The Amazing God Ordained Day

It's 7:00 pm on Sunday evening and I am home. I had planned to be in church. Sunday night services are always incredible and I hate when I miss them. For some reason I have been quite tired today. I went to our Prime Time Class and Celebration Live Service this morning and later this afternoon I sat down to read the Sunday paper. My eyes got tired and I dozed off and didn't wake up until it was too late to go to church. I couldn't believe how long I had slept sitting up on my loveseat.

I was reminded of another time in my life when I was extremely exhausted. I didn't think I could make it through the day but that day ended up being one of the most amazing God ordained days of my life.

Don was the pastor of a small church in Packwood. I was very pregnant with Valerie. I had been up all night with 2 yr. old Sandra, who had the stomach flu. About 6:00 a.m. she finally went to sleep and I was faced with an unusually busy Saturday ahead of me. I knew if I lay down I would never get everything accomplished.

Don had left at 4:00 am for his paper route and when he returned home he would need to prepare for Sunday services. We had a missionary family coming for the morning service and they would be having lunch with us. The house had to be cleaned, the food prepared, the soiled sheets and clothes washed, everyone's Sunday clothes ironed and I was too tired to know where to start. I made myself an egg and piece of toast and sat down at the kitchen table to eat. "God, please give me supernatural strength for today so I can get all my responsibilities accomplished," I prayed when I blessed the food.

About 7 am I was gathering up the dirty clothes and loading the washing machine when I heard a quiet knock on the door. Sis. Hanson, one of our senior citizens was standing at the door with a couple of bags. "I saw your light on and wanted to bring these over before you got too busy today," she said. "I woke up early and was in a baking mood. I thought you could use these for lunch tomorrow." The bags held two apple pies and home made dinner rolls. I gave her a hug and told her she was God-sent.

Before I got back to the washing machine, the telephone rang. Bro. Morton, another senior citizen from our church was on the line. "Sis. Hintz, when my wife was having her devotions this morning she felt the Lord told her to do some ironing for you today. I'll be over in a few minutes to pick it up for her." He hung up the phone before I could catch my breath to respond. I went to my overflowing ironing basket and pulled out two white shirts for Don, a dress and set of play clothes for each of the girls and a cotton Sunday dress for myself. When Bro Morton arrived and took one look at the small bag he laughed saying," I know you have more ironing to be done than this. My wife won't be happy with me if this is all I bring home. She was looking forward to having something to keep her busy today." I was embarrassed to give him such a large pile of ironing but I knew I couldn't argue with him....or with God. "I'll bring these back later today," my dear friend hollowed as he opened his car door.

I finished putting the clothes in the washer and was pulling out cleaning supplies when there was another knock on the door. Bro. McCullough, one of our deacons and our neighbor across the street was standing with a bag. "We butchered last week and I thought you could use a nice beef roast for Sunday lunch tomorrow," he announced. "My wife included some potatoes and carrots in the bag to go with the roast." I was choking back the tears while saying thanks when I saw two of our teen girls walking towards the house. Bro McCullough greeted the girls as passed on the sidewalk.

"Sis. Hintz can we stay here for awhile till our dad picks us up?" Elayne asked. "Sure," I responded while pulling out the dusting supplies and vacuum cleaner. "You look tired," Liz said. I told them about being up all night and the work that still lay ahead of me. Elayne looked over at Liz and then said, "We'll clean your house for you. Just tell us what you want done and you can go take a nap for awhile." I didn't argue. I gave them instructions and told them to call me when Sandra woke up. I don't think I even remember hitting the bed.

I didn't wake up until the late afternoon. The house was completely quiet. Sandra wasn't in her room. The clothes were folded on the dryer, the house was clean and there was a note on the table. The note said, "Thanks for letting us clean your house. We had a good time. Sis. Hanson put Sandra in the stroller and walked into town with her. She'll bring her home later. Pastor is in his office at the church. See you tomorrow. P. S. Sis. Hanson brought you some homemade soup and corn bread for dinner."

With the note still in my hand I slowly sat down in the rocking chair. I felt rested, the house was clean, food and dessert was available for Sunday's lunch, dinner for that night was on the stove, my ironing was being done and Sandra was being spoiled by her adopted "grandma". "Lord, I just asked for supernatural strength to get my work done," I prayed, "but you had another plan. You nudged a whole circle of your children to bless their Pastor's wife today." I felt like a small child that had just crawled up in her daddy's lap for a big hug. Tears of thanksgiving flowed freely as I sat alone in the quiet house.

"Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."(NLT) I had plans tonight but things didn't turn out the way I expected. I can't help but wonder why this story came to my mind 40 yrs after it took place. Does someone need to be reminded to "Cast all their anxiety on Him because He cares for you?" I Peter 5:7 (NIV) I can tell you from personal experience.... our Father really does care for His children.

Is That You Speaking, Lord?

Today a serviceman came to change my phone over to another company. I was excited over the good deal I was getting but yet I felt a check in my spirit. "Lord, if this is not the right thing for me to do, please show me," I prayed before he arrived. As the serviceman was looking for hook-ups I asked him if this was the regular cost of bundling the phone and internet. Without hesitation he said, "O, this is just a promo. In three or six months it will be more than twice this amount." No one had told me this was just a promotional price.

I must have looked confused because the nice gentleman said, "Are you sure this is what you want to do? It will cost you big to change it back in several months if you can't afford the regular amount." I knew this was the Lord leading me to stay with what I have.

I'm so grateful that God can see the future and He knows what is best for us. I remembered an incident that happened right after Don passed away. A lady (I didn't know her very well) came up to me after church one Sunday. She handed me a sympathy card and then she said," I don't want you to think that I'm crazy when you see the amount I put on the check inside the card. I wanted to take it to the even amount....in fact, I did that, but I felt God was telling me to write it for this uneven amount so I tore up the check and rewrote it. Now, I'm just trusting I was really hearing the Lord." I gave her a hug and thanked her for listening to the small voice inside her.

When I arrived home, I looked at the check. It was for $74.26. "Lord, I know you have a special purpose for this check," I prayed, "so I'm going to put it in the drawer and wait for you to show me what it is for." At the end of the month my bills were coming in. When I saw my gas bill, it sounded familiar. I ran to the drawer and pulled out the check and the tears began to flow. The bill was for the exact amount of the check, $74.26.

On Sunday morning I put the bill and the check in my purse. As I was walking across the parking lot after church, I saw the lady who had given it to me. When I showed her the bill and check she fell into my arms sobbing uncontrollably. We stood there, both crying, unable to say anything except, "Thank you, Jesus!

I discovered this situation was not only to meet my needs but God was meeting a need in the life of my new friend. She shared how she had been discouraged, depressed, and couldn't seem to connect with God. She cried out to Him, "Please show me that you are there....that you care." The next day she read that Don had passed away and her heart was touched. She remembered how he had greeted her in the foyer at church and how his joyful spirit always lifted her up.
When she chose a card to give to me God spoke loud and clear in her heart to write me a check for $74.26. The incident not only showed her that God was there, but also assured her that she could still hear His voice. It also was exactly what I needed to help me through the next three months when I didn't have any income. I knew God was taking care of me...and He did.

