October 2023 – The Turning Points of Life

Mother’s Prayers

My mother was a diligent teacher. She had a deep faith forged through her health issues she battled during her youth. For me, her most profound teaching for me was her prayers. She began praying with me when I was only three months old. Later at about a year old, before I went to bed each night and after my dad read me a story, I went to my crib and knelt down to pray. My mother coached me to pray every night prior to going to sleep and when I took a nap during the day. Fortunately, my mother took pictures to remind me of how my praying began.

The first prayer I learned was the traditional child’s prayer that went like this:

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

And if I die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

I probably didn’t fully understand this prayer when I first learned it, but I learned the concept of praying. It was ground work for a developing prayer life that continued to evolve as years went by.

Each experience in my life that was life changing and a turning point was indelibly integrated with praying. Prayer was an integral component before, during or after those turning points, even if I didn’t realize that they were at the time.

Prayer became a means for me to express my sincere gratitude and thanksgiving for the many blessings I experienced during my growth as a Christian. But prayer was much more than that, even as important as thanksgiving was for me.

As prayer experiences grew over time, more aspects of prayer’s benefits were realized.

I learned that prayer gave me an opportunity to discover new ways to express my deepest feelings toward God. I found new words and combinations of words to articulate thanksgiving, appreciation, hope, desires, and longings to my Father.

I discovered that how I prayed had a profound effect on my attitude and demeanor throughout the day. When I begin the day praying, “Dear God, I thank you for the light of another day” I find myself being grateful for life and am motivated to make the most of it.

Prayers I have found changed things and most importantly changed me.

When I prayed, “Lord, please give me a heart with skill to listen as I want to be able to hear even the soft whisper of your Holy Spirit when He seeks to guide my path into your perfect will for me today” I had a heightened awareness of the urging of the Spirit. I felt His guiding words and thoughts moving me into extraordinary life experiences throughout the day.

My prayer often included thoughts like, “Lord, I want so much to be able to express the feelings of thanksgiving that pulse in my heart and soul. But I can’t find the words to do it. Please look into my heart and see there the thanksgiving I cannot say in words.” Subsequently, I felt that my true thankfulness reached God, and I was content.

I found on social media the following that echoes these thoughts:

Praying for the souls that were precious to me in life but had passed on, gave me a means to express to them how much I loved them and appreciated their contribution to my life. In some cases, it enabled me to seek forgiveness from those I had hurt in life but never had the opportunity to seek forgiveness prior to their passing.

I found that praying for someone as an intercessor, gave me a more meaningful and effectual connection with them and hence enabled me to become a blessing for them. This was particularly evident when I sought to comfort those who had suffered the loss of a loved one.

Many times I prayed silently when I was in the midst of challenging circum-stances. Not knowing what was happening, understanding how to react or respond and what to say, I quietly prayed in thought, only then to experience just the right action or words to say flowing into me.

I discovered that when I prayed aloud in the presence of others, especially when I was praying as an intercession for them as they struggled with a situation, the fact that a prayer is a spiritual entity allowed them to sense that which was beyond just the words, but also the spirit prompting them. In these cases, most often I found the words coming to me not from my mind but from the Holy Spirit. They were designed by God to comfort and respond to the needs of the souls involved. I gained a sense of gratefulness for being used as an instrument of blessing for them.

In situations that were beyond me, I found that during deep and urgent prayers, I gained a knowledge that I had not understood before. It was the evidence for me that prayer was not a one way conversation but rather a dialogue. Not a traditional dialogue comprised of words going back and forth, but a communication of spiritual thoughts. The more I experienced this phenomenon, the more I became sensitive to it. I have stood in awe at times when serious questions were answered in these sweet hours engaged in prayer.

The consequences of prayers have changed me in ways beyond my ability to explain. Reading the prayers of men and women in the Bible has also provided new dimensions to my understanding of effectual prayer. Solomon’s prayer “give me a heart with skill to listen” and David’s prayer “Search my heart oh God and see if there is anything that makes you sad” have provided me with ways to touch the heart of God with humble supplications.

