Elvis, John Lennon and Ihop

When we were in Memphis last week, we drove past Elvis' home. His yard had multiple scenes from the Nativity, but he was no where to be found. Someone said he was probably in the bathroom.

Across the street an outdoor board quoted John Lenon: Before Elvis there was nothing.

I had a craving for an Ihop omelet full of veggies and cheese. We haven't been in a while and were surprised we could buy one and get one free. Yum! And I had crepes with Lingonberries. My Swedish ancestors would be happy. We called in and praised our server and the food.

Fast forward to late that night. John came upon a hungry, homeless Vietnam Vet in the smoking room. He started to give him his meal ticket when he remembered the omelet. Thank you Ihop. You  blessed two families. Now that's a fine way to "pay it ahead."

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

The Prayer of Jabez

I said it over and over looking forward to how the Lord would use me to expand his territory. Traveling for work gave us many opportunities. One of my favorite experiences was when we were working in Springfield, Tennessee where dark-fired tobacco is grown.

Each morning I'd tell the Lord I was available. I went to an address to sell cable. An older gentlemen answered the door. "This is an answer to a prayer." Mine too. I was so happy he could finally get what he wanted. We did our business and I left. Down the street I realized I had stopped at the right house number, but I was on the wrong street.

There were times I believed door-to-door work was just a cover. I went to a retired woman's home and noticed her front door hinge pins were coming out. I told her if she had a hammer, I'd fix it. She did. I did. We laughed.

At one door the woman answered almost in tears. I asked what was wrong. She said her husband had passed a couple of days ago. I put my arms around her and cried with her.

One woman had a plate of cheese on the coffee table. When she left to get her checkbook she said, "Now Mike, don't bother the cheese." I looked around for a child. Quick as a flash the cat grabbed the cheese and ran off. She said he had been a restaurant cat and would eat anything, but didn't particularly care for sauerkraut.

We made so many friends those six years, and fed so many hungry people. A Vietnam vet in Nashville befriended us where we parked our motorhome. We saw him again in January. He was ill and in short sleeves. Without a moment's hesitation, JB gave him his coat and some money.

Last Sunday Pastor Patrick read a list of terrible things that would happen around the world in the hour we were in church. He looked up and said, "What are we doing here? We should be out there working for the Lord." I could have jumped up and shouted. In a Southern church, I would have.

When we pay attention and listen, we can be of use expanding His territory anywhere.

copyrigh 2007 Red Convertible Travel Series