Fourth of July marching by.....share your story!

Doug and Susie invited me to their local Fourth of July parade again this year.  Ken and I came to this parade two years (prior to Covid).  This was my second "solo" year and It was as much fun as always.  This hour long parade provided a LARGE amount of candy for Grace and Jimmy loved the entire thing.  He didn't even flinch when the fire trucks came by.  He was just enthralled with everything passing by. 

We had quite the set up perfect for watching the action.  The "grands" in the back row! We all appreciated the "Freeze Pops" that were passed out - even Jimmy!  It was hot but there was a great breeze.   My favorite part of the entire day was Grace proclaiming "This is the BEST day ever!"  

Holidays are interesting when you have lost your spouse.  Even though it has almost been two years, I was surprised to be missing Ken on this day.  I would not have expected this, but because this was something Ken loved so much, I really felt it. 

 

 2018

2019

The passage of time really is odd.  In some ways it seems like these almost two years have flown by.  But in other ways it has really seemed like a long time.  The thing about grief is that it sneaks up on you.  You know that certain days will be hard but then, out of the blue, the missing hits you.  I am so thankful for my family.  Being with the kids, being included in these activities, really helps. I have been making plans to visit some of Ken's favorite spots. There is always joy when I find that perfect "photo" spot and think, "Ken would love this".  There are so many favorite spots, it will be a busy summer! 

I've just started a new Bible/prayer study that is 31 days of prayer.  While I always journal, it is really good to try something new and have a new direction for my quiet time.  I have also been motivated to begin writing again.  I have been working for years on a book, but it has spent a lot of time "on the back shelf".  I am so thankful for this burst of inspiration and am hopeful that it will continue.  My friend recently gifted me this table decoration.  It has become an inspiration for me. 

I have begun to realize that everyone has a story to tell.  Unfortunately Ken's story was much too short.  He used photography to show his inner thoughts to those around him.  He loved order and beauty.  For a long time, different architecture was his passion.  Bridges, barns, buildings and towers filled his frames.  But as he got more and more unwell physically, he turned to flowers and all living things of nature.  The solid, never changing buildings had sort of dissolved into drab, fallen down barns or ancient ruins which then led him to the growing, colorful, alive plants.  It was as if he was desperately trying to hold on to the life that he knew, deep inside, was being cut short.  So I have taken "Embrace your Story" to heart and begun writing in earnest.  All of us have a story.  A testimony of how God has been with us - even if we didn't think He was.  Our children and grandchildren need to know our stories.  The people around us need to know our story.  The world needs to hear our story.  Take this phrase to heart, Embrace Your Story.  And then share it.

Jesus, you have told us that people will know who you are through our testimony.  Holy Spirit, give us courage and boldness to share the good and the bad times.  Thank you for family and friends. Provide opportunities for us to reach out to those around us.  Open our eyes to the needs of our community, our nation and our world.  Thank you for times of celebration.  Amen

What a busy month it has been....

Sometimes it is hard to just stop and look back on the past few weeks since there was just so much that happened!  You would think that, at my age, I would be mostly just relaxing in my Lazy Boy (which to be fair, I do quite often.)  But here is me being very grateful and feeling very blessed to be able to be so busy.  If Covid has done one thing, it has made everyone appreciate times of being out and doing fun things together.  And while this busyness does make it hard to find time to put my thoughts and feelings down "on paper" (so to speak) in this blog, I don't want a whole month to go by without recapping it.  So, here goes.

Being at Tim and Gwen's house is always like being at some very wonderful, nature area.   There is this incredible view from the family room (which has a huge picture window) or from the sunroom of the sprawling forest behind the home.  On this day, a very large hawk decided to land on the kids trampoline net!  It was really big and surveyed the grounds for a number of minutes.  It was shocking to see just how big it was when it actually took flight.  Watching the trees begin to change color and the leaves begin to fall, helped me mark the change of season.  It is so good to just stop and breathe out every time I am there.  

The very next day, I was at Doug and Susie's house and there was a really big thunder storm that moved through the area.  Of course this brought a day inside for Grace, James and me.  But just as I was leaving for home, the sun came out and I saw this really incredible rainbow over their house.  I turned around and went back inside to bring Grace out to see the rainbow.  It was still raining slightly, and I managed to snap this one not so good picture.  Grace was so excited since this was the first time she had ever seen a "real rainbow"!  It is so wonderful to be able to be a part of an experience like this.  These small firsts with any child are so special.  

A few days after this, I spent the weekend with Zeke and Anna (and Chandler) while Gwen and Tim, along with Lia and Ellie, were away at their Youth Fall Retreat.  As the kids get older and older, I have fewer and fewer of them during these retreats.  Starting next spring, I will just have Anna since Zeke will be gone also.  

The highlight for the kids was for sure the various playgrounds we visited.  We played some games, did some crafts and helped clean up all of the water toys for the winter.  Anna even painted my nails.  For me, the best thing was having breakfast out and then visiting the lake across the street.  The kids threw rocks in the water and tried to find skipping stones.  I was able to skip a couple and it sure brought me back to my own childhood at the lake.  I just treasure these simple times with the kids. 

The next week, I finally delivered on a birthday present for Ellie from last March.  Gwen and I took her to see Hamilton on stage in Milwaukee.  

It was the first time that Ellie had been to a live show and Hamilton is her all time favorite.  Again, getting to be a part of these "firsts" is just so amazing.  We had such a wonderful time, made even more wonderful after the Covid delay.  It actually felt "normal" to be sitting in a large auditorium.  I realized on the way home, this was the first time I have been out of Illinois since September of 2019!  For the last two years, I have never left home.  With all of the traveling that Ken and I did, it is no wonder that I am feeling sort of stir crazy.  Such a nice day and way to mark a milestone for Ellie.