I'm a little disappointed that I won't have long distance, calling ID or the eleven other amenities (whatever they are) that the new company promised but there is no amount of amenities that can take the place of PEACE in my heart because I have followed the Lord's leading. I am learning to "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and not depend on my own understanding. I want to seek His will in all I do and then know He is directing my paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 (NLT personalized) Is that You speaking, Lord? Your daughter is listening.

The Paint Job

I looked up this morning and saw a nice size cobweb hanging on my bright yellow wall. I decided it was time to get the dust mop and rid my home of unwanted guest. As I cleaned I had an overwhelming gratefulness pour over me as I remembered God's faithfulness in helping me get my home painted two summers ago.

Heating by wood is not the cleanest means of warmth. The inside of my house really needed a good paint job. I asked God to help me figure out how to get it done. The estimates I had received from painters were not in my budget. I wrote my request in my prayer book and prayed about it all summer but it was as if God hadn't heard me. Winter came and my walls were still dirty.

The next spring I wrote the request in my prayer book again and asked God to please lay it on someone's heart to help me. I had all kind of ideas on who might be able to help me but I knew from experience that it is best to keep quiet and let God take care of it.

On June 24th, I received an email from a man I hadn't seen in many years. His daughter had been in my daycare when she was young and now she was grown and married. The email said, "Hi, Pat. Jim B. here. Was just talking with Lynn and we would like to send a work blessing crew to your home. This would be crew of 4 adult men, three of whom are working their way through various addictive/destructive behaviors....good guys that made wrong decisions. Let me know how this group of hard working guys could help you....inside or out....all different skills are represented. We will handle all cost of this."

I sat in shock for a few minutes. I would never have guessed in a million years who God had chosen to help me. Jim, Lynn, and the men came early one morning and by the end of a long day they had primed and painted the inside of my home, as well as made some other needed repairs.

While the men were painting, I told them stories of how God had miraculously taken care of me. Jim later told me that God had not only brought us together to get my house painted, but also because these new Christians needed to understand how much God loves His children.

I asked Jim what made him call me. He said while he was doing his devotions, God spoke to his heart to give me a call. God put together a man wanting to serve, a widow desperately needing help, and some young men trying to get their lives together, even though we lived an hour and a half away from each other. What an awesome God!

The Bible says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 The year earlier, when I so desperately wanted to get the paint job accomplished, God knew about three young men that needed another year to get their lives ready to hear a grandma's stories. I am not a patient person, especially with spiders in spider webs on my walls, but I pray that when it comes to waiting on God, I can learn to say, "But I trust in you, O Lord: I say, 'You are my God'. My times are in your hands...." Psalm 31:14,15

The Comforter Set

I just finished changing the sheets on my bed. I can't believe how much harder that chore is now than it use to be. I don't have as much strength in my hands and back but with endurance and taking my time, I get the job accomplished.

My comforter is pretty heavy. I'm very grateful for its warmth on cold winter nights. It's not a pattern I chose but it's the one God gave me and I'm thankful for it. You probably raised your eyebrows when I said my comforter came from God....but that is exactly where it came from. It was the answer to the simple prayer of a widow in need.

About a year after the passing of my husband, I was making my bed one day. "I think I'll take this comforter to the laundry mat for a good washing," I said out loud to myself. When I folded the comfortable over I noticed that it was pulling apart at the seams. In fact, there were some pretty big holes on the back side. I realized the comforter Don and I had used for many years had seen its better days. I pulled the covers back up on the bed, walked to my desk and pulled out my prayer book. "Lord, I really need a different comforter set," I wrote. "This one won't take another washing. You know I don't have money for a new one so please show me what to do."

A few weeks later, Valerie called me. "Mom would you like to have a new comforter set for your bed." she asked? I was so stunned by her question that I could hardly speak. It seems that one of our Pastor's wives had re-decorated her master bedroom and was planning to sale her used comforter set on Ebay. As she was getting ready to list it, the Lord spoke to her heart to give it to Valerie. She assumed the Lord was saying Valerie needed it for her new guest bedroom.

Valerie didn't need the bed set. She knew immediately that the set was for me. I had not told anyone about my prayer but Val had noticed the deteriorating condition of my comforter. When she brought the set over, I showed her my recent prayer request and we rejoiced together for God's provision. The comforter was the right size, the right colors, in perfect condition, and it was definitely within my budget...free!

Sometimes it may seem petty to ask the Lord for the little things in our lives but the Bible says,"You do not have, because you do not ask God" James 4:3 Just like a child ask his daddy for something he needs, we can ask our Heavenly Father and wait for His timing in providing.

There have been times since I've been living alone that I find myself fearful at night. I crawl under my "gift from God" and remind myself, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 As I pull my comforter up under my neck I am assured that my Father is watching over me.

Bikes Wanted

Sandra just came by to get her dad's bike. It's been sitting in the shed for eight years and I'm grateful that she can use it. Don's helmet was hanging on the handlebar so she tried it on. We had a big laugh when it fell down over her eyes. "We knew no one could fill dad's shoes, I teased, but now we know no one can fill his helmet either."

"Mom, remember when we got our first bikes?" Sandra asked. "I was just thinking of that," I responded. "It's a time I'll never forget," I continued as we both drifted down memory lane. Valerie and Sandra were 5 and 7 and beginning to notice that every kid in the neighborhood had a bicycle except them. Don and I watched our girls stand on the sidelines while their friends rode their bikes. It made us very sad. Our pastorate in South Seattle barely provided for our basic needs.

One night Sandra was saying the blessing over the food. "And dear God, please let mom and dad want to buy me and Valerie a bike," she ended her prayer. My eyes locked with Don's across the dinner table and I could see the deep hurt he was feeling.

Our usual talkative family was quiet as the food was passed around. We began to eat in silence and then Don spoke softly, "Sandra, your mom and I want very much to buy you girls a bike but we do not have the money." He stood up and went over to the desk, coming back with a spiral notebook and pen. "This is our family's prayer book," Don began. "When we have a need we write it in this notebook asking God to provide for us."

"Why is some of the writing in red?" Valerie observed. "Those are the answers to our prayers," I responded. "When God meets our need, we write it in red so we can remember to thank Him."
Don took the pen and began to write in the notebook, "Dear God, Sandra and Valerie would really like to have a bike. If you know of one for them, please lead us to it. We give you thanks in advance." He closed the notebook and continued to eat his dinner.

About three days later I went to the mailbox to get the mail. Lying on top of the regular mail was an envelope with no stamp or address. It was blank except for the handwritten "Pastor Hintz" scrawled across the top. I went into the house and handed the envelope to Don. He opened it and out fell three $10.00 bills. There was no note or reason for the money. "What do you think that is for?" I asked. Without hesitation, Sandra shouted, "That's the money for our bikes." I glanced at Don and could read his thoughts. Thirty dollars wouldn't buy two bikes: besides, that money could provide some much needed groceries for our bare cupboards.

