August 25, my children put together a wonderful (almost) surprise birthday celebration for me. It was a very special time–I felt very loved and cared for by my family, friends and the Lord. September 6 our son turned 37–so we were able to celebrate him with family–again it was very special.

However, September 8 was even more amazing! Our church has started doing a very special “water baptism” Sunday each summer. The children’s ministry teaches on water baptism a few weeks before–preparing their hearts. The Sunday of, the preaching pastor also teaches and shares about this step of obedience. It is a very special day.

A few weeks ago I had talked with four of my grandchildren about baptism. They were not interested–citing various reasons why they would/could not take part. Each of these children have each personally encountered Jesus as Savior, so I really was surprised at how adamant they were about not following this next step. It was curious to me that they felt sooo strongly they weren’t going to participate. (Too cold, don’t want people looking at me etc–I just said, well I guess you simply aren’t ready.) But I began to pray against these obstacles.

During my birthday celebration there were words given about our family legacy. It was very special and encouraging. My adult children are all committed to following Him, but I saw a picture of piece of aluminum sheet metal separating the next generation from that legacy. I began to pray seriously about this resistance.

I woke up Baptism Sunday morning praying that the Holy Spirit would make each one’s baptism significant to them. I had no idea of who was going to get baptized. It was so strong on my heart–that I just kept praying about it all morning. Praying for the sermon as the pastor preached on different scriptures concerning baptism. At one point I thought–we don’t know what is going to happen. Certainly all the people who witnessed Jesus’ baptism did not know that they would be hearing a voice from heaven! For this special day, all the elementary children join their parents in the main sanctuary for the service. Something amazing happened during the preaching of the Word or the worship–but three of my grandchildren had their hearts changed and chose to be baptized! How surprised, blessed and excited I was to be able to witness their obedience! After the service they told their folks of their desire! What a joy it was to see their parents join the pastors in the pool and participate with these precious children. There were 28 people in total who followed Jesus into the waters of baptism that day. My heart is full–praying for the rest of my grandchildren to make their own decision when the time is right. They were so excited. Only the Holy Spirit could have help them overcome their fears and reluctance. They were so so happy they did it!

I did not know how the Lord would answer my prayer that day. I did not know that the Holy Spirit had me praying for my own grandchildren–I am so glad I followed the Spirits leading and prayed anyway. The amazing thing is several of our other friends children were baptized the same day–different towns and even in different states! What is the Lord going to do with this “class” of disciples? I certainly will keep praying, watching and believing for them to fulfill His purpose in each of their lives. The other wonderful fact is that their grandfather’s birthday was September 9. I still am not sure how much Heaven’s citizens know about what goes on in earth–but I know it must have made him happy too!

Dear ones, do not give up praying. Those girls were very adamant just two weeks before how they were not going to be baptized. I kept praying. I did not pressure them, condemn or cajole, I just said ok. You must not be ready yet. It is about Jesus and following Him, not about your likes and dislikes and left it. Their parents also talked and prayed with them. Do not forget to rely on the Holy Spirit to bring the changes you need or others! He does good work!

A few weeks ago I took a walk around my yard with my daughter and son in law. We have a large willow tree in our front yard–which has been a great source of joy and blessing for my grandchildren. I remember when my mom and my brother in law planted the tree as a young sapling almost fifty years ago. After we moved into this home, in August 1990, Darryl consistently would prune it. He watched such things. He knew what it needed and simply took care of it.

After our son in law, Timothy Haslet joined our family and became a landscaper he would ask Tim to help. In caring for Darryl, to be honest, I sort of forgot all about the need to prune the tree. Somehow, I just thought it would either grow “correctly” or simply be OK. I did begin to notice some changes–but really did not think them through. During this “walk in the yard”, Elizabeth pointed out some obvious changes. Some of the lower branches were dying. No or few leaves. I began to really LOOK at the tree and somehow it kept on changing during the past several years. Some of the branches have grown out over our fence line over the sidewalk the city maintains. Some of the branches have grown over our neighbors shed. Some of the branches were encroaching onto my sidewalk where people enter my home. Even though I was not paying attention to it–changes were happening. Little by little the branches grew.

Change happens. It is happening to each of us–even today. Some of my grandchildren are beginning to show signs of puberty, while I must admit I have been showing signs of aging! Some of these changes are predictable and welcomed. Others, not so much. I cannot go back and make sure the tree was pruned properly every year. It is too late for that. The canopy is grown to thick for the lower under branches to get enough light to properly grow which is why they are dying. I’m not sure what I am going to do about it as yet. It is not dangerous, but it could be if it does not receive attention. My daughter pruned the branches that were interfering with people coming into my home. Because I am now conscious of the willow tree, I began to notice the maple trees and how they are growing over the driveway. More change. How are we to handle these changes?

