Monday, April 26, 2010

old Blog 1 from 4/22/08-01/03/10

January 3, 2010

Tedd Ostrem - Sunday, January 03, 2010
This will be my final post on this site. It will remain on line for a few weeks for anyone who might be interested in what is happening with Pastor Tedd...  http://myjourneytowardhealing.blogspot.com


Some final thoughts as I have passed from April 2008 to the present.
Recognizing the source and purpose of life is one of the deepest needs we all have...the Scriptures are the starting point and final authority for our lives as Christ followers. Today I was again convinced by God's Word that receiving and believing in Jesus and embracing in trust what He has done for us is center to the journey we are called to follow...In this new stage of my life and ministry I am finding myself drawn to the Gospel of John for words of life and light...Jesus!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...          The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:1-5; 9-13
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The Journey Toward Healing Continued

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, December 28, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,

Today I began putting closure to some of the daily duties and responsibilities I have enjoyed the privilege of participating in as senior pastor of Prince of Peace. One joy has been the opportunity to share my story with you.

I will continue to blog my journey and if you wish to join me in this journey log on to: 


Thank you for all the kind words of encouragement and prayers as Lois and I have grown to know the depth of love the Body of Christ can bring into one's life in times of difficulty. 

God's blessings on you all,
Pastor Tedd

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December 28th, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, December 28, 2009
There is never a good time to share some kinds of news but I feel it is important that you are aware of my personal journey.

“As of December 31, 2009 I am stopping work due to medical reasons and have applied for medical disability with the ELCA.”

Due to increased medical issues I have neither the energy or stamina to provide the leadership Prince of Peace requires.

This has been a difficult but necessary decision for me. I value your friendship and partnership in ministry.  Thank you for your love, prayers and expressions of kindness as we have served together at Prince of Peace.

Blessings,
Tedd
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December 14, 2009 "Your Church"

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, December 14, 2009
"Your Church"... Prince of Peace...needs your help. 

It has been a challenging year for many in our church and community. Our prayers continue for each one who is out of work and seeking employment. It is devastating to families and relationships.
Your Church has struggled through 2008-2009 like many. We need your prayerful help.

Would you consider a generous year end gift to Prince of Peace? 
The ministry we have been providing for 2009 is in jeopardy of being reduced and staff reductions include the possibility of at least one of our pastoral staff. Without your prayerful consideration and help this will be real in 2010.

If you have not taken time to fill out your estimate of giving form please complete as soon as possible. It will help in the final preparation of our ministry plan and budget for 2010.

In Christ's Service,
Pastor Tedd, Congregation Council, Pastoral Staff and Staff of Prince of Peace

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December 13th, 2009 Children's Christmas Program

Tedd Ostrem - Sunday, December 13, 2009
Way to Go Kids and Katie!

What a wonderful Christmas Program and Worship this morning.
Many were impressed with the clarity of voices and the powerful message.
Thanks to all the teachers, helpers and musicians that made it happen.
A labor of love it was!  I love Children's Christmas Programs.

Check out our Prince of Peace Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-Park-MN/Prince-of-Peace-Lutheran-Church/220630746279?ref=ts.
I believe Pastor Luke may have posted a few pictures or even a video from this morning.

Pray for all those struggling with illness and loss during this season of Christmas. It was 3 years ago last Friday that our grand nephew Cayden died unexpectedly. His Grandpa Le has been diagnosed with lung cancer this past week and I would ask prayers for Le, Kathie, Chad, Amanda and Lyla during these difficult days.



We Love you Cayden...

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December 8th, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Tuesday, December 08, 2009
We are bracing our selves for our first winter storm of the season coming at us from the south. Cold and blustery are the watch words. What did you expect from Minnesota this time of the year? Sunny and 85?

Little did I expect this past week to get the flu but I did. Back in the office today preparing for the rest of the week. Expectations are rising as we head toward Sunday. Our children will lead us in worship this Sunday as they present their 2009 Christmas program for us. Some find this to be a day they choose not to attend. For many it is one of the special days of the year where the Story of Jesus comes to us from the mouths of "babes" (so to speak...).

