The River Runs Through

I first wrote this four years ago but felt the need to repost it.  During this season of all our lives, we need Holy Spirit more than ever.  Come Holy Spirit, come. 

God has been highlighting Ezekiel 47 to Joel and me the past week.  In this chapter the prophet Ezekiel is shown by an angel the water that was flowing from God's Temple.  The angel first shows Ezekiel where it is coming from, and then he measures it..... first ankle deep, then knee deep, then chest deep, and then over his head.  On either side of this river 12 fruit trees are growing and they produce new fruit every month of the year because they are watered by the Temple river.  The leaves on these trees are used for medicine. It is a very interesting prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel for Israel.

 God's references to a river first started on September 19th (2016), a few days before our river flooded here in town. While meditating  I saw Joel by a river, fishing on the side of the bank.  He then put his pole down and took off his boots and socks, rolled up his pants and got into the river.  He waded around for a while and then immersed himself in the river.  While in the water Joel noticed a small waterfall where a fresh stream was flowing into the river.  He climbed out and started walking up the hill to find its source.  He came up to a huge boulder flecked with gold that was at least a 60 feet high. The water reflected off the dark colored rocks as it trickled down, forming a stream and then ending up in the river.  I then saw God's hands come out from the rock and He laid them on Joel's head.  As He did so I noticed that Joel's hair was dark black, like when he was young.  I heard "I have anointed you to preach the gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead."  Joel then turned around and he could see his life from this starting place and as it went down to the river.  On either side he could see things that he had been protected from, and as his life journey progressed the path got wider and wider.  At the end the path split looking like arms raised in praise to God.  I then heard the prayer of Jabez..."Oh Lord, that you would bless me indeed.  Enlarge my territory.  Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." (And God granted him his request.)   

What God showed me that morning led me to read Ezekiel 47 again, and then another devotional we read also mentioned the river of God.  I remembered something similar in Heidi Baker's book, "Birthing the Miraculous" so Joel and I went back and read the chapter "Deeper Still", based on Ezekiel 47. We prayed that God would keep revealing to us what He wanted us to know about this river, because when we get the same message more than 2-3 times we know we are to pay attention.

Later that same day I went to Bethel Church's site and noticed that they were premiering the movie "Holy Spirit Reborn", so Joel and I decided to watch it.  I mentioned it in a previous post.  About half way through an evangelist from a South African villages spoke about how God came to him as a boy and led him to become a Christian.  He spent his time bringing Jesus and His healing power to the villages.  He talked about how Holy Spirit came into his life, sharing that Holy Spirit is like a flowing river.  He went on to that that when we are in a river we cannot control where it takes us, the current does that....and it is the same with Holy Spirit.  He takes us with Him and we are not in control, but we can trust Him with the journey.  He ended by saying "God is our Father and Creator, Jesus is our Savior, and Holy Spirit has been placed here in us and on earth now to empower and love us.   He wants us to surrender and let Him work through us in others."

So we know when we are just wading in a river ankle deep we can be in control of what is going on. When we are in knee deep we still have that control.  Waist deep as and it gets harder to go where we want to go.  Then when the water is up to our necks, we are not in control of where the river current takes us.  It is also the same with Holy Spirit.  When God asks us to surrender to Him and His plans for our lives, do we just wade in that, or do we immerse ourselves, trusting God to take us where He desires us to go.....trusting Holy Spirit as He blesses us.  Loving us, empowering us with that river of Living Water to be used by God for His plan and purpose.

Pastor Seth Dahl says that Holy Spirit is never shown to be a depersonalized force.  He is God.  He wants an intimate relationship with us. He is not an "it".  He is Holy.  Part of the Trinity.  Not just a wind.....but God's breath, living, powerful, and personal.  When Jesus left this earth he told the disciples that God was sending them someone to help them do even more than He had done.  Come Holy Spirit, come.

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of Iowa where cloudy skies and warm sticky weather are giving us the last days of summer before temperatures "below normal" show up for the coming week. It is lovely to see some of the trees showing off their oranges and yellows.  Our flowers are still in bloom and we have added a mum plant to the mix.  You can smell Fall in the air and even some of the sounds are a reminder of Autumn, like the geese flying overhead or the leaves as they hit the deck.  

