Our Life Is A Tale That Is Told

By Charlene Maxfield

We all tell a story as we walk through the pages and chapters of our lives. Mine began in Farmersville, a small Texas town outside of Dallas. In those early days of my youth, I attended the great tent revivals of the 1950s. The atmosphere in these services was electrifying as the glory of God fell upon the place.

I witnessed unbelievable miracles of healing; some happened in my own family. These experiences caused a longing to know God more intensely. I wanted to be used by Him and obey His every command, no matter how out of the ordinary His directions might be.

Each chapter of this book is filled with life lessons to help build your faith and encourage you to do what God asks of you. As you do, watch Him open supernatural doors that men cannot open or close.

Travel with me to a hospital room where a young man lies in a coma on his deathbed. Watch God bring him back to life. Leaving pride behind, stand up with me in a busy restaurant and get the attention of all present. Speak a word of encouragement to a military troupe about to leave for war.

Follow my footsteps through the sands of Egypt and see what Joseph saw. Stand in awe as you explore the ancient archeological ruins of Petra in southern Jordan. Travel with me to the land of biblical Israel and walk where Jesus walked. Go with me to Italy and stroll through the frozen city of Pompeii, buried under the volcanic ashes of Vesuvius. Experience the magnificence of France, England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and many more. Let's go to the busy streets of New York City, home of Lady Liberty. Dine with me and with the rich and famous in Hollywood.

In every place, God is always present with a lesson to be learned. I have lived a colorful life, to say the least. Each chapter of my life is filled with events, which I hope will inspire you and build your faith as you travel down life's highways.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890437587

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Our Life Is A Tale That Is Told

Charlene Maxfield

ISBN 979-8-89043-757-0 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89043-758-7 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Charlene Maxfield

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Our Life Is a Tale That Is Told

The Oak Tree

Who or What Are You Leaning On?

Favor with God and with Man

Miracle in the ICU

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Stuff Happens

Breakfast with the Military

The Influence of One

Listening to the Voice of God

The Rock

Witchcraft on the Rise

Remember the Cat

Frozen in Time

Times and Seasons

The Fortress

City of Lights

The Palace

O, Little Town of Bethlehem

Discerning the Voice

A Firm Foundation

The Crown of Life—Priceless

Hold onto Your Dream

Let My People Go

Liberty and Justice for All

Don't Call Us, We'll Call You

Herschel Walker

Be Instant in Season and Out

God's Hall of Faith

We Are in This World, But Not of This World

The Sleeping Bride

About the Author

Dedication

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

—Joel 2:28 KJV

The Lord gave me this verse as I was finishing the final chapters of this book. I believe this scripture is for future generations of believers who will carry on with the great work of preaching the gospel to all people.

With this thought in mind, I dedicate this book to my grandchildren, Ashley, Kye, and Brittney Wilson. Also, to my great-granddaughter, Finley Wilson, and in loving memory of my great-grandson, Jonah Wilson, who has transitioned from earth to heaven. I am sure Paw Paw Maxfield, along with our loving dogs, Alex and Angel, were at the gates to welcome him home.

I trust this book will inspire and encourage you in your endeavor to carry on with the work of God. I have done my best to be one who has dreamed the dreams of God and has been willing to receive His visions of greatness. I have been privileged to prophesy in His name, as He gave me words to say.

I have traveled the globe and experienced and seen many great things in my life. I have not accumulated great financial gain in my life. Yet I say to you, as Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have; but what I do have I give to you (Acts 3:6 AMP).

The wealth of the world cannot compare to the riches I have gained in Christ through my walk with Him. In all humility, I pass my mantle to you and those after you.

Love,

Grandmama

Other books by Charlene Maxfield include the following:

The Roar of the Lion: the Prophetic Voice of God (available on Amazon.com)

This book chronicles the delivery of prophecy to numerous world leaders, including former President Ronald Reagan, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Philippine President Corazon Aquino. On a fascinating journey from the hills of Central Texas, Charlene found herself traveling to distant lands and frequenting the center of world power, Washington, DC, from the Palace in Ghana, West Africa, to remote villages in Peru, from communist China to the Pentagon.

Letters to the Bride (available on Amazon.com)

This book is a compilation of prophecies interpreted through a scriptural lens. The prophecies reveal how Christ is speaking to His bride, the church, making her ready to receive her Bridegroom. Each chapter separates itself, and the book has easy-to-read portions at a time, which makes it an excellent study guide.

To purchase a copy of Fire and Ice; God, Sex, and Me?; and Dogs Have a Destiny Too, contact Charlene at [e-mail].

Fire and Ice

This book is a novel of romance, mystery, and intrigue, with a salvation message intertwined throughout the book. Amaryllis's engagement had been perfect, but in a sudden tragic moment, the one she loved was violently taken from her. Her quest for answers will lead her across three continents and through five countries as she unravels the devastating secret behind fire and ice.

God, Sex, and Me?

This is a book on the marriage relationship between husband and wife, with an emphasis on the bedroom. Charlene has the ability to discuss marital sex, not as something to be shunned and put in the darkness. Bringing it to light through God's Word, she illuminates it to be something wonderful, blessed, and sanctified.

