A Goldilocks Life

How May I Pray for You?

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I don’t like getting bad news. No one really does, right? If you’ve been given a diagnosis that finds you in a cocoon on your bed, I can relate. Been there, done that several years ago. The first thing I did was call my family and friends to tell them that I was facing tests for a serious medical problem.

The following weekend, my family gathered around me and did everything they could to cheer me up. My friends called often to remind me that they were praying for me, several of them even prayed over the phone. Church that Sunday found me in a circle with my brothers and sisters in Christ praying for me.

The date of the exploratory surgery came quickly. The day before, I recall feeling God’s presence in a special way. As I lay face down on my bed, the cross of Christ loomed over me in my mind and the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” resonated in my heart. I felt ready to face anything as I clung to the cross knowing Jesus will never leave me. And if I left this life, I knew I would exchange my cross of suffering for a crown.

God’s spiritual comfort carried me through the hours awaiting surgery and going under anesthesia. As I awoke, I saw the surgeon’s smiling face near me saying, “There was nothing!” I slid back into unconsciousness and woke up in the recovery room. Nothing?

The tests prior to surgery had revealed a large growth, but when doctors opened me up, they found no abnormality. God healed me! Talk about joy! I laughed, cried, kissed Steve, and called all my friends and loved ones. The Lord had used the prayers of His people to bring a miracle healing. That’s what the doctor called it. That’s what I believe.

Please let me know what you’re facing, and I promise to pray for you. Does every prayer end in healing? Yes, eventually if not immediately for every follower of Christ. I will pray for you knowing that our God hears, cares, and answers prayers. James chapter 5 is an relevant passage to read during times of suffering. Verse 16 reminds us that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” How may I pray for you?

Refreshed and Ready

We’re back from our Amish Country Tour in Pennsylvania with the Down East Boys and the Hyssongs, and one word describes how I feel: refreshed. Each site visited on the tour offered something unique and memorable. More than a hundred people who love the Lord Jesus toured with us, and we connected with many of them.

One example was the buggy ride through Amish country with people from the tour. On our buggy was a son with his mom and dad and a daughter with her mom, and the son and daughter had special needs like our son, Ray. Though they didn’t talk a lot with one another, I could sense they felt comfortable together, and we parents could relate well because of this awesome and challenging commonality. I sensed the Lord brought us together. The driver of the buggy gave a thorough tour as we passed large, fresh family farms and green rolling hills as he shared his experience of growing up Amish but choosing to leave that life. He still has good relationships with his family.

Another highlight was the meal we were all served by an Amish family in the loft of their huge barn loft. There was boneless chicken, delicious corn freshly off the cob, and homemade bread and Amish peanut butter. The Amish children served the meal as the mom and aunt oversaw them. After the satisfying meal, our host accompanied the Hyssongs and Down East Boys on guitar while they led us in familiar hymns. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Though it was a two-day drive there and back, I came home feeling spiritually and mentally uplifted by conversations with new friends, meaningful daily devotions led by Dell Hyssong, and time away with Steve and Ray. I am ready for the days to come as I reflect on the beauty of music and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, remember the lush, rolling mountains, and enjoy eating homemade Amish jam and peanut butter for a while.

God Connection

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As a speaker trainer for Stonecroft, one responsibility that I seldom face is sharing negative comments about a speaker’s recent engagement. But a woman had recently stepped over the boundaries and needed to be reminded of them. As I dialed her number, I prayed for wisdom. I had never met this person before, which in some ways made it easier. I didn’t beat around the bush as I explained the reason for my call. At first, she sounded defensive and angry. I listened carefully and gave short replies. She eventually conceded that she may not have followed protocol and hung up. I sighed, relieved that was over, and moved on.

Fifteen minutes later, her number popped up again. She said, “I may not have been as kind as I should have. I’m sorry for getting angry.” I immediately replied, “I forgive you!” and she explained that some stressful things were happening with her adult daughter who has special needs. I related immediately since I am in a similar situation with our son, Ray. We talked for another ten minutes, finding that we had a lot in common. We prayed together as the conversation ended.

That was a God-ordained connection, and I am so thankful that the Lord is with us every moment. He even knows when I will make a new friend, though it caused each of us some anxious moments in the making.