Riding on the High Places

She answered to many names. Jeannie (siblings and nursing home staff), Zelda (by my dad), Mrs. Olson (a friend appreciating her fastidious Norwegian heritage), Tutu (Hawaiian word for grandma by her grandsons) Grandma (by our girls) and simply Mom by me and my sisters. My mom passed away July 9th after what was probably a small stroke. My cousin Jim and his wife Shari were prompted to visit Mom before they left town for some vacation. They prayed for her and he sang to her not knowing that thirty minutes later she would breathe her last. 

God reminded me of a birthday card my mom sent to Alberta which I have laminated and saved as a reminder of His faithfulness. She had communicated to Alberta that she had been sensing a lack of fulfillment in her life.  The Lord had been knocking on the door of her heart and she had invited Him in. The crucial elements of salvation can be seen in her short testimony to Alberta. Like the thief on the cross, she had acknowledged her own need and Christ's ability to fill that need. Then she shared her faith with another - unashamed to tell Alberta that she needed the Lord Jesus and had a place for Him in her heart. 

We experienced the presence of the Lord and a great peace during the funeral service. The phrase "riding on the high places of the earth" from Is. 58:14 has always intrigued me. I believe there is an intersection of personal faith and the prayers of the saints that lifts us above the hardship and grief we normally experience in the circumstances of life. That was our experience during our time with family and friends. Our heartfelt thanks to all who prayed. 

Prayer Requests:

1) Pray for our family as we adjust to life with out my mom - especially my dad. 

2) We are now in Johnson City spending time with our girls and preparing to return to Thailand. Pray for us as we spend time with Heather and Krista and pack for Asia.

3) Pray for those who are considering joining our support team that they will know God's will (not ours). 

4) Pray for Thailand as we prepare to head back. The country is still under martial law and the political situation is volatile. 

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta