

    Praising God for your obedient heart and willingness to go deeper still with Him!

    Lots of love – Jill
    Sept. is busy on the weekends – but October is wide open!!!!!

    Reply
  18. Runner Mom says

    August 18, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    Great job with the devotional this morning!! I loved this story!! GOd is so amazing. Funny, I have a new desk/table/ sewing table/ thingie on my post that I would love to use for my sanctuary ( was over at Wendy P's post as well!). I need a Susan spot in the house as well as my back porch!!

    Love the note cards!! Would have so much fun using them!! I already have Wendy B's amazing book, so you could give that to another lucky bloggy friend!!

    Love ya,
    Susan

    Reply
  19. Mich says

    August 18, 2009 at 9:59 pm

    That story takes my breath away everytime I read it…

    thank you. I needed the reminder of miracles to brighten my day.

    kmkjhenry@yahoo.com
    Cute cards!!!

    Reply
  20. Renee Swope says

    August 19, 2009 at 12:39 am

    LOVED your devotion today and your post about the "Table" with a photo and all. Breathtaking story and picture of God's beauty and provision.

    Trusting Him today to give us what we need as we follow Him in faith to Africa and to a new school for our boys and a new place of writing – all in complete dependence on HIM to meet us 'at the Table' each day.

    Love you my friend!!!
    Renee

    Reply
  21. Sarah says

    August 19, 2009 at 12:42 am

    Sweet one, do you live in NY? Just wondering because I will be there for missions conference in the Albany area. What joy to meet you face to face πŸ™‚

    Thanks for singing with me today. The Lord is writing a new song on my heart.

    I do hope as you delve into the new study, you will bless us here as well.

    Learning to hear His song on my life,
    Sarah Dawn

    PS And can always use notecards or a good read!

    Reply
  22. Beth Herring says

    August 19, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    Great message – I remember your table story from earlier.

    Always love to read the truth of Him and bask in His Word.

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    August 19, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    I just got a chance to read your devotion from yesterday and it blessed my heart oh so much. I feel God constantly tugging on my heart to find my special place to meet him, but I just can't seem to find it in my home.

    Then again maybe I never asked him to show me :).

    Thanks for putting God's words that are on your heart in writing for people like me who need to see it. God bless you.

    Myrlande, myrlanded@gmail.com

    Reply
  24. Josey Bozzo says

    August 20, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    Sharon,
    I read this story on your blog before it was a Proverbs devotion. But even reading it again, I was still amazed and awed by what God had done for you. It was truly what I needed BOTH times I read it. It is confirmation that God can do amazing things. Although we know this, our circumstances can sometimes make it seem impossible.
    I too am a stationary/notecard junky. I was just thinking this morning that I needed some cards, I'm a little low. I love sending notes to people. A few years ago, going through radiation treatments, the notes and cards I received from people at church were such a blessing, and were so encouraging to me, I decided to step it up with my note writing.
    I don't have Wendy's book, but would love to have it.
    Thanks for sharing your story!
    Josey
    jbozzoblog.blogspot.com

    Reply

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