The wonder of the creative spirit......

Yesterday I got to see Lia shine on stage... with her classmates in an "Invention Convention".  This is a clever way to encourage the third graders to read biographies and then be able to pass on the information they have learned to others.  There were some "expected" people (Edison, Ford, Wright Brothers) but there were certainly some other, less well known subjects.  Like the one Lia decided to profile, Ruth Wakefield.  Now I am fairly certain that most of you will have no idea who she is, yet I am just as certain that most of you have enjoyed her invention.  She is credited with the invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie!  YUM!  I saw one child had read a book about the women who invented the flat bottom bag!  (Think brown lunch sacks or grocery bags) And Bill Gates was also found along side Henry Ford.  And then there was a musical presentation.  Lia loves to sing and put on a show and it was evident during the performance.  Yes, it was a wonderful time.

On the way home I was thinking about a recent dream I had.  I saw some friends creating a new "invention" that could quickly and easily turn salt water into drinking water.  At the end of the dream I realized that this was really about turning tears into the living water of the Holy Spirit.  Yes, that would be an amazing new invention.  There have been many recent words about the new "creative" inventions and ideas that would be coming through Christians.  This makes perfect sense when you realize that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and that is the CREATOR himself!   I just wonder how many amazing wonderful new things have been missed because someone doesn't believe that they can create.  Yes, I think its time we start to listen to the ideas, thoughts and even wild dreams of children.

I mentioned in a previous blog that Zeke has already declared that he is going to be building "waterfalls" for Jesus. (Which actually means some kind of fountain or spraying water)  He is also fascinated with roller coasters.  Given that he is 3 years old (soon to be 4) this is kind of interesting.  He doesn't really have much experience with roller coasters, except seeing them from afar.  He has ridden a couple of small coasters, but he is always asking when he can go on a coaster. For now, this will have to do!

Recently, Zeke's preschool class did a recycling project.  Each student brought in recyclable items and the class "created" something.  When the teachers asked the class what they should make, Zeke immediately said a roller coaster!  And he knew just how to make it.  The project usually has robots or cars as the idea.  But not this year..... not with Zeke.

I can only imagine the amazing, wonderful things that Jesus has for Zeke to create!  I can't wait!

And at the same time I know that bringing these inventions to life will take perseverance and even the ability to fail, and then try again.  And it will take vision.  Most importantly it will take the presence of the Holy Spirit and the leading of Jesus.  While Zeke was riding that little roller coaster in the driveway, Gwen and I were watching Anna with her little riding toy. She worked and worked to figure out how to get her leg over that toy so she could ride it.  She has watched Zeke do this over and over and knew what had to happen.  Let me tell you it took a lot of patience on my part to not run over and help her.  But Gwen very wisely, told me to let her keep on trying.  And sure enough, within a few minutes, here was the happy outcome.  She succeeded!  

What powerful lessons I learned yesterday!  Lets all expect the amazing new inventions!  Lets listen to the children when they dream and imagine.  Then take them seriously and encourage them!  Allow them to try and even to fail along the way.  And then celebrate their success. Lets all stop and dream and imagine ourselves!   Can you feel the excitement and hope?  I can!  

Jesus, thank you for this powerful reminder that you are in the business of creating!  Holy Spirit help us to be open to those ideas, thoughts, and imaginings that you bring to us.  Help us to encourage each other to follow through and not be deterred by failures or setbacks.  Jesus, bring these new things to us!   Thank you for children who dream without fear.  Give us all the spirit of children.  Amen

Nothing better.........

I know that I have blogged about A&W before, but yesterday Ken and I had a "frosty mug"!  I couldn't pass up this picture of the ice rising up from the mug.  Seriously, nothing tastes better.  Every time I visit an A&W, I think of my mom.  She just loved root beer or a root beer float especially.  And the sun was actually shining.  And it was warmer.  So, yes, I guess Spring has arrived.  (See my last blog post) Therefore, a celebration was in order!

