When Angels Step In

While reading a devotional this morning, the writer spoke about Acts 12 where Peter was in shackles in prison.  Those who loved and cared about Peter prayed and prayed and God sent an angel into what looked like an impossible situation and set him free.  He was in chains and being guarded, but an angel walked right in, broke the shackles off of Peter's wrists and they walked out of the prison together without the guards even noticing.  Only God.

The writer went on to write about the importance and power of prayer for our lives.  It sets people free!  Prayer opens up our line of communication with God.  Of course He knows our wants before we even ask............He knows our needs for ourselves and others.........but the Bible tells us to pray.  Pray without ceasing.  Speak to our mountains.  Ask and you shall receive.  It is all laid out in Scripture for us.

The past 13 days there have been countless prayers being said for my sister Jo.  Her journey began long before her heart attack in the wee hours of that morning, but it became a crisis that day.  Her open heart surgery the following day was being lifted high by family, friends, and friends of family members as at age 87 she had triple bypass surgery.  Because of texting we were able to stay connected with her progress hour by hour with my sister Janelle.  It was with fear and worry we received the news that her heart would not restart after surgery.  Eventually she was put on an ECMO machine that kept her heart pumping and her lungs breathing.  She was transferred to the University of Minnesota where they could manage the ECMO and her needs.  It has been a difficult, day by day, and often hour by hour journey for her but the prayers continued and expanded to include more people than we could imagine petitioning God, speaking to her body, asking, declaring, and whatever form of prayer others used.  It was amazing and and humbling.  And then God.............

First she came off the ECMO machine and her heart started............then she was taken off the balloon pump that was supporting those precious heartbeats...........then the drugs that had her in an induced coma were removed...............then yesterday the intubation tube was taken out.  There were a few steps, and some ups and downs in between, but yesterday when she asked Janelle for her phone and curser for texting, we all were rejoicing!  

We have all talked about how tough she is.  We have talked about the amazing care she has had...........those angels in white coats and masks that have persevered to save her life. And those doctors and nurses have commented on how surprised they are by her.........but we all know that beyond her toughness and determination is God's healing touch and the power of prayer.  She has a long way to go, but she has gotten over so many hurdles already.  We can only be on our knees giving praise to God!  

Covering those we love in prayer is always our first line of defense.  And it can be our line of offense too!  If we believe what we read in the Bible, we know that when we pray, Red Seas part, Jordan rivers stop flowing, mountains move, hungry lions cannot open their mouths, fires cannot destroy.  And our prayers can bring an angel too.

When I was in my early sixties I started having flashbacks of sexual abuse I had experienced as a child and had suppressed.  I found myself fearful of many things, and one night when Joel and I went for a walk in the dark on a path in our association,  I became frightened of what could be "out there" waiting to harm us.  Joel prayed for angels to be with us.  Suddenly he stopped and with a shaky voice and tears in his eyes he said, "Missy, there are three angels walking behind us, protecting and guarding us as we walk."  He could not really visibly reach out and touch them, but he could in his spirit "see" them and the feelings their presence brought, had him in tears.  Yes, our prayers can bring even bring an angel!  

Sometimes we get discouraged because we pray and pray and don't see the results we desire at the time we desire.  I get that.  I have been there many times. Sometimes we stop expecting answers to our prayers as problems get bigger or persist.  Yet scriptures tell us to keep praying...without ceasing.  Persist.  Persevere.  Give thanks before we see what we are praying for come to life.  Never give up. And remember, that there is power in prayer..........because Jesus is in us we have the authority to pray.  We have the command to pray without ceasing.  We have the privilege to pray with expectation.  And maybe when we do?  We will have angels come to protect, guard, or rescue us.  Our prayers can even bring an angel!

Our First Line of Defense

As we listened to a sermon on Sunday morning, one question the pastor asked jumped out at me.  Bells went off, lights shimmered, and the pastor's voice resonated loudly.  Well, not really, but definitely God highlighted one thing he said more than any other.  The pastor was speaking about healing in regards to prayer and asked those listening, "Is prayer a last resort for you or is it your first line of defense?"  I really like how it was presented ~ prayer being our first line of defense!

This past week God has been bringing to mind Matthew 7: 7,8.   It is the ask, seek, and knock words of Jesus that we are familiar with. At least 4 times so far this scripture has come up in devotions, scripture readings, and even Facebook.  When God sends Bible verses to me three or more times in a short period of time, I pay attention. It is one way He speaks to me.  These words in the Greek  really make the translation more like "Ask and ask again........seek and seek again...........knock and knock again".  We are to be persistent in prayer, because prayer is not for a moment, it is a lifestyle!

We reach out for prayer quite often in our family and my extended family.  My sister Jan and I  exchange prayer texts several times a week and my sister Jo, who helped raise me, and her children, whom I love as siblings, stay in touch via texts with prayer requests often in the mix.  And there are neices and a nephew who pray also, besides friends. We have good friends in Arizona and a prayer warrior friend in New Hampshire who are eager to pray!  We also have neighbors who have been praying for me, for us and I cannot leave out our Facebook and church riends who pray for us.  Just love being a prayer warrior and certainly are blessed to have them.  It is such a comfort to know others are praying, isn't it.

When we lived in The Philippine Islands one morning our oldest daugter Bethany and I were driving through our local barrio on our way to the base when our car stalled.  I tried to start it more than once but it would not turn over.  I began to get anxious because it was not so safe for us to be alone in the area and our car would not be safe if we left it where we were to walk for help.  No cell phones back then!  Finally I tried one more time and it started!  Bethany, age 5 was sitting beside me and said, "I knew it would start, Mommy."  I asked her why and she said, "Because I prayed it would!"  The power of prayer in a child's believing heart!  It was her first line of defense.

Right now we are being inundated with news of the coronovirus. We need to stay informed and live with caution, but it is so easy to let fear seep into our daily living.  What do we do?  Well, our first line of defense is to pray!  Certainly we do what we can to protect ourselves, but we never forget who is with us and who fights for us.

I am not sure how I could walk through life without prayer.  We are being obedient to Jesus' own words when we pray without ceasing........ask and ask again, seek and seek again, knock and knock again.  It is necessary for peace of mind and for just living life well to keep prayer in the forefront.  It is our first line of defense!

When The Bowl Is Full

My prayer bowl sits in front of me, as a reminder to pray for others.  Today it could be filled to the top with the needs of my family.  And then there are those friends who carry heavy burdens.  Some seasons are like that.  Packed so full of sickness, disease, death, financial struggles, wayward kids, and more.  Yeah.  And I confess that when my own needs are vying for my attention, there are times I struggle not to feel overwhelmed as I think and pray  about the needs of others.

