December 31, 2010 Happy New Year

From today's Our Daily Bread...so fitting for "our journeys toward healing". Thank you Lord for the many joys and struggles of 2010.

Rearview Mirror Reflections

December 31, 2010 — by Joe Stowell

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Psalm 111

For You, Lord, have made me glad . . . ; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. —Psalm 92:4

I’ve always thought that you can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it’s easier to understand why He placed us in the home that He did; why He brought certain people and circumstances into and out of our lives; why He permitted difficulties and pain; why He took us to different places and put us in various jobs and careers.

In my own life, I get a lot of clarity (though not perfect clarity—that’s heaven’s joy!) about the wise and loving ways of God as I reflect on the ways He has managed my journey by “the works of [His] hands” (Ps. 92:4). With the psalmist, it makes me glad and strikes a note of joy in my heart to see how often God has assisted, directed, and managed the outcomes so faithfully (Ps. 111).

Looking ahead, though, is not always so clear. Have you ever had that lost feeling when the road ahead seems twisted, foggy, and scary? Before you move into next year, stop and look in the rearview mirror of the year gone by, and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).

With the promise of God’s presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.

Shall not He who led me safely
Through the footsteps of this day
Lead with equal understanding
All along my future way? —Adams

God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future.

December 23, 2010

We had our family Christmas last night. What a joy to have all our kids together. Our grandson Haakon was an little angel last night. Helping give out presents and opening anyone's gift if he asked. He helped clean up all the  gift wrap...one of his specialties! As everyone was leaving I was helping him get his coat on and said to him, "Merry Christmas Haakon." He looked at me and said, "Merry Christmas to you too, Grandpa." I will never forget those sweet genuine words of love from his heart.

We celebrated by reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-20...my Father used to read it every Christmas Eve before we ate our Christmas Dinner. This is the first Christmas Dad is not with us but his memory lives on.

Our Christmas dinner menu was different due to Lois' surgery and complications following surgery. Yet we had a full meal thanks to the "Costco Cooks!" We had a delicious meal that we put together from Costco. I know that may sound strange but what a gift to have such a place for such a time as this. Next year we will return to our traditional fondue feast...the kids were a little disappointed but will recover.

Our stockings numbered 11 this year. Next year there will 13! Two new grand babies on the way in 2011. Whitney and Colin are due in May. Justin and Amy are due in June.
We celebrated our "New Life in Christ" as we remembered Dad while celebrating "new life" as we anticipate the arrival of our new grand babies.

What a wonderful Christmas!
Remember Luke's words as you celebrate too..."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." Luke 2.10-11

December 17th, 2010

Well it has been a interesting nine days...

Lois was hospitalized with a blood clot in her leg and multiple pulmonary emboli in both lungs. She came home on the 13th and continues to recover from her surgery and recent hospitalization. God has blessed us with great family and friends. It is humbling to be in need; overwhelming when others share and care so much. We have been encouraged and built up in these days. Thank you Lord.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5.11

December 8th, 2010

Our morning started with a trip to the ER. Lois has a DVT or blood clot in her leg. With medication she should be fine but still it's a little unsettling. I think our pharmacy thinks we are trying to start "our own pharmacy"! They know us by our first names which is not something to be overly joyful about...

Lois' back is mending slowly. She has more mobility each day. We took a walk at Target yesterday only to realize that you have to be able to get back to the car so don't go too far. She over did it a bit but there are benches in Target so a short rest and we were on our way. Feeling rather "old" :-\

Our morning devotions are a blessing as we remember all our prayer partners and those who have asked for prayer. The list grows but it is a joy to pray for others. This morning from Our Daily Bread we were reminded by Dwight L. Moody,

“When a man thinks he has got a good deal of strength, and is self-confident, you may look for his downfall. It may be years before it comes to light, but it is already commenced.” 

...When God gives us success in any area of our lives, let’s not forget the Source of our success. May we choose humility, for God gives grace to the humble.

We are humbled by God's love and grace poured out on us by friends and family in these days.

December 1, 2010

Junior in Nemo, SD 2007

Had to keep a picture of Junior on the blog.

Lois is doing well. More progress each day. Hoping by Christmas she will be more mobil and pain free.

Thanks for all the prayers and kindness shown us during this season of healing.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

November 25, 2010 Thanksgiving Day

My family and I give thanks for the blessings of friends, family and faith. God has carried us forward once again in the midst of things we do not fully understand. David's Psalm of Thanksgiving lifts us up to join in Thanksgiving...

