Doing Life Together

The Fine Art of Faithfulness…by Linda Carlblom

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Linda Carlblom

I was recently taken aback one Sunday after church when a man in his early thirties said to me, “I’m so proud of you.”

“You are?”

I couldn’t fathom why he’d be proud of me. He was about the age of my own children. Shouldn’t I be saying that to him? I hadn’t seen him for well over a year, and only a handful of times in the last ten years.

“Yeah,” he replied. “I’m so proud of you and this church. You’re always here. It doesn’t matter what happens or how many people come and go, you’re still here.”

We laughed. But it made me think.

How often do we just keep showing up, doing our thing, thinking nobody notices? How many times have I wondered if what I do matters to anyone but me? So often it seems the results are lackluster.

That’s where the fine art of faithfulness shines brightest. When nothing noteworthy seems to be happening, when the status quo lasts much longer than expected, when you keep putting one foot in front of the other, when you keep believing that showing up to do what you do matters–that’s faithfulness. It isn’t shiny or sparkly. It’s ordinary and mundane.

And beautiful.

Everyone is faithful to something or someone. Most of us are faithful to a number of things, like our faith, marriage, or family. Whatever we devote ourselves to shows the deepest part of our hearts. It’s the seat of our passion, our greatest love. It’s the motivation to our faithfulness. We act out of that deep love by showing up time and time again.

Faithfulness is powerful. It cements marriages, garners respect, lays life foundations, sets an example. Surprisingly, it isn’t invisible. People see it and honor those who possess it. So never wonder if your faithfulness matters.

It does. And it’s life changing.

Linda

Posted in Christian Living, Faithfulness, Uncategorized | Tagged devotion, faithfulness, showing up | 8 Comments

The Battle Belongs to the Lord . . . by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Campbell

I’m repulsed by news of terrorist attacks—bloodthirsty zealots torturing, beheading, or blowing up human beings who do not embrace their worldview. Whenever I think of our world’s volatile condition, two verses of Scripture come to my mind: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 niv) (Note: “rulers,” “authorities,” and “powers” in the above passage refer to ranks of fallen angels.) And: “But this kind [of demon] does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:28b amp)

Our enemies in the war against terrorism aren’t the sympathizers of a particular organization—it goes much deeper than that. While the terrorists perpetrate evil, they rationalize that they are doing their god’s will. They call it a holy war, but they are deceived. The inner voice they heed belongs to Satan, disguising himself as a god. He attempts to overthrow God; his strategy is to kill until his own followers dominate the earth. It is not a holy war, but it is spiritual warfare. Our true enemies are Satan and his demons.

Americans differ on how to combat terrorism. Are U.S. bombing missions and advisory personnel sufficient, combined with troops from the affected regions? Or must we have thousands of American boots on the ground?

I don’t know how much money or personnel would be required to eradicate the terrorists, but we won’t win unless we use the appropriate weapons on the correct battlefield. Since this war is also playing out in the spiritual realm, in addition to conventional weapons, we need prayer warriors all over the world.

Throughout history, God has given military victory to His people on the basis of their trust in Him. There are many examples documented in the Bible. I will summarize a few of them.

The parting of the sea. While Moses led the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:5-30), Pharaoh reconsidered his release of the Israelites and took his troops to recapture them. Trapped on the shore of the sea, the Israelites panicked and questioned Moses regarding his leadership.

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14 niv)

God, through Moses, divided the waters so that the people could cross to the other side on dry land, while the Egyptians followed close behind. Then the wheels fell off the Egyptian chariots, and they had trouble catching up. When all 600,000 Israelites were safely on the opposite shore, God then led Moses to make the waters come together again, and all the pursuing Egyptian troops drowned.

Forty years later, when the Israelites were poised to take possession of the Promised Land, Moses gave them guidelines for conducting warfare (Deuteronomy 20). The first thing he told them was, “When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1 niv)

God is with His people in spiritual warfare as well.

The fall of Jericho. For centuries, cities were surrounded by walls that served as the first layer of defense against attacks. Before the battle of Jericho, God gave Joshua some incomprehensible military strategy.

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horn in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 5:2-5 niv)

Imagine the people of Jericho watching the Israelites with amusement from the safety of the wall for the first six days, and how surprised they must have been on the seventh day, when the wall crumbled and the Israelite warriors flooded into the city.