I happened to notice these two really sweet photo's of Ken with his two Grandma's, taken when he was just over a year old.  I have to say, I just love being a Grandma.  There is something so special when you hold those little ones on your lap.  The idea of being connected from generation to generation has been on my mind in the last weeks.  Being able to sow into my grandchildren is a real gift.  

The conference I attended had speakers who are considered the "generals" -  The older generation of women who felt called to pour into all the younger women.  I think I mentioned that one of the speakers actually celebrated her 75th birthday during the conference.  As I said, I love being a grandma,  so I realize that I am in that "older generation".   

Then yesterday, this showed up on The Passion Translation Facebook page......

I had a dream two nights ago.
We were in a stadium with tens of thousands of Christians. Moms, dads, grandparents, and lots of children. It was beautiful! Lots of families enjoying themselves and I was one of the speakers for this Christian event.  The speaker before me was quite old, and somewhat careless with her words. I was surprised that she was not more careful with what she was saying. Then I heard her say about all the kids that were there: "Children are to be seen and... not heard."

My heart was so heavy as the faces of the children present flashed before me, they were hurt, deeply hurt. Then it was my turn to take the mic and I simply said, "The Children MUST be heard! The children have a VOICE that must be heard!" I then knelt down in front of one child after another and looked into their eyes and said, "You have a voice for this day. You have a voice that must be heard."
I awoke with the strong sense that we are on the verge of a "children's revival." The praises of our children have the power to silence the voice of the enemy. May the children's voices be heard in our land again!

Psalm 8:2 The Passion Translation

"You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies.

Strength rises up

With the chorus of singing children.

This kind of praise

Has the power to shut Satan’s mouth.

Childlike worship will silence

The madness of those who oppose you."

This just resonated with my spirit.  So many years ago, I had the strong revelation that I was to speak that Jesus had a plan, purpose and destiny for children.  Not for some point in the future after they are all grown up.  Nothing has excited me as much as this post.  I have been wondering exactly what was ahead for me, and this has given me a small glimpse.  I am praying into this for my grandchildren.  And for all the children!  This is my encouragement to you to read over this dream from Brian Simmons.  Take it in.  Meditate on this and pray for this "children's revival" to break out!  Pray that the voices of the children will be heard in our land!

Jesus, thank you for The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons.  Thank you for reminding me that grandchildren are a blessing.  Holy Spirit, remind us to pray for the children.  Jesus, your heart is to release the sounds of praise from the children.  Give us all ears to hear those sounds, and hearts to support this revival of the children.  Amen

Spring where are you???

It was a rather miserable day today - weather wise.  COLD and RAINY.  Now, I know that April is supposed to be raining (you know, April showers bring May flowers).  But 35 degrees is really cold when it is raining.  We had a few days of warm, sunny weather, so this seems just, well kind of icky.

To top off the less than wonderful weather, I have not been feeling well for the last several days.  I'm not sure if it is just allergies (since I am getting constant "weather alerts" for extremely high tree pollen) or if I actually have a little cold.  But the headache is just hanging on.  Sigh.  Spring, where are you?  

Ken and I actually went out looking for some patio furniture today.  I think that we decided that if we act like it is spring, it will actually happen!  We didn't find anything that we wanted, but it was fun to pretend that it was warm enough to sit outside.  

We've been waiting and waiting for our flowering tree to bloom.  It is covered with buds, just about open.  It's as if the tree is in a holding pattern until the "real" spring weather arrives.  

I just love how Jesus speaks to me in these little things all around me.  When I look at the tree, I am filled with the hope of spring.   I just love the Paul Wilbur song "Dance with Me"

Dance with me, O lover of my soul, to the song of all songs.

Romance me, O lover of my soul, to the song of all songs.

Behold, You have come over the hills upon the mountain.

To me You have run, my beloved. You've captured my heart.

With You I will go. You are my love. You are my fair One.

Winter has passed and the springtime has come.

Take my hand, O lover of my soul, sing the song of all songs.

Come and take us to Yourself, O...., sing the song of all songs.

