Answered Prayer

Yesterday morning, as I was leaving my house, I asked the Lord to let me reach at least one person that day for Him.

I went on my way, busy, busy, busy, completely forgetting about my prayer.  It was a good day, an emotional day, as Jack and I shared with our team at the Christ Healing Center about Mary's last days and her funeral service.  After our classes at the center, Jack took me out to Ya Ya's Thai restaurant...should be called Yum Yum's!  After our delicious meal of pot stickers and spicy green curry, I decided to go to the mall to get some new makeup.

The most delightful woman assisted me at the Lancome counter in Macy's. Judy is her name.  We began to chat and she asked me what I did for a living.  When I told her that I prayed for people, that I loved Jesus, she asked me to pray for her husband Frank who had had a stroke that changed their lives considerably.

So, we prayed, right there in the department store, and I told her to expect the Lord to answer.

She said, " He already is! I asked Him this morning for more! And here you are!"
I remembered my prayer from the morning and replied, "I asked Him to make a difference for someone today, and here you are!"

We hugged about five times!!

What a good guy God is!  He came through for me even though I completely lost my focus yesterday!

Vlog the End!

Vlogging is fun. It is a new word for video blogging.

The challenge to blog everyday in 2011 includes vlogging. The latest challenge is to run a 5-k, and blog or vlog about it. I really like the idea! It doesn't have to be an official race, but the challenge is to share what you see as you reach the finish line.

Running has been such a valued part of my life, even though it has been years since I have run seriously.
This idea intrigues me, inspires me and infuses me with the desire to get out there again!

So, I am sorry, but I am going to inflict my running experience on all of you!  Next week, after we get back from our Dallas conference, I am going to begin and figure out how to vlog my finish!! I am actually excited about it.  Gotta find a cool place to run, so that ya'll won't be bored by what I video!!
LOL, I am feeling it!!

Eyes of Love

This morning as I was thinking of the day ahead, and feeling a heaviness of loss in my chest, the Lord sent a memory into my mind.

It was the day my mom died and we received a phone call from our son's fiancée that  they had been in a car wreck.  I rushed to the hospital and when I saw my son lying on the gurney, I was entranced with what I observed:  There he was, with a neck brace, gazing with intense love into his beloved's eyes, while she stroked his hair.  What a picture of love and peace.  Immediately, the Lord Jesus spoke to my heart, "Keep your eyes on me, adore me, let me adore you, and you not be consumed with pain."

I turn my eyes upon You this morning, Lord.  I love You, and adore You.  Help me love You more!

The Lord is my Shepherd by Keith Green

In memory of Mary Sheffield.

Shepherd Me Oh God!

A Life of Love

It has been a wonderful journey, sitting in vigil, waiting for my husband's mom to "cross over."  Sometimes it takes awhile for people to come to the point of jumping off.

Last Sunday, after almost a week of watching Mary fade away, I asked the Lord,"Why is it taking so long? She is hardly here, barely hanging on?"  Clear as a bell I heard, "Her purpose is not fulfilled.  She has more to accomplish."  I had been praying for family members who were estranged.  I knew with a certainty upon hearing these words, that reconciliation was on its way!

I was not disappointed.  Each family member showed up to pay respects to Mary and each realized that family is important.  All hard feelings disappeared as a mist in the sunlight and our family is healed.

Many years ago, wen my mother was alive, I looked for days to find a Mother's Day card that didn't define her worth by what she could do or had done for me.  I wanted one that just celebrated who she was.  She was totally incapacitated physically, but she was priceless to me.  The world would have us believe that our worth is in our doing, and much of what we do is powerful, but ultimately we are valued by who we are. What we do in this life defines who we are and when we live for love, we become love.

We are eager to see what else will be accomplished by this awesome woman!

Thank you, Mom, Mary, Grandma, Great-grandma, great-great-grandma!

Love is All We Need

Family is so important.  How different my experience has been with the passing of my mom and the soon to be passing of my mom-in-love.  When my mom died, there was only my sweet husband by her side. We did not have any warning.  I thank God that Jack was there for Mom.

Mary, however, has been held in so much love. Her two beautiful granddaughters and I, and Jack, and others have held vigil for Mary Alice Black MCown Sheffield for several days now. It has been rich. We have reminisced about so many happy times and watched Mary glow.  Nursing staff have blessed us in so many ways.  A fellow resident, a woman who loved Mary, from the dining room stopped by and brought us all to tears with her blessing of Mary.