But, you see, we are not meant to carry the burdens of others.  We are meant to encourage, to stand with, to pray for, but not to carry.  Jesus is meant to carry....... He already carried.   He not only carried He suffered.  He died.  He sacrificed His ALL because of His love for us.  We bring the needs of others before Him,, TRUSTING that He fights for them.  TRUSTING His promises.  TRUSTING His death to have meant something.  Everything.  His death meant everything.

We have a close friend, Dan, that we have known since our seminary days.  When Joel and I both were ill with Lyme Disease he would take the time to call, even with his busy schedule as a senior pastor with a family.  He would ask how we were doing and always listen.  A year ago his wife died from cancer.  We were on our own journey ( it has been a year now) and the phone calls between us were brief and not as often, but we knew that his love and prayers continued as did ours for them.  Since Barb's death, we have continued to hear from Dan as he checks in.  He is a true friend indeed.  How can he shift his own grief to pray for others?  It is who he is, but he also does not try to carry the burdens of others.  He TRUSTS Jesus to do that. 

And so must we.  TRUST our Lord to fight for others as we lift them up in prayer.  TRUST our Lord to walk with others on their own journeys of suffering and need.  TRUST our Lord's promises....Trust that He always hears our prayers, never feels overwhelmed, and keeps us ALL in the shelter of His wings. 

At times our prayer bowls are full.........but we empty them at your feet Jesus knowing they are not ours to carry.  In gratitude we remember and TRUST You, Jesus. 

A Bowl Full Of Prayers

I received a beautiful "prayer bowl" this past week in the mail.  What a delightful surprise! (Thank you Janelle)  One of my favorite verses is written on the outside and inside is a colorful bird.  A packet of cards came with the bowl where you can write the names of who you are praying for.  You place them in the bowl as a reminder to pray.  There is a verse in scripture that says our tears are collected in God's bottle or a bowl?  ...........and our prayers are too, I expect.

Recently I heard Kris Vallotton say we need to remember to  P.U.S.H in our prayers.  Pray Until Something Happens!  You may have prayed the same prayer over and over....for healing, for restoration in relationships, for finances.  So what do we do when you pray and nothing seems to change?  We keep praying.  We pray and we give thanks believing something will happen.  In the Bible it is called "fervent prayer".

On the large sofa table in front of where I rest is a plaque that says "You Got This" that was given to me by our oldest daughter.  Now on the other side of this table is the prayer bowl with this scripture...

"He will cover you with His feathers,

 and under His wings you will find refuge."  

Psalm 91:4

Both are reminders from God.  Whether we speak to the mountain, rebuke the enemy, use a prayer language from Holy, ask and seek, or give thanks for what is coming, a close relationship with God is the gift given to us when we pray.  And certainly it is not just about us, as there are so many in need of our prayers.  I am sure, like you,  I can easily fill up the prayer bowl.  Lord hear our prayers this day, and let us never forget............

Is This A Good Time?

I was in the bathroom, getting ready for the day when the thought came into my head.....The phone is going to ring, it will be Mayo Clinic, and you will still be upstairs.  A couple minutes later the phone rang and it was Mayo Clinic.The woman on the other end talked a couple of minutes and then said, "Can you talk right now? Is this a good time?  I paused for a moment and then said, "Sure, I can talk."

After last Wednesday's appointments, we went home over the weekend and prayed over what we had heard.  The radiologist had told me my case was complicated.....he suggested we go to Mayo for a second opinion.  He said it three times throughout our conversation. The oncologist mentioned it as one of our options.  Circumstances that arose during our visit with him had us contemplating the idea seriously.  So Monday we called the nurse advocate and said we would like a referral for a second opinion.  Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN is less than 2 hours from us by car.  Right "in our backyard" as one person had said to us.

Thus the phone call at 8 am. When I said I could talk, I was sitting on our bed without a stitch of clothing on.  So there I sat, spiral notebook in hand, jotting down information,thankful this was not a Facetime visit!   Joel and I had a good laugh over it later.   The appointment is 5 weeks away which makes me anxious when I think about it, but we had prayed, others had prayed and we needed to trust the process.  All my info is being sent there or carried by me and we will pray all goes well as we proceed.

Is this a good time? How often have we heard those words, or spoken them.  Do you ever wonder if God interrupts our day or night and is thinking.........."Is this a good time?"  Maybe He wakes us in the night just so He can have our full attention!  Our days can be so full that we don't set aside much time for Him......and He quietly waits for us to acknowledge His presence, sit with Him and hear what He has to say.  "Is this a good time"?

We never have to ask God "Is this a good time" when we want to talk with Him.  He is available 24/7 to listen.  What a gift.  What love He has for His children. My prayer is that we, too, find ourselves attentive to God's voice anytime of the day or night, so aware of His presence that He does not have to ask, "Is this a good time"?

A Firestorm

Whiskeytown Lake

last fall

A few days ago I noticed on my Facebook feed that there was a forest fire near Redding California.  Redding is surrounded by mountains and sits in a desert valley in the northern part of the state.  It is the home of Bethel Church, a large charismatic prophetic church that in well known across the world.  Joel and I went there last fall for 10 days.  We spent 40 hours at the church engaging in a variety of worship and teaching activities.  I left a piece of my heart back in that church community.  We also got to know the city of 95,000 quite well enjoying some of their beautiful places like Whiskeytown  Lake and Mt. Shasta. 

Whiskeytown Lake

We learned very quickly that Whiskeytown and the surrounding Lake area had burned.  Overnight a fire that had consumed 6,000 acres was fueled by winds to consume 20,000 acres.  Just three days later 38,000 of the residents have had mandatory evacuations, with about half of the city escaping south on Interstate 5.  Everything in the city is covered in ash and smoke hides the sun.  As of Sunday morning, the fire now has consumed 89,000 acres and is only 5% contained. 

I am very aware that this is only one of many fires that are out of control in the West.  This one touches my heart in a special way.  I cannot imagine the trauma involved with some of the stories I have heard on Instagram or Facebook live.  The fire has created it's own weather pattern and some poeple only have a few minutes to get out of their homes before it came with a roar, a fire tornado,  and fierce attack, burning everything in it's path.  A firestorm.

Bethel Church is still in tact, and since the fire turned a different direction, it was able to hold worship services this morning.  We watched live on Facebook, their media center was blocked and in an evacuation zone so Bethel TV was not up and running.  They are putting their resources in with the shelters and Salvation Army, and are planning to help all individual church members who have lost their homes.  Today they worshiped and prayed with people.  Worship is a weapon of warfare and certainly this destructive fire is not from God.  It is the enemy that comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  Not God.  God comes to give us abundant life.  And prayer?  It is a powerful tool and wonderful way to connect with God. 

A firestorm.  Ever feel like you have one of those in your own life, made up of sickness or disease, financial difficulties, or loss, to name a few.  It can come like a firestorm, burning up everything in its path, Our problems can seem bigger than our God.  The only place to turn is to Jesus.  Jesus, our Savior, our Provider, our Healer, our Everything.  Sometimes all we can do is speak His name, remembering that there is power in His name.  Everything can look bleak, hopeless.  But Jesus.  Our circumstances overwhelm......but Jesus. 

