“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation...

2014

Lenten Greetings!

This is the second year that various friends of Bethel (people of all ages) have written devotionals to share with us in a Lenten booklet like this. We think they have done a great job and that you’ll really enjoy reading them over these next 40 days.

It is important for us to share our stories of faith, courage, hope and love with one another. We hope you will be affirmed, inspired, challenged, and uplifted as you read these. Be sure to thank the authors, when you see them, and let them know what their thoughts have meant to you, will you?

May you and your family have a blessed and meaningful Lenten season as you prepare for Holy Week and the Celebration of the Resurrection. God’s richest blessings to you!

In our Lord’s Love,

Pastor John Lestock

Worship at Bethel Lutheran Church

Ash WednesdayImposition of Ashes & Holy

CommunionWednesday, March 5

Bethel Downtown - 1:00pm and 7:00pm

Bethel Highlands - 5:30pm Lenten WorshipWednesdays at 7:00pm

Bethel Highlands

March 12: “The Question”March 19: “Can We Talk?”March 26: “Counter Views”

April 2: “No Accident”April 9: “The Breakfast Club”

Holy WeekMaundy Thursday

Worship with Holy CommunionThursday, April 17

Bethel Downtown - 1:00pm and 7:00pm

Bethel Highlands - 5:30pm

Good FridayFriday, April 18

The Service of the CrossBethel Downtown – 1:00pm

TenebraeBethel Highlands – 7:00pm

Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 19Bethel Highlands – 5:30pm

Easter WorshipSunday, April 20

Bethel Downtown6:30am Sunrise

8:00am Festival Worship

Bethel Highlands9:30am New Song

11:00am Festival Worship

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19

Genesis tells the story of God creating Adam out of the dust of the ground. After Adam’s famous sin, the LORD God told him these haunting words that we hear today, on Ash Wednesday, as we are marked with the cross on our foreheads. The ashes are there to remind us of our mortality, that someday the bodies we now live in will return to the earth from where they came. The ashes also remind us of our current brokenness, how we are currently dead in sin. Paul writes in Romans 7:15, “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” St. Augustine admitted in his Confessions, “It was filthy and I loved it. I loved my own destructions. I loved my own fault.” Martin Luther confessed that the true self is a “furious and untamed beast,” who “does not want God to be God,” because as sinful humans, we want to be God.

Every time I try to wash off this cross of ashes, it catches me off guard. Usually when I look into the mirror, I find little ways in which I can improve myself. It makes me want to reach for teeth whitener, makeup, hair trimmers, or Q tips. While we live in a culture that tells us, “we’re pretty much okay, we just need a little help,” Lent, however, invites us into that scary, ugly, haunting, overwhelming place of reality, when we look into the mirror and see ashes. We see we need more than just a little help; we need a Savior.

While we cannot deny the ashes in the mirror, we also cannot deny the shape they are in: the cross. The truth of the Easter cross marks the hope that comes just where we cannot imagine hope to be found. The promise of the resurrection is that the ashes of death do not have the final word. If God already created humans from dust, God will be able to do it again.

Day 1 Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Prayer: Crucified God, where there are ashes, bring the cross; where there is sinfulness, bring forgiveness; and where there is death, bring life. Amen.

Pastor Ben Hilding

“Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24

Thinking about Lent conjures up memories of my childhood. Being brought up Catholic, Lent meant going to church more often than just on Sunday, not eating meat on Fridays and giving up something I could not possibly live without for 40 long days. Each year I pondered what to give up for Lent. Some years it was gum, some it was candy and one year I gave up teasing my younger brother. Lent was a difficult time for me. Inevitably, each year I would be on my second bite of a hamburger before I realized it was Friday and I had sinned. I also had a difficult time deciding what to “give up” because my mom said it had to be something that we really loved, which for me involved something to eat or drink (candy, chocolate, soda or chips). I usually made it one or two weeks before I either slipped up or just gave up. The year I gave up teasing my brother, I only made it two hours. Not only did I feel guilty, my parents grounded me for a week. My sacrifices during lent were just chores I reluctantly performed because I was told to do so.

It was not until I became an adult that I really appreciated what each Lenten sacrifice was really all about. It was about abstinence, penance and my intention to turn away from sin and turn back to God.

Day 2 Thursday, March 6, 2014

It was about Jesus and his sacrifices for us. My commitment to not eat meat on Fridays and to give up something was just a symbol of what Jesus did for us. It was about realizing that he bore a cross for us; he gave his life for us. I now realize that the small “sacrifices” I made pale in comparison to what Jesus sacrificed for us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to use your love as a way to persevere in my Lenten intentions. I am weak, but I know with your help, I can use these small sacrifices in my life to draw closer to you. Amen.

Tammy Skoglund

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with the wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Each week we look at what we have to do and what we need to accomplish in the coming week. The tasks at hand sometimes seem like there is no way we can complete them. The peace that comes from a belief in Jesus, as our Lord and Savior, helps us live each day with strength and confidence.

But our faith in Jesus gives us the peace, strength and the confidence to continue to live our lives mounted on the wings of eagles.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the strength to be productive servants in your world, and when we tire, renew us with your everlasting love. Amen.

Day 3 Friday, March 7, 2014

Alan Burchill

“I will sing unto the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:6

This Psalm has always been one of my favorites, since childhood I have had a love of music, which spans genres, time periods, and instruments. Music has always spoken to me in a way that not much else could. Music has been one of the most constant things in my life and has helped me through bad times as well as celebrate good times. As I have aged I have noticed my love of music growing. I have been blessed in my life with opportunities to sing and share my love of music with those around me. The reason I love this Psalm as much as I do is because I never feel closer to God than when I am singing his praises, at home, at church, or in my shower. As time has passed I have noticed that I don’t only have to be singing church hymns to feel close to Him. I can feel his presence with me in my a cappella group, when I sing in the car, or when I’m just listening and singing along with the radio. Every time I sing I do so for the Lord as a way to show that I am grateful for this gift. Singing is a way to connect me with my faith as well as those around me and I wouldn’t trade this gift for anything in the world.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunities to share my passion and gift with the world around me. Help others to discover their passions and gifts so that they may also feel that special connection with you. Thank you for the blessings you have given me and help me to continue to use them to bring you praises. Amen.

Hayley Uzpen

Day 4 Saturday, March 8, 2014

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

In 1977, Janet and I had our first baby – by the end of 1983 we had three kids and a fourth on the way. At this time at Bethel, there were small groups being formed for a bible study. This study was not a three week commitment like we are currently doing, but rather a two year commitment to weekly bible study. The format of the study was to form a group (our group was made up of five couples – four of the couples were in the same stage of child rearing as we were, with three out of the four moms pregnant with their third or fourth child. The fifth couple was long time members Fred and Millie Johnson – they were both retired with grown children (one of them being Valerie Peterson, who was a missionary with her husband, John, in Hong Kong).

Looking back at how busy everyone was, I do not know how we ever thought we would have time to make a two year commitment to meet early every Sunday evening for bible study. I can only imagine how many excuses I had for not wanting to commit to weekly bible study, but since we had not done a bible study in the past, either individually or together, we took the plunge. In retrospect, maybe we did it just to get a time away from kids for a little while each week, but whatever the reason, we did it.

All I can say was it the best! I learned so much from the others about their faith – I learned so much from Fred and Millie who had great wisdom about God, living as Christians, and dealing with the bumps in life all of us have. We learned to do a faith statement - the “elevator speech” you could give when an opportunity arose. But most importantly, we just got to be together to learn more about the word of God.

