Journey with Grace: Dreams, Visions, Abundant Life Experience

By Betty J. Deniston

Have you ever wondered what grace really is? Is there more to it than just forgiveness of sins?

Disturbing dreams, visions, and a mysterious neighbor have interrupted Grace Williams' safe, predictable life. She's enjoyed the leisurely pace of this small town in Virginia, where she lives comfortably with her husband and two kids. But now, t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685566821

Betty J. Deniston

Betty Deniston is a retired executive secretary/office manager after 35 years with the Federal Aviation Administration. She has also been the librarian at her church during that time. Her love for reading, especially fiction, and her passion for sharing spiritual insights inspired her to write this book as a novel. Betty lives in Fort Myers, Florida, with her husband, Dan.

Book preview

Preface

My name is Grace. I am just a simple person with a great husband and two wonderful kids. There is nothing dramatic about my life as a wife, mother, and freelance photographer—which could border on boring at times, though I’m always involved in things that keep me busy. But there’s something going on inside me that is hard to define.

I’d never really pondered the meaning of my name until now. What grace really is has become almost an obsession with me. I thought I understood it, hopefully in increasing measure through the years. But it seems there are layers upon layers that are out there for me to discover. And now I’ve been having some strange, recurring dreams or perhaps visions. I’m not sure yet what’s happening, but I know I’m somehow being transported into places I’ve never been before.

Chapter 1

Don’t know if coffee and a sticky bun are the best thing for my nerves this morning, having had that disturbing dream—again! I know it was only a dream, but I’m really tired of having this endless conversation with myself. Why can’t I let go of it? My family was no help the last time, so why bother them again and put up with their nonchalant attitude? My mind churned it out again like a never-ending tidal wave while I waited for Angela.

I entered this building I’d never seen before. It was elegantly made of brick exterior, well-maintained, nothing out of place, and it sort of compelled me to come in. I immediately entered the first room before me. It was a large, imposing courtroom. The emptiness of it carried an eerie echo with my every movement. I was immediately drawn to a table that held a scale of balances that, instead of being level, was completely out of whack. Like someone sitting on the bottom of a seesaw. I tried desperately to bring it into balance but couldn’t. It just wouldn’t move! This greatly disturbed me. I mean to the point of being panicky. Then a judge came into the room, removed the scale, smiled at me enigmatically, and left as quickly as he’d come.

With a jolt, I fell out of this trance, wanting to flee to the safety of my home, but I’d already arranged to meet Angela here. I don’t know why this dream is rattling me so much. It’s not a big deal, right? Maybe talking to another human being would get my mind off of it and help restore my sanity. At least the kids are safely off to school; my mind was still reeling from trying to help Connor with his math assignment last night. Not the way I learned it way back in fourth grade! Why can’t they keep it the same through the years? Ugh.

Thankfully, Starbucks isn’t very busy right now, so maybe this quiet, dimly lit corner is just what I need to visit with my newfound friend. As Angela briskly opened the door at the stroke of 9 a.m., I could tell that she’s an on time and confident person. Just like me (though I’m often early). Well, I’m not so sure about the confident part.

Angela just lives a few doors down, but you know how hard it is these days to know your neighbors. We haven’t talked a lot since we met a month or so ago, so I’ve been looking forward to getting to know her better. There’s something about her that makes me feel we’ve always known each other. Kind of a weird feeling. She spotted me now, coming over with a smile that lit up her pretty, olive-skinned face.

Grace, the aroma in here is heavenly. I am just dying for a vanilla latte and a sugary croissant. Be back in a jiff.

When we got past the first sips and bites of our morning caffeine and sugar fix, the conversation started to flow easily. Tomorrow’s Friday and I am so looking forward to the weekend. Angela and I share similar interests, I found out: enjoying nature, hiking, watching people and wondering what they’re doing. The autumn colors are coming out now, so I’ll probably be getting my camera out for some nature shots again.

Angela is a good listener, and I love her quirky little smile that shows she really enjoys life. She recently retired (though she doesn’t look old enough to), so I guess that adds to her carefree spirit.

Grace—that’s such a nice name; one of my favorites.

Funny you should say that. I’m on a kind of mission to find out what grace really means.

As the conversation progressed to a little more personal nature, I felt very comfortable and safe. Why not tell her about my dream; I don’t think she’d think me weird or blow me off. I think she could sense that I wanted to unload and must have picked up on my hesitation. She looked me full in the face with interest and compassion shining from her warm, brown eyes. I got up my courage and told her my dream.

What do you think it means? I nervously asked.

Angela paused while I eagerly awaited her response. I could see the wheels slowly turning in her head.

Well, it could mean that you think your life is out of balance—trying to juggle your career, family, and church. But could it also mean that you’re trying too hard to live your Christian life and measuring your performance when all God wants is you? And for you to trust Him?

Wow, that’s pretty deep. Where is that coming from, since she doesn’t know me that well? I was at a loss for words for a few awkward minutes. Angela broke the silence.

Oh, I hope I haven’t offended you. It’s just that I’ve had lots of experience with the Lord, and He’s taught me more lessons and truths than I can count.

No offense taken. Hmm, I don’t know what to think. I’ll have to chew on what you’ve said for a while.

Maybe this is somehow related to your search for the meaning of your name, Grace.

After we parted, I ran numerous errands, eventually checked off the things to do on today’s mental list, all successfully accomplished, and found refuge in my home, collapsing on the couch with hopes of regrouping before my husband arrives. I mean, he doesn’t need to be greeted by a totally wiped-out, frumpy wife, does he?

