Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
Philippians 2:9-11
In March of 2003, I arrived in Mexico City for my first missions trip. I was assigned to work in the dental area and was asked to assist a national dentist. I remember thinking how much I would have liked to be working in the aspect of nursing, since I was in the middle of nursing school. But something told me that the Lord had different plans. It would prove to be a phenomenal experience working with Dr. Ismael, one that would have lasting effects on my relationship with Jesus Christ.
One afternoon while we worked, Dr. Ismael shared with us the importance of stepping out in faith. He told us one evening he wanted God to show Himself to him. He called out to the Lord with boldness. That evening, it was pouring rain outside of his Mexico City home and he recalls running out in the middle of street with the rain pouring down, raising his arms up to the heaven, and crying out with a loud voice, “If you are really hearing me, then stop the rain.” He said instantly the rain stopped. I remember just being taken back by the whole thought of being bold with the Lord like that. I felt the fear of the Lord. As I sat there, this thought of boldly asking the Lord to show Himself to me started turning in my spirit. I asked Dr. Ismael question after question, “Didn’t you get scared testing the Lord like that?” He told me something that really changed me. He said, “No, God wants to show His power to you, and more than that, He wants you to ask Him.”
The afternoon came to a close, but Dr. Ismael’s testimony continued to move about in my spirit long after I left the field that day. I treasured the thought of asking God to reveal Himself to me in more powerful ways. Deep in my heart, I thought, “Does God really want to show Himself to me?” If He did, I was longing to experience Him.
For the next several days, I searched the scriptures to come to some peace. I first went to the Old Testament. There I found the work of the Lord through the prophet Elijah.
And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your Word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” Kings 18:36-39
Here I saw how the Lord showed Himself so others would know that He was the One True God. The Holy Spirit then prompted me to the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament. You see, the Old Testament and the New Testament confirm each other. If I found the Lord showing Himself in the Old Testament, I knew I would find it also in the New Testament.
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:37-41
At the rebuke of His mighty voice, the Lord controlled the wind and rain, just like Dr. Ismael had shared with us in Mexico City. But I said to myself, “Yes, but that was Jesus.” Again, the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit, “Turn to Luke 10:19.”
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19.
This authority that Jesus walked on the earth with was now transferred to me at Pentecost and I had the Word of God to prove it! Even serpents are under my feet. To me, it was confirmed. The rain would even obey me at the Name of Jesus. Not by my strength, but by the Spirit who lives in me day by day. For the first time in my Christian life, I knew this deep in my spirit.
I left Mexico City after 10 days and returned to my life in the little rural town of Loyal, Wisconsin. For me, life would never be the same after what the Lord had showed me on the mission field in Mexico and through His Word. More than that, I knew I had an awesome responsibility for Chad and Charlie, my four year old twins. The Lord showed this to me in 2Timothy and it literally jumped off the page into my heart.
When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also 2Timothy 1:5
It was up to me to show my sons the awesome works of Jesus Christ by faith and I knew it with all of my heart. I was on a mission to bring the faith that was in me to my sons and the salvation that Jesus had given me just three years before.
That’s when the awesome Day of the Lord happened. I remember it like yesterday. I can still smell the rain that fell on the hot asphalt of the grocery store parking lot. It wasn’t long after my return from Mexico City and the thoughts of God showing Himself to me were still moving about in my heart. The rain was coming down in sheets and it smelled so fresh and beautiful. But all I thought about was how wet I was going to get going into Festival Foods since there was no close parking place in sight. I drove around and around looking for that perfect parking spot right up in the front. It wasn’t looking good. I warned the boys to prepare themselves because were about to get wet. It was then that I believe the Holy Spirit put these perfect words in the mouth of my son. Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength Psalm 8:2. Chad voiced his heart to me and it was profound. He said with his little voice, “Why don’t we pray, mom?” It was then the Holy Spirit moved in my spirit and faith welled up inside of me so much so that I felt I could, by the authority of Jesus Christ, do anything. Inside of me, rose up this boldness in the Lord. I said to my sons, “Do you believe if command the rain to stop in the Name of Jesus that it would?” Both of them in unison answered, “Yes, we believe." As those words fell off of my lips, I wanted to bite my tongue. Why did I just say that? What was I going to do now? What if the Lord didn’t perform? Deep inside was this small seed of faith. The Lord met us where we were and took our child-like faith and moved mountains. What happened next would change my little 4 year olds to turn their hearts to the Lord and believe in the power of that beautiful Name...Jesus.
I said with all the authority that Jesus Christ had given me through the Cross, “Then in the Name of Jesus, I command the rain to stop.” As if a faucet had been turned off, the rain stopped instantly. It felt as though the world had stopped and everything was still for a moment. The black clouds separated and disintegrated like food coloring being dropped into a glass of water. The smell of rain filled the car, but not a drop fell from the sky. I heard the gasps from the back seat as my sons saw the mighty authority of Jesus. It was as if a light bulb turned on and they saw the Light. I could literally see it on their faces. They saw the power of Jesus Christ and were able to experience it.
This rain experience would prove to be pivotal in their conversion. A couple days later, I felt a prompting from the Lord to share with Charlie and Chad the saving faith of Jesus Christ. Even at 4 years old, the Lord worked in their hearts in such a simple way. It shouldn’t be a surprise…if the rocks knew it, God would give these little boys the wisdom to praise Him. There in my apartment as we sat and folded laundry, I shared with them how much Jesus loves them and how much He wanted to share eternity with them. In the center of our living room, Charlie and Chad prayed the sinner’s prayer and accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts and were saved from their sin.
Charlie and Chad are 11 years old now and are growing in the Word every day. Even after all of these years, they still bring up the day that Jesus stopped the rain with all of His authority. They can give me details about where we were and everything they felt that day. This power that Jesus showed them brought them to know the One True God and receive the forgiveness that we all desperately need. It not only brought them to know Him, but they continue to hunger and thirst for more of God and His Word.
I write this to encourage you to use every opportunity to point your kids to Jesus. Continuously show them that Jesus is the answer to all of life’s problems and all of life’s goodness. If your kids are looking for real love, real answers, real truth, Jesus is the real deal.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
My Beautiful Love Story - by Stacy Gallego
As I approach my five year wedding anniversary, I look back in awe on what a beautiful love story the Lord created for me. As always, when the Lord speaks, He keeps His Word. This story is meant to encourage those of you who are waiting on the Lord for that special helper that God is preparing for you. Be patient and persevere, because the Lord will always keep His promises. Although our stories may not be similar in any way, be assured that our Father in heaven has a beautiful love story designed especially for you. I write this today in honor of my husband, Johnny, and the God who gave us His Word and kept it.
It was spring of 2001 and I had just moved from Phoenix to Wisconsin. I had just given my heart to Jesus December 21, 2000 and right after that, I lost my apartment, my job, my car, and mostly my sanity. I would only look back later and realize I was right where the Lord wanted me, totally and utterly dependent on Him.
Soon after starting my new job as a dental assistant, I started dating a man at work. I was a new Christian and not going to church. I was just reading the Word by myself and really had no one to help me grow in the Lord. I thought I was doing the “right” thing dating someone responsible who could provide for me. After all, he was a really nice guy. He was a dentist, well respected in the community, settled with a nice house in the suburbs. As I continued to be in this relationship, the Lord continued to convict me over and over. I would plead with him and reason with God about how this should be the person I should marry. He had everything together, unlike me. But the conviction got more and more until I could not leave a date with him without being in tears. I knew the Lord was telling me this wasn’t the person he had for me. At that point, we mutually ended our relationship.
It was a week after I had ended this relationship. I had just tucked my boys into bed and was sitting on my couch. I began to cry and call out to God. I was asking Him, “What about me, Lord? Do I need to raise these kids by myself? Is that what you have for me?” I just sat there in the dark and sobbed on the couch. Little did I know that God would speak to me so powerfully that it would literally change the course of my life. I sat on the couch a little while longer asking God these questions over and over again. All of a sudden, the Lord caused me to hear His Word. He said, “If you only knew what I was preparing for you, there would be no tears.” I jumped up off the couch literally and said, “Yes, I believe you! And from this day forward, I will not entertain any relationships or friendships with any men until I hear from you.”
This was the start of a faith walk that would challenge me and my trust in the Word of God. I had in my mind it would only be a little while before the Lord brought this to fulfillment, but I would wait almost two years before He fulfilled His Promise. Many people would say to me, “I have a friend and he’s a Christian and I want you to meet him.” I would look to the Lord and say, “Lord, if this is you, you will bring this to fulfillment.” Every time, nothing would come to it.
I had a married couple that lived down the road from my parents’ house. I would go over there with my kids on Friday nights. We would sing praise songs on the piano. We would read the Word, pray and just glorify the Lord. It was such a sweet time for me. About a year and a half after the Lord spoke to me on my couch, I was visiting with them. I just sat there and started crying. They were so compassionate. I will never forget it. They asked me what was wrong and I told them that I just didn’t understand why I didn’t have a husband. I know God spoke to me, but I just didn’t understand why He was waiting. It was then that they opened up the Word and God spoke to me again. My friend Paul said, “Let me read you a story.” He opened up to bible to Genesis 24. It was the story of Isaac and Rebekah. This story has such a deep significance as it is a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ. Isaac had just lost his mother and his father, Abraham, wanted to find him a wife to comfort him. So he sent his servant, Eleazor, which translates “Comforter” (also the Holy Spirit) to go to his land and find a wife for his son. Eleazor tells Abraham he will go but questions Abraham on what he should do if the woman will not come back with him. Abraham tells him that if the woman doesn’t come, then he would be released from his obligation. So Eleazor goes to their land and he comes to a well. When he reaches it, he says in his heart to the Lord that the first woman who comes to draw water and asks Eleazor to give him water and to water his camels would be the woman that God has chosen for Isaac. So he does, and before he finishes this thought in his heart, along comes Rebekah who draws water and offers it to Eleazor’s camels. Eleazor proceeds to tell her who he is and why he has come and that he was sent by his master, Abraham, to find a wife for Isaac and she is the one. Rebekah takes Eleazor to her family and shares this story with her father. The father knows that it is from God and says that he will ask Rebekah directly if she would like to go. Rebekah had never seen Isaac, had no idea who he was, what he looked like, how he acted, but by faith, she says, “Yes, I will go.” So Eleazor takes her back to their land and on the horizon Isaac sees her and they continue walking to each other, meet, and immediately get married and Isaac loves his wife.
After reading this story, my friend Paul says to me, “Isn’t this a beautiful story?” I agreed that it was a beautiful story, not understanding how this related to me or my life. Then he said something so profound…now we are going to pray together and ask God to do this for you. I agreed, not knowing quite what I was agreeing to. Paul, Anne and I all prayed together and had this powerful time in prayer asking the Lord to go before me on my behalf.
What came next really shocked me. Paul and Anne told me, “We think you should join eHarmony.” I laughed thinking why do I need eHarmony? Does God need eHarmony to give me a love story? We talked for a while and they convinced me that it was a Christian-based service, bathed in prayer, and what did I have to lose? So I went home and filled out all 200 questions and signed up for eHarmony.
I would continue on there for four months. Every time I would see Ann and Paul they would ask…so how are things? They really wanted to know if I had met anyone. I would communicate with some matches, but it would end after a couple of days. I was discouraged and not real excited about it at all. This went on for a few months.
The whole time this was happening with me, my husband was living happily with his family in Tucson, AZ. He had been married to his first wife, Hilda, for 18 years. He had two beautiful children and life was pretty much great for them.
Ten years earlier, John had a dream. In that dream, this woman came up to him and kissed him on the mouth. He remembers waking up and looking over at his wife and just feeling really guilty. He shared it with a friend of his at work who laughed at him and said, “No you kissed her.” John argued, “No, she kissed me.” His friend tells him, “No, it’s your dream, your thoughts, your desires, you made her kiss you.” It really skewed John’s thoughts and the truth that God speaks to people in dreams. He became just cynical about anyone who said God spoke to them in a dream and would repeat to the dreamers the same things that his friend told him. What he didn’t realize was what the Word says, “Do not stand in the counsel of the ungodly.” This friend of his wasn’t a Christian and he had no knowledge of the Word, but John took his advice anyway.
John’s first wife, Hilda, had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 27, just months after they had gotten married. It was a very aggressive form of rheumatoid arthritis and no treatments helped her. Through the years, she became more and more debilitated. John didn’t even notice it, until one day he saw her reflection in a window. He said to himself, “Oh my gosh, my wife is completely disabled.” He loved her and just never looked at her like she was disabled. She started to have problems with uncontrolled blood pressure and just several issues with her heart valves. The doctors said it was completely treatable and they just went on with their lives.
