Five days, ten stops, and one close call.
From June 23rd to June 27th, I had the privilege of assisting Julie Klassen on her book tour in northern Minnesota. We visited Kitchigami Regional Libraries in Longville, Pine River, Brainerd, Park Rapids, 
Blackduck, Bemidji, Walker, Pequot Lakes, and Wadena (and Bethany Book & Gift in Baxter). Julie presented at each library about her book The Secret of Pembrooke Park, her recent Minnesota Book Award, and Bethany House book cover design. We enjoyed meeting the librarians (and one library cat!), booksellers, loyal readers, and curious newcomers, as well as catching up with friends.
Of course, road trips are never complete without at least one near-mishap. On our way from Nisswa to Wadena, Julie decided to take the scenic route. Then she realized we were low on gas. Unfortunately, we were 20 miles from our destination—and the nearest gas station. As we drove on, the gas warning light began to flash “empty.” At the same moment, we both had the same idea: we should sing praise songs. Amidst “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” the Lord provided plenty of “oil in the jar” just as we had prayed! Suddenly a gas station emerged at the end of the road like a mirage. We made it. And just across the street? A billboard reading, “Grace is a gift from God.”
It was a little stressful at the time, but now it is a fun memory.
Has there ever been a time when you were grateful for “oil in the jar”? Have you ever had a misfortune turn out to be a fun memory?
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Great post. What fun!!! I just had such a moment. My husband and I went to a nearby mall on Saturday. I needed “stuff” for the upcoming RWA conference. After I bought “a few things”, we headed back to the car to go to dinner. Our car wouldn’t start. Thankfully, we had road side assistance but I did sit on a bench in the heat and say a little prayer. A nice wind was blowing and the two hour wait wasn’t so bad. We both were thankful that this happened while we were still near home, rather than out on the road faraway. I’m so glad you two made it to a gas station. What an adventure!!
It sounds like you and your husband had an adventure of your own, Lenora! I’m glad it worked out safely. Thanks so much for sharing, and for your encouraging words.
Years ago as a poor single mom with four kids, I had a few dollars given to me so we got in the car, which was on empty, and drove to the nearest gas station. I knew we needed a miracle so we did just what you did, we praised God all the way there. I drove up to the pump and the gas ran out right there. We were then able to go on to the store and get groceries. This happened twice to us.
Wow, what a blessing! Thank you for sharing, Sandy. Ann Voskamp says that thanksgiving precedes the miracle. I have found that to be true!
LOL, every day is a “jar of oil” of late. With five orphan kittens to feed and care for, a ten month old cat in recovery from a self-inflicted foot injury (and us in recovery from the vet bill), we’ve been relying on jars of oil every day for the past several weeks.
But I do have a similar gasoline alley story from years back. My sister and I paid a visit to Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. Rather than take the normal route out after the tour, we crossed by the Green River ferry and proceeded to meander all over God’s country. My sister was getting pretty cross about the wandering and the diminishing fuel in the gas tank before we found one of those little country stores in the middle of nowhere where a couple of two-lane roads met. We filled up and I headed straight for the nearest highway.
My sister is still reluctant to travel with me unless I promise to stay on main roads!
Wishing a speedy recovery to you all, Carrie Lynn. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you and your sister have more traveling adventures on the main roads! 🙂
So glad you made it! That would be nail-biting and so glad that God provided just enough to get you where you needed to go. Sounds like a great trip even with the adventure.
Thank you so much, Cara!