Sharing - Day 4 - When a book is NOT just a book!

So this story is really about how important a couple of books were in my walk with Jesus!  Way back in 1988 I was part of a prayer group meeting at my church.  Needless to say, this was a really big deal for me.  As a matter of fact, I had sort of "made a deal" with God that got me involved in that prayer group.  There was a notice in our weekly bulletin at church that a prayer group was going to be formed.  I looked at that notice, week after week, all the while knowing that I was supposed to volunteer for this.  I finally told God that if the notice was still in the bulletin that week, I would call and find out more about this.  Alas, there it was again.  So I called.  And I was fully prepared that I was far to busy to do this group.  I was working full time.  My kids were involved in many, many activities and I was SURE that I would not be available to attend these meetings.  Imagine my distress when I was asked when I WAS available since I was the only person who had called about this group!  I actually told them 9:15pm on a Thursday and they agreed!  Yes, it's true!  God will get you to the exact place that you need to be, in spite of yourself!  In that group, I met a man that talked about Jesus like he was his best friend.  He prayed like he was on the phone with a friend.  And I knew that I wanted to know Jesus like that!   One day, this man gave me a box of books.  And these two books were on the top!  When I read these books, Jesus came alive to me.  I actually discovered exactly who the Holy Spirit really is through these books.  Suddenly Jesus was much more than someone from the Bible or from my dream when I was four.  He was alive and real and He loved me!

But, here is the thing.  My church was not much interested in this crazy, Holy Spirit stuff.  It was just for fanatics and people who were "over the edge".  And I had a real crisis of faith at this point.  I thought that I knew exactly where I belonged and suddenly, I didn't feel that I fit in anymore.  Couple this with a less than wonderful pastor who was in the midst of his own crisis, and I was in trouble.  There was one day I was so depressed and really didn't know what to do or where to turn.  I decided to go to a Christian Book Store to see if I could find a book that might help me.  I walked into a store in the middle of the day, walked over to a book shelf and started looking down the rows.  I noticed that this book had an "Augsburg" publisher. 

And any good Lutheran would know that if it's Augsburg, it is Lutheran!  So I pulled it off the shelf  and felt that rush of excitement and knew that this might be the answer for me.  When I took it to the clerk to pay, he seemed very surprised that I was buying this book.  It had been a "special order" book that had never been picked up.  It had sat unclaimed for several months.  Just THAT DAY they had decided to put it out on the shelf, not thinking that it would sell.   I know that this book was on that shelf, that day, JUST FOR ME!  It was because of that book that I remained in the Lutheran Church.  Several years later I actually met the author,  Larry Christenson and got to share with him just how important this book was for me and my family. 

Yes, these books are an important part of my walk with Jesus.  I am so thankful for these people who took the time to put words on pages that change people forever.  More than that, I am thankful for Jesus leading me to exactly the right place. To exactly the right people. And to exactly the right books.  I love knowing that there was a road map for me that was right in front of me.  And all I needed to do was follow that nudge of the Holy Spirit.  And as I am talking about sharing our testimony and telling our stories, I am so thankful for that man who was willing to share Jesus with me in that prayer group.  It is way I am sharing these stories this month.  Because you just never know, who might be reading these words, that Jesus might touch.  There might be someone who needs to hear your story.  They might be changed forever by your words.  Be encouraged to share with boldness and courage. 

Jesus, thank you for books.  For authors that you empower to write and publish.  Bless us as we step up with boldness to share our stories and give our testimony.  Thank you for your great love that draws us into a deeper relationship with you. Thank you for people who are  follow your leading, even when it is not easy.  Holy Spirit, bless all those who gather together to pray and study your Word.   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

Testimony Day 2 - Breathing in and out

This picture holds lots of memories for me.  It was actually the first time that Ken and I had gone away on a vacation, without the kids. Doug was in High School and Gwen was in College.  Not such a big deal to travel without them.  We were celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to Florida in May, 1999.  We had an amazing vacation. 