This past Thursday we drove to a state park about 25 minutes away and enjoyed a lake view and a walk on a road surrounded by trees, a duck slough, and a few fall wildflowers.  It was nice to get out in nature again.  On our way home we stopped at an indoor/outdoor market where we bought our mum plant and several squash.  Again, it was nice to get out and do something away from home.  

The lake on a cloudy day

flowers along the park road

love the rust colored leaves

 A gnarled twisted tree

Joel has been working on the back deck.  It was power washed, and then he sanded down the wood and added a few screws to keep it all solid.  He hopes to stain, but the winds have kept him from doing so since when it is windy, the locust trees drop their leaves right on the deck~ so he is hoping for the perfect day....sunny, dry and no wind before proceeding.  He has ridden over 1200 miles on his bike now.  Yay for him!

I am still "putzing" around the house with cooking, baking, cleaning, writing, doing puzzles, and walking 20 minutes.  We decided Tai Chi would be good for us to try.  Well, actually I decided!  Joel is willing to go along with it....ha...So we are starting out with Tai Chi for Seniors which I found on YouTube.  I think it will be a good thing, right?  

Speaking of good things, we are so happy my sister Jo is now in rehab.  Of course there is good and bad with that.  It is great she is finally at that point.  But......She can't have any visitors for 2 weeks which is very difficult for her as she is relying on Janelle so much as her caregiver.  She still needs prayer for strength and for the memory issues that have popped up since all this started.  Of course we also are praying she will not be exposed to Covid.  Ugh.......At times it feels like she is going through a mine field. 

Speaking of that, can't it feel that way for all of us?  Life is a mine field and we are just trying to avoid stepping on anything that would bring chaos and destruction to our lives or those we love.  Okay, maybe it is not that bad....but it feels like each step, each decision, each encounter is filled with more pressure to have the best results.  And this would be where Jesus says, "I've got this. Rest, let me be your Guide.  Follow me".  And you know, sometimes He leads us right through that mine field and we are able to do it because we trust Him.  Trust.  So vital to our faith, to our ability to get through life.

Last night Joel and I were sitting on the porch and somehow got talking about some of the jobs we had as kids and in adulthood.  Joel did farm work of course, and got a two degree in wildlife management,  When at Bible college he worked on campus in the mail room and also in a food factory.  It swore him off packaged ready to eat jello, mac. salads, etc. for life!  He also worked as a custodian at a grain factory in Mpls nights.  Scary job that did not last long!  When we were first in the military he worked after his training hours helping out a farmer.  We only made $200 a month then so every penny helped.  My brother-in-law who helped raise me came home one day when I was 16 and told me he got me a job at a new nursing home.  I worked there in the kitchen and dining room until I went off to college.  In college I worked downtown Mpls. in a jewelry exchange building putting together earrings.  Then I worked with a friend cleaning houses of some wealthy people.  They would hire people from the Bible college.  When we were married, I first had a job as secretary/assistant to the president and business manager of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren in Joel's hometown where we were living.  A few months later when we were living on only $200 a month in Illinois I worked 1 day in a factory putting together transistor radios!  Hated it........went to daycare instead.  I also worked one summer in a large restaurant, and when we had four kids at a hardware store, and also at one time had my own Daycare business.  In my 40's I worked as an Interpreter for the Deaf in a school setting.  Our jobs shaped us both.  

I remember how that the 1 day in the factory came back to bless us. We were out of money and had nothing substantial left to eat until payday.  We had dug through the car seats to come up with any loose change and were eating plain rice with cinnamon and sugar for meals.  Joel picked up the mail one day and there was a check in it for the eight hours I worked at the factory!  A $15.00 check that gave us enough food and gas to get to payday!!!  God provided for us  just what we needed when we needed it.  There are so many stories we have like that over the years, and I am sure you have them too!

Speaking of stories Joel and I listened to Wm. Paul Young speak on a podcast.  He is the author of The Shack.  It was written for his immediate family but that book has sold over 22 million copies.  He made a statement that resonated with me.  "We all ARE a story".  Not have a story, but are a story.  Four kids growing up in the same household will all have a different perspective that gives them different stories.  They are each a different story.  And every story is important to God!  

