(1) The Midnight Sun
It was the summer of ’72 when my parents decided to send my younger sister to meet up with me in Stavanger (pronounced Stuh–von–gurr) on the southwest coast of Norway. She brought along two Student Rail Passes. Those prepaid passes allowed us pretty much unlimited travel on European trains. What could our parents have been thinking? Two girls—ages 20 and 17—backpacking alone in Europe for two months! Texting, email, Skype were not even words in the dictionary. It was definitely one-way communication—we sent picture postcards home but they could send us nothing!
So we set off traveling up the coast to see the Midnight Sun in Bodø (pronounced Booh–duh). The Catholic nuns who managed the hostel told us that for two weeks before we arrived, many tourists had come and left highly disappointed because it had been raining every single day with clouds completely obliterating the sun.
The day we arrived it was gorgeous weather!
Bright, warm, mostly blue sky with just a few clouds.
We ventured out to the area where tourists wait until midnight
to watch the sun never disappear on the horizon and were not disappointed.
It was amazing!
The following morning when we departed, it was raining.
– Pictures taken with my trusty Kodak Instamatic camera! –
(2) Unexpected Show
In the spring of 1983, Jon and I were tent camping with our first daughter at Plaskett Creek Campground. The campground is situated on the Pacific Coast south of Big Sur in the Los Padres National Forest. At the time, I was pregnant with our second daughter. After breakfast, we ventured out on a leisurely walk to the ocean. The shoreline in that area is extremely rugged with rocky outcroppings. Just a few moments after reaching the bluff overlooking the sea, we saw probably the most thrilling sight of our entire lives. Near the rocks—not more than 100 yards directly in front of us—a big whale spy-hopped . . . twice! It was as if we had been given free tickets to a ballet performance we knew nothing about. Neither Jon nor I had ever seen anything like it before nor have we witnessed anything like it since.
(3) The Bus That Quit!
Having errands to run in nearby San Luis Obispo, I set off from our home in Morro Bay driving our 1970 V. W. bus . . . our three young daughters in tow. We were happily singing a song together as we drove up a big hill past the California Men’s Colony state prison located outside of San Luis Obispo. Just as we got to the top of the hill, the engine suddenly stopped. The girls realized something was wrong and asked, “What are we going to do?” I responded:
We are going to pray and
coast down the hill.
After safely navigating to the bottom of the hill, there was a turn-out among some eucalyptus trees. That’s where the bus came to a stop. Together, we prayed that God would take care of us. Then we gathered our belongings, exited the bus, locked the doors, and began walking toward San Luis Obispo. Before taking more than a few steps, a car pulled up behind us being driven by our good friend, Harry Beier. Harry had been on his way back to Morro Bay when he noticed our familiar red and white V. W. bus and the four of us out walking. He offered us a ride back home where I was able to call Jon at work to let him know we would need to make arrangements to have the bus towed.
I’ve done a lot of praying in my life,
but that’s the quickest answer to a prayer I can remember.
Another evidence that God loves me and my girls
and was watching over us that day
more than I even realized!
Moments of time captured through film and memory. Such gifts from God. And your literary prowess ties each of these moments up with a bow!
“The Lord bless you and keep you, Leslie; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
We are blessed to be invited into your world, Les. Love you so.
Oh Katie, I am blessed to be part of your world. Whatever “literary prowess” I may have was learned from teachers like you! Love you, too❣️
Thank you for sharing such beautiful, precious memories❣️ We so loved Harry and Alma Beier. Our God prompted Harry to listen and hear His voice well. He was used often to bless so many. Yes, our God Loves us well.
Sweet rest dear sweet sister in the Lord, sending love always.
Vicki ~ Thank you for your sweet, encouraging words. Harry was a real treasure, and I really miss that man. Thankful we will all meet again in Heaven. Love you, too❣️
Loved the stories. Thanks for sharing them.
Bonnie ~ You’re welcome. It is a blessing to have stories to share that depict God’s amazing grace, protection, and provision. ❤️
Beautiful stories and beautifully told, dear Leslie! God is indeed a good Father who delights in giving, and you are indeed a beloved daughter of his. May you continue to experience his kisses in the here and now.
Dear Marilyn ~ We have such a gracious, loving Father who always knows what we need even before we ourselves do! May the three of you continue to experience His closeness during the coming days, weeks, and months. ❤️
Wonderful memories and miracles
Dear Teresa ~ You are one of my sweet kisses from Father God. Always ready to help and encourage. Thank you for your friendship❣️
Loved reading your stories and how God has been with you and helped you, Leslie, over the years. What a testimony!
Dear Mary Anne ~ It is just so good to hear from you after probably 50 years! Our Heavenly Father is so faithful. Thank you for taking time to read❣️
What luck I found the blog today in the Social column. I would not want to miss one of your tales.thoughts. The images too bring them to life. The red VW must have yet more tales too. Thank you for reminding us to focus on God´s kisses. Reading the comments was also edifying and endearing. Big blessings with clearer air as God helps the firemen. Love, Genevieve
Genevieve ~ Thank you always for your uplifting comments. You’re such a treasure❣️
Your life and faith experiences never fail to inspire me. What a wonderfully loving heavenly Father we share❣️
Marjy ~ My experiences are all because our creative God has led me on some amazing paths and adventures. ❤️
Thank you for the little trip and the pictures that went with it. Such good memories. Love you, my friend.
Sharon ~ You’re entirely welcome. Love you, too❣️
God has been kissing and hugging you, Leslie, during your whole life! I have enjoyed reading your stories about Simba, Annie, Shelby, and Emma. You have provided a front row seat for us to “see” the episodes of your life. It is such a blessing that God has allowed you to have such good memories. Often, it is difficult for most people, including myself, to even remember things from one week to the next. Best wishes to you and Jon from me and James!
Oh Dearest Shirley . . . You have blessed my heart with what you’ve written❣️ God has poured out His blessings on my life from the very start. I was conceived less than three months after the birth of my brother. God obviously has a plan for my life!
What an encouragement! I am pondering the fastest answer to prayer I have ever had. It’s a good way to start my day, remembering God’s faithful answers to prayers in my life. It makes me so thankful. I am grateful for the inspiration. Love you Sister! <3
Dear Wendy ~ This tune came to mind when reading your comment. Haven’t thought of it in years—probably since I was a young girl!
Whisper a prayer in the morning,
Whisper a prayer at noon;
Whisper a prayer in the ev’ning,
To keep your heart in tune.
God answers prayer in the morning,
God answers prayer at noon;
God answers prayer in the ev’ning,
To keep your heart in tune.
Jesus may come in the morning,
Jesus may come at noon;
Jesus may come in the ev’ning,
So keep your heart in tune.