January 11, 2009 Day 90
Tedd Ostrem - Sunday, January 11, 2009
This morning we distributed Bibles to 2nd and 3rd graders. It was wonderful to see the parents and their families gather at the altar to present God's Word to their children.They were fulfilling one of their baptismal promises to their children; to place God's Word in their hands and hearts. Katie reminded the children and each one of us of how the sign of the Cross was made on our foreheads at baptism with water. The words and sign reminding us daily that we are God's children purchased by the Cross of Christ forever.
We had a long list of members and friends we prayed for today. It seems like there is a lot of sickness and struggle in our midst. Pray for those you know who are sick or struggling with some loss. Pray that the Cross of Christ would penetrate the darkness of this moment and bring new life and hope. As I have struggled this week with symptoms related to shingles, the flu and my on going recovery it was reassuring to hear the promise again today that I am a child of God under the Cross of Christ forever. Thanks be to God!
We had a long list of members and friends we prayed for today. It seems like there is a lot of sickness and struggle in our midst. Pray for those you know who are sick or struggling with some loss. Pray that the Cross of Christ would penetrate the darkness of this moment and bring new life and hope. As I have struggled this week with symptoms related to shingles, the flu and my on going recovery it was reassuring to hear the promise again today that I am a child of God under the Cross of Christ forever. Thanks be to God!
January 8, 2008 Day 87
Tedd Ostrem - Thursday, January 08, 2009
On Tuesday a dear friend of ours had a quad-bypass on his heart. It was unexpected but he is doing well. I was reminded again of what a gift life is and of the precious times we spend with those who make our lives full and rich as friends and family. We rejoice in the healing places that are so abundant in our area to treat and care for our loved ones. We give thanks for the care givers who help us in recovery and in loss.
Yesterday in a discussion with some of our staff members about the Journey of
Faith the question had come up of "What is the Journey of Faith and what are we trying to do?" The Journey of Faith is a picture of the life of a fully committed follower of Jesus, a "sold out to Jesus" disciple. It is a rich relationship between God and each of those we come in contact with daily. When we do life together with the Journey of Faith as our goal we discover what Jesus meant when he said he desired us to have life "fully" and completely. Pray each day as you start your day that God would 'stoke the flame of faith" in you and others your life touches.
Yesterday in a discussion with some of our staff members about the Journey of
Faith the question had come up of "What is the Journey of Faith and what are we trying to do?" The Journey of Faith is a picture of the life of a fully committed follower of Jesus, a "sold out to Jesus" disciple. It is a rich relationship between God and each of those we come in contact with daily. When we do life together with the Journey of Faith as our goal we discover what Jesus meant when he said he desired us to have life "fully" and completely. Pray each day as you start your day that God would 'stoke the flame of faith" in you and others your life touches.
January 2, 2009 Day 81
Tedd Ostrem - Friday, January 02, 2009
2009 is starting out to be a lot better than 2008. I awoke this morning without any pain. What a relief.
The daily devotional from ByHisLight reminded me of how healing and growth come to us daily. I was drawn to Romans 5 again during this difficult journey,
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The daily devotional from ByHisLight reminded me of how healing and growth come to us daily. I was drawn to Romans 5 again during this difficult journey,
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
DAILY INSPIRATION
Friday, January 2nd, 2009
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A Difficult Thing...
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When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
~Peter Marshall~
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Whenever difficulties arise, remember that no growth or lasting success is ever achieved without them. Rejoice in the knowledge that on the other side of that adversity, is your prize. Approach each new challenge with patience and perseverance, and ultimately you will prevail. The outcome may not always be that which you first expected, but it will always work for your long-term good.
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Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
~James 1:12 (Amp)~
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
~Jesus / John 16:33 (Amp)~
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
~Romans 8:28~
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© Copyright 2000-2009 by Guiding Light Ministries International. All rights reserved.
Guiding Light Ministries International
1605 Blue Spring Rd.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Friday, January 2nd, 2009
******************************************
A Difficult Thing...
