June 19th, 2010

Wes Michaels died on Thursday as a tornado destroyed his C-store in Mentor MN. It was Wes' 58th birthday. I had met Wes a couple of times with friends of ours who live only a couple miles from the store on Maple Lake. Wes was off on Thursday but as he watched the weather approach he went to the store in time to have his daughter and another woman huddle in the freezer as Wes covered his daughter's body with his own. His daughter, Heidi survived but Wes died saving his daughter's life.

As Father's Day arrives tomorrow I am moved by the loving heroic act of this father for his child. Laying his life down for hers.

God the Father covered us all with His Son's Body to save us from certain death from our sin. His Body took the debris of sin into Himself to save us. It is this Act of Grace that saves us. We place our faith and trust in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Savior and Lord who covered us with His body in death. At the center of our faith is this Act of Grace available for all.

John's Gospel centered on this Act of Grace...
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  John 15: 12-13

June 17th, 2010

Last night at 10:18pm my brother-in-law, Le passed away. He had fought a valiant fight with cancer. Loss of a loved one leaves a "hole" in our lives that will not be replaced with someone else. Jesus heals the "scar" of the loss of our loved one. Many times it happens over a longer period of time.

Le was my friend and family. We laughed and enjoyed many wonderful days together. I will miss him. "He made me laugh." He did and many others. His request is to have that saying be on his head stone. It will be true and will make others remember the times he made us laugh. 

Please hold Kathie (Lois' sister), their two sons, Le Michael and Chad (wife Amanda and granddaughter Lyla) in your prayers. 

He was a proud grandpa and father.

June 16th, 2010

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...
~Ecclesiastes 3:1~

On Sunday afternoon Haakon and I took a nap. When I woke up Haakon was huddled in the corner of the crib. He was looking for something...I picked him up and we hunted for his "Nuk" with no Nuk to be found in the crib. 

So we both got down of the floor to look under the crib. There it was way back in the corner. I pointed it out to Haakon and he said, "Want me to get it?" Surprised I said, "Think you can?"  Off like "GI Joe" he bellied his way to the corner and back only to return not with one but with "2-Nuks" and smile on his face. 

This season of our lives is rich with new discoveries and reclaiming the joy of the daily journey. 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...
~Ecclesiastes 3:1~ 

June 10, 2020

One month to the wedding! Details are getting covered one-by-one... The couple is excited and anticipating a wonderful day.

We have 12 yards of rock in the driveway to be spread Friday if the rain holds off. Preparations go further than one expects but it is timely. Friends have come forward to help in many ways which is a blessing.

I visited my Dad and Mom yesterday. Surprised them. They were sitting in the dinning area looking out at the beautiful day. Dad was so pleased to see me. We spent the afternoon together as family. Then I took Mother shopping. We had a great time. No pressure; just time together. It was "smell the roses" time for us.

I was reminded of Deuteronomy 6:4b-9...My parents taught me this scripture...Thanks Mom and Dad!

The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

June 3rd, 2010 A picture from Grandpa Jerry

Grandpa Jerry caught this moment on Easter 2010...
Grandpa Jerry notes that "Grandpa's keys" were more captivating than the "plastic eggs"...
What grasped your "attention" on Easter 2010?
Empty Cross or Empty Tomb?

June 1st, 2010

A bridal shower for Whitney and Colin was this weekend. With our family gathered we enjoyed the anticipation of the wedding to come. Our Haakon met my aunt Edna who was married to my uncle Haakon who died suddenly an number of years ago at the age of 53. Our little Haakon won the hearts of all those gathered for the shower.

We all headed to the nursing home to see Dad who was very lucid again. It was fun to watch Dad watch Haakon. As we left Haakon repeated several times "Bye Bye Great Grandpa!" It amused my father who smiled and said "Good bye". Life happens in moments. Precious moments never to be recaptured but remembered for a life-time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...

May 25, 2010 Stormy night

Psalm 57:1
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 


Sitting here watching the rain and lightening. The thunder rolls in the background. I remember as a little boy of about 5 years of age sitting (hiding) in the closet with my sister as the thunder and lightening surrounded our house. Everything seemed to light up as the flash of lightening and then the clap of thunder echoed through our little house. I was afraid but not sure of what. When the calm would come it was such a relief. The storm had past and we were ok.