Our "hopes and dreams have been fulfilled" is the message we come to hear again. It never gets old...

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 
to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 
who is the Messiah, the Lord. 

May this Advent season be one of renewal of our faith, hope and love in Christ Jesus.
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December 3, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Thursday, December 03, 2009
"Dear Lord God, give us Your guidance that we may rightly understand Your Word
and more than that, do it."
excerpt from Martin Luther's Prayer for Guidance
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November 30, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, November 30, 2009
Bride and Groom to Be!



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November 26, 2009 Thanksgiving Day 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Sunday, November 29, 2009
Here I sit early on Thanksgiving morning 2009 giving thanks for what a difference a year makes. I have recovered from my stem cell transplant a year ago. Give thanks!

Olga and Merwyn (Mom and Dad) will celebrate Thanksgiving today together at the nursing home where Dad resides. They are 98 and 91 with 68 years of marriage behind them. What a run they have had. Dad continues to have very good days and then sleep for a couple. If you visit him; you hope for a “non-sleeping day”. We have been given these extra years and with grateful hearts thank God!

As Christmas approaches we have our lights on the house ready to be turned on. No snow and beautiful weather in Minnesota! Advent season starts on Sunday where the key phrase is “Get ready!” Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

Are you ready? What better time than this season of celebration of the coming of Jesus, Immanuel, to get our lives in order...prepared. Don’t wait or postpone the things that need to done around the house and in our hearts. Time does not wait. It begs us to “get ready!”

Hang a “WREATH”!
W-  Write someone a note you have been planning to get in contact with this year
R-  Read the “whole Christmas story” to yourself and someone else
E-  Explore the Joys of Jesus in the Word and World around us
A-  Ask someone to join you for Christmas worship this year
T-  Take time to thank others and God for the blessings and joy they bring to you
H-  Help someone in need this Christmas season (Be the Hands of Jesus)

Hang a WREATH in your heart and the world around us. Help others to know that Jesus of Nazareth, Immanuel has come and will come again. Give Thanks!
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November 23, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, November 23, 2009
I have good news to share.

I spent a good part of the day at Mayo with CT scan, blood work, exam and follow up consultation. The lymph nodes in my neck have not changed noticably. (They may be slightly smaller.) All of the other markers were normal and in good ranges. I return Jan 18th for follow PT scan and other tests to evaluate the lymphatics for lymphoma.
My oncologist was pleased with the results as were Lois and I.

Tomorrow there will be funeral service for my friend, Clay. Wednesday we will be in Crookston for the memorial service for my dental partner, Gary. Please hold these families in prayer during these difficult days.

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouraging messages. You all a huge blessing for my family and me. Happy Thanksgiving!
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old Blog 2 from 4/22/08-12/31/09

November 20, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Friday, November 20, 2009
It seems surrealistic that I write once again this evening that one of my close friends died early this morning from cancer. Gary and I practiced dentistry in Crookston, sang in the choir next to each other every Sunday for almost 10 years, fished, hunted and enjoyed many good times together. Gary had overcome cancer twice and was battling a metastatic cancer in his lungs. He had such a positive attitude as he battled these past months. I will miss sitting and laughing at some of the crazy things we/he had done.

Life is so short. We learn to live it more fully as we experience the loss of those close to us. I am a better person because of my two friends who passed within twenty-four hours of the other. Gary and Clay hold precious places in my life. Thank you Jesus.

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12
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November 19, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Thursday, November 19, 2009
We lost a dear friend during the night. Clay stepped into the arms of Jesus during the night. He was a man with a sweet heart for God and others. I and many others will miss his "always willing to help presence" in our lives. Tuesday we were able to say our goodbyes and shed some tears. He said he would say "Hi" to Lindsay. I will take him at his word which was always good. Our prayers are for Claire and family as they now move through the days of preparation and final farewells. May Jesus sustain them and strengthen them in this time of leaving.

