A Reset

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

I implore my Heavenly Father to hear my prayer tonight. The events of the last five months brings me to an awareness that we need a reset on many things. We need to reset the laws on caring for babies in the womb and the elderly. On universities, colleges, seminaries, churches, and pastors. On the faith of our children like the fire in their souls they had when they were eight years old in Bible School singing “Father Abraham had seven sons” at the top of their lungs. A reset on our government. A reset on our governor, senators, and legislators statewide, and nationally. A reset of truth. Prayer for the President and Vice President to have Holy Spirit encounters to receive wisdom from on high. That all darkness and evil is exposed. The light will dispel all darkness. The darkness cannot hide. Lies will be laid bare for all to see. Guide our elections with your hand Lord God, so there cannot be any fraud or corruption. The upcoming generation will be taught, believe, and live in the truth.

 

Reset the schools to teach government, honesty, and history once again. I pray the Pledge of Allegiance will be said by every school child every single school day. Return prayer to the classrooms. May the children know the truth that our country began on Christian principles. That those principles would once again prevail. I pray the teachers will do what is right and stand up to the lies of unions demanding unreasonable things. Open the eyes and ears of the youth and millennials to love our country and desire to speak the name of Jesus. That the lies of Satan will no longer spread. Give dreams and visions to the university professors to change their rhetoric. I call for a reset of the mainstream media, that they will once again bring us news without bias and lies. Break the dam of hate, jealousy, and evil. That the doctors speaking truth will be heard and spread throughout the land. Prevent the medical boards and pharmacists from harming those truth-speaking doctors. I pray against the rioters and those who fund them that they will fail. That they will run out of money and determination. May they devour one another with their hate and weapons. May hate dissolve altogether. Be with the law enforcement officers and military who so bravely serve. Bless our beautiful American flag and help us all to honor it with our songs and anthems.  May we once again wave the American flag proudly.

 

I pray that any remnants of the Coronavirus evaporate to bring a reset of our health. A reset for our economy in America. A reset to the minds and souls of many who are depressed, lonely, and broken. A reset to the sex trafficking ring. Turn them completely inside out to exposure. May the innocent souls of women and children escape, and the dark tunnels collapse on top of the evildoers and Satan worshipers. That those victims will heal in mind, body, and soul. May all skin tones look the same to us and that people would love and care for their fellow man. Reset our Constitution to stand firm. May the judges and leaders follow it and not promote their own agendas of immorality. Strike down all who want chaos or evil. Fill them with the bravery to know and follow the truth. May we know the truth and the truth will set us free. Bind the spirit of fear. Lead us into repentance individually and as a nation. Forgive us and lead us Lord Almighty. Fill us with your Holy Spirit’s fire of love and truth. God bless America!

Posted in Coronavirus, fear, God our Father, Patriotism, prayer | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

God Is With Us

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

We live in a troubled world with the Covid19 virus. On top of a pandemic, riots, social and racial unrest, violence, breakdown of the family, abortion, geronticide, fear of meeting for church services, domestic terrorism, the attempt to erase our history and values, mobs of young people trained in violence, hatred, and greed all contribute to the chaos. It’s easy to get discouraged. Every day there are news stories which come cascading out like a waterfall threatening to drown us. Things are happening so fast that yesterdays news might as well be last year’s news. The cycle is relentless with YouTube videos of news, pastors, prophets, and radio hosts. The next story might bring relief, the next story might bring truth, the next story might justify my belief, the story might ease my anxiety, the radio host might prove what I want the world to know and believe.

I’d like to scream what I believe from the mountaintops, but the mainstream media oozes out just enough fear and threat to paralyze me. I’m often silent and fearful and don’t want to rock anyone’s boat. The backlash on social media, my blog, or in person might be difficult. Those who don’t hold the same views on anything—it could be racial relations or the virus or world issues, it doesn’t matter. If you don’t agree with that narrative, you are immediately called a racist, selfish, or completely ignorant. Freedom of speech seems to be completely gone. My close writer friends and I are aware of this and discuss the need to be bold and courageous. If I go one step further outside this circle, into the greater community of Christian based writers, I am hearing things that make me sad. There seems to be a line crossed where many take a stand on issues with a pious, “this is what Jesus would do”  or “this is the more loving way,” type of attitude. Many say those who stand for traditional values are low informed, self-righteous ignorants and they are the enlightened ones.