God saw the faith of those little girls and before the day was over, we had two very nice used bikes in our garage. God had opened my eyes to just the right ad in the newspaper. We acted on His leading, although the price advertised was twice the money we had available. He tendered the hearts of two teen-age girls who had outgrown their bikes. When they saw Sandra and Valerie's excitement they talked their dad into selling the bikes for the $30.00 God had given us. That day was the beginning of our girls understanding how much God truly cared for them.

As soon as we arrived home with the bikes, Sandra ran in and picked up the prayer book, along with the red pen. Our 7 yr. old had learned the importance of giving thanks after God answers prayer. As the girls grew, many times they witnessed God's provision and grace. We were hoping that when they became adults and faced tough times, they would have a storehouse of memories which would help them say as David did in Psalm 77:11, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yea, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Then maybe they too will head for the desk which holds their family's prayer book.

God is Never Late

My daughter, Elaine, just went back to Anchorage after a week here in Puyallup. I know it is hard for her to leave her home, her daughter, son-in-law, and other family members to go back to Alaska to work. Elaine didn't want to move to Alaska but when there was not adequate work for an Escrow Officer in Washington State, she followed the Lord's leading and took work where it was still available. She learned early in life that the best road to take is not always the easy one.

I recently read a statement by George MacDonald that said:
"I am content to be and have
what in Thy heart I am meant to be and have."
This made me think of Elaine when she was 16 years old. She had been invited to tour with one of the Northwest District Choirs. She learned the songs, practiced with the choir, made a record with the choir and then it was time to get her required money together. She worked hard selling records to family and friends until she had completely paid her tuition for the choir tour.

Elaine needed some pocket money to pay for a few meal stops not covered on the tour and other incidentals. The three of us prayed and prayed for the extra money but not one penny came in. Elaine's tour was meeting in Spokane. Our friend allowed us to charge the gas so we could drive her there. We didn't have even a dollar we could give Elaine for her trip. Don was pastor of a small church without a fixed salary. He received a percentage of the Sunday morning offering and sometimes it wasn't even a two figure amount. Our family had learned to pray and wait for God to provide, even sometimes for the food we were to eat.

Elaine understood our situation and assured us she would be fine missing a meal or two. She was so precious. She never complained but just thanked the Lord for the opportunity to go with the choir. I was really sad on the trip over the mountain. God had always met our needs and I could not understand why some miracle wasn't taking place for Elaine.

Chaos broke loose when we arrived at the church in Spokane. Kids, all dressed alike in the traveling outfits, were everywhere talking, laughing, choosing bus seats and loading luggage. Everyone was excited, including Elaine. Just as we were about to say our goodbyes, Don's sister-in-law from Moses Lake drove up. "I'm so glad I didn't miss seeing Elaine off", she said as she came up to us. "This morning the Lord laid it on my heart that I needed to meet you here", she continued. Shirley had driven almost a hundred miles to obey God's small voice in her heart.

Elaine came over to give us hugs. Shirley put an envelope in her hand as she wished her a safe and fun trip. We did not know what was in the envelope but we did know in our hearts that God had met our daughter's need.

I asked God to forgive me for doubting his provision. My 16 yr. old daughter had taught me what it means to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. She had decided "to be content whatever the circumstances." Phil. 4:11

I would prefer that Elaine didn't have to head back to Alaska but I have learned that God's "thoughts are not my thoughts, neither His ways my ways."Isaiah 55:8 He has a greater purpose for Elaine being away from her family and I trust my daughter to live out God's plan in her life. She has learned from many years of experience that "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant." Psalm 25:10

An Unforgetable "Independence Day" Weekend

Pop..Pop...pop pop...Pop....Boom! I sat straight up in bed for the "umpteen" time that night. The clock said it was 2:50 a.m. and I wondered when the 4th of July was going to end in my community. I could see there was no reason to try to sleep so I headed to my comfy chair in the living room and turned on "Nick at Night". I laughed for a while at Steve Irkel and gradually sleep overtook my tired body.

The bright sunshine coming through my living room window told me I had slept too long to make it to my usual Sunday services. I was sad that I had missed my Prime Time Class where I connect each Sunday with friends and with God. "I really wanted to go to church," I said out loud to God as I headed for the shower.

After getting myself dressed for the day, I realized the hunger pains were really getting strong. "I wonder if my family is at the new Mongolian Grill," I thought as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. They eat there after church once in a while. After not seeing any familiar cars in the parking lot, I picked up some food at the Panda Express and started home to eat.

I was only a few blocks from home when the car in front of me stopped. I reached my foot up to put on the brake and the brake peddle jammed into my open-toe shoe, between my foot and the sole of my shoe. I kicked, pulled and did every thing I could to get my shoe untangled while I watched in horror as the car in front of me was getting closer and closer. I tried pushing the brake with my left foot just as I hit the car and my air bag activated. What a helpless feeling! I've never experienced anything like that before.

Sleep didn't come so easy the next few nights. Every time I closed my eyes, I re-lived the terrible feeling of approaching that car with no way to get my car stopped. I spent much time in prayer....praying that the nice young couple I hit would not have to go through much pain, praying that God would work out all the details of another car...praying that I could forgive myself and stop re-living the accident, and praying that I could get over my nervousness every time I drove the rental car.

"Father, I don't have any money to make car payments," I wrote in my prayer journal. "Please help me find a car for the meager amount of money my 96 Grand Marquis was worth. I gave it all to God and now I just had to trust Him for all the details. "When doubts filled my mind, your comfort, gave me renew hope and cheer." Pslam 94:19 (NLB)

As soon as Art, a car salesman from our church, heard about the wreck, he began to help me by researching what my car was worth and making sure the insurance company was being fair to me, as well as praying for God to help him find the right car for me.

God is so faithful. Four days after the accident, I was signing papers for just the car I needed. It was a one owner car in very good shape, had all the power equipment I needed to be comfortable, plenty of room to transport grandchildren, and the dealer let me have it for the price I was getting from my wrecked car. God met all my needs without me ever putting a foot on a used car lot.

I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of the Lord or the kindness of His people. I am so thankful that the Word promises us, "The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.: Psalm 34:17 (NLB)

Celebrating our Freedom

Silence hung in the air around us. Except for the clicking of heels on the pavement, total reverence penetrated the still, hot air at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. Our family of four had joined other spectators to view the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The year was 1987. We were on a trip celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and Valerie and Sandra’s high school graduations.

I glanced across the massive manicured lawns with its hundreds and hundreds of tombstones. Tears threatened my eyes as I reflected on the many wives, children and other family members left alone while their loved ones died for our freedom. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our military families, our free country and for my husband who had been one of the blessed ones to return from Viet Nam.

Today is July 4th. I was reading an article this morning about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. These men paid a big price for our freedom. Five of them were captured and tortured, twelve had their home ransacked and burned, nine died in the Revolutionary War. Others had to run for their lives, their wives and children were hurt. They lost their possessions and wealth. They had to sell their businesses and homes to pay off their many debts. These men gave so much for our freedom. Freedom is never free.