Psalm of Thanksgiving

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;

Make known His deeds among the peoples.

9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;

Speak of all His wonders.

10 Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.

11 Seek the Lord and His strength;

Seek His face continually.

12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done,

His marvels and the judgments from His mouth...

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;

Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

24 Tell of His glory among the nations,

His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;

He also is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,

But the Lord made the heavens.

27 Splendor and majesty are before Him,

Strength and joy are in His place.

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;

Bring an offering, and come before Him;

Worship the Lord in holy array.

30 Tremble before Him, all the earth;

Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”

32 Let the sea roar, and all it contains;

Let the field exult, and all that is in it.

33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord;

For He is coming to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

35 Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,

And gather us and deliver us from the nations,

To give thanks to Your holy name,

And glory in Your praise.”

36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

From everlasting even to everlasting.

Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the Lord.

1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 26-36


I would like to share this Thanksgiving devotion from Guiding Light Ministries...

DAILY INSPIRATION
Thursday, November 25th, 2010

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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
~Melody Beattie~
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Take time this day to reflect on all the many things that you have to be thankful for.  We truly are a blessed people...the mere fact that you are able to read this right now is a testimony to that!
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Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
~Psalms 100:1,2,4,5~

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
~Ephesians 5:18-20~

For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away or refused if it is received with thanksgiving.  For it is hallowed and consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer.
~1 Timothy 4:4,5 (amp)~
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© Copyright 2000-2010 by Guiding Light Ministries International. <mailto:byhislight@aol.com>  All rights reserved.

Guiding Light Ministries International
1680 Hendersonville Rd. - #B-6
Asheville, NC  28803

November 22, 2010

   For it was you who formed my inward parts;

   you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

    I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

   Psalm 139:13-14

Healing is sometimes a sprint but most times a marathon. We heal physically at different levels. Our scars start to morph into lines of red, yellow and whatever. Beneath the surface God is knitting together the layers of tissue, muscle and bone which we can not readily see. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. That being said...it still takes a long time to mend after surgery or injury. Rest and exercise along with medications needed promote the healing of our bodies and minds. For the one who is experiencing the healing process it can be frustratingly slow. Learning to look back two weeks, then two months and then two years to see what God had done in the healing process helps. It is amazing what God does in miraculously hidden ways.

Lois is on this journey of healing. We have a schedule of sleep and waking which may be different these days but necessary. We pray for healing and relief from the persistent pain which radiates from the lower back surgery. Medications ease the pain for a while to give her the ability to rest and sleep as needed. Her spirit is strong. She is a woman of faith who relies on prayer when the medications tend to be wearing off.
Gathering peace and strength as she waits for the appropriate time for medications is sometimes hard to bear. It saps her physical and emotional strength, yet her resolve to endure the healing process remains strong. We have a post op follow up on Friday the 26th. Pray for strength and reduction of the chronic pain she will endure during these days. Thanks for all your cards, calls, emails and expressions of love for Lois.

November 18th, 2010 Lois' Healing Journey

It has been a week and 2 days since Lois' surgery and all is well. Strength is returning with some more mobility. She walks as often as possible for exercise around the house. Good thing we have a circle of door ways to make it easier to turn around.

We have had the gift of food and suppers prepared by friends of Lois. It has been wonderful. You don't realize how important this act of kindness is until you are on the receiving end. Bless you all. My mother (92) came on Tuesday and is a welcome helper with the daily chores she is able to do. Lucy the dog doesn't know who to follow some times as we are all moving around doing different things. It is tough to sleep as she is used too.

Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of Lindsay's death. We had notes, emails, facebook messages, flowers and visitors who remembered Lindsay on this day. Lindsay continues to touch our lives and others even in death. We heard they still have "Aloha Friday" at Roseville Area High School which was started by Lindsay and some of the teachers she taught with for 4 years. A student was asked how it got started and she said, "Some old teacher started it..."  I bet Lindsay would love to know she is now "some old teacher"! She would laugh and smile that big smile of hers.

Life is a gift. On Tuesday night our grandson, Haakon, told us that he was going to be a "brother"!
Yes, Amy and Justin are expecting in June 2011. We will be grandparents again by 2. Whitney and Colin are expecting in May. It will be wonderful summer at the Ostrem house. We pray that all will go well with the pregnancies and healthy little ones for our kids.

November 14th, 2010 Home again...