Dogs Have a Destiny Too

This book is based on some true adventures in the life of a precious Lhasa Apso named Alex. We called him The Boy. Experience a story of unconditional love and realize that it comes in different forms. Love can be expressed in a kind word spoken, a look of gentleness in the eyes, a tender smile, a bark, a lick, or a wagging tail. The Boy, Alex, will leave his paw prints on the canvas of your heart.

The Warrior Inside (an autobiography on the life of Jeanette Golden)

It was my pleasure to have written my dear friend Jeanette's story as she told it to me as we journeyed through the pages of her life. As a very young girl, Jeanette was caught in a web of poverty and sexual and physical abuse. Despite her situation, her warrior spirit gave her the inner strength and tenacity to survive. She was determined to be an overcomer and fight for her destiny. God indeed had taken a young girl out of the darkest abyss and placed her upon a solid rock. Through her life, a light would shine like one of the brightest stars.

Breaking Free (an autobiography on the life of Herschel Walker) with Gary Brozek and Charlene Maxfield

Time spent with Herschel in the writing of this book is a memory I will always cherish. Herschel is a godly man and will always be my friend.

Foreword

It has been my privilege and honor to have known Charlene for more than forty years. Charlene has been my pastor and my mentor, and with all humility, I call her my best friend.

In serving her, I never know what to expect when my phone rings or I get a text. I have learned to expect the unexpected.

Cindy, are you busy? I just received a word of prophecy for President Ronald Reagan or Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, or I need to book a flight to Washington, DC. I am meeting with the secretary of the interior, Don Hodel. Cindy, I am going to Peru, and I really don't know why I am going. God just told me to go. And by the way, they are experiencing a cholera epidemic, and there is a terrorist group by the name of Shining Path leaving a trail of death and destruction throughout the country. Are you willing to go with me? Cindy, I am writing another book. Can you help me? And the list goes on.

Following her is often like following Alice in Wonderland down the rabbit hole. You never know what great, wild, and crazy adventure lies ahead.

We have spent much time with each other over the past forty years. We have prayed together, laughed together, and, at times, cried together.

In this book, you read a brief yet exciting history of Charlene's life. As you read, you will gaze through the windows of her amazing life to see her as God sees her. You will get a glimpse of her longing desire to know God, love Him, and obey His every command. Her faith to obey Him, no matter how out of the ordinary His directions might be, is incredible. Her husband, Bert, often told her, Honey, you dare to go where angels dare to tread. She has such great faith in God, and she is never afraid to lay down her pride or conquer her fears to do all that He asks of her.

So many times, I have told Charlene how much I have learned from her. She will question me, "Cindy, what have you learned from me? I tell her, You have taught me how to hear God's voice, and more importantly, you have taught me to know Him." What better gift could you give a person! Listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to open your heart so that you, too, may receive this same precious gift from her. Please, please, open your heart!

Cindy (Peterson) Kirby

Friend and co-laborer in Christ

Our Life Is a Tale That Is Told

We spend our years as a tale that is told.

—Psalm 90:9 KJV

Our life is like a book containing many chapters. The different chapters will reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some will reveal our happy times, our celebrations, and our pleasurable times. Others will reveal our hurts, failures, and unsuccessful times. Life is a conglomeration of events, both good and bad.

Every day, someone reads a chapter of your life. It might be the only book some people will ever read. Our actions and reactions in life's journey will be read as a testimony of our walk with God.

I am going to open the book of my life and share some chapters of how God took an ordinary person to do extraordinary things. Not that I think that I am somebody special, but God has allowed me to experience extraordinary events.

My early life was spent in the confines of the small town of Farmersville, Texas. In my youth, I learned what it meant to trust in God and grow in faith. I was privileged to see and experience many great things. It was the era of tent revivals. This great move of God was so powerful that it began to overflow into the churches.

I can remember, as a teenager, being excited to attend some of those great meetings. I could barely wait to get there! Can you imagine teenagers nowadays wanting to go to church above all else?

The atmosphere in these services was electrifying, as the glory of God fell upon the place. You never knew what you might see or experience. People would often fall to their knees in intercessory prayer with groans that came from deep within their spirits. They were entering a spiritual realm that went beyond themselves. The Holy Spirit was praying through them, making petitions to God for or on behalf of themselves, others, and the world. The conviction of God was so present that people would often run to the altar to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost.

There were miracles galore, miracles of healing. The blind could see, the deaf could hear, the mute could speak, and the lame could walk. The physically impaired jumped out of their wheelchairs, and others threw away their crutches. People with broken bones had their casts removed. Some people were brought in by an ambulance on a stretcher, and the ambulance left without them because God had made them whole. God removed cancer, goiters, and any type of incurable disease. God healed them all. I watched in amazement, an eyewitness to the healing power of God.