I hurt with my precious grandson tonight as he realized his "big-grandma" was leaving us. What a blessing this young man is in our life.  I am filled with love knowing that every person, no matter how frail, or how unable to do for others, is cherished by one so young and so tender.

Lord, thank You for Mary Alice.  She is one who was always there for her family.  She never judged. She always loved, and for that I shall always be grateful.

Waiting: Reflections on birth and death.

I remember the waiting...come soon, little one.
Each child I have been blessed to know has kept me waiting...
When will you be here?
I am anxious to meet you face to face, to feel your skin and hold you tight in my embrace!
The preparation...
Rooms to decorate, clothes to buy...
Softest blankets...anticipation.
Love to be enfolded and released!
Lives to be connected and unleashed!

And then you came.
Joy is so complete.

Dying is like that.
Our Father waits with bated breath for our new birth.
He longs to feel our skin and hold us tight in His embrace.
Soon...it will be soon.
"I am working out the perfect time for you to come.
Your room is almost finished and your garment has been bought by My own Son.
Anticipation grows in all our hearts
For you to come and be enfolded and released!
Forever to be connected and unleashed!
And so you'll come.
My Joy will be complete!"
Love, Abba

Lord Have Mercy

Perspective. The devastation in Japan has certainly given me some.  There have been times in my life as a Christian that I have lost sight of the fact that Jesus will someday return.  When life is calm and good, I tend to get complacent.  It is easy to forget that there are millions upon millions of people who do not know Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.  It is easy to play games and tell silly stories, share silly e-mails and in general live life at a very low level of purpose.  But when confronted with the scale of death and destruction that has occurred in Japan, I am brought up short.  Time is of the essence.  Prayers are desperately needed for our fellowman.  

My navel gazing has ceased and I am sending love and prayers to the people of Japan.  Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.  Lord have mercy. 

A Blog a Day??? Count the Cost!

I committed to blogging everyday in 2011.  I didn't take into account those days when I have completely poured myself out.  Let this be a lesson to me: never promise something without counting the cost!
Jesus warned us about this. Luke 14: 27-33.


 ²⁷And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. ²⁸For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-- ²⁹lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, ³⁰saying, "This man began to build and was not able to finish.' ³¹Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? ³²Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. ³³So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. 


Granted, blogging is nowhere near the importance of war or building a tower, but the principle remains.  Wisdom says, "Always count the cost!"  I will fulfill my promise to the best of my ability, but tonight, I am too tired to think deep thoughts.  


We had a glorious healing mission in Manitou Springs, CO.  The people of God are beautiful and hungry for more of Him!  I must spend some quality time with God and unpack all that He has done for us this weekend.  I feel totally blessed.  I never ceased to be blown away how God pours back many times over the blessings that we give out! 


Good night all, and keep praying for the ones suffering in Japan!  Anna Marie

Watch!

from nationaljournal.com

In light of the devastation in Japan, it is hard to even think of anything to say about my own life.  I just want to say that prayers are going up for you, Japan, and all who are the path of it's destruction.

Please read the following from the gospel of Mark 13: 3-37
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
^R61 3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, ⁴"Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?" 
⁵And Jesus, answering them, began to say: "Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁶For many will come in My name, saying, "I am He,' and will deceive many. ⁷But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁸For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.^F62 These are the beginnings of sorrows. 
⁹"But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought ^F63 before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. ¹⁰And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.¹¹But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate ^F64 what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. ¹²Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. ¹³And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 


The Great Tribulation
^R62 14 "So when you see the "abomination of desolation,' ^F65 spoken of by Daniel the prophet, ^F66 standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ¹⁵Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. ¹⁶And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. ¹⁷But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! ¹⁸And pray that your flight may not be in winter.¹⁹For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. ²⁰And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. 
²¹"Then if anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!' or, "Look, He is there!' do not believe it. ²²For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand. 


The Coming of the Son of Man
^R63 24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; ²⁵the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. ²⁶Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. 


The Parable of the Fig Tree
^R64 28 "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. ²⁹So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it ^F67 is near--at the doors! ³⁰Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.³¹Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 


No One Knows the Day or Hour
^R65 32 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. ³⁴It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. ³⁵Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-- ³⁶lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. ³⁷And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

I Lift My Eyes Up

A Parable of Three Saplings

God had not abandoned us, even though at times it felt like it.

My husband and I, our two young sons, and two frisky dogs, were living in Grapeland, TX  The year was about 1984.  We had recently built a home on the sandy soil, great for growing peanuts, which made Grapeland famous for it's annual Peanut Festival. The soil was so sandy it took much soil amendment to grow most plants.