My mind goes to another man who gave his all for our freedom. He gave His life on a cross so we could be released from our sins. The Bible says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36 NLB)

We are blessed to live in America where we can celebrate Independence Day with our family and friends, as well as openly worship the one who truly sets us free. We have a beautiful warm day to enjoy ice cold watermelon, hearty laughter from family stories, or a sweaty game of ultimate Frisbee. Yes, we have the privilege of living our life however we choose. But to have true happiness in our freedom we must live according to the Word: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil: live as servants of God.” I Peter 2:16

Father's Day Thoughts

Today is Father’s Day. My father was killed in a terrible accident when I was 7 years old. Even though I was very young, I have some vivid memories of times with him.

I was a daddy’s girl. I enjoyed him coming home from work every day. My sister, June and I would run out to greet him when he drove up. We would each grab a leg, step up on his work boot and get a ride into the house on his strong feet. He would head straight to the kitchen where mama was putting supper on the table. He’d walk up to mom and pull her into his arms for a kiss. I can still remember standing on dad’s foot, looking up at the two of them embracing and feeling so safe. “Were my little ladies good today?” daddy would ask mama. I wanted so much for her to be able to answer, “Yes”. I wanted daddy to be proud of his little ladies.

Daddy was gentle and kind but also very strict. He loved God and he loved church and we girls were expected to sit by him perfectly quiet and still during service. We didn’t always manage to fulfill his expectations and discipline followed when we arrived home.

Every night daddy would read a Bible Story to June and me. When he was finished he would remain sitting on the couch and June and I would each kneel at one of dad’s legs. He would place his arms around our shoulders and pray with us. When I was six years old, I asked Jesus into my heart while leaning with my head on daddy’s knee.

Daddy was one of thirteen children and had never received a toy for Christmas. He worked for the railroad and loved trains. Mom secretly saved money out of her grocery budget for a whole year and gave him a train set for Christmas. I can still picture daddy up in the spare bedroom happily setting up communities and towns for his train. We would go to sleep at night by the gentle humming of the engine as it pulled the rail cars around the track. After daddy died, mama would take out his train every Christmas and set it up around the Christmas tree.

I only had seven short years with my Father but his character and teaching gave me the foundation that I have lived on every since. Proverbs 22:9 says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” On this Father’s Day I am grateful for an earthly father that introduced me to the One who promised to be “A Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows.” (Psm. 68:5) He is the greatest Father of all.

Celebrating a Great Man

June 1st was my late husband’s birthday. He would have been 70. He enjoyed birthdays – his and everyone else’s. He made sure each family member was celebrated on their special day.

We have a little tradition we do since Don’s passing. On his birthday, family members meet at the Dairy Queen for Don’s favorite, onion rings and a dipped cone. The grandchildren and I enjoyed reminiscing about their Opa while we munched on treats. We all desire to keep his memory alive in our hearts.

When I think of Don, I think of the song, “I am a Friend of God”. Don and God were definitely friends. They were in constant communication and sometimes it resulted in events that could only happen because of this relationship.

I recall a Friday when Don came home from work and told me something unusual had happened on the way home. He had been driving his little truck when God spoke to his heart and said, “The next time you see someone stuck on the side of the road, I want you to stop and help.” He watched for someone who needed help but didn’t see anyone. “I’m confused” he confessed. “I felt sure that the Lord was speaking to my heart.” “Continue to keep your eyes alert,” I offered. “Maybe the time is still to come.”

On Sunday during prayer time in Don’s Bible Class, Steve again requested prayer for John, his boss. “John seems to be very interested in God but I don’t know how to approach him about Salvation, “Steve admitted. Steve had been requesting prayer for John every Sunday for about a month and the whole class was praying for this man who was having marriage problems and needed God in his life.

About 11 a.m. on Monday, Don was driving down 405 headed to the church to get his mail and work duties for the week. He glanced up and saw a pick-up truck on the left shoulder of the road. Don quickly went across all three lanes and pulled up behind the man in distress. “Can I help?” Don offered as he walked up to the neatly dressed middle aged man. “I have a flat tire but when I pulled out the spare I discovered it is flat also,” the man responded in a frustrated tone. “Let’s put them both in my truck and I’ll take you over to Discount Tires just off the next exit,” Don offered.

As they drove and then waited for the tires to be repaired, Don became acquainted with the man who introduced himself as John. John shared that he lived in Bellevue but had been in a meeting by the airport and was on his way back to work. Don, who was wearing his Metro uniform, explained that he was a minister that also drove a Metro bus during the peak commuting hours in the morning and evening.

As John became more comfortable, he began to confide in Don about his marriage problems, his fear of the unknown, and how empty his life felt. He admitted that he didn’t know much about God but he had an employee whose peace and joy from knowing God really fascinates him. God put a thought in Don’s heart and he asked, “Is that employee’s name, Steve?” “Yes, how did you know?” John responded in confusion.

Don gave John a big smile and laid his hand up on his shoulder. “John, God loves you so much that he has worked all kind of miracles to bring you and me together today,” Don began. He told him the whole story of how Steve requested prayer for him in the Bible Class, how God had laid it on his heart to help the next distressed traveler, and how God placed each of them in the right place at the right time of the day for this encounter.

By the time John was back on the road to Bellevue, he was a new child of God and Don had made an appointment to meet with John and his wife for marriage counseling. For the next few months Don mentored and counseled the new Christians and helped them get established in a church near their home.

The Bible says, “My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NLB) Don knew the Good Shepherd’s voice because he had spent much time communicating with Him. The grandchildren and I enjoy celebrating this great man. He is our example, our hero.

Kirstin's Gift

Meghan and I stopped by Hunt Elementary School a few days ago. We wanted to say hello to the prettiest 2nd grade teacher around. I can say that because I’m her grandmother and grandmothers have bragging rights.

Kirstin is the only child of our oldest daughter, Elaine. Kirstin and her husband, Josh, live in downtown Puyallup, in a beautiful home on the river. She is only a few miles away from me but I don’t get to see her very often.

Kirstin was born in Anchorage and spent her elementary years there. Don and I looked forward to the times her family would come down to visit. She enjoyed playing with her cousins and the children in my daycare.

When Kirstin turned eight, it was decided she was old enough to fly from Anchorage to Seattle by herself and spend a couple of weeks with grandpa and grandma. Her favorite thing to do was to play school with the kids in the daycare.

I didn’t have to do much entertaining of my daycare while Kirstin was there. She had made lesson plans before leaving Anchorage. She had all kinds of little papers for them to work on, drawings to do, craft to make, and fun active games to enjoy.

Kirsten loved to perform for an audience. She would organize the older daycare kids or her cousins and they would perform a circus, give a play or dance a recital. They would make tickets and pretend to sell them for the show. All the adults would show our support by laughing, clapping and genuinely enjoying every moment.

From a very early age Don and I could see that God had given Kirstin a special love and gift for working with children. It was no surprise when she told me she would be pursuing a teacher’s degree in college.

I Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I know a group of boys and girls in the 2nd grade that have been blessed to have a teacher who loves them, loves God and loves using the “gift” which began to grow inside of her when she was only a 2nd grader herself.

Please pray for Kirstin and other teachers that have been given their layoff slips due to our tough economy. This was only Kirstin’s 2nd year of teaching so she won’t be teaching next year unless the Lord intervenes with a special assignment for her. I will be praying because I believe in miracles and I believe in Kirstin.

