The Principle of Storytelling

Recently been reviewing storytelling principles.  
That sent me to the greatest story teller of all.
 The teller of truth in story form.- Jesus.

 Matthew 13: 10-13.- NIV

¹⁰ The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
¹¹ He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In previous verses Jesus talks about having hearts and  minds prepared- "ready" to hear the Word of God. Without this preparation, the stories are meaningless.

Jesus used parables to reveal spritual truths in such a way that those who wanted to respond would understand and receive more.

But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity disappears.

That is why Jesus tells stories:

to create readiness, to nudge people toward receptive insight.

How might the Holy Spirit use the stories you tell about His faithfulness to prepare the ground for spiritual readiness in the lives of people in your life?

Cheryl Durheim- Central Region

I was asked several times throughout my school years to predict what I would be doing when I grew up.  I loved that question because I had the answer!  I was going to be an elementary school teacher.  Throughout my elementary and high school years the only variable that changed in that plan was instead of being a public school teacher I was going to be a Lutheran School Teacher; and I did just that.  I finished college and my first call was to a small Lutheran School in St. Francis, MN where I taught grades 1-4.  College did not prepare me for four grades in one classroom, but I managed and I loved it!  That lasted two years and from that point on “my plan” went haywire.

My husband took a job in Chicago, which meant we had to move.  Thankfully, we were moving into a “very Lutheran” area where finding a teaching position should be easy.  Well…easy – Yes – finding a position within my plan – No.  I took a call teaching middle school.  I was absolutely petrified the kids would eat me alive; yet, I swallowed my fear and took the plunge.  What I discovered was teaching middle school was awesome and the thought of going back to the early elementary years was not for me!  I never thought my career would include teaching middle school.

Then my husband was transferred to Washington D.C. and into an area that was not at all Lutheran.  Lutheran Schools were not an option for us and I was not thrilled about teaching in a public school.  I tried to get a job but nothing came about so I decided to get my Masters in education, which would make me more marketable.  However, as I finished my degree God had other plans for me.  I was asked to consider being the Director of Family Life Ministry for our church.  I said “Absolutely Not!”  I had just finished my Masters and I didn’t want to go back to school for yet another Masters AND that was not in my plan.  I was a teacher!  Well, the long story short – I was called to be the Director of Family Life Ministry and I went to school again.  This was WAY beyond my plans.  Director of Family Life Ministry was not a teaching job.  Yes, part of my job was teaching but not in a traditional classroom setting and it was for ages above middle school.  Once again, this was not in my plan but I absolutely loved how God was using me in a different type of ministry.  I was able to reach people of all ages; teach people of all ages; and show people how important a church family is.  

This, too, came to an end and not in a way that I ever imagined.  I was sad because I truly felt called to do ministry; yet, it didn’t appear I was going to be able to serve anymore.  Yes, I wasn’t going to be serving in the capacity of Director of Family Life Ministry but I was still going to be serving; it would just look different once again.  I now serve Him through teaching online classes for Concordia University, Nebraska and by conducting online Bible studies.  As I reflect upon “my plan”, I can see how “my plan” was so miniscule to the grand plan that God has for me.  Even though I am no longer serving a specific congregation, I still have the opportunity to reach others and help them reflect upon God’s word within their home.  God has opened the door in a very untraditional way to reach families that are living very full lives.    

Reflecting upon the path God has led me on and looking at where He is leading me leaves me awestruck.  He has equipped me with the skills needed each time to be able to reach out and share His word.  Back when I began this journey if someone told me that I would be writing, teaching adults, and creating and leading retreats I would have laughed at them.  Never underestimate what God will equip you to do!  Take time to reflect upon your journey.  As you reflect, God’s presence in your life will be evident and how he has equipped you to do His work will shine through.    

Serving an AMAZING God in ways I never imagined!

          If you are interested in Online Bible Reflections – email Cheryl at cheryldurheim@yahoo.com.  There is only a small commitment on your part.  Supply an email address, receive a reflection, and reflect upon God’s word for the week.  

You can also find her on the blog she writes at - passingonthefaith.blogspot.com.
We give thanks for the way Cheryl is leading in the world of social media, faith formation and ministry opportunities.