In those days, we only had time and money to prepare the flower bed along the front of the house.  I bought three fast growing saplings. and temporarily placed them in the bed until I could prepare their permanent spot in the yard.

A few days later, our little mutt, Binky, decided he wanted to eat tree! He bit off half of one of the trees, and another he gnawed off almost to the ground.  Bad Binky!  I trimmed the first tree with a clipper and the other... just wacked off to the ground...no hope for that one.

It was late in the winter, and my family was going through a time of severe trial, one I would never wish on anyone.  Our youngest son, Stevie had been diagnosed with leukemia, and we were struggling through all that entails: the underlying fear of, "what if this doesn't work;" the pain of seeing your child suffer through the pain of treatment; the grief of knowing you are not able to be as fully there for big brother, knowing he is suffering as well, and the helplessness to change that; the the weariness of travel every week to a medical center hours from your home and back, suffering with the little one's pain of spinal taps and bone marrow tests, then dealing with the vomiting all the way home.  These were just a few of the sorrows of that season of our life.

Suddenly Spring gave a tease, and the gorgeous weather prompted me to go dig the new homes for the young saplings.  (Digging in the dirt is great therapy for what ails me.) After preparing the beds,  I went to dig up the two remaining little trees.  The first one was looking really well.  It had lots of pretty, green leaves.  I started to dig it up, but discovered it pulled up without any effort.  I quickly transplanted it.

The second one was still looking pretty much like a stick.  It had one little leaf trying to bud out.  I gave it a tug, thinking it would easily be moved as well.  It wouldn't budge.  I started digging around it and discovered that it had grown roots twice as long as the first one and many more as well. I was astounded and remembered the scripture about pruning: John 15:2

"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."

I got curious about the little tree that Binky had gnawed off.  Searching the ground, I found it!  There was a tiny green shoot coming forth!  I got excited and began to dig...and dig...and dig!  I could not get to the end of the roots. They extended several feet into the ground. I was absolutely unable to move that tree! 


I sat down on the ground and began to weep, overcome with the revelation I was receiving from the Lord.  


The beautiful, little tree that had been spared from damage was beautiful to look at, but had no root in itself.  This is representative of the untested life. It was growing in a way that could be seen by man, but in the secret unseen places, had no power to stay through tough times.  

The tree that had been bitten and pruned some, had developed some depth.  It was growing in the secret places, and was beginning to be seen by man.  

But the tree that had been through the most difficult trial, had been gnawed off in the most savage way, had been growing with the deepest ability to thrive and not be moved, even in the darkest times, in the places not see by anyone but God.  


I felt the arms of Love around me, and knew that no matter how hard it got,  I would survive, because my God, my husbandman, was pruning me in the most difficult way to be an oak of Righteousness in His Kingdom.  I knew, in the same way, He was bringing my family into the same victory.  And I know, dear one, that He is doing the same thing for you in your trials and testings.  


Be encouraged!  In the dark times, remember you are planted in the Kingdom of God, you will triumph and thrive!   Years later, I drove my daughter-in-love by the house in Grapeland.  The only one of my trees that survived was the the little gnawed off tree! 


Blessings, Anna Marie


  

Ash Wednesday

Remember, dust you are and to dust you shall return.  Powerful words of remembrance that this life is fleeting and how important it is to make all the in-between time count.

Lord, help me to remember.  Help me to live each day in the secret place of the Most High.  Help me to make a difference in this life.  Let me bring many to Your Kingdom.

Thank You Lord for every burnt up thing in my life.  Let me wear it upon my forehead as a reminder of what remains:  How much I loved, how many know You because of your love in me.

Go With the Flow??

My mom was an adventuresome gal.  She had a bit of a wild streak.  Growing up, Mom, my brother Hal and I traveled across the U.S. every summer, heading to my grandmothers' homes.  Garm lived in Montana, Grandma in Minnesota.  We always traveled a different route so we could see something new.

During the years of our convertible VW bug (1960's), I vividly remember traveling in "convoys."  After spending hours on winding, country roads, Mom would get back on the interstate to make up time.  She would find a convoy of 18-wheelers zooming down the road, and insert our little 'bug' into the middle of it.  With the top down, her short blonde hair flying, my brother and I would turn around in the backseat (This was before the tediousness of seatbelts!) and give the trucker behind us the whistle sign: pulling on an imaginary train whistle and shouting woot woot!  It was a blast!  The truckers would blow their horns in response and we would laugh and giggle...fun times!  What I didn't realize at the time was how fast we were flying!  The trucks had CB radios and would let each other know about highway patrol officers, so they could slow down in time to avoid tickets.  We made really good time!  LOL!  I still remember the thrill of speed and the comaradarie with the truckers.  Many times, we would pull into truck-stops for a meal along with some of the truckers.  They would always goodnaturedly tease us about our 'bug' and say, "Hope you don't end up on a windshield!"  Other times, we would pull off the highway, leaving the convoy, with the truckers all giving mom their salute: Two toots on the horn.