It was in January of 2004 when John would have a really amazing dream. John has a degree in math and he always thinks in terms of math. In the dream, he was sitting in a classroom and there was the teacher who wrote out an algebraic equation on a board. In the dream, he started to simplify the equation and then the teacher said, “and the answer is 24.” He remembers thinking in his dream, if it’s true that I control my dreams, then why do I know the answer before I figured it out. He was perplexed. He remembers the whole equation and the answers were 6 and 24. In the dream, God spoke to him and the impression was, “Not all dreams are your own thoughts and ideas, I speak to you in dreams.” He woke up and immediately told his wife. It had been 10 years since his friend squashed the truth that God speaks to people in dreams and the Lord confirmed it. That night, he went to his bible study that he was teaching and he showed them the algebraic equation and he explained to them what God had spoke to him. It was much later that God would give John the full understanding of the dream.
Several weeks after this, the Lord started speaking to his heart that the time he had with his wife was short. It was totally contrary to what the doctors were telling him. They were telling them that everything was fine and that what his wife had was totally treatable, but he continued to have this lurking feeling that the time he had with Hilda was short. He would start asking her things like, “Have I been a good husband? Have you enjoyed your life?” She didn’t understand it, but he needed to know how she felt. He would go up on the roof and pray at night and plead with the Lord to give him more time with his wife, but the feeling continued.
It was June of 2004, and he was teaching a bible study. He was in the book of Daniel and they were studying Daniel 3 where Nebuchadnezzar told Meshach, Shadrach, and Abed-Nego that if they did not bow down and worship him, that he would throw them into the firey furnace. These three men of faith told Nebuchadnezzar, “Our God can deliver us, however, if he doesn’t we will still follow him.” (Paraphrased) This really spoke to John and he stopped the whole bible study and for an entire night they talked about this. He asked them, “If God doesn’t answer your prayers the way you think he should, will you still follow Him?” He said it was an awesome study and it really got them thinking. Little did he know, he would be faced with this very question less than a week later.
Later that week, Hilda went into the hospital for a two day procedure. John watched as they inserted the tube down Hilda’s throat and he saw her heart. One side of it was huge and thick and pumping so fast. Then he looked to the left and saw her heart valves atrophied and it was sluggishly pumping the blood. The doctors assured him that this was totally treatable with medications and it was nothing to worry about. John went home that evening to get the kids settled. He planned to go to work the next morning and then about 11 in the morning, he would come back to the hospital for the rest of the procedure. About 8:00 that morning, he called Hilda’s room at the hospital to talk to her. The nurses told him that she was in the bathroom and couldn’t talk. He hung up the phone and five minutes later, the hospital called to apologize to John, “We are sorry. Your wife has gone into cardiac arrest.” John slammed the phone down and ran out of his work and into his car and sped down the road to get to the hospital. On the way there, he talked to the Lord. He said, “Lord, I know my wife has died, but I know that you have the power to raise her from the dead. But if you don’t, I don’t need to question you, and I don’t need to know why. You know everything that is best for me and I am still going to follow you.”
He ran through the hospital and up the elevator and into her room and there she was, lying there like she was sleeping. Hilda had passed away and left the man I love devastated and broken. For four hours, he prayed that the Lord would raise her from the dead, but God made it clear it was time for Hilda to come home.
Everyone was there for the funeral and bringing food and ministering to them. But days after the funeral, everyone goes home, but John and the kids’ lives were completely changed forever. They had lost their mom and John lost the love of his life.
A couple weeks after the funeral, the Lord started speaking to John that he would meet someone and remarry. This was not a welcomed thought at all for John. He had no plans to start over and get remarried again. He was still wearing his wedding ring and feeling sad and devastated. Over the next several weeks, Words from the Lord continued to come and over and over again. The Lord continued to assure John that this was in his near future.
Day after day, this feeling of meeting someone consumed him. He didn’t understand it and didn’t want it. One night, he got up on the roof and cried out to the Lord. His prayer was three fold. He told the Lord that he didn’t know what was going on and what his future held. He asked the Lord to reveal to him a little bit of future. What was going to happen to him? Then he told the Lord to reveal this woman to him that he was going to meet. “How am I supposed to know who she is?” he asked the Lord. The third part of his prayer was that he was going to wait on the Lord. He wasn’t going to go out and do anything stupid, but that he would wait on Him.
A few weeks after his wife’s funeral, John returned to work. He was standing in the lobby of his work, and all of a sudden he heard a huge crash. He looked out to the street and there was a huge car crash. He ran out to the scene and some other people came out after him. There was a woman and her two kids in one car and an older woman and her son in the other car. He came to the woman with her kids and she was crying and John helped her and her kids to the side of the street. Then John looked at his friend pulling the other woman out of the car. He yelled to John that he needed to get some help because the woman wasn’t breathing. They started CPR on her. The woman with the kids started screaming. She started telling John in Spanish that she didn’t have a license and had no insurance and she didn’t mean to hit the lady. She just was coming to visit her husband who was in prison. This woman started screaming and scratching John and John was talking to her and telling her kids to turn their heads because they didn’t need to see it.
Soon after they started CPR on the woman, they pronounced her dead and they put a yellow tarp over her. When the woman in the other car saw that she had died, she was just completely out of control. She was screaming and crying. John took her by the shoulders and said to her, “It’s ok. No one lives or dies without God. God knows you and He knew what was going to happen today. God knows this other lady. God chose you to live and for your kids to live and now you have to keep going. God chose you to live and now you need to keep living.” Immediately, as if he saw the words coming out of his mouth and entering into his heart, he knew that God was speaking those words to him. He walked away from the accident sobbing, knowing that God was telling him, “You have to keep living.” You are alive and I want you to live.” It’s amazing how God speaks to us in such simple, but profound ways. After this, his heart was settled. He was to keep living and continue on. As wonderful as his life was with Hilda, it was complete and God had a new chapter for him.
One night, his sister, who was living in South Africa at the time, emailed him. After he read the email, there was a popup and it was for eHarmony. He thought to himself, “That would be a good way to meet friends. I would be able to talk to some people.” He signed up for eHarmony and started talking to women who he thought were just friends. He started talking to a woman from Washington. They would text and email and talk on the phone. One night, she called and she was upset. She said, “What’s going on here?” He laughed, “What do you mean?” She said, “I texted you and you didn’t respond, I emailed you and you didn’t email me back, I left a message and you didn’t call. What’s going on here?” He knew immediately what he had done. He was hoping for friends, but these women were looking for something more. He apologized to her and told her that he thought he told her in the beginning, all he could be was a friend.
The next day, he talked with his friend at work. Pat, bless his soul, told him, “You’re in the wrong place to meet friends, Homer.” John thought he had totally gone out of the will of God. He vowed to himself that as soon as he got home, he was going to email everyone he had been talking to and apologize to them and get off of eHarmony.
That night, about 11:30, he started emailing all of the people he had talked to and started closing them out. In order to close them out, you have to open up their profile, go to the bottom of their profile and then click on “close out.” He closed everybody out and then there were three new matches. He went through the first two matches and closed them out. The third match was me. He opened it up and then went to the bottom to close me out, but something caught his eye. I want to say it was my picture, but that wasn’t it! He saw that I felt called to be a missionary. He thought in his heart how I must have really loved God. I love it that he had those fond thoughts of me.
He tried again to get to the bottom of the page but something else caught his eye. One of the questions on the profile asks, “What do your friends know about you that no one else knows? “ I wrote that I had letters written to my husband and that on my wedding day he was going to be able to read them. The Lord started giving John an impression that he was going to read the letters. He was reasoning with himself that the only person who would read the letters would be her husband. But he had this strong impression he would be the one reading them.
Next, he saw my pictures. I had four pictures and all of them were pictures of me and Charlie and Chad. He knew immediately what I was saying, “It’s a package deal and don’t even contact me if you aren’t interested in the package.” The picture was of me and Charlie and Chad peeking around a tree. He said it was then that God impressed to him that this family was important for him. He was confused and without understanding.
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He tried several times after that to go and close out and cancel out of eHarmony, but he continued to be drawn back to my profile. It was 11:30 at night and he remembers it like it was yesterday. He had his chin in his hands reading my profile. He was perplexed by the feelings he was having and then he said aloud, “I wonder if this is the one.” It was totally quiet. There was a small light on in the hallway and then he heard it, the voice of the Lord. The Lord caused Him to hear His voice and He said, “This is the one.” John was so shocked he swung his head around and looked around. He thought someone was in the room with him. He wondered if he might be going crazy, but it was then he realized it was the Lord speaking to him. He had never heard it before in his life. He started shaking and his face was flush. He thought to himself, “Well if this is the one, then I can say anything to her and she will be the one.” That night, he sent a request to communicate with me.
The afternoon before this, I saw that there was a Johnny from Tucson, AZ who was a match. I thought to myself, “I hope he wants to talk with me.” There was nothing special about his profile and he was pictured with another gentleman on his profile photo. I didn’t even know which one he was, but something in me wanted to talk to him. It was the next afternoon that I got the request and I was kind of excited.
We started chatting back and forth on the email. I had done this a few times with other matches, but this was different. That afternoon he wrote to me that he had posted a photo for me to see. When it started to load and I saw half of the photo loading, God spoke to my heart and said, “This is your husband.” I was shocked.
Several other things transpired where God continued to confirm my feeling. Charlie and Chad were 6 years old at the time. Several weeks before I ever was matched up with John, the babysitter said to me that Chad had told her something interesting. I asked, “What did he say?” She shared that he had told her that someday he was going to have three dads; his dad Jesus, his dad Rick (their biological father), and his step-dad John. She looked at me with anticipation as she told me looking for any clues that I would have an idea of what he was talking about. I shook my head and said, "I don’t know any Johns and I don’t really know what that means." Amy, my babysitter, smiled and told me to be watchful because many times God will speak through the children. I treasured that in my heart and as these next few weeks unfolded, I realized that the Lord spoke through my six year old son long before the Lord caused these events to happen in my life.
A few days passed with exchanging emails and then John asked if I would like to talk on the phone. I was excited. He gave me his phone number and asked me to call. The first night we talked for almost three hours. About the third hour of conversation was when it happened. Out of the blue, I asked John, “Has God spoke to you about me?” I had no idea where that came from, but I realized that God was speaking to me about him and I wanted to know what God was speaking to him. There was a long pause and then he said it, “I consider myself to be a reasonable man. I am not crazy. God has spoken to me.” Then he told me how God spoke to him when he saw my profile and my picture. I then shared with him what God was speaking to me. Then I said, “So, I guess we are getting married then?” The very first time we talked and before we ever saw each other face to face, John asked me to marry him. We decided where we would live and where we were going to get married. It was so amazing.
A couple evenings later, John and I were talking and I asked him when his wife had passed away. We had never really talked about it and I had never asked. I guess I had no idea that it had been just a few months before. When I heard “June 24,” I was so upset. All I could think was how would I explain to people that just a couple of months ago, John’s wife died and now we were getting married. Following this, there was another confirmation from the Lord. While we were sitting there talking about it and I was freaking out, God gave John remembrance of the dream he had that past January. The answers to the algebraic equation were 6 and 24 and that was the month and the date that his wife passed away. This experience just caused us to glorify God. In God's Word, it says, it's the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. God gets all the glory. He concealed it for a while, and then revealed it, all to His glory. He is an awesome God!
John called a couple of days later. He had a huge step to make in this whole thing. He needed to let Cilicia and Johnny know what was going on. They had just lost their mom a few months earlier and this would be very difficult for them, especially with the circumstances of how we met and what God was doing. He took the kids out to Wendy’s that evening and started to share with them what God was doing. Little Johnny was so excited. He said, “I knew you were going to meet someone.” He was thrilled. John was not so sure about Cilicia. When he told her, she started to cry. He asked her, “Cilicia, I need to know what you are thinking.” She said, “I’m just thinking that God is so awesome.” She proceeded to tell John that she had had a dream and she believed it was from the Lord. She had mentioned this dream to John a few weeks before, but she didn’t share the whole dream with John. But there at the Wendy’s table, she told him the whole thing. She told John that all of them were in Hawaii and that John was with a woman with short brown hair and he was married to her and there was a little girl there with the lady. John was perplexed. He told Cilicia, “Well, Stacy has two little boys but she doesn’t have any girls.” He really wasn’t sure how it all related, but it really gave Cilicia comfort knowing that God had already showed her that this was going to happen.
This was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Quite frankly, when I asked God to make the meeting of my husband something supernatural so I wouldn’t “miss Him,” I had no idea it would be like this. But as the days went by, I started doubting it. I’d say, “Is this real?” The last thing I wanted to do was miss God and marry someone I wasn’t supposed to. I talked to John and told him that I was going to go on a fast and pray about it because I just had to have confirmation from the Lord. That’s when it got even more exciting!
About two years before, I had this awesome dream. In the dream, there was a man there and he put a ring on my finger and it was a diamond ring. Then he slipped off the diamond ring and went and washed it in a bucket and when he brought it back and slipped it on my finger, it was kind of a pink color. I remember thinking in my dream that this ring looked like the color of the ring my parents got me for my 16th birthday. I thought it looked like a June stone. So when I woke up, the month of June was impressed on my heart. I woke my friend up and told her about the dream. She suggested we go on the internet and try to find birthstones. So when we went on there, I saw the February stone and recognized the stone I saw was an amethyst. I told my friend, “Maybe I am going to meet my husband in June and marry in February. We were both excited because I knew in some way the Lord had spoken to me. Then June came and went and February came and went and nothing happened. The next June and February came and went and nothing happened. When the next June came and went, I started asking, “Lord, I know you spoke to me. Did I miss you? What does this dream mean?”
