Before we get into today’s topic, I want to start by explaining what I mean when I say I “hear” God speak. I’ve shared this before, but it’s important to make sure we’re all on the same page.

For me, it’s not an actual voice I hear out loud. Instead, especially when I’ve quieted my mind and heart, there will be a thought, an idea, or a gentle nudge that comes to mind. And most of the time, it’s something I know I never would have thought of on my own.

Such was the case last Monday.

Have I mentioned that I’m getting ready to publish another book this fall entitled, Maisy, Mimi & Me?  If not, now you know!  I’ll be sharing more about it in the coming weeks.

One key element to include is a page of endorsements—ideally from well-known people you know personally. (That list is mostly non-existent for me!) I happen to know a few local “celebrities” and had reached out to them for help in this area.

But when one endorsement fell through, I found myself scrambling for a replacement. I wanted someone who shared my faith and my love for animals—and if they also had a bit of name recognition, even better.

As I asked God for a suggestion (though frankly, I wasn’t feeling overly hopeful for an answer), he came through with a prompting that made me stop and say, “Wow! Really?”, reminding me yet again why I should never doubt him.

Here’s how that all played out.

About three years ago, in my daily email from BookBub.com, a title grabbed my attention, and I knew I had to read that book.  The title was Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates.  Isn’t that fun?

I’ll admit, I can be a bit of a skeptic on topics like this. When it comes to something as close to my heart as the “animals in heaven” question, I’m not interested in a mere “wishful thinking” approach. I want to be sure there’s solid scriptural support behind the ideas shared in the book.

Without going into all the details, I can say I was not disappointed! Author Gary Kurz did a remarkable job of deepening my understanding of the topic, weaving in relevant biblical texts throughout. I’ve since recommended the book to many of my animal-loving friends.

Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates is a best-seller with over 1,300 reviews on Amazon. Simply put, Gary Kurz has made a lasting mark in this corner of the publishing world.

Yep, you guessed it. This is the very book and author God placed firmly on my mind, almost instantly, in answer to my prayer.

I quickly found his email address and, after asking God for the right words, sent off a request for an endorsement—from someone he’d never even heard of!

After a few warm, get-to-know-you email exchanges, Mr. Kurz sent me an incredible endorsement by Friday of that same week—and yes, he actually read the book! I was truly blown away by his generous words.

If you’re curious about what he said, you’ll have to wait until Maisy, Mimi & Me is published! Consider this my little “teaser” tucked into this week’s post.

It’s a beautiful story, and it’s a reminder of how important it is to listen for God’s voice. But I also want to gently reach out to those who may be thinking, “That’s wonderful for you, Lynne, but God has never spoken to me like that.”

I get that.  I would have put myself in that same category for much of my Christian walk.  But since Dale’s passing, my relationship with God has grown ever closer, and I’ve learned that he truly desires to connect with us. He wants us to hear his voice.  I was the one whose attitude got in the way of those powerful, divine connections.

If you desire that kind of intimacy with God, here are some of my suggestions for how to begin making space for him:

• Quiet your heart before him.
• Spend time in his Word.
• Talk honestly with him in prayer. Be specific in your “ask.”
• Believe that God wants this communication with you.
• Recognize it as a gentle nudge, a verse brought to mind, or that thought you know isn’t from you.
• Trust that he’s speaking, even if it’s in ways you don’t yet recognize.
• Be patient!  After all, it will be his answer and his perfect timing.
• When you do recognize his voice, act upon it! And be grateful and expectant that he will do it again.

Thank you for joining me in this story of God’s goodness. My prayer is that it draws you closer to him, deepens your trust in his leading, and helps you recognize his voice more clearly with each passing day.

Call to me and I will answer you,

and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Jeremiah 33:3