          

Karen Hunter- Central Region

What is a current JOY in my life these days?  Being settled.  This last year has been one of changes for our family. Last fall included a painful and emotional changing of churches and then a new church family to get to know.  Then, in another roller coaster of emotion, over the spring and summer we sold our home of 11 years
(in 3 days!) and had to quickly find a new home, which we eventually did.  The rest of the summer was spent unpacking, working on our new house, getting to know the neighborhood, and settling in to our new surroundings.  

Finally, we are feeling settled.  Finally, we can take a deep breath and see that, yes, despite the crazy big life changes and challenges of the past year, God’s presence never changed.  He’s been with us all along.  Some days it was harder to see than others, but that was, I readily admit, more me than Him.  I lost sight of Him. I got sidetracked and caught up in the emotion of everything, rather than focusing my eyes on Him, His steadiness, His presence, His care, His good plans for me and my family.

Now, I feel like I can begin looking ahead again.  I’ve reaffirmed God’s promises to me in Jeremiah 29:11 – He’s got good plans for me!  God’s gifted me with a creativity and a passion to share it with others.  One of the best features of our new home is the dining room which we have converted into my craft room.  I feel so blessed to have this dedicated crafting space. 

In the past, God has led me to use my creativity in many kingdom-building ways.  I’ve been able to partner with other creative women and provide creative elements for church events and women’s retreats.  I’ve led FaithKeeping crafting events at my previous church and feel God’s leading to continue the program at my new church.  He led me to an online community where I’ve been able to teach crafting courses, including faith-based classes like “Scrapbooking Your Faith” and “Faith Inspired Projects.”  I’ve taught other classes there, too, but my faith-based ones have been the most popular.  That’s a huge blessing and I feel so humbled that I’ve been able to share the love of Christ through this creative outlet! 

Feeling settled is good.  Knowing that I am being led by a God who is changeless – even when life is marked by unsettling change – is even better.  I’m looking forward with hope, anticipation, and joy to see what God reveals as the next step for this creative girl’s life!

Find me online –

Visit my blog: www.karenscraps.blogspot.com
Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/karenhunterkarenscraps
Take a class with me: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/search.php?search=Karen+Hunter

Karen is a member of Living Hope Lutheran Church in Stafford, Virginia and can be reached at 
kahdah95@comcast.net.  Want to know about starting a ministry that helps people to tell the story of God's faithfulness in their lives? Karen is able to point to some possible starting places for 
Keep the Faith activities. Karen is also on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/karenhunter/.

Tiffany Sears- Central Region

   

Who are you? When I thought about this question for this blog post, it was honestly like my brain did not comprehend the question. Had I been asked that before? The only thing that would come to mind at that moment was the song I used to hear when I was younger by
The Who, or the caterpillar ramblings in Alice in Wonderland. Then I prayed about that question. I have to say, even now in my forties, I am still getting to know who I am. I enjoy getting to know others much more than getting to know myself. The one absolute fact about me that I DO know is that I am a child of God! That should not be stated lightly! 

SO I SHOUT, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!

My journey of faith has proven that this is the most important piece people should know about me. I am a tiny puzzle piece in the biggest story ever. When God finishes putting it all together, it will be the most beautiful thing eyes could ever behold. 
It will be perfect! I am looking forward to that! 

I have had an interesting faith journey, but one with many ups and downs.  When I look back, I see the loving eyes and guiding hands of Jesus.  When I look forward, I see Him standing with open arms ready to welcome me home.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength!  I find so much joy in worshiping and marveling at my God! The blessings that God has chosen to send my way are good beyond my imagination!

 I have two beautiful daughters and a peaceful home. I work with a wonderful group of Christians and I get to learn so much from each one, those present and past. Laughter is one of my greatest joys because when life gets tough, I feel so much release of tension with a straight from the gut laugh!

Speaking of laughter, one of the best things in this world is to listen to this song
 ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’ by Rend Collective Experiment -  
(find it here- Build Your Kingdom Here)  As I am running and spinning with my 9 year old daughter’s laughter blending in….it's a little taste of what’s to come I think!  Children are such a large part of what joy is all about- they interpret JOY. I am learning about Jesus with a group of four year olds in my Sunday School class. 

What's up in my Spirit Life?
I love the Holy Spirit. He is the air I breathe. He is so mysterious and I think that is awesome! I love to envision Him translating my prayers and what He might look like as He forms what comes from my spirit to the language He understands best. He is doing a work in me right now by showing me how to trust in Him. I find that Ecclesiastes 3 pretty much wraps up what is happening in my life right now.

