Share you story of transformation for all to see. Pick a perspective to share from. Here are some idea starters for you. These experiences may be shared during the Church 2.0 message series beginning November 11th.
- How has your relationship with Christ changed your life?
- How has your Life Pointe Church experience impacted you?
- Share a story about someone that made a difference in your life.
- Share your favorite Life Pointe memory.
- Share your first impression of Life Pointe Church.
Who will be the first to share their story?!
Posted by: travis johnson | October 13, 2006 at 04:26 PM
Most of you know Ivan and my story,for those who do not here it is short and sweet.
I had to stop working and go on disability in 1991. Had the best job gave my family trips, clothers and what ever money could buy. When I starting getting siker and siker things started to go down hill. Money was tight, no more of the good life or so we thought. At this time we started going to catholic church (thats how we were both raised) Ivan became an usher, got involved of course as much as you can in the catholic church.
In time we started feeling that there was not anything there for us so we left and never whent back. After about a year of no association with any church a friend of my son came and asked us to visit a Christian church. Liked what we saw, heard and felt but it was still laking. By the time we moved down to Homestead we again did not have a church to go to. By this time Ivan was starting dialisys for kidney failure. I had had two stokes, heart failure, and several small stokes, and my breathing was becoming a ral problem. Ivan and I did all the paper work, tests and every thing that was needed for a transplant. We did not think that was ever a possibility since you have to wait for about 2-3 years.
When we started going to Walgreens on Campbell Drive and passed by Life-Pointe I started telling Ivan that that church was calling me, and so it happened every single time we whent by. I called to find out about service times and spoke with Mayra. The following Sunday was Easter Sunday we decided to go.
That was the week that Ivan had been put on the list for transplant. When we stepped inside that church we both new we were home!
The service was true to the point, honest nothing that we were used to. After service we met Pastor Travis at the welcome center and he prayed for Ivan that morning and it was awasome. With in the following week Ivan was called in and he matched first time out. He still has bumps in the road but he is going good.
As for me those we do not know me i am the only person with an oxygen tank right front and center on Sundays. I have malignant hypertension in the common form also I have gloucoma, I have a stent in my brain to keep my arteries going, my lungs only work at about 30 to 40% every day 24 7. I take more medications than anyone I know. Dr's have told me I shoud not be alive persons ask us how do we manage.My answer always is Jesus is carrying me and he had given me my breath. I do as much as I can for the LORD. there are times that I have really bad days were I have to be in bed but then I remember He is mine and we are his so I get up minister to as many persons as HE send me and let me tell you my list for prayer over the phone or in person is growing that is such a blessing for me to be able to help others. I am a prayer warrior here at home i do the calls for our new guests and Ivan loves to do hospitality. This is our family and we fight for our family. We have come a long way with Jesus by our side. He is our PILOT.
Travis how can we begin to say how much you mean to us. You are my blessing. Your toughts, your prayers and your frienship means the world to us. The Johnson family is one of a kind.
My biggest gift that I have received from Life Pointe is the friendships I have. They rock big time. My sister in Christ Beckie, has been a God send. I could go on and on the story is still on going, but I am here to tell you that with out the love of my Lord and my family we could not go on.
To us Life Pointe is home, family, and most of all GOD. He blesses me every second of every day and Ivan as well. We would be lost with out any of the above things.
Remember everyone it does not matter the physical state you are in you can still serve our GOD. If I can do it you all can to.
Posted by: Ela Ortega | October 13, 2006 at 09:36 PM
Most of you know me. Well, at least you think you know me. The truth is that no one here really knows me, nor my story of transformation.
You see me every Sunday playing for the Lord, and praying that one word I sing, one note that I play will bring someone to their knees in acceptance of Jesus Christ, my Lord. I pray that it is a permanent change in their lives, a "forever" blessing.
