Signs and Visions - The Seen and Unseen

Segment 1

Among the people who read this book, different opinions will arise. I do not expect everyone to agree with my reflections. In fact, I do not expect everyone to wholeheartedly believe my story. I do expect some people will think these things happen all the time, others may think they never happen at all, or they may seek explanations to fit their own faith and beliefs—perhaps selecting bits and pieces to believe while rejecting the other information. Some may wonder why these occurrences have not happened to them. Still others may think I have lost my mind or that I have a hidden agenda. The possibilities seem limitless.

The diversity of opinions is normal. When I explained some of my occurrences to family and friends, I received different reactions. At first, most told me nothing like this has happened to them. Some said, at best, they experienced one or two “supernatural” occurrences in their whole life. Based on my experiences, I suggest that, perhaps, they may not have paid close enough attention. As you read, you will understand why I make that statement. In fact, as my discussions continued with them over days and weeks, many shared additional personal stories that I considered remarkable; I will quote some of their comments in this book. When I asked why they never shared their story before, they replied, “because people would think I am crazy.” I told each of them that I did not think they were crazy.

This brings me to what one friend suggested—that because I was focused on the Devine, either: (a) I am making more out of it than it really is, or (b) I am causing it. Those are interesting concepts. After consideration, I believe this. Perhaps God does reveal more if one pays attention, but ignoring signs does not mean they never happened. However, you can be assured of one thing—I did not “will” or “cause” anything, nor do I desire that responsibility. That I leave to God. With regard to suggestion (a), I can only stress that I documented what happened as true facts (exactly as the events occurred), and I related my reflections exactly as they were revealed to me. While my reflections of the occurrences contain my personal revelations about the occurrences and perceived meanings, each reader must use their own intellect to form their own opinion and belief. No matter what your faith or beliefs; I recommend that you look for signs, document them, evaluate them, and try to connect the dots. You might be surprised at what you learn and what is revealed to you.

Segment 2

In the following chapters about the occurrences, most of the wording is a direct quote from my journal. Included after each section is a Reflection and Connecting the Dots heading to communicate what was revealed afterwards and my thoughts. In some cases, I will insert my thoughts in the content of the occurrences with [brackets] to note that these are my thoughts and revelations (some were revealed long after the occurrence date of the entry). I will describe both signs and visions that I have seen.

For the purpose of this book, my definition of a sign is an occurrence that draws attention and relates to the Devine. It could be a cloud in the shape of a cross. However, it may be something that is not explained by science such as an object moving without any visible means of energy. As you will see, there are many. What enhances these signs are relationships, timing, and/or connections. For example, I realize two jet streams can cross to make a perfect cross, but in these cases, they appear in a way that the sun illuminates them at the specific moment that connects to a
religious event in my life. However, my definition of a vision is different. These are images (very difficult to explain) that appear. They are not cloud formations or jet streams. While visions and signs have connecting dots, in some cases, I would not need connecting dots to understand that these are divinely related occurrences. As such, a vision can be a sign, but a sign is not a vision.

While reading, some other points to consider are: (a) The signs and visions were always clear (I did not attempt to make something from nothing such as the day when my children and I would try to make animals from cloud formations). The signs and visions that I present were distinct (they significantly stuck out), (b) The occurrences were seen by one or more persons, (c) The unexpectedness. When I looked at the signs and visions, I was surprised (sometimes astonished), as were the people who shared the occurrences with me (they seem to happen when I/we least expect it; on the days I just try looking on my own, I found nothing), and (d) Prior to some occurrences, I had no knowledge of specific information, but later this information was realized and meanings were revealed, and (e) Perhaps most significant was the totality of the frequency, relationship between signs/events, the number of witnesses, and the way things unfolded.

I present these considerations because I have questioned and evaluated them myself. You will note that the events seem to happen in at least “twos” or multiple events at the same time. In addition, incremental steps seem to be connected. As far as I know, there is no such thing as mass hallucinations, and others have seen the same signs/visions with me. This was comforting to me, as I know people will and have questioned my sanity. However, as you will read, I have also experienced occurrences where two or more people looking at the same thing; at the same time; see distinctly different versions. At first this may seem to threaten the validity of the occurrence; however, I learned it is perfectly fine. In fact, it may enhance the validity.

Segment 3

On October 9, 2012, I had a vision. The vision had such as impact that I documented it on this date in a separate WORD document saved as “PROPHETIC.” Here is exactly what I wrote, “I see a coming horrific destruction to New York state particularly New York City and the surrounding large cities.” Although I did not understand why, I saw Catholic churches being dismantled, people turning away from the Catholic faith, and much sin. I saw visions of destruction that shook me. There were several images revealed. I saw a map that covered the areas of New York City and the surrounding major cities including areas as far out as Albany. My first thought was – this must be a nuclear terrorist attack.

I thought: Because no date was revealed, and I never predicted anything in my life, I would just document the vision and forget about it. That is until October 26, 2012, when my wife showed me the track of Hurricane Sandy. I asked her to immediately come to my office to witness the aforementioned document and date when I entered it. She seemed surprised.

During the next two days, I was tormented. I felt guilt, sadness, fear, and more. It was clear that God allowed me to see this hurricane coming (or the destruction), but why? I questioned myself because the local news kept saying the hurricane was going to strike other areas instead of New York. I found myself troubled that they were saying these things – At one point, I said, “No! It is going to hit New York.” Then I questioned myself. Was I wishing this to occur? I wondered, did I want my vision to come true at the expense of New York? Although I knew that I truly did not wish this, I kept battling with this issue.

I prayed to make the storm go away; for it to go out to sea, but I knew the answer was no (at one point, when I saw the news showing the projected impact areas. It was the exact areas in my vision – the map).