It was August of 2004 and I was in a nursing lecture. I had been fasting for three days and asking God to confirm whether this whole thing that just happened to me was from Him. I was sitting in my lecture and the instructor just got done talking. I can’t explain it any other way, except that five seconds before I didn’t know something, then all of a sudden I had a flood of knowledge from God. The impression was that in June I would get married and on my honeymoon in Hawaii, I would conceive a daughter and she would be born in February and her name would be Grace. The Lord told me that she would live a life of glory for Him. I was so out of it after I had heard the Word of God that I could barely make it back to my car. I was car-pooling with several friends who already thought I was crazy for even believing that this was God. They were saying, “What’s wrong with you?" I must have looked like I'd seen a ghost. I then told them what God had told me. To my surprise, they believed it! I realized that the months of June and February were very significant for me and that the little girl in Cilicia’s dream was my daughter! I was the woman that would marry her dad. It was all so amazing because John and I had not even decided when we wanted to get married and we had never even talked about a honeymoon. When I told John, he started crying and said he had in his heart to ask me to have our honeymoon in Hawaii!
We shared this story with many people and they watched and waited for it to be fulfilled. The amazing thing was, that all of this happened before I ever set eyes on my husband in person. It was a faith walk from the very beginning. I was amazed at the faith of John’s kids…they believed with all of their heart. In fact, when John’s church was remodeled, they ripped up all of the carpet and under the carpet everyone carved their names on the floor before the new carpet was installed. There under that carpet says “In loving memory of Hilda Gallego” and there carved on the floor is “Grace Gallego.” Before she was ever conceived, her name was written on the floor of a church. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen according to the Word of God. This was the real thing.
A week later, I went to the airport to pick up my husband to meet for the very first time. It was like a perfect Isaac and Rebekah. I had only seen one picture of him and wasn’t even sure I would know what he looked like. I sat there in the airport and it all came flooding back to me that God had fulfilled His promise to me on that night when I prayed that God would give me an Isaac and Rebekah love story. It was true. I came to pick up my husband by faith, not knowing what he looked like or what it was going to be like. It was all faith in God’s Word.
It was a beautiful day in June 2005. John and I were married in front of all of our friends and family. We said our vows and the next day arrived in Hawaii. Several weeks later, upon returning home, it was confirmed, we conceived our little baby Grace in Hawaii. God keeps all of His promises. When February came and went and Grace was still not born, we were completely shocked. We had expected our little girl would be born in February and I reminded the Lord that everyone was watching. Would the enemies of the Lord laugh? I started to question myself, "Did I hear you Lord?" Did I miss You? You know, the Lord is always on time and He is completely faithful. February 1, 2011, my daughter, Gracie, just one month shy of 5 years old, sat on her bed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart and was born again. I realized God had brought His promise to fulfillment with her second birth. This birth is even more important than the first. God had kept His promise to me and every tittle of that prophecy was to be fulfilled in His time.
The Lord has put together a beautiful family. One of the things that I prayed for before I met my husband was that God would not only bring me a husband, but a father for my kids. People would tell me don’t be surprised if that doesn't happen. But I believed God. He never does anything half way. The very first time my sons met John, they asked if they could call him “dad.” They have never called him anything else but “dad” and from the very beginning John told them that everything he has is theirs. They have been included in his inheritance, just like we have with God. Johnny and Cilicia also call me “mom.” They, by faith, believed that the Lord brought me as their mother and that is all they have called me.
God had fulfilled everything and He created a beautiful family. There were so many things that the Lord gave me that I asked for in a husband, but most of all he gave me so many things I didn’t even know I needed. My husband is perfect for me and we have a beautiful family, solid in the Word of God. I thank God for giving me a new life and making my love story to memorable.
I give thanks on my fifth wedding anniversary for a wonderful husband, six beautiful children, and an inheritance in Jesus Christ that I can never put a price on.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Lord Mends a Family
I am going to share an amazing story with you, but first I need to introduce to you my friend, Greta. It's amazing how I met my new friend. I moved into my new house in March and I had my carpets cleaned before I moved in. As we were moving in, I noticed that there were a lot of spots that remained on my carpet. I called the company to let them know and they rescheduled me to have them resteamed. This time they sent a new carpet cleaner and this was a divine appointment for me.
While the carpet cleaner was at my house cleaning, he noticed that I was reading the bible. He asked what book I was reading and I said, "The bible." I laugh about it now because he knew it was a bible, but he wanted to know what book of the bible I was reading! We chatted a little bit about God and he finished up the job and started to pack his truck up. On his way out, he handed me a card with his wife's name and phone number on it. He told me to call her that she was a great prayer warrior and she would be able to pray for me and stand on the Word if there was anything that I was praying about. I thanked him for the card and shut the door behind him. Now my nature is I wouldn't call the person and then I would put the card down somewhere and when I really needed to call the lady, I wouldn't be able to find the card. So out of my comfort zone, I called her. I introduced myself and told her that her husband had given me her card and I wanted to call and introduce myself. It's so amazing how God brings people into your life. The very first time we talked, I knew we were going to be friends. We prayed together on the phone and each of us shared a little bit about each other. We continued to call each other now and again and every time I called her, she told me that she had been praying for me. I really appreciated that. I really enjoyed talking with her.
To this day, I have never seen Greta face to face. We have only talked on the phone. I love it how God binds together the family of God. Its as if I have known her for years.
One day, she sent me a link on facebook and it was her testimony. Friends, this testimony is all to the glory of God and a great reminder to know the Word of God and what God says. Psalm 119:89 Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven. We need to remember to take our eyes off of the situation and fix our eyes on the truth of God's Word. With Greta's permission, I am about to share one of the most radical redemptions of a family I have ever heard.
God Heals Broken Families - My Story
By Greta
I must admit it's embarrassing to have my mistakes laid out for the world to see. Some people know this story, but now you all will. What makes it worth your time and consideration? Because we all have the same thing in common. We are hopelessly broken and incapable of reaching God on our own. The good news is God reached down to us. He sent His son, Jesus to redeem you and me. This story is about why I am personally in need of my Savior. No, our stories may not be the same, but you are personally in need of my Savior too. This story is about what He did for me and my family. He is able and willing to do the same or even greater for you.
I don't think anyone gets married thinking they're going to eventually get divorced. No, that's what happens to other people. You know, the ones who did it all wrong. Not us. I mean we did it all right - both committed Christians, virgins, pre-marriage counseling, good job, no debt. So how, then, after just 3 ½ years did we find ourselves at a crossroads? That intersection where you realize what you thought you were getting isn't what you have. Disillusionment, disappointment, dissatisfaction. Well, since we weren't those other people who get divorced we stuck it out for two more years. Two more miserable years. Two more years of ignoring the very real problems we had and watching the distance go from a gap to a chasm. By the time my eyes were opened to the chasm, Carl had already checked out emotionally and spiritually. We may have been sleeping in the same bed but we were strangers.
I've tried a million times to figure out how something that started so right could go so wrong. I can see a myriad of contributing factors - immaturity, depression, being overwhelmed by responsibility - house, babies, Carl's long hours. But as I've prayed and asked God to show me where exactly things went wrong something finally came to me. "You lost your first love." I'm not talking about "the one that got away." I'm talking, quite frankly, about Jesus. Yes, I was a Christian. I was going to church regularly, involved in Bible studies, even a couples' one with Carl. But in the depths of my heart there was an inadequacy that invaded every part of my life and left me dissatisfied with everything. I became so weighed down with the cares of this world that I virtually ignored my husband and his needs and sank into misery.
Not surprisingly, Carl had had enough. The funny thing is even to this day, he has always said there's no legitimate reason for divorce. It all goes back to hardness of heart - my heart, your heart, our hearts. Now everyone says it takes two to tango and that for every divorce both parties are to blame. Unless, of course, there's adultery, and then the adulterer is always the one to blame, right? Wouldn't it be easy if it were that simple? See, when Carl left he immediately got involved with someone else. There you go, they were home wreckers, bent on destroying our "happy" family. Now I had everyone's support to find myself a "better" man, one who would play the part the right way and be faithful no matter what. No matter what. Carl's regret is that he didn't have the resolve to stick it out no matter what. To just pursue God no matter what. The problem is that pesky "no matter what" issue. The one that seems to follow us women around like a filthy rag. The one that excuses us every time we criticize our husbands for not doing enough to help us out around the house, for not taking enough interest in the kids, for not working hard enough so we can have all the things we need (WANT). The one that neglects/rejects their physical and emotional needs, disrespecting their hard work and provision for our families. You know, the one that justifies all our misconduct. And we have the gall to shame them for not being faithful no matter what.
Am I excusing unfaithfulness? By no means! Am I excusing myself? I cannot! When Carl left I was ready for him to go. I obviously wasn't making him happy, so I encouraged him to leave and go be with someone who would. Unfortunately, that someone was also married. Over the weeks and months that followed, God began to deal with me in a way I had longed for my whole life. He let me stew for a few weeks, trying to figure out on my own what I was going to do. My girlfriends hung out with me and let me cry and try to be strong and vent. Truthfully, they were furious with Carl for leaving and getting involved with someone else. (They should have been furious with me as well). That's a major reason why I knew what happened next was the Lord speaking directly to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I got a phone call from one of those mad girlfriends saying she felt she had to tell me God did NOT want me to give up on my marriage. I hung up the phone thoroughly unconvinced. As soon as I hung up my other girlfriend called and said pretty much the same thing. Knowing how angry both of them were, I knew there was no way they would have told me this unless it was really from God. I was starting to take notice. As soon as I hung up the phone, it rang a third time. This time it was my mom and she said the exact same thing as my girlfriends. She also encouraged me to call her best friend who happened to belong to a prayer group for people who were separated or divorced but believed God could heal their families. Now, anyone who knows me will tell you I'm one of the most strong-willed, stubborn people they know. But even the hard headed can recognize when God is trying to get their attention. From that moment, He called me away on an extremely difficult journey, but the best I've ever been on! He called me to Himself. And this journey began with repentance. He didn't seem immediately concerned with where Carl was or what he was doing. He was concerned with the state of my heart and my own sin. He began to open my eyes to all the ways I had disrespected and neglected my husband, not to mention the ways I had disrespected and neglected Him. I also saw the sin of encouraging my husband and the other woman to become involved. I called her and told her I was wrong and that I wanted to try to make it work with him. I asked her to walk away. She didn't. They stayed together for two years, buying a house together and planning to marry once we were divorced. It was the toughest two years of my life, learning to trust God with my heart and my future. What would become of us? How embarrassing that I was now one of those other people. One of those single mothers. I left college to get married. I was a stay-at-home mom and had been all my kids' lives. How would they not fall apart if I left them to get a job? What kind of job could I get that would afford daycare? Step by step God met every need we had. I became involved with that prayer group my mom's friend belonged to and those women taught me more than I ever thought possible. They were excellent mentors, unbelievably devoted to God's Word and seeing their families restored. They introduced me to Rejoice Marriage Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping heal broken families God's way.
I sure messed up a lot those first years. I discovered that taking God at His Word meant acting on my faith. However, when you're learning to act sometimes you become really obnoxious. Carl and I would get into horrible fights because of something I would say, the exact thing Rejoice was teaching to avoid. What can I say, I had a lot to learn! I continued to pray for Carl and the other woman to repent and leave one another. Her husband actually joined our prayer group also. He was in the military and was getting ready to be stationed in Germany. His wife and Carl were on the verge of breaking up and she was seriously contemplating going back to her husband. But at the last minute she decided to stay and he had to leave without her. We were all greatly disappointed, but not devastated. God had begun to show me through prayer and His Word that He wanted to heal my family and that He wanted me to remain faithful to the covenant that we had made with one another and God the day we were married. I remained faithful all that time, wearing my wedding ring, being very careful not to be in inappropriate situations with other men. I asked God how He wanted me to treat Carl and He told me to treat him like my husband because that's who he was. So every chance I got I let him know how much I loved him. When he'd come over I would make him food or show him affection - I wanted him to see the changes God was making in me. I knew if I kept my distance because he was involved with someone else that he would never see how sorry I was. It would be no different than what made him want to leave in the first place. He says that even though he had no intentions of ever coming back that seeing my life genuinely change gave him hope.
Most people think that when a person becomes involved in adultery they completely turn their backs on God. Truthfully, many do. But I think we become very shortsighted when we assume all do. Carl knew that his relationship with the other woman was sinful. That's part of what frustrated me so much. He would say adultery is wrong, divorce is wrong, but he was going to do it anyway. He felt defeated and he just gave up on us. A friend's testimony gave me great hope. She told me how when she was a young Christian she had been involved in an adulterous relationship and that God was working on her heart the whole time until she eventually repented and left the relationship. I saw that even though Carl was in adultery he did love the Lord and God was still busy working on him. I continued to pray and to show him love and respect every chance I got.