Right now-

1. My grandparents who have cared for me since I was young are in their nineties.
2. My oldest daughter is getting ready to graduate with a paramedic degree and possibilities of a fiancé are in the mix.
3. My congregation is going to be seeking out a new senior pastor.
4. There have been staff changes at our church and that is always unsettling.
5. War seems to always be a possibility.
6.  I just had all the plumbing replaced in my condo due to faulty pipes.
7.  I feel sad, happy, numb, and excited.
8.  In all of this, the Holy Spirit teaches me to enjoy and grow in this life with Jesus.
9. With a heart of trust, I continue the steps in the journey of faith that God designed just for ME.  

Tiffany is the Receptionist and Secretary at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
 in Springfield, Va.

She blesses many with her smile and her wonderful laugh as she serves in the Kingdom with a heart of Joy. She can be reached at Tiffany Sears@poplc.org.

Faye Krans- Central Region

My story is like others in many ways and quite different in many others.  I grew up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, as a Missouri Synod Lutheran, attending Lutheran grade school and Concordia  Lutheran high school.  You might say I was molded to be a pastor’s wife.  At age 19, I was married and swept away to St. Louis.  I became the pastor’s wife and was very comfortable in that role for about ten years.  I liked being a pastor’s wife, but the parameters of that role were destined to change.  My husband was commissioned into the Air Force Reserves and then into active duty in the Navy.  At first, I felt like a fish out of water.  I was no longer the pastor’s wife.  I was in a different role: the Chaplain’s wife.  Throughout our time in the Navy, I was involved with the Chaplains’ Wives groups and often served as President. This gave me opportunities to lead, shape, and support the wives.

Being away from extended family and raising four children while working full time kept me quite busy.  I am very thankful that we were spared harm and danger during over 26 years of military service.   My husband retired from the Navy in 2006.  We moved to Northern Virginia where he is the Chaplain at Reagan Airport.  Now I can have a special role as encourager- as a member of the congregation. 

At different junctures along my path, I have taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation Class assistant, High School Sunday School, Adult Class. Participation roles include  Bible Study groups, women’s church groups, and choirs.  I had the honor of teaching ecclesiastical embroidery to many young wives at St. Louis Seminary.  I’m a current American Red Cross volunteer, since 2005, in response to Katrina. 

My ministry to others has changed over the years.  A large part of my current ministry is caring for our daughters and son and their families as well as supporting my parents as best I can albeit long distance. 

My spiritual growth currently comes from talking about sermons with my husband; relying on God to supply strength, help, and comfort in everyday life. I am thankful when able to help someone else- a widowed neighbor, a co-worker, being a mentor to a niece via email, or an encourager to long time friends.  I find great peace in praying the Lord’s Prayer as I walk the half mile to work each day. 

Retirement from being a legal assistant is not too far in the future.  I’m looking forward to exercising more of my creative talents, traveling, spending more time with family, volunteering, and being more active in a church.

Even though my journey has not been that of a traditional pastor’s wife, I  have had many opportunities to be a blessing to others: to my family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and Bible Study group. I enjoy telling some of my faith stories and experiences as a pastor’s wife, chaplain’s wife, and regular person in the pew.  One day at a law firm where I was working, I was walking through the real estate section in the back part of our building.  One of the ladies stopped me and said, "I want what you have."  What do I have?  I know the grace of God.  I have forgiveness.  I have life everlasting.  I am experiencing some of heaven on earth.  I love my family and they love me. You are also- Blessed to be a Blessing.  Gen. 12:3. 

 ********

Faye is the wife of Rev. Glen Krans, lives in Manassas, Virginia and can be reached at grafec1@yahoo.com. 

9/11/13 Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father- ABBA,

On this day- remembering the heart wrenching news of twelve years ago,
when we watched the skies, as terror reigned the day.
Not much is really worth sharing these dozen years later-
other than - YOU- are still God,
and the hope that the Good News brings still changes lives.

I pray that I might see all the relationships in my life as precious-
and tenderly care for each one, every day.

Bless my words that they might bring healing and restoration
and Create the space for growth and harmony.

Because I have two choices, Lord.

All of my actions and all of my words either lift up,
build, make new- CREATES-
by the very breath and heart of your Goodness.

Or each and every action tears down, removes
or DESTROYS- the very real passion of the EVIL ONE.