The most life changing aspect of prayer was those extraordinary moments when prayers were answered almost instantaneously. The answers received were so perfectly precise and effectual that there was no doubt of its reality. Sometimes, the meticulous nature of the answers that came in the form of my thoughts, words I spoke or the actions of others were so astounding that uncontrollable emotions erupted in me.

Certain answers to prayers provided new understanding of the heart of God and His perfect plan for me and others. The benefits I have experienced with praying are far beyond this effort to explain.

TURNING POINTS

The life of prayer that I have enjoyed has been a lifetime of turning points. My praying has given me comfort, strength, faith, trust and vision from my relationship with my God and Father, His Son and His Spirit. I find that the character of prayer that is independent of time, place and form allows it to be effectively engaged in the moment.

. . . . And Then Some

“When we have done our best, we can wait the results in peace.”`
-Unknown

I don’t know who said this, but I do know that they were right on target. Let’s take goals, for example. We set goals to keep us focused on the important things in our life, personal goals, career goals, spiritual goals, family goals, health goals, etc.

Sometimes we set out with great enthusiasm to reach these goals, but occasionally there are circumstances that set us back. Some circumstances within our control . . . some not. But there is a wonderful feeling of peace when I know in my heart that I’ve done my best. Because win or lose, I know that I’m more prepared for my next battle in life.

Committing to excellence is not an act, it’s an attitude. It’s an attitude that is captured in this short thought titled: And Then Some…

And then some . . . these three little words are the secret to success. They are the difference between average people and top people in most companies. The top people always do what is expected . . . and then some.
They are thoughtful of others; they are considerate and kind…and then some.
They meet their responsibilities fairly and squarely…and then some.
They are good friends and helpful neighbors…and then some.
They can be counted on in an emergency…and then some.
I am thankful for people like this, for they make the world a better place. Their spirit of service is summed up in these three little words…and then some.”

If we carry the attitude of “And Then Some”, throughout our life, when our time on earth is almost gone, we will wait the results in peace.

[The above article’s author is unknown]

TURNING POINTS

The principle of “. . . and then some” reminds me of two scriptural truths that have the wisdom to direct one’s path to successfully become a blessing for others.

Luke 12:48 Living Bible

…. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.

Matthew 5:41 New King James Version

⁴¹And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

These two scriptural lessons are potential turning points to those with the courage to employ them. For me they have created countless blessings for my pursuit to become a person of value.

[Note: for more on this principle see “The Extra Mile – The Second Mile” on this blog July 2021]

Criticism

Criticism is something everyone experiences. The question is what it means to the recipient? A major consideration in answering that question is what is the character of that person? How do they feel about themselves? What is their sensitivity? There are many possible responses to criticism. Some are highly offended on one end while others are appreciative because it allows one to improve by self-examination.

Criticism is leveled from one to another as disapproval of perceived faults or mistakes. The intensity of the criticism is typically based on the perceived cost of the mistake. The intensity is also affected by the possible stress in the relationship between the parties.

As a youth, I was very sensitive to criticism. It was painful because it made me feel like I was less than who I wanted to be. It made me feel like a failure. But I was at a point in maturity that required learning who I was and who I wanted to be. In a surprising moment of clarity, I drew a conclusion. In retrospect, it was a very mature and wise decision. I developed a way to accept and deal with criticism that I deemed would never end.

Criticism, I decided was a way of life. No matter how good or bad you are, criticism dwells in every life. And it will come out of many spirits and under many names. It will be the result of jealousy, anger, resentment, and political sides and on the other hand it will surface as genuine interest in support of another person. I have experienced all of these.

When someone wants to mask their criticism, they will offer it with the weak caveat of “constructive criticism”. Seldom is such criticism accepted as “constructive”. It still bites the ego and does little to assuage the hurt the criticized feels.