After two years, though, the inevitable finally happened. Divorce! Carl put it off for so long I hoped and prayed the day would never come. But it did. That night I cried my eyes out. I remember asking God who would cover me now. I had gone from my parents' covering straight to my husband's. Even though he had been gone for two years we were still married. This felt so final and I felt so naked and alone. I asked God again how He wanted me to treat Carl. Did the divorce change anything from God's perspective? I clearly felt Him speak to my heart that Carl was still my husband in His eyes and that was how I was to continue treating him. He also lead me to Isaiah 54:4-8! I encourage you to take the time to read this passage. You will see that God is a compassionate redeemer. He still had a plan to redeem my relationship with Carl.
Something unexpected happened after the divorce. I found myself surprisingly free. Free from my commitment to stand? No! Free from the looming doom - the impending devastation I thought I would feel if I ever had to see that horrible day come. It came and went and God renewed His promise to me. He assured me that He was indeed greater than the state of Arizona or their ridiculous "no-fault divorces" that are handed out like candy. (I've heard AZ has the highest divorce rate in the nation). God was NOT going to force Carl to come back. He was, however, drawing him back with the very thing he truly wanted - a Godly wife. Not long after the divorce the other woman left Carl and remarried her husband, whom she had also divorced, eventually joining him in Germany. There was so much excitement! Prayers had been answered. It seemed only a matter of time now and we'd be back together too. What a relief to not only have her back with her own husband, but half the world away! I wish I could say we fell madly in love and remarried too - that comes later - 1 ½ years later. Carl was nearly devastated over the breakup and sought comfort in another ungodly relationship. As soon as I found out about her I felt God tell me it would come to nothing. It's awesome how God can look into the future and declare something as good as done. This new relationship was very tumultuous. God was continuing to bring lasting change to my life in the meantime. I finally had the relationship with God that I had always desired but never found. He was my best friend and, in spite of my circumstances, I had a great deal of peace and joy. I realized that whether Carl ever came back or not God and I would be just fine. I also realized I wasn't Carl's mother or the Holy Spirit, I was his helper. It wasn't my job to change him, it was God's. Carl says that was a major turning point for him. He knew my life had truly changed from the inside out. We continued spending time together. He was still involved with the other woman, but I knew he was unhappy with her. She treated him very badly. One of his co-workers knew everything about us, about the other women, and that I was standing for restoration and he actually told Carl I was going to win. It made me smile because I knew it was true. God in me was winning back God in Carl. Carl, however, would still have told you that he was never coming back even to the day before Thanksgiving 2003, when he called me up out of the blue and said he might like to give our marriage a shot. Wow! I was so caught off guard. Not because I didn't believe it would happen someday, but because I had no idea it would happen that day. What a reason to give thanks!
Now here's something you need to understand - sometimes repentance comes in a flood, all at once. But sometimes, it comes a little piece at a time. Sin can be very stubborn. And Satan doesn't like to give up his captives easily. That woman had little regard for Carl while he was with her, but as soon as his heart turned home she dug her claws in and fought to keep him away from me. Here I am in the world's eyes divorced. As for me, I remained faithful to my vows, even after the state nullified our marriage. I sought God's opinion and His Word states, "what God has put together let no man separate." So, when my husband wanted to come home, even if it was a little piece at a time, I knew it was honorable to God, like the prodigal son whose father had been anxiously waiting and watching for the day his son would return. When he saw his boy on the horizon he ran to him with open arms and threw a party in his honor. What a wonderful example God gave us in Scripture of His own reaction to us when we even take one step toward home. He meets us ready to forgive and restore.
We renewed our vows July 25, 2004. It hasn't been an easy road back. We have definitely seen God's blessing, but it has taken work. Most people rejoiced that we were together again. Others found it difficult to forgive, but God is healing those relationships with time and truth. We lost a child along the way, a baby girl named Hope, who was too premature to survive. She was a great and painful loss. They say most marriages don't survive the death of a child, let alone one that's on the mend, but God has been the glue that has held us together. We have a much different relationship than we did before. We have become best friends. We encourage and support one another, handle disagreements and conflicts with respect. We cherish one another. I must say, that's pretty darn cool! But most importantly, our relationships with Christ are solid. After all we've been through and seen God do in our lives we have been forever changed. I share this testimony with you to encourage you. Christ must be your first love - above your spouse, above your kids, your job, your church, everything. He is a jealous God, jealous for your devotion and affection. When He is first, most other relationships tend to straighten themselves out, but even if they don't He is completely sufficient to meet every need you have. He is a restorer of broken lives. We are living proof! To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
While the carpet cleaner was at my house cleaning, he noticed that I was reading the bible. He asked what book I was reading and I said, "The bible." I laugh about it now because he knew it was a bible, but he wanted to know what book of the bible I was reading! We chatted a little bit about God and he finished up the job and started to pack his truck up. On his way out, he handed me a card with his wife's name and phone number on it. He told me to call her that she was a great prayer warrior and she would be able to pray for me and stand on the Word if there was anything that I was praying about. I thanked him for the card and shut the door behind him. Now my nature is I wouldn't call the person and then I would put the card down somewhere and when I really needed to call the lady, I wouldn't be able to find the card. So out of my comfort zone, I called her. I introduced myself and told her that her husband had given me her card and I wanted to call and introduce myself. It's so amazing how God brings people into your life. The very first time we talked, I knew we were going to be friends. We prayed together on the phone and each of us shared a little bit about each other. We continued to call each other now and again and every time I called her, she told me that she had been praying for me. I really appreciated that. I really enjoyed talking with her.
To this day, I have never seen Greta face to face. We have only talked on the phone. I love it how God binds together the family of God. Its as if I have known her for years.
One day, she sent me a link on facebook and it was her testimony. Friends, this testimony is all to the glory of God and a great reminder to know the Word of God and what God says. Psalm 119:89 Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven. We need to remember to take our eyes off of the situation and fix our eyes on the truth of God's Word. With Greta's permission, I am about to share one of the most radical redemptions of a family I have ever heard.
God Heals Broken Families - My Story
By Greta
I must admit it's embarrassing to have my mistakes laid out for the world to see. Some people know this story, but now you all will. What makes it worth your time and consideration? Because we all have the same thing in common. We are hopelessly broken and incapable of reaching God on our own. The good news is God reached down to us. He sent His son, Jesus to redeem you and me. This story is about why I am personally in need of my Savior. No, our stories may not be the same, but you are personally in need of my Savior too. This story is about what He did for me and my family. He is able and willing to do the same or even greater for you.
I don't think anyone gets married thinking they're going to eventually get divorced. No, that's what happens to other people. You know, the ones who did it all wrong. Not us. I mean we did it all right - both committed Christians, virgins, pre-marriage counseling, good job, no debt. So how, then, after just 3 ½ years did we find ourselves at a crossroads? That intersection where you realize what you thought you were getting isn't what you have. Disillusionment, disappointment, dissatisfaction. Well, since we weren't those other people who get divorced we stuck it out for two more years. Two more miserable years. Two more years of ignoring the very real problems we had and watching the distance go from a gap to a chasm. By the time my eyes were opened to the chasm, Carl had already checked out emotionally and spiritually. We may have been sleeping in the same bed but we were strangers.
I've tried a million times to figure out how something that started so right could go so wrong. I can see a myriad of contributing factors - immaturity, depression, being overwhelmed by responsibility - house, babies, Carl's long hours. But as I've prayed and asked God to show me where exactly things went wrong something finally came to me. "You lost your first love." I'm not talking about "the one that got away." I'm talking, quite frankly, about Jesus. Yes, I was a Christian. I was going to church regularly, involved in Bible studies, even a couples' one with Carl. But in the depths of my heart there was an inadequacy that invaded every part of my life and left me dissatisfied with everything. I became so weighed down with the cares of this world that I virtually ignored my husband and his needs and sank into misery.
Not surprisingly, Carl had had enough. The funny thing is even to this day, he has always said there's no legitimate reason for divorce. It all goes back to hardness of heart - my heart, your heart, our hearts. Now everyone says it takes two to tango and that for every divorce both parties are to blame. Unless, of course, there's adultery, and then the adulterer is always the one to blame, right? Wouldn't it be easy if it were that simple? See, when Carl left he immediately got involved with someone else. There you go, they were home wreckers, bent on destroying our "happy" family. Now I had everyone's support to find myself a "better" man, one who would play the part the right way and be faithful no matter what. No matter what. Carl's regret is that he didn't have the resolve to stick it out no matter what. To just pursue God no matter what. The problem is that pesky "no matter what" issue. The one that seems to follow us women around like a filthy rag. The one that excuses us every time we criticize our husbands for not doing enough to help us out around the house, for not taking enough interest in the kids, for not working hard enough so we can have all the things we need (WANT). The one that neglects/rejects their physical and emotional needs, disrespecting their hard work and provision for our families. You know, the one that justifies all our misconduct. And we have the gall to shame them for not being faithful no matter what.
Am I excusing unfaithfulness? By no means! Am I excusing myself? I cannot! When Carl left I was ready for him to go. I obviously wasn't making him happy, so I encouraged him to leave and go be with someone who would. Unfortunately, that someone was also married. Over the weeks and months that followed, God began to deal with me in a way I had longed for my whole life. He let me stew for a few weeks, trying to figure out on my own what I was going to do. My girlfriends hung out with me and let me cry and try to be strong and vent. Truthfully, they were furious with Carl for leaving and getting involved with someone else. (They should have been furious with me as well). That's a major reason why I knew what happened next was the Lord speaking directly to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I got a phone call from one of those mad girlfriends saying she felt she had to tell me God did NOT want me to give up on my marriage. I hung up the phone thoroughly unconvinced. As soon as I hung up my other girlfriend called and said pretty much the same thing. Knowing how angry both of them were, I knew there was no way they would have told me this unless it was really from God. I was starting to take notice. As soon as I hung up the phone, it rang a third time. This time it was my mom and she said the exact same thing as my girlfriends. She also encouraged me to call her best friend who happened to belong to a prayer group for people who were separated or divorced but believed God could heal their families. Now, anyone who knows me will tell you I'm one of the most strong-willed, stubborn people they know. But even the hard headed can recognize when God is trying to get their attention. From that moment, He called me away on an extremely difficult journey, but the best I've ever been on! He called me to Himself. And this journey began with repentance. He didn't seem immediately concerned with where Carl was or what he was doing. He was concerned with the state of my heart and my own sin. He began to open my eyes to all the ways I had disrespected and neglected my husband, not to mention the ways I had disrespected and neglected Him. I also saw the sin of encouraging my husband and the other woman to become involved. I called her and told her I was wrong and that I wanted to try to make it work with him. I asked her to walk away. She didn't. They stayed together for two years, buying a house together and planning to marry once we were divorced. It was the toughest two years of my life, learning to trust God with my heart and my future. What would become of us? How embarrassing that I was now one of those other people. One of those single mothers. I left college to get married. I was a stay-at-home mom and had been all my kids' lives. How would they not fall apart if I left them to get a job? What kind of job could I get that would afford daycare? Step by step God met every need we had. I became involved with that prayer group my mom's friend belonged to and those women taught me more than I ever thought possible. They were excellent mentors, unbelievably devoted to God's Word and seeing their families restored. They introduced me to Rejoice Marriage Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping heal broken families God's way.
I sure messed up a lot those first years. I discovered that taking God at His Word meant acting on my faith. However, when you're learning to act sometimes you become really obnoxious. Carl and I would get into horrible fights because of something I would say, the exact thing Rejoice was teaching to avoid. What can I say, I had a lot to learn! I continued to pray for Carl and the other woman to repent and leave one another. Her husband actually joined our prayer group also. He was in the military and was getting ready to be stationed in Germany. His wife and Carl were on the verge of breaking up and she was seriously contemplating going back to her husband. But at the last minute she decided to stay and he had to leave without her. We were all greatly disappointed, but not devastated. God had begun to show me through prayer and His Word that He wanted to heal my family and that He wanted me to remain faithful to the covenant that we had made with one another and God the day we were married. I remained faithful all that time, wearing my wedding ring, being very careful not to be in inappropriate situations with other men. I asked God how He wanted me to treat Carl and He told me to treat him like my husband because that's who he was. So every chance I got I let him know how much I loved him. When he'd come over I would make him food or show him affection - I wanted him to see the changes God was making in me. I knew if I kept my distance because he was involved with someone else that he would never see how sorry I was. It would be no different than what made him want to leave in the first place. He says that even though he had no intentions of ever coming back that seeing my life genuinely change gave him hope.
Most people think that when a person becomes involved in adultery they completely turn their backs on God. Truthfully, many do. But I think we become very shortsighted when we assume all do. Carl knew that his relationship with the other woman was sinful. That's part of what frustrated me so much. He would say adultery is wrong, divorce is wrong, but he was going to do it anyway. He felt defeated and he just gave up on us. A friend's testimony gave me great hope. She told me how when she was a young Christian she had been involved in an adulterous relationship and that God was working on her heart the whole time until she eventually repented and left the relationship. I saw that even though Carl was in adultery he did love the Lord and God was still busy working on him. I continued to pray and to show him love and respect every chance I got.