A few years ago, I was on a road trip with my daughter-in-law and grandchildren.  We were heading back south from a trip to Montana.  South of Denver, driving down Interstate-25,  we found ourselves in a convoy!  Things have changed. Truckers don't seem to fly like they used to, but it still has a safe feel to it, so I will insert myself into line of 18-wheelers when I can.  Call me crazy!
Anyway, I am telling Kathleen this story of my mom and our 'bug' and laughing. We are approaching Colorado Springs, where we remembered a McDonald's, and we exit for lunch.  All the truckers are exiting with us, and I made the comment, "Wow, I didn't think an 18-wheeler could fit in the drive-through at Mickey D's!"

Suddenly, realization came.  We had exited into a weigh station!  Oh My Gosh!  I was so embarrassed and amused at the same time!  Kathleen and I laughed so hard!  What a joke!  But I learned a lesson about going with the flow.  You can get so relaxed, sometimes it will take you where you don't want to go!

I think I'll swim against the current!

Blessings, Anna Marie

Assemble the Elders!

For the last few weeks, it has been burning in my heart that we have come into a time of shifting in the Body of Christ.  There is a call going out from the Holy Spirit to assemble the elders.  This is a new season, in which, there will be raised up, like never before, an assembly of elders, who will pour out into the next generation wisdom and revelation, that will ignite a revival in our land that will not fade away, but will endure until the coming again of Christ.

It was no surprise to the Lord, that there would be a generation of "baby boomers" that would come into the winter season of their life in huge numbers.  There is collective wisdom, both in the natural and in the supernatural, that is now going to be imparted to the next generations.

There will be an honor and respect return towards the elders among us in the Kingdom of God.
The very generation that spurned their elders, "You can't trust anyone over the age of thirty,"  is going to reverse that curse and begin to show honor to the elders among us.  Wisdom is arising!

In the prophet Joel, there are several references to assembling the elders.  In Joel 1:
2 Hear this, you aged men, give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.


And again:
14 Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God; and cry to the LORD. 


And again in Joel 2:
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly;16 gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders;  (Emphasis mine)


These are all references to the last days.  I hear God speaking to my heart as one who is entering into my elder years, "Get ready!  Prepare to be poured out!  Assemble yourself with the Body of Christ, and receive all that your elders have to give."  I am being called to lift up every elder in my life with respect and dignity, to encourage them and let them know how very essential they are to all of us!  And I am being called to lay aside my childish ways and walk into my own maturity; to see my Lord Jesus, face to face and receive every bit of wisdom He has for me so that I may raise up the next generations. 


Praise to the Ancient of Days!!  
Blessings, Anna Marie

Hope is Rising!

Just sitting here, listening to the woosh, woosh of the dishwasher.  The house is silent, other than that.  Jack is at a meeting and I am left alone with my thoughts.  It has been a good day.  The sun was shining, and the wind was blowing, and the scent of Spring is in the air.  The grass is beginning to turn green,  and some of the local trees are in bloom.  Hope is floating through my heart.

We had a wonderful visit with dear friends and met the new husband of one of them.  Their story is one of hope.  Widowed, in their 60's, they met online!  After many heart to heart phone calls, they decided to meet and on the first date, he proposed!  They are absolutely a joy to watch and listen to!   They have been given a hope and a future!

Earlier, I was delighted by a phone call from our daughter-in-love and the chance to speak with each child and even my kid!  I love my son so much.  (Don't we all!)  When I listen to him, I am in wonder at the amazing depths of curiosity he has for this life.  I feel hope rising for the future.  Even if this world crumbles around us, with young men and women like this, this earth will go on to greater heights!

I spent a few minutes on Facebook before writing this.  I was enthralled with the photos my family and friends have posted.  The love on each face.  The love of the one who posted them.  This love gives me hope.  Hope cannot be quenched, even though blackness and darkness and pain overwhelm.  It has substance.  It lifts, fills, and glorifies everyone and everything is touches.

