My Story

From the time I can remember, my family was involved in church. I had perfect attendance in Sunday School, sang in the choir, attended youth group, and was confirmed. By the time I was a young adult, I thought of myself as a Christian, although I don’t remember sharing that with others. Until I met a woman at work whose husband was planning to join the staff of an evangelical youth organization, and we had conversations about church-related topics.

Debbie invited me to lunch at her apartment, and I accepted, thinking that several of our co-workers were also invited. However, when we left work to walk to her apartment, it was just the two of us. We had a pleasant lunch, and when we were finished, she handed me a small pamphlet and asked me to read through it with her. I don’t remember all of it, but it was about Christianity.  At the end of the pamphlet, there was a statement, part of which said, “I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.” Debbie asked me to repeat it. Even all these years later, I’m not sure why, but I chose not to repeat the phrase at that time. She asked me to let her know if I ever did say it.

That experience had a great impact on me. It made me question my own Christianity and feel that I needed to repeat the “magic words” in order to be a Christian. Debbie had had a “lightning bolt” experience where she suddenly accepted Jesus Christ and believed in Him, and it made me wonder whether I could be a Christian if I hadn’t had that kind of experience. 

I’m not sure how long I felt like that, but I eventually realized that everyone is on their own spiritual journey, and the experiences along the way shape us. Along the way, I’ve met and worked with people who are strong Christians, but they demonstrate it through their actions without expecting others to say the “magic words.” There is no one way to become a Christian and no timeline that we must follow.     

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being with us throughout our journey to come to you. We understand that the journey is ongoing. Help us to share our faith with others without judgment. Amen. 

Robin Hadfield

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Happy Independence Day!

Unexpected Insights

Trust in the 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. Proverbs 3:5-6  

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24  

 

Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3  

Recently my car situation has been in limbo. This has changed everything about my ability to run errands, get to work, and feel independent. Facing this has made me reconsider how much I can "make do" with what I have. This reminds me how creative my brain can be, and I rejoice at its wonders. 

At the end of the summer, one of my cars became disabled, and I was trying to donate it; but I could not find the title in all my moving boxes. It was amazing to me to see how much I had accumulated, and how difficult it was to organize. I saw how debilitating this can become. I also found a lot of forgotten treasures which are so much more valuable than a certified document. 

The search process had been lengthy and fruitless, and eventually I had to procure a duplicate title. Cleaning out the car was a burdensome chore, because there were still vestiges of a trip to Rochester, Minnesota last year when my daughter and I stayed for two months (during which she received her fourth liver transplant). But I realized as I was lugging bags of pillows and umbrellas and scrapers and a shovel and all sorts of human necessities that I need to challenge myself in order to be more resilient. I patted myself on the back as I rested after that chore and looked forward to the next bit of discomfort that would help me grow. 

On the appointed day for pick up the tow truck did not show. So I still had to plan for uncertainties. And that can be rather freeing. How much does it really matter? Why should I invest too much dependence on things going as planned?

The back-up car needed work in order to be drivable after the first one tanked. The AAA tow truck driver delivered it to a repair place that was different from the one where I had made an appointment. At the end of the day, I called the repair shop only to be told that my car wasn't there. So AAA and I had to call and search a number of nearby places to see if my car had ended up there, since the tow truck driver couldn't be reached. These things can happen, and it makes for more work but it also makes for a good story.  Also, the place where my car ended up did a good job of fixing it, and I had it back in no time. I was glad to find a reliable repair place that was within my budget.

 

In the ensuing month, the back-up car developed more issues. One of them involved taillights staying on, and the battery drained. AAA gave me a battery boost and told me to drive directly to the repair place; I managed to find a place open on Sunday, so I felt pretty lucky. But they couldn't actually work on the car until Monday. I hadn't really accomplished what I felt I had needed to do. But the right things happened, only a day later than I had hoped.

 

During this time I was relying on my daughter for trips to and from work. It was nice to have time to talk with her, and I enjoyed looking out the window at the sights I often miss while focusing on driving. I was able to sip coffee and nibble on snacks.

 

Then more issues arose with the car, and because there was a risk of the engine overheating, I was told I shouldn't drive it. At this point, I realized that my '92 Geo Prizm might not be worth the $600 it would probably cost to fix it. I have had to restructure my thinking about continuing to maintain something that doesn't really serve its purpose. The car has no airbags, and doesn't travel well over 45 mph. It doesn't really need my allegiance, even though it reminds me of my mother, from whom I inherited it. 