After two years, though, the inevitable finally happened. Divorce! Carl put it off for so long I hoped and prayed the day would never come. But it did. That night I cried my eyes out. I remember asking God who would cover me now. I had gone from my parents' covering straight to my husband's. Even though he had been gone for two years we were still married. This felt so final and I felt so naked and alone. I asked God again how He wanted me to treat Carl. Did the divorce change anything from God's perspective? I clearly felt Him speak to my heart that Carl was still my husband in His eyes and that was how I was to continue treating him. He also lead me to Isaiah 54:4-8! I encourage you to take the time to read this passage. You will see that God is a compassionate redeemer. He still had a plan to redeem my relationship with Carl.
Something unexpected happened after the divorce. I found myself surprisingly free. Free from my commitment to stand? No! Free from the looming doom - the impending devastation I thought I would feel if I ever had to see that horrible day come. It came and went and God renewed His promise to me. He assured me that He was indeed greater than the state of Arizona or their ridiculous "no-fault divorces" that are handed out like candy. (I've heard AZ has the highest divorce rate in the nation). God was NOT going to force Carl to come back. He was, however, drawing him back with the very thing he truly wanted - a Godly wife. Not long after the divorce the other woman left Carl and remarried her husband, whom she had also divorced, eventually joining him in Germany. There was so much excitement! Prayers had been answered. It seemed only a matter of time now and we'd be back together too. What a relief to not only have her back with her own husband, but half the world away! I wish I could say we fell madly in love and remarried too - that comes later - 1 ½ years later. Carl was nearly devastated over the breakup and sought comfort in another ungodly relationship. As soon as I found out about her I felt God tell me it would come to nothing. It's awesome how God can look into the future and declare something as good as done. This new relationship was very tumultuous. God was continuing to bring lasting change to my life in the meantime. I finally had the relationship with God that I had always desired but never found. He was my best friend and, in spite of my circumstances, I had a great deal of peace and joy. I realized that whether Carl ever came back or not God and I would be just fine. I also realized I wasn't Carl's mother or the Holy Spirit, I was his helper. It wasn't my job to change him, it was God's. Carl says that was a major turning point for him. He knew my life had truly changed from the inside out. We continued spending time together. He was still involved with the other woman, but I knew he was unhappy with her. She treated him very badly. One of his co-workers knew everything about us, about the other women, and that I was standing for restoration and he actually told Carl I was going to win. It made me smile because I knew it was true. God in me was winning back God in Carl. Carl, however, would still have told you that he was never coming back even to the day before Thanksgiving 2003, when he called me up out of the blue and said he might like to give our marriage a shot. Wow! I was so caught off guard. Not because I didn't believe it would happen someday, but because I had no idea it would happen that day. What a reason to give thanks!
Now here's something you need to understand - sometimes repentance comes in a flood, all at once. But sometimes, it comes a little piece at a time. Sin can be very stubborn. And Satan doesn't like to give up his captives easily. That woman had little regard for Carl while he was with her, but as soon as his heart turned home she dug her claws in and fought to keep him away from me. Here I am in the world's eyes divorced. As for me, I remained faithful to my vows, even after the state nullified our marriage. I sought God's opinion and His Word states, "what God has put together let no man separate." So, when my husband wanted to come home, even if it was a little piece at a time, I knew it was honorable to God, like the prodigal son whose father had been anxiously waiting and watching for the day his son would return. When he saw his boy on the horizon he ran to him with open arms and threw a party in his honor. What a wonderful example God gave us in Scripture of His own reaction to us when we even take one step toward home. He meets us ready to forgive and restore.
We renewed our vows July 25, 2004. It hasn't been an easy road back. We have definitely seen God's blessing, but it has taken work. Most people rejoiced that we were together again. Others found it difficult to forgive, but God is healing those relationships with time and truth. We lost a child along the way, a baby girl named Hope, who was too premature to survive. She was a great and painful loss. They say most marriages don't survive the death of a child, let alone one that's on the mend, but God has been the glue that has held us together. We have a much different relationship than we did before. We have become best friends. We encourage and support one another, handle disagreements and conflicts with respect. We cherish one another. I must say, that's pretty darn cool! But most importantly, our relationships with Christ are solid. After all we've been through and seen God do in our lives we have been forever changed. I share this testimony with you to encourage you. Christ must be your first love - above your spouse, above your kids, your job, your church, everything. He is a jealous God, jealous for your devotion and affection. When He is first, most other relationships tend to straighten themselves out, but even if they don't He is completely sufficient to meet every need you have. He is a restorer of broken lives. We are living proof! To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
My Mom, by Chad Gallego
Chad wrote this for me for Mother's Day
My Mom
by Chad Gallego
I love my mom,
My mom is sweet,
She greatly deserves a Heavenly treat.
I imagine her sitting next to the throne,
With her around we have spiritually grown.
She shines brighter than Times Square,
She treats us all with loving care.
She may not be good at stuff like art,
But in God's eyes she is extremely smart.
She loves the Lord with all of her heart,
And stops the Devil's fiery darts.
She walks with God day and night,
And bravely fights the spiritual fight.
She wisely knows right from wrong,
And "Born Again" is her favorite praise song.
I've seen prayer warriors, lots of prayer warriors,
But none like her,
I know for a fact, I am sure.
I thank you for bringing me into this life,
You always went through hardships and lots of strife.
Sometimes you fell,
But no, you got back up and raised us well.
We all recognize that she doesn't have a phony disguise,
She is the way she is, and we'll love her even when she dies.
My Mom
by Chad Gallego
I love my mom,
My mom is sweet,
She greatly deserves a Heavenly treat.
I imagine her sitting next to the throne,
With her around we have spiritually grown.
She shines brighter than Times Square,
She treats us all with loving care.
She may not be good at stuff like art,
But in God's eyes she is extremely smart.
She loves the Lord with all of her heart,
And stops the Devil's fiery darts.
She walks with God day and night,
And bravely fights the spiritual fight.
She wisely knows right from wrong,
And "Born Again" is her favorite praise song.
I've seen prayer warriors, lots of prayer warriors,
But none like her,
I know for a fact, I am sure.
I thank you for bringing me into this life,
You always went through hardships and lots of strife.
Sometimes you fell,
But no, you got back up and raised us well.
We all recognize that she doesn't have a phony disguise,
She is the way she is, and we'll love her even when she dies.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Happy Mother's Day, Mom
I’ll Never Forget...You Were There For Me
I’ll never forget my childhood and how much fun we used to have. I used to think you must have gotten so bored being home with us all the time. Little did I know, you gave up everything to give me the best. At every volleyball game, softball game, Christmas program, award ceremony, and for every sniffle...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget those nights I suffered with asthma. I would wake up to that scared look on your face knowing there was nothing you could do for me. Somehow you always made me feel better. You would just rub my back and cry with me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my rebellious teenage years when I wouldn’t listen to you. I was doing my own thing and you tried so hard to say the right things to help me. I chose my own way and treated you disrespectfully. But through it all, you loved me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget taking off on weekends to go and visit Aunt Ellen or taking trips to the cabin. I remember how much fun we would have on the drive there and how hard we laughed when the waitress at the Chinese restaurant couldn’t pronounce Pepsi...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget you running through the hospital in Phoenix when I was delivering the twins, your first grandchildren. It was your 33rd wedding anniversary and you chose to get on a plane to come and see this grand event. I’ll never forget you holding your grandchildren for the first time...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget how much you helped me when my babies were born. You stayed with me and fed the babies, changed diapers, and stayed up at night just so I could sleep. And when you pulled your clothes out of the suitcase when you got home, you cried when you saw the little bootie stuck to your shirt...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget when I was down and out and had no one to turn to...two little boys to take care of, no money, and no place to live. You took us in and gave us a place to live and encouraged me to pick myself up and get back on my feet...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my college graduation. I saw you in the crowd like I’d seen so many times before. Your little twin grandsons were sitting beside you. I saw you take pictures when they called my name and I took hold of that diploma...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my wedding day. What a beautiful day for a wedding. Out in the crowd, I saw you again…like all the other times. I could see in your eyes how happy you were for me. You made my day complete just being there to share my day...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget as I ponder all of these memories. They come flooding back to me like a river. I treasure each of them in my heart and mom, on this Mother’s Day, I want you to know, I love you...and I will never forget...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my childhood and how much fun we used to have. I used to think you must have gotten so bored being home with us all the time. Little did I know, you gave up everything to give me the best. At every volleyball game, softball game, Christmas program, award ceremony, and for every sniffle...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget those nights I suffered with asthma. I would wake up to that scared look on your face knowing there was nothing you could do for me. Somehow you always made me feel better. You would just rub my back and cry with me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my rebellious teenage years when I wouldn’t listen to you. I was doing my own thing and you tried so hard to say the right things to help me. I chose my own way and treated you disrespectfully. But through it all, you loved me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget taking off on weekends to go and visit Aunt Ellen or taking trips to the cabin. I remember how much fun we would have on the drive there and how hard we laughed when the waitress at the Chinese restaurant couldn’t pronounce Pepsi...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget you running through the hospital in Phoenix when I was delivering the twins, your first grandchildren. It was your 33rd wedding anniversary and you chose to get on a plane to come and see this grand event. I’ll never forget you holding your grandchildren for the first time...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget how much you helped me when my babies were born. You stayed with me and fed the babies, changed diapers, and stayed up at night just so I could sleep. And when you pulled your clothes out of the suitcase when you got home, you cried when you saw the little bootie stuck to your shirt...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget when I was down and out and had no one to turn to...two little boys to take care of, no money, and no place to live. You took us in and gave us a place to live and encouraged me to pick myself up and get back on my feet...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my college graduation. I saw you in the crowd like I’d seen so many times before. Your little twin grandsons were sitting beside you. I saw you take pictures when they called my name and I took hold of that diploma...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my wedding day. What a beautiful day for a wedding. Out in the crowd, I saw you again…like all the other times. I could see in your eyes how happy you were for me. You made my day complete just being there to share my day...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget as I ponder all of these memories. They come flooding back to me like a river. I treasure each of them in my heart and mom, on this Mother’s Day, I want you to know, I love you...and I will never forget...
You were there for me, mom.
Tragedy Hits Close to Home
On April 20th, my dear homeschool friend, Andrea Schlecht, was faced with a huge challenge in her family. My friends, this is a beautiful family, and I was so touched by their faith and love for the Lord and one another, I was compelled to share it with all of you. With the permission of the Schlecht family, I want to share a story of that has changed me forever…
On the morning of April 20th, my dear friend Andrea received a call at the homeschool that her husband Trent's mother, Lorrie, his sister, Casie (who was nine months pregnant at the time), and his 4 year old niece, Caia, were involved in a very serious car accident.
Upon arrival to the hospital, Lorrie was rushed to surgery, but was unable to survive and hours later, little Caia passed away from severe injuries. We were so shocked and saddened by this event. Casie had a severely fractured pelvis but the next day, April 21st, she delivered a beautiful baby girl, Camerin Elise.
This was a a terrible thing that happened, but through it all, the Lord has moved in my heart on so many different levels following these events that I am forever changed. I invite you to share in reading some of the emails that I received from Wayne Schlecht, who is Lorrie’s husband, Casie’s father, and Caia’s grandfather. I will never be the same after experiencing such an outpouring of trust in the Lord and a testimony of the love that they had for one another.
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, April 21, 2010
As you may have heard, or may have not have heard – my most treasured Bride, Lorrie, and our special granddaughter, Caia, have been called Home by our Lord and Savior!!
Tuesday April 20th Casie Lea, the unborn baby {Camerin}, Lorrie and Caia were involved in a most tragic accident at Harrison and 22nd at approximately 8:45am. As a result of the other vehicle running through a red light Caia’s neck was instantly snapped, my Bride’s pelvic region, rib cage area and heart were severely injured and Casie Lea’s pelvic area and rib cage areas suffered fractures. The unborn baby was protected and not injured as much as we can tell at this time.
--Lorrie was immediately routed into surgery – but was unable to survive
--Caia joined her Grandma hand-in-hand into the presence of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God !
--Casie Lea has been moved into UMC’s Labor and Delivery, and her baby will be most likely delivered first thing Wednesday morning
To all of you who came to UMC in support of me, Chris, Casie Lea, Trent, Andrea and our entire family – I thank you from the bottom of my heart for blessing us with your presence, your love, your prayers and your care!!! And for all of you who were unable to join us – I only request that you keep all of us in your prayers!
I am writing this as I am unable to sleep, and as we all can imagine – some of the most traumatic and trying times are still ahead of this family. I literally feel already crippled without my Bride, and the void of having little Caia running amongst us is devastating. And then to see my Nando, Kristen and Nessie so crushed by the loss of their cousin and grandma burns a hole in my heart!!!
However, I know this is but a temporary stay for us, and that someday soon our Lord will return for the rest of us!! I so look forward to that day! I pray that our Lord will use this tragedy to capture just one soul, if not many, for his Kingdom, and I thank all of you for your LOVE!!