I will say goodnight with a quote from a man who journeyed far looking for hope.  I hope you are blessed with some hope today!  Blessings, Anna Marie

"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence."  ~Lin Yutang

Perspective #1

I am thinking of perspective...as in, "It's all in your perspective."  Tonight my thoughts are:  Is it better to write a blog for the sake of writing it, or better to wait for creativity to break through?  I am leaning towards the latter! :)) Since I am spending the evening with my sweetie, I will wait for another day!
Blessings, Anna Marie

mental_floss Blog » The Quick 10: How 10 Classic Toys Were Invented

mental_floss Blog » The Quick 10: How 10 Classic Toys Were Invented

In honor of Texas rodeo season!

No Place Like Paris! Texas, That Is!

Once upon a drive, my husband and I, and our two little boys, were on our way to Montana to see family. We were living in East Texas near Houston at the time, so by the time we got to Paris, TX we were feeling like we were almost to Montana!  If you have ever driven across the state of Texas, you know what I mean.  Anyhow, we bumped over the railroad tracks and turned left, turned right, and there calling out to us was an old-fashioned diner.  Food break!!  We went in and were greeted by two of the sweetest little-old-ladies this side of the Red River!

Having a meal at this precious establishment, was like eating a grandma-cooked meal.  The women giggled and entertained our two young sons, the youngest being a baby.  We had brought Stevie's little rubber squeaky-dog toy in with us to help keep him entertained and it worked!  While the ladies kept him occupied, I actually got to eat my entire meal without having to nurse him or entertain him...you young moms know what I mean!...

We had so much fun, we almost walked out with out paying for our meal!  It felt like family!  Such a great place... wonder if anyone out there knows the place?  Anyway,  the rest of our trip was great and we had a wonderful time with Garm and aunts and cousins.  Somewhere during the trip we discovered that we had left the squeaky toy behind...I was sad because it had first belonged to our older child and both boys had loved it.  On the way home we stopped to see if it was still there, but the cafe was closed.

The following year,  we were once again on our way north to see family.  This time for a family reunion in Minnesota. (I can still see my Auntie Mabel proudly carrying her tiny Jello salad in and saying, "I brought the salad!")  We arrived in Paris, bumped over the railroad tracks, turned left, turned right and yes! There was the diner and it was open!  Our mouthes were watering for some great homemade victuals...and yippee! It was still run by the same dear ladies!

We walked through the door with our two little boys in tow and were greeted like old friends!  These two women remembered us!!  One of them scurried over to the cash register and said, "I have something for you..." She pulled out the squeaky doggie from under the counter and handed it to the boys!  I was speechless! She said, "We knew you'd be back, because you loved our food so much!" What an amazing act of love!  That is my America!  I will never forget their kindness.

Ahhh Paris!!   ~ Anna Marie

I'll See You in My Dreams

I have been sitting here with my laptop in my lap, in bed, and I fell asleep!
I can't keep my eyes open, so I will say goodnight and hopefully have dreams to remember!
Here's a song to relax by:  Blessings, Friends!

Okay. I committed to blogging every day in 2011.  Right now I have no inspiration, but simply recollection.  I am basking in the memories of a place that changed my life. The Church of the Redeemer, Episcopal in Houston, TX.

I have just been watching the video that was uploaded to YouTube, of the CBS report on the move of God in that holy place.   I am not sure of the date, but it was before we got there. I am guessing in the late 60's judging from the cars and clothes.  Jack and I came on the scene in 1973 (Jack had visited in the late 60's before he was drafted into the army. He was whacked by God!)
The Spirit's transforming power was strong and we were led to move into the community.  We lived first in a four-plex with other couples from Redeemer, and in a slightly different way of community, because we all had our own place, but we were always in each other's homes.  It was a very glorious time.  I remember pizza and beer with Barbara and John Boyle!  And Jeanie Flake!

Then as many young newlywed couples do, we began to have some trials that we did not know how to deal with on our own.  We spoke to the leadership in the church and soon found ourselves in the Paul and Susie Patton Household.  This was a home filled with almost 20 people, maybe more...my memory is a little faint. It was hard but wonderful.  I have never been connected with people, so sold out to Jesus Christ, in my life.  I learned how to make scrambled eggs for a crowd in that house!

Then we moved to the Billy and Jennifer Crain Household.  There were fewer people, but still a strong sense of family.  It was memorable time.

Jack and I moved away in 1975, but we have never forgotten the lessons learned at Redeemer, or the love that was forged there.  Never have I met more on-Fire Christians. I have thanked God many times for the experience, pain and all.

I pray for the people of the church who have recently been evicted from the building.  I know that the church is the people not the edifice, but believe with all my heart that the place should be restored and used to the glory of God!