Protect me, Lord. Guard my heart.

Because the evil one cannot create Goodness,
he can only rob or take away Goodness in my life.
He is the JOY ROBBER.

Grant me the wisdom to not be swept away by the luring
of a tempting world, with riches, power and fame.
Keep me steadfast. Keep me FAITHFUL.

And in Your Grace and Love for me, you have pursued me to
 be a part of the story of YOUR WORK in the world.
THANK YOU.

 For Gifting me to be a First Responder to a hurting
 and lost world.

 By the power of Jesus,
 I can tell about the healing that His Love brings
 in the GOOD NEWS- GOSPEL- to me.

Oh such grace, such grace, to me.
Oh Bless the Lord.

AMEN.

constance

Sonja Genke- For Such a Time As This

When I first saw that the blog was looking for stories

from the women of the SED I was not sure if I fit in.

(Sonja and her husband serve out of the geographic

locationof the SED,as military Chaplains often do) 

I also do not feel like a writer, however, I did decide

to follow the blog.

Today I read the entry "The Shift from My story

to His Story". I absolutely agree, my story

is His story.  God has made His presence known in so

many ways throughout my life.  I pray that I do bring

Him glory by sharing His story.  

When I read the reference to Esther, I knew that God

was nudging me to step out of my comfort zone.

Despite my lack of writing skills, those words are

prompting me once again.

While there are many details I could share, 

this is probably not the time, so I will try to

be brief.  I went through many challenges and transitions

from 2004 to 2009.  During that time

I was part of an amazing Bible study group.

In 2008 I remember telling them that I had strange idea

that I was supposed to do something, I just did not

know what.  They prayed with me and

for me and the conviction did not fade,

but the details were no clearer.

After a few years away from serving as a pastor,

my husband reentered the ministry as an Air Force

chaplain.  His first assignment took us to

Wichita, KS. Once we settled in, 

I realized that God had been preparing me

in so many ways for the new role I was stepping into.

God knew I would need a long time to get ready,

and even still, I resisted.  There were no

Bible studies to join at the base.

Everything kept hinting, or screaming, that I needed

to start a study.  I felt like so many people

in the Bible- that I was not skilled to do the task

I was being called to do. 

Were it not for a phone call with one of my

North Carolina Bible study friends, I am not sure

if I would have acted on God's push. She reminded me

of our study of Esther.  

"And who knows but that you have come to your

position for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14b).  

The first day there was myself, one other woman,

and an amazing God meeting together.  Over the next

few years that study grew and grew. It became two

studies.  I have been so blessed by the women that

joined with me each week.  Many of them are young

and struggling not only with the regular challenges

of marriage and parenting, but with the unique

stresses of deployments and moving that a

military life brings.

We recently moved and I get to start over again.

I pray that God gives me the opportunity to minister

to women again and I thank Him that there is a group

of women still meeting each week in Wichita,

because God prepared another woman-

"For Such A Time As This".


Sonja is married to Capt.Quentin Genke who

serves as a Chaplain at Lackland AFB and they

live in Cibolo, TX (near San Antonio)

We give thanks for Sonja, risking to

step out and share a part of the Big story

that God is weaving among women in the

Southeastern District as His story unfolds

in their lives and those they touch

with His grace.

Do you have a story to share of a time

when you stepped out

of YOUR comfort zone and 

allowed God's Spirit to equip you to serve

in a new way?

Come Messy

Even when the walkway is just barely

 above the marsh 

and the end isn't quite in view....

and the next part of the plan 

is still veiled......

Jesus says---Come Messy. 

I have been preparing an introduction

 to a prayer retreat

 that I am leading in October and 

think the following words apply to both our prayer lives 

and also to the sharing and connecting on this blogsite.

It is really when we are real enough, 

vulnerable enough, 

and honest enough,

 to also share the shortcomings and the struggles-

then Jesus can come to lift us up,

 even as OUR  STORY

 continues to bring HIM GLORY.

Come Messy!

Come overwhelmed with Life.

 Come with a wandering mind.

Come depressed. Come cynical.

Come too busy to pray.

Now God has something to work with-

when we are out of control,

 failed in our attempts to hold it all together.

 When problems stack up in this noisy world, 

and we dart out a plea for help,

 how are we suppose to hear God’s voice?

Learning to pray doesn’t offer you a less busy life, 

it offers you a less busy heart.

