Extra-Ordinary Steps with God

By Brooke Owens

EXTRA-ordinary Steps with God is a book of real stories inspired to bring hope to the reader and confidence in knowing that God is still working in the hearts of people today.

It is amazing to see how God used an ordinary woman like Brooke Owens to show extra-ordinary compassion to ordinary people in need. She has taught her readers to be sensitive to the will of God in ones everyday life and to be a part of His plan in helping others.

Yvonne S. Waite, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. She is a pastors wife, Christian author, and mentor to many women.

Brookes book showcases how God can use everyday, ordinary moments for His glory resulting in extra-ordinary, life-changing greatness. May we, as Brooke does, capitalize on every opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

Dawn Clayton, general manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California.

A delightful, encouraging, easy read. The pages are filled with inspiration.

Diane Hunt, womens event speaker and biblical counselor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512747225

Brooke Owens

Brooke is a follower of Christ who strives to be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and show the love of Christ to all she comes in contact with. She is just an ordinary woman seeking to respond faithfully to those promptings. Her testimonies of God working through her in the lives of those around her truly bring hope. Though there are times that have gone by when opportunities have been missed, her desire is that these short stories will bless and encourage you, knowing that God is still working through His people today. She is active in her church and leads a dinner ministry where women have gathered for more than twenty years for food, fun, and fellowship around God’s word. One of her main priorities in life was to see both her daughters graduate from their local private Christian school, then from a four-year college, and then encourage them to get their master’s degree in something. Her first daughter has recently acquired her master’s in apologetics, and the second has acquired her bachelor’s in business with a minor in Jewish studies. Both are working full time for a ministry that outreaches to the Jewish people. Brooke’s’ passion is event planning and serving others.

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Copyright © 2016 Brooke Owens.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4723-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4722-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016910741

WestBow Press rev. date: 7/1/2016

This book is dedicated to my dear niece, Denise, who will always hold a special place in my heart and to my children, Jennifer and Mary, who bring me so much joy.

I love them all dearly.

Extra-Ordinary Steps with God is a book of true stories inspired to bring hope to the reader and confidence in knowing that God is still working in the hearts of man today.

CONTENTS

Preface

Opportunity

A Very Sick Man

A Puppy for Christmas

When Death Knocks

Baby Isaac

A Teddy Bear

Jack Porter, I’ll Pray for You

Home to Hawaii

A Mother’s Day to Remember

Not a Normal Day Off

A Bouquet of Flowers

God’s Hedge of Protection

A Silver Alert

Not a Friend

Not My Burden

The Challenge

About the Author

PREFACE

S o often in life, our steps go by monotonously—the same routine day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. The word tells us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Every day can be a unique and fresh opportunity to be used by the Lord.

Every day brings new challenges, adventures, experiences, and blessings. Our regular day turns into a special day when something is introduced that was not part of our plan. An opportunity presents itself to make a memory, make a difference, or be part of God’s divine plan to transform someone’s life.

However, being a part of God’s plan and knowing you are a part of it is another story. We can embrace each day knowing God is going to use us if we are willing. God can use anything and anyone He chooses to fulfill His ultimate plans for our lives. We need only to be obedient. As the Israelite judge Joshua said, Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).

As I sit in awe of our mighty God and Father, I choose to serve and obey. I am humbled that He would even consider me to be a part of His ultimate plan for someone’s life. I do not consider myself special; I am merely obedient to His call.

God can do mighty things if we surrender our hearts to Him and allow Him to use us.

Join me on this journey as I praise the Lord and recall His mighty works. I consider it a privilege to share my daily walk and special encounters with our mighty God. These encounters turn my ordinary steps into Extra-Ordinary Steps with God.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

OPPORTUNITY

M any times in our lives we think we are making a difference in someone else’s life. We may do something special for someone and think, I know she is going to remember this .

But does she? Have you really made a difference in that person’s life, or do you just feel better about yourself for helping someone?

There are so many hurting people in our world. Many are sad and confused and have lost all hope. Many are so overcome with the pressures of life, and some are on the edge of suicide.

People are walking through their daily lives just trying to make it to the evening, only to repeat the same routine the next day. Adding to the monotony, it sometimes feels as if there are so many outside forces against them.

People at large—both young and old—are losing hope. They are losing hope in that person who continues to fail to meet their expectations. They are losing hope in themselves. They are losing hope in humanity, considering the ever-increasing disasters we see on television and the moral decay of society. Scripture says, Hope deferred maketh the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12).

We must never lose hope. We must continue to press on and make a difference—one day at a time.

Right now, think of an opportunity the Lord gave you to minister to someone. Not to make yourself feel better. Not to make the person think more highly of