My story begins in California. I owned a Video and Photography business that was quite lucrative. Along with that came "local" fame in the community. Everyone in the Palmdale/Lancaster area knew of Dave and Videoscenes Productions. It seemed like I was everywhere, on local TV, local Radio, local celebrations, judging talent shows and contests, and at most civic events for the community. I thought I was really something. I felt important, and the best thing since sliced bread. Oh, and if that wasn't enough for my ego, I was also an Air Traffic Controller! You talk about impressive! With that came the late parties, the women, the drinking, the cheating, and the lying.
Well, as most things do, it began to catch up to me. I was raised in the Church, but never gave God any credit for anything. It was all me. I was the Artist. I was the technician.
Quickly, my life began to unravel at the seams. I lost my 5 bedroom 3 bath, 3000 square foot home, lost my wife, nearly lost my job, and had to file bankrumptcy for Videoscenes and my personal assets. It was an ugly time. Yet, I still did not honor God. Instead, I ran. I ran from all the shadows that stalked me, but never asked God for help. My pride would not let me. I ran to Seattle, Wa. There, I started over with my work, and my life. Unfortunately, the one key ingredient for the right recipe was missing. God.
I held out. I fought God with every breath I took. I fought him everyday. I started my business again and began to rebuild. I had remarried the wrong woman for all the wrong reasons. Now, like a ghost from the past, slowly, it was happening again. Oh, I was attending a small church there. I was putting on my church clothes, or should I say costume? I was not really into the God thing at the time. I was into my thing. The Pastor couldn't sway me. Soon, as I built the business, things started to fall apart in some other aspect of my life. So, I did what I did best. I puffed out my chest and defied God...yet again. This time God was serious. While working, I nearly experienced a runway collision that was so close I felt my body go numb. I felt a rush of adrenaline through my body, and then just as quickly, nothing. I felt myself fading. I thought...this is what a heart attack must feel like. Later, after having to see several doctors I discovered that I had experienced a panic attack, and that I subsequently had suffered post traumatic stress disorder. Now, I was on medication and could not work. I was going to lose my job. My marriage was once again failing, and my financial outlook was bleak, at best. However, I still found enough inside me to fight God.
One day, I walked into work, and they told me that they had nothing for me to do. They asked me to leave and wait for a call. I knew that this was the beginning of the end. Although, I have had a very successful career with the U.S. Government, when you are too ill to work...the Government can be very unforgiving. I went home, only to find an angry wife, kids that hated me...yes..they really did, and a financial situation that suddenly hit an embankment.
After some time without work, my business was again failing. My wife threw me out and I lived in my motorhome for what seemed an eternity. Still I did not budge. I was not going to give in to God.
Weeks passed, and finally work called. I went back. I went into retraining. I failed again. My health once again gave out. This PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) came from nowhere and incapacitated me, yet again. Now, I had a difficult time even going to the airport. Every noise, every event that normal people would simply overlook caused me to jump. Everything seemed to startle me. My Doctor said that this was one of the symptoms of the "fight or flight" reflex gone crazy.
I then decided to see a doctor that was recommended to me by a friend. This doctor was a Christian. He let me know that up front. He in turn sent me to a therapist..yes...also a Christian. I also began to see a Christian Counselor. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by these people. As things in my life got worse, my stubborness through the efforts of these professionals that God had put in my life started to subside. Then my wife wanted a divorce, the kids still hated me, and again I was without work. My soul was aching, but somehow I knew that the answer was with these doctors I had met and confided in.
To Be Continued....
Posted by: David Torres | October 14, 2006 at 10:56 PM
To Be Continued: Part Deux.
My Los Angeles/Palmdale story has much more detail than I can expound on here in this forum. As Travis, Kelly, and Phil know, I am not one to hold back the truth. If you are truly interested in more detail of my Los Angeles connection and you feel that it would help your struggle in the Lord, let me know. We can have coffee, email or use any forum you like and I will gladly share my deepest struggles with you.