Jesus has the answers for us in His Word.  His promises.  God never goes back on His promises.    We can find a promise for every circumstance.  Like the one Sean Bohls prophesied over Bethel and the city of Redding based on Romans 8:28  "All things work together for good for those who love the Lrod." 

Things look desolate in the Redding community, and the fire rages on.  Losing your home, your possessions, your sense of comfort and safety has to be extremely traumatic.  In the midst of the suffering is where Jesus comforts and sustains.   No matter what firestorm comes our way, we are never without our God.

Let Me Tell You A Story

Recently we listened to Pastor Kris Vallotton speak about a very difficult time in his life.  A number of circumstances came together to put him into a deep depression.  It was 5 months before he saw a glimmer of hope,as he lay on the sofa day after day.  With medication and prayer he slowly improved.  He said, "The day I experienced one hour without depression I told the devil he should have killed me".............because now he (Kris) was going to tell the world how God saved him from the enemy's destruction."  From that winter season of his life came the book "Spirit Wars" which is still helping others.  Since this time of struggle he has used the winter seasons of his life to write books and bring God glory, making his story God's story.

Recently I read a story about a woman who felt it was her calling to help those God sent her way.  She was going to a store one day and as she pulled into the parking lot a young man came up to her window, put a gun to her head and told her to get out or he would kill her.  She him that he did not really want her car because so many things were wrong with it.  He replied, "Get out or I will shoot you."  At that moment Holy Spirit whispered to her, "He is suicidal."  She said to him, "You are  having suicidal thoughts" and with surprise in his voice he told her he was.  She told him to go around and get in the car.....when he did she shared with him about Jesus and prayed for him, also breaking off a spirit of suicide.  He left her car and walked away that day a different man.  Her story, this one story really speaks of her faith, boldness ( some people might think more.....rashness)  and God's glory.  Wow. Don't you just love this?!

Not all stories are so dramatic, for sure.  Yet I expect each of us has at least a story or two to share about how God has been faithful.............protective.............healing.............loving...........Whether we call them testimonies, faith stories, or "coincidences" they tell others how God is with us through the best of the best and the worst of the worst.

One of Joel's stories of protection has been written about here before. We were selling our car in the Philippine Islands before heading home to the states.  He received a call from a Filipino man who wanted to see the car in the hopes of buying it.  When Joel picked him up he had a buddy with him.  Joel drove them around Angeles City, a heavily populated city right outside the base.  As they drove the one young man started directing Joel where to go.  At one point he told Joel to turn left which would take them to a rural unpopulated area.  As Joel waited to turn he heard a strong voice in his head say, "Don't turn!"  When Joel hesitated he heard the voice again....."Do not turn!"  Joel knew it was God speaking to him and he immediately drove to a very busy area, stopped the car and got out.  He then told the two men to get out of the car and leave.  As they did, they stole his calculator but he firmly told them to put it back, keeping his distance from them. As soon as they walked away he got in the car and drove home.

It was only a couple of days later he heard about a man from the base who had been showing his car to two young men and these men had him drive to a rural area, where they stabbed and robbed him, stealing the car in the process.

Before Joel had gone out to try and sell the car we had prayed about it, asking for his protection because life was pretty chaotic in this third world country where people lived in such deep poverty and lack.  God heard our prayers and intervened that day.

Our stories are God's stories and I never tire of hearing them or sharing them.  It is always encouraging to hear the many ways God works in our lives.  Our stories becoming His stories.  They put the devil in his place of defeat and God in His place of glory. 

D For Drama

I woke up Tuesday morning thinking, "This is it.  I need to go back to the doctor.  Something is wrong."  I had the flu over six weeks ago.  It hit me hard....vertigo, sinus infection and UTI added to the mix.  I seemed to get better and then worse.  And worse.  I was so weak and shaky and bloody tired.  I knew I had blamed it on being more stressed due to eye issues but this seemed off somehow.  Could the flu last so long?

The doctor first told me it could very well be left over symptoms from the flu.  It seemed to be lasting longer than normal in people and she mentioned my history........... BUT she thought some tests were in order to rule out anything else.  All my tests came back normal but one. But let me back up here............

Before going in to see the doctor we prayed that if anything was wrong, it would be revealed.  Let the doctor find it.  So when the doctor was telling me she wanted to do a B-12 and Vit. D test I told her I have taken those supplements daily for 11 years. My Vit-D level had been only 7 (50 is average) when I started taking it.   She still wanted to check them, but told me she needed a "reason" to test Vit-D or it would not be covered by Medicare.  Seriously?  We discussed my history and the reason cropped up, so it was a go.

The doctor called me at 5 pm that day to tell me that all my tests were normal but one.  The Vit-D test was off the charts.  Higher than she had ever seen in anyone.  Say what?  It is rare, but it appears I have Vit-D toxicity and several of the symptoms I have been having are listed as side effects of having too much Vit D.  Too much Vit-D creates too much calcium in the blood which creates a host of problems......  SO, I am off of Vit-D and drinking salt water, as that is one of the things that removes calcium from the blood.

Who would have thought.  I have done my own research, and cannot come up with a reasonable explanation for the toxic levels in my blood.  I was taking 2000 - 4,000 iu's a day which is the dose recommended by many doctors.  It stores in fat though, and evidently my body stored it well.  Too well.  The levels may take awhile to drop.  So I am resting, praying, drinking salt water, taking in more fluids and no Vit-D or calcium for now.

God answered my prayers.  The doctor found a problem that did not even connect with the flu.  I am so grateful she decided to test the levels.  She was sure they were low................turns out they were high!  She was stunned and told us she had never seen anyone with this high a level before.

I was talking to our son about this, trying to figure out the "why" of it, when he said..."Mom, it is kinda cute how you are trying to answer the why of this.  After all these years of having a body that is in no way "normal" you still believe your body does things normally."  Ha.....

I am sharing this today for two reasons.  One, our answered prayer.  God led the Dr. in the right direction and a problem was revealed. Thank you Jesus.  Two, to give you a heads up.  IF you take Vit-D supplements make sure the doctor tests you periodically so you do not end up with toxic levels in your system.  I don't want you to have your own D drama to share!

A Sunday Morning Surprise!

I woke up Sunday morning feeling a bit better after two weeks of bonding with our sofa.  Joel was not preaching anywhere so I suggested we go to a local church.  He was all for it.  He went out to blow snow and when he came back in I told him I felt strongly we were to go to St. James Lutheran, near our home.  Joel worked there as staff support at one time and we had not been back to visit in a long time.  He said, "Let's go!"  Quite a statement since he had 10 minutes to get ready before we headed out the door.  We made it to church on time.