Just a few days later, was an opportunity to watch Tim run a marathon and Gwen run a half marathon.  It was a simply gorgeous fall day, crisp and cool but sunny and dry.  

Tim's race started an hour before Gwen's so we were there bright and early.  I stayed with the kids and we became a "cheering section" on the path as the runners came by.  There was a large group of people from their church that also ran with them.  We had lots of runners to cheer for!  

Thankfully, everyone finished the race!  It was so fun to watch the group, some who were getting their first ever medals!  This was Gwen's 6th half marathon and Tim's 11th marathon.  I am so proud of their dedication and follow through.  I love being an eye witness to these important events.

Being able to spend time each week with Grace and James has been a joy.  James seems to change and grow overnight.  So it is a blessing to be able to watch each new accomplishment.   Grace has done so well being a big sister.  She is anxiously waiting for James to be able to play with her.  It is so hard having to wait!  James has recently grown big enough and strong enough to graduate from his playmat on the ground to his activity center.  I found Grace happily "reading" to him and he was loving it!

Grace actually read him many more books and I am sure, quite soon, she will really be reading the words to him!  She is such a big help for me, whether it is getting a burb cloth, or letting Kylie out when I am feeding James.  I just love watching her loving on her brother.  

Is there anything better than the smiles of children?  I am so thankful for all of these activities.  For all of the hugs and kisses, for all of the hours of play.  For all of the special moments and the milestones.  All of these things are worth hanging on to and worth remembering.  

Recently I was talking with a number of friends about the power of testimony.  Sometimes we forget just how much our small, little moments can have a big impact on someone else.  I remember hearing a very long time ago, that it is the current things that we should be sharing with those around us.  The big testimonies have a place, the life changing ways God has acted in our life, yes, those are worth sharing.  But don't forget to tell someone else about the little ways that you know Jesus is with you and listening to your cries for help.  I love to hear how others have seen Jesus in their day to day struggles.  It brings me so much encouragement and certainly deepens my faith and hope.  For me, each of the stories above are evidence of Jesus' love and care for me.  I feel his presence with me as I go from activity to activity.  He knows exactly what I need each day.  Being able to be with my kids and my grandkids is something I do not take for granted.  It is truly a blessing and a joy.  

Jesus, thank you for the daily ways that you meet us exactly where we are.   No matter how busy we are, you are never going to leave us.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding me to capture these milestone moments with my family, no matter how small they may seem.  Jesus help us to be willing to share our struggles and our small moments with those around us.  Amen

Telling the truth in all things... even the weather!

Last week was one of those silly weeks when you simply do not know how to dress.  On Thursday morning, I scraped about 2" of snow and/or ice off of my car before heading to watch Grace.  At some point during the day, the sun came out and by the time I left for home, it was 59 degrees.  I had worn my winter coat in the morning and a fleece over a long sleeved shirt.  I carried my coat to the car and before leaving the driveway, had taken off my fleece.  Over the next few days it was impossible to decide exactly what kind of coat or jacket you might need when leaving the house.  Friday was a bit cloudy and windy and felt cold at times. But then the sun came out and it warmed up. Saturday was also overcast - until late in the day again.  Let's face it!  It is just time for some good old spring weather.  Today I confidently hung my winter coat in the back of the closet.  I am trusting the forecast for the next 15 days - lows in the high 40's and highs in the 50's and 60's.  

So apparently Grace had decided it needs to be springtime - or at least warm enough to have a picnic!

On Thursday she spent the better part of the day setting up her little picnic set and then putting it all back.  Over and over and over and over.  You gotta love these little ones.  They just never seem to get tired of the "in and out".  

She found the cups and spent a bit of time "practicing" drinking from a real cup.  She does a pretty good job drinking out of a glass if you hold it for her.  But she loves these little plastic tumblers.  Part of the day the "picnic" was on the ground, until she discovered that she could set it up on the table! This was especially interesting to me since Doug, Susie and Grace were leaving for a camping vacation just a few days later!  It was almost as if Grace understood that there was a picnic in her future!

So, just like Grace, Ken and I decided to proceed with our patio enhancements, as if it will soon actually be warm enough to use it.  After our "situation" with our gazebo almost flying away, we purchased some really nice, specially designed weights for the legs.  We also got an outdoor heater and some very festive lights. We also spent some time actually attaching the canvas top to the frame much more securely.  All in all, we should be set for some good relaxing time IF the weather ever gets above 60 degrees!

Over the last few weeks, the subject of personal testimony has been coming up over and over.  The interesting thing about doing this blog is that it is my personal story and no one can disagree with what I have written!  The same is true of each person's testimony of their relationship to Jesus.  In this blog, I have written about various different times that have changed the course of my life in some way.  The common thread of each of these events is that I had a very real encounter with Jesus.  He spoke to me, brought revelation to me, came to me in dreams, sent someone else to speak a word to me, brought a song to me, caused the Bible to come alive to me,  really so many different things.  I am always amazed by people who want to dispute that Jesus can speak to each one of us.  Not only CAN he do this, but it is His plan for each of us to have a personal relationship with Him.  And that relationship would be pretty one sided if Jesus did not have an active role in it.  The entire time that Jesus was explaining the Holy Spirit to his disciples, is really the groundwork for us all to understand the lines of communication that Jesus was leaving with us.  It would be better for us all when he was in heaven because then ALL of us could communicate with Him.  Such an amazing plan by an awesome God.  Yet, here we are some 2,000 years later, and really good people - some of whom have studied "religion" for years and years want to deny that Jesus speaks to us ALL!  So, here is my soapbox of truth telling for today!  Jesus has, does and will continue to speak to me and I have, do and will continue to listen to Him.  Hey, that news is so much better than the weather! You can depend on that truth!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that you desire a relationship with each person.  Thank you for the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit.  Open the ears of those that are afraid to hear your voice.  Give courage to us to share this truth with those around us.  Help us to teach our children and grandchildren the truth that you speak to us all.  Thank you Jesus for warmer weather and the approaching of springtime.  Amen

Where the wind blows.........

