A week from the 1880's to the present - with stops in between!

I told the kids that this was really my happy place!  Swimming - in a lake!  I couldn't help but reflect on all of the time I spent in the water at Lake Maud during my growing up years.  I was telling the kids that I remembered Great Grandma Nona bringing a sandwich down to the dock because I refused to get out of the water for lunch.  I lived in my swimming suit for most of the summer.  So having the chance to swim with the kids for a couple of hours, was such a treat.  This is one of the many beaches near to Gwen's house.  The kids really prefer to swim in pools, but I love lake swimming. Such a nice start to this week for me.

At the end of the week, Ken and I traveled a couple hours away to Parke County Indiana that has 31 covered bridges.  We have been talking about visiting these bridges for a couple of years.  Every time we planned a trip the weather would not cooperate.  After traveling the narrow gravel roads to get to some of these bridges, we could understand why you would not want to visit in rain/flood conditions.

We actually got to 12 of the bridges for Ken to photograph.  We saw another 4 bridges off in the distance (you would have to walk through fields and forests to get to these).  We traveled over roads that you could hardly call roads - they were more dirt paths. We cut through some farm property.  Got detoured by "road work" (which was really necessary). Had not great cell phone coverage which made using our google directions difficult. Walked through mud, dirt, high weeds, rocks, and other muck.  BUT..... we saw some amazing things.

Some of these bridges were built in the 1800's.  So amazing to consider how long these have been in use.  The wood work was so interesting.  We learned that most flowing water in Indiana is called a "creek" while in Illinois most would be called rivers.  There were so many different wild flowers near these bridges.  I had lot of time to stop and look at them.

I had plenty of time to listen to the flowing water and just catch my breath.   It was such a nice couple of days away.  We relaxed at the hotel, swam in the pool and sat in the hot tub.   Certainly proves that you don't have to travel very far to really "Get Away"!  

On Wednesday my small group had a visit from Corrie ten Boom (thanks to an amazing presentation by a local women).  Corrie is one of those "great cloud of witnesses" that I can't wait to meet someday.  Her story, her faith and her life have been an influence on my own spiritual journey.  One of my most cherished memories is being in the National Holocaust Memorial in Washington, DC and seeing her name on the display of people who aided the Jews during World War II.  There was a large group of Jewish children and youth on a tour and they had stopped along side of me to listen as the tour guide told them about the people named on this display.    One of the children asked if these people were Jewish. The tour guide (who was a holocaust survivor) told them that most were Christians.  You could hear the surprise among the group.  The guide then told a bit of Corrie's story and many of the group were crying after hearing of her sacrifices.  What a testimony that is still having an impact.

It is interesting how Jesus takes our everyday activities and brings them together to bring revelation, learning and growth.  I did not realize how much I missed lake swimming until this time with the kids.  I had a chance to share some of my memories of Lake Maud with my grand kids.  Then, hearing Corrie's story again,  I was reminded that our testimonies live on, long after we are gone.  

The transforming power of Jesus in each of our lives, can bring that same transformation to others as these stories are retold.  Spending hours outside, by flowing water, surrounded by the sounds of birds, hearing bees buzzing around those lovely wild flowers filled my heart, soul and spirit with fresh energy.  Energy to put words on pages.  Energy to share whenever I get the chance.  

I am convinced that our prayers and our personal stories can influence and affect future generations. Just as those covered bridges from over a hundred years ago tell a story, so our ancestors can speak to us.  Every picture, every story told around a dinner table, every memory can reveal God's faithfulness and provision.  Every smile or kind word to a stranger, every shared laugh, every caring word to a friend, becomes a powerful tool to reach a hurting heart with the love and forgiveness of Jesus.  

Instead of lamenting the many times I have failed to share, or missed a chance to help, I will press on!  Moving forward, just like those flowing rivers.  Bringing what ever I have to those around me.  Don't sell yourself short!  We all have an important story to tell.  A story that each one of us knows well.  It is the story of our own life.  Be encouraged!  Tell someone today!  Share a testimony that will live on.  And most of all, take time today to hear the water flowing and the birds singing.  See the sunshine in the blue sky.  Really see and hear these things.  You will be energized!

Jesus, thank you so much for working in MY plans to let me know the truth of YOUR plans for my life.  Help us all, Holy Spirit, to slow down and hear your whispers.  Show us our happy places and remind us of your provision to us.  Keep our eyes focused on you Jesus.  Give us courage and boldness to tell our stories of your faithfulness to us.  Amen

Motivated to Pray

After a long weekend of scrapbooking fun, I got home yesterday somewhat tired, but feeling that I had accomplished what I set out to do.  I had completed 53 pages.  Quite a lot of paper cutting and tape and glue.  And also lots of Jesus moments, as I blogged yesterday.  Then, just as I was getting ready to go to bed last night, there was another...... well, Jesus moment! 

I flipped on the television to check on the weather for this week and accidentally hit an unknown button on the remote.  I'm sure that you know this frustration.  So, I promptly started to switch back to the weather channel, and just as hit the button, I saw what was coming on that other channel.  So, I just as quickly, switched back.  (Before I talk about that program on that other channel, I need to again, restate that I am in a total truth-telling business on this blog.  I will not write anything that isn't the truth.)  As soon as I saw that the movie that was just beginning on that channel was "The Hiding Place" - the story of Corrie Ten Boom's life, I knew that this was surely a "Jesus Moment". 
I have read the BOOK many times, over and over, but I have never seen the movie.  The movie was made in 1975 and got wonderful reviews at the time.  Over the years I have heard that this is a wonderful movie. With the video of Corrie Ten Boom that I saw last week, I knew that there must be something that Yahweh was speaking to me. So, I sat back, intending to watch, knowing that Jesus must have some reason for me to see this at this time. 