We had barely arrived when the pastor filling in for his wife asked Joel if he would be part of a healing service they were having that morning.  An unusual occurrence in a Lutheran church, even though there is a healing service in one of the hymnals.

What a nice surprise and honor for Joel to be asked to help the pastor lay hands on people and pray.  Joel wanted me to go up with him, as we usually pray as a team, each bringing our own "gifts" as we pray.  I told Joel no, and then ended up arguing with Holy Spirit for about 15 minutes before I got up after the service started and stood with Joel to pray for people.  Obedience to Holy is very important.  You see, this is not our church, and I have this inbuilt need to please people when I am only to please God.  And being obedient to God, pleases Him greatly.  After the healing service I leaned over to Joel and said, "Now I know why we were to come here today of all days." Isn't God so good?

The whole obedience thing had me thinking about the time we were on our first big trip after my healing from Lyme.  We headed out east to a healing conference and spent a couple of weeks traveling, doing touristy things.  One friend shared with me that God wanted us to find a natural Spring and drink from it.  It went along with the many whispers from God about living water, etc.  so we searched for one along the way, but it was not until our last day of traveling that through a couple of God-incidences Joel heard about an Amish Spring outside of Shipshewana, Indiana.  He was telling his healing story to an Amish man in a gas station (yep) and he then asked the man about a spring.  We found the spring after searching for half an hour up and down country roads. It was nothing more than a pipe sticking out of the ground continually bubbling up with water....into a cattle trough.  Can I just say it took some convincing for me to drink from that spring?!  I argued with Joel and with Holy Spirit until Holy said...."I brought you hear now drink!"  I did.  Out of obedience.  I may have slipped in a prayer that I would not get parasites from the water....but I drank.  and the chronic UTI I was experiencing went away for 2 1/2 years.

Sometimes we are obedience and see results.  Other times we are obedient and don't see results.  I believe every time we are obedient to God's guidance, urging, or commands, there is a purpose behind it.  It is not always for us to know, but it is for us to listen and obey.

It was nice to be back in church today and to be back in a church where Joel had worked.....seeing some familiar faces, singing some familiar songs.  It was nice to do something we both love to do...pray for others.  God is so good.  All the time.  What a nice Sunday morning surprise!

Forty-nine and Celebrating!

Joel and I are celebrating our 49th anniversary tomorrow.  Forty-nine years together with God walking with us every step of the way.  After all, He ordained our marriage.....we were brought together through prayer, a story I have told often and can be read HERE.

Our 49th had me thinking back about our first anniversary, celebrated at a small place in Champaign, Illinois.  First dinner and then a movie ~ a big deal on an airman's salary.  I was also about 4 weeks pregnant and sooooooo excited that I was already wearing maternity clothes.  In those days everything was stretchy in the belly and flowing on top.  That night I wore navy pants and a red white and blue stripped top.  I certainly did not need them (giggle) but was eager to show off being a mama-to-be.  Of course I did not realize I would carry both of our birth children 10 months instead of 9 or I may have waited on the maternity wear!

There have been so many anniversaries since then.  All of them celebrated together, in sickness and in health. Too many in sickness, but, still, we have treasured every single one together.  Often I tell Joel how thankful I am for him loving me.....he always responds....."it is the easiest thing I do."  I feel the same way about him.   Keeping God in the middle makes it so, I expect.

When I was having surgery last week, my doctor asked me about Joel.  He had met him when he went in for a body scan and the nurse had told him before entering the room..."There is one feisty retired pastor in there!"  I don't think he knew what to expect.  So, during my surgery he asked me questions......about our faith...how we met......I was able to share our faith journey in response to his questions.  Then he said, "Well, he must be pretty good, since people look past how he dresses....as a cowboy."  I could have been offended, but considering this 33 year old doctor was from L. A. and had lived in Manhattan, I saw him as naive, so I just let that go.  Poor kid, he has never experienced the country I expect.  I did share that we were celebrating our 49th anniversary and that Joel is an amazing man of God, who is kind and good-hearted, loves to laugh, help others, and preach the Gospel.

Those boots, vests,  and hats he wears are how he likes to dress.....for himself not others.  He is not trying to be a "cowboy" he just likes boots, hats, and vests.  This man of God who sits across the table from me, who holds my hand when we walk, who cares for me when I am sick, who fills my heart with joy ~~ This "cowboy" preacher as others and now myself have labeled him ?   I am so blessed to call him mine.  I often say that I know how much God loves me because He brought Joel into my life.

We have been blessed to spend so many years walking through life together.  We met at The Lutheran Bible Institute often nicknamed, The Lutheran Bridal Institute!  Always and forever thankful for the prayers that united us. We were married two weeks after graduation and have raised 7 plus kids, hugged on a dozen grands, and welcomed in-loves into our family.  What an adventure in faithful living!   Happy Anniversary Joel!  I will love you from here to eternity................

It Could Be Worse

With all the latest technology at our beck and call, we had known about the coming ice storm practically before it formed.  For days we were told to prepare for a major ice, sleet, rain, and snow event. We watched it raise havoc across the plains with damage to trees, property, and human life.

We did what we could to get ready......enough water~ ck.  candles~ ck.  bananas~ck.  (ok, that may sound weird but we get a bit crabby when we are out of bananas!) We planned on not leaving the house on Monday and settled in for the wait.

 For us the freezing rain started after midnight and continued.....and continued....until late Monday night.  It could be worse.  The roads are thick with ice and standing water in places too.  All schools cancelled.  No travel unless necessary.  Still, it could be worse.  We did not lose power in town, there was little wind and under an 1/8 inch of ice I think, so the branches are still all attached to the trees!

It could have been worse.  I think this is a phrase that somehow brings comfort to us..........whether in a ice storm or a storm of circumstances.  Things could be worse.  And I just need to say it.........things could be better too. And how about the phrase, "It is what it is".  I find those five words to be depressing for me.  When hit hard with a storm in life I don't want to hear or find myself saying, "It is what it is."  Back to the storms..............

Just how do we prepare for the storms in life?  The kind that make us weak in the knees.  Unfortunately, we often do not have prior warning of what is coming.  Something blindsides us.  Smack.  So it might just be a good idea to always be prepared for the storms.  Not in a fatalistic way, nor expecting the worst....but just knowing that the enemy would like nothing better than to hit us hard and lay us flat.  He works at it, believe you me.

So we prepare ahead of time.  We put on the full armor of God.

1.  Helmet of Salvation ~ ck.  We take care of that need for salvation.  Eternal life is ours!
2.  Breastplate of Righteousness~ ck.  We know we are sons and daughters of the KING!
3.  Belt of Truth ~ ck.  We wear it to hold everything up.  The Truth....His Truth!
4.  Shoes of Peace, Good news~ ck.  Where does our peace come from?  From Jesus and His Word.
5.  Shield of Faith ~ ck.  Keep it with you at all times....stopping the fiery arrows of the devil.
6.  Sword of the Spirit ~ ck.  His Word is powerful....Use it like a weapon!
7.  Prayer ~ ck.  Pray without ceasing.......
8.  Adding to the list..........Rest.~ ck.  Stay calm and let Him fight for us!!