Anniversary Thoughts

“Don says he’ll love you if you’ll love him”, a nine year old camper was saying to me. I let out a little laugh as I listened to ten little girls all trying to convince me that Don had sent them to give me a message.

The year was 1961. I had just graduated from high school and was spending a week as a counselor for kids at church camp. Don was in the military at a base about 40 miles from my hometown and had taken a week off to also be a counselor at the church camp. The whole week my girls and Don’s boys did everything they could to get us together. Don and I both were being entertained with these little match makers.

From the time I was a young girl, my mother had been praying about the boys her three girls would some day marry. I too wanted God’s best for me but I didn’t expect the “best” would be from Washington State, completely across the United States from where I had lived my whole life.

The week at camp was wonderful. The more I was around Don, the more my heart grew fonder. On Wednesday night Don preached and the altar was filled with boys and girls seeking God. I felt at home on my knees beside Don praying with the kids.

The last day of camp, after the last child had boarded his bus, Don and I sat on the camp porch and talked for hours. By the time we left for our separate towns, we knew God had something special planned for us and we were ready to begin dating and growing in the Lord together. Eleven months later we were married. God had used the most unlikely “cupids” at kid’s camp to help perform His will in our lives.

Today would be our 47th anniversary. Don loved celebrating our anniversaries and every year we took three or four days around Memorial Day to celebrate and explore some new location in Washington State. I always miss him a little more at this time of the year.

I’m very grateful for the 39 ½ years we had to build wonderful memories which will live on in my heart forever. I’m thankful for a praying mom, and a praying grandmother before her, that taught me to “Delight myself in the Lord and He would give me the desires of my heart.” Psalm 27:4 (my translation) Most of all I am grateful to the Lord for using nine and ten year old campers to help me meet the LOVE of my life. “Yes, my dear little camper, tell Don I will love him - forever.”

Memorial Day Thoughts

My children and grandchildren are all out enjoying this beautiful sunny day. We will meet later for a barbeque. I am home alone waiting for a friend to stop by while she is in the area.

I have been thinking of Memorial Day and how very grateful I am for the many people that have played a part in my freedom. I love America. I love the freedom to enjoy God, family, and friends. I love the freedom to make choices I feel is best for me. I love the privilege of backing our troops and their families in prayer.

We went to Tahoma national cemetery yesterday to put flowers on my dear husband’s grave. My eyes began to water just driving through the many flags lining the streets and seeing the hundreds of small flags on every grave, representing people who have given their service to our country.

My mind went back 47 years. Two months and two days after Don and I were married, he boarded a plane headed for Viet Nam. For fifteen months I prayed, watched for his handwriting on letters and went to bed each night praying that he was safe. What a relief when he came home. We were one of the blessed ones. We had many more years to enjoy life together.

Every week I read over the names of our military men and women on our church prayer list. There is usually a half of a page of young people who are serving our country. Many of them are deployed. Some of them have families left here to cope while their spouses are away. I pray for each name, asking God to meet their needs and keep them safe.

Engraved on Don’s tombstone is his favorite Scripture, Colossian 3:12-15. Verses 12 and 13 says “ Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy, and dearly loved, cloth yourselves with compassions, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another.” This Memorial Day let’s commit to putting these verses into action with our military families. We can show our appreciation for America by loving and serving those who fight for our freedom.


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Valerie's Need

I have been praying for my daughter, Valerie again this morning. She has been on my heart and in my prayers constantly for the last week. She was at a park in Tacoma doing a photo shoot when someone picked the lock on her car, taking the purses of her and her partner as well as her computer bag with her computer and equipment.

Someone found Valerie’s license and 4 credit cards along side of the road, but nothing else has been recovered. Valerie had been editing my granddaughter’s wedding pictures on her computer and I’m sick that all her work has been lost. I’m been praying and believing that God will do a miracle and help us get back that computer.

This morning I was reading in the “Daily Bread” about thieves which stole nearly $5,000.00 in sound and office equipment from a church. The church people began to pray for the thieves and the next night they broke back into the church to return the equipment. It reminded me of a time when Valerie’s saxophone, along with other instruments, were stolen from our church and God helped us recover all of them. These stories encouraged me to not loose faith in Valerie’s situation.

God also brought to my mind an early morning about 9 years ago when I was awakened by the ringing of the phone. It was 4 a.m. and Don was calling from his job at Metro. “I need your help, honey,” he said. “I laid my bag on top of the truck while I opened the door and forgot to get it”, he continued. “There is some vital information in that bag I wouldn’t won’t to get into the wrong hands, so would you please go out along my route and see if you can spot it?”

I hurriedly got dressed and began the tedious process of scanning for the black bag. After an hour with no luck, I drove home praying all the way. “Father, please don’t let anyone take that bag that could exploit our credit or bring harm to us or our property,” I pleaded with tears forming in my eyes. When I walked up on the porch by my back door, there sat Don’s black bag. A note was attached from our paper carrier. “I found this bag about two blocks from here and looked inside for a name. I was relieved to recognize your name so I could get it back to you,” he had written.

I went inside to call Don and to spend some time thanking my heavenly Father for letting just the right person find our lost treasure.

After being reminded of answers to prayers in years past, I open up the Word and begin claiming God’s promises. “The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne He observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts so He understands what they do.” Psalm 33:13-15 (NLB)
“The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17 (NLB)
“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.” Isaiah 65:24 (NLB)

Valerie recovering her equipment seems unlikely but I won’t stop praying and believing for that miracle. God knows who took it and where it is. He knows how much it is needed. I will continue to pray for the heart of the thief, and ask God to either lead us to the right place or use one of His people to recover it for us. I’ve made my request known and now I will rest in the peace of God’s will. “Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6(NLB)

Michael's "God Thing"

What a great week! I’ve been having so much fun that I haven’t had time to sit down at the computer.

Darren and Danielle arrived home on Wednesday. There was much joy as all the siblings hugged and caught up on 5 months worth of happenings. I headed to bed just before midnight and left Sandra and the kids still laughing and talking by the fire.

Michael, who is 18 and a senior this year, made our sides sore from laughing so hard at his funny stories. He not only tells them but demonstrates with body language. He has a natural gift of making a dull story become fun and alive.

Don and I spent much time praying for Michael. He started wrestling at 7 years old and would spend every weekend at wrestling tournaments. We were concerned that he wasn’t going to church and learning about God.

When Michael entered the 7th grade he made all new friends at school. To our joy, these young men were Christians and very involved in their churches. Michael began attending their early morning Bible Study before school every Friday and has continued this throughout his Junior and Senior High years. He also began attending the youth group with friends and committed his life to Christ.

Michael had another experience in the 7th grade that made an impact on his life. He was making a veteran’s day poster about his uncle who had served in Viet Nam. His grandmother in California emailed some pictures for the poster. We tried and tried to pull them up on my computer but couldn’t get them up. Danielle tried, Michael tried, and then I called in a friend who is a computer wiz and no one could get the pictures.

The day before the poster was due, Michael was really sad when I picked him up from school. “I don’t want to turn my poster in,” Michael whined. “Everyone else has nice pictures on theirs.” I felt so bad for him. “Let’s go to my house and try once more,” I responded.