We have been having a really good time on this trip, doing a bit of relaxing.  We have also been exploring this area, which is a new one for us!  The weather has been less than wonderful, very chilly and WINDY!  And I mean really WINDY!  It has been "red flagged" every day that we have been here, so sadly I have not gotten to swim - at all.  Sigh.  We have had lots of beach time and it has been fun to watch the waves, but this is right up there with "be careful what you wish for" things!  Remember I said I wanted waves?  Well, I got them.  Ten foot waves (very unusual for here).  So yesterday we went to a nearby state park pier.

Not only was it a RED flag day, it was also a purple flag day!  And what, you might ask, is a purple flag?  Well, I was glad for this sign....

You can't quite read it, but purple says "dangerous marine life"!  What?????  I was surprised by that!  We walked along the shore and got some great pictures of the waves, the pier, and then we spotted this....

I should have taken a picture with my foot in it to show the size of this Jellyfish.  It was bigger than a large dinner plate.... more than a foot across,  So, yes, this was the dangerous marine life that caused the purple flag!  Suddenly I was glad to not be swimming in these waters!

Today was another high surf day, so we headed off to Mobile to see the USS Alabama  Museum.  

I was surprised to find out that we could wander this battleship on our own with just a paper "tour guide".  I was amazed by so many things about this ship.  First of all.... the size!  It is really, really big!  Until you see that there were 2,300 men on this ship!  WHAT????  Suddenly it seemed very small.  And there were lots of places that were so narrow and had really no railings.  I imagined the ship rocking on the waves and wondered how the men kept from falling off.  We walked on so many "ladders" (they are so steep that you can't call them stairs.  And there were so many of them, Again I couldn't imagine running up and down them while the ship was moving - let alone in a battle!) We got down into the "bowels" of the ship and saw where the enlisted men slept. Stacked up four high on cots suspended from the ceilings.  We saw the officers quarters and the NCO rooms.  The kitchens and mess areas where interesting.  These were also converted to sleeping quarters at night.  The tables where stowed and beds where suspended from the ceilings.   All I could think about was my dad and Ken's dad.  Both served in the Navy during the time period that this ship was in use.  My dad was one of those enlisted men on the lowest decks.  Ken's dad was one of those officers.  I walked those decks and thought about the battles and the men that were lost.  All of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we have today.  This ship was near to Japan when the bombs were dropped, ending the war in the Pacific.  Honestly, I got quite claustrophobic when we were so far down in the ship.  I just wanted to get up into the fresh air.  And I got very queasy more than once, up on a high place with very little railings around.  I can't imagine the conditions during a war time.  Yes, I have a new respect for all of our veterans and those currently serving in the military.  And I so wish that our dads were still around to talk about their experiences.  There is so much I would like to ask them!  

Isn't that always the way?  We think about all of the things that we would like to say or ask of someone who is now dead.  It is a good reminder to pay attention to people around us.  I am sure that there are people that I know that have served in one of the more recent "military conflicts" that have stories to share.  Ken and I were discussing that most WWII veterans have already died.  Soon it will be hard to find any veterans of the Korean conflict.  I am so thankful for the preservation of this ship and others like it, that keep this history from just being a page in a book.  

So, once again, it is back to the importance of a testimony.  The telling of your story.  Our story - the United States of America - is a story that is grounded on God.  Founded on the principle that God has ordained and blessed this land.  Even now, when things look so.....well "ungodly"... our testimony is that God has called us and blessed us.  No matter what is happening right now in the government, in our schools, in our families..... we are a blessed people.  And every one of our testimonies needs to begin there.  We are a blessed people, who know Jesus and trust in His saving work on the cross.  

Jesus, thank you for this day, for who you are and all that you have done for me.  Thank you for museums that preserve our past and leave a testimony for the future.  Thank you for veterans and those in active service in the military.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to listen to the stories of those around us.  Give us nudges to seek out people who have life experiences to share.  Give us all courage and boldness to share our own stories.  Thank you for HIS story!  Amen

Revelation from Dutch Sheets (from my small group today!)

What an amazing day I had today!  Wednesdays are always great because it is my "small group" day!  Oh how I love those wonderful ladies who set aside a couple of hours each week, to come together and hold each other up.  We laugh, we cry, we pray, we worship, we learn..... and so much more.  Today we listened to a Dutch Sheets CD from a recent conference in our area. (I missed the chance to attend this conference) I have read many of Dutch Sheet's books and heard him speak several times.  So a chance to hear a current message from him is a real treat.  We only listened to about 30 minutes but let me tell you, it was a power packed 30 minutes.

I want to just focus on one of the many thoughts from this short half hour teaching.....it is about the word "TESTIMONY".  Dutch said that a man approached him at the end of a conference and told him how much he enjoyed his teaching.  He was a Jewish believer in Jesus and a pastor.  Dutch went on to say that, from this man, he learned exactly what testimony means in Hebrew and more than that, what it means for us.  When we think about testimony, we think it is a remembrance.  We are remembering something that happened in the past.  But to the Jewish people it is much more than that.  There is an action - a doing - in the word testimony.  When there is a testimony - a remembering of something that God has done - than there is a present day DOING.  In the Old Testament the people were always recounting what God had done.  The reason they were doing this was so that God would do the same thing for them now!  When they needed a miracle, they recounted all the times that God had done miracles.  And then as they spoke that testimony, the power of God was released again for that miracle.  WOW!  I know that, at first reading, this may sound sort of......mundane.  But think about this!   I know that I had missed this.  I knew that testimony was important.  I knew that I have been encouraged and seen my faith grow through hearing the testimony of others.  But I also know that I had never imagined that part of the process of testimony was God actually doing that exact thing, NOW.    Think about all the prayers for healing that are prayed.  How much more powerful it is to give a testimony about a time that God healed.  As that testimony is spoken out, the power - the action - is released.  Dutch Sheets gave several examples of times when a speaker just told "stories" (testimonies) of the amazing things that God has done and then people responded as the power of God was poured out.