In closing, I would also ask that you please pray for the individual who was driving the other vehicle. In spite of anything which was done wrong by this person, he is still sorely in need of peace and comfort, and it can only be provide by our God!
Dear Lord … please be with all of us, and through it all – please permit us to be steadfast witnesses for you!
Wayne
{I miss you my beloved Bride … and I will always have Sammy Eyes for you, my Lorrie, and for you, our Caia}
Note: It is 2:26am, and the phone just rang – Casie Lea’s water just broke, and I am going back to the hospital to be with her and Chris, in place of Lorrie!!! New LIFE is on its way!!!
Love you all!!!
Good day to you all …
********************
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, April 24, 2010
Unbelievable!!!! The outpouring of LOVE and SUPPORT for the Schlecht/Roden families in these past three days has been nothing but miraculous!!!! We have heard from such lovely folks that have heard it from a friend of a friend, another family member or through so many prayer chains across the globe!!! Not one of your replies are taken for granted – not one of them – and we thank you so very much for your prayers and well wishes!!!
My son said it so well – he said “folks continuously ask us what can they do for you, and you simply have to reply with … you are already doing it tenfold through your loving support of providing us with well wishes and PRAYERS”.
Out of all the tragedies that have been experienced from this one collision comes a joyful event! Camerin Elise Roden was born to Casie Lea and Chris Roden at 9:am Tuesday April 21st. She was a mere 9 lbs. 2 oz., and 21 inches long. Folks, she is perfect, … and yes, I realize that I am submitting a biased report here!
Casie Lea battled for a tremendously long time to deliver Camerin naturally, but having suffered such pain from not only her contractions, but also from her shattered pelvis and broken ribs she finally begged for the most dreaded forceps! The doctor literally pulled on that newborn just short of placing his foot against the bed as he strained to get her to come out – literally pulled with all arm and upper body strength that he could muster {I was there with Chris holding my daughter’s hand – a task that my Bride was to do - but then I gladly filled in for her}. When that head finally greeted the world she instantly popped out a very PERFECT baby – literally a perfect baby with NO ill effects from the forceps.
Then the most apprehensive time came. Camerin Elise was immediately scheduled for an eye examination to see if Retinoblastoma existed in her eyes as a result of Casie Lea having the same cancer, and as a result of Caia having it in both of her eyes. Before I tell you what the doctors found in Camerin Elise’s eyes I want to impress upon you that family and all of those at the hospital {amongst many others who could not be there} turned those new born eyes over to our Lord. If Camerin Elise were to have the same disease {50/50 chance} we all were prepared to rejoice in the addition of yet another little child who would battle cancer, all the while being a witness for Christ. And, we would keep the issue in the Lord’s hands for future safe keeping and healing. Now, if she did not have the disease … we were prepared to rejoice in Christ for allowing Casie Lea, Chris and Camerin Elise to have two eyeballs which would be spared such procedures and pain that Caia Nicole and her parents had to endure for her two big beautiful brown eyes, a battle which was waged for over Caia Nicole’s entire lifetime {4-years} and which was won through prayer and relentless efforts of Casie Lea, Chris, family and friends.
Folks … Camerin Elise at this time is CANCER FREE!!!
Her eye examination came back absolutely free of any cancer. OUR LORD IS MAGNIFICENT, and all praise, glory and thanks go to HIM!!! What an answer to prayer. The next step is for Casie Lea and Chris to complete the second phase of already begun genetics testing to see if Camerin Elise has or does not have Casie Lea’s mutated gene, and if she does not – we ALL brush our hands of the whole lifetime of EUAs/MRIs and go forward with serving our Lord in a whole host of other ways, and yet, if she may have the mutated gene – we then remain diligent in performing the required EUAs and MRIs for purposes of pouncing all over whatever cancer wishes to set up home in these newborn eyeballs, and will remain steadfast in trusting our Lord through it all, as we did with Caia Nicole!!
And now, today we go to the hospital to celebrate Casie Lea’s 34th birthday, and to encourage her as she tries so hard to sit up, stand and take little shuffle steps. If she is able to accomplish these small feats she will be permitted to come home. And once she is able to come home we then can memorialize our most beloved Lorrie and Caia Nicole. We will not rush Casie Lea, however, IF SHE IS ABLE TO COME HOME soon we then will target {please remember that this is only a tentative date at this time} Thursday April 29th {at 1:pm} at Pantano Christian Church {29th street and Houghton} for celebrating our LORD, and for the time we were permitted to be with Lorrie and Caia Nicole. All are welcome to attend, and I will be sure to confirm the actual date as soon as I possibly can.
One more issue to address. I am uncomfortable in presenting this, and I only do so as so many folks are asking. With regard to flowers – there is no need to direct your hard earned dollars towards such a spend. If you feel strongly about contributing, please do so ONLY if you are moved to do so, and then I would suggest that you consider going to www.caialorrie.com. This account has been set up by Chris’ most loving and supportive colleagues. There is word that the other driver did not have insurance, and medical bills for both families are anticipated to be extraordinary. But again, ONLY if you were going to spend monies on flowers.
In closing … our Lord is an awesome God, and He has been magnificent in taking care of us through all that has taken place since this past Tuesday. Everyone has been so willing to assist the Schlecht – Roden families, and UMC has been absolutely awesome!!! Every last UMC staff member has treated our visitors, us, and especially Lorrie and Caia Nicole with utmost respect, dignity and a desire to assist in any way possible. A group of friends and family were preparing to join hands in prayer as little Camerin Elise was about to go into her eye examination, and a number of nurses came down the hallway. Our group stepped back to let them pass, and they said “no, no, we are here to join you in prayer”!!! AWESOME! The entire hospital is aware of what has occurred, and they have been doing all they can do in order to accommodate Casie Lea, Chris and Camerin Elise!!
We have a great God, and we never cease to praise Him!!!
I absolutely love and thank ALL of you …
Wayne Schlecht
********************
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, April 27, 2010
Hello to all of you …
“Exhausted …”, that is the best way to describe how we are feeling at this time. I look forward to completing this update, and then I will happily lay my head to my pillow in the hopes of gaining a small portion of beauty sleep {good luck on that one, Schlecht}!
We brought Casie Lea, Chris and Camerin Elise home today. What a milestone this is considering as of yesterday Casie Lea was only able to inch her right foot forward by doing incremental land grabs with her toes only. She is now able to slowly and methodically lift those two feet in a very determined motion in order to swiftly gain approximately 6 inches at a time! A snail could pass her, all the while creating a back draft cold enough to give her a bit of a shiver! But nonetheless, she has made fantastic strides in getting her banged up body to start functioning such that she is able to navigate the homestead right now as long as three of the Schlecht/Roden guys are standing by in order to assist her in standing, using a walker to get to a wheelchair, and then to wheel her to the restroom, couch or a bed.
We are rejoicing that she is ABLE to come home to us, and that little Camerin Elise is eating well and sleeping most of the time! What a treasure from God – a little one who is healthy!
So, now that Casie Lea has arrived home we have definitively set Thursday April 29th @ 1:pm as my Bride’s and Caia Nicole’s memorial service to be conducted at Pantano Christian Church – Houghton and 29th Street {far east Tucson }. Immediately thereafter we will be having a ‘celebratory reception’ at the same location as well. All who have a desire to attend are most certainly welcome.
When attending, please be prepared for one thing … my Bride would not recognize me if I were to dress up – therefore, I will be arriving in my ‘ Tucson Sunday best CASUAL attire’. You are more than welcome to dress formally if you wish, however, it will be dress jeans, shirt and boots for me. In other words, please be relaxed when attending the “Lorrie – Caia Nicole” Memorial Service.
Another day completed, Lord – I thank you so much for all your love, your care, and for never leaving our sides since Tuesday April 20th. Through our faith in You, we are weathering the storm, dear God, and we appeal to You that our situation provides for a conduit for many souls to be strengthened towards, or won over to Your Kingdom! Good night Lord – and if you wouldn’t mind, would you please consider wrapping your warm, reassuring protective arms around me as I put forth every effort to sleep …? Thank you.
Sincerely …
Wayne
********************
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, May 1, 2010
Lorrie’s and Caia Nicole’s Service:
Ohhh, how much we needed that opportunity to take time to remember our beloved Lorrie and Caia Nicole. There were so many family and friends in attendance, including folks we did not even know {word has it that there were close to 800 people who came to Pantano Christian Church for the service}. Folks came from Tucson , and they came from afar, to remember our two beautiful ladies, and we shall forever be grateful for the outpouring of love from all of you! For those of you who were unable to be there, it was absolutely a remarkable remembrance of our two Ladies, and it was most definitely a celebration of our Lord! Even though it was quite taxing on those of us who were able to say a few words, the entire service and reception was still an opportunity for all of us to share and to support each other through our memories, and through our faith!
Pantano Christian Church {PCC}:
There are no words available to me which could adequately express the Schlecht’s and Roden’s heartfelt appreciation for what PCC’s staff did for our families! They did anything and everything possible in support of us, and we thank them from the depths of our appreciative hearts!
Camerin Elise Roden:
SLEEPS!!!! Then she seeks sustenance – then she SLEEPS!!!
Casie Lea:
Casie Lea is still in great pain – but there are signs of progress! She is producing more and more humorous attitude, and her physical therapy is keeping her on a steady ascent of improved capabilities in walking, sitting, standing and sneezing!
Chris, Casie Lea and Camerin Elise Roden:
Have moved. Yes, as if the past two weeks have not already been filled with mind boggling challenges, the kids also moved into their newly acquired homestead! They are now only three miles away from Trent and Andrea’s family. As you can imagine, this is such a good situation, which allows for Andrea and Casie Lea to be close to each other for support.
The actual move was performed by over seventeen men and women; four trailers, eight trucks, tons of drinks, morning made waffles and an afternoon hoagie sandwich! Never have I been a part of a move such as this one. Then, to top it off, a number of men and women remained at the new homestead in order to assist Casie Lea and Chris in getting the boxes unpacked! What a great group of family and friends, and I thank each and everyone of you who had a part in this endeavor!!
Trent, Andrea, Nando, Kristen and Janessa:
Have been absolute pillars of support! Even though these kids have lost a mother, grandmother, niece and cousin, they have been tremendous in overseeing so many events which have been keeping our families moving forward! Trent and Andrea – we love you to no end, and we appeal to you to now please take time for your own family!!!
The entire Schlecht-Roden Family:
We have leaned heavily upon each other .. and we continuously seek our Lord! My word, how does one get through such an ordeal without being able to lean on our God? We are grateful to our Father for providing comfort through His Word, assurances that we will soon be in His presence, and; the unimpeded minute by minute opportunity to be at the foot of the Cross in prayer!
Family and Friends of the Schlecht’s-Roden’s:
I want so desperately to be able to serve you one day as you have us – only for differing circumstances. The SUPPORT … the CONDOLENCES … the willingness to SERVE … the absolute unconditional LOVE that all of you have extended has impacted us FOREVER! We will never be able to repay you in like manner, however, we will never cease in trying to do so – never!!! We thank you so much for all that you have done for these three families, and if there is ever a time in which you would need assistance, we can only hope that you include us in your appeals!
Moving on:
This is the most difficult terrain facing us presently. My son and I were in each other’s arms on the driveway tonight – my daughter and I short circuited our phones with tears – Chris and Casie Lea are unpacking boxes filled with memories of our little four year old who will always be remembered … and yet we all can still rejoice! We have a God who does not waste hurt, and as a result, He is, and has been using the deaths of my beloved Bride and Caia Nicole for the salvation of many, and the strengthening of many believer’s faith, even as I write! For that, I remain resolute in prayer that the Kingdom of God will use Lorrie and Caia Nicole for many, many more lives to be won over to Christ until such time He returns!
This will be my last update concerning all that has transpired with the Schlechts and Rodens since that most unfortunate day of April 20th, as I will be returning to work starting Monday. I would invite you to remain with us in prayer that our Lord will continue to use not only Lorrie and Caia Nicole in sharing the Cross, but that He would use you and me through our love and service for others as well.
We will forever be indebted to you for all that you have done for us – and we now take our turn in keeping you in our prayers.
May God protect and bless you …
Wayne Schlecht
{Dear God – please take but a brief moment each day to tell our ladies that we love them so much … thank you}.
********************
Friends, this story doesn’t stop here. These emails went as far as China, New Zealand and to many parts of the world. Many believers were empowered and strengthened while this testimony moved many to believe this beautiful gospel of forgiveness and new life in Christ that is being preached throughout the world.
While I sat at this memorial service, I wept as I heard Casie talk about her mom. She said just a short trip to the cleaners would be so much more fun when her mom came along. I felt the same way about my mom. Casie shared that when Caia suffered from eye cancer in both eyes, her mom went to every doctor’s appointment with her and she feared the doctors would think she was “one of those grandmas.” Casie appreciated her mom and how much fun they had together and that she would miss her best friend. My heart melted for her loss.