We participated in the first three week bible study a few months ago and I was reminded how good it is to be with others talking and learning about the bible. As the verse states – it truly is “a light for my path.”

Day 5 Sunday, March 9, 2014

Prayer: I am thankful for Lent each year – to slow down (at least a little bit), to reflect on what is most important, to rejuvenate my faith by attending the Lenten services, and to reignite the light on my path.

John Clymer

“FAITH is the substance of things hoped, for the evidence of things unseen.” Hebrews 11:1

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

This is Lenten Season, a time to reflect and praise God for all the many blessings He has provided. I can honestly say that I can't think of any time in my life that I did not believe.

Thankfully, Father and Mother were strong Christians. My sister and I would recall that if any of us children had been out on a Saturday evening and tried to skip church, we were never allowed. Our parents were very active within the church; however, we never had any family devotions except to say our table grace.

God has been very good to me. I have always loved to travel and since my husband was in the Navy for thirty years, we were especially blessed to see much of the world. Our daughter, Pam, was born in Japan and started school in France. We lived on the East and West Coast as well. I have such wonderful and happy memories of those times.

Life in Japan was not a religious time for us. While Andy was on board the ship, I was working at the shipyard. Although we worshiped occasionally, it was not a strong religious atmosphere. In France, we had services mainly when the ship was in port, which was seldom. There was a Sunday School for the children, again, while we were all there.

When the ship left for other ports, the wives and families usually followed them, which was a wonderful experience for all of us. We arrived in France when Pam was only three years old, a little blonde cutie. The first weekend after we arrived in France, Andy left with the ship to their next port, Italy. The friends I had met talked me into taking Pam and going over to Italy. We were not able to travel with the other ladies, so it was just Pam and me. I spoke only English, and everyone warned me not to let Pam eat ice cream or drink the water.

We were not too many miles out of Villefranche, when the Europeans fell in love with our daughter and fed her whatever they were eating. (Thanks be to God for his guidance and for always being with us.) We both had a wonderful trip and Andy was surprised to see us!

Day 6 Monday, March 10, 2014

It was a little scary for me having only been in France for about eight days or so, but needless to say, we made many trips after that. Life was great! One of the most spectacular Easter Sunrise Services was on top of the mountain in Villefranche-sur-mer, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and watching the sun come up. It was beautifully done with a chaplain performing the service and all our men were in uniform.

Andy and I have continued to remain very good friends over the years even though we had become divorced at a later point. Those were difficult times and I could not have made it without Andy and the Lord’s love and support.

As we go through life I can only wonder, "How do people exist without God?" I call on God, night and day, and my faith has become extremely strong and wonderful. Life is good and God has shared his abundant blessings; including my daughter and granddaughter, and having my sister and her husband, Georgia and Jerry Adams, live so close to me. They are all a constant blessing in my life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have bestowed so many blessings on me, and I am ever grateful, and will always seek your guidance. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Marlys Anderson

“Friends always show their love. What are relatives for if not to share trouble?”

Proverbs 17:17

I, like most people, know life has its ups and its down, its twists and turns. And I also know I’m not the only one when I ask “Why?” Now, for the moment, I haven’t had too troubling of times, but I know others have and I will sooner rather than later. But I also know that when those times come I’ll be able to share those burdens with others. I have my friends all around me to help me back on my feet when I fall. As for my family, I know that they lie in faith and in blood and will always be there and support me. I know that not only because I would do that for every one of them, but because God has always, and will always look out for me and everyone for as long as we

Day 7 Tuesday, March 11, 2014

live, eternally. I’ve also learned God is my friend, as well as everybody else’s.

Prayer: Gracious God, Thank you for the gift of people you put in our lives. Help me to “be there” for others as they have “been there” for me. Amen!

Jacob Benoy

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8

The phrase “Love conquers all” has been important to me throughout my life, and with every challenging situation that I’ve been through (and I’m sure with many more to come), it becomes more and more obvious to me how true those words really are.

A fairly recent challenge was put in front of my family and me at the beginning of the 2013 school year. Starting college at UW River Falls was a big transition, but one that I was looking forward to very much. Unfortunately, college is very expensive. With the financial aid that I had received, and with help from my mother, I was able to pay off my first semester, but that was about the extent of our financial abilities. At that point, paying for my second semester would have been very difficult.

When I was born, my grandmother had bought stock for me with General Mills. After all of us had changed addresses multiple times, that stock had gotten lost with paper work and other things. While trying to come up with ways to pay for my next semester of college, my mom thought back to the stock, so we filled out paperwork trying to figure out what had happened to that money. Just before my last installment of tuition was due, I received a call from my mom. The state of Minnesota had taken control of the stock,


and once we contacted them, they sent us a check for the total amount that I had in General Mills, $8,000. Not only was I able to pay for my second semester of college, but I am also able to save some of the money for the next year.

God works in the strangest of ways and through the most unexpected people. Not only was it my grandmother’s love and support that has helped me get to where I am today, but the everlasting and unconditional love of God that guides all of us through our lives and shows us, especially during the most worrisome and stressful times, that he will be there to save us, always.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for each and every day that you bring us. Thank you for the time that we are given to spend with those we care about and to do what brings us joy. But most of all, thank you for your unconditional love and for every reminder you send us that you are the one and only. In your name we pray, Amen.

Katherine Sorensen

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

Many years ago, my wife and I were referred to a financial adviser as we were trying to decide what to do about an important career decision that could have significant financial repercussions. Before the adviser even asked a single question he shared his philosophy about these types of things. His story was one about the importance


of achieving balance in one’s life. Balance between career, self, family, community and faith. We were way too young to comprehend the wisdom of this advice at the time. Regrettably, I’ve long since forgotten his name, but I often think about the significance of his philosophy and how elusive it is to achieve it. The importance of your job or career ebbs and flows and can often be all consuming. The demands of family and relationships seem ever present. Becoming involved in your community is an easy thing to put off or completely discard. How often do you say, “I really want to do X”, and then actually do it? What about that commitment to get more exercise or eat healthier? It’s easy to neglect your own needs and interests because there is not enough time in the day. As I think about all these things, what is clear is the foundation of this philosophy is Faith. Faith is a constant. I feel my Faith gets me through tough spots and helps me realize when things are out of balance. I often pray for strength, clarity, patience and resilience. I Trust that God will guide me on the right path.

I haven’t mastered this by any stretch but Faith and Trust in God’s wisdom can give me a chance to do the right things. I’m still learning and hope the learning never stops.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have the confidence and trust in your ways and the patience and perseverance to deal with the challenges of everyday life. Amen.

Dennis Duerst

“Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.”

Psalm 111:3


My husband and I are the proud parents of three sons, two twenty-two-year-olds and a sixteen-year-old. As expectant mother and father of twin boys in the early nineties, there was constant discussion regarding how we wanted to raise our children. We had many important decisions to make, such as whether to employ an environmentally friendly diaper service or use disposable diapers in combination with one of the new “diaper genies” (we had such good intentions, but the disposable diapers provided in the hospital were just too easy--we cancelled the diaper service the minute we got home). Every detail large or small seemed critical when it came to how we were going to parent our sons; one of the more life-changing topics we focused on was the importance of carving out time whenever possible to expose our children to the beautiful world God created for all of us.