Think about Communion.  Think about the words that are spoken over every Communion meal.  It is a testimony.....a remembering...and speaking of the events of that meal.  And each time that we take part in the sharing of this testimony, we release the power of Jesus.  Those words that Jesus shared with His disciples become NOW words spoken to us and for us.  This just gives a further confirmation of the importance of the celebration of Communion and the words that are a part of that celebration.

There was even more in that 1/2 hour teaching.  But I know that I need more time to just meditate on this one point.  What an amazing blessing it is to learn something like this.  We seem to have lost so much when we do not understand the whole of the Bible from a Jewish perspective. Tonight I am so thankful for this teaching and for Dutch Sheets.  And I am thankful, again, for my small group.

Jesus, thank you for continuing to bring revelation to us, when we are missing an important truth.  Help us to change our thinking about testimonies.  Holy Spirit, give us courage and boldness to speak out all that Jesus has done.  Bless Dutch Sheets and the messages that he shares.  Continue to give him wisdom and expand his platform.  And Jesus, thank you for Communion!  Amen

Holding on to the TRUTH!

Doing this short series on testimonies has been interesting.  At first I had no intention of doing a long bunch of posts using these true stories.  But the response was, at first so encouraging that I decided to continue telling stories from my own life.  However, somewhere around day 14, I started to get some private messages and comments about these.  It seems that it was disturbing to some people that I would "boast" about these things.  One anonymous reader even said it was so "ungodly and not a very good Christian witness" to talk about what I had done and experienced.  Was I surprised to get a response to these blog posts?  No.  This blog is public and I welcome sharing.  As I have said before, I have readers from all around the world.  But I was surprised at how negative some of the comments were. 

At my last small group meeting, I was reminded of the highlighted verse above.  In another translation it reads "And they glorified God because of me"!  I had shared about this verse several months ago after being at a meeting where we were all challenged to tell a story that could conclude with.....and they glorified God because of me.  We talked about the false humility that is in the western church that is not Biblical.  Paul was very clear in this verse that the people praised God because of what Paul had said and done or what they had experienced through Paul.  All to often we are quick to say, "it was all Jesus" or "Praise Jesus".  But we are missing the point that it is all part of the master plan of God to use US to accomplish the work in the world.  Not to say that this is something we can do without Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  But it takes our actions and our spoken words to effect the world around us.  Part of that has to be retelling stories and giving our testimony.  That is one way we "go and make disciples" as Jesus instructed us to do.  Let me tell you it is difficult to do this.  Many people had a hard time sharing anything that ended with this statement.  I have really changed my own viewpoint since that night.  I am not so afraid to make the statement that what I have said or done has caused someone else to glorify God. 

Being fearful of what people will think or feel about me - the fear of man - is something most of us struggle with.  It's lots easier to put these words on paper and just shoot them out into that "invisible cloud" and never have to see anyone's face or hear any immediate comments.   But in all truth, these negative comments did make me take a step back and wonder if this blog was something I needed to continue. 

Then yesterday at our High School reunion picnic a former classmate told me, with tears in her eyes, just how powerfully she has been affected by reading my blogs.  She said that she can really relate to the things I have written and she just "knows" that they are true.  It was exactly what I needed to hear.  Isn't that just like Jesus to answer our need, even when we haven't really spoken it out? 

So today I am thankful for all of you, the ones taking the time to read these words.  And I am grateful for those that respond to me - even those with comments that are sometimes hard to hear.  It is evidence that someone is actually reading and processing these words and in some way, taking them to heart.  I began this blog with a clear sense that it was what Jesus was asking me to do.  And today, I am continuing it with a renewed and increased sense of purpose. 

Jesus, thank you for who you are.  Thank you that you answer us and hear those unspoken prayers of our heart.  Holy Spirit, thank you for all that you bring to see and read these words.  Pour out your message to them, through my words.  Thank you for computers, the internet and blogging.  Amen

Day 18 - TODAY'S answer to prayer

So most of the last few weeks have been testimonies from years ago.  Not today!  This is not the best picture of my sweet little ones (I lifted it off of Instagram - sorry Gwen), but I needed to share this!

Gwen and Tim took their 4 children on an airplane to visit my 94 year old father-in-law whose health is failing.  Now, this kind of a trip is not for the faint of heart!  Just the sheer amount of "stuff" that they had to bring would scare anyone!  Think car seats for all the kids, a playpen for Anna, not to mention, clothes, cups, bottles - you get the idea.  And four little ones on an airplane -  well, lets just say that Gwen and Tim are a hearty lot.  But still, I figured that they could use prayer coverage for this trip.  So I put out a request on my small group "text prayer chain". 

Now let me tell you that this texting thing is really amazing when it comes to sharing prayer needs.  I was just telling a couple of people how much I feel the very real presence of the Holy Spirit each time I get one of those text prayer requests from a member of our group.  I have no doubt that this use of cell phones and texting is just one thing that Jesus is using today.  Recently I saw a sign on a church near my house that said  "Prayer - the ultimate wireless connection".  And I think that the combination of using texting to pass prayer requests is just taking this one step further. 

So on to the story of today.  Well, everyone prayed for Gwen and Tim's airplane travel and it was a very good trip.  So, yes, an answer to prayer.  Let's face it.  A good three hour trip with four children is a miracle! 

