A Divine Journey

By Dennis McIntyre

Life has many crossroads. Our choices affect our future and the lives we touch. One wrong decision may lead to destruction without someone to change our direction. None of us are perfect nor are our choices. What a joy we have in knowing that we are not alone. God knows everything about our journey and desires to lead us

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bennett Media and Marketing
• Release date: Sep 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957114392

Dennis McIntyre

Dennis A. McIntyre is a native of Rochester, NY, and served as an electrical engineer and a technical writer for over 40 years before retiring. Since retirement, Dennis has focused his efforts on his personal writing, publishing his first book, an autobiographical work entitled "Legacy of Love", in 2008. He published "Shackled Yet Free" in 2011 and "Coffee Shop Ministries" in 2021. Dennis currently resides in Dacula, GA. He enjoys using his gifts of encouraging and writing for the glory of God's kingdom. His main goal for writing involves drawing people into closer relationships with the Lord and one another.

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A Divine Journey

Dennis A. McIntyre

Foreword

The Quilt is published about our family and how God has been blessing us through several generations. I commend my older brother, David, for researching our history beginning with our father’s military campaigns. God was watching over our dad, while bullets flew all around. The book continues to show how a blanket of protection was on our entire family over decades. That work triggered thoughts about my life travels.

My journey led me to recall significant events where God was in control of many twists and turns. From high school through adulthood, significant decisions have to be made. Some of these include my career path, wife, fatherhood, and retirement. Little did I realize that the direction taken was the result of following God’s leading. It was only as I look back that I can see those situations and events that shaped my life and continues to do so even now. It is my hope that my story will cause readers to reflect similar events in their lives and praise God for his care. We are not here alone. That much I have learned is true.

All of us face decisions daily. Sometimes, we might wish for a crystal ball to see the results of our choices in advance and avoid the wrong ones. Knowing that God was in control in my life makes all the difference. The Bible is a complete love letter to His creation. It covers events of the past through the future. It is our crystal ball if we read it and accept God’s promise that He will not leave us or forsake us.

Matthew 28: 20b (NIV)

lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. A’-men.

Genesis defines God’s creation. Revelation defines a new heaven and earth, written a few thousand years later. The eternal God is in control of everything, yet desires only the best for us. Take this journey with me to see His handiwork and give thanks as I hope you see that work in your life as well.

Contents

Introduction 7

Early Years 9

Teen Years 13

Family Vacations 17

Young Adulthood 21

A New Commitment 29

A New Career 33

A New Challenge 41

A New Direction 45

The Memorial Celebration 51

A New Opportunity 53

A New Obstacle 57

Journey Home 69

A Day to Remember 67

A New Path 69

A New Companion 75

A Message of Hope 79

The Road to Heaven 83

Introduction

Life is a journey full of twists, turns, and unexpected events. The older I get, the faster time seems to travel. As I reflect on where my journey has taken me, one thing is certain, namely, I am not alone. Some may think that we are here by pure chance as reflected in the school textbooks. For me, there are far too many events, or circumstances that speak volumes to the contrary. To those who believe those things are just coincidences, I hope to offer evidence that may change their minds.

After losing my wife in 2007, writing became a coping mechanism. In 2011 a friend asked me to write a man’s story. He had a completely changed life from one of destruction, crime and hopelessness to joy. My first novel, Shackled Yet Free was the result. The man’s name was changed to Jake. It was self-published so that copies could be readily obtained for my friend and Jake’s family. I never thought of myself as a novelist, but that was the approach that I took to writing his story. Though most of the work was true, based on the interview, the ending was fictionalized in an attempt to add closure. To my surprise, several readers from my local church commented on looking forward to the next book. His journey had taken him through dark times until God took over. He was completely changed.

Somehow, the reader’s comments inspired me to write two more books, taking Jake’s life to new frontiers. I had no idea where each story would lead, but I accepted the challenge. Freedom’s Journey and Free to Serve quickly followed to appease them. Each night I had a place to go to escape from the loneliness of living alone. Each morning I was amazed to read the words that I wrote. It was as if someone else had pressed the keys on my keyboard.

Eleven years later I felt led to republish all three books. To do so meant that I would have to read, edit, and format them. This process left me feeling somewhat awestruck by the words I had written over a decade earlier. I could not believe that I actually wrote novels. More than that, as I reread each one, I could not remember where the next chapter would lead. It was as if the words were placed there without my knowledge. I remember typing each night for less than a month for both books.

Each morning I would read the previous night’s work with the thought; Did I write that? Yet, the next chapter would flow. Recently, a professional reader gave a five star review of both works, through a publishing agent. The reviews prompted a response to write once again.

This is my journey. I pray that my readers will get a sense of joy and recognize that they are not alone in this thing called life.

Early Years

When we think about going on a journey, the beginning may be the best place to start. Often, we enter a new frontier with heavy preparation, like school, vacations, marriage, and more. Anticipation is as much a part of the trip, which may trigger many questions like:

…Am I ready?

…Do I have everything I need?

…Am I making the right choices?

…What can I expect when I get there?

…More

These are not present when we are born into this world. Parents, caregivers, friends, family, and other intangibles mold our lives. It is only when we look back that we can sense how we had been prepared for the journey of life. Looking back, however, provides insights for us to consider.

I do not remember anything