As for the rest of my story:
These doctors that were placed in my life were genuinely concerned for my health and my well being. As I went to counselling with my Church Psychologist. I did a full term of anger management, marriage counselling and couples counselling. I practically saw Tom everyday. I felt that I needed his input, and his Christian perspective to get on with life. Though I was not living with my wife at the time, I was still trying to make my marriage work. My wife was also seeing Tom for the same classes, or at least, that is what I thought. I found myself seeing my Christian MD doctor more frequently because I was experiencing sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. Although, I did experience thoughts of suicide....thoughts of ending my own life....I could not tell anyone. Not even the MDs that I most confided in. Somewhere in the back of my mind, my ego wanted to get back into Air Traffic Control, and I did not believe that I was only a shell of the man I once was. I sometimes did not believe I was ill and suffered from a disease I could not put my hands on. I was still fighting God. Wrestling with his desire for me in my life. However, in the hopes of gaining a more intellectual understanding of why I was suffering...I did attend Toms (the counsellor) church. A very large church in Renton. There I was anonymous and I felt safe. I found no peace there. Thoughts of giving up kept creeping into my mind. I had no outlet for my pain. I could not paint, draw, and my fingers could not form chords on the guitar any longer. I talked to friends...but I would leave empty. Keep in mind, that these friends had known me for years. Yet, they could not fill the voids in my soul.
At this time, I owned a 1986 Goldwing that I had purchased to try and fill a void in my heart. This "Wing" was a showbike, and was in mint condition. Now, while reading this you may ask yourself...what does a Gold Wing have to do with Daves story? Well, this Gold Wing was instrumental in the changes that took place in my life. But you will have to wait for my next installment. If you think that I am doing this on purpose...I am. I want you to keep coming back to this site. I want you to not only read my story but others that are sure to be posted. I want this story, and others to change your life...or improve it. Just like Travis does his series....mine is designed for the same purpose. To keep you wanting more.
To Be continued.
Posted by: Davd Torres | October 16, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Part III continued:
The purchase of the Goldwing was a God given blessing. I saw this Bike sitting in front of an Avionics shop by an airport in Seattle. There was a lot of vehicle traffic there, so many had seen this Goldwing for sale. I went by there after one of my coworkers had seen it. I went by, 2 weeks after I was told about it. It was still there. Shiny, polished and beautiful. I looked at it from a distance. I went back to my apartment and thought about it. About 3 weeks after that my coworker asked me if I had bought it. I said "no". He said, "a bike like that is probably gone by now.".
I responded, "Well, if not, then it was not meant to be".
Perhaps a week later, I went by there. Yes, She was still there. I finally went in and spoke to the owner. He told me that he wanted someone to have her that would take care of her. He said many had come by...but he would not sell to them. I looked at him, and he said "I will sell it to you". It was as though...the Lord had planned this. I told him that I would buy the bike. I came back a couple of days later, and purchased the bike. I rode it home, and it was like the bike was part of me. I put her to bed.
After being layed off yet again...I decided that this time, the stress...the anger...the waiting...was simply too much. I went to see my MD doctor. I told him how I felt, and he recommended that I take a vacation. I told him I had bought a Goldwing and that I was considering a long ride. The doctor looked over his bifocals at me and he said to me..."Dave...take a bible...and read it...go to a Christian bookstore and buy two emblems. By the fish emblems that you see everyone sticking on their cars. Put one on the front of your Goldwing...and put one on the back. That way people will know you are a Christian...and they will know where you are going..and where you are coming from".
If you have seen our new Goldwing you will notice that I have placed these emblems on her, as well.
I took my doctors advice. I got the emblems. I loaded a backpack with clothes, got the Wing ready....and I departed Seattle, WA. I left for Virginia to visit my brother who was a strong Christian. Now, the amazing transformation begins.
I had loaded up with John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and other easy listening tunes. The songs had meaning to me.