Those of you who know our family can guess that we haven’t done this from our car window… our twins climbed their first “mountain” out in Glacier National Park when they were four years old, and our youngest has been hiking trails since he learned to walk. We have felt the mist on our faces provided by the grand waterfalls of Yosemite, had snowball fights alongside glacial lakes in British Columbia, thrown rocks in raging rivers in Wyoming, and filled our lungs with the scent of majestic pines on Madeline Island. Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to travel to many of the National and Provincial Parks in the United States and Canada, and have visited numerous State Parks and other natural areas. It is in these special places that each one of us feels a sense of spiritual renewal, and where we have taught our sons to be conscious of the beauty around them and to be grateful to God for all He has given us.

Prayer: Help us to set aside time in our busy lives to explore and appreciate the beauty of Your creation; may this inspire us to know You and worship You more. Amen.

Kris Gillingham

“that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:12

“The Trap Team” is a group of Bethel men that took the risk to get past the stuffy, religious facade that is sometimes assumed of others in a church situation (trap is a game or sport where the participants try to break flying clay disks by firing a shotgun at them). Twenty some years ago we started with six guys that had a common interest in shooting sports, hunting dogs, fishing, hunting and the outdoors. Over the years this group has welcomed more than twenty men and some of their kids. Almost all have an attachment to Bethel. Oh yes, we have lost some to sickness and death. There have been great times and there is a book full of stories that are repeated when we get together. That’s all important, but what really count are these two things.

1. We have all provided and received Christian support from each other through job losses, personal problems, family concerns, illness, and when death came.

2. I have witnessed how Christian men live their lives. We have had examples of kindness, encouragement, nurturing, helpfulness and a welcoming spirit. I could go on and on but you get the picture.


I am a work in progress but I am a better Christian because of these men, their wives and their families.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we pray that all Bethel members find their “Trap Team” and they find the encouragement and examples that other Christians can provide in fellowship. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Dave Orf

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“For the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.”

Proverbs 3:26

This last November I went through TEC 96 (Teens Encounter Christ) because I wanted to grow in my faith and my relationship with God. Being a very self-kept person, I didn’t know what to expect. From the moment I walked through those church doors, I knew my faith was going to be changed. I had questioned my faith a lot over the past six years or so, mainly asking why God made certain decisions. I learned through my experience at TEC that God has a reason for everything. Maybe it is something as simple as changing a green light to a red light, or gaining an angel in heaven. Either way, God has a plan, and he will always do what is best for me.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please watch over us with every step we take. Help us make the right decisions and comfort us when


we are in need. Help us understand the choices you make and allow us to move on from the past. Amen.

Lauren Petersen

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

My journey of faith is long and intermittent. I am always amazed at how many young people can have such strong beliefs. I was brought up in a Christian family but I had many doubts about the miracles that Jesus performed.

I would like to relate one of many stories from my time as a marine in Vietnam in 1967. I was with a company of marines on a two or three week operation named Hickory in May of that year. Near the end of the operation we were all becoming exhausted, foul smelling and on edge. There had been minor firefights with the NVA over that time frame. As we were climbing the last ridge of the day and getting ready to dig in for the night, we were getting a food and water drop from a helicopter. The noise of the chopper was very loud, but over the prop sound of thwomp, thwomp, thwomp, I could detect the sound of incoming mortar fire. That may seem hard to believe, but your senses become highly attuned to many sounds you would never know back at home. As I was the radio operator for the company, I had to take the radio off my back and switch channels to the chopper frequency to warn him off. Just as he was lifting off I heard the most bloodcurdling scream ever from someone at the LZ who was there to unload. As this was happening the five of us in the command group, the captain, the x o, the gunny, Leonard, and myself the other radioman, jumped into a bomb crater to take cover from flying shrapnel. We were laying side by side in a kind of fetal position. I had one arm holding my helmet tight and one arm in my crotch. All this was happening very fast and as we were all trying to take cover, the enemy continued their mortar fire. Typically they fire three quick


rounds, and then they adjust the mortar tube to change the trajectory and fire again. This is called walking the mortar fire onto a target; in this case it was the bomb crater we were in. After three of four series of explosions I knew I was about to die. I started to say a prayer but instead said, “Why be a hypocrite now?” As soon as I said that someone down the ridge was able to take out the enemy mortar crew. It wasn’t until years later that I realized this could have been Divine Intervention. I’m still haunted by that day and many others. I wonder why my mom and others who had prayed for me had their prayers answered and 54,000 other moms did not. I believe in a Higher Power but I struggle with His selection process.

Prayer: Dear God, please be there for any combat vet from any war who struggles with physical, mental or spiritual distress. Thank you God.

Christ Madsen

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Since I was very little, I always knew that I wanted to teach young children. I feel as though teaching is the light, or talent, that the Lord gave to me so that I could share it with others. Although it is great that I understand what the Lord called me to do, it isn’t always so easy to see what light he has called others to shine. With this being said, I have always known everyone has a light to shine. It took a very special person in my life to show me how truly unique one’s light can be.

Going along with wanting to educate, I decided to apply for a Personal Care Assistant, PCA, position. I figured that I would go into this position teaching the young individual. Yet this individual, with the


help of the Lord, taught me that without saying a sentence you can have a light that shines. This individual’s light or talent is to make people laugh and humble them to know that when something goes wrong it shouldn’t ruin your day. I knew that he/she had a light to shine but this individual’s light is easy to overlook because of the unique circumstance that God gave to him/her.

This individual made me understand that everyone is worth the time and everyone has a talent that is ready to shine! It isn’t always easy to slow down and see everyone else’s light. I now have to remind myself whether it be a friend, someone with unique circumstance, or even an enemy, without everyone’s light this world would not function the way it does. Everyone, no matter how great, small, or different changes the world with his or her very presence.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing me to have a light that shines. Humble me to understand that you have given a light to everyone, no matter how great, small, or different the individual is. In your loving name, Amen.

Kellie Cunningham

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

2 Corinthians 5:20

Please allow me to share two verses from the Bible that have really helped me over the years.


Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If it were not for my 1000% belief in this verse, I truly believe that I would have given up a long time ago. I have had more than my fair share of medical problems in my 50+ years of life on this earth. I would be lying if I said I have never questioned God and asked, “Why me?” But because of the foundation that was instilled in me during my younger years by my parents and my later years by my wife, I have been able to keep a positive outlook on things. I thank God each morning for another day of life.

2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are Christ's ambassadors...” I also feel strongly about this verse and what it really means in my life. An ambassador is appointed by the highest authority there is...God...to represent Him in a specific place. This sometimes requires risk...and yes...sacrifice. I think we are all called to influence our environments more than they influence us. I ask God each day to put someone in my path so that I can have a chance to make a difference. I have always had these thoughts in my mind, “What can I do for the church?...not what can the church do for me?” and “What can I do for others that will bring glory to God?...not myself.”

So I challenge you to have a strong faith. Faith can move mountains, but do not be surprised when God gives you a shovel. Be aware of your surroundings and ALWAYS look for ways to have a positive influence.

Prayer: I would like to close with this prayer. Oh God, help us to be generous in our opinions of others, to be considerate to all we meet, to be patient with those with whom we work, to be faithful to every trust, to be courageous in the face of danger, to be humble in all our living, to be prayerful every hour of the day, to be joyous in all life’s experiences and to be dependent upon Thee for strength in facing life’s uncertainties. Amen. (Prayer by Wallace Fridy)

Dave Salentine

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find.” Matthew 7:7

It was Palm Sunday, 1959, and there I was in a white robe with my first-ever pink carnation. My name was read, the bell tolled, and I was given this memory verse. It was perfect and so full of promise.

In the early years, it seemed there wasn’t much I wanted to ask for or seek. My parents were upright and supportive, school was exciting and fun, teaching jobs were easy to come by, and the long path to marriage was adventuresome!