Yes, winter has passed and springtime has come!  But it is not without the wait.  Isn't that exactly where we need to keep our focus?  Not looking back at the cold and dark winter.  Rather looking ahead to the new life and the warmth and wonder of spring.  And even when we want to just snap our fingers and be totally free of all of those things in the past, sometimes there is a period of waiting.  A time of transition between the old and the new.  

I am so thankful that our tree is covered with visible buds.  It makes it so much easier to wait.  Each day they are a bit fuller and a bit whiter.  So even when the temperature is more like December, we can be assured that it is April and Spring is right around the corner.  

Jesus, thank you for seasons and trees that bloom and rain that feeds the earth.  Holy Spirit, help  us to keep our eyes looking forward, towards the warmth and beauty that is to come.  Give us grace to leave the past, in the past.  Jesus, give us all strength to wait patiently for all that you have planned for us bursts forth.   Amen

Another day of remembering......

I'm not sure exactly when I started to remember my sister's death on the wrong date, but today is actually the day.... in 2007.  I decided to use the picture above because it was such a big day for me and both Karen and Roy look so happy.  This picture was taken at the rehearsal dinner the night before Ken and my wedding in 1974.  I actually spent some time looking for a different picture but when I found this one, I knew it was the right one.  I was thinking a lot today about how much I missed Karen during the final years of my mom's life.  I know last year I mentioned how hard it was on my mom to lose Karen.  

As I was sorting through some pictures, I really began to remember all the different ways that Karen blessed my mom. Karen and Roy visited often and were instrumental in helping mom find the exact right apartment to make her home, when she could no longer care for her townhouse.  Karen made sure that mom got to Lake Maud every summer and often spent weeks with her there.  When they visited her they arranged to take her to visit old friends and relatives that she rarely got a chance to visit.  As a matter of fact, there was one year they drove her to her birthplace and found the house, church and cemetery where many of her relatives are buried.  They took her to visit the church in St. Paul that was her dad's first church.  When my Aunt Bee, my mom's sister, was having problems living on her own in Florida, they took my mom and helped her get Aunt Bee settled into a care facility.  And this is just a snippet of all that Karen and Roy did for Mom.

On the way home from my small group this morning, I was thinking about Karen's laugh.  And I can just hear her on the phone "Say Lyn......."  Yes, I was missing her today.   I have been so aware of all of the ways that my past generations have sown into my life and left imprints that have effected who I am.  Today I was remembering Karen's incredible voice.  And then I was thinking of Gwen.  Most people know that Gwen has that incredible voice that you don't forget, once you hear it.  Karen felt a connection to Gwen.  I know it.  I felt it.  She was very proud of the adult that Gwen became.  Yes, I am having another day of thankfulness, even though it is mixed with remembering and a bit of sadness.

We did a lot of talking at my small group, about the conference that we all just attended.  It was really a time of being in the presence and also, hearing a new sound.  We got to talking about all of the past conferences that we have attended and some of the regular Sunday night meetings of the Chicago HUB.  I found this in my journals from June of 2013 from a regular HUB meeting  ..... 
It is raining His reign, we have a piece of His peace, we need to wait for the weight of His glory, and the best present we can get is His presence!  
Isn't it interesting that all of these things that I noted in 2013....came to pass at this conference last week.  I am so thankful for those wonderful gals in my group.  It is so interesting that these "sisters" I have found mean so much to me, especially when I am missing my sister.  I am thankful that my sister Julie and I can talk often by phone and I am also grateful that I will be seeing her soon.  But on a day like today, it is good to have these special ladies in my life.

Yes, the current very exciting new "thing" in the spiritual realm is a long awaited and much prayed for happening.  This was another reminder today that sometimes our idea of timing is not what Jesus has in mind.  The things that have been sown into our family through out our generations, may seem hidden or may even be forgotten by us.  But those seeds of relationship with Jesus, seeds of His presence and power, are not forgotten by Jesus.  They will spring forth, sometimes when we least expect them.  And when we are missing those special people in our life, Jesus will put people right when and were we need them.