I cried as Casie shared the memories she had with her little Caia. She said she was special and everyone there at the memorial service testified that it was true. Indeed, this little girl was special in every way. I was broken thinking about how much I loved my own kids and how I would do anything for them. I saw this mother stand up in front of all of these people in pain with a shattered pelvis holding her new baby, while putting to rest this beautiful 4 year old girl who went to be with the Lord, all the while continuously pointing to Jesus as her source of comfort. This was all too much to take in.
And then Lorrie’s son, Trent...He talked about how much he appreciated everyone praying for them. The next thing he said just struck right to the heart. He told his dad in front of 800 people, “Dad, I just wanted to personally thank you for loving my mom. It gives me great comfort knowing that you loved my mom and treated her the way she deserved to be treated . Thanks, dad.”
What a beautiful testimony. During the memorial service, I witnessed this great confidence that they had. They knew that their mom and grandmother knew exactly how they felt about her. In my heart, I didn’t have that same confidence. Did my mom know how much I enjoyed trips to the store and to the doctor’s office so much more when she was with me? Did she know how much I appreciated her?
This death brought so much more to my life than they will ever know. This experience moved me to express to my mom how much I appreciate her and to be a better mother and wife. Over the last several days, I have felt compelled to write a poem about my mom. As I thought about this, I started to doubt myself so I prayed that the Lord would give me the words to say. I’m certainly not a poet, but I know without a doubt that this poem has been given to me for my mom by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This poem is written in honor of my mom, Carol , Casie Lea and in loving memory of Lorrie Schlecht. These are three wonderful moms and two beautiful grandmothers. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there.
I’ll Never Forget...You Were There For Me
I’ll never forget my childhood and how much fun we used to have. I used to think you must have gotten so bored being home with us all the time. Little did I know, you gave up everything to give me the best. At every volleyball game, softball game, Christmas program, award ceremony, and for every sniffle...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget those nights I suffered with asthma. I would wake up to that scared look on your face knowing there was nothing you could do for me. Somehow you always made me feel better. You would just rub my back and cry with me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my rebellious teenage years when I wouldn’t listen to you. I was doing my own thing and you tried so hard to say the right things to help me. I chose my own way and treated you disrespectfully. But through it all, you loved me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget taking off on weekends to go and visit Aunt Ellen or taking trips to the cabin. I remember how much fun we would have on the drive there and how hard we laughed when the waitress at the Chinese restaurant couldn’t pronounce Pepsi...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget you running through the hospital in Phoenix when I was delivering the twins, your first grandchildren. It was your 33rd wedding anniversary and you chose to get on a plane to come and see this grand event. I’ll never forget you holding your grandchildren for the first time...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget how much you helped me when my babies were born. You stayed with me and fed the babies, changed diapers, and stayed up at night just so I could sleep. And when you pulled your clothes out of the suitcase when you got home, you cried when you saw the little bootie stuck to your shirt...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget when I was down and out and had no one to turn to...two little boys to take care of, no money, and no place to live. You took us in and gave us a place to live and encouraged me to pick myself up and get back on my feet...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my college graduation. I saw you in the crowd like I’d seen so many times before. Your little twin grandsons were sitting beside you. I saw you take pictures when they called my name and I took hold of that diploma...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my wedding day. What a beautiful day for a wedding. Out in the crowd, I saw you again...like all the other times. I could see in your eyes how happy you were for me. You made my day complete just being there to share my day...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget as I ponder all of these memories. They come flooding back to me like a river. I treasure each of them in my heart and mom, on this Mother’s Day, I want you to know, I love you...and I will never forget...
You were there for me, mom.
On the morning of April 20th, my dear friend Andrea received a call at the homeschool that her husband Trent's mother, Lorrie, his sister, Casie (who was nine months pregnant at the time), and his 4 year old niece, Caia, were involved in a very serious car accident.
Upon arrival to the hospital, Lorrie was rushed to surgery, but was unable to survive and hours later, little Caia passed away from severe injuries. We were so shocked and saddened by this event. Casie had a severely fractured pelvis but the next day, April 21st, she delivered a beautiful baby girl, Camerin Elise.
This was a a terrible thing that happened, but through it all, the Lord has moved in my heart on so many different levels following these events that I am forever changed. I invite you to share in reading some of the emails that I received from Wayne Schlecht, who is Lorrie’s husband, Casie’s father, and Caia’s grandfather. I will never be the same after experiencing such an outpouring of trust in the Lord and a testimony of the love that they had for one another.
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, April 21, 2010
As you may have heard, or may have not have heard – my most treasured Bride, Lorrie, and our special granddaughter, Caia, have been called Home by our Lord and Savior!!
Tuesday April 20th Casie Lea, the unborn baby {Camerin}, Lorrie and Caia were involved in a most tragic accident at Harrison and 22nd at approximately 8:45am. As a result of the other vehicle running through a red light Caia’s neck was instantly snapped, my Bride’s pelvic region, rib cage area and heart were severely injured and Casie Lea’s pelvic area and rib cage areas suffered fractures. The unborn baby was protected and not injured as much as we can tell at this time.
--Lorrie was immediately routed into surgery – but was unable to survive
--Caia joined her Grandma hand-in-hand into the presence of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God !
--Casie Lea has been moved into UMC’s Labor and Delivery, and her baby will be most likely delivered first thing Wednesday morning
To all of you who came to UMC in support of me, Chris, Casie Lea, Trent, Andrea and our entire family – I thank you from the bottom of my heart for blessing us with your presence, your love, your prayers and your care!!! And for all of you who were unable to join us – I only request that you keep all of us in your prayers!
I am writing this as I am unable to sleep, and as we all can imagine – some of the most traumatic and trying times are still ahead of this family. I literally feel already crippled without my Bride, and the void of having little Caia running amongst us is devastating. And then to see my Nando, Kristen and Nessie so crushed by the loss of their cousin and grandma burns a hole in my heart!!!
However, I know this is but a temporary stay for us, and that someday soon our Lord will return for the rest of us!! I so look forward to that day! I pray that our Lord will use this tragedy to capture just one soul, if not many, for his Kingdom, and I thank all of you for your LOVE!!
In closing, I would also ask that you please pray for the individual who was driving the other vehicle. In spite of anything which was done wrong by this person, he is still sorely in need of peace and comfort, and it can only be provide by our God!
Dear Lord … please be with all of us, and through it all – please permit us to be steadfast witnesses for you!
Wayne
{I miss you my beloved Bride … and I will always have Sammy Eyes for you, my Lorrie, and for you, our Caia}
Note: It is 2:26am, and the phone just rang – Casie Lea’s water just broke, and I am going back to the hospital to be with her and Chris, in place of Lorrie!!! New LIFE is on its way!!!
Love you all!!!
Good day to you all …
********************
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, April 24, 2010
Unbelievable!!!! The outpouring of LOVE and SUPPORT for the Schlecht/Roden families in these past three days has been nothing but miraculous!!!! We have heard from such lovely folks that have heard it from a friend of a friend, another family member or through so many prayer chains across the globe!!! Not one of your replies are taken for granted – not one of them – and we thank you so very much for your prayers and well wishes!!!
My son said it so well – he said “folks continuously ask us what can they do for you, and you simply have to reply with … you are already doing it tenfold through your loving support of providing us with well wishes and PRAYERS”.
Out of all the tragedies that have been experienced from this one collision comes a joyful event! Camerin Elise Roden was born to Casie Lea and Chris Roden at 9:am Tuesday April 21st. She was a mere 9 lbs. 2 oz., and 21 inches long. Folks, she is perfect, … and yes, I realize that I am submitting a biased report here!
Casie Lea battled for a tremendously long time to deliver Camerin naturally, but having suffered such pain from not only her contractions, but also from her shattered pelvis and broken ribs she finally begged for the most dreaded forceps! The doctor literally pulled on that newborn just short of placing his foot against the bed as he strained to get her to come out – literally pulled with all arm and upper body strength that he could muster {I was there with Chris holding my daughter’s hand – a task that my Bride was to do - but then I gladly filled in for her}. When that head finally greeted the world she instantly popped out a very PERFECT baby – literally a perfect baby with NO ill effects from the forceps.
Then the most apprehensive time came. Camerin Elise was immediately scheduled for an eye examination to see if Retinoblastoma existed in her eyes as a result of Casie Lea having the same cancer, and as a result of Caia having it in both of her eyes. Before I tell you what the doctors found in Camerin Elise’s eyes I want to impress upon you that family and all of those at the hospital {amongst many others who could not be there} turned those new born eyes over to our Lord. If Camerin Elise were to have the same disease {50/50 chance} we all were prepared to rejoice in the addition of yet another little child who would battle cancer, all the while being a witness for Christ. And, we would keep the issue in the Lord’s hands for future safe keeping and healing. Now, if she did not have the disease … we were prepared to rejoice in Christ for allowing Casie Lea, Chris and Camerin Elise to have two eyeballs which would be spared such procedures and pain that Caia Nicole and her parents had to endure for her two big beautiful brown eyes, a battle which was waged for over Caia Nicole’s entire lifetime {4-years} and which was won through prayer and relentless efforts of Casie Lea, Chris, family and friends.
Folks … Camerin Elise at this time is CANCER FREE!!!
Her eye examination came back absolutely free of any cancer. OUR LORD IS MAGNIFICENT, and all praise, glory and thanks go to HIM!!! What an answer to prayer. The next step is for Casie Lea and Chris to complete the second phase of already begun genetics testing to see if Camerin Elise has or does not have Casie Lea’s mutated gene, and if she does not – we ALL brush our hands of the whole lifetime of EUAs/MRIs and go forward with serving our Lord in a whole host of other ways, and yet, if she may have the mutated gene – we then remain diligent in performing the required EUAs and MRIs for purposes of pouncing all over whatever cancer wishes to set up home in these newborn eyeballs, and will remain steadfast in trusting our Lord through it all, as we did with Caia Nicole!!
And now, today we go to the hospital to celebrate Casie Lea’s 34th birthday, and to encourage her as she tries so hard to sit up, stand and take little shuffle steps. If she is able to accomplish these small feats she will be permitted to come home. And once she is able to come home we then can memorialize our most beloved Lorrie and Caia Nicole. We will not rush Casie Lea, however, IF SHE IS ABLE TO COME HOME soon we then will target {please remember that this is only a tentative date at this time} Thursday April 29th {at 1:pm} at Pantano Christian Church {29th street and Houghton} for celebrating our LORD, and for the time we were permitted to be with Lorrie and Caia Nicole. All are welcome to attend, and I will be sure to confirm the actual date as soon as I possibly can.
One more issue to address. I am uncomfortable in presenting this, and I only do so as so many folks are asking. With regard to flowers – there is no need to direct your hard earned dollars towards such a spend. If you feel strongly about contributing, please do so ONLY if you are moved to do so, and then I would suggest that you consider going to www.caialorrie.com. This account has been set up by Chris’ most loving and supportive colleagues. There is word that the other driver did not have insurance, and medical bills for both families are anticipated to be extraordinary. But again, ONLY if you were going to spend monies on flowers.
In closing … our Lord is an awesome God, and He has been magnificent in taking care of us through all that has taken place since this past Tuesday. Everyone has been so willing to assist the Schlecht – Roden families, and UMC has been absolutely awesome!!! Every last UMC staff member has treated our visitors, us, and especially Lorrie and Caia Nicole with utmost respect, dignity and a desire to assist in any way possible. A group of friends and family were preparing to join hands in prayer as little Camerin Elise was about to go into her eye examination, and a number of nurses came down the hallway. Our group stepped back to let them pass, and they said “no, no, we are here to join you in prayer”!!! AWESOME! The entire hospital is aware of what has occurred, and they have been doing all they can do in order to accommodate Casie Lea, Chris and Camerin Elise!!
We have a great God, and we never cease to praise Him!!!
I absolutely love and thank ALL of you …
Wayne Schlecht
********************
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, April 27, 2010
Hello to all of you …
“Exhausted …”, that is the best way to describe how we are feeling at this time. I look forward to completing this update, and then I will happily lay my head to my pillow in the hopes of gaining a small portion of beauty sleep {good luck on that one, Schlecht}!
We brought Casie Lea, Chris and Camerin Elise home today. What a milestone this is considering as of yesterday Casie Lea was only able to inch her right foot forward by doing incremental land grabs with her toes only. She is now able to slowly and methodically lift those two feet in a very determined motion in order to swiftly gain approximately 6 inches at a time! A snail could pass her, all the while creating a back draft cold enough to give her a bit of a shiver! But nonetheless, she has made fantastic strides in getting her banged up body to start functioning such that she is able to navigate the homestead right now as long as three of the Schlecht/Roden guys are standing by in order to assist her in standing, using a walker to get to a wheelchair, and then to wheel her to the restroom, couch or a bed.
We are rejoicing that she is ABLE to come home to us, and that little Camerin Elise is eating well and sleeping most of the time! What a treasure from God – a little one who is healthy!