After I complain about the lack of people to stand up for righteousness, I often crawl back into my safe place of complacency and procrastination. A voice says, don’t write. Just keep watching. Keep your mouth shut. Who’s voice do you think that is? Some family, relatives and friends do not agree with me. They have their minds set on the color or letter of their party with no intention of listening to common sense. I think most people are doing what they see as right in their own eyes, but I am utterly stumped on how many people can actually justify their positions even in their own minds. I am at a loss how even some Christians can lay the open Bible next to their positions and honestly be okay with what they are saying.

I may have lost some friends by putting these thoughts out in public but I hope and pray it makes people think about what is really going on. Do you love our country of America or not? I wish the people who don’t love our country would go start their own somewhere else instead of ruining this one. I don’t mind if the president has rough edges and a less than perfect personality. Is that really important? There’s too much at stake. He is a “King Cyrus” of our modern day and is standing up for Christians and their values. Many Christians and pastors are timid and are not lighting their torch and running with it.

What kind of country do you want your children and grandchildren to have?  Do you want them to have a free country where you work out problems and discuss issues or a country where there will be a powerful few who dictate what you can do, where you can go, what you wear, how you live, or who or how you worship. This weekend is the fourth of July. Will we be able to celebrate the freedoms we have or is this a day that is a foreshadowing of what our lives will be like?

God is the only one in this world that’s completely reliable and faithful. He will be with us through this challenging and strange period of time. Let’s bring back all those wonderful patriotic hymns and songs. Pray we won’t be intimidated by the angry mob. Who will stand arm in arm with all races and colors in solidarity for our country and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Posted in Coronavirus, God's faithfulness, God's presence, Patriotism | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Be Bold and Courageous

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

There’s something that has been percolating in my mind for weeks. After I met some friends for prayer in the park on the National Day of Prayer, I rode my bike past some tulips and a sign with a story about the Dutch immigrants who came to Holland, Michigan in 1847 with Reverend Van Raalte. I’ve seen these type of signs around the city my whole life and haven’t paid too much attention to them. My ancestors traveled from the Netherlands to escape tyranny and came to America for freedom of worship. One part of the story mentions that the believers often had hardships. I’ve heard these stories, but the word that caught my eye, was illness. Even when many of them were sick they continued to go to church and worship. America was formed on the basic morals of the Bible, so this is where they wanted to live. Our country has been sliding downward morally. We have a chance to turn the hearts of the people back to Godly morals and values. We can’t continue to hide.

 

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Today, my husband and I attended a nearby church in person for the first time in almost three months. It was one of the few that we heard of that were going to come back together inside the church building. No, it’s not about a building. It’s about gathering with fellow believers to worship God, worship and pray. There’s power in the gathering of believers. It wouldn’t matter if we met in a garage, in a park, or a warehouse. Yes, the Lord wants us go out into the world to be the Church out there, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t regularly meet together. This promotion of being “the scattered church,” is not biblical, and doesn’t show courage and boldness in meeting together in Christ. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

 
We need the congregation now more than ever. Fear has taken over most people. The first few weeks we didn’t know what we were dealing with, but we must not cower in fear anymore. Satan loves to use isolation and fear to stir up horrible results of depression, anxiety, loss of businesses and violence.

 
In the last few days, satan is working through many people to cause them to sin using violence. We must resist and not allow him to continue to use us for his pitiful intentions. He wants to kill, steal and destroy, as in John 10. We must not let the issue be skin, but the issue is sin. I’m calling it out. We need to work on racial relations but there are those who are using a tragedy for an excuse for violence and rioting. It’s not the way to solve problems and is just causing much more hurt and pain. We must turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of our individual, Church, and national sin.

 
If the spiritual forces of evil can keep us from attending church, they certainly aren’t going to encourage it later. Don’t be fooled. Stand up!! California might have lost their opportunity for now, but I believe God will overcome. In most places we received the green light from our president that church is essential and we should run to unlock the doors. Some debate whether or not they should open up, or how to do it without offending people. The first ploy of the devil, of scaring people with the virus is way past. We need to please God, not men. Being Christians our whole lives, my husband and I can slowly claw along with the Lord’s help so far. But how are those doing who are new Christians, or have mental, financial, or physical issues or don’t even know Jesus?