These weapons prevent, prepare, protect.

And lets not forget the name of Jesus........the blood of Jesus........Scriptures declared.......and Praise!  All of this helps us be ready for the storms that come............or try to come against us.  God has not left us vulnerable.  No, He has not.  He has given us ways to prepare and stand firm and He fights for us. It could be worse.........and with the list above it will be a whole lot better!!!

Bunka Boats, Bailing Cans, and Prayer

While living in The Philippines in 1974-76, we went on a tour of Corregidor Island in Manila Bay, part of Luzon Island where Joel was stationed at Clark Air Base.  The island is famous for when America fought with Japan, and for being a fortified place of defense protecting the entrance of Manila Bay and the city of Manila.  Our tour included seeing the old mile long barracks, American and Japanese artillery guns, tunnels, and more.

Joel standing on the American artillery gun

Waiting to get on our small bunka boats with outriggers

Going across the ocean

In order to get to the island we had to take bunka boats across the ocean bay.  This was not my idea of fun, but Joel and I found ourselves seated in a boat with a small lawn mower size motor with a young boy no older than 16 in charge.  Several other boats were filled two by two with American military, then we set out across the water.  I was wearing a life jacket "just in case".  We laugh about it now because it was a child's life jacket and barely would have held up this girl!  Still it gave me some sense of security. The trip over was uneventful, but our trip home held a bit more excitement for us.

About half way back, our tiny little motor stopped working.  The young Filipino boy could not speak English, but we knew he was frantically trying to start the motor as we watched the other boats get farther and farther away.  In between trying to fix the motor, he was bailing water out of the boat.  It seems it had a major leak!  Joel kept reassuring me we were fine, but when the boy handed us both our own empty cans and motioned for us to start bailing, we decided it was time to pray.

I'm looking back here for help.......

(Remember there were no cell phones at this time.)

The whole time we prayed we scooped out small cans of water.  After about 10 minutes of bailing and praying out loud while waves rocked the boat, we noticed another bunka boat coming back for us!!  It seemed like it took forever to arrive, but in another 10 minutes or so, we were tied by a rope to the boat of God's "angel without wings" and we were able to get across the bay, while continuing to scoop water out of the bottom of the boat and thanking God for hearing our prayers.

Over the years I have thought about that day and applied it to our lives many times over.  We did what we could in a bad situation and prayed for God's intervention at the same time.  We were limited in what we could do, but God was not.  He never is.  So it stands today.  We do what we can, pray for God's help and rest in the knowledge that we may be limited in what we can do, but God is not!!!!  We trust Him to be with us, rescue us, restore us.

We will never forget that day.  It was scary at the time, but also a great adventure with God!  It built our trust in our God, while at the same time helped us realize we are strong and courageous because of who lives in us and is always with us.  Even in bunka boats on the sea!

The 40 Year Wait

desert wilderness

It was in 1972, while living in Duluth Minnesota, that some friends invited us to go with them to their church on a Sunday night.  We worshiped with those at the Gospel Tabernacle and then  while the children went off for their own time of teaching, the men and women separated for a time of prayer.  The ladies headed to a smaller room on the right side of the altar area.  I clearly remember sitting on a chair in this room listening to the women in prayer.  They were all on their knees, hands folded and heads bowed as they prayed to God quietly in their individual prayer languages.  It was the first time I had ever heard "speaking in tongues" and I was fascinated with it. Very quickly I began to feel such a peace around and in me that it was almost palpable.  I went home that night with a deep desire to have that special gift of speaking in tongues.  I wanted to experience again what I know now to be the presence of God.

So I went home and asked God for the gift and I did receive it, but not that night.  It was not until 40 years later in February of 2012 that I was given the gift of a prayer language.

Forty years!  One friend said to me, "you had forty years in the wilderness just like the Israelites!" Forty is a significant number in the Bible, and I expect there is some significance to the 40 year wait.  I know I waited a long time to be connected with Holy Spirit in such a way, not because He did not want me to have this gift, but because I was not ready.

It was not the only time I had heard people speaking in tongues, but that night in Duluth was the first.  In the Philippines I had two good friends who both had the gift.  Again, I prayed for it but believed at the time that only a few actually receive the gift, that it is not for all.  I learned later that was not the truth.  Joel was never really open to having this gift and I did not really pursue it once he started seminary.  And yet, he received a prayer language before me.  It came as an affirmation of his overnight healing from Lyme Disease and two co-infections, from arthritis, sleep apnea, recurrent corneal erosion, thyroid disease and Parkinson's-like neurological problems from the Lyme in his brain.  Yeah......a miracle to behold!

I had asked Joel the night before his healing if he would ever want the gift of speaking in tongues and his reply had been, "I am Lutheran, what would I do with that?!"  So he did not ask for the gift, but God bestowed it on him as a confirmation of his healing.  I think God has quite a sense of humor!  Once Joel had the gift I felt the door open for me, and I pursued having a prayer language until blessed with it just a month later.

So what is the purpose of this gift?  The Bible says it edifies and builds up, it intercedes for us when we don't know what to pray(I Corth./Romans).  Paul also tells us that it is the least of the gifts, but goes on to say he uses it more than anyone else. (I Corth. 14) I had one family member tell us it was the least of the gifts in very dismissive tone,  but I replied that IF I receive such joy and strength from the least of the gifts, I am richly blessed and willing to pursue them all~ just imagine what the others will do to deepen our relationship with God.

Some people wonder whether when you have the gift you have control over when you use it, when to start it and when to stop.  It is always available, waiting to bubble out of you, but only if you choose to use it.  It is definitely spirit speaking to Spirit as you do not decide what to say, nor understand the language you are using.  A great book to read about it was written by John Sherrill, a writer/author for Guideposts, who set out to discount it and after a great deal of research realized it was real.  Needless to say, he uses the gift himself and has since the 60's.  I have also heard a counterfeit language while living in the Philippines.  Someone stood up to speak in tongues and when this man started to pray my friend and I both had a strong feeling this was not from God and we walked out of the meeting. The devil always tries to counterfeit God's gifts to us, but we can discern what is good and what is not.   A couple of months ago I heard a woman speak in tongues and have it interpreted.  When she prayed her voice sounded so melodic and pure, and the peace of God descended like a warm blanket over me.  Yes, it is real.

God provides the gifts of the Spirit for our benefit and for others, and having the gift of a prayer language is just one of the many gifts He shares with His children.  I suggest that if you are open to it, do your own research, and talk to God about it.  He desires to bring you into a closer relationship with Him, and this is one of the many ways.