Speaking of what is important to God, I know gratitude is.  So this day I want to give thanks for Fall colors, smells, and sounds, for mum plants, squash, Gr. Jo going to rehab, memories of past jobs, porch sitting, learning something new (Tai Chi), a clean house, a walk in the state park, texts and phone calls, and family.  The beautiful gift of family.....

Enjoy your weekend!

Living In The Extremes

Today I heard the word extreme used to describe what has been happening with the weather lately.  Definitely extreme......fires....floods.....hurricanes.......winds.......hot spots and cold spots....dry and wet.  Yeah, definitely a good definition of our weather.  Extreme.

I looked up the definition of extreme in the dictionary and was told "existing in a very high degree....or going to great exaggerated lengths....or exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected. "It came to my mind that we could use the word extreme to help define most of life right now.  We have not only extreme weather showing up but we have the extreme in our politics. Just listen to the ads on TV.  There is not one politician including the President that does not use extreme language, extreme fear, extreme untruths to get you to vote for them.  It is sad, scary, and worrisome.  If you look at Washington DC and those who we have elected in the House and Congress you cannot help but see the extreme polarizing "us against them" mentality. It has spread into our states, cities and communities.  It sickens me. The  extreme also shows up in this virus.  If you read any of the stories of those who have fought hard to live after getting Covid, you can only define it as extreme.  I would add a few other words like nasty, unpredictable, relentless.  It is not something to brush off as minor no matter what your age, religion, or beliefs.  This is yet another issue that has been made political and people are dying because of it.  No one can deny that 2020 has been a year of extremes......financially, politically, socially, economically, with weather and with peoples health.  

It is hard not to focus on it all, but it came to me today that the Bible is full of extremes too.  Some bad and some ugly, but some that are soooooooo good.  Maybe our focus needs to come back to the good extremes.  Let's start with the best one of all......Jesus dying on a cross for us.  God giving His only Son to die for our sins and to make salvation available for us all.  Pretty extreme!   And think about Peter walking on the water......oh yes, he doubted and started to sink, but he and Jesus were walking on the water. Amazing. Jesus showing up after His resurrection!   Pretty extreme!  Joel and I are studying the book of Acts and there are some pretty extreme happenings with Holy Spirit in there.  And lets not forget Noah and the flood.  He was pretty radical to build that huge Ark and bring two of all God's creation on board.  And Moses and the parting of the Red Sea?  Oh, yeah...........extreme!  One of my favorite stories comes from  2Chronicles 20 where Jehoshaphat steps out with a radical faith and believes that God will protect them from the large army coming against them.  They went forth singing!  Yes singing....and watched as all the enemies coming against them turned on each other....and died.  Extreme faith and obedience in a situation that looked hopeless.  

Today has found me praying for an extreme faith to believe for peace and civility in our country, for healing and unity for our nation, for this virus to die, for miracles to abound in our lives, for health and wellness, for the weather to shift, for prosperity for the many hurting financially, for complete healing for those I love and care about.  We are living in the extremes.........but we can face them all with our "extreme" faith in God and His promises.

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of the world where Fall is beginning to show off it's beauty.  Oh, how I love Fall!  This week we got out our few Autumn decorations and it makes me smile to see all the golds, rusts, oranges, and browns as I look around.  Did I say this already?  I LOVE Fall!  

Speaking of Fall, the squirrels are burying corn in our yard again....I keep wondering how they think they will find it under all the snow.  We had one squirrel drag a whole ear into our yard and then methodically take one kernel off at a time to store up for winter.  When it was getting dark yesterday I glanced up and saw three deer in our yard ~ all yearlings.  They come through our yard on the way to the river.  We have watched so many do that over the years so in their minds it is the River Trail as we call it.  We often are hearing geese overhead too.  Yes, nature is preparing for what is coming.  