I know the story.  I even know how it ends.  I know the history of the movie.  But as I started watching, it was just too much.  I can't quite explain how I felt.  But my heart was racing and my palms were sweating.  And it was BECAUSE I knew what was going to happen.  Because I know it is a FACTUAL movie.  After about 40 minutes, I knew that I could not watch anymore.  I turned off the movie.  So, today I have been trying to figure out what was going on!  Why was I so upset by this movie - a story I know well. 

As I was praying and asking for revelation about this event, I was remembering being at the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.  And remembering seeing Corrie Ten Boom's name on the wall of people who assisted the Jews during World War II.  And then I was flashing to some of the conversations that we had during the scrapbook time.  Somehow we were talking about my father and my father-in-law and the time that they spent in World War II.  My dad was drafted and served in the navy from 1943 to 1945.  My father-in-law also was in the navy, but didn't begin to serve until 1945.  Both of them served in the Pacific and were not in Europe at all.  My mom was left at home with two young children during those years.  My brother was just 18 months old and my sister was 5 when my dad left.

 (My mom and dad, sister Karen and brother Jerry in 1943)

(Below, is my dad, in 1943 shortly after he entered the navy)

 

My mom moved back to her home town so that she could be close to her family.  I simply can't imagine living during that time.  She had no idea even WHERE my dad was at.  And there was no real news to speak of.  The only thing she often talked about was that there were so many other women in the same position, that she never felt alone.  Yes, I began today to see once again, how Yahweh has been providing for my family.  And I thought about my 93 year old father-in-law.  Thank you Jesus for what you have been doing in his life. Then I thought about Corrie and remembered all those names on that wall in the Holocaust Museum.  The hundreds and hundreds of people who listened to the Lord and helped the persecuted - the Jews, the sick, the disabled, the mentally challenged.  And I knew that this is a reminder to me that I can not just shut off the TV when I hear of Christians that are being persecuted around the world.  I can not pretend not to see the turmoil in the middle east - in Jerusalem.  I know what I need to do. Last week there was a call to join with millions of others to pray for the peace of Jerusalem on October 6, 2013,  There is a website at www.daytopray.com.  You can read the post on this event at Elijah List.   I am convinced that Yahweh is encouraging me to get more involved in the what is happening around me.  So, be in prayer about your part in this call to stand for Jerusalem.  And look at the resources for this event. 

Thank you Jesus for speaking to me through my family and through television programs.  Help me to listen to your voice so that I know what part I am to play in events as they come to my attention.  Yahweh, your plan is to use each of us to fulfill your destiny in this world.  Thank you for showing me your provision and blessing on my family.  Holy Spirit, motivate others to hear your voice so that we can stand together for those around us who are persecuted or in need.  Thank you for the intercessors around me that already do this.  Yahweh, continue to raise up the five fold ministries in your body so that we can function as you have designed.  Bless all those who are planning and a part of the call to pray for Jerusalem.  Encourage them, give them creative ideas, and surround them with others to help.  Thank you Jesus.   Amen

When Jesus knows your heart......

Do you know how you have some people that you have never met, and you can't wait to get to heaven to talk with them? Well, Corrie ten Boom is one of those people for me. I imagine that I am one of thousands of people who have been touched by her through her books, writings or the movie "The Hiding Place."  By the time I read about her and then read her book in the late 1980's she was already dead.  This morning I found a link on my Facebook feed to this amazing video.  Corrie ten Boom - in her own words.  It is 45 minutes long, but so worth watching.  I had never heard her speak and there is something about hearing her voice that spoke so much to my spirit. 

This reminded me of an interesting thing that happened to me, a LONG time ago.  (Well actually, about 22 years ago)  My walk with Jesus had been influenced greatly by reading Christian books - most of which were not new releases at the time.  I had read books by Larry Christenson, Dennis Bennet, John Sherrill, and heard stories about Kathryn Kuhlman.  I remember thinking how amazing it would be to actually get to hear these people speak or to see them at a conference. I knew that Kathryn Kuhlman had died in the 1970's, so it would not be possible to see her.  One evening, I was flipping through the channels on the TV and happened upon what I knew to be a very old program of a worship service.  I could tell by the way people were dressed that it was not a current program.  Suddenly there was an introduction, and Kathryn Kuhlman walked onto the stage.  I sat fixed on the screen and listened to her speak about the relationship between faith and healing.  It was mind-blowing.  Then much to my surprise, she introduced Dennis Bennet!  He joined her on stage and spoke a small portion of his testimony.  For me, it was an amazing gift.  I felt as if I had been given a chance to see these two in a real way - through the rebroadcast of an old television program.  It was such a God thing.  Then, just a short time later, I got to meet Larry Christenson and actually spend time fellowshiping with him at a retreat held by my church.  It was such a personal desire, that I felt Jesus had answered, just for me. 

And this morning I felt the same way.  Once again, I am so thankful that I live in a time of television, computers, the Internet - the information age.  It has allowed me to really see and hear these true saints of the church. 

Yahweh, thank you for all those who have put their faith stories onto paper so that they could be read generations later.  Jesus you know the desires of our hearts and it is your blessing to us to provide them.  Yahweh, continue to use the many books, videos, stories and testimonies of your people.  Thank you for your plan to use us, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to demonstrate to the world, who you are!  Jesus, thank you for posts on Facebook and old television programs!  Yahweh, you are an amazing and wonderful Father.   Amen