However, I neglected to ask for prayer for some other details of this trip.  Like a rental car big enough to hold 4 car seats and 6 people and all the stuff - even though there was a prepaid, confirmed reservation for one! (I know, anyone who knows the show Seinfeld is now saying "They know how to TAKE the reservation, they just don't know how to HOLD the reservation!"  Ken and I were saying the same thing).  Thankfully, although NOT quickly, a different company found a suitable vehicle for them.  They were 3 hours later getting to their hotel than they expected.  You would think a good nights sleep was all they needed.

But early this morning I got a text from Gwen that Ellie was very sick and throwing up.  Now this is really no fun in a hotel.  And really not good when you need to go visit an elderly person who should not be exposed to anything!  I immediately put out an URGENT prayer request via text to my group.  And they all assured me that they were praying.  It was not looking good after 3 hours of Ellie getting sick every 30 minutes like clockwork.  Gwen and Tim were trying to decide what to do and then I got a text from the leader of my small group.  It said "been praying and feeling that a break thru is happening".   And I am not kidding you, within 2 minutes I had a text from Gwen saying Ellie was up and out of bed getting dressed.  And then they were on their way to see Great Grandpa.  Within another hour Ellie was swimming in the pool at my sister-in-law's house. 

By this evening, they were on the beach.  As you can see in this picture, they are all doing well - including Ellie.   And I am convinced that Ellie's quick bounce back was due to this wonderful group of prayer warriors who stood with me and prayed! 

My encouragement to you is to find yourself a group of people who are willing to form a "text" prayer chain.  You will be blessed.

Jesus, thank you for your protection and covering over Gwen, Tim, Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna.  Holy Spirit, bless their time visiting with Great Grandpa and the rest of the family.  Thank you for my friends and their willingness to pray when the need arises.  Holy Spirit nudge us all to pray for those close to us even when there is not an urgent need.  It is a miracle that we can connect through cell phones to connect TOGETHER to you.   Thank you for the quick healing for Ellie!  Amen

Day 17 - a couple more stories from 20 years ago

So continuing from yesterday. I was on a mission trip to a small village in northern Mexico.   We were doing lots of  fellowship with the moms and the kids who came to the Vacation Bible School program.  We had outdoor activities like bubbles, balls, jump ropes and a parachute.  And we got to speak with many of the women - a few who could speak English.  This was an eye opener for me in so many ways.  First of all, these people LOVE their children.  The children were all clean and neat, even though they did not have new clothes (in most cases), they had on their best for us.  You could tell that the children had a wonderful relationship with all of these women.  This sweet little baby's name was Pearl Jasmine.  I got to talking to her mother when I asked her name.  She told me that it was unusual for a baby to have a name before they turned 1.  Usually their "naming" ceremony happened on their first birthday.  The reason for this was that many, many times the children didn't survive infancy.  It was easier to lose a child that did not have a name.  This mother had gone against the norm and named this baby because she believed that Jesus was taking care of her.  We also heard a sad story that 6 years earlier they had experienced a bacteria in their water reservoir and many of the children under 6 had died.  There were far fewer kids between 6 and 12 than there should have been and this was the reason.  Wow, we are so removed from this kind of thing in our comfy life in the United States.  It was a sobering reality for these people and experiencing it in a small way, changed how I looked at my own life.  I remember Pearl Jasmine's mother and her resolve to trust totally in Jesus.  What a testimony that is.

Then there is this testimony of multiplication......  The majority of the food for the team came with us on that bus.  We ate lots of peanut butter and jelly.  And a lot of canned food.  On the final night in the town we prepared a meal for all of the people from the church who had hosted us in their homes and also all of the elders of the church.  Many, many people turned up at the church for this meal.  As a matter of fact, the people just kept coming down the road.  It became very clear that we would not have enough food to feed everyone.  We told all of the kids to wait to eat until given permission and then we prayed over the pots of food.  We had several large cans of Spaghetti pasta "0's" that we had not intended to use that night, that were opened and heated.  And the people ate.  And the team ate.  ALL of the people ate.  And that pot of pasta was about 1/3 full at the end of the night.  It was a multiplication miracle.  I don't think I appreciated the scope of this miracle until after we were home from this trip.  I know that this miracle happened because I held the spoon in that pot and scooped out plates of food for people.  Yes, it was an amazing testimony of the provision of Jesus.  And it was also an expression of Jesus' great love for these people. I later found out that this kind of multiplication of food happened often on these mission trips.  It was certainly the first time I had ever seen and experienced this.

I was greatly blessed and changed by this trip so long ago.  Thinking about this trip has made me remember that I have so much to be grateful for.  And I am reminded that Jesus is faithful and He cares for and provides for His people. 

Jesus, thank you so much for who you are.  You are an amazing God who provides for all of our needs.  You cover us with your love,  you empower us with your faith and strength and you do miraculous things every day!  Holy Spirit, thank you for prompting me to share these stories each day.  What a great blessing it has been for me to remember your faithfulness and goodness to me.  Again, bless the people in this town in Mexico and remind them of your love.  Amen

Day 3 - Another story - held in the palm of His hand, in spite of doubts!

This whole sharing thing has been really interesting for me.  There is no "advanced plan" of what will be shared each day.  I don't even have a list in mind of things to share.  I am practicing a bit of last week's blog and just "waiting in silence" each day and letting the Holy Spirit remind me of a story or testimony to share.  I am trusting that I will have something to share as the month goes on.