 
“If my people, which are called by my name, and humble themselves and pray, then He will hear from heaven, and heal our land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

 
Thank you to the leaders and pastors that are leading in peace. We must rise up in the love of God with boldness and courage. If we don’t do that now, it will be too late. There’s too much at stake and I don’t think many people take that seriously enough. Many died to defend our freedoms. Let’s not let radical unbiblical ideas take over our land.

 

Ephesians 6 calls us to fight with all the parts of the armor of the Holy Spirit. We must stand to fight these forces of evil trying to overtake us and our beloved America. I pray that this fourth of July will be a day when we can celebrate our freedoms in our United States of America to worship and speak freely.

 

Posted in Coronavirus, courage, fear, Netherlands, sickness, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

New Book Release – Available Now! Daughters of Hope: Thriving after Mother Loss

Posted on April 16, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

I recently released my new book called, “Daughters of Hope: Thriving after Mother Loss.” The book is part memoir, where I share about the passing of my mother when I was a young girl. I also interviewed twenty-seven women of various ages and walks of life, about the loss of their mothers, and wrote their touching stories.

Many women have common feelings of abandonment or isolation when they experience this loss. Each one desired to send a message of hope to a hurting world. These accounts make it clear that you miss your loved one and grieve, but in a different way. We have hope that comes from knowing Christ and His promise of eternal life.

This book offers solidarity for the hurting so they don’t have to walk this journey alone. It’s a great resource for book clubs or bereavement groups, and includes discussion questions and other valuable resources. It may assist any grieving person, not only a daughter who has lost a mother. This book points to God’s promises of comfort, peace and eternity with Him as the true source of healing and hope in facing grief.

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To order from Amazon click here 

An option available, is to have the book sent directly to a friend or family member’s address. Mother’s Day is in a few weeks, Sunday, May 10, and this book would be a thoughtful gift. I’d also appreciate an honest review on Amazon, after yours is shipped, so that it displays as a “verified purchase.” This helps make the book visible to more people.

I’m also hoping it will be available soon at Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and other local bookstores.

The book release party I had planned for next week Thursday, April 23, obviously is cancelled because of all the restrictions for COVID-19. I am considering doing an online party if there’s enough interest. Possibly a Zoom meeting, which can host many people, who can attend with video or just audio. A Facebook Live doesn’t allow for as much interaction. Another possibility is holding a book signing this summer, because many readers would like their book autographed. When the stay at home orders are lifted and life begins to return to more normal patterns, I’ll make additional plans and let you know.

Thank you! I appreciate all the encouragement and support! I hope you enjoy the book.

Posted in Book Release 2020, Daughters of Hope: Thriving after Mother Loss, Death, First published book, Grief and loss, heaven, Hope, Mom, mother loss, Mother's Day, Motherless Daughters, New Book 2020 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Think On These Things

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

How are you doing? I feel like I’ve been spinning on a child’s toy top. I’m still in a daze with the immense challenges we’ve experienced in our country in just two weeks. As all of you know, in a matter of days, our world has drastically changed. This world-wide pandemic called, COVID19, or Coronavirus, has now placed it’s ugly hands on the USA, and many other countries. To be honest, I’ve struggled at times. I’m prone to anxiety anyway and this has been a battle. One hour I’m okay, the next hour I have a hard time drawing a deep breath.

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A mere two weeks ago many thought this disease couldn’t last long or touch us in personal ways. Each day, and each hour, new developments flooded in. By the middle of last week, colleges and universities began closing, going online for the rest of the semester. Major sports organizations shut down. Thursday and Friday all Michigan school districts closed. Last weekend we were told to keep gatherings under 250, then 100, now ten people. The first confirmed case in our small city came early this week.

 
“Social distancing” is a new term to most people, as we’re told to keep six feet away from others. The governor’s order by mid-week closed all restaurants and bars in Michigan for dining in. Some fear-mongering reports are negative with the sky is falling attitude. Others are calm and reassuring, but this is uncharted territory no one has ever waded through before.

