Thank You Jesus for a Glorious Book Signing Event at Clinton Fall Festival 2018
Thank You Jesus for the glorious weekend we had at the Clinton Fall Festival this year. This was our very first large event and I am so grateful for our time we can spend together just to thank You for some of the highlights that happened this weekend. You have showed us time and time again, that when we pray and ask for anything according to Your will, it shall be done; even if it’s at the last minute.
Thank You Jesus for every person who came to purchase a book and for revealing to me that there are so many people wanting to share their life’s story. Not just one, but twenty-seven beautiful souls shared their hearts with me. They want to step out in FAITH and take that next step that I took back in 2016 and HOPE that they could be heard with a listening heart and LOVED just as you love us Jesus. I found that in AliveInChristRadio. Tony and Lynn Marino showed Rick and I a little bit of heaven on earth with their assistance to guide and direct us as we wrote the story that had already been written and confirmed by You; my life’s story for Your glory.
A Glorified Unexpected Conversation
The weekend started off on Thursday, September 27th, 2018 which was set up day. We arrived at 6pm, right on time. We were waiting 2 hours in the cold and finally we were able to drive to our spot to set up. By this time, it was already 8pm. I’m so thankful that it worked out that way, even in the dark because as I was standing there waiting, a gentleman came up to me and said, “You probably don’t remember me. I was in band in high school.” I could not recollect who this was and finally he said, “Dean T.” Immediately I remembered and He shared with me his vision with “Neighbors for Hope” a non-profit organization helping to assist the homeless and less fortunate.
The next statement he said is what really sparked my spirit. He said, “I was a banker and out of the blue, God calls me to this ministry. I left and I’ll never look back.” This statement is what started the beginning of a glorified weekend and hearing this repeated, not once but multiple times, made it more glorified.
God’s Provisions
We arrived in our spot to set up. Jesus, thank You that my dad was able to help set up for the festival. This was definitely a special night. We were so thankful for all the decorations that came from what You created Jesus.
We were able to cut walnut trees in our woods and use them as a decoration piece to hold our unique pumpkins on each of the four corners of the tent. One decoration we had on display was a pumpkin that grew to look like a gourd.
On Friday, we had a gentleman approach us and share that what we thought was a pumpkin was a food that would make some type of butter; better than apple butter. That was pretty interesting. We also chopped down some corn husks and bind them together in the middle with twine and inserted fall color flowers in the center of each pole.
Servant’s Hearts
On Friday, September 28th, 2018 we arrived at 9:30 am.
My friends, Wendy Border and Kim James, with Inspire Ministries showed up later than day. “Bless their hearts!” It was the beginning of a most God-glorified day.
A Shared Inspiration
We saw so many people. I met one sweet women who lost two of her children – her daughter followed by her young son – both young adults. She wants to get her story out of her head and onto paper, and would like direction. Another woman came up to the booth and Wendy motioned me to come over to talk to her. She began to share her story about her husband who is on dialysis. For a long time, she has been writing devotionals. She has over 700 devotionals written but wants to know how to turn her devotions into a book. I shared with her my journey in writing and I and how I can direct her to the right people to help her. She proceeded to share with me that God wakes her up in the middle of the night inspiring her to write. She also said that as she is driving, she will hear God speak, so she will pull off to the side of the road and write. She is leaving for Florida on Wednesday, so I told her I would call her before she leaves.
She showed me a bird house she had bought that looked somewhat like an old man. She bought it because the proceeds were going to support the veterans and her husband was a veteran. Then what she said next was a glorified un-expectation. She said she loved birds, but the birdhouses she has at her home are bluebird houses.
Thank You Jesus for this moment. She continued to show me the gifts she bought and pulled out a bluebird that she had broken. She then said “There is a story with this.” It’s broke but can be mended.” This is the story of the “Broken Angel” In GLORIFIED UN-EXPECTATIONS.
God, so far during this day you have brought people to our booth who have experienced somewhat of what I had experienced during the writing process.
Glorified Confirmations…I can’t wait to write this next book with You, Jesus.
Instruments Used by God
Next to our booth we had a family who were Native Americans, and they were selling Indian wraps, and bracelets that say I love Jesus and other products. It made me start thanking You Jesus for how there are so many nationalities that worship in their own native language. No matter what nationality, we all serve You the ONE true Jesus for ONE purpose; to give glory and honor to You.
The children were playing an “Indian pan flute” that looked like a small circular tube connected to each other. They would blow into them and this beautiful sound would ring out and surround and echo throughout the area. It was so beautiful. And each song they played was something we all understood. For Instance, one song was from the movie, “The Titanic” (My Heart Will Go On), which I was able to video so I could capture this moment and remember that we are Your instruments Jesus. Use us to make a beautiful melody that rings in the hearts of those who need to hear a beautiful song in their spirit. Breathe life into their very souls and may they hear the beat of their hearts move with the breath of the living God. Such a Jesus moment. Then it happened…the sounds of a hymn ringing out…loud and glorious “How Great Thou Art” Rick and I looked at each other and said, “Their playing the hymn again.” This song was heard throughout the weekend by not just the Native Americans, but others who shared the gift You created in them. The gift of music. Of course, I wrote the song down because the Holy Spirit was stirring up something in the air; something that I just had to write about.