As I rode, I listened to these tunes. Many of the lyrics reminded me of hope, lost loves, life journeys and such. I was feeling better as I rode. There were times when the right song would trigger tears and grief. Sometimes the songs made me happy. As I rode, I would think about how I could make my life better. As I left the forests and mountains of Washington state, I entered Idaho, and continued east. I decided to listen to the radio. I couldn't get anything...then suddenly...a faint signal came in. Suddenly, the signal became strong. I heard familiar songs. Christian songs. I stayed glued to that station. All the songs seemed to speak into my life. As I began to lose reception, another station would come in. Yes, the familiar Christian tunes were there. Also, Christian speakers would come on. They were talking to me. I began to cry as I rode through the mountains of Montana. At my first campsite, I slept like a baby. After resting, I began to read the Bible. I decided that I would read from anywhere that I opened the Book. I kept opening up to Proverbs. The next morning I got up, started the bike and rode off. I turned on the radio, and though I had long left the previous stations range...I scanned the radio. Static....static....static....then.....Praise God....a Christian station. No other stations would come in. This happened time after time. I finally came to the realization that God was talking to me. He was teaching me. This ride would be literally..the ride of my life. Every campsite I stopped in....every one....someone would walk up to me...and talk about God. They would give me thier testimony...and they would notice the Christian Emblems that I had put on my bike some 1000 miles ago. About half way through my journey with God, I stopped at a KOA. There I began to set up my tent. I noticed that an RV had pulled in across from my site. That evening, a gentleman and his wife walked up to me. They introduced themselves. Not only were they Pastors...they were missionaries from Canada. They had just been in Afica for several months. Their home was in Canada, and they were traveling on vacation. They were also authors of several books. I looked at them in disbelief. Well, before I knew what was happening, it seemed like the whole campground was praising, singing, and reading from the bible. As the sun was setting...I was praising God...and crying for his love and mercy in my life. The next morning as I awoke, my friends were up. They gave me one of their books....oddly it had to do with relationships. They both autographed it...and I rode off.
This happened to me day after day. I finally arrived in Virginia, seven days and 3000 miles later. I realized that I had been given the gift of new life, and I had undergone a transformation. I spent 6 weeks there with my brother. We went to church every chance we got. My parents were there also, and we had an amazing encounter together. 6 weeks later I returned to Washington state with a fresh outlook. Soon thereafter I went to visit my Christian MD. He asked me how I felt, though I think he already knew. I had my medicines with me. Paxil, Lorazapam, and Persription sleeping pills (Ambien). I looked at him and I said "Doc, I've been healed". He looked at me and smiled. I took the medicines out of my pocket....I looked at each bottle, then looked at him...."I don't need these anymore". "God, has given me new life". I threw the Ambien in his trash. I threw the Paxil in his trash, then the Lorazapam. He looked at me and said "Dave...you really need to be weened off of the Lorazapam...because that is addictive". I said "Naaaaa....Doc.....I don't need them anymore". I walked out of his office. Later, that week I went to see Tom, my Christian counselor. I sat in his office, and he proceeded to tell me that my wife had not been to any of her classes in months, nor had she taken any of the group sessions he recommended. I looked at Tom, a Pastor, and I said..."well, then...what do I do now???". Tom opened his Bible, and he read silently to himself. I watched him for what seemed like an eternity. I finally broke the silence and said..."Tom...."
He looked up at me, and thoughtfully said.."Dave..I know what you have been through....I know what you have learned...you need to get a divorce and start over". Needless to say, I was shocked. I replied.."Tom, you are a Pastor, and a counselor....you are telling me to divorce???"...."YES".
He quoted some passages to me...I will let Travis fill those in....then we prayed. I left. A week later, I called my wife....she was distant. I filed my divorce papers and within 7 days I had a judges decree in my hands. I gave her a copy of the papers and she was furious...yet 3 weeks later she had remarried!!! I proceeded to severe our ties, and I went back to work. I spoke sincerely to my boss...I asked for a transfer to anywhere. I had so much faith in God, that I went home and started packing. The Lord gave me my transfer, about 4 weeks later. I was going to Napa Airport in Northern California. I was eager to start over.