When our first child was born with a cerebral hemorrhage, I did some serious asking and seeking—first, for her life to be spared and then, for her to overcome one obstacle after another.

The years have passed and we are the “old ones” now. My understanding of “asking and seeking” has matured. It took a long time, but I finally see that asking and seeking is not for things or outcomes, but for guidance. I now pray for wisdom and understanding in how to use every precious day of my life to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Prayer: Lord, I pray, “Show me your ways, that I may walk with you.Show me your ways, I put my hope in you….”

Amen.

Deanne Bauer

Day 16 Thursday, March 20, 2014Day 17 Friday, March 21, 2014

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.”

Psalm 28:7

My most recent encounter with God’s help was on the Montana ski trip in January. Every year our group puts our trust in God to help us get out to Bozeman safely. So when our trailer hitch broke in Bismarck shortly after midnight, and we had no other way to tow the trailer, it looked like we could be stranded there until morning. God did help us because out of nowhere, a woman pulled up next to the bus and offered to help. She ended up offering to also hold the trailer for the weekend while we took our equipment and continued on our way to Bozeman. If a total stranger stopping to help solve our entire situation at 12:30 in the morning is not a godsend, then I would not know what to believe.

To me a crucial part of faith is trust. God always walks beside me in life, and in the face of adversity, trusting in him gives me the strength and courage needed to overcome the challenges I face. Sometimes he even gives me a helping hand, which I am always thankful for. By trusting him always, I feel that in the past few years, I have drawn closer to God, and I trust that my relationship with him will only strengthen in the years to come.

Prayer: Lord you are always there for us and lend us a helping hand when we are in need. Help us to grow in our faith and trust in you completely in our everyday lives.

Connor Theisen


“And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his

face was as it were the sun.” Revelation 10:1

This is a story of my niece, Kelly, as she is about to marry her fiancé, Shawn, on Memorial Day weekend, 2005.

Kelly & Shawn are both elementary school teachers near Duluth, along Lake Superior. Kelly grew up about a half mile from her Grandpa & Grandma Gall near Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. She spent a lot of time on their farm taking care of new baby kitties or newborn calves when they arrived. She would walk to Grandpa & Grandma’s winter, summer, spring and fall.

The October 2004 weekend when Kelly was choosing her wedding dress in Eau Claire was also the weekend our family clearly started to see “the beginning of the end” with Grandpa. His lung cancer had progressed and breathing became harder and harder for him.

The family hoped against hope that he would live to see Kelly marry Shawn in the spring, but it was not to be. Grandpa Bud died December 4, 2004. It was the cycle of life. We were welcoming Shawn into our family and saying good-bye to Grandpa.

A month before their May wedding, Shawn’s dad Don died unexpectedly of a heart attack, he was only in his 60’s. The soon-to-be newlyweds were experiencing the loss of another important family member.

The rain poured down at Zion Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin the Friday night of Memorial Day weekend, 2005. As the wedding party and family members gathered for the rehearsal, the absence of Kelly’s Grandpa and Shawn’s Dad was sadly felt by everyone.

But then a miracle happened.

As several cars of family members drove over the Blatnik Bridge to the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant in Duluth, the rain suddenly stopped, the sun came out and two absolutely brilliant rainbows appeared to span the whole sky above Lake Superior, accompanying all of us on that 15 minute drive.

Our hearts were lifted and less saddened as we all knew that God had made it possible for Shawn’s Dad, Don, and Kelly’s Grandpa Bud to look down from Heaven and be with the families for this happy wedding.

Prayer: Lord, we know you work in mysterious ways. Help us to recognize the signs of your love and caring shown to us in our daily lives. We need to be reminded to slow down and appreciate the things around us, as it may be a sign from above.

Shirley Halyburton

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36

I had recently finished my summer as a Camp Counselor at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Hillside, CO. My dad and I planned on hiking Humboldt Peak together, located 15 miles south of camp. It was possible to do the hike in one long day, but we decided to split it into two days. Our plan was to hike in and camp the first day, and then climb the peak the next day.

There were two other guys that had the same idea, but they wanted to hike it that day. They had two problems. First, they were getting a late start, as it was after lunch and they had 13.8 miles of hiking in front of them. Second, they were not well prepared.

We hiked with them until we reached a place where the trail began and the mountain road ended. At that point they told us, “we’re going up right here”. My dad and I were both thinking “are you crazy?” and “it’s the wrong face of the mountain”, but we just told them “good luck.”

We hiked a little farther, set up our tent, had dinner, and went to sleep. In the middle of the night, we woke up to the voices of the two guys we hiked


up with that day. They explained how they made it to the summit before dark, but that later their flashlight batteries ran out along with their water. Somehow they managed to find us, but they needed water and a flashlight to make it back down to their car. We gave them water and one of our flashlights and they were off.

At camp that summer we had done a skit numerous times about God showing up and needing help. I remember telling my dad that God came to our tent that night and all I gave Him was some water and a flashlight. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found our flashlight stuck in the door handle of our car when we got back to it the next day. Thankfully, the two guys made it back safely.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see You at work in our lives. Help us to recognize and meet the needs of those around us. Amen.

Jeremy Palm

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.” 1 Peter 2:9

Growing up, I can remember many people in my life making a difference in my faith, two of those people being my grandfathers. One of the most vivid pictures I have of my Grandpa F. was him sitting in his tan suede recliner, reading his well-worn Bible, in the corner by the sweet-smelling wood fireplace. He was often joined by his cat, a cup of coffee, and sometimes even square dancing on the television in the background. If not there, I picture him as a “prayer warrior” in the chapel of Calvary Lutheran Church, waiting to pray with others who may desire so before or after worship. Finally, I cannot forget how Grandpa F. used to wait patiently for Grandma F. at the shopping mall. He would sit on the bench outside the stores and


pray for the people that walked by. As a young girl, I always thought he was a pastor.

My other grandfather, Grandpa B., I remember sitting (again with a cup of coffee in hand) in the Zion Lutheran Church library or on the extra chair of the main church office talking to those who came in. As a young girl, I knew that one of my grandfathers was a pastor. For quite some time, I thought it was Grandpa F. As I got older, I learned that my Grandpa B. was actually the pastor, and my Grandpa F. was not a pastor as I thought he was; he was a farmer and bus driver by trade and spent much of his time volunteering at church. Or was he?

One of the reasons I agree with Lutheranism is the belief in what is often called “the priesthood of all believers.” Luther (and now Lutheran churches) profess a belief that we are ALL called as priests, a part of the priesthood. In baptism, we welcome a new person baptized into this priesthood we all share. You, me, and both my grandpas were and are called to be ministers and to be ministered to by one another. Praise be to a God who speaks to and through each and every one of us.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being the God of all people. Thank you for being a God that we can access. Remind me today that you have called me to be a minister among those I encounter on this day. Help me to make a difference to those I am around. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Pastor Alicia Hilding

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and I said, ‘Send me!’ ”

Isaiah 6:8

I believe that God calls all of us for a major or minor endeavor. Few of us receive a major call such as Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa or


Martin Luther King, who devoted their lives to just causes. They are among the saints who have said “send me”. I am not sure that I have had any major calls and if I have, I have failed to say “send me”. A very minor example could be when I received the invitation to write a devotional, my reaction was to not participate. Then this verse struck me and I said “send me”.

I have always admired the people, who when called, devoted their lives to ministry or missionary work. They said, “send me”.