A Psalm of David.
Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
 3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
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November 18, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Yesterday was filled with grieving and giving thanks. "Today we cry; Tomorrow we live!" That was a quote from our Lindsay during her journey with LAM ( http://www.thelamfoundation.org ).  We give thanks for her life and legacy that she has in this world. Lives touched and taught by Lindsay remembered her. It is hard to believe it has been six years since her death. Time slips away from us so quickly.

I ask for prayers for Clay and Gary as they are living with cancer. I pray for their families to have peace and assurance of God's hands upon them all. I grieve and give thanks at the same time for the huge impact Gary and Clay have had in my life. Bless you my friends!
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November 9, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, November 09, 2009
Philipians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

These words inspired by the Holy Spirit through Paul to the followers of Jesus in Philippi are ageless truths.
Today I hold on to these words of comfort, promise and hope.

No one has tomorrow. Today we live for the Lord and leave tomorrow in His hands. I lift up my friends, Gary and Patti as they journey through these days of illness and uncertainty. They are rooted and ground in the promise and the hope we have in Jesus. On such things we think and pray this day as a reminder Whose we are in the face of death or loss. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His Righteousness! We continue to pray God's comfort and healing to be with Clay and Claire as they too struggle with illness and therapy.
Precious Savior hear our prayers for healing and comfort.

I have been blessed with good health these days. I return to Mayo on November 23 for additional tests and follow up.
We give thanks and praise for the strength given to do the ministry that God has blessed us to share.
Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.
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November 6, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Friday, November 06, 2009
Our daughter, Whitney is engaged to be married to a wonderful young man, Colin. The "wedding" has begun. All the preparations are starting take to place.

Last Saturday morning we went to enjoy Whitney trying on "wedding dresses". Oh...it is a tough decision to make when they all seem to fit her. Checking out possible reception sites seems to be one of the greatest logistical challenges. It all adds up to excitement and joy that God has placed this gift of love in their hearts for one another. Our family tends to manage by committee at times so pray for us as we work together in preparation. 

This is a time of great joy and anticipation of the future as only God can create in us all. As His bride, the Body of Christ...the Church...is wed to Jesus by the power of the Living God for all eternity. The Bond of Love that Jesus gave us on the Cross holds it all together. Our prayer is that God's love will pour over, in and through Whitney and Colin in these days of preparation.
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October 29, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Thursday, October 29, 2009
Life: is serendipitous. The joys and sorrows ebb and flow through our lives like water in a stream in the early spring.

My friend and former dental partner, Gary, called today and has had 3 chemo treatments in about 12 days. He went fishing yesterday with family and caught a mess of crappies (those are pan fish and nice ones)! He has had some good days and we give thanks to God for each single day we have the privilege to enjoy and savor.

Yesterday, long time friend Clay from Trinity of Minnehaha Falls, was preparing to have a biopsy. Clay and Claire need our prayers as Claire supports him during this uncertain time of health issues. Clay has been a servant leader for many years. I have learned life-long lessons from watching his faithful journey. We ask God's hand of healing to touch Clay in these days of testing. 

Tonight I feel good...but oh how I need to hear the encouraging words of Philippians 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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October 25, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Sunday, October 25, 2009
At the request of the Congregation Council the following request was made at the Sunday worship services on 10.25.09:

We recognize that these are difficult economic times for many in our church family.
o   The church is not recession proof.
o   Charlie Olson, our business manager, presented the 2009 third quarter financial update last Sunday between services.
It is the desire of your leadership to keep you informed of our financial situation for 2009.
1. First...Want to thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of Prince of Peace. 
o   Your generosity in special ministry support has been outstanding for CEAP, requests to help others in our church family who have suffer difficult medical conditions and the Memorial Window.
2. The ministry staff has faithfully attempted to manage the 2009 approved budget.
o   We are currently 1.4% under budget year to date.
3. We have experienced a 6% shortfall in our 2009 giving/offerings as of September.
We wanted to inform you of our situation and ask your help.
· Recognizing that the church is not recession proof; the decline in giving is due to the economy.
o   1/3 can be attributed to unmatched pledges or estimates of giving for 2009
o   2/3 can be attributed to reduction in our giving for 2009
Ask each of us to prayerfully consider fulfilling our commitments to giving for 2009, if you are able.
o   Consider a gift “over and above your commitment” if you are able.
o   We need your faithful support to complete 2009 in order to be in a strong position for 2010 which is our 50th Anniversary year.
 We are sharing this information with you now and asking for your generous response ...so we may finish the year in a responsible manner.  
Thank you for taking seriously this situation.
We look forward to your generous support for 2009 as you have so often in the past.
May God bless us as we support the ministry of our church family.
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October 22, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tomorrow my former dental partner and friend of many years will have chemo. It will be a new round with new meds. Pray for nausea to be avoided and the effectiveness of the chemo. I was with him today. Gary is in a huge battle and needs our prayer support. Thanks for praying!