The willow tree changes took place because of its nature. Children maturing also, part of God’s plan–and alas, as much as I might not like some of my body’s aging process it is also natural. But what about our spiritual growth? John 15 is very clear that the Father is the gardener and he cuts off branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. I admit, I don’t really enjoy the pruning process. Learning to trust our Heavenly Gardener in every area of His pruning is essential, but not always easy!

We also have an apple tree on our property. Last year we barely picked one bowl of fruit. My son in law pruned it. This year I was shocked to find we had over six big bowls of apples. Pruning works! I now had to figure out what to do with the fruit! Sometimes it is harder to all Him to prune areas where I have already seen fruit. I am content with the known. However, as He moves in and through my life I must trust Him to do His best in and for me and for the others around me. As I begin to expect more fruit, I also must release my faith that He will help me manage that fruit!

Trusting the Lord to help us manage our change takes faith, courage and will enrich and deepen our relationship with Him as we allow His Word and Spirit to help me manage that fruit. Pruning can be as simple as the Holy Spirit quick conviction, a word from your child or message from a sermon or word from your leaders. If we respond quickly we will benefit from the pruning sooner. Dear brethren, let us receive His pruning with grace, maturity and trust! We all need it.

I turned 70 this week (that word, in itself sounds old!” It sounds very old to many, but for those of us close to this age–not so much! My wonderful children set about to throw me a surprise gathering–with friends and family. Somehow along the way, I found out about it. I am one of those kinds of people who love celebrating others–myself, not so much. So I was glad to be able to prepare in my heart for it!

Our Youth Pastor preached a wonderful message on Sunday–about forgiveness and touched on the behavior patterns of middle- schoolers. That reminder was helpful to me as I watched four of my grandchildren this weekend–two which are middle schoolers! So I went up and thanked him for his words. His wife was out of town, so I thought maybe he would like to come to my birthday gathering that evening (as I invited him I remembered Sunday evenings are youth group nights). He said, no, he couldn’t–but then he goes “right, your birthday. You are going to have FUN!” I thought–what does he know that I don’t know? This was a very simple phrase–but it stopped me. I had not thought about it being “fun”, just that it would be “nice” or “good”, but “fun” isn’t something I usually think about for myself! That single word changed my expectation!

That little phrase set up an expectation in my soul that surprised me! I heard it, trusted it and believed it. I went, “OK!” As the day progressed I found myself getting excited with a new expectation. Due to my son in law’s open art studio week end, their four children were with me since Friday. We had a wonderful time, but I was a bit tired. I just prayed, “Father, let Your Will be Done”. I did not know who was coming–only those who had told me they couldn’t. So I did not know what to expect. The decorations began to go up. People stopped by early–which was great. And as a bonus gift, one of my friends who has been on dialysis for about three years got the call they had a kidney for her while she was here! We were able to pray, find a place for her dog, a ride to the hospital while we were in prep mode!

My dear friends of 42 years arrived the night before, so they were helping any way they could as well. I want to encourage us to use our faith filled words to help frame others lives. I did have fun. There was amazing food. Great words of encouragement from everyone who came and Words from the Lord which filled me up to begin this new decade. I felt loved and so cared for. I chose to listen carefully and faithfully to the encouraging words that people shared about how my life has intersected and impacted their life. It was a bit overwhelming, but I chose to receive them to motivate me on to touch even more lives.

Interestingly enough, they weren’t necessarily big things–but they were important to the individual. Friends, let us love both in word and deed. It makes a difference. Words are important. They are precious. Let us spend them to help encourage others. Speak words of life, God’s words. Last night our Life Group watched the movie Breakthrough–if you get a chance, watch it. You will see the power of words–first the mom’s words in desperate prayer, and then in words of life over her son and how they changed the situation. It’s something we each can do!

Father, we ask you to help us speak words of life. Convict us of any words which contradict your Word, which tear down and bring discouragement. If needed, help us with one conversation at a time. In Jesus Name, amen.

About 12 years ago or so we needed a new fridge. One of the features I really really wanted was an ice maker. In our previous fridge there was the option to have one, but my husband did not want to have to worry about getting the water pipe to it–concerned about possible leaks etc. So we opted out. I persisted in my wishes when we needed to purchase a new one and it not only came with the ice maker installed–he paid a friend to install the water line for me! I felt so loved and excited to finally have this great feature of an ice maker.