Among the books of the Bible, one of my favorites has always been the book of Isaiah. It provides an interesting history (Jewish) of the 7th century BC. Many people believe that Isaiah predicted the birth and purpose of Christ in Chapter 9. When God calls us, he does not speak directly to us as he did to Moses. His calls are very subtle.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to listen for your voice to make the most of our lives. May we say, “send me.” We pray in Jesus name. Amen!

John McKercher

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Philippians 4:6

This verse is something that I can really relate to. During the high school years there are many choices you make that can impact the rest of your life. You sort your true friends from the fake ones, you decide which sports or activities you want to commit to, you must decide what to do after high school and choose a university, and also


maintain a relationship with family and God. I have been through all those decisions, and they can all be very stressful. Add in the weight of homework, extracurricular activities, and work, things can get pretty demanding. Worrying about things will get you nowhere and I have learned that you must give your problems up to God and he will help you solve them. You have to remember that you are a child of God and your problems are also His problems. He is better at fighting my battles than I ever will be. I trust God and talk to him often; I tell him my worries and thank him for everything He has helped me with. God will always be there for you, He will listen to everything you say and be the best friend a person could ever have.

Prayer: Hey God, thank you for a being great friend. Thanks for being so selfless, and thank you for being there to listen to me. Thank you for being with me when I am challenged and feel hopeless. I know I can always turn to you. Amen.

Cheyanne Massie

“And these signs shall follow them that believe…they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.”

Mark 16:17-18

During my life there have been many times when I felt that I really wanted to go into Christian ministry, the most recent period occurring after my retirement from the U.S. Navy. I thoroughly checked out all that was involved in ministry as a second career and then firmly decided that this was not for me! But there was definitely something missing in my life. Shortly after turning 71, I read about a course being offered at Lakeview Hospital which taught the techniques of relaxing patients and relieving pain. The course was called Healing


Touch and the description brought to mind the laying on of hands for healing which is mentioned so frequently in the Bible. Chills ran up and down my spine and something (God I suspect) urged me to register for this course. The feeling was so strong it couldn’t be ignored and I signed up, knowing it was the right thing to do. Later on, I was guided into the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program which combines prayer and hands on healing techniques. Now, after 8 levels of training and 4 years of volunteer work as a healing touch practitioner at local hospitals, I am convinced that God called me into this ministry. Thinking back on all the patients whose lives I’ve touched, it occurs to me that I did indeed take up Christian ministry but in a different capacity. I am only a channel for God’s healing energy but this wonderful gift has helped many patients. Their words of gratitude for pain relief and relaxation are a rich reward for me. While I’ve learned many healing touch techniques, I also realize that sometimes just a touch on the shoulder or a hug is all the healing touch that is needed.

Prayer: Lord thank you for this incredible gift you have bestowed on me. Please continue to provide your Healing energy through me and guide my hands for the highest good of my patients.

Dick Stine

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

This is one of my favorite life verses and VBS songs! It reminds me that we can get through all that life throws at us because God IS with us. When we are scared or discouraged, we can stand strong knowing he’s got it covered. With the hope that


only Christ can give, we can have the strength and courage to face life’s ups and downs.

Eleven years ago, Todd and I were expecting our third child and needed to move from our small, 2-bedroom home in south Minneapolis. One day a co-worker of Todd’s told him she was selling her rural house in Hudson. We had only been to Hudson once, but having a home with some land in the country was something we often talked about. So we visited her house and sensed this is where God was leading us. However, Hudson was in the opposite direction of where we were planning to move! Todd is from northern MN and I am from ND, we wanted to be closer to our families. We prayed and knew this is where God wanted us to be. We didn’t know why we were moving to Hudson, but we knew God would reveal the reason.

In July, we moved into our new home with our three small children; a newborn, 1 & 4 year old! It was a tough transition for everyone, especially me. I wondered why God had brought us to Hudson. Todd worked long hours at his job in Minneapolis, I went from being a working mom to a stay-at-home mom and at times, being at home with 3 small kids had me feeling isolated and exhausted. Why didn’t God reveal his reasons more quickly?

Then in the fall, God led me to a Bible study and a wonderful group of faithful women who I continue to gather with each week! God had thrown me a life ring.

Then, on a snowy winter day, I was on the phone with a friend giving her our address. As I spoke, I jotted down the first letter of each word. We live on Golden Oaks Drive – G.O.D. Wow - right there God made it crystal clear - we are in just the right spot!

Our family began to get involved in our community and Bethel. Relationships with new friends began to blossom, many who have become friends forever. Christ was answering our prayers. With each passing year and hundreds of God-moments along the way, God continues to reveal to us why we need not be afraid or discouraged for he is with us (and you) wherever we go. Even……..no, “especially” in Hudson!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank YOU for always being with us. Please wrap your big strong arms around each person at Bethel! Thank you for blessing us with this wonderful place - our Bethel home! Amen.

Cindy Halunen

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Amos 5:24

She was on a cheap public bench. I was kneeling on a concrete slab. My legs were starting to numb because of the cold. In front of me was a homeless woman named Adrian. I offered to bring her to the shelter. I remember the pain in her voice when she refused my offer. She refused not because of pride, but because of fear. Lord where are you?

The past few months I’ve been living in North Minneapolis. It’s easy to see the stains of racial segregation and inequality prevail even today. The pollution of the local incinerator, the closing of schools, the absence of healthy food options, and the rotting parks bring me again to the question: Lord where are you?

Pastor King’s words from the Birmingham jail burn my heart. “[W]hen you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick, brutalize and even kill your black brothers and sisters with impunity; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty…” Lord where are you?

A Jewish brother named Elie Wiesel, a man who survived the concentration camps of the Holocaust, asks this same question of God in his novel Night. He comes to an unforgettable conclusion during the hanging of a child: “Behind me I heard [a] man asking: ‘For God’s sake, where is God?’ And from within me, I heard a voice answer: ‘Where He is? This is where—hanging here from this gallows.’” Wiesel concludes that even amongst the most horrific injustice, God is not absent. In suffering, God is Emmanuel, rather than Most High.


This lent season I find hope in the cross. For it is in the cross that we see that our Emmanuel doesn’t come with any wealth or power, rights or justice. We see Him gladly enter into the suffering of our sisters and brothers through the blood that was shed on the cross. The cross is where I find my answer to, “Lord where are you?” God is on a cheap public bench, calling us to bring justice to his suffering daughter Adrian.

Prayer: Jesus, let your justice roll down like waters. Remind us of your wounded hands. Lead us to your bloody cross. May we follow you into the sufferings and injustices of our neighbors. Amen!

JD Mechelke

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Lent is a time for reflection – or at least that’s how I’ve always thought of it. Lent traditionally was a time for self-denial, a time when Christians contemplated the suffering of Christ, a time when the church did not sing hallelujah. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we may wonder why church leaders chose dreary mid-winter for this time of contemplation.

I’m a doer and a multi-tasker. I love the connection that a smart phone provides. Meditation does not come easily to me. Nonetheless, I’m fascinated by the desert fathers who spent their lives in solitude contemplating God. Poet and writer, Kathleen Norris, writes about spending time in a monastic environment pondering her relationship with God. I always question what I would do in a similar situation. Could I spend more than half an hour in prayerful meditation?

Lent, especially as I knew it growing up, becomes a time when I need


to be still and know my God. Mid-week services reinforce the need to observe the discipline of Lent. Lent challenges me to slow down, spend time in prayer and meditation, and renew my faith relationship with God – to be still and know my God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the quiet time of Lent, help me to spend time with you. Guide me and teach me to know that you are my God. Amen.