 
Health care workers are stressed to the max. Unnecessary surgeries are put on hold, pregnant ladies face difficulties for appointments and deliveries. Even spouses aren’t allowed inside with a hospital patient. It’s lonely for the critically ill or rehabilitation patients, without visitors.

 
Life is suddenly different. We’ve had privilege for a long time. Our parents were part of the Greatest Generation, who lived through the Great Depression or WWII. We certainly aren’t afflicted to the level they were. My generation had a prosperous life which made it look easy to our kids, the millennials. For many of them this could be their first real hardship.

 
This whole thing reminds me of 9-11. That was a time when the world as we knew it profoundly changed. I’m an introvert at heart, but this is way beyond. I miss my peeps and normal routines and activities, the daily markers to keep us in step. Humans need humans.

 
Every day, more things are being postponed farther into the future. When I see another “cancelled” notice in emails and on Facebook posts, my heart drops a little bit more. Even most church services are online or moving to much different formats. I see the president or the governor on TV, and think, now what? What are health experts trying now, new therapies, how many tests, how many sick, how many died, how many hospital beds, how many ventilators….. on and on and on!

 

STOP!!!!! It has to be a bad dream. Let me off this spinning top!

 
Breathe deeply.

 
Relax.

 
For some reason, God placed us all at home. He knows what’s happening because He is an omnipresent and omniscient God. He never promised us a perfect life. In fact, the Lord promised in this world we would have trouble, but He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) The fact is, we live in a sinful world which includes sickness and death.

 
This quieter time can be wasted, or used as an opportunity. If you’re prone to any kind of depression or anxiety, this is a very challenging period for us, but we can overcome with the help of the Holy Spirit. He wants us to draw near to Him.

 
Here are things I’m doing or have heard about, to combat negativity during this strange era when most of us have to sit home.

 
1. Pray, pray, PRAY—alone or with whomever you’re “quarantined” with. Pray warfare prayers, praise, supplication and listening prayers. This is a good time to get your prayer book/journal organized. Pray for doctors, nurses, health care workers, police, fire, and emergency workers. Pray warfare putting on the armor of God. Pray to Jesus for healing of our people and our bodies.

 
2. Pray for our president, vice-president, governor, medical experts, the presidential coronavirus task force team—for wisdom, discernment, and health. Put aside political opinions during this critical time.

 
3. Read the Bible. Get going on your Bible study, or begin something new online. Memorize verses and passages.

 
4. Catch up on all those books, e-books, kindle books you’ve had on your list for a long time.

 
5. Turn off your TV! I can only stand the news about one hour per day. The media creates fear, don’t buy into it. That background noise will only imbed negative thoughts. Guard your heart and mind.

 
6. Love the ones you’re with. Practice kindness, good deeds, patience.

 
7. If you’re a young mom—you don’t have to create a utopian homeschool for your kids. Relax and do what you can. Especially READ to and with them.

 
8. Classes, virtual national parks, zoos and museums online can teach you something new, or educate your children. Learn a language or a musical instrument.

 
9. Order online books and resources from your local library.

 
10. Write letters to lonely people, such as nursing home residents and send them in the mail. Facetime with parents, grandparents or elderly neighbors. If they don’t use that technology, make actual phone calls.

 
11. Texts, Facetime, Facebook live, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, photos or videos are all ways to keep in touch. We are fortunate to have so many means of communication.

 
12. Talk to your neighbors from a good distance across the yards and driveways.

 
13. You can journal, write stories, rake the yard, haul wood, ride bike, take a walk, scrapbook, clean house, cook, freeze some meals, bake, sort out closets, gather for Goodwill, play games, create a family theater production.

 
14. Find good podcasts of sermons, pastors, church services, Christian artists on You-Tube, movies and videos with positive values, praise music on your phone, radio or TV.

 
15. Use a diffuser with calming oils, take baths, do “Christian yoga” online, relaxation exercises and deep breathing techniques.

 
16. Fast and pray about this virus. I wrote a story specifically about fasting here: https://myrnafolkert.blog/?s=fast

 
17. Speak life to yourself and others. If it’s not helpful then don’t say it, text it, or send it. No one needs more negativity right now in any form.

 
I’ve had this verse on my mind this week:

 

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about these things.”

 
Reach out to others, speak honestly and don’t isolate too much. Let someone know if you are anxious or depressed. We’re in this together. The Lord will get us through because He promises He will never leave us or forsake us. Be encouraged friends!

