My friend and I went for a walk the other day and we had no idea that God was going to speak to us in a very powerful way. We started our time together by going to what is called the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. This is state property in Traverse City. The grounds were where the State Hospital used to operate. It was shut down back in 1989. The buildings were left abandoned for many years and in need of much repair. In 2002 the buildings were refurbished and it is now called The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. It is such a beautiful place to go and visit. There are shops, restaurants, office space and even housing. They have  lots of walking trails. There are multiple flower gardens and a community garden area. The barns are used for events, mostly weddings.

Our walk started in the flower and community garden area. It was a gorgeous perfect blue sky day. The flowers were in full bloom and buzzing with bees and flitting butterflies. It was almost like there was electricity in the air and something was happening. We spent some time in the flower gardens just marveling at the beauty. We were saying back and forth to each other, “Heaven is going to be even more glorious.” As we reached the end of the garden we exited out the back gate.

We then continued on to the area where the barns are located. These barns were built back in 1885 and have all been restored and they are absolutely stunning. As we were observing the barns all around us was the hustle and bustle of people getting ready. Two weddings would be occurring on the grounds that day. Earlier we observed two women washing down white chairs being set up for one of the weddings. We noticed an artesian well to the right of the women. My friend commented, “Oh look, an artesian well!” As we continued our walk ladies were coming with vans full of flowers to place on the tables. The banquet tables were being set and decorated for the wedding. Again there was that feeling of excitement in the air. Something was about to take place and the preparation for that was being done before us. 

As we stood in the midst of all of that, my friend sensed strongly the Lord showing her something. She felt Him showing her what was happening in the natural, wedding preparation, was also happening in the supernatural. Not only He but many in heaven were hustling and bustling preparing and getting ready for our arrival. As she shared that I said, “It’s the wedding supper of the Lamb.” We both had such chills as it seemed like such a reality. His presence was so strong. He was revealing to us things that were taking place right then in heaven. The veil was lifted for a moment. My friend heard this verse. 

John 14:2-3 “In my Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

We got into the car and drove less than a quarter mile. We got out and continued towards another set of trails. When we had parked our car and gotten out we wanted to first look to see for sure where the restaurant was that we were wanting to have lunch. As we were walking towards the restaurant we noticed to our right there had been an archway erected over the street. The sign across the top read MoMitt Endurance Race. There were two young ladies with reflective yellow vests standing just past the arch. I asked the one lady who is now standing next to me, “What is happening?” 

She said, “This is the finish line for the endurance race. We are just waiting for the last four bikers to finish.”  

My friend and I looked at each other with eyes popping and the goosebumps coming once again. My friend said the Lord spoke to her at that moment. He said, “I brought you to the finish line.” We realized this was Him finishing the conversation with us. The wedding banquet is at the finish line when we are raptured up to meet Him. Remember when I said we went less than a quarter mile before we were back out again. That spoke to me that it is not long before we will cross that finish line. The young lady that I asked what was going on said that there were only four bikers yet to come in. They were just waiting for the last ones to cross. I looked up and read the sign again and when I saw the word endurance this scripture came to me. 

Matthew 24:13 “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” 

My friend and I stood in silence and goosebumps covering our entire body. I was taken back to the last chapter of my second book and this is the message that God downloaded into me at that time. I titled the last chapter, “ We are in the home stretch.” The Lord showed me we are rounding the last corner and He has given us the second wind to now sprint to the finish line. That day we started at the garden with an artesian well and found ourselves ending at an endurance race finish line. He brought us to the finish line.

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We are almost home and in my mind I am already there.

That evening I opened my devotion book and I was shocked when I read the title!

 Prepare Your Garments

The day is at hand, and the Daystar rises even now. You may not see Him yet, but He is only just beneath the rim of the horizon, and you shall behold Him shortly in all His glory. How you should put your house in order and prepare your garments! Your garments shall be of fine linen, for it is the righteousness of the saints. Revelation 19:8