I am so grateful that God put me in that room with those women. He blessed me greatly and sent me on a long journey that continues today, seeking more of Him.  I give thanks, even with the 40 year wait.

Comforts of Home, Friends, and Prayer

 As I sit on the sofa typing, I can look around our open living space and see so many familiar comforts of home that are unique.  A plaque on the wall that says in large individual wood and metal letters..  T  R  U  S  T.  A large metal sculpted wall hanging of a fish ~~the long ago symbol of Christianity that is still used today.  There are canvases made of slides Joel took decades ago. Some of my books sit on an end table we have that is made from an old wine barrel and another that is made from an old sewing machine table that still has the working pedal base.  Our grandmother clock stands tall in the dining area, created at our request by Filipino craftsmen 40 years ago.  I can see an old school desk that looks like it belongs in "Little House On The Prairie" and an intricately carved prie dieu kneeling bench that comes from an old Catholic church.  So much of what we own has a history and a story behind it.

One of my favorite things to look at is a beautiful framed photograph taken by a dear friend.  I met her through the blogging world, and one day when I was visiting her photography blog, I won a prize for being the 1,000th person to link up.  I could chose any picture to have framed and I chose the one below.  A beautiful picture of a tree with stain glass added to it...........to me it represented a place of worship in nature.  Come to find out an enlarged version of the framed photograph hangs in her church.  I ferl so blessed to have this in our home.

Another blessing from God is that it turns out A. lives only 10 miles from our oldest daughter and her family in another state.  So we got to meet in person when visiting our family.  What fun that was!   Only God.

At this time in my dear friend's life she is fighting hard for her health.  She was diagnosed with Lyme and was treated, but over time she now has other serious medical problems that have come up and are keeping the doctors baffled as they try to help her become well enough to return to her beautiful home where she can see the world nature provides.  Joel and I are suspicious that this could still be a tick related infection, but we are only two past victims of Lyme and the nasty co-infections, and not doctors.  In any case,  my heart aches for  her.

She is a beautiful woman who deeply loves the Lord and has been so faithful on this long, hard journey.  We can only learn from her example.  The framed photograph she gave me is a beautiful reminder to lift her up in prayer, to stand firm in agreement that this is NOT from God and declare that He wants her well.  We speak against the root cause of these horrific symptoms and we pray for healing to be released into her body.  It is a great comfort to know that God hears our prayers.

And as Lyme has once again reared it's ugly head, where we live in Iowa it seems the ticks are bad this year with neighbors complaining of finding them on their body and their pets just from walking the paths and river road near by.  Someone at the bank today came up to Joel and told him she had found three ticks on her and what should she do?  Around this time of year we do hear from more than a few who know our stories and need advice.  Our advice is to always get antibiotics for ANY tick bite.  Don't take a chance.

So as I end this "Friday's Scribbles", I return to my friend who is on my heart today.  I ask you to lift A. up in prayer.  And remember that life is lived moment by moment, with only God to rely on. His promises are yes and amen so stand on them and and remember that just like A. said in her email today.........God is truth.  That we know when nothing else seems certain.  His Word is truth.

So, What If?

There is a little woodpecker dancing around on the tree outside our living room window.  He's looking for bugs to satisfy his hunger, them moves on to another spot, pecking away at each new location.  He is a bright spot of color on this cloudy day.  As I watch him go about his task, I can't help but wonder what he is thinking.  Is he thinking?  Or is he like the scarecrow who sings, "If I only had a brain...."

Do all God's creatures feel?  Think?  Spiders and nasty ticks too?  And what about trees?  All living things.   Our cells are living.......bacteria and viruses are living......the dreaded cancers are living.....

So do all living things hear us?  Squirrels and birds respond to the sound of our voices......I don't know about spiders and ticks, but there is even scientific proof out there that reports that our cells hear us.  And bacteria and viruses......

IF we go back to the beginning of our Bible you read that Adam was given dominion over the earth. The earth and all that is on it.  It could be argued that Adam blew it big time when he,along with Eve, chose to disobey God and sin entered the world.  Dominion was lost.

Then Jesus came.  He spoke to the fig tree and it died.  He healed the sick, delivered the demonized, multiplied food.  He told us to speak to the mountains and they will slide right into the sea....figuratively?  Literally?  

So what would happen if we spoke to the viruses and different bacteria that attack our bodies? What if we spoke to our cells?  What would happen if we spoke to the storm in the name of Jesus? Jesus told us that when He left the earth as children of God we would have Holy Spirit reside within us.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us.  "Dunamis" Power.  Dynamite.  Don't forget, he gave us authority and only by HIS authority and in His name we are to go out into the world and preach the gospel, raise the dead, cast out demons, and heal the sick.  It was a command, not a suggestion. And He said, you will do greater things than even I.  Is that even possible?  Speak to the mountains he said.  Ask and keep on asking.  Seek and keep on seeking....knock and keep on knocking.  Be persistent, in fervent prayer.

If this was only for the disciples then does that apply to the commandments, too?  To loving one another?   To salvation?!?!  The Bible was written for all.  Jesus' instructions were for all.  God's promises are yes and amen for all.  Salvation is for all.  Is healing for all?  There is power in the living Word.

So, what if?

What if we could speak to the sicknesses and diseases that attack us?  What if we, too, could speak to the storms? The mountains?  What if we could do what Jesus' commanded his disciples to do? What if we stepped out in faith and believed what we read in His Word?

Thank God we can.  What have we got to lose?  What have we got to gain?

So, what if............?

No Ocean Can Hold It Back

Tomorrow I go in for surgery.  We are humbled and blessed to have so many praying over this journey with breast cancer.  People praying for me to be cancer free, for the procedures to go well with no reactions from my body, for the surgery to go well and all medical staff involved to make good decisions, etc., for Joel as he walks with me.  Yes, we are blessed to have so many praying across the country, around the world, in our community, in our family.  We want to thank you for your prayers.

We are a praying family.  Our extended families are praying people.  Our friends are grounded in prayer.  It is a core value of our faith.  Papa God holds us in the shelter of His wings.  Jesus died for us.  Holy Spirit lives in us and empowers us.  The angels guard over and fight for us.  Most importantly God fights for us.  Yes, we are blessed.

"Rejoice always, pray constantly...."

I Thess. 5:17

Soon after the diagnosis friends of our oldest son and his family, Godparents to three of our grandchildren, and people we are blessed to call friends, sent a beautiful card that has encouraged me along the way.  I wanted to share it with you today.  It reminds us of the power we have when we pray in the name of Jesus.  The power in prayer!

"  No ocean can hold it back......

    No river can overtake it....

    No whirlwind can go faster

    No army can defeat it, 
No law can stop it.

    No distance can slow it....