Speaking of that, so are we.  Joel has been getting a few yard projects done, like laying rock on the side of the house, painting all the cement below the siding, and soon he will stain the back deck.  He is biking most days, although it has been quite windy.  I have been walking, working on a puzzle, reading, and cooking.  I had a tooth prepared for a crown on Monday and PT on Thursday, otherwise I'm sticking close to home.  You know, even though they are up close and personal in my mouth at the dentist, they are so very careful that I feel comfortable being there.  You call when you arrive in the parking lot and they come out and get you.  You go through the temperature check and questions about symptoms, and sanitize your hands before you get in the door.  Then you are whisked right back into a room with a plastic door covering and air purifier inside.  You have to rinse your mouth with a Lysterine/Hydrogen Peroxide mixture.  The tech and doctor are in long white coats that they change for every patient.  They wear masks and plastic shields.  They put some kind of soft plastic covering over your mouth with only the tooth they are working on visible.  When you are done, your mask goes back on and you leave the office.  The new normal!

Speaking of new normal, it does fascinate me how creative everyone has gotten while we wait for some sense of normalcy to return.  This new normal has been received quite well by most people as we all try to navigate the unknown.  Today I cut Joel's hair just like I have for decades....We both then cut my hair.  He did the back and some of the sides and I did the front sides....the top is not growing so we left that alone.  It looks pretty good for amateurs!  

We found a new series to watch on Netflix that for us is both entertaining and relaxing.  It is called "The Repair Shop" and takes place in England.  People bring in their favorite or important items to be restored like clocks, stuffed childhood animals, desks, etc. and we watch the process of restoring each item.  We both really enjoy it! We find ourselves looking for the quieter less stressful shows to watch and go back to favorites quite often.  The porch calls our name too, with it's own great nature "reality show" to watch.

As I look over at a bowl full of gourds that graces our coffee table, I am grateful for being able to enjoy Autumn again this year.  Last year was tough as I was in the midst of chemo, bald, weak as a kitten.  Yeah....So even when I look in the mirror today and see my flat chest, big tummy, and sparce hair right up front, I am thankful to be here to enjoy Fall in 2020.  2020 might be a year of challenges beyond our imagination or understanding, but just being here to enjoy each day?....I remind myself, that's a gift.

Speaking of that, my sister Jo is making strides this week.  Yesterday she ate her first meal in a month.  She enjoyed some turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and squash.  She is sleeping better, they are able to get her up more to sit in a chair, and they seem to be getting the nausea under control even though it still plagues her.  Her surgeon came in to see her yesterday and speak with her for the first time, as she was able to do so.  She is the 1 out of 10 over the age of 60 who actually survive after being on the ECMO. We are so grateful.

And adding to our gratitude for Jo still being here with us, we are also thankful this week for phone calls, texting, laughter, new TV shows to relax by, Fall colors,  haircuts, gentle caring dentists, and the power of prayer.  

Enjoy your weekend!

Recognizing That Voice

In one of today's devotionals we read about how Ewes have a distinctive sound they make so that their babies know them.  The little ones know the sound of their mom's voice and are drawn to it.  Those same babies each have a distinctive bleat that only their mothers recognize.  It never ceases to amaze me how creative our God is and how much he shows up in the details of everything he has given life to, including sheep.

So of course this information got me thinking about how we recognize the voices of those we know and love easily too.  Although Joel said that during my younger years he could not really tell my voice apart from my sister Jan's at times.  Jan's husband Lanny says we still sound so much a like.  A cute story speaks of that.  When we lived in the Philippines my sister Jan and I would send cassette tape messages back and forth.  One day Jan was lonesome for me so she stuck in a tape and started playing it.....she was crying when she heard my voice until she heard "me" talk about Billy.....her oldest son.  She then realized she was listening to herself!  This still makes me smile..........

Like I was saying, we know we can recognize the voices of those we love and that is because each of us have a distinct voice and over time we tune in easily to those voices.   I believe that we can also recognize our Father's voice once we have heard it often enough.  He speaks to each of us and often in different ways.  Oh, certainly Satan likes to try to imitate God's voice and sometimes our own voice gets in the way of what we are "hearing", but most of the time we know when God is speaking.  We recognize His voice and the ways He uses for us as individuals.  For me, I often hear from Him through visual pictures or "videos" I see in my mind's eye.  Joel hears a voice in his mind.  I also know when I get the same scripture three times or more I better pay attention to what God is saying.  And Joel says God speaks strongly to him through nature.  I am sure you all have your own ways you hear from God and it helps you to recognize His voice.