******************************************
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
~Peter Marshall~
*******************************************
Whenever difficulties arise, remember that no growth or lasting success is ever achieved without them. Rejoice in the knowledge that on the other side of that adversity, is your prize. Approach each new challenge with patience and perseverance, and ultimately you will prevail. The outcome may not always be that which you first expected, but it will always work for your long-term good.
*******************************************
Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
~James 1:12 (Amp)~
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
~Jesus / John 16:33 (Amp)~
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
~Romans 8:28~
******************************************
© Copyright 2000-2009 by Guiding Light Ministries International. All rights reserved.
Guiding Light Ministries International
1605 Blue Spring Rd.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
December 31, 2008 Happy New Year!
Tedd Ostrem - Wednesday, December 31, 2008
"On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...seven swans with "shingles"...
Another bump in the road to healing but manageable with new meds. I am praying that 2009 will be a better year than 2008.
We are spending the evening watching "Mama Mia" the musical and eating pizza. The dogs are at our feet sleeping and waiting for any movement that might indicate that they are getting a treat or whatever. It will be a quiet night at the Ostrem household as we see 2008 out and 2009 ushered in. May God bless you all in the new year!
Another bump in the road to healing but manageable with new meds. I am praying that 2009 will be a better year than 2008.
We are spending the evening watching "Mama Mia" the musical and eating pizza. The dogs are at our feet sleeping and waiting for any movement that might indicate that they are getting a treat or whatever. It will be a quiet night at the Ostrem household as we see 2008 out and 2009 ushered in. May God bless you all in the new year!
December 30, 2008 Day 78
Tedd Ostrem - Tuesday, December 30, 2008
"Two steps forward and one step backward..." seems like the process we are following these days. Tomorrow I will have a possible case of shingles looked at before a course of treatment is prescribed. Along with the intestinal infection they have been treating we still are making progress toward healing.
As the New Year approaches we give thanks for all the prayers and care we have received from so many. We look forward to 2009 as a new year full of new Surprises that God has prepared for us. We rejoice with you in our shared faith and life in Christ.
Blessings!
Pastor Tedd and Lois
As the New Year approaches we give thanks for all the prayers and care we have received from so many. We look forward to 2009 as a new year full of new Surprises that God has prepared for us. We rejoice with you in our shared faith and life in Christ.
Blessings!
Pastor Tedd and Lois
December 26, 2008
Tedd Ostrem - Friday, December 26, 2008
We had the joy of being with my Father today. He was alert and talkative. He has a fair amount of dementia but still communicates his pleasure to have us with him. He would drift off and sleep then waking to enjoy our visit. God has given Dad the gift of contentment which is good. My Mother is busy as ever. We had a good stay with her as our daughter, Whitney joined us. Whitney and her Grandmother are soul mates who enjoy many of the same things in life. It is fun to watch them.
Christmas Day was filled with family. Lois' family gathers traditionally on Christmas Day. Our newest family member, Lyla Caylee, was the center of attention for many. She is a month old and capturing the hearts of all.
"Santa" came to visit and the little kids were in awe of his visit. Even some of the "big kids" enjoyed a gift from Santa. Another memory was created as we gathered to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Day was filled with family. Lois' family gathers traditionally on Christmas Day. Our newest family member, Lyla Caylee, was the center of attention for many. She is a month old and capturing the hearts of all.
"Santa" came to visit and the little kids were in awe of his visit. Even some of the "big kids" enjoyed a gift from Santa. Another memory was created as we gathered to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2008 Christmas Eve Day 72
Tedd Ostrem - Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15b NRSV
Don't miss the opportunity to worship today or tomorrow. Let's be like the shepherds as they hastened with joy and anticipation to Bethlehem to see and receive the Christ Child. Merry Christmas!