    No disease can cripple it

    No force on earth is more powerful or effective 

    Than the power of PRAYER. " 

Our War Room

Last Friday I needed to go back to my regular doctor for a recheck for a UTI and another infection. One was gone but the UTI was not, and there was still blood in the urine along with the bacteria.  I had not been able to finish the last antibiotic because my body reacted to the medication.   It caused weak arms and legs and at times a racing heart.  I have been trying a new more powerful med that is considered the best treatment.

Unfortunately, the doctor I had for 18 years is on medical leave and the woman I saw spoke words over me that sent shock waves through my system. She said, if this blood does not go away you will need to see a urologist to rule out bladder cancer.  Really? You are telling me this today when I just told you I am fighting breast cancer?

I fell apart.  When I got out to the car I sobbed, fear gripped my soul, and I saw myself dying.  I spoke words aloud of fear, death and resignation.  Words questioning God's love for me.  Yeah, it was not my best moment.  I let the spirit of fear take over me.  And the hardest part was that I forgot how difficult this is for Joel, too. My plunge into despair and worst case scenarios sucked him into the abyss right along with me.  I know I am in a vulnerable place, but so is my rock, my encourager, my cowboy preacher, my everything.  It took all we had to keep any sense of balance as we worked through this.

At 3 the next morning Joel woke with a great deal of pain in his RIGHT arm.  He did not tell me but as the pain was there it also went numb.  I heard him at 5am when he went back to the recliner to sleep. I prayed over him but it did not change.  At 7am I gave him a Bayer to chew just in case.  Then we discussed whether he should go to ER.  We have been under a great deal of stress but it sounded like nerve pain?  I decided to pray again and spoke to the pain, the root cause, the numbness.  I spoke to any spirit that could be causing havoc within his body.  The pain went down and the numbness went away completely.  The pain soon left and then he noticed a small lump on his arm.  Was this the cause of the pain?  He remembered hurting his arm 2 days ago, but it shows up in the middle of the night 48 hours later?  We did not know what to do for sure,  but with no other symptoms of heart we were comfortable staying home.  He did promise me if it returned at all, he would go get it checked out.

After 4 days on the antibiotic, Cipro, I am having terrible pain.  Bone, joint, nerve, and tendons.  I finally did some research and discovered this medication can cause tendon ruptures and permanent damage to nerve endings....seriously?  I already deal with some neuropathy and so I have stopped taking this med too.  Why don't the doctors check these things out?  I know people who can take this med, but evidently I am not one.  Now I will need to start over with finding an antibiotic i can take. We are feeling pretty darn beat up.  I should be focusing on the cancer surgery ahead, not all this other crap.

So where is all this coming from?  Not. God.   The enemy is working overtime in our lives.  LOTS of stress.....loss.......grief.......fear......confusion.......weariness.  Emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual pain have distracted us from what we know.  So hard to keep the focus on what we know at times.

Several months ago I was walking with Joel along the river, speaking to God about what was going on in our lives.  I looked up and suddenly saw a battle going on before me.  Good verses evil.  The heavely realm fighting Satan's army.  It literally stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away.  Joel asked me what was wrong and I told him what I had just seen in front of me.  He said,  "I had a dream with a battle being waged....the same thing you saw, I saw in a dream just last night!"

Monday we went to see the movie, War Room.  It was about the power of prayer, and it was so good.  It had an impact on us as we struggle with what we know to be true and where we can turn in the midst of all this stuff being thrown at us.  Joel and I discussed it at length, and I have spent time trying to decide where to set up our own prayer room.  We finally came up with the best location, and I have started writing out needs for ourselves and others and spending time in our War Room.  Prayer is warfare.  Healing is warfare.  And we are in a war, folks.  A war against the enemy. That is why God tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God.  Satan and his crew are our enemies.  God shows us where to find what we need to fight them.  His Word, prayer, prayer warriors, knowing who we are and Whose we are, and keeping our eyes of Jesus are weapons we need in our arsenal.

God is using the thoughts and prayers of others to help sustain us too.  Last Friday my sister Janelle called and let me express all my feelings, sharing logic and love back.  Saturday a dear friend from high school called and did the same.  I got a card from my sister Jan in the mail that touched my heart and today friends sent me a card about the power of prayer that has me crying every time I read it.  God's love taps are part of the battle plan.

I truly recommend you see this movie.  Maybe you will want to create your own war room.  Maybe you already have!

She Fights For Health, But Not Alone

Deb and me last fall

I have mentioned before that our friend, Deb Grant is fighting an aggressive fungal infection.  She is in the hospital because her heart rate won't stabilize, the fever won't leave, and she has pneumonia from the infection.  Her immune system is compromised and a number of doctors have been trying to figure out why.  So many medications, so many tests, so many doctors, so many symptoms. 

Today her husband Dave put a post on CareBridge that was entitled..."Who Do We Trust"?  Every doctor seems to come to a different conclusion.  Every test comes up negative.  That is good, right?  But somewhere, hidden inside her body, the doctors believe they are missing the cause of the immune suppression, giving residence to the fungal infection that is normally in the air we breath.  But it seems the doctors cannot come to a consensus.  Thus, Dave's question....."who do we trust"?

I first knew Dave when I was 12 and I moved in with my older sister and her family.  They were very active in church and St. Olaf Lutheran became my second home.  I felt very comfortable there.  Dave was one of 5 Grant boys who lived in Brazil with their missionary parents.  Their pictures and stories about living on the mission field were always pinned to one of our church bulletin boards and I used to pray and read about them, wondering what it was like to be a missionary. 

Fast forward to the early 1990's when Joel was serving two churches in West central MN.  We went to a Super Bowl party (I know, some of you are thinking...sports?  Joel and Renee?).  While meeting the people there a man introduced himself as Pastor Drave Grant.  He talked awhile and mentioned growing up in Brazil and in amazement I asked him... "Are you Dave Grant of THAT Grant family?  I used to pray for you in Sunday School!  We became fast friends with both Dave and Deb.  Our journeys into adoption also connected us, but we felt like God had brought things full circle connecting a young girl who had an interest in mission work with the Grant missionary boy who was now a grown man.  Isn't God amazing!

We have seen each other periodically over the years even when we moved, they moved, and life intervened with sickness and churches.  They prayed for us when we fought Lyme.  We are now going to battle for them with Deb's sickness. 

Which brings us back to the question, "who do we trust"?  Dave and Deb are faithful followers of God. We know who they trust......they trust God.  Our Healer.  Our Protector.  Our Papa.

 Dave and Deb have faith-filled family and friends to support them.  They have a loving congregation that is supporting them on this journey.  They have God to rely on. 

We trust God in the midst of the storms of life.  We expect doctors to have all the answers, but they don't.  God does.  He holds Deb in His hands.  It is God we trust as we lift Deb up in prayer and stand firm with her, as she fights for health.  Will you join us? 

The "Eyes" Have It!

There has been quite a bit of drama here in our small corner of the world regarding my eyes.  A week ago I went in for a check up, planning on setting up cataract surgery and hearing that I would be able to get off of the glaucoma eye drops.  It did not happen.