Life has its storms. What we do in the storm is as important as the storm. Fear or faith? Where will I go?

Pray the prayer of Psalm 57:1...

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
 for in you my soul takes refuge; 

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, 
till the storms of destruction pass by."

May 19, 2010 Mom's 92 today!

My mother is celebrating 92 years today and going strong. She is headed for the nursing home to visit my father who will be 99 in August. What a blessing to have good health and be able to get around as she does. We visited this morning for some time and it was upbeat and positive. Age is more about attitude than chronology. You can be "old" before your time if you choose too be. My folks have always been "young at heart" and ready to go with the slightest invitation. That's my kind of "old". Bring it on!

"Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live..." Deuteronomy 30:19b

My Mom in her wedding dress this past November...still fits!
A "kid at heart"...

Monday May 17, 2010 Lindsay Ostrem Roach Scholarship

This is the Hyacinth that Lindsay planted the summer of 2003. It keeps coming up each spring as a reminder of the hope of "new life" we have in Jesus.

Tonight we had the privilege once again to award two scholarships to Roseville Area High School Seniors who are a part of the Connections program at RAHS. Mary Hanula and Jan Johnson are their instructors. They were mentors and partners on the Connections Team that Lindsay was a teacher for several years before her death.

Ironically tonight at 7pm as we were preparing to present the scholarships it was six and a half years to the hour of her death. Hard to believe yet true. In the giving of the scholarship Lindsay's legacy continues to bear fruit. She loved to teach and believed strongly in the Connections program that help 9-12th grade students overcome educational hardship and personal challenges to become successful graduating seniors of RAHS. One of the mother's of one of the students award the scholarship said that they have four children and this was the first one to receive an award. We are very proud of the students who have received the scholarships. They will be graduating with strong 3.+ GPA's. Some of the highest in the time we have been awarding the scholarship. To us that means the Connections program works and we are proud to be able to help some of the Connection students pursue further education in their areas of interest. Both of the young women recipients are setting their educational goals on teaching. Lindsay could not ask for more. We are blessed this night by the memory and life of our daughter, Lindsay.

May 16, 2010

We had grandson Haakon for the weekend. I stayed over Thursday night and was there to get him up and spent Friday with him until Grandma Lois could join us. Haakon and Grandpa went out to see Junior at the stable...Haakon was thrilled over "all the neigh-neighs". It was a blast. He is at the age where he carries on simple conversations of innocence. They are precious and not to be missed. Lois and I are so blessed to be able to enjoy these days with our family. We are a little weary too :-) but worth every minute!

May 13, 2010

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.  Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV


Dark and dank days are upon us. For some of us these are long days. I remind myself that God's incredible creative hand continues to give us days to serve and love others. My eyes are to be on those around me that I may serve, care for or pray for. God lifts the heaviness of the day with the joy of touching others lives with hope. Our faith in Jesus Christ births hope. Hope that will not fail us.

We cling to Romans 5:1-5 ESV...
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice  in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

May 11, 2010

One of the best reasons to be happy today! 

Haakon has my red cheeks.

He has "my heart" too!!

Love you Haakon...

May 10, 2010

I was invited to share my journey with a group tonight. Sometimes your story seems insignificant but never underestimate the power of your story to connect with others. As I looked at the folks gathered I wondered what they would glean from my story. Again the Holy Spirit worked a work that only the Spirit can do. I continue to be amazed at the Spirit's ongoing "Acts 2" work in this world and His Church. Thank you Jesus for your calling and leading.

We spent the weekend with our family and had a blast. I had a lot of Haakon time and loved every minute of it. He's my buddy!

May 6, 2010

Lois thinks I am a little "OCD"...could be :-)

I have accepted my "current calling" in serving my wife in needs around house and help her as I am able.
One of the roles that I have assumed is that of "laundry"...I can "spot" with the best of them!
This morning "my dryer" died...a piece of the siding blew off the front of the house...the two ceiling lights in the hallway went on the fritz...and the garage door cables flew off. Not a bad day :-)

Sometimes one wonders if there is a "cloud" hanging overhead but it is just the way it goes.
Random junk happens in our lives and how we handle them is important. It happens; how will we react?