So, all that to say.... here is today's story.  The photo above is from 1974 and Ken and I had been married about 6 months.  We had a really good group of friends, a few that were from High School and then some of their friends.  We usually had a "party" of some kind every weekend.  A couple of the guys shared an apartment in a complex just across the street from our apartment. We often ended up at their place.  Yes, we had some really fun times with these people.   We played lots of Charades.  We talked about everything and there was always a lot of laughter.  It wasn't long before religion became a subject of discussion.  At first I just sort of ignored what they were talking about.  I really wasn't all that interested.  We had a church that I loved (where we had been married).  And I felt safe there.  I have to admit that as a 20 year old, I really didn't pay much attention to what they said.  One of the couples, who were very strongly involved in this religion, decided to get married at their "church" - the Bahai Temple in Evanston.  Ken and I attended this very unusual wedding.  Shortly after that wedding, it became really clear that we had become a "project" for these people.  They set out to convince us that Bahai was the only true faith.  We were invited to intense weekend events (which we thought were "parties" but we soon found out that we were the only ones there).  They gave me books to read.  Lots of books.   And for the biggest push, they brought in a new person to talk with us.  He had been raised Jewish, but had "seen the light" and joined the Bahai fellowship.
 And here's the thing, he knew exactly what to say to cause me to doubt.  Isn't that just like that sneaky enemy of ours?  This man spoke about the Jews "missing" the message of Jesus, even though it was right in front of their eyes.  And then he said that the Bahai message was just the more recent revelation that came after Jesus.  And then he challenged me to not respond as the Jews had to Jesus.  I read all the books they gave me.  I confess that I really began to question and doubt.  So I did the only thing that I knew to do.  I called my Pastor!  I am so thankful for this wonderful man, who listened to my doubts, heard my fears and then brought me back to the truth.  He reminded me that nothing needed to be added to the Bible.  Jesus had fulfilled his destiny and completed the task set before him.  And because of that, we had a secure eternal life with the Father in heaven.   When these "friends" discovered that we were not converting, we suddenly stopped hearing about the parties and stopped being invited.  We found some new friends.

It wasn't till years later that I realized just how close to the edge I had really gotten.  And I didn't appreciate how close Jesus was holding me.  I know that Ken and I were held in the palm of His hand during this time of trial.  I am so thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit within me.  It was that quiet whisper that sent me to someone I could trust - my pastor.   This testimony today is just a reminder that in spite of our wandering and doubting and looking where we should not look, Jesus is holding us in the palm of His hand!  He has a plan and purpose and destiny for us!  There is safety and security in knowing just how close He is to us.  I love how Jesus uses everything in our life to His glory! In the last 15 years, I have been able to reach people going through similar doubts and questioning.  I've been there, so I really understand!   And, I just need to add another plug here.  I am so thankful for the years I spent in Sunday School and church as a young child and teen.  Do not underestimate the value  that children gain by being in church.  Without that strong foundation, I may have been swayed into this false religion.  

Jesus, thank you for the reminder of your love and care.   Holy Spirit, thank you for your direction and whisper that kept me on the right path.  Jesus, thank you also for reminding me that you will use even these times of doubt for your glory.  Thank you for pastors.  Give them wisdom and insight as they deal with people who have doubts and fears.  Give us all sensitivity as we encounter people who may be facing situations like this.  Thank you for holding us in the palm of your hand.  Amen

Sharing Part 1 - where my testimony begins

So based on my post yesterday, I am going to spend the next few weeks sharing small bits and pieces of my testimony.  Some of what I will share may have already been on this blog, but I am going to assume that there is someone out there who may need to hear this today!  All day today I've been thinking about how powerful it is to hear someone's testimony.  I was remembering the many, many times that I was encouraged and uplifted hearing about the large and small miracles that happen around us day after day.  Today I decided to share my first encounter with Jesus when I was 4 years old.

I know exactly how old I was when this happened, because we only lived in Aberdeen, South Dakota for a few years.  And I was not yet in school.  One night, I had a very powerful dream that has never left me.  I was walking down a path in very beautiful garden.  Very much like the photo above.  Suddenly Jesus was with me.  He was holding my hand as we walked along.  He told me, in a way that a four year old could understand, who he was and the entire Gospel message.  I remember very clearly my surprise when Jesus said that he had died on a cross.  He assured me that it was okay, since his Daddy had brought him back to life so that all of us could live forever.  The last thing that he said to me was that Easter was about HIS story, and not the Easter bunny.  And I needed to tell everyone the truth about who Jesus is and what Easter is all about. 

I remember telling my mom about this dream, shortly afterwards.  And I remember very clearly her reaction!  Very simply it was, "We don't talk about things like this.  Don't tell anyone about this dream".   So I did as I was told.  I never said a word to anyone.  At least not until I was much older. But here's the thing! When I talk about this dream, I can still feel the way my hand felt as he was holding it.  I can't explain the powerful influence that this dream had on my life.  Shortly after this I received my first Bible.  I spent many, many hours reading that Bible.  I loved the "red letters" - everything that Jesus said.  I knew, deep down in my spirit, that Jesus was walking with me, that he loved me and cared about me.  I also knew that he had given me an important message to share. 

Most of the last 25 years I have been sharing one main message -  Children can and do hear Jesus speaking to them and God has a destiny and a plan that he will reveal for each child.  This life changing message was birthed in that dream, so long ago. 

So, this is the very beginning of my "walk" with Jesus.  I am so grateful that I had been brought to church as an infant, and became part of the family of God through Baptism.  It was a blessing to have been in Sunday School and church so that I knew who Jesus was, when I met him in this dream. 

I know that I have said this before, but here is another reminder.  God has a plan and destiny for each one of us.  That includes everyone!  Even those little children.  And more than that, Jesus wants to share this plan and destiny with us!  All we have to do is ask, wait silently, and listen!   Pick up a pen and write down those thoughts in your head.  Sketch out a picture.  Flip open your Bible and wait for a verse to come alive.  And the next time you have a chance, ask a child what Jesus has been saying to them!  You just might be surprised! 