The perspective that I chose for receiving the inevitable criticism I know I will experience in the circle of my relationships is this:

Criticism, regardless of the spirit with which it is offered,
Has at least some shreds of truth.
I challenge myself to rise above any sense of hurt.
And search for that truth shred and embrace it.
Then use it to change into a better person.

This perspective provides some very important and valuable benefits. Initially, it gives some relief to the hurt because it gives potential value to the criticism. It reveals a weakness that I previously did not see and now am able to address and resolve. Additionally, I see the value of a specific criticism to make me a better person. I can now easily not only forgive the critic but also thank them for helping me see the truth.

TURNING POINTS

This realization of criticism and how it can be seen as a benefit to growth and maturity was a big turning point that has served me throughout my life in service, friendship and business.

Samantha Angele – Miracle Baby

Luke 8:50

But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”

When I heard the news from Cindy, my heart sank, writhing in intense pain and sadness. She had just been with her doctor and the news she brought took both of us to our knees. The child she was carrying under her heart was almost certainly Downs Syndrome. I summoned what little strength I could to comfort Cindy, but what could I say? I knew her and her husband Tony would love their child regardless, but I also knew it would be a very difficult challenge for an already challenged family.

Cindy and Tony were both in the navy when they arrived in San Diego in January 2000. I was the rector in our El Cajon congregation and welcomed them with open arms. They had been told by my cousin Cliff that I would be there for them. Cliff was their minister in New Jersey. They arrived with a young boy who was their nephew, and they were his guardians.

The economics of the San Diego area was not always easy, especially for military families. The cost of living in San Diego was very high. Despite the financial challenges Cindy and Tony were a happy couple with a profound faith. I enjoyed serving them.

As the years went by Cindy gave birth to two baby boys. Each were premature and spent their early days in incubators. I would marvel at the sights in the hospital as Cindy would place her hand into the incubator and the tiniest of delicate fingers would grip her index finger in a clear warming indication of the love bond between mother and child. The boys grew quickly and became a great joy to the congregation family. They had sweet personalities that captured the hearts of all of us.

Now Cindy was pregnant again. Three months into the pregnancy, I gave Cindy, Tony and the new life Cindy was carrying the Confinement Blessing on a bright Sunday morning. In privacy of the Sacristy, we experienced the blessing of God for this new life. The family was aglow with anticipation of the new member of the family.

Secretly, Cindy confided in Tony after they returned home that she sensed that I had a concern over the family and maybe this new life they were expecting. Cindy carried her thought in her heart. I did not know this, nor did I consciously harbor any concern for the child. I put all my trust in God’s blessing for a blessed outcome. My only concern was the economic burden another child would bring.

In the weeks that followed, standard testing was done with the pregnancy, and everything seemed normal. Since the previous pregnancies had ended in a premature baby, extra care was being taken to ensure that this one would be normal.

After one of these tests, Cindy called me with the unexpected news that the child tested positive for Down’s Syndrome.

After I arranged for a family visit that night with Cindy, I poured out my heart to God. I feared what the family would have to endure with such a burden. Knowing the characters of Tony and Cindy so intimately, I knew they would love this child with all the love a parent could muster. After praying, I immediately called our Apostle to give him the sad news. I must have caught him at a bad time, because he was not very talkative. Upon hearing the news, he simply said, “I have just returned from being with our Chief Apostle. When you visit the family, give them this word that he used, ‘Fear not, just believe’”.

When he hung up the phone, I sat there somewhat stunned. How can I bring these terse words to these parents? I sat there struggling within myself to accept these words. I didn’t know where this word came from in the bible. I was wrestling with my own faith to try to gain some understanding. I was in such a deep struggle that I didn’t think to search the bible for its source or context. When I finally exercised trust in my Lord, I embraced these few simple words without any semblance of understanding. Finally, I was prepared to make my evening visit.