Gideon defeats the Midianites. In the book of Judges, chapters 6 and 7 describe conflict between the Israelites and the Midianites, who for seven years attacked the Israelites, destroying their crops and killing all their livestock. Finally, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. The angel of the Lord appeared to a farmer named Gideon. “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ ” (Judges 6:14 niv)

To Gideon it seemed far-fetched that he was being commanded to lead the Israelite troops into battle. He went through an elaborate series of measures to confirm his orders.

Finally, Gideon gathered his troops, 32,000 men. “The Lord said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands.’ ” (Judges 7:2a niv) God whittled down the forces until only 300 men remained. He wanted to make it clear to Israel that they would defeat Midian because He was with them, not because of their own power. And defeat them they did.

In a nutshell, God prompted Gideon to give each man a jar, a torch, and a trumpet. When they reached the edge of the Midianite camp, they blew their trumpets and shouted, “For the Lord and for Gideon.” Then they smashed their jars, blew their trumpets, and shouted again. As they stood and watched, their terrified enemies ran around in a panic, drew their swords, and attacked each other.

David and Goliath. You probably know the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

The Philistines were threatening the Israelites. Every day, their fiercest warrior, Goliath, who was over nine feet tall, challenged the Israelites to send over a warrior to battle him, one-on-one. No one volunteered.

On the fortieth day, a shepherd boy named David came to the Israelite camp, bringing food for his brothers. He heard Goliath’s challenge and told King Saul, “I can take him.”

When Saul told him he was too young and inexperienced, David, who he had successfully defended his father’s sheep from a lion and a bear, said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” He refused King Saul’s offer of armor and sword, preferring the simple weapon he was familiar with—his sling. As he approached Goliath,

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 niv)

Then he swung his sling and killed the giant with one stone. The Philistines ran away with the Israelite army pursuing them.

Throughout the Bible there are numerous occasions when commanders inquired of the Lord before going into battle. When the leaders and the people prayed, acted in obedience to God’s leading, and acknowledged that God WAS leading, success followed.

Armageddon. Many people look at the current world situation and wonder if World War III is about to begin, or even the end times. Certainly we are experiencing “wars and rumors of wars” and natural disasters, but those conditions are standard on earth. People have anticipated the last days for 2000 years. Martin Luther was sure Jesus would return during his lifetime (1483-1546). Jesus himself admitted, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32 niv) But it’s hard to look at our world and not wonder if we are seeing the beginning of the end.

In the book of Revelation, Scripture describes the assembling of armed forces at Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-21; 19:11-21). But instead of a battle, what follows is total destruction and judgment—thunder and lightning, the granddaddy of all earthquakes, the sinking of islands and the crumbling of mountains, hundred-pound hailstones, and the Beast and the False Prophet thrown into a Lake of Fire. No need to fight—the spiritual battle was already won by Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead.

In light of this scriptural evidence, how can we respond to the threat of terrorism? Our military needs highly skilled warriors and gifted support personnel. Some will serve, but all of us can contribute by praying, because this battle is truly the Lord’s.

How should we pray? Prayer is conversation with God. Imagine yourself at the foot of His throne. Say “Hi.” Acknowlege His sovereignty; ask for forgiveness; thank Him for His blessings. Then make your requests. Here are some suggestions:

Pray that God would draw His people to Himself.
Pray that Satan and his minions would not be able to recruit any more terrorists.
Pray that God would touch the hearts of existing terrorists so that they turn away from violence.
Pray that God would bless our president, his advisors, our legislators, our military leaders, and our allies with supernatural wisdom to follow His leading.
Pray that God would protect our military and lead them to victory.

Repeat daily until you see results.

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, End Times, Faith, History, Military, Prayer, Revelation, Spiritual warfare, Terrorism, War | Tagged Bible, End times, faith, History, Military, Prayer, Spiritual warfare, Terrorism, War | 10 Comments

An Old Man’s Wisdom…by Donna Clark Goodrich

Posted on April 10, 2015 by dgood648

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me.

—Psalm 71:18

“Time to read the Bible, Clarence,” I said to my 72-year-old stepfather. My mother had recently passed away and he was spending the winter with us. Suffering from dementia, I knew he didn’t understand all I read, but I knew that he enjoyed it.

This morning’s passage was from Romans 8. I looked ahead at all the difficult words: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? …tribulation … distress … persecution … famine … peril … principalities.. height… depth…nor any other creature.”

There’s no way he can understand that, I thought. I’ll just read Romans 8:28. “All things work together for good to them that love God”. That’s familiar to him.” But I sensed God saying, “No, read it all.” So I plunged in and read every verse.