Jesus, thank you for your presence with us! Holy Spirit, continue to empower us to share our stories.  Give us courage and boldness to testify about the miracles and wonders that happen each day.  Thank you Jesus, for this blog and all that take time to read these words.  Bless them with assurance of your presence with them.   Amen

Celebrating the power of sharing!

These two photos represent 4th of July's that I remember very well.  The top picture is Gwen at the age of 2 months - taken July 4, 1979!  We just happened to be out shopping to pick up a few items at Kmart before going on a picnic, and they were taking pictures in the store.  We decided at the last minute, to have Gwen's picture taken.  Although this had already faded badly before we got it scanned, I still love it!  She was dressed in that darling red white and blue dress with matching shoes.  I loved that little dress!  I can't help but to notice how much Anna looks like Gwen!  The bottom picture was taken on July 4, 1983.  We were on our way to spend the day at our good friends house.   I love this holiday memory, captured in a photo.

Gwen posted this picture on Facebook today!  I love that Gwen takes these pictures.  The best thing is that I will most likely get to look at this picture next year during the month of July.  Gwen usually makes me a wall calendar with pictures, so I get to enjoy them all year. 

 

It has been an interesting evening.  Ken and I decided that we would go out and try to see the fireworks.  Now we live in a very small suburb of only around 14,000.  And every town around here has their own fireworks. We decided to try to park a bit away from the park where the fireworks display happens.  We know of a small industrial area a short distance from the park, so we decided that would be a good place.  Well, apparently EVERYONE in our town decided to go there!  The streets were lined with cars.  As we drove home, EVERY street had cars and people.  One little lake had rows and rows of chairs and people on the grass.  It was really silly.  I really didn't know that there were that many people in our town!  Needless to say, we drove home and skipped the fireworks.  It was quite an adventure! 

 

All in all, this was a really nice day.  The weather was spectacular.  It was warm, but not hot.  There were a few clouds and a soft breeze.  Ken did a bit of yard work and I sat outside and watched!  Ken went on a bike ride and I just chilled.  We grilled brats for dinner and ate corn on the cob.  Yes, I would say this was a really nice 4th of July.  In spite of missing the fireworks.  It was a great day.

 

Here's the thing.  I love that because this is a "special" day, we mark the day with photos.  And memories.  Ken and I talked about the last few years and how we celebrated.  It is good to spend time talking and remembering together.  In some ways, this has become a lost art.  People don't spend time really telling stories about the past.  And we also don't spend much time giving our testimony.  Nor do we share stories of how Jesus has blessed us and answered prayers.  We don't talk about the miracles we have seen in our families.  How sad is this?  We have lost the power of our testimony!

I was thinking of these verses from Revelation 12:10-11.....

"For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God

day and night, has been hurled down.  They triumphed over him by the

blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony"

 

Wow!  Isn't that amazing?  There is so much power in our testimony, yet we don't use this gift!  I am going to remember this lesson. More than that, I am going to DO this lesson.  So for the rest of the month of July, I am going to be sharing my stories (my testimonies).  And I am going to be expecting to hear some of your stories also.  Please share them with me.  Share them with others.  Let's start a new trend and share lots of good news stories that bless others.  What a joy this will be.  This is a great 4th of July message.  Its all about freedom.  The freedom that we have in Jesus.  The freedom that we have in this country to SHARE our testimony about Jesus.  Yes, this is a reason to celebrate. 

 

Jesus, thank you for the freedom you bring to us.  Those you set free are free indeed!  Holy Spirit, thank you for the reminder and the nudge to share more testimonies of all that you have done.  What a blessing it is to be able to share openly.  Thank you for this country and the freedoms that we have. Holy Spirit, give us all courage and boldness to testify about all that you have done for us.  Amen



 



My favorite "Slimy Pit" Psalm......

Today my morning Bible reading landed me in Psalm 40.  Oh how I love this Psalm!  Many years ago this Psalm spoke to me and gave me hope in a time of great despair. I bet you didn't know the Bible included a "slimy pit"!   Over the years when I have quoted this passage to people, they can't believe this is actually in the Bible.  Personally, I think this is one of the most powerful three verse passages there is! 

1.  How great is it that God turns to US and hears our cry! 
2.  Then HE lifts us out of that slimy pit of mud and mire.
3.  Then HE puts our feet on a rock (Jesus) and gives us a firm place to stand.
And now that he has rescued us when we haven't done anything but wait patiently for God.....
4.  He puts a NEW SONG in our mouth, a special song that praises God.

And then there is this amazing wind up to these verses......
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

This is the most amazing thing to me.  In the last 20 years I have told many people a bit of my story.  I have even quoted this Psalm.  And I have been blessed to have witnessed people getting a new perspective on the Lord and a new understanding of how little WE do and how much HE does to change our life.  This is what changes peoples minds and hearts.  I think that the real-ness of this Psalm is part of what grabs people's attention.  When you hear about a pit filled with mud and mire, you can relate when your life feels like the worst, deepest hole you have ever seen.  And then when you hear what God will do FOR you, well that is just the best news ever.  

And I have told people over and over (when I am quoting this verse to them), when you get to the other side of the slimy pit you are in right now, Jesus will put a new song in your mouth.  And the best thing is that your testimony of being pulled out of that pit, will change someone else's life.  And THEY will put their trust in the Lord. 

Yes, this is a power packed Psalm.  And I was blessed to read it again this morning.  And then reflect on it through out the day.  Hopefully, you have been blessed by it today also.

Jesus, thank you for reminding me of all that you have done for me.  Holy Spirit, give us all opportunity to share our stories with someone in need of your touch.  Remind us to call to mind this Scripture when we can bless someone with this truth.  Thank you for lifting me out of despair, planting my feet firmly on you, Jesus, and giving me a new song to sing!   Amen

Jesus believes the plans for my life......