The first day back home from a week of surgery and recovery. A morning of waking, walking, coffee, peanut butter toast and Robert H. Schuller's Hour of Power. Not our average Sunday morning but we are grateful to be in our home and "bed".

Lois is resting "napping" on our couch. We have been showered with love by friends and family the past week. The snow was a nice touch God!

The week will be filled with rest and recovery. Healing of the anterior and posterior incisions will be slow but already improving. We covet your prayers and give thanks for all offered in this new journey toward healing for Lois.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8

November 12th, 2010

Song of Solomon 4:15

...a garden fountain, a well of living water,
and flowing streams from Lebanon.

As I write this Lois is having a blood transfusion related to her major back surgery on Tuesday, Her hemoglobin is down to 8.6 from 12 due to blood loss at the time of surgery. She's fatigued and this should give her new energy and restore her counts. 

Watching the blood drip and flow into Lois' arm it reminds me of the streams of living water referred to in the Scriptures culminated in the flow of living water and streams blood from Jesus of Nazareth over our brokenness and sin from the Cross. His Life Blood flowing over 

us to give new life...changed life. 

Lois is learning how to live a changed lifestyle after her surgery. The familiar is unfamiliar and the same old way of doing things will change as she heals and gets stronger. So too our lives are changed or transformed by the healing blood of Jesus. Wash us clean O Lord with your precious life giving blood so we may be servants of You as we serve others.

November 10th, 2010

It's shortsleave shirt weather today in MN!
Lois' surgery on her back went well yesterday. Today she has sat up twice bedside and stood up in a walker. No steps forward but a few side steps before returning to her bed. Tired Lady!
She will be here for a couple days depending on therapy.
Thanks for your prayers

Heart beats! November 4th, 2010

Genesis 3:20
The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.[1]
[1]Eve sounds like the Hebrew for life-giver and resembles the word for living

Whitney (Mom-to-be in May 2011) texted us a recording of their baby's heartbeat. What a miracle and mystery. Fearfully and wonderfully made in the hiddenness of the womb by the hand of God we are able to catch a glimpse of God's miraculous work through ultrasound. I am excited for our new grand-baby to arrive. We pray for a healthy pregnancy and the preparations for the new arrival to Colin and Whitney's family. What joy it brings to be able to enjoy these days with our family. It is life-giving to share these days.

All Saints Day November 1, 2010

All Saints Day 2010


Remembering Dad, Lindsay and many other faithful ones who have gone on before us and how their lives testified to the grace and love that God has pour out on us. My prayers are for those who grieve yet hope in Christ. (Romans 5:1-5)


We received a special gift yesterday: 
Lois and Tedd are going to be grandparents again!!!!!! Wow...Whitney and Colin are expecting sometime in May 2011. God is good and continues to give hope and life to us.

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.

Romans 5:1-5

October 27th, 2010

I have sought to find words to describe the journey since October 3rd. I have discovered a sense of serenity in the midst of loss. Loss is not a thing to be quantified. It has depth and texture that is unique to each of us who experience loss. We have been touched by grace and blessing in my father's death. In the same period of time I have been touched by the loss of a co-worker and partner in ministry. The mystery of what happens in desperate darkness of life is absorbed in the words of Paul in Romans 8...

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

(Romans 8:31-39 ESV)

In Memory of Dad 1911-2010

My father didn't tell me how to live; 
he lived, and let me watch him do it.  

~Clarence Kelland~

Merwyn H. Ostrem


Merwyn Harlin Ostrem, 99, of Moorhead, MN, died October 3, 2010, at Golden Living Center, Moorhead. He was born August 22, 1911, in Tunbridge, ND, to Jens Anton and Gemina (Drege) Ostrem.

Merwyn was a native of Rugby, ND. After completing his high school education he went to Minot and Fargo to attend commercial college. He took classes in higher accounting and appraisal courses at Northwestern University in Chicago. He completed a series of rural appraisal courses and was a member of the Society of Residential Appraisers.

Merwyn was united in marriage to Olga B. Anderson of Bisbee, ND, on September 18, 1941. They resided in Moorhead from 1951 to the present.

Merwyn began his working career at the Rugby Insurance Company, moving to Minot, ND, to work for Northern States Power. He became the Manager of the Bank of Rolette and moved from there to Western States Life Insurance Company of Fargo as the head of the Mortgage Loan Department for 25 five years. He retired in 1976 as Senior Vice President of Mortgage Loans. He served on the Moorhead Public Service Commission and was a Life-time Member of Rotary International. He was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, serving on several boards and singing in the choir. He enjoyed family, traveling and relaxing at the lake.