When I finished, Clarence sat with a pleased smile on his face. “Nothing can separate us from God,” he repeated with childlike happiness. “Isn’t that nice?”

I suddenly realized the truth of his words. Nothing—not even his failing faculties—had separated him from his awareness of God’s love for him. “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture,” the noted preacher Charles Spurgeon once said. I thanked God that this was true in my stepfather’s life, and I prayed that it would always be true in mine as well.

Posted in Aging, Faith | Tagged Bible understanding, Elderly, stepparenting | 6 Comments

Eyes to See…by Carol Boley

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Carol Boley

At first I thought it was just a sliver of ice melting on the floor. I wiped up the little puddle and didn’t give it another thought. When I went back to the refrigerator an hour later, the puddle was back. Uh oh. Opening the freezer door, I noticed every package of broccoli, every bag of strawberries, every container of chicken stock was soft and dripping.

Great. We ran through the usual checklist of possibilities and, finding no solutions, decided our best choice was to call the repair company. I could see dollars flying out the door, some winging their way into the service man’s pockets and others crashing into the garbage can in the form of spoiled food. Dang!

Days later the repairman showed up, determined he couldn’t diagnose the problem because the refrigerator’s computer (Really? Even the refrigerator has a computer?) needed to reset. In the meantime, we were “camping out” in the kitchen, using a styrofoam ice chest to cool our milk and prescription eye drops.

When he came back a week later, he consulted refrigerator HQ. They decided it needed a new compressor, which would have to be ordered from out of state and would take another week to ten days to arrive.

In the meantime, we remembered a small dorm-sized refrigerator out in my husband’s “man-cave,” which could only be accessed by going outside. We started using it…better, but it was so inconvenient trudging out to the separate garage every time we wanted a can of pop or first thing in the morning for milk. Still, it beat making an “ice run” everyday, pouring the water from the styrofoam chest and then replacing everything.

And then it hit me. “Let’s bring the little refrigerator inside.” Oh my. The solution was so obvious, I was ashamed I hadn’t thought of it before.

How many other times has the solution to a problem been right before my eyes but I have missed it, usually because my mind starts whirling, going into “search and destroy” mode, trying to come up with an answer before I stop, take a deep breath, and ask my Father what He thinks?

I’ll tell you–too many times. It’s a lesson I keep learning, as I “fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Like the power of our loving Father to make obvious the solution to a problem.

Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Family Life, Family Stories, Finding solutions, Frustrations, Humor, Intuition, Revelation | Tagged 2 Corinthians 4:18, broken appliances, problems, refrigerator, repairmen, solutions, solving problems | 4 Comments

My Favorite Profession…by Linda Carlblom

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Linda Carlblom

I have worked in different jobs over the years, from day care to office work to customer service. During those twenty years in the work force I learned that despite being an introvert, I excelled at listening to people and caring for their needs. I also found out it was extremely stressful trying to balance work and family. Guilt overwhelmed me every time I had to call in because my children were sick. I felt I was always letting someone down, either my kids for putting them in day care, or my job if I stayed home to be with them.

In 1995 I became pregnant with my third child and had just become a stay-at-home mom to my two older kids. There was a looming gap of nine years between my youngest and this new baby on the way. I’d had to work when my son and daughter were young, and did the single parenting thing for five years, being their sole support. But things were different now. I was remarried and had a husband who was just as happy to have me home as I was to be there. I was nervous at first, hoping it would be enough for me. Would I get restless? Irritable? Bored?

Today I was folding laundry and I had a flashback to folding teeny tiny shirts and onesies before my babies were born. Though the clothes were larger now, the feeling was the same. My heart was full, and bursting with purpose and love. It was packed to the brim with memories and stories and laughter.

I realized being a stay-at-home wife and mom was my favorite profession. I’ve experienced so much satisfaction just caring for my family, even though it’s only my husband and me most of the time now. As I folded shirts, pants, and underwear, I acknowledged that this job is the job of my heart, the one I do out of love. It fills me with what I long for and love most—my family.

This housewife job has provided me flexibility to go to parent-teacher conferences, to school programs, to help out in classrooms, and to go on business trips with my husband. I learned organization, time management, people and negotiating skills, budgeting, purchasing, and so much more as I raised my family. I’ve been available to run out on a moment’s notice when I received a frantic phone call to bring a forgotten item from home. I could stay home with sick children without the guilt of calling into work saying I wouldn’t be there.