My rest was short-lived when the kids arrived home from school, first Connor and then Bonnie an hour later. But they quickly ran up to their respective rooms to do their homework and get on Facebook, probably. At least there weren’t any crises today, and I still had time to relax.

Mike looked as weary as I was before God’s second wind revived me enough to get dinner together. It had to be God, I think; I had been pretty exhausted.

Rough day, honey?

"Yeah, pretty intense and draining. Lots of emotion displayed in the courtroom today, but I think the case is going to close quicker than originally thought—hopefully by the end of tomorrow. Can’t talk about it, of course. I know that God is still in control, but sometimes I wish He’d share more of what He thinks with me, especially about this one. I’m this young woman’s defense attorney, but is God? I think she’s innocent, or I wouldn’t be defending her. But while I believe there’s no ‘proof beyond a reasonable doubt’ that she committed the crime, I still have a question mark. There’s something about her that hits me wrong. Gut instinct? I don’t know. I’d like more peace about this one."

I’ll pray for you that God will reveal the truth to you today and give you peace. Supper’s ready; let’s eat, I said with a meaningful smile.

~~~~~~

A relaxing evening brought quick sleep, but another strange dream woke me hours before my usual getting-up time. It seemed to be a continuation of the first one.

In the same building, next to the courtroom, was a room full of mirrors. You know, the fun house type, where everything is distorted? That was the first mirror I came to, and it made me look really gross. Not funny! Don’t think that’s how I look, but I quickly advanced to the next one hoping for the best. Oh, this is a lot better. The lighting didn’t show my flaws as much and seemed to slim down my figure. I lingered there a bit, but another mirror was beckoning me, so I trotted over across the room. This mirror was under a very bright light and exposed every wrinkle, and the way my dress was looking like a larger size might be more appropriate! It also brought a flashback of memories that covered me with shame. My face was red, and I could see stress and worry lines on my face. I wondered where that came from. I’d had enough of this room and left.

I quickly got out of bed to face the day and myself in the real mirror. The same face I always see: ordinary and perhaps a little drab. Maybe a little hair coloring and updated hairstyle might be in order.

I wonder what that dream was really about. Maybe I’ll set up another Starbucks time with Angela and get her take on this. Guess I could pray about it, too.

Lingering over our usual breakfast of toast and coffee after Bonnie and Connor left for school, I decided to talk to Mike about the recurring dream and this new one. It was early enough that he wouldn’t feel too rushed to take some time to listen to me. But watching his expression made me wonder if he took me seriously. He added a sweet roll to his plate.

Honey, it’s only dreams, not reality; I wouldn’t worry about it. You look fine to me—attractive as ever. You probably had that courtroom dream because of my job. Try not to think about it, and maybe it will go away.

Not what I wanted to hear! I know that’s his analytical, lawyer side talking. But I still would like some understanding.

Yeah, I hear you, Mike, but it felt so real! My frustration was taking hold of me again.

At least he looked at me long enough to see my angst, and I could see his expression softening as he recognized the stress in my voice.

Well, if it bothers you that much, pray about it, and maybe God will reveal to you what you need to hear. And don’t forget to pray for me today on this difficult case.

Mike has a way of getting to the bottom line of things. That can be a blessing but also a source of frustration for me. Well, I choose to believe the best of him this time.

Of course, you have my prayers. I’ll be thinking of you, and God will be with you. Even if you can’t feel Him there. I know you’ll do what’s right.

Did I really mean what I said to him? I’m pretty hurt at his minimalizing all of this. Oh, right, God, doing or saying the right thing doesn’t necessarily jive with my emotions. Forgot that for a minute.

Chapter 2

Monday morning’s early photo shoot went so smoothly that I found myself with several hours of unexpected free time. I hope Angela doesn’t mind me dropping in on the spur of the moment. I don’t think I’ve ever just deposited myself on a friend’s doorstep before calling. I’m sure she’s up and dressed by now.

Grace, what a pleasant surprise! I was just wondering what I was going to do the rest of today.

It must be nice to be retired! I know my life isn’t all that structured, but still, free time only comes once in a while. Would you mind being my sounding board again?

Angela’s smile warmed my heart.

Oh, I’d love to hear what’s going on with you. Want some tea?

I followed Angela into her immaculate kitchen, where she gathered up some scones and poured the tea into cups that had the word peace swirling around them. Chaos, not peace, is revolving around my mind right now, as those troublesome dreams are still bothering me.

As we returned to the living room, I found her recliner inviting me to sit and relax. I soon found myself pouring out my angst about the courtroom and mirror dreams. Angela sat silent for so long, I wondered if she’d zoned out—or was she praying? Didn’t look like it.

Grace, there’s a place that’s being built about thirty miles from here. It’s going to be a Christian theme park, but most people don’t know it’s under construction. The builders don’t want trouble—you know, anti-God, anti-Christian protestors could really slow down their progress. But I’ve got an ‘in’ with the builder; I’m sure he’d let me take you there to see it. I think it might help you decipher your dreams and your search for the meanings of grace. Want to see it?

You mean, now?

Well, if you have about three hours, that should be enough. We can stop for lunch on our way back.

~~~~~~

Angela’s SUV was really a joy to ride in, compared to my old rattletrap. I’m going to get a new car after my big wedding shoot for the mayor’s daughter. A Christmas wedding. Can’t wait. Megabucks, too.

As we exited the interstate, it seemed we went forever down back roads and finally a dirt road