I bid farewell to Dr. Smith, and he looked at me. He said "Dave, don't just change your zip code...change your life...pray". I took his words with me to NAPA. There I found a church, quite by accident, that was to be my Anchor. Pastor John was awesome. He talked to me, and helped me to readjust. He would meet with me twice per week for coffee...yes..at Starbucks!!! We would chat, and he would fortify my Christianity. I went to his church without fail for every function, every meeting. With the Lords help, and defying all odds, I went back to Air Traffic Control and succeeded. Though, I was never one of the best controllers there, I was pretty good. I didn't play guitar...I didn't do Art, nor photography, however. I was faithful to my church. Then, I also realized that the gifts I possessed were actually on loan to me from God. All his outpourings to me...were to be used for HIS glory and edification. Soon, I was doing Videos for my church. I kept in mind always that my gift...was Gods gift. Eventually, I felt the need to move on. I asked for a transfer to Florida, because my brother and parents were here. I felt a need to be near my family and to enjoy something that I had missed out on for a long long time. I prayed and soon several Towers and facilities showed interest in me. I picked here. Again, God knew what He was doing and He already had layed the groundwork for my trek to Florida. During this whole time...from the separation of my wife and I..until moving to Florida, I had stayed away from relationships and had practiced abstinance. Total of about 5 and 1/2 years. After arriving in Florida, I began to work again. Knowing I would retire soon, I streamlined my debt, bought a house, and had begun going to a small church. God soon blessed me with the ability to play the guitar...though some of my closest friends now would argue that point....just kidding...Phil.
In this small church, I was to meet my soul mate....I was to meet the woman that would take my healed heart...and keep it forever. Eve and I were married. I was as happy as I thought I could be. My daughters were beautiful and we immediately formed a family bond that only God could create. Then, as Gods plan grew...I met Travis, Phil, Sister Rance and Brother Rance. Although, I'm sure that there were reservations about allowing me to join the worship team...somehow God made a way. Upon meeting Travis for the first time...there was a connection. It was unspoken but I know that I felt it. I know that God put us together. Although, Eve had some reservations..she followed. God gave me back the guitar. God gave me back the photography. God gave me back the Video production. God gave me back my business. God gave me more than I could even imagine. God put the Johnson family into my life to help guide me, nurture me, and help me to polish the qualities of a good Christian husband, Dad, brother, and son.
Every video, photo, or song that I write...I remember that God gave me these talents on loan. That he can allow Satan to take them away. I praise Him for his blessing in my life. JT, Anne, Travis, and Phil have been wonderful influences in my life. They continue the work that God began, and Pastor John nurtured. They challenge me, and take me in new directions that I know are God driven. I felt joy when Phil and Marcela were married, I felt a fathers love when Travis and Kelly had thier first born....I feel joy when my wife comes home...I feel love when my girls call me "daddy". I am healed, saved, and I have a promise of eternal life. I play guitar for God....and for you. I sing with Joy to every sinner, and to every soul that occupies a chair in our auditorium. I am a brother to all of you...and God has called me Friend.
Thankyou for reading.
Dave.
Posted by: Davd Torres | October 16, 2006 at 05:54 PM
Dave I bless you for the fortitude you have had through out your life. I only wish that when I had those thoughts of ending my life several times over the course of my illness that i would have found a dr. like that. See i was so confused with religion in it self that is was such an obstacle to get counsil from the church. Yes I went to a "head dr" too and just wasted my time. Took some of the same medications that you took as well. Those problems I have dealt with all by my self. Thank God for having made me a very strong person. Not until 18 months ago at Life-Pointe did i find the true meaning of religion. I thank Him everyday for the whole Johnson family, for you and other brothers and sisters that keep lifting me up everyday, because only as a part of this wonderful family do we flourish.
If you ever need to talk Ivan and I are always here only with regular coffee....LOL..