Jesus, thank you so much for my family - my sisters and brothers and my parents.  Holy Spirit you bring comfort and peace through friends.  Jesus, thank you for reminding me of all of the words spoken and all the prayers that have been setting the stage for the current powerful presence that we experienced.  Bring the people to places where your Word is being poured out and your presence in being felt.  Jesus, continue to reign down the rain of your presence and power.  Keep us all aware of all that come to us through those who have gone before.  Amen

When memories are thrust upon you!

Early this morning I was rushing around and getting the kids ready to leave for the bus stop.  I sat down on the couch to help Zeke with his shoes and Anna walked up and pushed this in my face....

This is Gwen's "Pretty Lamb"!  She actually got this stuffed lamb in 1982 as an Easter Present from her Grandma and Grandpa.  It was her first really "important" stuffed animal.  She carried it with her for years.  She loved this fluffy little lamb....with a bell in it's ear.  And the bell still rings.  

Anna was quite happy to hug this no longer fluffy, kind of crummy looking and not so pretty lamb.  Yes, it was one of those times when memories were right there, in my face!  I was thinking about all the love that little lamb has gotten over the last more than 30 years.  Yes, I was glad that I kept these precious objects.  

Last week, Gwen was telling me that Zeke has declared his future occupation.  Now, remember that he is still 3 years old (but he will tell you that his birthday is very soon and he is very excited).  Zeke has declared that first he will be a daddy and for his job he is going to build waterfalls for God!  Now as a point of clarification, all fountains are waterfalls.  He loves to see any kind of water display that includes water shooting up.  So I have been thinking about this.....even during the time I was at the conference.  When Barbara Yoder spoke, she talked about old hymns and the depth that is contained in the words of those songs from the past.  Tonight as I started to write this blog, the following song came to my mind....

          

I have come to the Fountain of Life

	I have come to the Fountain of Life, A fountain that flows from above; I have passed from the waters of strife And come to the Elim of love; I have drunk of the heavenly well, In the depths of my being it springs. No mortal can measure or tell The gladness the Comforter brings.
	Oh, come to the Fountain of Life, The fountain that never runs dry; Oh, drink of the boundless supply,   For Christ is the Fountain of Life.
	I have come to the Fountain of Blood That for guilt and uncleanness doth flow; I have washed in its sin-cleansing flood And my garments are whiter than snow. I count not my righteousness mine— ’Tis Jesus that lives in my soul. I partake of His nature divine, And in Him I am perfectly whole.
	I have come to the Fountain of Health, A boundless and endless supply; ’Tis a secret man’s wisdom or wealth Can never discover or buy. But the secret my Lord hath revealed In the fountain that flows from His side, In the stripes by whose pain we are healed, In Himself as He comes to abide.
	I have come to the Fountain of Joy; His joy is the strength of my heart. My delight is unmixed with alloy, My sunshine can never depart. The fig tree may wither and die, Earth’s pleasures and prospects decline; But my fountains can never be dry— My portion, my joy is divine.

All I was remembering was the chorus that I highlighted above.  But, boy this is a great song about a fountain - Zeke's waterfall.  

And here is Zeke enjoying a waterfall.....on a day when we went to a small indoor waterpark.  He does love water.  I know that there is a call on this little boy - a destiny and a plan for Jesus.  So I would not be surprised if sometime in the future, we look back on this and say, "yep, Zeke knew exactly what he was talking about... he IS building fountains for Jesus".

Now I am sure that you are wondering what in the world I am getting at today.  This does seem like a disjointed and meaningless blog.  But here is the "punch line" to this.  I believe that there has been a spiritual shift happening.  I felt it at the conference this last weekend.  There is a new sound, a new thing, a new way coming that will change everything.  Yes, it is a revival... but it is not like anything you might think of when you hear that word.  It is a move of Jesus and it is all about being in His presence.  I am so thankful Zeke and Anna and Ellie and Lia (like so many other children) are being prepared for this new thing!  Zeke is already hearing from Jesus.  But it is also important to remember that this new thing would not be happening if it were not for the past.  Gwen has certainly poured much more into her children than "Pretty lamb".  But it is a great reminder that we all are connected to our past generations.  That song I remembered actually was written in the mid 1800's. The idea of the fountains of Jesus was alive in the spirit of Albert Simpson when he wrote the lyrics and music for that song.  Even though this is a "new thing", it is good to remember that God never changes.  He has had the plan in place and we are getting the revelation as we walk on.  