Now for the back story about this vacation.  I had been bothered by severe asthma for about the 10 years leading up to this vacation.  I had terrible trouble with sinus infections, allergies, and "restrictive asthma".  My daily routine included four different inhaled medications and frequent nebulizers treatments.  Prior to this vacation I visited my cardio pulmonary doctor.  I was concerned about the plane travel as well as making it through this vacation without needing to visit a hospital.  After some testing, he prescribed a long course of steroids, an antibiotic, and added another inhaler to my daily medicines.  He also penned these words in my chart....."SEVERE CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE".  Thanks in part to this doctor, we had a great vacation without any medical crisis.    When I returned home, I continued to struggle with my breathing.  I remember thinking that this was not going away. And with the diagnosis of COPD, I wasn't exactly sure what the future would hold.  Now during the previous 5 years I had many prayers said for my breathing.  I had gone forward for healing many, many times.  Sometimes I would feel better for a day or two.  Sometimes I would breath easier during that service, but it would end when I left the church.  That is until October of 1999. 

During a special event at my church, I was experiencing severe problems breathing. I decided that I needed to leave.  However, the Elders and Pastor stopped me before I hit the door, and they all gathered around me and began to pray.  I am not sure exactly what words were being said, but I became very aware of the presence of the Trinity in a way that I had never experienced before.  I knew that God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were present at the moment.  All that I felt was an amazing washing of the most incredible love I have ever felt.  At the end of this prayer time, I was breathing easy and returned to the church for the remainder of the service. 

The next morning when I woke up, I thought "Wow, I don't feel short of breath!"  I grabbed my peak flow meter and saw a number I had never seen before - 650!  My average peak flow was around 200 - on a good day!  I thought, maybe something amazing had happened during that prayer time the night before.  I took all my medicine that morning, but forgot to use my inhalers during the day.  When I arrived at church for the service that evening, I had the realization that I had been completely healed!  I never used my inhalers again and stopped all of my medications.  When I visited my primary doctor the next month, she called my lung function "normal" and declared "THIS IS A MIRACLE!"  I have never had another inhaler or breath treatment in the 15 years since that amazing prayer time. 

Sometimes I forget to be thankful for breath.  Today, I am so grateful for the chance to share this story again.  What a great reminder for me!  The message of this testimony today is that miracles happen every day!  There are healings occurring when you least expect it.  And most of these healings don't happen through some "faith healer" like you might see on television. (Although healings and miracles can and do happen there!)  There are amazing miracles in answer to prayers prayed in living rooms, cars, over the phone, even on the internet. Jesus is the maker of those miracles.   It is all about Him!  So I encourage you to be expectant!  A miracle or a healing may be just around the corner for you.

Jesus, thank you for the amazing healing work that you performed in my life on that October day.  Thank you for breath and life!  Holy Spirit, thank you for the reminder that miracles and healings happen today.  Jesus, help us to all expect restoration and health and healing from you.  Thank you God for your great love.  What an amazing wonderful Father you are.  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



 



Thankful to be flying the flag......

So today is one of those days that lots of people decide to put a flag out to celebrate the Fourth of July!  At our house, we have a flag flying EVERY day - since 9/11.  I can't imagine coming home and not seeing that flag on the house.  Just last weekend Ken put up a new flag.  Something that we do about once a year.  We knew that our old flag had gotten a bit faded and we were planning to change it out.  Then we had a very bad storm with strong winds, and one side of our flag came loose.  So the decision to change to the new flag was an easy one! 

I do love the fourth of July.  For all of my childhood we were at the "Lake" for the 4th.  From the time I was in early grade school, I had firecrackers!  Everyone did.  The little ones (although I know they were still dangerous) were called "Lady Fingers".  And we always had some "Big" firecrackers and fireworks that we shot off, usually off of a raft out in the lake.  Yes, I have lots of great memories of family celebrations around this holiday.  I remember one very memorable July 4th, when I got the worst sunburn of my life!  I had been out on the lake for the entire day.  The backs of my legs were a blistered mess!  And just to get in a plug for the use of sunscreen, I had to have a small growth removed from my leg, thanks in part to that sunburn.  Needless to say, I use sunscreen every day now.  Boy how things have changed! 