I know that some of you will think that I am always going to conferences when I tell you that I have been at another conference over the last two days!  But the reality is, that I rarely go to conferences and it is amazing that these two events happened back to back weekends and both driveable distance from my home.  As a matter of fact, this weeks conference really couldn't get any closer to me.  The hotel is the closest hotel to my house - about 2 miles.   So I am thankful for the location!  Both of these events featured amazing people.

 

 

Last night Chuck Pierce was the speaker and tonight was Barbara Yoder.  If you are not familiar with these people, look them up!  The Prophetic word from Chuck Pierce last night was an encouragement for the entire Chicagoland area to expect revival.  Tonight Barbara Yoder spoke about what brings revival.  And the answer is the presence of Jesus.  Barbara told her own testimony and I was struck by the memory of my own encounter with the real presence of Jesus.  When Barbara spoke about being alone in her bedroom, I was remembering being alone in my living room.  I hadn't really spoken to anyone about the growing hunger I was feeling to understand if all this "church" stuff was really the truth.  I had been reading many, many books about the Charismatic Renewal and I just wanted to know if this stuff was real.  So, all by myself, I simply asked the question that had been in my head for so long....... "Jesus, is this really true?"  And just as Barbara said happened to her, Jesus walked into my living room that night.  From that time on, I have KNOWN the very real presence of Jesus.  It is not a sort of thing.  I know the truth.  And that truth changed everything in my life. 

 

So, what does the title of this blog post have to do with this?  Well, earlier today I got one of those "God's word for you today" messages and it was short and simple.... "God believes in you".  So, I have been pondering that word today.  Then, tonight at the meeting, one of the filler slides had the title quote - "Jesus believes the plans for my life".  Given that message two different times today probably means that there is something in that message I need to listen to! 

 

So.... to recap

1) Expect a revival in Chicagoland!

2) All we need is an encounter with the presence Jesus!

3) All you have to do to experience an encounter with Jesus is ask!

4) Jesus believes in the plans he has for your life!

 

Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit, will you remind all of us that you believe in us.  You have a great and wonderful destiny for your people and you believe in that plan.  Thank you Holy Spirit for your working that brings us into the truth of the powerful presence of Jesus.  Thank you that you always come when we are seeking you.  Holy Spirit will you encourage anyone reading this blog who is fearful or apprehensive but really wants to experience your presence in a deeper way, to just ask!  Thank you for your great faithfulness!  Amen

Happy 100th Birthday Dad!

Today would have been my dad's 100th birthday.  I love that Jesus reminded me about this several days before it actually came.  This picture is obviously me and dad on my wedding day (which, by the way is almost 40 years ago!!!) I have loved thinking about dad and remembering things that are often forgotten.  The last thing that has been on my mind is how amazingly musical my dad was.  I am sure that many people who knew my dad never knew this about him.  In the later years of his life it wasn't very apparent.  But the truth is, he loved music and he was GOOD at all music.  My mom told me that in the early years of their marriage, my dad was the "go to" soloist for daytime funerals.  It seems that all the old folks in the church wanted him to sing at their funerals!  I have heard so many stories about my dad and mom singing during long car rides up to Lake Maud.  I, however, can't ever remember hearing my dad sing in the car.  Apparently my dad loved to sing with my oldest sister Karen, who also had an amazing voice. By the time I came along, Karen had already moved away from home.  (I remember my mom saying right after Karen died, that she was sure that dad and Karen were harmonizing up in heaven!)  Since I did NOT inherit that singing talent, dad never sang with me.  However, some of my best memories are of special family get togethers at one of my cousin's house, when we lived in St. Paul.  My cousin put on some of the most amazing dinners in the most humble surroundings.  I remember one particular holiday get together when there must have been at least 75 of us in this rather small house in Minneapolis.  There was an old upright piano and my dad sat down and started to play and sing.  Soon several of my cousins joined in on accordions and other instruments.  My dad could ROCK that piano.  I also saw my dad pick up a trumpet and a trombone and just play.  And he loved hymns.  His favorite hymn was "How Great Thou Art". 

 

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

 

I remember being introduced to this hymn in Sunday School when I was in about second grade.  They had a "big book" with the words and really amazing pictures that we used during our opening service.  I begged to borrow that big book and took it home one week.  My dad loved it. 

 

As I said, I did not get that wonderful singing voice and I did not inherit the ability to play instruments.  But once again, I love seeing how much my kids are expressing these wonderful seeds of our generations.  Both Gwen and Doug sing and play various instruments.  I am humbled and really in awe of their abilities. Gwen sang and played flute and piano throughout high school and college. Whenever Gwen and I went to church with my mom she would always sit next to Gwen.  She said she loved hearing her sing!  My mom listened to Doug play jazz on saxophone and then go to his room and play drums.  She would say he was certainly like his grandpa!  And I am seeing that love of music in my grandchildren. 

 

Sadly, my dad and I never had a chance to really talk about Jesus or faith at all.  It is something that I regret.  But the fact that he loved that hymn so much, brings me great comfort. The words of that hymn are the story of the Bible.  Yahweh, the creator, Jesus the savior, and the Holy Spirit that brings a song to our souls.  I am convinced that my dad was following the path that Yahweh had for him. And I believe that he is, indeed, singing in heaven with my sister Karen.    

 

So, in honor of my dad's 100th birthday, I challange you all to talk to those around you about Jesus.  Have those hard conversations with people that you love.  Make sure that you take the time to listen and hear their stories.  Most of all, be willing to share your own story.  We have forgotten how valuable our testimony is!  Be a transmitter today, for me and my dad! 

 

Yahweh, thank you for my dad.  Jesus bless all those who hear that wonderful song "How Great Thou Art" and use that song to bring many to know your story.  Yahweh, you are great!   Amen