Tonight I am thankful for all that I saw, felt and heard at the Chicago HUB conference.  I am thankful for memories and the connection between the generations.  And I am thankful for old hymns that speak to us today.  The new sound .... this new thing...... it is real and it is here.  I can't wait to experience more of Jesus in the days ahead. 

Jesus, thank you so much for this past weekend.  Thank you for memories and reminders of how connected we are to the past.  Thank you for speaking to Zeke and giving his ears to hear!  Holy Spirit, give us peace and expectation about this new thing happening rather than fear and anxiety about the future.  Jesus, thank you for your great plan!  Amen

Wow, what a weekend..........

WOW!  Yes, it has been an incredible few days....The conference that I mentioned started on Thursday evening.  One of the best things about this event, was experiencing it in the company of some good friends.  Because, lets face it, everything is better with good friends by your side! 

This was an action packed few days with an unbelievable "menu" of speakers.  The conference space was jammed with people.  Beginning on Thursday evening, the worship was amazing.  My Facebook friends have already seen a picture of an Amish man (who prayed for revival in Indiana and has seen something wonderful happen) who gave a testimony!  

Here are a couple of "snippets" from this weekend.... (and there was so much more than these few words on a page)

"Jesus had to turn His power down just so he could be led away by the soldiers" Dana Morey

"There is a sound,  There is a sound that breaks down.  There is breakthrough!  Patricia King

"Maybe the people wouldn't have wandered in the wilderness for 40 years if they would have just asked their wives for directions!"   Brenda Kilpatrick

"We just saw a miracle! (after a long time of complete silence in a room jammed with people) Silence counts as a miracle when there are over 1000 women in the room!"  Nancy Magiera

"Your light belongs in the darkness"  Patricia King

"God plus nothing equals everything you need"  (can't remember who said this)

"Something is breaking out in Chicago here at HUB.  The Holy Spirit showed up big time this afternoon"   Barbara J. Yoder

"We believe that revival has hit!"  Nancy Magiera

"There is power to break every chain that holds you"   Bonnie Chavda

And then..... from Steve Mitchell (the worship leader)..... 

Angels on a mission, move into position, giving revelation to the daughters of God

Edge of space and time, knowing I was born to cross the line, see the revelation, know the secrets of creation.

And I have to add a special note about Dr Clarice Fluitt.  I confess that prior to this event, I had no idea who she was.  But I think that I needed to hear her talk more than anything else this weekend.  It was actually her 75th birthday but you would never know that she was that old.  What an amazing, anointed women she is.  She spoke for about 40 minutes last night and I have never laughed so hard for so long!  

On Friday, during the afternoon session, I noticed that I had a voicemail from Ken's sister Sue. My phone was on silent so I missed the call.  Ken's father had just died and was finally at peace.  I went out of the meeting and made some phone calls to let Ken, Gwen and Doug know about grandpa's death.  While we were all saddened by this, it was a relief to know the struggle was over.  I am so thankful for my talk with him a couple years ago, that confirmed for me that he is now celebrating in heaven with Jesus!

I found this picture of a Christmas from the early 90's.  This is Ken and his sister Sue with mom and dad.  Yes, I have now added yet another person to my list of deaths in April.  As a matter of fact, that day (April 17) was also the anniversary of the death of my grandmother Nora Toensing.   And today is the 30th anniversary of my dad's death.  

I love this picture of my dad with his sisters.  I am pretty sure that this was taken in 1980 (which would have been my aunt Alice and Agnes (front row) 80th birthday).  This was several years before my dad died.  Yes, it is hard to image that it is 30 years since I have talked to my dad.  