Prayer is about your relationship with your heavenly Father,

 and you will change.

Still not sure about just what that means?

 That’s OK.

Jesus meets you RIGHT THERE.

 Prayer is about being needy and a cry for grace.

Dependency is the heartbeat of prayer.

Doorways into prayer can use all sorts of entry themes: 

anxiety, helplessness, relationship, 

repentance, asking, story, and hope.

We don’t need more self- discipline to pray continuously, 

we need to be poor in spirit. 

Poverty of spirit makes room for His Spirit.

Approaching the Father simply as Abba, 

allows us to come child-like, to learn to play again.

And so we begin.

To pray in the chaos.

To watch God’s drama of our lives unfold.

To trust again.

To give thanks in all things.

Because the Praying Life

is interconnected with all of Life.

And it is the journey of a lifetime.

Blessings,

Connie

thoughts pulled from readings in The Praying Life- Paul Miller

Sara Swecker- Northern Region

Seeing what is out and about and tracking this post:

Noting a wonderful guest post on the the blog- Art Food Travel
 by Sara Swecker.

Check out what this up and coming PK ( Pastor's Kid)
 is up to today in the design world.

  Parents are Rev. Dave and Diane Guelzow
 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church- Hickory, NC.

art food travel

What a blessing to see God's gifts to Sara
used in the field of design.

Sara and her husband, Adam,
 attend Our Savior Lutheran Church- Laurel, MD.
They serve here also using their gifts with music in worship.

Judy Kampia- Northern Region

Judy Kampia, Author of GOD'S GREAT BOOK, a Complete Collection of Bible Stories and Activities for all Ages.

 Did you ever feel like your major experiences in life led to one joyful task that, with the Spirit's help, seem to flow easily from within you?  That happened when I wrote GOD'S GREAT BOOK.

      As a young child in Colorado, I loved the Bible stories we learned in school and read at home.  At age thirteen, I found a new love teaching the stories as an aide in VBS.  In High School I decided to become a Lutheran school teacher and planned to go to Concordia, Seward, Nebraska.  But then my family moved to Maryland, and I changed those plans to Concordia, Bronxville, NY, and later graduated from Concordia, River Forest, Illinois. During these moves across the country, I found strength and comfort in favorite Bible stories that show God's help and guidance for those who trust Him.  They would continue to help me during other moves, challenges and adjustments as a Pastor's wife.

      During college in New York and Chicago, I volunteered in slums where churches opened their doors to children on the street.  We provided sports, music and crafts, and we invented our own activities to reach them with Bible stories related to their own troubled lives.  Later I taught in Christian schools in rural Illinois, inner-city Chicago, suburban St. Louis, a small town in Ohio, inner-city Pittsburgh, and an internationally populated suburb of Washington D.C.   While different, the children were so alike in their need to know Jesus.  

       In 1970 I married Rudy Kampia. Our first congregation drew young parents eager to attend an evening instruction class and a prayer group for which they needed child care.  So, while Rudy taught them, I used the kitchen of our small church for a class for children ages 3-12.  With homemade puppets, flannelgraph, costumes and odds and ends for projects, I tried to find exciting ways to reach them.  With God's help, and older children helping young ones, they enjoyed growing together spiritually.  Later, while I led a ladies Bible study, Rudy taught their children using lessons I prepared.  When our urban church had a family retreat each summer, I worked with the children, again a small group with varied ages.  I had to find exciting ways to teach ancient Bible stories to city children who would rather run. So we incorporated action and nature.

      Meanwhile I also worked on teams writing VBS materials for Augsburg/Fortress and Sunday School, Day school, and Early Childhood Materials for Concordia Publishing House. This gave me valuable training in writing for teachers as well as children.  Through these varied experiences, I saw a need for a a comprehensive children's Bible story book that could be used in different settings with varied ages and relate the lessons to the lives of contemporary children.   I ended up with 282 Bible chapters, each including a question to arouse interest, the story, questions relating it to our own lives, prayer suggestions, and several activity choices, plus a hint to teachers and parents of ways to present the story.

      God has amazed me with how GOD'S GREAT  BOOK  has been used.   I envisioned it to be adaptable for school, Sunday School, after school settings, home school, family devotions, and individual reading for children.  But when I've displayed it at conferences, it has ended up with missionaries to foreign countries, "children's church" leaders, and grandparents for their grandchildren (one of who reads it to her neighbors). It has also been used by adults unfamiliar with the Bible and even an Iranian immigrant conference hotel worker.  So, if God lays it upon your heart to take on a project that He prepared you for, you may be surprised at where He takes it!