Don't miss the opportunity to worship today or tomorrow. Let's be like the shepherds as they hastened with joy and anticipation to Bethlehem to see and receive the Christ Child. Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2008
Tedd Ostrem - Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I had a phone call from someone wondering if everything was ok. I have not posted because we are doing well and busy. I still have meds for the intestinal infection but appear to be working. We have been spending time with family and friends the past few days as we prepare for Christmas. I am praying for wisdom and strength as I prepare the Christmas Eve message.
Sunday was a very cold morning but our "hearty" church family came with joy and with lots of "heavy jackets and coats" to worship. I enjoyed the Sunday morning hustle and bustle as we gathered to worship. Our prayer is for saftey on the roads for all who are preparing to travel during this Christmas holiday season. "Come and worship" the carol says...come and bring a friend or neighbor to worship this Christmas.
Sunday was a very cold morning but our "hearty" church family came with joy and with lots of "heavy jackets and coats" to worship. I enjoyed the Sunday morning hustle and bustle as we gathered to worship. Our prayer is for saftey on the roads for all who are preparing to travel during this Christmas holiday season. "Come and worship" the carol says...come and bring a friend or neighbor to worship this Christmas.
December 18, 2008 Day 66
Tedd Ostrem - Thursday, December 18, 2008
It has been a good week with a few "speed bumps" related to infections. It was good to be with our church council on Tuesday evening. We have a tremendous leadership team in our council and its leadership. During my treatment and recovery Scott Lien, Pastor Hal, the Executive Team and Council have given amazing leadership as they partnered with the Staff and myself. I give thanks to God alone for these men and women of faith!
It was good to participate in the Pastoral Care and Staff meetings on Wednesday. Getting up to speed will take time. As we reviewed the preaching schedule today I realized it is only 6 days until Christmas Eve. I am looking forward with great anticipation celebrating Christmas with you all. Plan on worshiping Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
It was good to participate in the Pastoral Care and Staff meetings on Wednesday. Getting up to speed will take time. As we reviewed the preaching schedule today I realized it is only 6 days until Christmas Eve. I am looking forward with great anticipation celebrating Christmas with you all. Plan on worshiping Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
December 15, 2008 Day 63
Tedd Ostrem - Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday morning we had the privilege of having the children tell the Christmas story as only little ones can. The music and message were a blessing. They sang "Special Delivery" with all their hearts and souls...it was great. I find the children's telling of the Christmas story one of the great joys in our church life. I came home from church on Sunday pretty weary and it took most of the day to recover from the morning.
Today is my youngest daughter's birthday. Whitney, our baby, is thirty today. We had a surprise party for her and I think she was truly surprised. Lois' sister, Kathie and her husband Le were kind enough to bring my Mother to the cities to celebrate Whitney's birthday and to see her new great grandson, Haakon. Again family and friends are the ingredients for a celebration that makes a memory we will all cherish for years to come.
Last Friday I had a CT scan, ultrasound and some lab work at Mayo. The CT scan indicated that I had fluid on my left lung for which I received meds to clear up the infusion. The lab result weren't available until today but indicated that I have a intestinal infection related to the heavy doses of antibiotics I have been taking. It is very treatable with another medication and should resolve itself in 7-10 days. Between these two situations, the pain I have been experiencing on the left side should subside soon. Pray that the new meds work quickly and effectively.
Today is my youngest daughter's birthday. Whitney, our baby, is thirty today. We had a surprise party for her and I think she was truly surprised. Lois' sister, Kathie and her husband Le were kind enough to bring my Mother to the cities to celebrate Whitney's birthday and to see her new great grandson, Haakon. Again family and friends are the ingredients for a celebration that makes a memory we will all cherish for years to come.
Last Friday I had a CT scan, ultrasound and some lab work at Mayo. The CT scan indicated that I had fluid on my left lung for which I received meds to clear up the infusion. The lab result weren't available until today but indicated that I have a intestinal infection related to the heavy doses of antibiotics I have been taking. It is very treatable with another medication and should resolve itself in 7-10 days. Between these two situations, the pain I have been experiencing on the left side should subside soon. Pray that the new meds work quickly and effectively.
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