I will fix what I can and call on my wonderful son-in-law, Brian to help me figure out the rest. Brian has a gift of restoration and creativity. He thinks in creative ways to make things work. I am blessed to have Brian.

I may stay up until 1am worrying (thinking) about what needs to be done but it won't get it done. Last night I finally prayed..."Jesus, quiet my mind and spirit so I may rest."  Rest came and we bought a new dryer tonight! One down!!!

May 2, 2010

I had a call from my Mother and Sister today from the nursing home where my Father stays. He was having a "5 star day" according to my Mother. We visited for a few minutes and then she gave the phone to my Father. He said, "Hello"...and after telling him we would see him next week he said, "That would be nice." It was so good to hear my Father convey a thought so clearly. It is becoming more infrequent still always a gift.

I've thought of questions I wish I had asked of him but never did. He has always been a man of very few words yet great kindness. How is it we miss the opportunities before us for whatever reason? No regrets; yet questions of his life remain a mystery.

Our Father in Heaven left no questions of who He is...revealing himself in the form of Jesus, the Christ.
If we have questions of God's love or justice we need only look to Jesus, the Word of God's love and justice for all.

April 29, 2010

Being a parent is a life-long endeavor. It is a great joy and hard work. Children don't choose their parents. We choose to be parents and are forever parenting. Sometimes well and sometimes not so well. I have found myself sitting on the bedside of our children more than once asking them to have patience with their father...I told them I was trying to be the best parent I knew how to be but from time-to-time I would come up short.
I believe forgiveness and grace are acquired in life by showing forgiveness and grace. I believe trust is earned by showing one can be trusted and by being honest and faithful. I have great kids and they have become precious adults. God has given them Godly partners to share life together. We have been given a extra gift of love in the person of a grandson. We look forward to more grandbabies! Being a parent or grandparent is a life long endeavor that God has given us the privilege of experiencing. Now I understand Grandma Elsie's and Grandma Olga's joy in life as they shared time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. God is good. Thank you for the many "gifts' we have in our lives.

April 26, 2010

A few sentences caught my attention today from one of the devotionals we have for daily use.

"The book of Acts concludes with Paul confined in Rome, living under guard in a rented house, where he “received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).

Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities. That’s the key for us as well. There is a universe of humanity within our reach today."  by David C. McCasland

"Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities."  I need to remind myself daily of this insight. Obstacles or Opportunities. Interruptions or Opportunities. Restrictions or Opportunities. It really is a choice. It is a conscious choice to be made daily...encounter by encounter. Living under God's leading...choose life.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days..."

April 25, 2010

Attended a "Cowboy Church Service" this morning. Lots of music and some preaching. The text was Matthew's Gospel chapter 6 reminding us "not to worry about what we will wear or what we will eat but seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added on to you." The pastor used the illustration of a "horse"...surprise; surprise! A horse lives in the present and not in the future or past. We, on the other hand, worry about the past or future and miss out on the present moment. He asked a good question, "If you think worrying about the future helps...try to remember what you were worrying about last year at this time." Great question. Most of the things we tend to worry about never come to past. Learning to live in the present with a "sure and certain hope" for the future in Christ is a rich gift. It was a good service inviting us to live in the Light of Christ each day...sound familiar?
Blessings to you all.

Speaking of "presents"!

Oh how we love him!

April 23, 2010

The end of the week...the beginning of a weekend. Daily happenings become daily blessings if we look for them. A smile, a word of encouragement, a hug, a tear or whatever you may encounter become touches of God's love for us through others. Tonight I am grateful for Anne and Jack. They have come alongside and walked with us many times through joys and sorrow. Tonight we shared a meal and laughter which enriched our day at the end of the week. Who touched your life this week? Whose life did you touch?
Give thanks!

April 21, 2010

Twins Win Again! Go Twins!

The Flowering Crab Trees are ready to burst forth in full bloom. It will be beautiful!
Not as beautiful as the Empty Tomb of Jesus but beautiful. We are blessed by such beauty and wonder.
May Jesus burst into our lives afresh today. Thanks for all the prayers and kind words.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.  Romans 1:20a


If you have time today, read Our Daily Bread for today:
http://odb.org/2010/04/21/false-hope/