       (GOD'S GREAT BOOK is available through Judy or at godsgreatbook.com, and is now also in e-book form.)

Judy can be reached at judykampia@gmail.com. Judy and her husband Rev. Rudolf Kampia live in Berwyn Heights, MD. Rev, Kampia is Emeritus Pastor at Redeemer, Hyattsville, MD.

Saron Yohannes- Central Region

        My name is Saron Yohannes. I was born in Eritrea, North East Africa. I came to the U.S. in 1995 to study Theology. I got my Associate Degree of Theology in 1998 in St Paul, MN. I was in the program of the Concordia Seminary Distance Learning through Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology from January 2007-October 2011. I graduated and was consecrated at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, VA.  I’m also serving the Eritrean Synod in North America as Gospel Out Reach.  In the Chesapeake District- LWML I have served as a Heart to Heart District Leader and on the Heart to Heart Committee with the National LWML. I am appointed to serve for this coming biennium with the Christian Life Committee- National LWML. I‘m a deaconess serving at Our Savior Lutheran Church, and currently working as a teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Early Child Education Center as a Lead Teacher in the 2 year old program in Alexandria, VA.  

        Working with children, even though it’s tiring, gives much joy. My mission is to show and instruct people to know and follow Jesus. I have multiple tasks with my job that includes being a witness through teaching, equipping and encouraging people in different kinds of groups. Another piece of my work with people is  guiding, leading and praying with them.

Since we are living in a broken world, working with people has a lot of challenges. By God’s grace working in me, I am learning not to look just at my situation, but instead to see my destiny in what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus paid the price in love for me-it is finished. So my life journey is about living faithfully to run the race to the finish line. 

I‘m so blessed and live in God's favor. It’s a joy being a Christian. Even though there have been ups and downs in  my life, I don't have any regrets. I  have never seen my family since 1995 when I came to the United States of America. Do I miss my home and my family? There is no doubt. But I have learned and experienced something about God's love and I'm satisfied. First of all, “He is all in all to me.” He is my Dad (Abba), my mom, my sister, my brother, my …everything. He took over and I‘m leaning on His grace. To breathe in and breath out His grace, gives me a joyful life. God’s family is my family.

I’m learning and growing every single day through prayer and His Word. I am seeing the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in my prayer intercessions in my daily life. God moves as He brings changes in situations and in the life of the people I serve or meet. My encouragement to all readers, renew your heart altar every day and give your time, your heart, and your mind to meet Jesus. He gives all good things that you might receive His wisdom, guidance, and strength to overcome your day’s situations and to be fruitful for His Kingdom.

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”.

Psalm 118:24

  Saron can be reached at Saron122@yahoo.com. We give thanks for all the ways she serves in the SED and in the church beyond.

The Shift from My story to His Story

Along the way as I ask women if they might want to share

 a piece of their story for this blog-
 I often hear- "I don't really have a story,"

 or "my story isn't worth telling."

And not to shake a finger at anyone but,

 maybe we need to take a closer look at just what this means.

We have all been on different paths and piece of our journey here on this earth.

But, each and every step along the way we have been invited by Jesus

 to be a part of His-story which is about His Father's Glory.

Before time began, this Triune God had the heart's desire 

to place people here on earth who are His dwelling place on earth.
 ( Eph. 2:21-22)

We see Paul talk about this desire- God's "Eternal Purpose"
 ( Eph. 3:10-11)

God's Eternal purpose- the Church-

 are a called and gifted people created in the image of God.

This living, loving organism
moves as the people that Jesus Himself dwells in-

and is so marked
 that Paul calls them the very "Body of Christ" on earth. 

( Eph. 2:15, 1 Cor. 12:27)

These members, both the saints before us,

 and all gathered here in this time and place-

 For Such A Time as This-

are to envision how our lives exist to magnify God's Glory

 as we live in His-story.

So, maybe this new looking glass, gives you a new perspective.

You were created to bring God Glory.

Perhaps, it is time to unlock the gate and move the barriers aside,

and shine the light on--- God in my Life.

 We can move away from this significant roadblock.

We can smile with the real understanding-  it is NOT ABOUT ME.