Merwyn is survived by his wife of 69 years, Olga; daughter Bonita (John) Brennan of Corolla, NC; and son, Tedd (Lois) Ostrem of Roseville, MN. Five grandchildren, Barbra Brennan, Bradley (Jennifer) Brennan, Justin (Amy) Ostrem, Daniel Brennan, and Whitney (Colin) Woelfle; and two great-grandchildren, Anna Brennan and Haakon Ostrem. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, two brothers, and a granddaughter, Lindsay Ostrem Roach.


The funeral was Friday, October 8, 2010 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Moorhead.

Merwyn H. Ostrem August 22, 1911-October 3, 2010

Sunday afternoon my father passed away. My mother had come to visit him after his nap. She went to wake him and he had just slept away quietly. He was a quiet man all his life so it was in keeping that he would die quietly. He was faithful in all his dealings in life. God has been good to bless my sister and me with a Godly father and mother for so many years.

Some one has written that life is a "dash"...1911  "-"  2010.  His "dash" was full of a lot of living and giving. I wish he would have been more of a talker so we could have known more fully about his "dash" that now is silent.

His service will be on Friday 11am on October 8th at Our Saviors Lutheran of Moorhead, MN.
A huge thank you to all the folks at Golden Living Center of Moorhead. They were wonderful to our father.

September 27th, 2010

Living with cancer?
It can make its mark on you physically, emotionally and spiritually. It need not however it does have its impact in some way. Discouragement is one. I find that there are good days and not so good days. Choosing to live life to its fullest no matter what the day brings is crucial. I admit that I struggle with the dailyness of life and the uncertainty it brings. Being one who has planned and executed daily activities for the now, the future,  for myself and others makes receiving the unplanned or unexpected a challenge. My head says one thing and my heart another. Where one chooses to rest and rely each day brings life and healing. Choose this day "life".


 By His Light Devotion for today helped remind me of where "life" is...

DAILY INSPIRATION
Monday, September 27th 2010

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Where To Turn...
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I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere to go.  My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.
~Abraham Lincoln~
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It's comforting to know, that when we have reached the end of all that is in our own power to do, there is yet somewhere that we can go for help.  By far, one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal, lies in the power of praise/thanksgiving, worship, prayer and supplication.  This being the case, why then, do we so often wait until we have exhausted all other alternatives, and have nowhere else to turn?  Do it now...do it often...in times of trouble, AND in times of triumph!    
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For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers...
~1 Peter 3:12~ 

...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
~James 5:16 (Amp)~

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:6,7 (Amp)~
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© Copyright 2000-2010 by Guiding Light Ministries International.  All rights reserved.

Guiding Light Ministries International
1680 Hendersonville Rd. - #B-6
Asheville, NC  28803

September 23rd, 2010 Lindsay Beach by Julie Foreman

The blog picture of Lindsay Beach at Camp Wapogasset is from a series of pictures captured this summer by Julie Foreman. Lindsay served as lifeguard and counselor at Wapo. She loved to lead campfires on this beach and so the picture is a fitting testimony to her legacy of ministry in her short 26 years of life. God grabbed her heart in a powerful fashion on this beach. Thanks be to Jesus.

September 22nd, 2010

TWINS WIN!

The Twins did it last night with the help of the White Soxs. What a game. First to win a division championship.

Haakon and Grandpa watched together for a while as we tried to see Mommy and Daddy on TV...what a joy to hold and hug our little guy. He carries on conversations with whoever will listen.

Thank you God that we have the pleasure to share these days together.
Thank you for the gift of life and Your Grace.

September 19th, 2010

Yesterday my parents celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Dad was pretty sleepy but able to be up. I forget how remarkable an event this was. Sixty nine years of meals, conversations, trials and triumphs. The ups and downs of daily life shared faithfully with one another. One of the corner stones of their 69 years was their faith journey. Jesus was the center piece of their marriage. Faithfully they would worship and serve as able. Age may have reduced their involvement but not their "living for Jesus".  Those words are from a hymn that my parents taught my sister and me as we grew up. It has continued to echo in my mind this week of their 69th anniversary. The words remind me of their faithful journey as a couple.

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,

Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;

Such love constrains me to answer His call,

Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Refrain

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,

Doing each duty in His holy Name;

Willing to suffer affliction and loss,

Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Refrain

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,

My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;

Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,

Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

Refrain