When we arrived home, I took Michael’s hands and said, “Michael, the Bible says, ‘... that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three comes together in my name, there am I with them.’” “Michael, I want you to agree with me and I’m going to pray that we’ll get those pictures up,” I continued.

After prayer, Michael sat down and began working with the computer. In only a few minutes, a big picture of his Uncle Lloyd popped up. “What did you do different?” I asked excitedly. “I didn’t do anything,” he responded. He turned around in his chair and looked at me with awe in his eyes and said, “It had to be a God thing.”

Yes, it was a God thing; God cared very much about a 13 yr. old boy that needed to know that God was real in his life. Today Michael is a student leader in his youth group and is an active witness to his school mates. He wants his friends to experience, as he has, that God is real in their lives.

Quinton's Heart

I came out of church on Sunday and found my grandson, Quinton, standing beside my car. “What’s up?” I asked as I walked toward the car. “I just wanted to help you,” he responded as he held open the car door for me. The grandchildren all know the code to the number pad on my door. What could be more precious to a grandma than to have a cute grandson waiting to hold the door for you?

Quinton is 11 years old but small for his age. He’s number three in Valerie’s line up of sons. When he was young, I filled up my “Oma’s Book of Stories” with cute things he did.

One of my favorites happened when Quinton was two. He had spent the day at his friend, Grant’s house. After he came home that evening, Grant’s mother called to talk to Valerie. “Tonight when I gave Grant his bath, I found teeth marks on his shoulder,” Janelle told her. “Oh, my goodness” Valerie responded. “I’ll go and talk to Quinton about it.”

Valerie took Quinton aside and asked him, “Did you do anything to Grant today while you were at his house?” Quinton didn’t hesitate to give his side of the story. “Grant wouldn’t give me back my superhero so I ate him,” he explained. Valerie knew Quinton had to be disciplined but she had to leave the room for a big laugh before she could get down to the serious matter at hand.

Quinton has entertained us many times with his cute ways but we are most grateful for his sensitive heart towards the Lord. On January 18, 2004, when he was 6 years old, he knelt with his mom by his bed and asked Jesus into his heart. This last year at the Youth Retreat, he had an extraordinary encounter with God. The Holy Spirit came over him and he was in the presence of God, at the altar worshipping for an hour and a half. It was an experience that will help Quinton to say, “For you are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God.” Psalm 86:10

I asked, “What could be more precious than a cute grandson holding your car door open for you?" The most precious thing to this Oma is to know that my cute grandson is holding his heart's door open to His Heavenly Father.

God cares about Teeth

“Patricia, open up a little wider,” the hygienist instructed as she cleaned my teeth. I found myself dozing while she was trying to do her job. My eyes nor my mouth wanted to stay open for very long.

Sandra and I left early this morning for our dental appointments in Renton. We traveled 40 miles to the dentist we have seen for over 25 years. It’s worth the drive to be attended by such a kind and gentle man as Dr. Randolph Lake.

Dr. Lake has a heart of gold. I’ll never forget how he went out of his way to help us when Danielle came to live with me. She had not been to a dentist in several years and we didn’t have any insurance for her. I wanted to make sure her teeth were clean and in good order before she headed to college. Dr. Lake and his assistants cleaned, took x-rays, repaired a couple of fillings and then informed us that all four of Danielle’s wisdom teeth needed to be surgically removed.

Danielle and I prayed that God would help us get the surgery done without going into debt. Dr. Lake made arrangements for us with one of his friends and we went for an interview. After the exam, the doctor took us to the office assistant to sign papers and discuss the bill.

When the assistant laid the itemized bill before us, I lost my breath and almost fainted. The total was $1,875.00. I sent a quick, silent “help, Lord” up to my heavenly Father. The assistant turned the bill over and said this will be your total. She pointed to a line that said, “Patient’s responsibility”. In that space was a nice round “0”. I looked at the assistant and asked, “What does that mean?” She said, “That means Dr. D is not charging you for the surgery.” I responded, “Which of these items do we pay?” She looked at me and smiled and said, “Your bill is completely covered. You won’t owe anything at all.”

Danielle and I looked at each other. She started giggling uncontrollably and I broke down in tears that just wouldn’t stop. We hugged each other quietly saying, “Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus. Then I turned and thanked the assistant. She said, “I’m not the one to thank. There is a person that really cares about both of you very much and went to bat for you.”

Danielle and I worshipped and thanked the Lord the whole trip home. The Scripture that came to mind was Ephesians 3:20, 21 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Sandra and I reminisced stories of God’s provision all the way home from the dental office. The miles passed quickly and our hearts were encouraged and filled with gratefulness. I was now wide awake and ready for my day.

Danielle's College Provisions

Today I have been praying for my granddaughter, Danielle, and her husband, Darren. They are finishing up their junior year at Southwestern University of the Assemblies of God in Texas. This week is finals and that means late nights of studying and God's help in remembering all they studied.

I'm very proud of these young people. They both have jobs, carry a full load of studies and have made excellent grades. I could hear the tiredness in Danielle's voice when I talked to her last night. "Oma, please pray that my immune system will hold up under this stress and I won't get sick," she pleaded. They are looking forward to May 2nd when their little Dodge Pickup will begin the long trip across the states, bringing them back home to their families.

Danielle lived with me her senior year of high school and it became a "fantastic adventure in trusting Him". (my acronym for FAITH) My income didn't go far enough for all the needs so Danielle and I learned to ask God, wait and trust, and stand in amazement at the variety of ways God met the needs.

I recall Easter weekend of 2006. Danielle really needed something nice to wear to Easter services. I asked the Lord to help me find her a nice blazer within my income. I saw a picture of one in the Penny's ad for $29.95. On Saturday we worked at the Easter eggstravaganza in the morning and then headed to Penny's in the afternoon. We stood by the car and prayed that God would help us find just what we needed. "Lord, it would be amazing if we could get a green blazer but we'll be happy with what you give us," I concluded the prayer. Green was Danielle and Darren's favorite color.

Within minutes we had found the cutest green blazer for only $19.99 and were able to also get a beige one for $9.99. They both had the price of $86.00 on the tags. Danielle and I jumped up and down and praised the Lord right in the middle of the clothes racks. We testified to the sales clerk of God's provision in our lives.

When we arrived home I told Danielle that we needed to put a request in our prayer book for some new clothes for college. She said, "Oma, don't worry about it. I'll be fine with what I have." Her humble spirit brought tears to my eyes because her clothes were really well worn. I wrote the request anyway and on Sunday, June 25th, one of our young Pastor's wives asked us if we would be offended if she gave Danielle some clothes she could no longer wear. We loaded the trunk of my car with shopping bags full of clothes.

After lunch Danielle began a fashion show, modeling the shirts, jeans, dress pants, skirts, blazers, etc that just fit her perfectly. They were the latest style, expensive clothes, just like new. Some of them still had the price tags on them. We did our usual "praise the Lord dance" in gratefulness for God's answer to prayer. A few weeks later, another young lady from the church gave Danielle some slightly used clothes and she left for college with everything she needed, even the terry bathrobe on her college list.