Barb Ronningen

“Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.’ ”

Matthew 25:40

Close to 20 years ago, I was working in Madison at an entry-level position with the State of Wisconsin. My position didn’t include health insurance, sick leave, or holidays. It was Thanksgiving, not having anywhere to go in the area, and knowing that I would soon be taking off a few days with no pay to see my family at Christmas; I decided to spend the holiday at the office working. Around 1 p.m., I heard some people coming down the floor and was surprised by one of my coworkers, Harry, and his daughter. They carried a cooler between them and proceeded to unload a Thanksgiving meal –including two kinds of pie! - onto my desk. They wished me a happy Thanksgiving and as quickly as they came, they were gone, leaving me to enjoy their gift. At the cost of some leftovers from their family meal and 20 minutes of driving, Harry left me with a renewed sense of the holiday and the memory of a generous act that I have remembered every November since that day (along with a distrust of any turkey stuffing that has oysters in it, but that’s beside the point).


It’s common for people to give up something for the season of Lent. I can’t recall that I ever took part in this practice, although I understand the act of giving up something as a sacrifice to God. Or, giving up a bad habit as a way to make a positive move towards what God wants us to be. If you’re doing something similar and it helps you in your spiritual journey, good for you. But at the same time, let’s not forget that giving something up, which centers on the person doing the sacrifice, goes along with giving something to others, which focuses on other peoples’ needs and well-being. As we go through the Lenten days leading up to Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, consider those things, big or small, that you might be able to do to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Prayer: Lord, out of love for you, help us to be aware of others’ needs and give us the patience, the courage, and the will to act.

Ricky Lien

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Many a night, I will find myself falling asleep as soon as I hit the pillow then only to be woken up at 2 a.m., thinking about an aspect of my day that lies on my heart. Or sometimes worse yet, not able to fall asleep because I am pondering a problem. WORRY. It is a huge aspect of my life that I know is translating into YEARS being removed from my life due to the health aspects of this “creature”. At times, worry becomes this creature that seems to take

Day 28 Tuesday, April 1, 2014

over my thoughts, actions and ability to function. But God’s plan does not include this “creature” to take over and consume my restful sleep.

God desires us to have a continuous dialogue with him. He is so eager to have us talk to him during our day and tell him of our concerns, wonders, excitement, disappointments, and any other aspect that is presented to us THROUGHOUT our day. So often I would go through my day, then “have some prayer time” at the end of my day, right before going to bed. I found out that doing this is the short end of the stick, so to speak. Why would I settle for a few minutes of his time, just before going to bed, when I can feel him throughout my day?

Often I will do an activity with my Sunday school class that goes like this…. Put your nose against the wall. (This is your view of the world today, close and very little to understand.) Now take a step back from the wall. (This is your parents view. It includes experience, perspective and maturity. God gave you parents to help negotiate the world and bring some understanding.) Now go into the middle of the room and turn around, leave the room and see the entire building. (God’s view is greater than all of us and has no confinements.)

So throughout your day, have a piece of God’s understanding by conversing with him. It is a perspective that is grandeur than anything we can imagine. Bring all thoughts, concerns and thanks to him….he is waiting to hear it all. Do not let worry take away and chip at your life. Give it all to God…..he is up all night anyway

Prayer: God, give us perspective on life and faith. Most of all, help us to trust you always. Amen.

Susan Johnson

Day 29 Wednesday, April 2, 2014

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

My sister-in-law, Lenore, was a larger than life personality that used her gifts to touch the lives of hundreds of youth. With virtually no resources, she formed a musical theater program for middle school children. There was no money for a script so she wrote her own. She collaborated with local musicians to write the music and worked with parents to design and construct sets and sew costumes. She choreographed and directed children’s plays in Watertown, MN for fifteen years.

But Lenore succumbed to cancer at the young age of 53. The night of her funeral, our extended family gathered around a campfire to reminisce about Lenore’s life. Only the campfire illuminated the night. As we talked, we began to see a soft glow on the horizon, a glow that grew progressively brighter and then became a beam of milky white peeking through the trees. It was the moon, but it was appearing to us in a dramatic way that none of us had seen before. Then, just when it became fully visible, a shooting star dashed across its face. It was such an incredible “God moment” for us that we were overcome with emotion.

I suppose the moon rises and sets each day, yet we’d been too busy or distracted to notice. But that evening, my sister-in-law’s death helped us to be vulnerable. Our hearts were open to the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Though there were tears, we were indeed filled with joy and peace knowing that we will one day be together in heaven with our Savior.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we always be vulnerable to your healing power and help us look for the presence of the Holy Spirit in simple things as we go about our daily lives.

Ralph Van Keulen

“The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8

I have always felt the Lord’s presence in my life. I come from a non-church going family, but every Sunday from the time I started grade school I would trot myself to church and Sunday school at the nearby Congregational Church (my parents had joined that church but only attended on Christmas and Easter). What a feeling of joy and contentment that gave me as I heard God’s word each week! Somehow at the time I didn’t question why I attended church when the rest of the family didn’t, I just knew it fulfilled a longing in me that nothing else helped. I know God was guiding me in his ways, preparing me for the life that was ahead. In college, I would meet the love of my life, my husband of 57 years now, and together we have made the church a central being in our life. We’ve been privileged to live and travel all over the world, and always the first thing we would seek out is our church home and with that always came the joy of having other Christian friends to treasure. Yes, God has been guiding my ways for as long as I can remember, and I’m so deeply grateful for his love and caring! God is good!

Prayer: Lord keep us ever mindful of your teachings, and help us to follow them each day of our lives. Let your love shine forth in everything we do and say. Keep us safe in your care.

Day 30 Thursday, April 3, 2014

Dody Johnson

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

The verses from the book of Job speak to me about how we can learn to live by observing and embracing the natural world around us.

Have you ever watched a bird build its nest? They find a location that provides natural protection. They gather natural materials found in their surroundings. They weave the grass and sticks together to form a beautiful structure that provides comfort and protection. If the bird leaves his nest for a different location, no harm is done to the environment as all the materials that were used will return to the earth and be recycled and renewed. We are all part of God’s beautiful creation. Everything we have in life comes through Him.

I was inspired to build a home that honors and deeply respects the earth God created. I wanted to build a home that was healthy for my family and one that would not harm the environment. We focused on using natural materials including a sustainable material of straw. We chose many materials that would be considered unique and non-traditional but all with the intention of minimizing environmental impact. Challenges and several setbacks came with building such a home along with personal discouragement. My faith was tested but knew that in some way God called me to carry forth this vision. Through our connection with nature, faith in God and support from

Day 31 Friday, April 4, 2014

friends and family, we were able to persevere and create a home that honors God’s creation.

Prayer: Lord we ask that you help us live in respectful community with others and our Earth. We thank you for your gift of this beautiful world where your spirit resides and love emanates. Let our love for you be reflected in our interactions with others and your Earth. We pray for and are grateful for your gift of blessedness (as Pastor Lestock would say) as we navigate the journey you have set forth for us. Amen.

Jason Haverly

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11

Sometimes the stress we all feel in everyday life becomes a little heavy. This bible verse, for me, reflects the plan that God has for all of our lives. He is faithful and will never leave us.

I know in some of the most stressful times for our family, I step back and look at the journey and the people we have met along the way, it has been no accident. I believe God walks with us down the path He has prepared for us. I know as I press on and walk through, the vision and plan is made clearer.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your faithfulness in our families lives. Thank you for your plan for us and walking beside us in the good and the hard times. Amen.