And while my children grew, my parents aged. My father passed on almost ten years ago and I was able to sit by his bedside and enjoy precious time with him. I’m able to take my mother to doctor appointments now that her vision doesn’t allow her to drive as much, and I was home to care for my father-in-law after he had a stroke and came to live with us for a few months last year.

Having worked for almost two decades, I know the difficulties of juggling the responsibilities of a job and a home. For years I longed to be a stay-at home wife and mom but couldn’t. Now I’m honored to have this blessing in my life, while understanding that there are many who don’t, or aren’t cut out of the same fabric I am. Many women prefer working outside the home and they thrive there, being the best they can be when they return home each day. Kudos to them for caring for their own hearts and families in the way that’s best for them. It’s part of the diverse beauty God created within each of us.

But for me, I love being home to care for my loved ones, whatever their stage of life. I’m thankful for a husband who values my contribution to our family. Hands down, this is the best, most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t trade it for all the paychecks in the world.

What has been your most rewarding job either inside or outside your home? What made it so special? Tell us about it in the comments.

Linda

Posted in Family Life, Life, Life Transitions, Memoir, Nostalgia, Uncategorized | Tagged aging parents, housewife, professions, rewarding work, Stay-at-home mom | 6 Comments

Easters of my Childhood . . . by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

From the time I was five years old until well into my teens, this is how Easter morning went:

First of all, find the basket. This usually happened before my parents even woke up. That was pretty easy, since it was always somewhere in the living room. Not so easy was eating only one or two candies.

Holy Cross Church

Next on the agenda was church. Although we went to church every Sunday, Easter meant something new to wear, either a new coat, or a new dress, or a new hat. I grew up Catholic, and in the mid 1950s through the 60s and into the 70s, Catholic women and girls always had their heads covered in church. The hats were often quite elaborate, and Easter bonnets were the prettiest of all, loaded with silk flowers and bows in pastel colors, maybe accented with some mesh veiling. And when I was a little girl, we also wore gloves. And I usually had white patent leather Mary Jane shoes with white cotton or nylon ankle socks. So elegant! Of course, we were there to worship, but the distractions were so pleasant.

After Mass, we went home for breakfast. Catholics didn’t eat before Mass, because it was disrespectful to take communion after a meal. On Easter we always had colorful boiled eggs, which I loved to decorate but hated to eat. Luckily, there was also something sweet, like Italian Easter bread brought home from the bakery where my father worked. And, of course, some more candy from the basket.

After breakfast, it was time to plead with my Daddy to take us to Asbury Park (NJ), to a wonderful amusement park, a virtual paradise for kids, with a scrambler and a ferris wheel and a carousel and a swan boat, little cars to ride, and little speed boats that went around in a circle. Until I was old enough to date, the only time we went to Asbury Park was Easter Sunday, a tradition that I think my parents were sorry to start. Once the precedent was set, however, I insisted it continue.

By the time my own children were born, we lived too far away to visit Asbury Park (and its unfortunate decline was beginning). Though no longer Catholic, our celebration still included worship (and Sunday school with special activities) and Easter baskets and maybe a new article of clothing, but no Easter bonnets.

Now our children are grown. No more Easter baskets. But the day still begins with church, and our focus is solely our Savior. Hallelujah! He is risen indeed!

What Easter traditions did your family have when you were a child? What Easter traditions do you have today? I welcome you to comment below.

Posted in Blogging101, Easter, Easter traditions, Faith, Family Life, Holiday, Memoir, NJ | Tagged Asbury Park NJ, Blogging101, celebrations, children, Easter, Easter traditions, faith, memoir | 8 Comments

Until Death Do Us Part…by Linda Carlblom

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Linda Carlblom

We filed into the quiet church, some of us hand-in-hand. One by one we came and sat with the rest of our group. We were overjoyed to see each other, all smiles, hugs, and leg pats, even though we’d seen each other just days before. As one, then another, and another joined our ranks, emotion rose from deep within me and tears sprang to my eyes. We were together, not for a happy occasion or to critique each other’s writing, but to support one of our dear writing sisters at her husband’s memorial service.

Most of our group at Christmas, 2014. Back row: Donna, Judy, Betty. Front row: Andrea, Peggy, and Linda

I was struck by how the very presence of these beloved friends was comfort in itself. There was no doubt I could get through anything, anything with these women by my side. And long before we came together that day, we’d been together in heart, lifting our sweet, grieving Donna up in our prayers. We’d visited her at the hospital as she sat by her husband’s bedside, left love offerings at her doorstep, signed cards, sprayed her weeds, and gathered collective gifts to try to express our deep love for her. We tried to show her how much she means to us and that she’s not alone in her grief.