Posted by: Ela Ortega | October 17, 2006 at 08:18 PM
Want to know how I became a Christian, uh?
Ready?
I grew up in a Catholic church, went to a Catholic school and did all the Catholic stuff, however, when it came to have a relationship with God, it wasn’t' the church that taught me that, but it was a personal experience that put my faith to the test.
My family didn't need anything, thank God, but it was full of stuff that didn't really need my family. We went through a lot, including a few deaths in the family every eight months, my father diagnosed with cancer and died two years later when I was 15, and a very private family experience that led me to ask where was God in all of that? What happened to my religion and what was my family going to do now?
This led me to rebel against God. Especially, after my father's death. God showed himself in every moment of grief and desperation, but I chose not to see Him. I even dare Him. Yeah, how dare, I! My rebellion grew and I started depending on my self. I easily chose to forget my teachings and desire to know about God. I started making all kind of wrong choices and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Little did I know God had chosen me for His kingdom and wasn’t going to let go. But I needed Him and knew that, but again, I chose not to see Him.
My parents were the first that became Christians in my family and even though they didn't force us to convert, they changed for the better. I enjoyed my parent's transformation and I am blessed to say that. You see, my dad was a workaholic. A very serous executive who we couldn't approach freely without making sure it was OK. I remember not being able to kiss him in the cheek, but only in the fronthed. My mom was dry and distant, but made sure we were all taken care of. When my parents converted, we saw a difference in them, but I personally was left without any explanation for a long time. So I wondered whatever happened to them.
The morning my dad died, I felt the great need to go see him at the hospital and ask him what his advice for my life was. I was so looking forward to that and I was on my way out when the phone rang. Immediately I felt my life gone and I started hearing crying and yelling all around my home. I knew he was gone and left me without any direction. So my rebellion started then. I blamed God and I was at war with Him.
God’s infinite love protected my family and me. Despite of my rebellion, he still loved me and was waiting. During all that time, I was going to church, attended retreats, etc. This time, my mom sort of forced me to do so. I had been explained about the gift of Salvation and saw it as something nice and pretty to listen to. But still didn’t have the conviction I needed to let go of my rebellion. Until that day…when I finally saw how emptied I was, I chose to see Him. It was during Easter in 1986; during a service in a Christian church in Texas…it just hit me. I needed to stop my nonsense and let go of my rebellion. And I put my human religion teachings aside, and ask Him directly to forgive me and to love me. I accepted Him and His gift of salvation. And as weird as it sounds, I “forgive” Him too. I immediately understood His plan for me and was impacted with the truth that He allowed my dad’s death for a reason. It was simply his time. And now I had the Father of all fathers taking care of my and giving me His direction and instructions.
However, it wasn't easy. I had a lot of baggage to carry and I wouldn’t give it up so fast and easy. I took a lot! My self dependence was going against my faith and it wasn't going to be a good fight. I can tell you that after several wrong decisions, I finally gave up. I can also tell you that am giving up everyday of my life, but now it is easier, because I choose to see Him..daily!
So that’s my story. Any questions?
Posted by: Mayra | October 27, 2006 at 01:29 PM
My best experience @ Life Pointe!
Working for the Lord!
Believe or not, I always wanted to serve God. Yeap, even during my time of rebellion, I knew there was something within me stirring up that feeling.
Do you want to hear something funny? When was a little girl, my sisters and I were playing one day, and I don't really know how the question came to be, but I said I wanted to be a nun when I grew up. All of the sudden I felt my right cheek warm and hurting; to my surprise it had been my oldest sister slapping me in the face that left me with that sensation. She immediately reprimanded me saying things for me to take back what I said and never think about it again. So I really never did wanted to be nun, just wanted to serve God and growing up in a Catholic church and school, I just saw that as how you were supposed to serve God.