Linda Givens

Day 32 Saturday, April 5, 2014

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

When we find our lifeboat being rocked by the winds and waves of anxiety, we pray more frequently. As the waters become calm, our prayers diminish. Keeping a regular cycle of prayer is often dictated for me by the strength of the wind gusts of the situations.

Our family has been buffeted by the harsh winds of cancer since May of 2009. The diagnosis, tests, treatments, hospitalizations, and care options have produced many times of uncertainty. Prayer becomes specific. I want answers, because these are life or death matters. My requests to God are precise and I want a response from my call.

As time has progressed, I have found that rather than demanding solutions, it is less frustrating to ask for peace, comfort and the vision to see his will and act upon it.

God will provide a light on my darkest days and hold my shaking hand, guiding me along the way. When my strength is sapped from rowing against the wind, He will give me strength to keep on pushing.

As my faith journey continues, I pray and remember to be thankful as I grasp the rudder of the lifeboat. I offer daily prayers while drifting into uncharted seas on the course to the shores of glory. I remember not to plead with angst in the heat of the moment, but walk with a companion who will give me answers when I remove the blinders of my soul and become a vessel for the living waters.

Day 33 Sunday, April 6, 2014

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being present in our lives. Give us knowledge of your will and the power to carry it out during the calm and turbulent times of our journey.

Aethan Hart

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking!’ ’ ” Isaiah 6:8-9

For as long as I can remember, Jesus has been a part of my life. I grew up in a loving, Christian home and feel like I’ve always known that God is there for me. I remember my mom saying that I could even pray when I was riding my bike! This was an eye opener. This is not to say that I have always felt close to God. Throughout my life, I have questioned, doubted and at times felt far away from God, but I have always tried to “get back in touch.” I think this is what God wants – for us to continually search for Him. My faith has given me security, joy, love and a deep sense of peace and calm that is hard to describe with words.

For this reason, I do my best to share my faith with others. For a long time, I didn’t think I had this gift because I do not feel comfortable “evangelizing” in the sense of directly sharing the Gospel. After talking with a pastor friend, however, I realized that I can share my faith with others in different ways.

Let me start by saying that sharing my faith is a work in progress; I certainly do not have this down pat! As a mom of two sons, however, I try to talk about my faith as much as I can. We volunteer as a family and discuss and process these experiences, which can lead to interesting questions and rich discussions. I also try to thank God out loud throughout the day, not just before dinner or bedtime (which we oftentimes forget because we’re too tired!). During breakfast, for example, I might say “Thank you, God, for the beautiful sun.” This is a simple way of sharing my faith with my children; they see that I believe that all good things come from God. We simply try to frame different life events in terms of our faith and keep that the central, focal point as much as we can.

I also try to share my faith in Jesus with others through my work. I work for an independent institute which welcomes Japanese students for a 3-week homestay

Day 34 Monday, April 7, 2014

program during the winter. During this time, I try to look for “windows of opportunity” to discuss my faith and how it is so vital in my life. When I bring my Japanese friends to church, for example, I love to hear their thoughtful questions – “Why is that man on the wall?” or “How do you know that Jesus really lived?” Hearing my sons give their perspective on these sometimes difficult questions is a rich experience for them as well; they can start to share their young faith and try to explain what they believe.

I believe that everyone has the gift of sharing faith. We all possess different talents and interests and are therefore called to share our Christian faith in our own, unique way. I think that we oftentimes share our faith without even realizing it!

Prayer: God, help us to not be afraid to share our belief in you with other people. Help us to find small ways where we can let your light shine through us. We know you will guide us as we “PREACH the Gospel at all times, only using words when necessary!”

Lisa Bekemeyer

“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” Psalm 139:13-14

As a young Christian, I had some great teachers and mentors of faith. I looked up to them, respected them, and wanted to be just like them. So, if they told me they read the bible for two hours each day, or got up to pray at 5:00 a.m., it seemed to me I should be doing the same. And so, my life and faith began to take on the look of their lives. The problem was, I wasn’t an early morning person. I got really cranky and miserable those mornings that I got up at 5:00 a.m. to pray – so much so that I didn’t think even Jesus liked being with me! When I tried to read the bible for two hours, it sometimes became a chore or a dreaded responsibility. If I fell asleep reading or my mind wandered, then I felt guilty, defeated, and just plain unspiritual.

Now my problem was that I was trying to be someone I was not! Though those spiritual practices seemed to fit and work for my mentors and teachers, they didn’t fit me. Yes, it’s important pray and read the bible, but

Day 35 Tuesday, April 8, 2014

there are many ways to do those things. We don’t all have to do them the same way. Every person, every brain/body, every personality, and every temperament is different. The beauty of God is that God realizes these differences! God doesn’t insist that we do it the same way. Author John Ortberg has written, “God never grows two people the same way.” God is a hand-creator, not a mass producer. God does not do “One size fits all!”

The truth is, God’s plan for me is for me to be me, not you! God’s plan is for you to be you, not me! Though God puts good teachers, mentors, and role models in our lives, God only asks us to do and be what fits us! Spiritual growth happens differently for every last one of us.

It’s taken me many tries and many years to realize this. But I’ve finally concluded the real questions surrounding my spiritual development and growth don’t depend so much on “What time did I get up to pray?” or “How long have I spent reading the bible?” The real questions have become, “Am I thinking and acting more like Jesus than I used to?” “Am I more caring and compassionate to others?” These are the questions and characteristics that really count!

Prayer: Lord, we are all uniquely and wonderfully made. Show us how we can grow in our faith without losing our own identity and spirit. Teach us to be ourselves as we mature and grow. Amen!

Pastor John Lestock

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks

Day 36 Wednesday, April 9, 2014

receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11. This verse reminds us that no matter what happens to us there is a reason. It tells us that God does have a plan for us even if sometimes we don’t understand it. It’s a plan to not harm us, but an incredible plan that is going to surpass our wildest dreams. In the world today, we are raised to make our own plans. For example, as a teenager, we are told to make our own plan for what classes we take in school, what college we will decide to go to, what we want to major in, and even what career we want to have someday. We are told constantly to strive for our own success, but really the truth of it is that God has a plan for each and every one of us and he decides where we will succeed and where we will fail. God has a plan and sometimes we will get confused about just what exactly that plan is, but God is also always there to give us guidance.

As Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” This verse is saying that no matter where you are you will always have the most important tool with you, your ability to communicate with God. Ask, the verse says, ask as in talking to God. Talking is something we all have been doing since we were babies and that’s what I feel this verse is pointing out. Something so simple, as talking, is a way we can communicate with God, he doesn’t want it to be complicated, or for us to jump through hoops to get to him, there are no appointment times or missed calls. He is always there and he’s listening to us. God does not want to harm us, he wants us to trust in him because he knows the plans he has for us. We shouldn’t worry about the plans he has for us. All we can do and all God is asking from us is to put our faith in him, trust his plan and be in constant communication with him.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your presence in our lives, even when we don’t always recognize you. Amen.

Kate Knott

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Isaiah 46:4

Recently, I was the student rector (leader) of the TEC 96 weekend. TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) is a student led ministry put on for a weekend, three times a year for high school students. Originally, I attended TEC 90 as a weekender and had no clue what I was getting into. That weekend was filled with worship, discussion, lots and lots of singing and dancing, praise, a couple surprises, and not to mention food! There I learned about the greatness of God, His love for us, and what a relationship with Him is supposed to be like. Following a long bout of depression, I entered TEC as a broken person with little hope. I prayed and prayed for an escape, for happiness, to feel His love. I opened my heart up and gave it all up to God. On that weekend two years ago I found what I desperately needed; God and hope. I learned of the strong bond that we have with our Lord, and what it should consist of: prayer (and lots of it), trust, honesty, and most importantly, joy. I have found joy, comfort, safety, and happiness with our God and I am so thankful for that.