Sometimes, words aren’t enough even for those of us who consider ourselves wordsmiths. So we came. We hugged. We sat. We called. We prayed. We cried. We hoped. Ultimately we thanked God for a life well lived and a devoted marriage that lasted 54 years. And now we help our friend learn to live as a widow. Some in our ranks already started this journey years ago when their husbands died. I simply marvel at their strength and hope I’ll do as well when it’s my turn to grieve.

I have no doubt Donna will be just fine. Her faith is strong, her family near. But her girlfriends from her writers critique group who are “doing life together” with her are here, too. Doing life together. Doing death together. And doing everything in between together. It’s a sweet life and I’m so thankful and blessed to have such a close circle of friends to do life with until death do us part.

How have you supported friends through grief? How have you been supported in times of grief?

Posted in Friendship, Grief, Life, Life Transitions, Uncategorized, Widowhood | Tagged friendship, grief, supporting friends through grief, widowhood | 2 Comments

Easter and Last Suppers by Betty Mason Arthurs

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Betty Mason Arthurs

Easter season is upon us and it’s a time when we Christians celebrate the time Jesus rose from the dead. Throughout the year we also have communion to remember the last supper Jesus had with his twelve disciples before he was betrayed and died on the cross. Before he died he wanted to have a last meal with his closest friends, the twelve disciples.

The scripture tells us that on the night Jesus was betrayed he took bread “broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
(1 Corinthians 11:24-5 NKJV) Today in my church for communion we use cracker bread and tiny cups of grape juice.

Leonardo da Vinci captured in his magnificent painting called, “The Last Supper,” the moment Jesus told the men, “one of you will betray me.” The shock, the grief…the different expressions on the faces of the disciples told the story of each man as they reacted to horrific words from their friend and Savior.

On a trip ten years ago my husband and I visited the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, northern Italy where da’Vinci painted in the 1490s, The Last Supper. Painted on a wall in the refectory, somehow the huge mural survived the bombings during the wars and men who deliberately damaged Leonardo’s work when the room in 1796 was used by the French for an armory. Over time the painting succumbed to mold and flaking. In later years, careful work has restored much of its original beauty.

When we were ushered into the climate controlled room, awe overwhelmed me. Here was I, a little homemaker from Arizona, looking up at one of the most famous paintings of the world and I could see, thanks to a designer’s touch, the love on the face of Jesus and the shock on the face of each disciple. Tears filled my eyes as we were ushered out of the room. Many visitors awaited their chance to see da Vinci’s ancient masterpiece.

I remember, even as a child, my pastor Dad serving communion and quoting from scripture Jesus’ words. And I think about the “last supper” I had with my dad before he passed away in 1994. We had been to his surgeon’s office where plans were made to remove an abdominal tumor. All seemed well and we were assured that it was a simple surgery and things looked good. When he drove the car to the nearest Dairy Queen in Cottonwood, Arizona, my dad laughed and said, “Let’s have a root beer float.” All my childhood this was my dad’s favorite activity, surprise his kids with an ice cream goodie.
Yes, it was our last ice cream together since dad suffered a heart attack after his surgery and was gone in a week. Right now in my heart there’s no grief only a warm memory of all the years of a faith-filled dad and his love for my mother, my brothers and me…and root beer floats. (My dad’s photo is below.)

I pray that you also have sweet memories that shine through your tears of grief in the loss of a loved one or beloved friend. Treasure those family dinners, the crazy office parties, and church potlucks. In spite of all the “not so good times,” the people you know are giving you memories to share long after they, or you, are gone. Easter is a good time to remember.

Posted in Celebrations, Christian Living, Faith, Family Life, Grief, Jesus, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged Easter, Italy, Jesus, Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper | 4 Comments

The Prayer Bench…Judy Robertson

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Judy Robertson

A few hundred yards from the patio of my new apartment stands a bench. I’d seen a variety of people sitting there facing the lake with its ducks and heron and a couple of turtles. Many people would sit with heads bowed or face in hands with elbows propped on their knees. I had pegged this particular bench as a place where people go when they’re troubled—perhaps to talk with God.

One early morning an Asian woman stood in front of the bench raising her hands high up to the skies—I couldn’t help but think she was praising God.

From that point on I called it “The Prayer Bench.” In addition, this past Sunday I had been praying again, for God’s direction. Truthfully, I’ve been church hopping. The move to my new apartment has given me lots of new areas to explore. Ever since my husband of 53 years passed away a year and a half ago I’ve not yet found my spot with the believers whom God wants me to plant myself. Perhaps I won’t find that place until I reach my eternal home.