It has been so fun to simply open the freezer compartment and have fresh ice whenever I want to without the struggle of filling and refilling ice trays. I have so enjoyed this feature. I know many people have a fridge which dispense water, ice cubes and crushed ice on the front of their fridge. Even though we could have chosen one of those options, we did not. I was one happy camper just getting the ice cube maker! (It still makes me happy!)

A few months ago, I noticed a light inside my fridge had turned from green to red. I thought, what does this mean? The notice by it mentioned something about it being time to change the filter. I hunted all around for something to remove/replace etc, couldn’t find anything so I just sort of ignored it! Praying it wasn’t hurting anything!!

A few weeks ago, as we were cleaning out the fridge I noticed a button. I pushed said button and water came out!! Not only did I have an ice maker all these years, but I also have a cold water dispenser inside my fridge! Talk about a surprise! For 12 years I lived unaware of this amazing feature that we bought and paid for. I know it is hard to believe that I did not notice this feature–but because I am tall and the button is hidden under a dip in the freezer door it was harder to notice. When I clean my fridge I am looking inside–usually on my hands and knees and don’t look up!

I realized that my excitement and enthusiasm for my ice maker made me content with that feature, so I did not even think to explore for other features. I thought that is how it can be with the Lord–we get excited about one aspect of our walk with Him and miss some of His “other” features. We enjoy salvation and the forgiveness of our sins, but we may not embrace the power He has given us through the Holy Spirit. We partake of our personal walk with Him, but neglect to connect with His family through the local church. We enjoy reading the comfort of the Psalms, but do not explore some of the “meatier” passages encouraging us to walk and live holy through the letters.

My son came and helped me find and replace the water filter! My grandchildren are enjoying this new feature as well. I felt so foolish to not have seen this, now obvious, feature for all these years, but I am excited and blessed to have easy access to cold filtered water at the push of a button. I asked the Lord to show me things I have been missing or over looking in my walk with Him. I find myself praying more for myself and others. As I pray He has caused a greater appreciation for the gifts others have that I may have overlooked before. In some ways I feel like He has given me better sight! Father, I thank you for opening our eyes to your surprises. Help us to see you in others. To appropriate more of You in our lives and help impart it to others. Just like the fresh cold life giving water tap was sitting their available to me for 12 years and I was ignorant to it, help me to receive your insight to other blind areas in my life that I may reflect your character and glory even more.

Solomon instructs us to “remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1. If we develop the habit of remembering our Creator when we are young, it will help us remember Him no matter what age we are! Our memories can be quite a gift–or they can be a nagging torment. It is up to us what memories we choose to cherish.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior–how often do you remind yourself of that special moment when you prayed that miraculous prayer that took you from darkness to light? I remember laying on my bed as a nine year old and asking Jesus into my heart and life. I don’t remember the exact date–but I do know it was summer. Remembering that night always brings me hope, joy and peace. It leads me to remember why I needed and still need a Savior. It reminds me of His faithfulness and character.

I remember as a college student, I surrendered to Him, not only as my Savior, but as my Lord. The leader of my life. It was a cold, rainy day in March as I walked the streets around the University of Washington finally yielding my life to Him fully as an adult. It brought more peace as well as an understanding that His plan, no matter what it was and where it would lead, would become my plan. As I remember that day and the covenant I made with Him to serve Him and walk with Him, it reminds me to yield my life every day to His will and purpose.

I remember when He told me that I was going to marry Darryl Rodman! I carried those words in my heart as Mary pondered the angel’s words to her. Finally I shared them with our elders–and that set in motion events which led to our wedding day and 38 years of an adventurous marriage! So many stories of His faithfulness in us, through us and for us. No wonder Revelation tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our Testimony. I also remember the day of his stroke and his passing. Not easy memories, but made easier by God’s Presence and Words of Hope.

As all of us who have lived awhile on this earth–not all of my memories are sweet, up-lifting or beneficial. Some of them bring condemnation, regret and guilt. Usually these sorts of memories are triggered by another event. Some of these triggers are known to me (like certain dates on a calendar), but some of them I haven’t figured out–my emotions seem to stir them up. It is then that I must choose to replace them with God’s Word and His perspective. Taking the time to pray as these memories arise, helps me put them to rest and shift them to their proper place–under the blood!