TEC is an incredible ministry for youth and it has done so much for me and opened up so many opportunities to me. Since that weekend two years ago, I have returned to TEC to serve on 6 weekends, one of which I was the student leader, as I said before. It was one thing for me to be introduced to TEC as a weekender, but one of the greatest rewards of being a part of this ministry is to have the opportunity to serve and help students to experience the love of Christ that I did when I went through. I believe that it is very important for us Christians to be the servants of Christ and let others know of His love and unending grace for us. This is your call to action, go out there and show someone Christ’s unconditional love for them!

Day 37 Thursday, April 10, 2014

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you so much for the unending grace and love that you have blessed us with. Please continue to shower us with your love and wrap us in your arms and equip us with the tools necessary to defeat the evil in the world. Move in us, your children, a call to make a difference in the world and to show others the love that you provide for us. We love you and forever thank you for the grace that you bless us with. Amen.

Jordan Madden, Class of 2014

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

John 14:1-3

My dad always greeted people with a firm deliberate hand shake. It was his way of sharing respect and affection. His hands were rough and weathered from the many years of hard work, but he still had a strong, firm grip even at 93 years old. I had always observed my Dad’s genuine greetings, but little did I know I would soon witness him greet both his earthly father and God the Father on a cold December morning.

Dad had been failing for days and I knew his time on earth was coming to an end. Even at his weakened state, his mind was clear and he was able to speak. As I sat by his side, I noticed my dad’s face change from tranquil rest to wide eyed amazement. He let out a gasp and looked around the room as if the room was filled with people. When glancing from one invisible person to another, he’d gasp with gladness and amazement. Then, to my astonishment, my dad reached up as if someone was above him. With a deliberate grip, he began to shake hands. He shook hands with many that morning.

Day 38 Friday, April 11, 2014

Needing to know what he was seeing, I asked my father if his dad was in the room with us. “Yeah,” he said in awe. Having his father by his side as he passed from this life was of significant importance. Dad’s father was killed by a raging bull in front of him at the age of 13. He missed his father terribly, and all his life he felt as if he should have been able to save him. As I began to realize what was happening, I asked if his brothers were here. Again, in amazement, he said, “Yeah.” At one point, I noticed he shook hands with someone exceptionally incredible. I asked, “Dad is Jesus here?” My dad, with breathless joy and awe said, “YEAH.”

I wanted so badly to see what my dad saw, but the visions of loved ones gone before us was meant only for him. After talking and resting a bit Dad passed from his earthly body to his heavenly body.

Scientists explain this clarity as hallucination, but I know this is not the case. My dad was met by his dad and also his Father that day. I never felt so close to God as I did that day. After all, he was right there shaking my dad’s hand.

Prayer: Dear God, you promise that if we believe we will never die. Thank you for giving us your only son as sacrifice so that we can live with you in the glories of heaven forever. Amen.

Amy Betchwars

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ” Matthew 25:37-40

In January 2010, there was a massive earthquake in the Caribbean country of Haiti. The devastation spread across the country and left millions homeless. Later that year, I felt called to travel to Haiti on a mission trip. It was the best decision I ever made.

Day 39 Saturday, April 12, 2014

Leading up to the trip, I had a lot of sadness in my life. I was a freshman in high school, and on the first day of school my grandma passed away. We knew it was coming for a long time, but that didn't make it any better. Later in the year, a classmate of mine committed suicide. That was also a tragic moment for me. Along with those two deaths, I was also struggling with Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes me to twitch and jerk uncontrollably. Being a teenager is hard enough without having a disability, but living with one is even harder. I felt that people didn't want to be around me, and I even went so far as to call myself a “freak.” I was really struggling with school, and my attendance was extremely poor. Despite that, I was looking forward to the mission trip, and was happy to find out that my mom decided to go with me. On the first day of spring break, and after a week of packing and repacking, I boarded a plane for the first time in my life, and flew to Haiti.

The week I spent in Haiti was eye opening for me. I saw devastation everywhere I went, and encountered some of the poorest people in the world. I also served alongside a marvelous group of individuals whom I would now consider very good friends and mentors of mine. The trip to Haiti made me realize that our world can be a very sad and dangerous place, but the face of God can be seen in as simple a place as a woman who invites strangers into her home to use the bathroom, or a young child who finds joy in something as simple as a balloon. I feel that God has called each of us for a purpose, and for me that is ministry. During this season of lent, I would ask that you strongly consider your calling. God bless!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help each of us to realize how you have called us to serve your kingdom, and be with us whether we walk through the valley or stand upon the mountain top. Amen.

Kevin Chukel

“The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.” Matthew 21:6-7

Day 40 Sunday, April 13, 2014

The shouts of joyous welcome on Palm Sunday quickly turned to disappointment and anger. They expected immediate action. Jesus was to stand up to the Romans and somehow drive them out of their land in a heroic move.

The Lord moves in mysterious ways, we hear. The Lord also works on his own time. “Your ways are not my ways,” says the Lord.

Okay. So Jesus was crucified. That looks like defeat. Some years later Jerusalem is destroyed. A sad defeat as well.

But believers in Jesus, the risen Lord, keep increasing in numbers and influence until Constantine became emperor of the Roman Empire under the banner of the cross and declared Christianity the religion of the empire 300 years after Jesus was crucified. So in a very real way, Jesus did conquer Rome. He turned his enemies into followers and loyal believers. That was a better victory and more lasting change than conquest by war would have accomplished.

The civil rights movements in various countries with their nonviolent resistance made strides that would not have come any other way.

So what about your personal goals and relationships? Are there things that you work for and pray for that should include prayers for patience? Do you have situations where you seem to be always butting heads? Might there be a less confrontational way to deal with the people who oppose you or fail to see the merit of your ideas? It doesn’t mean you give up on what you believe is right. You find a different way to present your case.

Rather than say, “I have a better idea,” try something like, “Can we think about doing it this way?” or “Let me show you what I mean.” If the problem is that someone had done you wrong, like spread rumors about you or something, an approach that may get a surprising response is to go to the person and say, “Can we talk about what I did that makes you angry at me?” You may not be aware of anything you have done to hurt the other person’s feelings; but the offensive things the other person is doing probably comes from their perception of what you did that hurt them. If you open the door to even apologizing for or explaining the misunderstood actions, the other person may also apologize and change their attitude toward you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to see ways I can be honestly humble and help bring more productivity to the work place, and to resolve conflicts in my personal relationships. Amen.

Pastor Bob Bipes

Lenten Suppers

The Congregational Life Team, along with the 6th and 7th grade families, are coordinating a pre-worship meal on Wednesdays during Lent. Lenten suppers will be served every Wednesday at Bethel Highlands, EXCEPT Ash Wednesday, March 5th, and April 16th.

Serving will be from 5:45pm - 6:45pm. $4.00 per person $15.00 family maximum

Every meal features main entrée, salad, beverage, and dessert.

March 12th Italian Night

March 19th Spring Break Night - Soup and Salad

March 26th Family Fiesta Night - 7th Grade Families

April 2nd Take Me Out To The Ball Game – 6th Grade Families

April 9th Lutheran Hot dish and Jell-O Night

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation...

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