A life well lived. Olga B. Ostrem May 19th 1918 - Janurary 16th 2016

Olga Ostrem

Olga B. Ostrem, 97, Roseville, MN, formerly of Moorhead, MN, died Saturday, January 16, 2016, in St. John's Hospital, Maplewood, MN.

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Olga Beatrice Anderson was born May 19, 1918, to Hans Theodore and Andrina Anderson on her family farm near Bisbee, ND. She attended Johnson School, a one room school house near their farm, through eighth grade. She graduated from Bisbee High School.
Olga married Merwyn H. Ostrem of Rugby, ND, at the Bisbee Lutheran Church parsonage on September 18, 1941. They made their home in Rugby until moving to Minot, ND, where their two children were born. They moved to Rolette, ND, for several years before moving to Moorhead in 1951 when Merwyn began working at Western States Life Insurance Company as Vice President of Mortgage Loans.
Olga and Merwyn were members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Moorhead since 1951. Olga enjoyed teaching, leading and organizing children's Sunday school. Olga worked on the inventory crew for the 7-Eleven Stores for many years, taking time to serve on the local election board, Welfare Board of Clay County, St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary and Golden Living Auxiliary.
Olga moved to Roseville in 2014 where she has resided until her death.
Olga is survived by her children, Bonita (John) Brennan of Corolla, NC, and Theodore "Tedd" (Lois Krabbenhoft) Ostrem of Roseville; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Merwyn in 2010, one granddaughter, Lindsay Ostrem Roach, and her brothers and sisters.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to either the Lindsay Ostrem Roach Scholarship at Concordia College, Moorhead, or The Wounded Warrior Project.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at 1 PM in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Online guestbook: www.korsmofuneralservice.com

A Week of Terror 2015 as the Christmas Season approaches

 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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 Savior, who is the Messiah,^* the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’

 

As the Christmas season approaches (as seen in all the stores) I am drawn to this passage in Luke 2. On Christmas Eve sitting at the table full of wonderful food Dad would open the Bible and read from Luke 2. His soft voice would bring a sense of awe and wonder about this incredible story. When he would read the angel message it was then Christmas had come to our table and our home. Such good memories of Christmas were made in those moments.

As I recall these Christmas memories the TV news shows are full of reports of men and women striking terror in France. Their goal is to carry a message of bad news. It is a message of fear and terror in dark hours of a French evening.

The angels out side of Bethlehem struck terror too in hearts of the shepherds. The angel’s message was one of good news of great joy for all people. A Savior has come to wage the final battle for all people against the forces of evil. Jesus would wage a heavenly battle that would result in victory over sin, death and the power of the devil. 

Ironically it seems as this Christmas season approaches evil has become the focus of many people and nations. But was that not God’s intention when the Babe was born? The Babe would be the Savior. He would save all humanity from the hands of the evil one. The cost would be great. Suffering and death would be the price tag place on Jesus for us. This is good news when all I deserve is to be crushed by my sin sick life.   

God in His infinite mercy has sent Good News not bad. Great Joy and Peace will be our Christmas gift. Fear not. Joy and Peace in the world we live in today will be ours even if our world goes amuck. Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God reigns now and forever! Trusting the Message of the Angels will be our peace and joy of 2015.

Veteran's Day 2015

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."  John 15:12-13 NRSV

To all those vets who served over the many years we say thank you. Whether on the front line or supporting those who are/were there we owe a great debt of gratitude. Our faith journeys and lives are secure to be lived out due to the efforts of the many.

A commercial on TV asks us to put on a "green light" out side our homes to honor and remember all who served. We have a green light out front and every night it reminds me to pray for all who serve. Giving thanks for the gift they are giving us each hour of the day. Some may not see tomorrow. Sacrifice is a reality of daily life in the field.

Jesus was willing to lay His life down for all people. We are recipients of that gift of grace each day as we lay our lives at His feet. Being willing to lay our lives down for others in Jesus' name is our call from Jesus in John 15 each day. The Cross is His "green light reminder" for all who love and serve Him is His Name.

Do we have a Cross in our homes, offices or lives as a reminder of His sacrifice for us?

TODAY IS MY 7TH BIRTHDAY!