The blessing of remembering our Creator and His covenant promises is the hope it brings to our present and to our future. They remind us that we are not alone and we have a way maker who is helping us navigate our current life situations. There are always those memories that in themselves may be horrendously evil, sad and difficult. I don’t mean to make light of them. However, I do believe as we ask the Holy Spirit to help us with His perspective we can find His handiwork in the midst and that is a very good thing. It brings hope and comfort.

Father, I ask that you teach us how to respond to our memories. I ask that you help us navigate them with your perspectives, your grace and your mercy. I thank you for helping us with our difficult memories as we choose to trust you even when they are hard to understand. In your name, amen

I haven’t felt well this past week–received an uninvited upper viral respiratory infection–which laid me low. However it gave me some extra time of reflection between coughs, sneezes and fevers! I just finished reading through 1, 2 Samuel, 1 , 2 Kings and a few minor prophets in my Bible reading plan. I began to meditate and ask the Holy Spirit about David’s heart versus the other kings who “did evil in the sight of the Lord”. What helped David develop a heart after God’s own?

Here are some things we do know about David. He was the youngest son of eight, to his father Jesse. He spent a lot of alone time out in the fields where he took care of some sheep. Was it this alone time that gave him ample time to worship and pray as he walked among the sheep? Did he develop his dependence and appreciation of God as he endured the elements? We see his resourcefulness as he developed his skill with his harp, sling and club! The short description found in I Samuel 17 where David defends his ability to defeat Goliath because of his previous accomplishments of dealing with lions and bears is done with humility, but persistence. Somehow, in his young life, he grew to trust in, rely on and walk in an amazing understanding of God and His faithfulness. even when he made horrendous mistakes he still walked in this trust. No matter if or when things were tough, he always returned to the goodness of God. Even when he sinned, he trusted in God’s character to restore and help him.

So how can we help foster this desire in our young people today? Was David an unique boy, who just happened to develop this personal trust in His God? I don’t think so. The Holy Spirit is at work calling and planting His passion in the hearts of many young people across the world. I believe there are young people everywhere who are growing into tenacious men and women of God who will fulfill their promised future. It is, obviously,their personal relationship with their Savior–but we can either be a help or sadly, a hinder.

The first place I must look is my own heart. It surprises me often with its critical tendencies, frustrations and un-Christ-like attitudes that seem to spring up from its depths that lead me off track. So as Jesus and I deal with these weeds with mercy, grace and repentance I still press on to the prize that awaits my finish line. My heart was hurt this week as I read about a well known influencer who has walked away from both his marriage as well as his faith in Christ. Even though we are warned about these things happening in the last days, it is my fervent prayer that my faith will overcome. Please do not underestimate the power of your “steady-walking” in Him. Consistency, stability and dependability is needed in God’s kingdom now even more than ever.

Older saints, do not let your heart grow cold or especially lukewarm. If the cares of this life–its disappointments, discouragements and griefs are touching your soul–take the time to deal with them. Ask for help from friends or counselors. Do not let discouragement ruin your later years of the fruitfulness of your life in Christ. I admit there have been times where I have felt tempted to draw back–but then I literally turn my heart to Him and think, “who else has the words of eternal life”? Where would I go? So I press in and on, often it seems with baby steps, but still I move forward, grateful for His mercy, once again.

Those of you who still move with the same faithful fervency–thank you. Thank you for being faith witnesses to our dear Savior. Thank you for weeding your own hearts and lives of those cares that would choke out His fruitfulness. Thank you for standing in the face of your adversities, overcoming the trials of life and walking with His loving grace. You are making a difference. A life lived with a focused heart, like David’s, produces much fruit. Do not let the distractions of this world draw you aside, but press on dear friends, press on.

How’s your memory? As we get older, we have so many more memories than we had when we were young. I remember standing at the altar at my wedding trying to capture in my memory the feelings and atmosphere of that special day. The same with the birth of each of our children–my first glimpse of their individual faces and the sense of new life and new stories being written in and for our family. I thought I would never forget….but sadly I did and do. As time goes by those special feelings and memories begin to fade. One year I wrote each of their birth stories and gave it to each of my children so they would know how much we anticipated them and how they came in this world with a special opening chapter–written and planned by God, interwoven by my husband and I.

After forty years of wandering the wilderness it finally came time for them to enter the land promised by the Lord. Joshua 3:15 tells us It was the harvest season and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. They all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.. How amazing would that be to be part of that amazing story? It would be one you think you would never forget, right? To watch the river dry up and watch God miraculously make a way where there really was no way! However, the Lord instructed Joshua to have the priests take up twelve stones from the river bed and make a memorial. Verse 21: Then Joshua said to the Israelite, In the future your children will ask, “what do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them. This is where the Israelite’s crossed the Jordan on dry ground. For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as we did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.

