Linda is a beautiful Christian with a powerful message. Her love of God motivates her to help others and her speaking engagements encourage many women with her enthusiastic hope and faith in God.
To contact Linda, please visit her webpage http://lindahandzel.com
Coffee
Early one Saturday morning I was on my way to speak at a Ladies Conference, and decided to get a cup of coffee to ward off my sleepiness. I knew there was a Maritime store a few miles ahead, and decided I would stop there for a Cup of Joe. Right away I felt compelled of the Lord to stop at the Irving instead. I thought: “I’ll go to the Maritime, they have good coffee.” Again, the strong prompting came to stop at the Irving. In my head I argued with God. (Why do I do that?) The Irving was coming up on the left, and if I was going to stop there, I needed to change lanes. Firm and clear, I felt the Lord telling me to stop at the Irving. I put on my blinker.
Inside the Irving there was a smorgasbord of coffees to choose from. I stood in front of the self-serve counter, not wanting to cut in front of the woman standing there with two cups in her hand, obviously struggling with the choices.
“There’s a lot to choose from, isn’t there?” I commented to her.
“Yes, and I’m getting one for my wife. She’s picky about her coffee!”
We discussed coffees, strengths and flavors.
After we had each made our selections we moved to another counter to add cream and sugar. The friendly banter continued between us about small print on the creamers, and the need for reading glasses. That spot in the store was usually bustling, but on this morning it was just the two of us. She asked if I was from the area, and I told her where I lived. Then I asked her if she was from around here. She said she had grown up here, but was back because her Dad died yesterday. Her casual statement stopped me in my tracks. My eyes instantly switched off the coffee I was stirring and onto her face. Shock and horror filled my voice as I said: “Oh, I’m SO sorry!” She said it was okay, he had been sick for awhile, and it had been difficult to watch him under hospice care. I continued to stir my coffee, suddenly aware of the prompting of God in my heart. This woman needed prayer!
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Lisa”, she said.
“Lisa, would you mind if I prayed for you right now?”
“Oh, yes, go right ahead!” she readily welcomed the idea.
I leaned toward her a little, careful not to overwhelm her personal space. I prayed for comfort and strength in the days to come, and help for her whole family.
I said “Amen” and lifted my eyes to see that she had bowed her head and leaned in toward me, listening intently to every word.
We said goodbye, I paid for my coffee and headed for the car.
As I drove away I realized that the need to stop at Irving for coffee had nothing to do with coffee. Instead it had everything to do with a broken hearted woman who needed prayer!
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To read more of Linda's writings visit her webpage http://lindahandzel.com
Linda Handzel grew up with two brothers in a Christian home, and began her personal relationship with Jesus Christ at a young age. Soon after she completed her college education, Linda noticed a handsome man in the young adult’s Sunday School class. This young man named Michael noticed her too, soon he asked Linda to go out with him. In only six months Michael asked Linda to marry him. Five months later they were married and began a family together. God blessed them with four children whom Linda home-schooled.
Just before their 24th wedding anniversary tragedy struck the Handzel household. Michael was killed instantly when someone hit him on his motorcycle and Linda had to deliver the news to her children: “Daddy’s gone to Heaven.” Through the dark days and long nights of grief, Linda has never been alone. God has faithfully led her through the many trials and transitions that were brought on by Michael’s death.
Linda’s public speaking ministry began soon after Michael died, and her message to women is that God loves us, and wants to help us through the hurts, heartaches and horrors of life. She shares both personal anecdotes and stories from the Bible, using them to illustrate that God has a perfect plan for each one of us.
Just before their 24th wedding anniversary tragedy struck the Handzel household. Michael was killed instantly when someone hit him on his motorcycle and Linda had to deliver the news to her children: “Daddy’s gone to Heaven.” Through the dark days and long nights of grief, Linda has never been alone. God has faithfully led her through the many trials and transitions that were brought on by Michael’s death.
Linda’s public speaking ministry began soon after Michael died, and her message to women is that God loves us, and wants to help us through the hurts, heartaches and horrors of life. She shares both personal anecdotes and stories from the Bible, using them to illustrate that God has a perfect plan for each one of us.
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