During this time, my sister, Darlene, was diagnosed with leukemia. She was in and out of the hospital, going back and forth to the doctors. Bruises covered her body. She lost weight, lost her appetite, and was vomiting. In other words, she was a very sick girl. However, in the midst of it all, Darlene never lost her faith in God. In one of the Holy Ghost meetings, she was healed by the power of God!

When she went home that night, she was hungry and wanted to eat. She was able to keep the food down. When she went back to the doctor, after running numerous tests, there was no trace of leukemia. The doctors simply could not understand what had happened. The leukemia had been there, but then it wasn't. Darlene told them that God had healed her, of course.

In one of the services, they prayed for people's teeth to be filled. Can you imagine coming into service with cavities in your mouth and God filling those cavities? A close relative of mine was one of those recipients! In one of her visits to get her teeth cleaned, the dentist asked, Who filled this tooth?

My relative replied, God filled it.

It is my understanding that the dentist said she had never seen that kind of filling in anyone's mouth before.

Those happy days of seeing the miraculous during the great tent revivals were a very special time in church history. The Lord has not changed.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

(Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

I believe these early years were the driving force for me to strive to move in new directions with God as He led me.

A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

(Proverbs 18:16 AMPC)

I have been honored to meet presidents, generals, movie stars, Olympic gold medalists, and Heisman Trophy winners. I have had the opportunity to visit the Pentagon, the White House, and Buckingham Palace. I attended President George W. Bush's inauguration and the Texas Black Tie and Boots inauguration ball.

I have shared God's Word throughout the United States and in thirty-five different foreign countries. I have traveled to the dark continent of Africa, behind the bamboo curtains of China, and to the Andes Mountains of Peru.

I have been privileged to give prophecies to dignitaries and heads of state, including such luminaries as President Ronald Reagan, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Philippine President Corazon Aquino. God has truly allowed me to experience extraordinary events in my life, and He has also allowed me to author eight books.

My hope and prayer, as you read through the chapters of my life, is that they will entertain you, inspire you, and build your faith. I will tell of certain events in my life when God chose to use me to minister to different people. I have also included stories of my travels and how God taught me valuable lessons during these great adventures.

The Oak Tree

Farmersville, Texas

I grew up in the small town of Farmersville, Texas. Our streets were lined with tall, stately oak trees, native to Texas. Our yards were filled with oak trees, which had thick foliage that provided great shade on the hot summer days.

In my day, all the neighborhood kids got up at the crack of dawn. We played outside all day until dark. We made homemade stilts and talked to one another by speaking and hearing through tin cans strung together by a string. We played hopscotch, hide-and-seek, and Red Rover. This last game consisted of two lines of kids facing their opponents, grabbing each other's hands, and holding them as tightly together as possible. Then a boy or girl from the opposite team would try to break through the line, spying carefully to see where they might find the weakest link. If they were successful in breaking through the line, they could take their place in the line, and the person whose grasp they broke would be the next victim. Needless to say, this brought on laughs and sometimes skinned knees if you happened to fall. No one went home crying to Mama. Skinned knees and elbows were just a part of child's play.

We roller-skated up and down our street. We rode our bicycles all over town, especially to the record shop to buy 45s, a vinyl record played on a record player! (You, younger ones, will just have to ask Siri if you don't understand the concept of a record player.) While in town, we filled our bicycle baskets with candy and cokes. While growing up, we called every soft drink a Coke. I still do.

On our way back home from our day at play, if we got overheated, we would stop and rest under the shade of a big oak tree. We lay in the grass and watched the leaves of the tree as the wind gently moved through them. Looking up into the blue skies above us, you could use your very vivid imagination to see a form or face of an animal in the clouds floating by. Years later, I still observe the constantly changing cloud formations and ponder the various objects or people they resemble.

My childhood days of resting under the huge canopies of the oak tree after a summer's day of fun and games bring back fond memories. In those days, the trees were a place of rest, relaxation, and letting your imagination run freely.

Since that time, I have read articles on the oak tree. How long do they live, and how far do the roots extend underground? I learned that the tree is one of the strongest, sturdiest, and longest-lived trees in the world. Its leaves are countless, and it becomes ever more beautiful as it ages. Its roots grow deep within the earth, where they seek out moisture to sustain their life through drought and provide a firm anchor so that neither high winds nor torrential rains will take them down. The durability of this tree sets it apart from others.

The mighty oak is subject to all manner of adverse conditions and has no power over its environment. Despite its inability to control the forces of nature, it does have a destined purpose.

Just like every other living thing, it goes through stages of growth. It begins life as a simple seed, an acorn planted deep within the soil. With time, it grew into a magnificent, indescribably strong ecosystem where other creatures can find refuge from predators, shade from the scorching heat, shelter from winter storms, and a haven from rushing floodwaters.

Ironically, the very tree that began as a helpless acorn (seed) now becomes a resource for helpless creatures. Animals instinctively know that the oak tree is a safe place. Somehow, they sense it can withstand the earth's ravages. It has survived life's calm and life's chaos. It is in the oak tree's DNA to be what it is.

As the years of my life have passed through its many growth stages, as a mature adult, I can see clearly that there is a valuable lesson in comparing my life to that of