Danielle was asked to give a testimony during our Palm Sunday Musical. She said, "I have a friend that doesn't believe there is a God. I tell him that no one could ever convince me that there isn't a God because I have experienced Him personally."

God wants all of us to put our trust in Him and to experience Him personally. I love Paul's prayer iin Ephesians 3:17-19 "And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love? And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (NLT)

Clayton's Car

I opened up the text message from my 16 year old grandson. "Oma, please pray that I'll get my car back," it read. The flood of tears I had been holding back gushed out as I sent another plea for help to my heavenly Father.

Clayton had a big shock when he headed out to go to his before school Jazz Band practice. There was an empty spot in the driveway where his car should have been sitting. His little '93 Honda had been stolen.

Clayton loved his little sporty sedan, not especially because of its good looks, but because it was a gift. A friend moving to Japan had given him the car but Clayton knew it was ultimately a gift from God.

The policeman made a report but he told Clayton's family that it is rare to get a car back. Clayton knew that "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37) so he and his mother sent text messages to many friends and family asking them to pray.

Clayton was sad but he told his mom he wanted to have the right attitude even during the hard times of his life.

After school Clayton headed to a Christian concert with friends as previously planned. About 6:00 p.m. Valerie received a call that the car had been found and was sitting at Pierce College in Puyallup. I met them there and to our relief the car was in good shape except for the dash where they had taken his CD system. The police said the thief had left Clayton's car and taken a professor's Honda from the parking lot.

Jim and Valerie had just retired for the night when they heard Clayton coming through the house. "Praise you, God! Praise you, God! I have my car back! I have my car back!" he was shouting to the top of his voice. Valerie didn't let him know they had found the car so he came home to find it sitting in the driveway. He was giving God all the praise from the bottom of his heart.

The Bible tells us that we will have trials. I Peter 1:7a says "These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure." Its hard for a grandma to watch her grandchildren go through hard times but I know it is necessary to experience the last part of I Peter 1:7 "So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (NLB)

Dalton's Sermon

Today is the Fine Arts Festival for the Northwest District of the Assemblies of God. Fine Arts is a national program where junior and senior high students demonstrate their talents before three judges. If they get a Superior rating with invitation they are invited to go to the National competition.

Last night we had a Fine Arts Premier for the youth of our church. It was a chance for the young people to practice for an audience before the big day. I was blown away by the human videos, musical numbers and sermons these young adults presented. I was very proud of all of them and grateful to our youth pastors for the way they have supported and helped our young people build on their God given gifts.

My 14 yr. old grandson, Dalton, gave a sermon he wrote himself. This was his first time of participating and I have to admit I wasn't prepared for the depth of his comments and use of Scripture. He really did a great job. Today I was anxiously waiting to hear how he did at the festival. We finally received a text from the youth Pastor that said, "Dalton rocked, standing ovation."

A few minutes ago Valerie called and said Dalton just found out he received a Superior with invitation rating and is invited to go to the National competition. That is unusual for a first time, junior high age student. We are "busting our buttons" in gratefulness for this young man that received a call on his life to ministry this past summer at camp. It has completely turned his life around and given him new priorities.

When Dalton was young, he was very stubborn and difficult to handle. It took much discipline and patience to get him passed having to have his own way. His stubbornness has turned into a good quality in his teen years. He loves God and has made a commitment to witness to his friends and invite them to church although it is not always received in kindness.

Recently a young man at school came up to Dalton and purposely poured Taco Sauce over Dalton's white shorts. This wasn't the first time meanness has come from a fellow student. Of course Dalton is not the only one who has been the recipient of cruel actions at school but it hurts his family to see him being mistreated.

Valerie recently asked Dalton if he would prefer to be home schooled next year. He responded,"I would love to do my work at home but I have too many friends at school that could die without Jesus."

Dalton has taken seriously I John 3:18. "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Meghan's Bible Club

I just arrived home from Cutter's Point Coffee Shop where my granddaughter, Meghan, meets every Friday after school for a Bible Study with her girlfriends. Meghan is 13 and in the 7th grade.

Shortly after Meghan started Junior High, she confided in me that she wanted to have a group of girls that she could bond with thoughout her Junior and Senior High years. She wanted to have a weekly Bible time, share each other's needs, and give each other support and accountability. I told her I would help any way I could. She made up some cute invitations and passed them out at school. Within two weeks, a time and place was established and her desire became a reality.

Right now the girls do a very simple study. They use the SOAP method. They read a passage of Scripture, observe what the Scripture is saying and then make an application to their own lives and end with a Prayer time. Each of the girls have a Teen Girls Daily Devotional Book that they commit to reading.

I sit on the sideline and do my own reading while they do their study. When they have a Scripture or word they don't understand I help out but otherwise they do it on their own. Often I find myself silently praying for each of the girls as I sit and wait. These girls are our leaders of tomorrow.

The Word says, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth." (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Walking with God in their youth allows the Lord to shape and prepare these girls to meet life's challenges and opportunities with wisdom. It will definitely pay off when they are older. I will always be grateful that I found Christ at a young age.

The Empty Wood Shed, part 2

Can you believe it is 38 degrees today? When it is chilly outside, I feel even more thankful for my wood stove that keeps my home toasty warm. As I was having my quiet time in front of the fire this morning, I was reminded that I haven't shared with you the answer to my prayer for wood.

On March 19th I confided that my wood shed was empty and I had written a request in my prayer book for more wood. That very same day a man and his wife from our church came over to my house. He said he wanted to check on my wood supply. After looking in the shed and measuring the size of my stove, he said he thought he had a resourse for some wood and would let me know.

I made a copy of the blog I had just written that morning and gave it to him to read. We both sat in awe at how quickly God answers prayer. Two days later he showed up with a trailer load of wood and placed it in the wood shed for me. He told me this load of wood was going to spoil me and he sure was correct. The pieces are the perfect size for me to handle and they burn so nicely.

I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of the Lord and the kindness of people. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness to God's servants who feel His gentle nudge and then respond to the need.

Philippians 4:19 says, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." I love the word "all" and I stand on that promise. He has never failed me yet.

Preston's Ministry

Preston went back to school today. Sunshine has returned to Elmhurst Elementary....even though the rain is coming down on the outside.

I said a prayer for him this morning that he would be able to catch up his work and merge right back into his studies. Preston is very comfortable with prayer. When he was four years old, I ran into Valerie at Target just after she picked him up from preschool. We were standing there talking when Preston walked over and laid his hand on my arm. I couldn't see what he was doing but Valerie was keeping an eye on him. After we finished our conversation she turned to Preston and asked,"What were you doing when you touched Oma?" Without hesitation he responded, "I was praying for Oma's 'awies' on her elbows." When Preston sees a need, he unashamedly bows his head and prays for that need.

I love watching Preston during church. He enjoys worship time, singing and raising his hands in praise. During the sermon he kneels at his seat to color or quietly play with a toy. If anyone prays, he stops playing and bows his head, closing his eyes. It's not unusual for him to later share something he heard the Pastor say.