Well, time passed and if you read my testimony, I finally became a Christian in ’86 and the feeling grew and grew. I even went to Bible and Missionary schools. In 2001 I was laid off from a very good job I had. I remember asking God what was next for me and put myself in His hands. I knew I needed money, but I also knew He is my father and I was married to a wonderful provided. So I trusted in the Lord and the feeling of serving Him grew even more.
We started coming to Life Pointe Church and I volunteer in the office for a while. To make a long story short, I was hired and now work for a great church, doing what I love! Wow, what a feeling…knowing I am doing this for His kingdom…it’s just great!
Posted by: Mayra | October 27, 2006 at 01:44 PM
I came to Christ when I was about six or seven years old--it was that long ago...I'm in my 40s (somewhere) now. I grew up in a complete dysfunctional setting--long before being DYSFUNCTIONAL was ever "fashionable."
Having no parents as such, the Lord always provided mothers and fathers in the local church who would love and care for me in so many ways. That continues to this day. Some situations have been wonderful, and others have been very stressful--but God does indeed keep His word. The promise from Psalm 68:5 is so very true.
I'll let you look it up.
Posted by: Phil Hoover-Chicago | October 30, 2006 at 04:56 PM
ok, this is the second part of my journey that takes me away from what I thought was going to be a miracle for my health but it turned into remembering how my illness began and the path tha it's taken.
Two weeks ago I whent to see a Prof. of Pulmonology that has been doing research on pulmonary hypertension for the last 20 years. We whent had about an hour visit in which he explained to William and I what the problems that i had where. He made some good points but he blew it on a few. He asked me to do more than a battery of test which we aggred on since it has been a while. On the way home we spoke about the visit and both of saw that for as much as he knows some things were lacking.
One of the points that he made was that I have Lupus. I have been tested for this for a while but agred to the test again. Of course when I got home i could not get to my computer fast enough to find out all that I could on lupus. I whent crazy spent six hours looking thru every site I could find it did not get any better it got worse.
Then the Lord asked if I had enough of the reading and the crying and i laid in bed and said yes. At this time he said call on your family. OK but who? I laid still waiting for the answer and IT came. Call Anne!!!!!!!! It's such a wonderful blessing to have such a strong, loving, graceful and funny woman of God to speak about this then when I did call only to find out that she had done the same thing it was to funny. It was so uplifting LORD to have a friend that is so wise that no words can discribe. Now am I waiting for all these test that will be finished next week and go back to my own pulmonologyst and say here is a blank slate lets start all over again. Travis I remembered you and your words to me a while ago this past Wednesday.
Andrew had to take me to the Dr's I was not feeling well at all and I was asking "what now LORD I have enough, I feel terrible i am in pain" and I just got mad like once before. Here I am spending not much quality time but time with my son talking, him trying to make me forgrt my pain and making me laugh a bit. When we got home Mayra had left me the mailers to do and the truth be told I did not feel like doing them. So Andrew started to prepare dinner gave me my pain medication and I opened the box and started to stamp as fast as I could go so that the mail could pick them up in the morning. Silently Andrew came took a stack and started to work at them with me. We were done in 30 minutes.That alone was great but we got to talking about me getting mad at the LORD.Your words of that day resounded in my ears..This is the legacy I am leaving my sons and Ivan. My deep passion, my beleves, and my love for the LORD it has taking me in a complete and other direction that only HE directs. now they see me as a woman of GOD a woman that people come to for prayer or to minister to I am not the mother , wife that was here 19 months ago, now I am a person that is very sick but awaits for THE LORD to tell me what to say and do. What a wonderful and blessed legacy i will be leaving for my sons and Iva. The LOVE OF THE LORD.
This is how I see it I hold to Him with one hand and my family with the other this way we are all together.
Hope to be teer for next Sunday,I will pray that you have a great week.
Posted by: Ela Ortega | November 13, 2006 at 09:53 PM
Do you feel that prayer needs to be a twice daily ritual or is once per day enough?
Peace,
Kyle
Posted by: IVA Advice UK | February 09, 2007 at 07:49 PM