On October 13th 2008 at 9 am I received my stem cell transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. October 13th was my grandfather Ted's birthday. By God's grace alone I have celebrated 7 birthdays since the transplant. 

In 2009 the lymphoma recurred. It was a slow progressing lymphoma that my hematology oncologist at Mayo referred to as a "slow burner". Every follow up afterwards, my pet scan and blood work indicated that the lymphoma was progressing. Each visit there were more nodes involved and an increase in the Mantle cell lymphoma blood marker. 

In September of 2013 I had a routine follow up at Mayo as another pet scan and routine blood work was scheduled. At our physician's consult later that day my doctor asked me what I had done. My pet scan and blood work showed no evidence of any disease. "What changes did you make? he asked. You presented yourself into my care in April 2008 with a stage 4 highly aggressive Mantle cell lymphoma and today there is no evidence of any disease. Have you done anything differently since you last follow up?" "No" was my response. "Then go home. You don't have to return. There is no reason for me to see you again. You will not die from Mantle cell lymphoma. Enjoy life. This could have a 25 year tail."

After digesting what he had just told Lois and me, the only answer I could give him was that "God had healed me". There was no other explanation. Hundreds if not thousands of prayers for healing had been lifted up on my behalf by family, friends, myself and many people who I've never met. For some reason that only God knows, I had been spared this deadly lymphoma. By all indications I should not be alive today.

Today,
I bear witness to Jesus' healing power with every breath I take. Praising and thanking Him for seven years of life that I have had the privilege of living. Seeing my love ones each day knowing that I have only the day that God gives me by His grace alone. Every morning as I wake I thank God for one more day to serve Him as he wishes. Each day is a new gift that I will never take for granted. He rescued me from the "valley of the shadow of death" for His purpose, not mine. My prayer continues that I will be faithful to serve and love Him as I serve and love others in His name. 

Some fear the number 13. But 7 and 13 are "blessed" numbers in my life today as I live by His gracious mercy each day.

September 11th 2015 Remembering...The Promise is...

On a day of infamy in a world which seems so out of control it is good to hear THE PROMISE we have from God the Father/Son/Holy Spirit. This promise will never fail us. He IS in control of all time and eternity.

Psalm 121New King James Version (NKJV)

God the Help of Those Who Seek Him

A Song of Ascents.

121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
² My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
⁸ The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Who me? 7.16.2015

Stella the puppy giving me the "Who Me?" look...

For some reason the wicker furniture has become her focus this week. She likes to sit on a chair next to me until I move. At that point she claims my chair as her's. She believes she is training me instead of the opposite. Hard not to love that look of puppy eyes.

The evidence points to only one individual...

Welcome Stella....one of God's Special Creatures 06.16.2015

Stella is 10 weeks old. 

Joined our family last week. The house has "life" again and other stuff too!

May 28th 2015 "Good Words To Start Any Day"

DAILY INSPIRATIONThursday, May 28th, 2015
*****************************************
Anyway...
*****************************************People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. 
~Mother Teresa~******************************************It is never about how others perceive you, or whether or not they are treating you in a manner that you feel is deserved. The true test of honor, integrity and peace is in doing that which is right, treating others with respect and dignity, and maintaining a sense of peace and joy throughout, without any expectation of how or when those things may be returned to you. Your reward lies simply in the fact that external forces can no longer dictate or control how you feel about yourself, the positive attitude and kindness that you extend to others, or your own sense of peace and joy...which stems entirely from your connection and relationship with your heavenly Father. When that truth is realized, you will be forever set free.               *******************************************
Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free and in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
~Psalm 118:5-6 (Amp)~~

And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
~Jesus / John 8:32 (Amp)~
But I say to you who are listening now to Me: [in order to heed, make it a practice to] love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you and pursue you with hatred, Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you]...But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these]...Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over...
~Jesus / Luke 6:27,28,35,36,38~
*******************************************© Copyright 2013-2015 by Guiding Light Ministries International.  All rights reserved.

Easter Sunday April 5th 2015 Lindsay's Birthday

Easter Sunday 2015   ( Lindsay would have been 38 today)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1Peter 1:3

What a "great birthday present" for one who trusted in Jesus' death and resurrection. 
What more can one say on Easter Sunday.  Thanks be to God for the great promise of 1Peter 1:3 that Lindsay is enjoying for all eternity. We too will see her again because of this promise of the Resurrection of Jesus. 
Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. 
He is Risen! 
He is Risen Indeed!