Sometimes He shows up in other people to let you know He is there....that you are not alone.  I think of my sister Jo who when she was too weak to sing out loud, would sing hymns in her head to comfort herself. She told a visiting chaplain that and he offered to sing to her.  With a beautiful voice he sang hymns to her.  Janelle videoed the singing and sent it siblings......a true gift from God that comforted all of us, too.   God showing up in His people.  That is a way He speaks too!  

This is not a new topic for me to mull over.  I just feel it is so important to hear His voice.  God is all around us, in us, over us.  He speaks through the words of others, the actions of others, visions, whispers in our heads, our own gut reactions, nature, Scripture, and much much more.  He is waiting for us to "Be still and know that I am God".  Waiting for us to tune in to that radio station that gives us the clear ability to hear from Him. And when we listen for His voice over and over in our daily walk, we will be able to recognize that voice.  

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of Iowa where the forecast all week has been rain.......and more rain.  I have actually enjoyed the cloudy days but my hubby misses the sunshine and being able to bike.  He would not do well in Seattle for sure, as he prefers bright sunlight!  Our flowers are still blooming ~ this one in the picture sits on our back deck for us to enjoy whether inside or outside.  It was spendy but well worth it as we have enjoyed its beauty so much this year. We are not spending money on much else  anyway as we hunker down, so it balances out.

Speaking of hunkering down, we continue to do so here.  With Gr Jo's battle for health, with Covid 19's fast and furious pace, with the horrific fires on the west coast, with the hurricane damage, and with the election rhetoric ramping up it feels like we are on the largest roller coaster ride in the world and all we can do is hang on and hunker down......seeking that which brings peace and wisdom, joy and hope.  

Oh, yes, we need to hang on to that hope.  At one time I shared Acts 2:26 with my sister Jo ~ "I will pitch my tent in the land of hope" found in the Message.  She claimed that for her own and we claim it for her now as she fights a tough battle.  But we know she does not fight alone.  None of us do.  Her status changes day by day, sometimes hour by hour but she has the best care possible by her medical team and she has her daughter who sits with her up to 10 hours a day.  She has a Savior that never leaves her side.  He sends ministering angels to her, like the chaplain who came to see her and when she told him she was singing hymns in her mind (she was too weak to sing out loud) he sat by her bedside and sang hymns to her.  We were able to hear a small portion of it as Janelle sent us a video.  Beautiful. He came back yesterday to pray and sang Amazing Grace to her.  Thank you God!  Sometimes the angels God sends to minister wear stethoscopes, some wear a cross.  Some from far and near lift their hands and hearts in prayer for a woman they love, or know only through family.  Ministering angels, all. So grateful.

Speaking of prayers, there have been a lot to keep us on our knees lately, hasn't there.  I think about those who lost everything in the hurricane and in the fires.  Not only has Covid changed their lives in unimaginable ways but so has the natural disasters that are occurring more often and with more intensity.  With all honesty I find it absolutely disturbing for anyone to say any of this is caused by people in certain areas of the country sinning more.  Seriously, if we are pointing at others and their sins we better look in the mirror!  If California was burning due to sin, the whole world would be burning!  

When I heard it snowed 17 inches somewhere in Wyoming it took me back to our first winter in Montana.  We were living in what we affectionately called "The Internage".  It was a very old house next door to the church that was cozy except for upstairs where the one bedroom had no heat.  We woke up one morning in late October to -37 degrees.....yep, I am not kidding.....and we knew we had to do something to keep the 3 kids sleeping in that tiny room warm.  We purchased electric baseboard heaters to warm it up.  That house had a huge open hallway upstairs too and our oldest had her bed there.  She loved that because when she was in bed at night and supposed to be sleeping she could read by the downstairs light that came up to her!  We enjoyed that place so much, and grew in leaps and bounds that year in Malta Montana.  Even with the bitter cold winters, the huge mosquito population in the the summers, the snakes, and the long drives to the northern churches on empty snowy roads with no cell phones.  Oh, yeah.  And then there were the eight funerals in 2 1/2 weeks, three of which were murder victims.  Joel had never had funeral "experiences" before arriving there but learned quickly and I will say, it was always one of his gifts.  There were also cattle drives rodeos, branding experiences, hot springs, and a boatload of people who encouraged and supported us.  It was a good year filled with adventures.  