With hours of fervent prayer behind me, I enter Cindy and Tony’s apartment. After our welcoming greetings we prayed together. Then I explained that I had reached out to our apostle to advise him of the circumstances. With some lingering concerns as to how they would receive the brief words from the apostle, I explained.

“The apostle, on hearing the news of the test results, said, ‘tell them this, Fear not, just believe.’”

Instantly, an aura of peace came over Cindy and Tony with their complete acceptance of these words. I felt a tinge of shame coming over me. What I had to wrestle with they immediately believed. I secretly admired their profound faith. Yet another lesson I learned from this family.

We talked and discussed what the future would hold. Cindy explained that in six to eight weeks the doctors would perform another test to confirm the first one. In the meantime, we would continue to pray for God’s blessing and for our own strength to accept what would come to pass.

Over the next weeks, I frequently sought to encourage Cindy and Tony. Believing without fear became our mantra as the days of waiting marched onward.

Then the day of the next test dawned, and our prayers intensified.

The call came from Cindy, “The test is negative! The test is negative for Downs Syndrome!”

With relief and unspeakable gratitude for God’s precious blessing we cried together. When I hung up the phone, I called our apostle with the great news. Together we praised and thanked God for His love and response to our prayers.

I was now intent on finding the actual text in the bible. My search led me to Luke 8.

Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

New King James Version Luke 8:40-56

A Girl Restored to Life

⁴⁰So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. ⁴¹And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, ⁴²for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

⁴⁹While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”

⁵⁰But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ⁵¹When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. ⁵²Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” ⁵³And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

⁵⁴But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” ⁵⁵Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. ⁵⁶And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

As I read this, my heart sank when I read the words “and she will be made well”. I thought about how I would have seen the words the apostle gave me differently if I knew this. Pondering this I realized that God fashioned it as he did so I would wrestle and accept them without the added understanding afforded by the words “and she will be made well”. I was tested. It opened the way for my growth and edification of my faith and trust in God. It was a turning point never to be forgotten.

But this was not the end to the story.

When Cindy gave birth, a full-term healthy baby girl arrived to bless the family. Now the joyful task of welcoming new life into the family and our congregation.

Cindy came to me with a request, “what should we name her? Tony wants to name her Samantha, but I don’t want anyone calling her Sam or Sammy!”

(I later learned that Cindy and Tony had been discussing several possible names for the baby. Each name that Cindy suggested a name Tony said, “No.” After Tony awoke from a sleep he announced, “Samantha is her name!”)

Cindy and Tony agreed to name their baby girl Samantha Angelle.

On Sunday March 2^nd, 2008, I was privileged to Baptize baby Samantha Angelle. In my message to Tony and Cindy I said that I was convinced that she was already praying before she was born. I confessed that Samantha taught me a new depth of prayer life as I journeyed with them to this very day.

The following week we were in Pasadena for a service with our Apostle. Samantha was to be sealed and it was also a Confirmation service for a group of youth.

I was in the sacristy with the Apostle and other servants prior to service. At the right moment I mentioned to the Apostle that one of the babies for sealing was our miracle baby, Samantha. Upon hearing this he became silent, and I saw him wrestle with his emotions as he surly revisited the many fervent prayers we had rendered and the wonderful response from our God.

After service I rejoiced with the family for the amazing journey we had travers- ed with the blessings of God’s hand to bless and guide us through.

Samantha Angele – Miracle Baby

Carol and Baby Samantha at her Baptism

Samantha in my arms at her Baptism

Samantha’s Holy Sealing with Apostle Kolb

Fear Not, just BELIEVE!

TURNING POINTS

The experience with Samantha brought many turning points for me. I realized the great power of faith and trust in the Lord when faced with a challenge that first appears without any plausible solution. There are formidable forces afoot when souls are teamed with others who share their faith and join in fervent prayer together. There is nothing that is too difficult for God to change or move or heal. Patient waiting for God’s meticulous timing and self-introspection while going through the valleys of adversity bring potent personal growth. Faith is edified.