Thank You Jesus for this precious gift you have filled each soul who has accepted You and makes You Lord of their life. I will listen, hear, write, and obey the command and watch You move. So grateful for the beautiful blue sky that surrounded us. This day was special because Elijah was able to help. He enjoyed every minute of his day at the festival.
Saturday, September 29th, 2018 – We arrived and prepared for another amazing day, serving our Lord and Savior. We had brought a small generator that we were allowed to hook up to charge our phone. We also had internet access where we were able to play the Christian music radio station, “Alive In Christ Radio” in the background throughout the event.
How Great Thou Art
There were times we could not hear because there was an elderly husband and wife team who would drive up in their pretty, creatively designed gulf-cart named, “Travel-n-Riverboat Show.” This couple is from Ireland and they travel all over the world. The steering wheel was actually an anchor. Their audio setup, filled with speakers in the back of the cart, was very unique. The elderly man would walk beside his wife, who was driving the cart, and played his trombone. I was inspired and left joyful because of the energy and the passion from this beautiful couple. They played all kinds of music from jazz, 50’s and 60’s etc. There was so much energy, and to see the people around you dancing and tapping their feet was so much fun. The gentleman came up to us and with a tear in his eye, stopped and looked at the book and said “Oh yes, GLORIFIED UN-EXPECTATIONS. GLORY” and He walked back over to the cart and started playing a particular hymn we had just recently heard, “How Great Thou Art, but only this time we were all singing this reflective hymn, as my eyes turn towards Rick, and mouthed the words once more, “There it is again.”
The Minty Message
As the sounds were fading away and they went along playing for other folks, we were once again able to play our favorite radio station; AliveInChristRadio. When people would approach our tent, they would come up and pick up the book, and then sneak a peppermint candy that was located on top of the table. My hidden message with the peppermint candies represents symbolism of what Jesus proclaims in His Word, “By His stripes, we are healed.” Thank you, Jesus.
A Musical Miracle
Mid-morning, two gentlemen approached our booth and I walked out to greet them. At this time, I was playing the guitar and this beautiful soul who seemed to tremble and walk with a shuffle stopped and asked me if we could sing Amazing Grace. This immediately brought a smile to my face along with a few tears, but these tears were tears of joy because this song was played at Jaelynn’s funeral. Lord, every time You are about to reveal Your power in Rick’s and my life, this song is being played. I couldn’t really understand this man’s small whisper and the few words he spoke, but when I started playing Amazing Grace, his voice became so loud and clear that my heart praised the Almighty works and power of You, Jesus. Later, I was told that he had Parkinson’s disease and Dementia. Thank You Jesus for our weaknesses. When our bodies are not able to function as they used to, there is one truth we can hold on to and that is even though our bodies are dying daily, our souls are being made new through You each and every day.
There is something glorious that happens when music is being played with those who are challenged with Dementia. Jesus, you take their brokenness and take them back to the very first time they heard that song, and their memory comes back and they can recite the song; verse by verse; not forgetting one lyric. May every word that is sung in praise to you, bring glory and honor to You, Lord.
A Four-legged Business Partner named Cash
A gentleman across from us was quite the vendor. This man was definitely a salesman because with him, he had an adorable dog by the name of “Cash” who was wrapped up in a blanket on top of his table. I couldn’t help but go over and meet this adorable dog. When I approached the dog, he was so friendly and gentle. The gentleman told me that Cash was a part of the business. Because of how cute he was and how people are drawn to animals, especially cute animals, they come over and see Cash, then their eyes would zoom in on his product and then a sale would be made. This vendor had an amazing talent in creating address posts that provide safety at night in the dark. He said that the numbers glow at night so that owners to their homes could feel safe. He said, “It’s all about safety, and when it’s dark the numbers will provide light by glowing at night.” He shared that he was a Christian, and basically, he is sharing a message by providing safety, just as Jesus saves us.
From Dark to Light
Thank You Jesus for my Christ-sister, Holly. She, too has had many challenges in her life. She lost her baby girl, Savannah. Holly has gloriously found strength and unfailing hope in Jesus!
She was at our first book signing event. She shared with me how Jesus has been really moving in her life, and how she might be ready to start writing her story.
A Divine Direction
Earlier Wendy and I were talking about how many times we were hearing from others, “We don’t go to church.” This would be their response when we had started a conversation with them, like they were obligated to say that statement and relate it to their relationship with Jesus Christ.” It seemed each person would relate church with their relationship with Jesus, which broke our hearts.
Later that day a pastor and his wife of “Lighthouse Ministry” approached us and we started a conversation. This couple knew Kim because she used to attend. He shared their story with us. They had lost a son. Understanding the grieving process of losing a child, they could relate to such agonizing pain. I shared a little bit about the book, and was being drawn to the fact of possibly attending their church, which was a complete blessing because we have been praying that God would show us an authentic, holy-spirit driven church. The next sentence he spoke is what confirmed what I was feeling in my spirit about visiting the church. Before they had entered the festival, Pastor Brian prayed with his wife, “Lord, show me where you want us to go,” and they came right over to our booth. This was a God ordained divine appointment because that emptiness we have been feeling for so long with not being able to fellowship with other believers was really becoming heavy. Thank You, Jesus for sending Pastor Brian and his wife Denise to us. Thank you that she bought a book!