But this Sunday felt different. Maybe I could invite some people into my home for Bible study or to church somewhere with me. I dressed for church and grabbed a leash to let my little dog, Smokey, out for a potty-break before I left. As he wandered about, he pulled toward the prayer bench—it was time to go back to the house. But Smokey had different ideas. He planted his feet with head pointed and tail wagging toward a young man standing near the prayer bench. I finally gave in and walked toward the young man. He had headphones on but took them off when I walked up. He looked to be in his early twenties. I greeted him and we began talking. I thought perhaps this was the person God was leading me to invite to church this morning. As we talked, I asked him if he goes to church. His face brightened and he said, “I sure do. It’s just right across the street. Would you like to go with me?” That took me by surprise. I queried him about what kind of church it was, and satisfied it was really a Christian church, I said, “Well why not?” I told him I had to take my dog home and he said he’d wait right there.

And so, I walked with my new friend, I’ll call Ren, to church. He was so very kind. He poured coffee for me and introduced me to a couple of women. “Ren, you don’t have to sit with me. Why don’t you go ahead and sit with your friends? I’ll be fine,” I told him. But Ren insisted he wanted to sit with me.

Thus, I made a new friend, a strong Christian whose dad is not a believer. I told him I had a son who was not a believer and he put his name in his phone to pray for him. I told him I’d pray for his dad as well. What joy to meet a young man about the age of my grandsons who loved Jesus and who was willing to invite and walk a “gramma” to church.

God answered my prayer right by the prayer bench.

Is there someone you could invite to church with you Sunday? There may be someone just waiting for an invitation.

Posted in Faith, Friendship, Life Transitions, Widowhood | Tagged alone, church, following God's Nudges, invitation to church, listening to God, new friends, Prayer | 14 Comments

Dancing with Jesus . . . by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Bonnie Marie Codier

My mother passed away in 2004. She suffered from many ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, virtual blindness, and hypertension. She was in constant pain. Her last 15 years were marked by slow degeneration, as she gradually became less mobile and more confused. A massive stroke eventually ended her life. The only thing that got me through that horrible time was a mental image of my mother dancing with Jesus, no longer suffering and without any physical limitations.

At the time, I didn’t know this particular vision is common among mourners. A guest at my mother’s viewing and another at her funeral mentioned it. “Your mother is dancing with Jesus now.” And a few weeks later a friend told me she pictured her mother dancing with Jesus shortly after her death.

I was reminded of it again recently when I attended a Celebration of Life for a young woman who was taken by mitochondrial disease. Bonnie had been a promising ballerina when her condition dashed her dream. Several of the friends and family members who shared stories about Bonnie commented, “She’s dancing with Jesus now.”

I think the universality of this image is due to the hope followers of Christ have—that after this life on earth, we will spend eternity in the presence of our Savior.

Ten years ago, I subscribed to O, the Oprah Magazine, for twelve issues. I loved the monthly column that featured what books some celebrity felt were noteworthy. But one issue that I became obsessed with contained an article about Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball.

In 2005, Oprah threw a celebration honoring twenty-five extraordinary women of color who made ground-breaking contributions to American culture and society. Some of the honorees were Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Coretta Scott King, Leontyne Price, Diana Ross, and Cicely Tyson.

Also invited were “the young’uns,” young black women who were metaphorically standing on the shoulders of these giants, including Alicia Keys, Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, and Alfre Woodard.

The party was held on the grounds of Oprah’s beautiful Montecito estate. The article included photographs of the attendees and the tables, set with gorgeous china, crystal, silver, and flowers, in Oprah’s exquisite garden. I reread the article and perused the pictures hundreds of times, longing to be part of the festivities, in the company of these amazing women. But my heart ached–I knew that if I lived to be 100, I would never qualify to be invited to a party like that, because I am not black.

Then Jesus whispered to me, “You’re invited to my party.”

Revelation 19:9 says: “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’ And he added, ‘These are true words that come from God.’” (NLT) Christians believe this refers to a celebration in heaven. It will be way better than Oprah’s party, because God is infinitely better than Oprah. The extraordinary attendees will be all the saints of the church, from the apostles and King David and Mother Theresa to the widow who gave her penny, the janitor who cleaned unto to the Lord, the drunkard who repented on his deathbed, my mother, Bonnie, and me. And we will all take our turns dancing with Jesus.