Luke 9:46-48 says, "Then there was an argument among them as to which of them (the disciples) would be the greatest. But Jesus knew their thought, so He brought a little child to His side. Then he said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me, welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.'" I know Preston is great in God's sight. He sure is in this grandma's heart.

Preston's Healing

I called Valerie today to see how Preston is doing. He has been out of school for a week with a fever and other flue symptoms. I was relieved to hear that the fever has subsided and he is beginning to get some strength back.

Preston has brought so much joy in his nine years. He has a cheerful, upbeat spirit, a big smile that shines from his lips right through his eyes, and an overflowing love for everyone. From pre-school to his present 3rd grade class, his teachers have always commented on what a joy he is to have in their room. When Preston is sick, we all miss the "sunshine" he brings into our family.

I'll never forget the day Preston was born, November 19, 1999. I was blessed to be there and watch the excitement of his mom, dad, and three brothers when they viewed him for the first time. I enjoyed snuggling with him and feeling him softly breathe against my neck.

Shortly after Preston was born we noticed that his eyes acted different than any newborn's we had seen. Instead of just weak eyes that would sometimes roll from side to side, Preston's eyes would roll completely back into his head and all you could see was the white of his eyes. The doctor confirmed this wasn't normal and the next three weeks became a whirlwind of test.

Before Preston left the hospital, he was given a Cat Scan. Since the test was non- conclusive, he was sent to an eye doctor. The eye doctor expressed concern that Preston may have a brain tumor and set a date for a MRI and an appointment with a neurologist.

The Sunday before the MRI was taken Valerie took Preston up to the prayer line. After the regular prayer with the prayer team, Pastor Cal called Valerie over and asked the whole congregation to stand and pray for her baby. Our friend, Linda, reached up to touch Preston and he wrapped his little hand around her finger. Pastor poured his heart out in prayer and Linda said, "I felt the awesome power of God go through that little baby and surge through my body." On the way back to her seat, Valerie turned to her dad and commented, "Preston is healed." From that moment on his eyes were normal.

When Valerie took Preston in for his MRI, the technician couldn't believe this was the same baby in the chart he was reading. He kept saying "Explain to me again what was happening with your baby." Valerie shared how Preston had been prayed for and she believed God had healed him. The neurologist confirmed that Preston was fine. When the eye doctor received the MRI report, he called Valerie to follow up. After she shared about Preston's healing, the eye doctor responded, "a vertical eye condition never corrects itself, so you indeed have received a Christmas miracle."

Valerie had no doubt about her son's healing being a miracle. The Sunday she was planning to take Preston up for prayer, she had to fight a spiritual battle. The enemy discouraged her by reminding her how prayer didn't save her first son. The car wouldn't start and then two year old Quinton threw up on himself in the car and again at church. But the enemy didn't win and Preston received his miracle.

Thinking of Preston, I am reminded how Jesus said in Mark 9:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." From the wee newborn baby to the seasoned senior citizen, everyone is loved and important to their Creator.

The Empty Wood Shed

My daughter just came in from our woodshed. "Mom", she began excitedly, "your wood is almost gone. There's only a couple of box loads left." My heart sank. A gentleman from our church had brought a big trailer load only a few weeks ago. He was sure it would be enough to last me the rest of this season. None of us accounted for the constant below freezing weather we were having, especially since it is the middle of March. As usual my mind wanted to panic but my heart told me to go to my prayer book.

Since my husband graduated to heaven in 2001, my prayer book and I have been constant companions. My social security doesn't always meet all my needs so I take my concerns to the Lord, write them in my prayer book, and then wait for God to lay it on one of His servant's heart to share God's bounty with me. God has never failed me in these seven and a half years but He sure has amazed me. I've stood in awe many times at the unusual ways and variety of people He has used to meet my basic needs.

Before I asked the Lord to provide more wood for my ever gobbling wood stove, I looked back in the pages of my prayer book for encouragment and assurance that God is always ready to hear this old widow's prayer.

My attention is drawn to the first time I needed wood after Don's passing. It was January 2nd, 2002, my first birthday without my hubby's usual loving attention. I was feeling lonely and blue as I headed down the steps to bring up some wood. I hadn't been to the wood shed in a while because Valerie's boys had been keeping a stock on my porch. "Why didn't those boys fill up my rack?" I thought as I maneuvered the wobbly cement steps. I was shocked by what I faced in the wood shed. There was no wood, only a layer of shavings on the floor.

I laid my head against the edge of the shed and let the tears freely come. "Oh, Don, I need you so badly" I cried out loud. Immediately an almost audible voice spoke in my heart, "No, it's not Don you need, but you need 'Me', the one Don always depended on." "Lord, I'm sorry," I softly responded. "Please show me what I'm suppose to do. I can't get the wood myself, nor can I pay the expensive electric bills my neighbors have been paying." I wiped my tears on the back of my hand and headed back to the house.

As I walked up on the porch I heard the phone ringing. "Hello," I answered, breathing heavily from the run into the house. "Pat, this is Wayne G., I was wondering if you heat by wood, and if so, do you need some wood. I couldn't speak. It felt like my throat and my vocal chords along with it, was swollen shut. When I finally got control, I told him my prayer only minutes before and Wayne said he would be over in a couple of hours with a truck load of wood.

When Wayne arrived, he told me this story. He had headed out to his shed to clean it. On the way he noticed his big wood pile that he no longer needed since he converted his stove to gas. As he began cleaning the shed something kept telling him to go call Pat Hintz and see if she needed the wood. He hadn't had contact with Don or me for many years. Why was this so stong on his heart today? He couldn't shake it, so he went back to the house to ask his wife for my number and the phone call to me answered his question. God knew there was a pile of wood in Wayne's yard that a widow, miles away, needed to keep her home warm.

With my heart assured that God knows my need, even before I write it down, I turn to the "request" section of my prayer book and ask my most precious friend to please locate some more wood for me. Now I will wait and believe because I know from experience that God never goes back on His promises to His children.

My dear friend, His promises are to you also. "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents, if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." Matthew 7:7-11 (NLB)

Many Stories

My heart is full of stories. Stories that are true. Stories I have experienced personally. Eight decades of God's grace in stories I feel compelled to share with family members, friends, or anyone God puts in my path. It's not unusual for me to share something God has done for me with the cashier at the checkout stand or a stranger sitting alone on a bench.

I'm always wondering if there is someone who could gain insight in their own life journey from something I have already experienced. Most of all I want everyone to understand that God loves them and cares about every part of their life.

I use to think I was wired a little different because I love to share stories. Then one day I read in Matthew 13:10,11 (NLB) "His disciples came and asked Him, 'Why do you always tell stories when you talk to the people?' Then He explained to them, 'you have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not.'" I don't compare myself to Jesus but I believe He has placed the love of "sharing" in my heart and it is my desire to reflect God's love clearly to those who listen.

I've had friends and family tell me I need to blog the stories from my life diary. I don't know much about this technology but I am going to try and share what is happening in my life along with stories from my past. So I invite you to picture an old grandma gently rocking back and forth in her rocking chair while sharing "tidbits" from her life. I'm a busy grandma but I will meet you in my story room as often as I can.