Okay, I know that it might seem so odd to talk about these family deaths along with a report about a spiritual revival happening in Chicago.  But, you know what?  It doesn't seem at all wrong to me.  My feelings about the loss of these special people is much different, knowing what their final destination is.  If anything, it is making me so much more aware of how very important it is to share the good news about Jesus.  

So tonight, back at home, I am still processing everything that I experienced and felt this weekend.  And I am feeling physically tired after several late nights in a row.  I am remembering my father-in-law and memories from so many years with him.  There was no better place for me to be than in the powerful presence of Jesus when I learned about another loss.  

When I walked out of the conference this morning, this was the song that Steve Mitchell was singing....

There is a redeemer,

Jesus, God's own Son,

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,

Holy One,

Jesus my redeemer,

Name above all names,

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,

Oh, for sinners slain.

Thank you oh my father,

For giving us Your Son,

And leaving Your Spirit,

'Til the work on Earth is done.

When I stand in Glory,

I will see His face,

And there I'll serve my King forever,

In that Holy Place.

Thank you oh my father,

For giving us Your Son,

And leaving Your Spirit,

'Til the work on Earth is done.

There is a redeemer,

Jesus, God's own Son,

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,

Holy One,

Thank you oh my father,

For giving us Your Son,

And leaving Your Spirit,

'Til the work on Earth is done.

And leaving Your Spirit,

'Till the work on Earth is done.

There was no better way to end this weekend.  I was singing this song all the way home.  And I am still singing it now.  And I am thinking about this verse..

When I stand in Glory,

I will see His face,

And there I'll serve my King forever,

In that Holy Place.

And I am so thankful and filled with hope and joy.  One day, I will be in that place, with my mom, my dad, my father-in-law, my sister, my grandmother, sweet little Lucas, and so many others....serving my King forever.

Jesus, your ways are perfect.  I am so thankful for the plans and purpose and destiny that you have for each of us.  Thank you for the amazing revival you are pouring out on the Chicago area.  Bless all of the speakers, Nancy and Hank Magiera and the entire Chicago HUB staff.  Continue to draw people into your loving family.  Thank you for laughter and joy and friends.   Amen

Thinking today of my "other" mom and dad..... plus more

Yes, today is another one of "those days" for me.... six years ago today my mother-in-law died.  As I mentioned in my last blog, my father-in-law is currently on hospice and not doing well.  So they were both on my mind today.  I really like both of these "informal" pictures.  Gwen is playing a dulcimer, built by my father-in-law.  And Doug is obviously happy having a book read by grandma.    I am just praying that dad doesn't linger long in hospice.  In so many ways, he has already left this world... sedated and not eating or drinking.  But all of our days are numbered by Jesus.  Only He can determine the length of our life.  So only Jesus knows.

In addition to the conference that is happening this coming weekend, last night I attended this event...The Bible Tour.  Susie had invited Gwen and I to go along with her and her mom.  I had no real expectation about what this event would be.  Today I will say that it was simply amazing.  The combination of the video segments from the mini series "The Bible" and some really great music made it very memorable.  It was a wonderful worship experience.  Right in the middle of the performance there was a break to "advertise" a program that is supported by this tour.... Child Fund International.  Their mission is to provide support for girls from the Rift valley in Kenya.  There was a long video showing those kids.  As soon as that video came on I could feel my heart start to beat faster and I realized I was holding my breath.  It was so familiar to me.  

This is me, in Kenya surrounded by these wonderful people in 2004.   I WANT TO GO BACK!
Okay, I have been asking for direction and clarity and then this happens.  At any rate, I will be praying about this and asking Jesus to speak to me.  And I have this big conference yet to happen!

Never underestimate how and when Jesus will speak to you.  It may be a concert, a video or a song.  Take my word for it, if you are asking and listening.... you will hear!

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you have spoken to me.  Jesus thank you for numbering our days and bringing us peace and grace as we watch our loved ones at the end of their days.  Holy Spirit, draw people to The Bible Tour that will hear your message clearly.  Thank you for Susie, Gwen, and Sherry and our time together.  And Jesus, thank you for Child Fund International and their work in Kenya.  Bless those sweet children.  Amen