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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
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.
"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.
Friday, July 31, 2009
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
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
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
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
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
Monday, June 22, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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.
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.
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