 
Aren’t we going to have a wonderful celebration when this disease is over?

 

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Posted in anxiety, Coronavirus, fasting, fear, God's omniscience, God's presence, God's protection, Hope, prayer, Renewing of your mind, sickness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Daughters of Hope – Cover Reveal Day!

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

I’m finally able to unveil something very exciting! Some of you know I have worked on a book for the last several years. After the loss of my mother as a young girl, for many years I carried around the “call” to write about it.  It is part memoir, and contains stories I wrote based on interviews with brave women about their mother-loss stories. The book will give hope to those who go through the loss of their mothers, or the loss of any loved one. It will be a comforting and compassionate gift for Mother’s Day.

God has been faithful to help me form and finish the book. There have been many twists and turns, disappointments, joys and trials during this process. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit led me through all these to accomplish the task. His timing is perfect and now is the time for this book!

I’m thankful to my blog and devotional readers, friends, writing groups, family, prayer warriors, interviewees, mentors, and my husband Cliff, as they each cheered me on and supported me. All these people encouraged me to press on toward the goal of the upward calling of Jesus Christ.

Here’s the cover! I’m beyond excited!!

front cover

Ordering details with links, will be here on my blog, my Facebook Author Page, and on the Launch Team page. I’ll send them soon. I plan to have a party to celebrate and you’re all invited! I will let you know the date.

I’d love to hear from those who would like to be on my book launch team. You will be the first to receive and read the book. All it involves, is to read the book, promote or share on your profiles and platforms, word of mouth, getting the word out in any way, and writing a review of the book on Amazon. It would be greatly appreciated! Sign up here: Daughters of Hope: Thriving after Mother Loss, if you’re willing to help.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/286398511697173/

Many more details will be shared as we go along. All glory to God!

Posted in Book Release 2020, Cover Reveal 2020, Daughters of Hope: Thriving after Mother Loss, First published book, God's faithfulness, mother loss, Mother's Day, Motherless Daughters, Mothers and daughters, New Book 2020, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

In the Waiting Room

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Myrna Folkert

We’re all waiting. Every person hopes and prays for something. God promises us in his holy Word, that in this world we will have trouble, but he will be with us. So we wait with hands held open. Waiting for a child to turn back around. Waiting for the remission date. Waiting for our loved one to make progress and thrive.

Healing prayers are lifted up in golden bowls before the throne of God. Anointing oil seeps into the pores. Music fills our ears. The two-edged sword is held up battle ready. Tears fall in our war rooms soaking the prayer shawls and floors. Face-down like Moses was in the wilderness.

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Friends and family come to squeeze a hand, hold us in a hug, convince us to eat, pray with and over us. Days turn into weeks, turn into months, and sometimes years. We’re longing for a breakthrough. Waiting for a sign. Faith is strong, but unbelief tries to sneak in. We long for your presence Lord. Sometimes this life is so hard it makes us eager for the next life up there, with you. You parted the sea, you raised the dead, you made the deaf hear. We know you can, we pray you will move in our dark night of trial. This waiting room of life can be lonely and frightening.

We know your everlasting arms uphold, and your heavenly wings cover us. Praise you Lord, for who you are—the God of restoration, the one who brings salvation for our souls. We will boast of your wonderful works, giving you all the honor and glory.

We look up, the sun is shining through the gray clouds, offering hope to face another day. Great is your faithfulness oh Lord.

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Posted in faith, Family, Five Minute Friday with Kate Motaung, God's faithfulness, God's protection, healing, healing prayer, prayer, sickness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Light Shines in the Darkness – The Birth of Jesus – A Five Minute Friday Post

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Myrna Folkert

Light shines brightest in the dark. Last night was the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year. The stars and moon shine in the dark, but they don’t appear to shine when it’s light.

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When the baby Jesus was born, the shepherds saw a bright star. They knew something very special was happening. This new star heralded the birth of the Savior of the world. Its light was a sign of His presence. They had to look up and follow the star to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This baby was no ordinary baby, He was Emmanuel, God with us. As long as they looked up, they would find the Messiah. If they would have stayed in the fields because of their fear, they never would have found the Christ King.