So I ask you to consider today…what are YOUR memorial stones? Do we mark the answered prayers in our life so we won’t forget? Revelation tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. My mom kept a diary for most of her life. She recorded moments in time that were important to her. Some are kind of boring to read, but read in a larger picture they give us a glimpse into the many chapters of her life. I am grateful for them. Off and on in my life I have been a journal-er. Several years ago Darryl and I made a trip to Ghana. It was a memorable trip in so many ways–but actually re-reading my journal of that time I realize just how much God did in and through us! My conscious memory has lost those stories–but they are still available because I wrote them down.

Jesus told us to partake of the Lord’s Supper as a memorial to Him…this do in remembrance of me. Why? because he knew we would forget. We need to be reminded of his death and sacrifice. He gave us a specific way to do this. We are asked to remember his body that was broken for us and his blood which was poured out for us. The elements of the bread and wine are our memorial stones–reminding us that we have a Savior who loves us. No matter how easy or difficult life may seem at communion time–it brings us back to the basics. We were sinners who needed a savior–and we have ONE!

I would encourage you to make your own memorial stones–these are not idols to be worshiped–but simple reminders of how good your God has been to answer prayer, to faithfully show up, to show forth His love to you and your family. During difficult times, it will serve to jog your memory and cause you to look up.

If you have walked with any sort of awareness of the spirit world you are aware that we are in a battle. In the book of Ephesians we are even given the list of the armor we should be using every day. Paul exhorts us to be strong in the Lord and the power of his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. for we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in heavenly places. Therefore, put on every pieces of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6: 10-13

Many of our battles are obvious–a car accident, an unexpected diagnosis, financial issues usually catch our attention quickly. But many of Satan’s attacks are much more subtle. Friction between loved ones, discontentment with leadership, discouragement with your lot in life are often signs that he has been working behind the scenes in your life. The word subtle is defined as elusive, hard to detect and sneaky! Sounds like Satan’s ways, correct?

Sometimes the reason people do not take these verses seriously is because they don’t feel they are a strong enough threat to the enemy to warrant him to attack them. If this is you my dear ones, please know that he is using this subtle mental attack already to make you feel “safe” or “unworthy” of his attention. This gives him an opening to increase his sneak attacks on you and your circle of influence. What I have learned over the years is he is relentless in his warfare. He does not quit or give up. His attacks begin very subtly. The word subtle means sneaky, not easily discerned, elusive. If/when we learn to discern these subtle attacks we can go on the offensive rather than the defensive. If we do not discern them, then he will distract us by helping us focus on the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things that come and choke the word, making it unfruitful. (Mark 4:19 (NIV) If he can use our own fleshly desires and weaknesses, (either making us feel stronger than we are-pride; or weaker than we are-inferior) he will have won the battle. Jesus won the war through the cross and his subsequent resurrection, but we have our part to play as well. Dear believers, do not let his wily ways drain your strength, focus and identity. This subtle warfare begins in our thought life. Capture any thoughts that would cause division, disunity or discouragement. He loves to distort our relationships and cause doubt and distrust of our leaders, our spouses and even our friends. Go on the offensive by setting your minds on things above (read through Philippians!) Pray for your leaders, your family and even “your enemies”. This is one of our most important weapons!

Father, I ask you to open our eyes to anywhere subtle Satan has influenced us. Help us to stand against his wiles and join in the battle today. David prayed that you would teach our fingers to fight and our hands to do warfare–show us what that means. Help us to embrace the battle, not run from it. Help us to understand our part in the fight and who our enemy is. Lord strengthen your people with compassion, diligence and persevering hearts. We ask that you open our eyes to your power and might. We stand against his subtleties this day and refuse to cooperate with his tactics. We are not victims, but victors, in Jesus Name.

Every life, believers or not, face struggles. It is part of just living on this earth. The amazing part of walking with Jesus is we are not ALONE in these struggles. He is not only with us–he is in us–the hope of glory. Paul wrote encouraging words to church at Colossae, words we can glean for ourselves. For God wanted them (us) to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory! (Colossians 1:17)

My question to all of us today is–have you forgotten that Christ lives within you? That we have access to His power, His might, the fruit of His Spirit? He is working in our hearts and lives His wonders to perform–but these are definitely things we must deliberately with intention release our faith to receive the full benefits of. Someone once told me that the Holy Spirit is a gentlemen and as such He will never force himself where he is not invited or asked. But–once we ask and release our faith to trust He is answering that request watch out! He will begin to show you things that before you might have missed. He will open your eyes to His workmanship in you .