It is about how God has used me, fallen, but GRACE-FILLED.

God has been working out His plan in your life- every day.

Now, doesn't that give you something to talk about?

Judy Brown- Southern Region

When I was a child, I heard an elderly lady tell stories about being born in Africa to Missionary parents in the early 1900’s and the incredible protection from Angels that preserved them while they were there.  From that day on, I dreamed of being a Missionary!  At that time my dad had owned his own business, a sheet metal shop in Odessa, Texas.  In 1959, there was a steel strike and he was forced to sell out and we left Odessa.  We then moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1961, the middle of my junior year in high school in another state!  After graduation, I enrolled in the local Community College and worked full time also.  Then one night I met a charismatic young sailor. We had a whirlwind relationship and were married after three months, on May 9, 1965.

           After giving birth to two daughters and being married about six years, I decided to separate from him.   After a time, he asked me to try again.  I said—ok, but only if we leave Phoenix!  I had never accepted the relocation from Texas!  So we did!  We went to Michigan, where his dad and his family and his mother and her husband were.  We remarried on the anniversary of our first wedding, had our third daughter, and moved several times.  The last move placed us within walking distance of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Holt, Michigan.

A neighbor invited my children to VBS.  I was quite impressed with the people I met there and the loving way they treated my children and was invited to attend a service—then an Adult Instruction class.  For the first time, at age 30, I understood the Gospel and knew that God actually loved me!  I also one day remembered the dream I had of being a Missionary. Oh no, I thought, I have really blown it!

In 1979, my husband Keith was baptized on Palm Sunday at age 35.  He had come to faith as a result of a 3½ year series of visits by Evangelism teams from St. Matthew!  At the time of his conversion, he stated: “I suppose this means I have to go to Africa and become a missionary!”  Four years later he actually asked to go to Africa on a six week Evangelistic mission!  As a result of that experience, he realized that God’s plan WAS for HIM to become a full time missionary!  He had been rescued and he was called to be a rescuer!  His dream was to return to Africa.

Instead, we went to British Columbia for a year and then arrived in the Republic of the Philippines on New Year’s Eve, 1984. God had taken that dream of that little girl and made it come true!!!  He loves to fulfill the dreams of our hearts!  He then prepared a series of chutes that ultimately led to those days as Missionaries.  In 1989, after five years in the mission field, Keith felt called to go back to school and get the theological education he felt he lacked to be truly effective.  We returned to the U. S. and lived in Milwaukee for two years as he obtained his first degree—as a Certified Lay Minister.  After serving in Lyons, Texas, in 1995, we transferred to St. Louis and the Seminary.  Keith graduated and was ordained at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in 2000.   We moved to Rock Hill, SC in 2004 and started a mission church—Emmanuel Lutheran.  On September 8, 2013, we are celebrating Five Years in our new building!  Come help us celebrate!


Judy can be contacted at judy1333@aol.com. Judy and her husband, Keith, continue to support the ministry at Emmanuel, Rock, Hill, SC.

Joan Loesch- Central Region

Blessed to be a blessing. 

Those words have been my guide from the time I was a young woman and I realized the sacrifices my parents, both Lutheran teachers, made to give me and my three siblings a loving Christian home life, a parochial school education and their continual support and prayers in all that I did.  Nearly forty-six years ago another blessing came into my life when my father introduced me to one of his Sem students.  Nine months after we first met, Keith and I were married.  Wherever God chose to send us during Keith's years of full time ministry blessings followed. 

There was always at least one woman in every congregation who became a mentor and advisor and prayer partner and a special blessing to me. Thank you Elisabeth, Virginia, Louise and Bev. When working as a geriatric nurse there were multiple opportunities to witness to my faith; often towards the end of a resident's life I had the privilege to sit with them, hold their hand and pray with them and their family.

Now I am able to do volunteer work with Fellowship Square Foundation who operates four apartment buildings for the low income elderly. It is I who am blessed with their smiles, and hugs and words of thanks when I visit or assist with transportation or arrange for food and other staples to be donated. 

Daily I thank the Lord for all He has done for me and to try to reflect His love and blessings to my family, friends and all whom I meet.  Yes, I am blessed.  And I pray to be a blessing to others.

Joan lives in Woodbridge, Va and her husband, Keith, is the Emeritus Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodbridge. She can be contacted at  kandjloesch@comcast.net.