In fact, the eye specialist was surprised to see that my eye pressure was higher than ever and it appeared the laser surgery last fall only worked a short while.  He talked to us about me seeing a glaucoma specialist and having surgery to put drainage tubes into my eyes.  We were stunned to say the least.  He said he wanted me to come back in a week to have a recheck before we proceeded with the options he laid before us.

It was also a stressful time because one of the staff put the wrong drops in my eyes and to counter the affects, they put steroid drops in my eyes twice and then more drops to dilate.  Then my corneas were scratchy and rough from all the drops so I went home with refresh drops to put in my eyes every hour for a couple of days and then 5  times a day for 5 days.  Not cool. 

I spent the first 24 hours after this appointment crying, and cried off and on for a few days following.  I was so disappointed and also worried about a surgery like this.   I was confused and asking God why.  Never a good thing.  I took my eyes off of Jesus and on their condition.  Joel and I were both weary.

Then slowly I began to hear God speak....... 5 times I received verses of scripture concerning asking in His name, ask, seek, find....We had been speaking to the mountain, commanding the eyes to heal. but for this situation we were hearing something different.  So I asked. I asked for the pressure to go back down, healing to come.  And then I turned it over to Jesus.  It was now His responsibility.  He died for sickness, for this diagnosis.  It was really His diagnosis now, His burden.  Every time worry raised it's ugly head, I went back to turning it all over to Jesus.  Whatever came to pass, all would be well.

Yesterday was my recheck.  We were hopeful, but also knew surgery was possible and that Jesus would do what was best for me.  The pressure?  It was down.  Significantly down!  I asked the Dr. if this was good news and was he happy about this.....He replied, "I am ecstatic!"   Oh, my.  Oh my!
We are still doing a happy dance.  The doctor told me he wanted to see me in 6 months, but I asked him if I could come back in 3 months instead of 6 to see if my eyes were still good, so I could have cataract surgery.  He agreed.  I told him we were moving to AZ and he said, "You know, I trained at Mayo in Scottsdale and I will call my buddies there and find out who would be the best doctor for your case."  Another concern taken care of! 

I left there praising God and giving thanks that Jesus took the burden.  I literally felt relief when I made that decision and did as He asked.  It took the pressure off of me in more ways than one! 

Now, back to "the eyes have it".  Joel had an appointment too.  He used to live with recurrent corneal erosion and it was a very painful condition at times, controlling what climate we lived in and how Joel slept at night.  The doctor checked Joel's eyes and said they looked absolutely GREAT!  We knew that Joel was healed of the eye condition along with so many other diseases that January night in 2012, but the doctor gave a statement that seemed astonishing.  He said, "You have the eyes of a 50 year old!  We were giving thanks not only because he eyes were doing so well, but because when he was younger than 50 he was told he had the eyes of a 80 year old man!  GOD in His goodness had restored his eyes back to age 50!  Isn't God amazing?

So, the eyes have it in our house this week and so does praise.  Praising God for the good news!  For all the promises of God in His Word. 

Pray, Release, Trust

I have been reading Beni Johnson's book, "The Happy Intercessor" this past week.  As I said earlier, this book has at times taken me out of my comfort zone --through Beni's words and stories, God has been stretching and reshaping me.  I am one to discern what I read, sometimes running things by Joel for his thoughts and Holy Spirit to make sure I am receiving solid information.  It is a good policy to confirm what you read, hear, or receive as being from God or anointed by God.  Especially when it challenges our beliefs.  As we know, God does not leave us where we are because He wants us to grow in our faith and in our actions, often changing or expanding our beliefs.  He desires so much for us and I don't want to miss out on what God has for me because I am uncomfortable stepping out of comfort zone or complacent about broadening my Christian faith.

Case in point---this book on Intercessory Prayer.  Certainly I have heard of Intercessors....those burdened to pray for others on many levels as God leads, but I knew little about this kind of prayer.  I do oversee a group of close to 150 women from around the world for my friend Linny.  The Knee Team prays over requests that come in.  It is such a privilege to lead this group of faithful prayer warriors, so I really was interested to see if there was a difference between prayer warriors and intercessors. I am not sure I can separate the two nor have need to.  I am still processing what I have read, but I have found "The Happy Intercessor" has helped me in important ways.

Beni Johnson shared that she has the gift of discernment of spirits that the Bible speaks about,  but for many years she did not know that was what it was called.  She shared how she could walk into a room and "feel" the needs of others.  Feel their sadness or anger, pain, etc. and it was sometimes difficult to not take on their energy.  Often she would end up taking on the energy of those she was drawn to.  It was a heavy weight on her emotionally.  At that time she did not know she was to pray for those people and then release them into God's hands.  She learned that much later as she embraced the gift of being an Intercessor and discerner of spirits for her husband Bill Johnson, their church, community, state and country. 

This was encouraging for me because I also can walk into a room and feel the energy, pain of some people or the atmosphere.  Not always, but sometimes it permeates the air and makes me anxious, restless, and on alert.  I have never been able to explain it, except to say I don't have any filters when I am around others. Not a bad thing when the people are expressing the joy of the Lord, but not so good when the enemy has them in his grip.   So, it was helpful and really an "aha" moment when I read this. 

Beni went on to say, we, as Christians, are on God's team.  We do not worry about the enemy's strategies because we are on His offensive team and we pray from a place of victory.  I like that!  We pray from a place of victory because we know who wins! Barry Bennett from Charis Bible College says much the same.  We know who wins!  We do!  We have His Word that speaks of victory over sins, diseases, and the enemy! We don't need to beg, plead, or pray from a place of fear or lack.  NO, we pray from a place of peace and victory!  We have the truth of God's Word and His Word shows us His heart.  We can stand firm on what we read within its pages.  Isn't that great knowledge to have?!

I have spent time speaking with God about this book and what He wanted me to glean from it.  I believe there is more that will come from what I read, but yesterday as I was meditating on what I read, I heard these words:

"Pray....Release....Trust"

We pray, then release that deep need into God's hands, trusting that He has it all worked out for good.  Pray, Release, Trust.  So often I want to take back what I have given to God.  I worry over it, which is meditation on the negative!  Fear creeps in when I want an outcome that is good for someone I love and care about.  This action to release is so important because it involves trusting God for the outcome.

There really is a lot to this prayer business.  It is not just going before God with a list.  Bill Johnson was asked how he prayers.  His response was powerful .  "If I have an hour to pray, I spend 45 minutes in praise and worship, and then give my requests the last 15 minutes.  Certainly my requests can't take longer than that on any given day!"  I know that as I pray now, I am more conscious of my agenda.  I am making more of an effort to lift my eyes in prayer to the One who holds the power. Taking action to release the outcome into His hands, and then trusting God, which brings my focus back to Him, the One who loves us with a perfect love.

Pray............Release...........Trust