Have you ever felt like giving up? Wondering if it is all worth it? Most likely your hope is under attack. These type of attacks usually are sneaky and subtle—like rain slowly eroding an embankment. The confident walk and hopeful future begins to fade, we begin to wonder if we even have a future–must less a good one! However, thanks be to our God who stirs us up and reminds us that He is our hope. Romans 8:24 We were given this hope when we were saved, (if we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. If you find your hope ebbing it’s important to do a re-set.

Our hope can become disappointed, disillusioned and discouraged when it is misplaced. We must make sure our hope is in Him–not necessarily in a person or thing. In my own life, coming to terms of being a widow was difficult. Darryl and I had a motto: “the best is yet to come–grow old with me”. It didn’t happen. As my life changed, so did my assumptions. I had to renew my hope in the Christ who lives within me. The Christ who knows me. The Christ who is still bringing me into a hopeful future. I choose today to enjoy Him and HIs promises. I choose today to say yes to His Hope in me and for me. This is the day I will rejoice and be glad in Him because I can! Do not let Satan steal your hope through misplaced expectations. Release your faith Him and trust His plans. It really is worth it!

The last two weeks I have shared some true stories of accepting God’s direction in our lives to make a seeming illogical trip from Idaho to Rhode Island–with two you children, a VW Van and almost no money! We finally made it to Providence and what was to become the Eastern headquarters of the ministry we belonged to. We arrived road weary but full of God’s testimonies. We knew a few of the people, but there were many new brothers and sisters to get to know.

A few days after our arrival we went to Massachusetts, to attend the wedding of our long time friends. On the way to the wedding, we stopped at another ministry home. As we walked into the house I heard in my spirit Satan laughing and cackling–“some ministry house this is. ” It was a shock to me–and I found myself replying to his taunts–God, I don’t care what you have to do, shut him up. I found out later that the current leaders were struggling with marriage issues and other attacks which led them to seek some not so wise choices influenced by our enemy.

As I stood there in the foyer and I heard those taunts, as I responded to those taunts with that phrase “no matter what it takes” I did not know the course of change I was setting in motion. The following day our overseer asked Darryl and I if we could/would move into that home and take over the pastorate! This was not what I expected. I already felt awkward and confused by some of the obvious differences between the west and the east–but I had asked the Lord to make the changes, so what choice did I have? If you are upset about something–be prepared to be the solution! Talk about denying my flesh and wants–this was not on our agenda. We had planned to be gone two weeks and now we were being asked to remain for an unspecified time! As we discussed what would happen to our home and church in Idaho, what it would mean for the church and ministry there in Massachusetts, we felt God say yes. He would work all those other things out.

None of it was easy. It definitely became a learning school for us in so many ways. The Holy Spirit began to teach me some very interesting lessons. Such as the familiar is always “better” than the “new”. I found myself comparing the west coast to the east coast, and due to this prejudice the west coast always seemed better. I finally learned, different is just different and to stop putting a judgment on it (which was a great lesson to have learned when we did overseas ministry!). I learned that spiritual warfare is real. For months I had to remind myself everyday that putting on the helmet of salvation was not an option! To defeat and silent that voice took perseverance and determination. I learned about homesickness, and how to give it to the Lord. It has given me compassion for the many military folks we’ve encountered here in Washington. I learned the God loves, cares for our nation and he loves diversity. As the years passed and we traveled back and forth from the east to the west, I learned to appreciate the different aspects of our nation. Yes, we had to “deny ourselves” to live in a new place, learning new ways and new things–but it was worth it. We made long time friends and it opened doors of ministry and influence that we still have today.

We discussed in our Life Group the other day what denying yourself meant versus self-denial. Someone described it this way, self denial is our decision to refrain from something, while denying our self for the gospel’s sake is submitting to God’s request. There is no way we can take up our cross and follow him without first recognizing it entails His will, not our will. Learning to trust His will as the better way takes the doing it! As we practice it everyday, it becomes easier to say yes. I still struggle from time to time, but I have learned that His way really is the better way. It is not always the easy way, nor without pain, but we can trust it will bring good fruit. I love and miss my east coast brethren. My life is sooo much richer because of them. The lessons were hard, but the fruit is sweeter. Please say yes to Him, you won’t regret it.