In my life, when things seem dark, hard, or frustrating, that’s the time when I need to look up. The light shining in the darkness tells a story of hope. The hope of the light of the world and the bright hope of heaven. The stars and moon are always shining, it’s just that when I walk in the light of day, I cannot see them. If I go around satisfied that my life is rolling along fine, then the light of the stars will not come to my attention. I don’t see them, and don’t even try to see them. I’m content without them.

Isn’t that how it goes in life? When things are going along fine, we get the idea that we don’t need God, we’re doing just fine by ourselves. Pride and self-sufficiency set in. Imagine that the light of the stars is God’s comfort, His presence. But when the darkness surrounds us, we look up and strain to see the light. We fail to see God. In our lives, we need to look up at the light, and follow His lead. It may be dark all around us, but the star will guide us home.

I’m not a fan of the short days, the lack of sunlight, and cold of winters in Michigan. As soon as we get to the Winter Solstice, around December 21, I start talking about how the days will only get longer from here. Each day will bring a bit more light all through the winter and spring. It’s something that helps me get through the winter with a slice of optimism. May we rejoice in Jesus coming as a baby to the world at Christmastime. His coming eventually led to his life, death and resurrection to secure our salvation. He is our light and life.

Take a moment during this busy time, to sit still and ponder the light that shines bright in our hearts if we open them up to Him. Let His presence soak in.

 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

 

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

 

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. 1 Peter 1:3

Posted in Christ's birth, Christmas, Five Minute Friday with Kate Motaung, God's presence, Jesus' life, salvation | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Tribute To My Dad

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Myrna Folkert

I’ve been thinking about my dad this week, because he died just before Thanksgiving, seventeen years ago. My old-fashioned Dutch dad was a stoic, hard-working farmer. I can’t remember my dad ever telling me in words that he loved me. Neither was hugging done in my family in those days. He had signature sayings like, “Life is for the living,” “If you don’t work you don’t eat,” “All I want is cooperation!” The Webster’s dictionary defines the word stoic as, “a person who can endure hardship or pain without showing emotion or complaining” The word fits him perfectly.

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My dad could often be a stubborn man. It was his way or the highway. He demanded that we work on the farm, and you never skipped church unless you were in the hospital. But I respect the qualities which made him so much more.

 

Love was shown in many ways other than words. One of the earliest remembrances I have of my dad, was of him pushing me in the swing. The tree which held the swing was on his way from the house to the barn. No matter how busy he was—if I was sitting in the swing it happened the same way. I just had to look at him. Being the youngest of six, and a girl too. . .  when he walked my way he took the time to give me a few pushes. I giggled and said, “Push me higher!” and he did.

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The tree which had the swing

A very early memory. . .  when I was about four years old, I played with a neighbor boy, whose family rented a house from my dad. Ricky told me it would be fun to knock out the windows of a chicken coop as he handed me his extra stick. It seemed dangerous but exciting to hear the crash of dozens of square panes exploding on the concrete. Soon, the deed was told, as everything was in that country neighborhood. I stood in the back porch of our old farmhouse with my head down as my dad told me not to play with that boy again. I don’t remember my punishment, but I certainly obeyed him.

 

When riding with a girlfriend in high school, we got in a bad car accident. A farm implement scraped the entire side of the car, cutting out all the windows on my side, leaving most of us completely covered in fine shards of glass. My dad arrived at the hospital before we did. His presence spoke loudly.

 

My teenage girlfriends and I just had to go to the Easter Sunrise service way out in Bentheim, after a huge ice storm. Instead of allowing any of us to drive, my dad drove us on the thick ice at six o’clock in the morning. On the way up the hill in front of Randy Klingenberg’s family farm, the wheels just spun. He instructed us all to push the car, even in our new Easter dresses, nylons and heels. We had a lesson in determination.

 

When I was a young driver, backing out of the parking spot at home, I drove over one of my beloved farm cats. I ran inside crying to my dad. He calmly told me he would bury the cat. When he thought I wasn’t looking. . . he put the cat in an old feed sack and brought it way out in the field, making sure to bury it beyond where I ever walked so I wouldn’t see the spot.

 

I never had an official curfew time in high school, but one time I was extremely late as I tip-toed past his bedroom door. As I crossed that irritating creak in the floor that could not be avoided to get to my bedroom, my dad simply said, “it’s awfully late.” I always tried to get home earlier after that.