March 16th 2015 Sad Day for our family

Tori and Lucy waiting at the door at the lake

Tori and Lucy were best friends for many years. Tori left us in 2012. Monday night Lucy's time to leave us arrived. She was 12 and brought many blessings into our lives during some very difficult years after the death of her owner Lindsay in 2003. Thank you Lucy for all your love you shared with us all.

January 1st 2015 Happy New Year!

2014 is in the books and 2015 has fully arrived. 

Wonder what the new year will bring? 

Likely it will be an adventure for all of us. Our journeys will carry us to many events that will unfold before us. Apprehension has a way of creeping into the journey and spoiling the day. Missing the present for fear of the future is a possibility. Regretting the past can dim the joy of the moments we are given now.

Gratitude can be the balm of healing we need as we enter 2015.
Gratitude for one more day or one more moment of one more year is freeing.

Free to give thanks for what will unfold this year. 

It may not be what we desire or it may be more than we ever expected. 

No matter one can be grateful. 

It seems counter intuitive. Is it possible to be grateful when bad things happen to us or our loved ones.

Job's faithfulness in the midst of horrible losses leads me to be grateful. 

Grateful for God's mercy and grace poured out through Jesus.
Grateful for God's never ending faithfulness to His promise to forgive my unfaithfulness and doubt.
Grateful for God's promise to be there always no matter what circumstance may come.
Grateful for a Living Hope that brings peace and joy in all circumstances.

Peter writes,
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..."

My resolve is to be grateful for 2014 and 2015. 

Each day and each moment is a gift 

to share and enjoy with those near us. 

May you have blessed New Year!

My journey toward healing continues into its 7th year and I am grateful. Thanks be to God.

No Shave November 2014 for Lymphoma Research Foundation

Grow to Give Thanks Next Week

All month long, men and women have put their razors down for No-Shave November.  No-Shave November is a unique and nation-wide volunteer effort devoted to growing awareness about lymphoma and supporting the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF). Although the month is coming to a close, you can still make a difference by participating in No-Shave this Thanksgiving week! What does not shaving symbolize? It's a way of embracing and recognizing your hair, which many lymphoma patients lose. It's a conversation piece and way to educate the public about the most common type of blood cancer. It's a way to fund critical lymphoma research programs by encouraging friends and family members to support your no-shave efforts and by donating to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.  While not shaving for an entire month may seem daunting, a week is definitely doable.  For the entire week of Thanksgiving, put down your razors and raise awareness and vital funds to support LRF's mission! Continue your support by challenging 10 friends to do the same. You can take a photo, share what you're thankful for this year, tag it #NoShaveTGiving and share your picture with LRF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  To learn more or to donate, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/briansbeardgangnoshavenovember/fundraiser. Like LRF     Follow LRF     Connect with LRF     Circle LRF    Listen to LRF       Watch LRF LRF National Headquarters 115 Broadway, Suite 1301 | New York, NY 10006 212-349-2910 | LRF@lymphoma.org www.lymphoma.org LRF Home  |  Email Preferences  |  Privacy Policy

A meager attempt at "No Shave November" as a 6 year survivor of Mantle Cell Lymphoma

October 13, 2014 was my 6th "birthday" or stem cell transplant anniversary!

Gratitude: Remembering Lindsay with joy and love_November 17, 2003

“Here, in a nutshell, is what it means to understand something as a gift and to handle it with gratitude, a perspective biblical religion puts around all of life. And I am here to testify that this is the only way down from the Mountain of Loss. I do not mean to say that such a perspective makes things easy, for it does not. But at least it makes things bearable when I remember that Lindsay was a gift, pure and simple, something I neither earned nor deserved nor had a right to. And when I remember that the appropriate response to a gift, even when it is taken away, is gratitude, then I am better able to try and thank God that I was ever given her in the first place.” 

Quote from Tracks of a fellow struggler by John Claypool, pg. 82, Word Publisher, 1974.  (We have edited the text by using Lindsay’s name to replace his daughter’s name in the original text.)