When I returned home tonight, I went to Oswald Chamber's devotional in need of a word of encouragement and found this wonderful offering:

MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST 
January 22, 2009 
Am I Looking To God? 
Look to Me, and be saved . . . —Isaiah 45:22 
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." The 
greatest difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and His blessings are what make it so difficult. Troubles almost 
always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. The basic lesson of the Sermon 
on the Mount is to narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ. "Look to Me . 
. . ." 
Many of us have a mental picture of what a Christian should be, and looking at this image in other Christians’ lives 
becomes a hindrance to our focusing on God. This is not salvation— it is not simple enough. He says, in effect, "Look 
to Me and you are saved," not "You will be saved someday." We will find what we are looking for if we will concentrate 
on Him. We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, "Look to Me, and be saved 
. . . ." Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God. 
Wake yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter how many things seem to be pressing in on 
you, be determined to push them aside and look to Him. "Look to Me . . . ." Salvation is yours the moment you look. 

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October 14, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Wednesday, October 14, 2009
It has been a long day. It started early with a drive to Rochester and the Mayo Clinic. I was to see an ENT specialist for evaluation of lymph nodes in my neck and possible surgical removal for pathological examination. After the ENT examination it was determined that I would have the surgical removal next Monday.

Later in the afternoon Lois and I met with our oncology/hemotology doctor for consultation. Again after much deliberation it was determined that the nodes that are "hot" are very small. The previous needle  biopsy of the node was inconclusive and the bone marrow biopsy result were not complete. The final pathology result are still pending. The trade off to begin some form of treatment would be to great at this time considering how healthy I am presently. We are to return in 6 weeks for follow up CT scan to check node size and disease progress. If there are any additional changes in the next 6 weeks we will surgically biopsy the nodes and consider chemo treatment at that time. Pray that the nodes remain small. The Mantle cell lymphoma has been determined to not be curable but very treatable. It may be managed for a number of years depending on the cells present at this time. Pray they remain "sluggish" (my term) and few in number.
Thanks for your prayers and concerns that have been pour over us.
Lois and Tedd
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October 12, 2009

Tedd Ostrem - Monday, October 12, 2009
One year ago today I finished the BEAM conditioning in preparation for my stem cell transplant the next day. Today I spent the morning today having a lymph node biopsied in my neck and a bone marrow biopsy later in the day. Last Friday I returned to Mayo for my routine follow up for stem cell transplant for Mantle Cell Lymphoma. The PET scan revealed a couple of lymph nodes were "hot" which may indicate there is active recurrent disease in my lymph system again.

Today's tests were to "type and stage" any disease if present. It was not the report that we had anticipated. We grieved the thought of start another series of treatments.

On Sunday of group of folks gathered following services to pray. It was a blessing and assurance that the Presence of Jesus is real and available whenever two or more gather in His Name.

We heard the words of Scripture recalled as the group prepared to pray...
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:13-16

After anointing Lois and myself with oil, the group laid hands on us and prayed. It was powerful and unforgettable. Thank you Prince of Peace for being a praying people. Lois and I were sent forth with renewed faith and strength because of your faithfulness to pray. We love you.

I will update my journey after we meet on Wednesday with our doctor at Mayo.

On October 12, 2008 I posted these words:

"Sovereignty simply means God has the right to rule. Submission simply means we agree we have no right to rule."

Leaving it all in God’s sovereign and gracious hands.

So we conclude this day...
Pastor Tedd and Lois

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