DRUM ROLL! The winner of the drawing for a copy of Kathy Carlton Willis’s new book, Grin with Grace, is Dana Rausch! Thank you Dana for entering your name and thanks for everyone who did! I recommend everyone get this book. It’s available online and in your local Christian bookstore. Congrats Dana!

On Sunday, the last day of the women’s retreat where I was a speaker, I sat at the book table, selling and autographing books. Kris came up and bought a copy of one of my books and I began autographing for her.
 
“Oh, no, wait!” she exclaimed. “I’m not buying it for myself but for a friend. I want it autographed to her.” 
 
I’d only written down “Kris,” so I said, “Oh, I’m sorry, I should have asked like I usually do. I’ll get another one for you.” I put the book aside and autographed another for her friend. A while later, I packed the book with the “mistaken” autograph into my briefcase and drove away, the briefcase beside me on the front seat.
 
A few minutes later, I thought how good a diet soda would taste, but I didn’t think I’d stop. Better to head straight home. No, I’d sure like something to drink. I will stop. 
 
There were two different routes I could take, but remembering a drive-through hamburger place I’d seen on the way, I decided to drive that way.
 
Pulling up to the drive-in window, I ordered a diet soda and gave the young woman my money. She smiled and said, “I see you’re dressed up. Did you just come from church?”
 
“No,” I replied, “I’m coming home from speaking at a women’s retreat. Do you go to church?”
 
“Usually I do, but I couldn’t today because I had to work.”
 
We started talking and I inquired about her faith in God. She said she was a Christian, and we talked briefly. In a few minutes, she turned away to get my drink, and I heard God whisper in my heart, “Give her the book.” (Tweet that!)
 
I looked at my briefcase and wondered how I’d explain to her that someone else’s name was in it. I’ll tell her that’s how I can give it to her free—because of the autographing mistake. OK Lord, I’ll be glad to do that.
 
I retrieved the book. “Wouldn’t it be a coincidence if her name is Kris?” I thought. 
 
“Oh, sure, Kathy, dream on!” I smiled at the far-fetched idea.
 
The woman came back to the window and handed me the drink. I spoke up, “Remember how I told you I was the speaker at that retreat? Well, I’m also an author, and I’d like to give you a copy of my book. By the way, what’s your name?”
 
She smiled at the prospect of getting a free book and answered, “My name’s Kris.”
 
I laughed and explained the situation. “I guess God wants you to have this.” She enthusiastically thanked me.

A few minutes later as I drove away, I marveled at God’s handiwork.  (Tweet that!) “Incredible, God! Thank you for blessing me through giving that book away. You show me so many times that you are completely in control.”