Chapter 9
Vision

There have been times when God has thrilled me beyond comprehension to hear directly from Him.
Through His Word, He continues to minister encouragement and correction to my heart.
        At other times, He astounds me by downloading whole songs into my mind, songs that become complete faith events. For example, you may recall the incredible verse from the book of Hebrews that says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things yet unseen.” (Now just think about that from the point of physics - an intangible, such as faith, can have substance. Amazing.)
        That’s what happened when He downloaded seven songs into my mind for an adorable musical called, “Even the Bugs Love Christmas,” and three of the songs even had counterpoint harmony for children in the 1st and 2nd grades! Here’s the way it works: I had the faith that God would supply my need. He gave the songs. I wrote them down, and they became tangible. Then, when I taught them to 200 students for a wonderful Christmas performance, what was “unseen” became fully visible. The circle of faith was completed. I love it!
The most humbling times are when He, the God of all creation, speaks to me audibly. How do I know it’s Him? Good question. I know because his commanding voice completely takes over everything else that exists. It’s pure, sweet, and powerful! It’s one of those “I know because I know” personal experiences.
        There have been only two times in all my years that I have heard His all-encompassing voice.  Once was when my friend, Carolyn, and I attended a ladies’ Christian conference in Wenatchee, Washington. I was in a space where I wanted to embrace all that He had to offer to me. After making the long drive from our hometown to the conference, we socialized for a while, and then retired to our rooms exhausted. The next morning, as I was waking up, I audibly heard the Lord say, “Katy.” That’s it. Nothing more, but there was no doubt in my mind, whatsoever, that it was the comforting voice of God, and I emotionally felt His embrace.
​           The second time was at our home on Gibraltar Road in Anacortes. My husband and I made it a habit to sleep with the door closed should a fire break out. Ronnie, our son, had his separate 

​room, and his door was closed, as well.
        I was stirred from my sleep in the middle of the night when I felt the air compression of the door opening and thought Ronnie was coming into our room.  As I started to raise up on my right side, I felt a gentle but firm hand press me back down, and I felt the covers being tucked around me. Then in a soft voice, I heard the Lord say, “Katy... I love you.”  I know He meant it to be softly spoken, but there was no other sound except his voice, and it seemed deafening.
         Those two simple occasions were nothing more than God’s reassurance to me of His love. In the scope of things, it was no big deal, but because of Who was doing the speaking, it was everything.
         To see a vision of Him is another over-the-top experience. Why? Why me? What have I ever done to deserve such an honor? Absolutely nothing, that’s for sure. I’m as fallen as everyone else.
        Then, one evening it happened, as our church choir was preparing to do a concert, we joined our director in spending at least a half an hour praying before going on stage.  She wanted us to be totally focused on God, and be available for whatever he wanted to accomplish by our ministry to Him.
        On this occasion, I added something special to my prayer. It’s true, I want it all. I want to stand in the full presence of the Lord.  I prayed, Lord, thank you that you have come to me in so many ways - through songs, visions, dreams, but it is my deepest desire, actually, to see you.
        Sometimes we say a prayer without fully comprehending what will happen if God surprises us with an answer right on the spot. This was such a time. My friend, Brian, and I were singing a duet. It was Sandi Patti’s song, “More Than Wonderful.”
        When my friend took the lead singing, “Well, I tried Him, and I found His promises are true. He’s everything He said that He would be.” My heart leaped as I looked up to the back of the church and saw an enormous shadow of a human head. At first, I thought a light was shining from behind Brian and casting a shadow, so I slightly turned to see if there was a light. No, there wasn’t any. I looked again to the back wall of the church and saw that it was, indeed, the head of who I would say, was Jesus, my Savior!                 
        The vision can be argued in many ways, of course. But to me, for me, and for the blessing I received, it was the image of Jesus. He answered my prayer and let me catch a glimpse his brilliant, sweet face, which shined with joy and acceptance. 
I was so overwhelmed that I felt weakened by the presence of His shekinah glory. I caught my breath and we finished our song, but when it was over I felt unsteady, Brian picked up the cue and took my arm as we stepped from the platform.
Sweet Jesus, the Lord of all Creation,
You are so desirous to be with me.
You seek me. You find me. You embrace me.
Even when my aching heart is hiding,
Even when in brokenness I’m crying
 for one small part of your love – abiding.
You’ve been here all the time - never to leave.
Even though my eyes have been so blinded
by a life that never ceases to see
everything but the beauty of your love. 
I see you now in all your radiance
comely, lovely, sweetly smiling at me
and I bow down before your holy face, 
ever anticipating your embrace.