A Glorified Exchange
On the last day, the Travel-n-Riverboat Show was traveling around again singing and playing beautiful music. Once again, thank You Jesus for sending them to us again. He was a little farther on down, and as I was watching him he waved his hand asking me to come see them. He said, “I have a book already written.” How can I get my book published?” He also said he will bring me 2 CD’s of music he created, and so we did an exchange. I received the CD’s and he received the book. I was so excited because I was seeing a pattern that was happening throughout the weekend. Many people had been constantly requesting information about getting their story out of their heads and onto paper. I shared Kerri Daniels Ministries with them and that our mission is to Share Christ and Encourage Women to share their story. Whether it is on a sunny day, or through the storm when we come together and share, there is healing. And when the healing begins, we praise Jesus.
A woman came up with her daughter who was just beginning her walk with You Father, and the woman shared that she has a very hard time understanding what she reads, but our book was very easy to understand. Thank you so much Jesus and Lynn Marino. This woman whom I was speaking with said that lately she didn’t understand some of the valleys she had been through, but after reading GLORIFIED UN- EXPECTATIONS, she began thinking of getting her story out of her head and onto paper. Her daughter who is a young adult shared with me she is going to read it. Thank You for her precious soul for she is beginning to live for You, and only You.
Special Encounter – Special Conversation
Elijah loves parades, and the festival’s parade was beginning to start so Rick brightened his day by taking him to the parade. While at the parade they met this special girl named Ashley. Thank You, Jesus for Ashley and her spirit of joy. Rick struck up a conversation with her and shared with her that I had written a book and I was giving away bookmarks. Rick said her eyes were wide eyed and bright. She was so excited and told him that she would stop over. Later that day I see this joyful and spirited young lady come over and shouts; literally, “Oh my! This is so exciting!” And did her voice ring out. She wanted everyone to hear her. All I wanted to do was just hug her because she was so cute! She then said, “I can’t buy your book, and rubbed her fingers together representing she was short on money. I knew what she was telling me by the looks on her face.
Thank You Jesus, for the gift of the Holy Spirit, because when I looked into her eyes and saw the disappointment, I knew I was supposed to obey and give her a free gift; my book. What another glorious moment. She was so excited and I was too because I knew within my spirit that her beautiful soul would read our words we wrote together and glorify Your name. The two worlds that I mentioned in our first book, the world I am referring to is the world where the children just smile no matter what challenge comes their way. This was the world I was able to experience once again and rejoice that no matter what obstacle we may face, we face it with a smile.
From Tragic to Triumph
After the festival was over, the woman who had a booth next to mine approached me and asked if she could buy a book. We then started a conversation about our walk with You Jesus, and she shared that during a very difficult time in her life, she walked away from You. I just stood there listening to her with a heart full of heartache for her because she was sharing something that needs to recognized as truth for it remains in the Word of God; that we are not waging war against the enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of the world, and against wickedness of unseen evil forces of the air (Ephesians 6:14, NIV). As she continued to talk, I heard the words “It was the works of Satan.” Her story is very powerful that illuminates the truth that “Yes, spiritual warfare is real” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). The darkness lurks around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour; and sadly, this is what happened to her niece who was just beginning to start her life as a young adult. Her boyfriend was filled with evil and attacked her niece and did some very disturbing things to her body. Jesus, protect me as I write this.
To even write that the devil used his deceiving tricks to destroy was enough to make me ache and cry out to You, Father. I will not allow this to poison my mind, and I will stay strong in Jesus Christ’s name and proclaim Your Word that I am protected by the blood of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, her daughter’s blood was written on the family’s refrigerator, written out giving credit to darkness. We hugged and shared our tears together as both of us knew who was collecting each one.
Thank You, Jesus for hearing our heart’s cry and never leaving us even though at times you feel so distant. This we know that when you feel distant, you are closer to us than ever before.
Thank You Father, that once we come to You, we are Yours forever. We may fall short, but glory to You Jesus, You bring us right back to where we belong.
My Promise to You Jesus
Such a glorious weekend, and I thank You Jesus for every minute I was able to be used to share my story; our story. There were so many GLORIFIED UN-EXPECTATIONS where I had to truly trust Your unfailing Faith, Hope, and Love…and I did. I stepped out in FAITH, believing in what you promised me by turning something very difficult into something very good. I HOPED that with You, I could accomplish anything, and I felt all the LOVE from Your children You sent my way. I’m ready for this next journey that I’m about to begin with You Jesus, and watch and pray as You reveal through experiences that there are “glorified confirmations” waiting to be discovered and used for Your Glory alone. All I have to do is pray and ask You for more faith, more hope and more Love.
Guide me once again Jesus, and I promise You I will once again, write our next book for Your Glory; GLORIFIED CONFIRMATIONS.
God bless,
Kerri 🙂