This week Joel brought home some "free" apples and we peeled a good 14 of the small ones to make apple crisp.  We made his Aunt Mathilda's recipe called Apple Crunch for him, and I made a Paleo gluten free Apple Crisp for me.  Such a nice Fall thing to do!  We usually have an "orange" meal to welcome Fall too..........usually consisting of pork roast, carrots and squash.  Sometimes sweet potatoes.  All orange veggies......With the cold temperatures, we are thinking it will happen earlier this year!With 2020 in general we are already talking about putting up our outdoor Christmas white lights.  Why not....it is 2020 after all.

So much to be grateful for.  Thank you for Jo's kidneys functioning well again, good medical care for her, for us, apple crisp, rain, puzzles, Fall, a cozy home, good books, memories of Montana, Chaplain Bill and his singing, ministering angels, beautiful flower pots, and another day to enjoy it all.

Enjoy your weekend.......

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our world where dry, cooler weather has ushered in the month of September.  Anyone who reads my blog knows how much I love Fall, and this week we have had a taste of Fall here in northern Iowa.  Soon it will be time to purchase a pot full of Mums to add our own Autumn color to nature's beauty.

Joel did a little woodwork fixing for a neighbor and he in turn came and power washed our back deck.  Now in a few days Joel will stain the deck to make it look fresh.  The barter system is not such a bad thing!  Joel loves to help others with their fix-its or projects, but getting a thank you like a power washed deck was an added bonus.  We live on a cul-de-sac in our association and we have chuckled at how many Lutheran pastors live on this block.  There are 12 houses and retired or active ministers live in 3 of them.  A few other neighbors attend Lutheran churches here in town.  I think our cul-de-sac needs to be renamed!  Maybe Lutherhaven.........or Luther Street?  (chuckle)  I think God has a sense of humor that is evident here.  

Speaking of God, we continue to be grateful for all He is doing and has done for Gr. Jo.  She is progressing and is now in an intermediate cardiac unit.  She is eating some foods and loving her ice cream most of all!  Her heart function has improved and she is slowly regaining her strength.  Slow....but moving forward.  So thankful!

Joel finished his summer project, a large wood chest for our youngest daughter.  Each of the kids now have something that he has made....a cupboard, bookcases, a chest.  He continues his woodworking and is getting a few outdoor fix-its done, like making new trim for part of the garage door.  He has over 1,000 miles on his recumbent bike, going out for 15 miles several days a week.  Today it was 20.  I have been nursing a bad back, first time in a very long time.  Seriously annoying.  Today a Life Below Zero marathon is keeping me distracted.  Walking is on hold, but I will be back to it soon! 

I don't know if any of you keep track of Covid statistics, but it seems the White House has labeled Iowa as a Red Zone with cases increasing faster here than anywhere in the country.  A couple of those county statistics are due to colleges opening up, but there are other counties where numbers keep rising.  Ours is one.  We continue to do what we can to protect ourselves...........staying home as much as possible..........washing our hands, wearing masks, and after any type of dr. appointment we shower and clothes are all washed too. Not out of fear but out of caution and what we prayerfully think is best for us.

Is anyone else getting a lot of political calls on your landline phones?  Cells?  We just don't answer the landline as this political drama continues to unfold.  One more aspect of 2020.   I think about all the things going on in just our family and can't help but think.............2020.  I think of all that is going on in our cities, our country, our world and can only think, 2020.  I don't like labeling this year as chaotic, crazy, unpredictable, confusing, scary, challenging but it keeps telling me over and over again that it is what it is.  2020.  Just got to keep seeing all the good being worked out in the midst of it all.  Yeah........it's there.  Just look at Gr. Jo!  Look at the kindness and goodness of people.  Seek and we will find!

Speaking of Gr. Jo she was excited to be eating a few tasty foods like ice cream and mashed potatoes.  It made me think of a fun meal we have nearly every two weeks....Almond flour pancakes or waffles, almond butter, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, coconut whipping cream and pure maple syrup.  Delish!

So much I could chat about but the couch is calling me............Today I am giving thanks for doctors and nurses, laughter, Life Below Zero, our electric grill that we love to use,  open windows, the sense of Fall in the air, a clean deck,  and the fact that tonight is pancake night! 

Enjoy your weekend!

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!