When Heaven Whispers
We’re back home in Austin after a few glorious days at Epiphany Ranch in Alto, Texas — 62 acres of lush East Texas beauty. Tall trees. Rolling fields. A sparkling lake. Tiny homes tucked like little jewels across the land. A place where people come for counseling, training, encouragement, and sometimes just to catch their breath.
Carl and I had the joy of helping get things ready for a couples’ retreat. Boots on the ground, hands to the work — the kind of effort that leaves you tired but grateful.
But one of my favorite moments happened on the porch of the lodge during a podcast with my daughter, Staci.
Larry was busy elsewhere, so I slipped into the guest chair. We sat on that porch talking about life, faith, and — of all things — Sago Palms.
They had planned to plant these beautiful palms in large pots around the property. Lovely plants, really. Tropical. Elegant.
But that night Staci couldn’t stop thinking about them. She even woke up in the middle of the night with the thought circling her mind.
Then came that gentle nudge we learn to recognize over time — the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. Sago Palms are highly toxic to humans and animals.
And suddenly the picture changed. Those spiky palms would grow right at the height of little children playing nearby.
Beautiful plant? Yes.
Good idea? No.
So the plan came to a screeching halt!
The Holy Spirit had whispered wisdom.
Later Staci asked me, “Mom, what do you think about that?”
My answer came quickly: “Goodness gracious — I don’t want my future great-grandbabies running into a plant that could hurt them!”
Sometimes God speaks through thunder. But most of the time He speaks through whispers.
“Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
That’s the way I try to write each day — listening for heaven’s download. A story. A lesson. A moment God might use to encourage someone taking their next step.
If we slow down…
If we listen…
If we surrender…
God will guide us — even about something as simple as a plant on a porch.
And I’ve learned something very important.
When Heaven whispers — it’s always worth listening. 💛