 

One of the few times I saw him show emotion was when my sister Audrey died at age eighteen. At one point during that first awful day, he took off in his old jalopy pickup that we called the “Sanford and Sons” truck. Gravel flew as he sped out the driveway and down the road. No one ever knew where he went to grieve the sudden unexplained loss of one of his daughters. It scared me. I never saw him drive fast or behave in that way. When we gathered in the living room a few weeks later, he announced what would be written on her gravestone. “In youth and love she sweetly rests.” Dad said so, and that was it.

 

In college, I dated a guy who I thought I could change and then we’d have a dreamy life together. One time, while I was home doing laundry on the weekend, dad came in and sat in the kitchen near me. He nonchalantly said that the boy was not a good influence on me and was a little “different.” I knew everything at that age, but thank the Lord my dad made me consider the cost.

 

Certain sayings of my dad are forever family keepsakes. Like, “Ya got that too yet then!” “If there’s food ya eat it, and if there’s not food ya don’t complain either!” My sisters and I still jokingly repeat them.

 

When I began dating my husband, he greatly approved of him, saying he was a reliable, hard worker. Dad sure was a good judge of character. When he stuck out his elbow to walk me down the aisle, it wasn’t a “tearful give away my daughter time.” He said something like, “OK, is this how I do it? Let’s go.” So funny, I loved him for that.

Myrna and Dad at wedding

Myrna with her dad

 

Grandpa K. always loved to sit and hold my babies. He didn’t talk to them but just wanted to hold them. Later he took my boys to the John Deere Days, or had them up on the roof shingling with him, so proud of those two little blondie-boys. I’m glad he lived long enough that they know who their grandpa was.

 

It was “my” Saturday to have dad, after his stroke. He was sitting in his wheelchair near me while I was doing my household chores. We began discussing my younger years. Usually, his speech was hard to understand, but he told me plainly, “Yes, those years weren’t good were they? I’m sorry they were tough on you,” with moisture clouding his view. On rare occasions, I could perceive what was behind those olive-colored eyes.

 

The last five years of his life were very difficult for him but I never heard any complaints. My dad lived a full life, traveled all over the nation by car, tirelessly worked on the farm, and loved to mix with people every chance he had. Abilities like driving, walking, dressing, bathing, and finally talking, faded. His dignity was stripped away from him in painful shreds.

 

Many years back, when my husband and I built our house in the country, my dad and stepmother gave us money to buy a special tree. We chose a Red Bud and it grew in tandem with my boys, for fifteen years. Every Spring we enjoyed bright purple buds right outside our living room window. First, the boys played under it with the dog, then mowed the lawn around it, and later it was the background for their prom pictures.

 

 

My dad had a series of strokes over a five-year period and went on to his reward in heaven when our boys were ten and thirteen years old. The Red Bud tree was a symbol of him, so it bothered me that we couldn’t take it along with us when we moved into town. One Spring day, my dear husband drove in with a Red Bud tree to plant in our new yard. As it changes through the seasons, it reminds me of my dad. It’s outside the living room window behind my mom’s piano.

Piano

The new Red Bud tree outside the window

 

Do you have a story about your dad or a special male mentor in your life? I’d like to hear about it.

Posted in Dad, Death, Family, Farming, Father loss, Grief and loss | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Listen: A Five Minute Friday post

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Myrna Folkert

Old Testament verses can be an encouragement from God, in our lives today. I like the well-known Jeremiah verse about the fact that he knows our life and plans. It’s a popular one to write on graduation cards or gifts for friends facing uncertain times. If you read farther along, the passage continues with a wonderful set of encouraging verses.

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Jerimiah 29:11-14
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD and will bring you back from captivity.”

When I am going through a difficult time, or see a friend struggling, these promises provide peace and hope.

These verses portray a picture of how much the LORD loves us, listens and answers our prayers. If we are feeling stressed out, tired, or sad, we can call out to our God and He’s there listening. If you are heartbroken, frustrated or lonely, seek Him. He promised to listen and guide us through the trials of life.

Posted in Five Minute Friday with Kate Motaung, God's faithfulness, God's Love | Tagged , , | 6 Comments