So, now that Casie Lea has arrived home we have definitively set Thursday April 29th @ 1:pm as my Bride’s and Caia Nicole’s memorial service to be conducted at Pantano Christian Church – Houghton and 29th Street {far east Tucson }. Immediately thereafter we will be having a ‘celebratory reception’ at the same location as well. All who have a desire to attend are most certainly welcome.
When attending, please be prepared for one thing … my Bride would not recognize me if I were to dress up – therefore, I will be arriving in my ‘ Tucson Sunday best CASUAL attire’. You are more than welcome to dress formally if you wish, however, it will be dress jeans, shirt and boots for me. In other words, please be relaxed when attending the “Lorrie – Caia Nicole” Memorial Service.
Another day completed, Lord – I thank you so much for all your love, your care, and for never leaving our sides since Tuesday April 20th. Through our faith in You, we are weathering the storm, dear God, and we appeal to You that our situation provides for a conduit for many souls to be strengthened towards, or won over to Your Kingdom! Good night Lord – and if you wouldn’t mind, would you please consider wrapping your warm, reassuring protective arms around me as I put forth every effort to sleep …? Thank you.
Sincerely …
Wayne
********************
EMAIL FROM WAYNE SCHLECHT, May 1, 2010
Lorrie’s and Caia Nicole’s Service:
Ohhh, how much we needed that opportunity to take time to remember our beloved Lorrie and Caia Nicole. There were so many family and friends in attendance, including folks we did not even know {word has it that there were close to 800 people who came to Pantano Christian Church for the service}. Folks came from Tucson , and they came from afar, to remember our two beautiful ladies, and we shall forever be grateful for the outpouring of love from all of you! For those of you who were unable to be there, it was absolutely a remarkable remembrance of our two Ladies, and it was most definitely a celebration of our Lord! Even though it was quite taxing on those of us who were able to say a few words, the entire service and reception was still an opportunity for all of us to share and to support each other through our memories, and through our faith!
Pantano Christian Church {PCC}:
There are no words available to me which could adequately express the Schlecht’s and Roden’s heartfelt appreciation for what PCC’s staff did for our families! They did anything and everything possible in support of us, and we thank them from the depths of our appreciative hearts!
Camerin Elise Roden:
SLEEPS!!!! Then she seeks sustenance – then she SLEEPS!!!
Casie Lea:
Casie Lea is still in great pain – but there are signs of progress! She is producing more and more humorous attitude, and her physical therapy is keeping her on a steady ascent of improved capabilities in walking, sitting, standing and sneezing!
Chris, Casie Lea and Camerin Elise Roden:
Have moved. Yes, as if the past two weeks have not already been filled with mind boggling challenges, the kids also moved into their newly acquired homestead! They are now only three miles away from Trent and Andrea’s family. As you can imagine, this is such a good situation, which allows for Andrea and Casie Lea to be close to each other for support.
The actual move was performed by over seventeen men and women; four trailers, eight trucks, tons of drinks, morning made waffles and an afternoon hoagie sandwich! Never have I been a part of a move such as this one. Then, to top it off, a number of men and women remained at the new homestead in order to assist Casie Lea and Chris in getting the boxes unpacked! What a great group of family and friends, and I thank each and everyone of you who had a part in this endeavor!!
Trent, Andrea, Nando, Kristen and Janessa:
Have been absolute pillars of support! Even though these kids have lost a mother, grandmother, niece and cousin, they have been tremendous in overseeing so many events which have been keeping our families moving forward! Trent and Andrea – we love you to no end, and we appeal to you to now please take time for your own family!!!
The entire Schlecht-Roden Family:
We have leaned heavily upon each other .. and we continuously seek our Lord! My word, how does one get through such an ordeal without being able to lean on our God? We are grateful to our Father for providing comfort through His Word, assurances that we will soon be in His presence, and; the unimpeded minute by minute opportunity to be at the foot of the Cross in prayer!
Family and Friends of the Schlecht’s-Roden’s:
I want so desperately to be able to serve you one day as you have us – only for differing circumstances. The SUPPORT … the CONDOLENCES … the willingness to SERVE … the absolute unconditional LOVE that all of you have extended has impacted us FOREVER! We will never be able to repay you in like manner, however, we will never cease in trying to do so – never!!! We thank you so much for all that you have done for these three families, and if there is ever a time in which you would need assistance, we can only hope that you include us in your appeals!
Moving on:
This is the most difficult terrain facing us presently. My son and I were in each other’s arms on the driveway tonight – my daughter and I short circuited our phones with tears – Chris and Casie Lea are unpacking boxes filled with memories of our little four year old who will always be remembered … and yet we all can still rejoice! We have a God who does not waste hurt, and as a result, He is, and has been using the deaths of my beloved Bride and Caia Nicole for the salvation of many, and the strengthening of many believer’s faith, even as I write! For that, I remain resolute in prayer that the Kingdom of God will use Lorrie and Caia Nicole for many, many more lives to be won over to Christ until such time He returns!
This will be my last update concerning all that has transpired with the Schlechts and Rodens since that most unfortunate day of April 20th, as I will be returning to work starting Monday. I would invite you to remain with us in prayer that our Lord will continue to use not only Lorrie and Caia Nicole in sharing the Cross, but that He would use you and me through our love and service for others as well.
We will forever be indebted to you for all that you have done for us – and we now take our turn in keeping you in our prayers.
May God protect and bless you …
Wayne Schlecht
{Dear God – please take but a brief moment each day to tell our ladies that we love them so much … thank you}.
********************
Friends, this story doesn’t stop here. These emails went as far as China, New Zealand and to many parts of the world. Many believers were empowered and strengthened while this testimony moved many to believe this beautiful gospel of forgiveness and new life in Christ that is being preached throughout the world.
While I sat at this memorial service, I wept as I heard Casie talk about her mom. She said just a short trip to the cleaners would be so much more fun when her mom came along. I felt the same way about my mom. Casie shared that when Caia suffered from eye cancer in both eyes, her mom went to every doctor’s appointment with her and she feared the doctors would think she was “one of those grandmas.” Casie appreciated her mom and how much fun they had together and that she would miss her best friend. My heart melted for her loss.
I cried as Casie shared the memories she had with her little Caia. She said she was special and everyone there at the memorial service testified that it was true. Indeed, this little girl was special in every way. I was broken thinking about how much I loved my own kids and how I would do anything for them. I saw this mother stand up in front of all of these people in pain with a shattered pelvis holding her new baby, while putting to rest this beautiful 4 year old girl who went to be with the Lord, all the while continuously pointing to Jesus as her source of comfort. This was all too much to take in.
And then Lorrie’s son, Trent...He talked about how much he appreciated everyone praying for them. The next thing he said just struck right to the heart. He told his dad in front of 800 people, “Dad, I just wanted to personally thank you for loving my mom. It gives me great comfort knowing that you loved my mom and treated her the way she deserved to be treated . Thanks, dad.”
What a beautiful testimony. During the memorial service, I witnessed this great confidence that they had. They knew that their mom and grandmother knew exactly how they felt about her. In my heart, I didn’t have that same confidence. Did my mom know how much I enjoyed trips to the store and to the doctor’s office so much more when she was with me? Did she know how much I appreciated her?
This death brought so much more to my life than they will ever know. This experience moved me to express to my mom how much I appreciate her and to be a better mother and wife. Over the last several days, I have felt compelled to write a poem about my mom. As I thought about this, I started to doubt myself so I prayed that the Lord would give me the words to say. I’m certainly not a poet, but I know without a doubt that this poem has been given to me for my mom by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This poem is written in honor of my mom, Carol , Casie Lea and in loving memory of Lorrie Schlecht. These are three wonderful moms and two beautiful grandmothers. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there.
I’ll Never Forget...You Were There For Me
I’ll never forget my childhood and how much fun we used to have. I used to think you must have gotten so bored being home with us all the time. Little did I know, you gave up everything to give me the best. At every volleyball game, softball game, Christmas program, award ceremony, and for every sniffle...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget those nights I suffered with asthma. I would wake up to that scared look on your face knowing there was nothing you could do for me. Somehow you always made me feel better. You would just rub my back and cry with me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my rebellious teenage years when I wouldn’t listen to you. I was doing my own thing and you tried so hard to say the right things to help me. I chose my own way and treated you disrespectfully. But through it all, you loved me...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget taking off on weekends to go and visit Aunt Ellen or taking trips to the cabin. I remember how much fun we would have on the drive there and how hard we laughed when the waitress at the Chinese restaurant couldn’t pronounce Pepsi...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget you running through the hospital in Phoenix when I was delivering the twins, your first grandchildren. It was your 33rd wedding anniversary and you chose to get on a plane to come and see this grand event. I’ll never forget you holding your grandchildren for the first time...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget how much you helped me when my babies were born. You stayed with me and fed the babies, changed diapers, and stayed up at night just so I could sleep. And when you pulled your clothes out of the suitcase when you got home, you cried when you saw the little bootie stuck to your shirt...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget when I was down and out and had no one to turn to...two little boys to take care of, no money, and no place to live. You took us in and gave us a place to live and encouraged me to pick myself up and get back on my feet...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my college graduation. I saw you in the crowd like I’d seen so many times before. Your little twin grandsons were sitting beside you. I saw you take pictures when they called my name and I took hold of that diploma...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget my wedding day. What a beautiful day for a wedding. Out in the crowd, I saw you again...like all the other times. I could see in your eyes how happy you were for me. You made my day complete just being there to share my day...
You were there for me, mom.
I’ll never forget as I ponder all of these memories. They come flooding back to me like a river. I treasure each of them in my heart and mom, on this Mother’s Day, I want you to know, I love you...and I will never forget...
You were there for me, mom.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Lord Hears
Psalm 57:3 …God sends His love and faithfulness
My pastor shared this with me this week and I feel honored and blessed to pass it on. It is a powerful story of God’s love and faithfulness.
Pastor Alan and a crew from our church go down to Mexico twice a year with a group called Case De Amor. They build houses for very poor people there. Two weekends ago, they were there again building houses and blessing the people.
During their stay, three people from the team were driving down a road in Mexico. They saw a young woman walking with her children. They could see from the terrain that it was a long, sandy road. They knew it was going to be a long while before she reached her destination. They decided to stop and ask her if she would like a ride. The American team did not speak Spanish and the young woman didn’t understand any English. The young woman just pointed for them and directed them down the roads that they needed to go on and they got her to her destination.
The team of Americans returned to the camp and they asked Pastor Alan, “Would it be okay if we got a few items together and some food to bring to this woman and her children?” Pastor Alan said, “Of course.” So they loaded up the vehicle and Pastor Alan went along with them to translate. Down the long, sandy roads they went. They drove and drove but just could not remember where this young woman lived. They were going back and forth, “I think I remember that horse in the pasture…I think I remember that house…that looks familiar.” After 45 minutes of driving Pastor Alan said, “Ok, how about this? How about we just stop at a house and take the food to someone and bless them?” The team really had it in their hearts to find the young woman, but they said, “Ok, under one condition…the family has to have children.” They all agreed to the plan.
They continued on their journey and then Pastor Alan pointed, “Look! There are two little boys running around in the yard.” They stopped the truck and the little children ran to the house to get their mom. The woman came out and he started speaking to her in Spanish. The Americans didn’t understand any of it. “We came to find this woman who was walking down the street and we have been unable to,” said Pastor Alan. The woman was desperate to try to help them locate her. Pastor Alan then interrupted her and said, “No, no, you don’t understand. We’ve been driving for 45 minutes and we can’t find her and we don’t even know her name. What we really stopped for was to bless you with this food.” Handing her the package of food, the woman began to cry.
Just then Pastor Alan noticed that she had a Casa De Amor house. He pointed and asked, “You have a Casa de Amor house. Pointing to himself, he said, “We are from Casa De Amor. We are building a house close by.”
Instantly, as if someone had surprised her, the woman asked him to wait while she ran into her house. She came back out with a picture album. She opened it up and pointing to the photos, she tearfully explained, “This is the team that came down here last year to build my house. Since then, my husband left me with five children and my 16 year old daughter just told me she is pregnant. I worked the other day and I took all the money that I made and bought food. I have no idea when I will work again. I have no way to support myself or my children. Last night, as I prayed, I opened up this photo album and I pointed to these pictures. I said, “Lord, would you bring these people? I need you to bring these people to me. I don’t even have shoes for my little boy to wear.” Pastor Alan smiled and said with tears in his eyes, “Well, here we are.” The other team members were asking him, “What’s going on? What’s she saying?” He turned around to translate for them and it was then they handed the woman a small bundle of cash, “And this is for your little boy’s shoes.”
That night, as they headed for camp, they were amazed at our awesome God. They shared this story around the campfire magnifying this amazing God we serve. He is faithful and able in every way. All of the people felt compelled to take up a collection of cash for her. The next day, they had purchased food and brought all of their leftover food to her house for her and her family. They had so much food that it filled a small room in her house.
While the team was there ministering to her, God gave them an idea. Pastor Alan asked the woman, “How would you feel if we came back and built a small store off of your house? We would give you some money and items to get started and you could have a store?” This woman wept as she realized God had provided for her food, shoes, money, and a way for her to make a living…and all she asked for was shoes.
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