 

So now I am looking into buying a reliable car. My recently retired friend has been chauffeuring me, and we have had jolly drives reconnecting. When we were in high school, she used to come pick me up and drive me to school. I am reminded of how much I enjoy starting the day with her. She is such a light in my life, and I love being cared for by someone so generous and fun. We always have lots of chances to laugh on the drive, and it is an uplifting way to start and end my day. 

 

Even something as mundane as our transport away from home and back again can reveal something as great as God's presence. I look forward to more road trips with surprises. 

Prayer: Thank you for creating my hands and continuing to hold them. Thank you for giving me eyes, and fresh sights to amaze them. Thank you for interrupting my steps to show me something new about your world and the life you have given me. Learning new things keeps me alive and present, and newly aware of your grace. Let my inconveniences move me closer to you. Amen.

 

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2017)

Expectations

In our lives, we expect certain things of others. We hope for kindness, we hope they will treat others fairly and live peacefully. Our expectations can excite us sometimes; they can lead us forward eagerly and give us hope.

But then, the unexpected can happen. When I left home in December, my Christmas cactus looked barren. It was green but showed no signs of buds. Soon after I left, my neighbor told me that it began to bloom and still had buds and flowers when I returned in March. 

This was a small thing but totally unexpected. I am reminded of the disciples. Do you think they expected Jesus to die? To be hung on a cross to die?  They had seen all that he could do - the healing, the feeding, the preaching, and the love that others showed him. Did they expect all of this to turn on him? I think not. But he was hung on a cross and he did die. This was unexpected but then three days later another thing happened that was totally unexpected. HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD!

Now my Christmas Cactus blooming was unexpected. But it was a very small thing.  For Jesus Christ blooms inside of all of us every day. Not just on one season of the year but to be with us all every season of our lives.

Carolyn Olsen

My Story: In Memory

I grew up in a small community in Northeastern Nebraska. My family and I were members of the Presbyterian Church there. My parents were very active members and looking back, I felt I always had a good start in understanding how to be a Christian.

When I was a teenager, my family and I moved to Beatrice, Nebraska and then to Lincoln, Nebraska as my dad was now with the University of Nebraska. We joined a large Presbyterian Church in Lincoln and again became very involved in church activities.

Years later, my dad died of a massive heart attack. My mom asked that memorials to him go to that Presbyterian Church. To her amazement and mine, that church did nothing to use that money. My mom even wrote some suggestions for the memorial money use but again, nothing happened. Over a year went by and still nothing.

I will never forget this next moment in my life. I was mowing my yard and a very strong message came to me. I shut down the mower, went inside and called my mom. I remember telling her I thought this was very important.

The message to me simply said, ask that the memorial money be sent to the church in my hometown. My mom said that sounded like a good plan but didn’t know if the Lincoln church would understand. To our delight, weeks later the Lincoln church did send the money.

Several months later, one of my mom’s dear friends that lived in that small community passed away. I took mom to her friend’s funeral. We arrived a bit early and when we entered the church, folks that were already there came up and hugged my mom and me.

After the funeral, we stayed for the reception. It was at that time I knew prayers are answered. Friends came up to my mom and said how much they appreciated the memorial money that had been sent to them. One lady said they had prayed and prayed as this church needed repairs on the roof, money to pay the insurance on the building and some office equipment that desperately needed replacing.

All of us had tears of joy running down our faces. Not only had that money helped a church dear to our hearts but also knowing that my dad would be delighted that his memorial could be used in this way.

All of these years later, I still remember how all of this had such an effect on all of us and this memory will be with me all of my life. This hometown church will always be so special to me.

Linda Lyon 

 

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Words from the book of Joshua

Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 

Prayer: An Attitude of the Heart

Be joyful always: pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

If asked to define prayer, most of us would quickly say, "Something expressed in words." Prayer is really an attitude of the heart. I see it more fundamentally as our being in God's presence. Sometimes words are appropriate and sometimes they get in the way. Often, they simply do not matter. Let prayer become the breath of your spirit. Let it be the beating of your heart. Where our whole selves are engaged in relationship with God, there prayer will be, even if words are not used.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to pray without ceasing. Help us to make room in our hearts to place you first in our hearts. Amen.

Peggy Olmsted (shared today in memory of Peggy, originally printed in the 2008 Eastridge Devotional.)