Lindsay Ostrem Roach would have been 37 this year. Her legacy continues to touch our lives and others over the past 11 years. The Claypool quote above has proven to be so true over the years since her passing. Gratitude brings healing. Healing brings joy. Those were strong attributes of Lindsay who was a woman of great strength and faith. Giving thanks God for the gift of our loved ones and friends on this day.

Lindsay and her wonderful sister, Whitney

Friends Forever!

Season of Special Days in 2014

Mark 1:29-34 NIV

Jesus Heals Many

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 

Jesus Heals Many

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

This is a season of special days.
October 3 is the third anniversary of my father's death. A man of few words but great influence. He has shaped my life and faith in ways that did not always involve words. He once said that trust was one of the greatest values. You could always depend on dad. He was a faithful and honorable man who influenced the life and faith of others. He would be 103.

Justin and Amy's wedding day

October 13th will be my 6th "birthday" post stem cell transplant. Miraculously I am healthy. My lymphoma is in full remission. Thanks be to Jesus the healer and the men and women who have prayed for and the ones who have treated me over the past 6 years. My Mayo surgeon assured me when I asked the day after surgery if he knew if I had 3 days, 3 months or 3 years. His answer was "Dr Letendre (my hematology/oncologist) and I are going to make you well. In my mind I added.."and Jesus." Every day is a gift from God and I give thanks for one more day to serve Him and others.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. 

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE

Tedd

July 2nd 2014 "67" today!

Six years ago I met a 6 year survivor of Mantle Cell Lymphoma while having chemo and wondered what that must feel like? Didn't know at the time if I would be writing still on this page or celebrating with all the saints in heaven. But here I am. Two new grand babies in June only 5 days apart! My mother is adjusting very well to living in Roseville and our family will be together for the 4th. Again I give thanks to the Lord for all these gifts daily. Ps 103 captures my life journey toward healing. I read it again this morning and was filled with great peace and joy.
Happy 4th of July to all our friends and family!

Psalm 103

Of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and do not forget all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
   who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit,
   who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live*
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

June 22, 2014: Two grandbabies in 5 days "Gus and Mac"

God blessed us with two new grandbabies five days apart. Augustus Frederick Marvin Woelfle was born on June 17th 2014 weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces. June 22nd 2014 Mackenzie Rose Roach came into our lives weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces. Two bundles of pure love born into our world. I am so grateful for the time given me to experience the joy of my grandchildren's births. Nothing can describe the love I have for all my children and grandchildren. God has been so good to me.

 

"Gus and Mac"

June 7th, 2014 Prayer

I have been the recipient of many, many prayers over the past 6 years. I believe prayer changes prognosis as in my own case. I lift up a request for a shower of prayers on my friend Chuck

who has been diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma. He is preparing for radiation at this time. It appears to be localized extensively in the esophagus. My prayers are for the cancer to remain localized, well contained and that the radiation treatment will be accurate and highly effective. Let's just bathe Chuck's esophagus with as many prayers as possible for complete healing in the days and weeks to come. Thank you in advance for any and all prayers offered for Chuck and his family.

The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen. 

  G. K. Chesterton
English author & mystery novelist (1874 - 1936)

May 31st An Epic Day for Olga

Today my mother Olga, moved from Moorhead after 63 years a resident. She leaves a legacy of friendship and faith that she has shared with her family and friends. Her spirits are high as she enters a new season of her life at 96. She is remarkable. Her zest for life and a new adventure at her age is wonderful. Mom will live a few minutes from our home and will be able to enjoy our family events up close and personal. We have our granddaughter's third birthday tomorrow and two grand babies arriving  in the next few weeks. Mom's world has broadened into a new journey in her later years. We are blessed to have this time in our lives to enjoy our future life events together. God has worked a special time out for us in these days.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us,
 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

Now is a time for enjoying the time we have been given to celebrate life and family.
Thanks be to God....

Easter 2014

Our Easter was a wonderful time of worship and family. The greatly anticipated sunshine warmed our day but "The Sonshine" warmed our hearts and lives. A dear friend shared a link with us and I hope you take time to visit it. It is a MUST view Easter video. Really worth the watch especially if you might be a dog or pet owner (you will understand if you watch it).

http://vimeo.com/92444576

Easter Blessings to all.
Tedd

January 30th 2014 Quote from GK Chesterton

The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen. 

  G. K. Chesterton
English author & mystery novelist (1874 - 1936)