So tonight I am also thankful for the wonderful cool air coming from our vents!  Yes, we got our new furnace and air conditioner.  This was not an inexpensive day. 

And it was not an easy day for the guys doing the installation!  Our furnace is in a tight little closet in our powder room.  And we have 37 year old pipes and tubes and wires.  These wonderful men finally left our house around 8:00pm last night.  And even though it was only in the 50's, we ran that air conditioning.  For the first time in several days, I could actually breath!  It's amazing how much difference it makes when you have allergies.  It was money well spent.  We will have a much more efficient furnace for next winter also, and we won't be concerned about having no heat when it is below zero. 

Yes, it has been a couple of thankful days.  I love that even in the midst of various obstacles and not so wonderful events, I am reminded to be thankful for all that we have.  I think somewhere around noon today, I realized that I was feeling quite upbeat!  Normally this would not be something to write about.  But given the past couple of weeks, it was a miracle!  In my Bible reading today, I read

" But you, Lord, are a shield around me, the glory and the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  I lie down and sleep.  I wake again, because the Lord sustains me."  Psalm 3:3-5

I love thinking about Jesus lifting my head up (helping me be upbeat)!  Yes, it is amazing thing to remember that every day that we wake up, it is because Jesus is the one who sustains us.  Yes, its been a good couple of days.  And more fun in the long weekend ahead. 

Jesus, you are an amazing and wonderful Lord.  Thank you for your answers when I call out to you.  Holy Spirit thank you for peace and joy and rest.  Thank you for air conditioning and gifted and talented men to install it.  Thank you for family time and holidays and celebrations.  Amen

When the bubble breaks.........

I had a really wonderful day today.  Gwen and I took the kids to the local Children's Museum.  I can tell you that a couple of hours at this place is long enough for this grandma!  The kids had a blast!  I love this picture of Lia putting herself inside of a bubble.  The kids discovered that it was very messy when that bubble broke!  It's a good thing that bubbles = soap and it's not a big deal to get a bit of a bubble mess.  Then after this time at the museum, Gwen's childhood best friend brought her one month old baby to our house for a visit.  We had a great lunch and both Gwen and I got some time holding this sweet little boy, who seems so much littler than Anna!  But on the down side, it was WARM in our house since our air conditioning is now totally not working.   And just to add to the day, they are repaving the roads in our subdivision.  So it was a bit sweaty and smelly in our house!
I believe that we all had a good time, in spite of this.  

Yes, the last couple of weeks have seemed a bit like that bubble bursting.  (Which I guess is just another way to say getting dumped on!)  Losing a job, finding out you need a new furnace and air conditioner - yes, these are not pleasant things.  I love looking at this picture of Lia.  You can see the rainbow in the bubble.  I love the look on her face.   Just before the bubble burst!  It's good to remember the rainbow and the joy that precedes the bursting.  I have been reminded of the amazing provision of the Lord for Ken and I.   We are blessed with a wonderful home and we have always had jobs provided exactly when we needed them. In my Bible reading today, I came upon this verse -

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2Chronicles 16:9

 

I love this idea that Jesus is watching over the entire earth.  Doesn't that put all of our own problems and situations into perspective?  On one hand, he is mindful of the entire earth but on the other hand, he cares about ME!  It's a wonderful thing to hold the picture of the rainbow filled bubble in the front of your mind.  Remember that all that I have and do, is because of the provision and love and care of Jesus.  That makes the point of the bubble burst a lot easier to take.  Because the kids discovered very quickly, that there was another bubble just around the corner.   And I will remember, that there is another job out there, in His time and His plan.   Tonight I am especially thankful for the provision of exactly the right company to install a new furnace and air conditioner TOMORROW!  Ken and I were really expecting that it may be next week before we were comfortable again.  This is truly a miracle. 

 

Jesus, thank you so much for your watchful eyes that bring your strength to us.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the rainbows that remind us of your love and care.  And thank you especially for your joy.  Jesus thank you for trustworthy friends and wonderful family times.  Amen