* * ** * *

End of a Season

by Kari Stadem

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

​

-- Every autumn for 30 years, my father had been ready to get out of the cold and down to Phoenix. For many years, he and my stepmother (“Mama Dee”) left Minnesota in October and returned in May or even June if he could manage it. Mama Dee always wanted to be around here more often to watch the grandchildren in programs, games, concerts, and plays, but Dad would say, “You don't have to come, but I'm leaving for Arizona on October 15th.” The last couple of years, his health hasn’t been the greatest, so they waited until after Christmas to head down south. But as soon as the temperatures dipped below freezing, he would ask, “Why aren’t we in Arizona yet? When are we leaving?”

-- As Dad’s dementia has grown worse, we kids decided that it was too risky for them to be in Arizona, and we gave up the lease on their apartment. This fall, we’ve been wondering how the transition would go. Yesterday, my parents were over for weekly supper with the family, and Mama Dee told me that the other day, Dad looked out the window and said, “What a beautiful snowfall.” She couldn't believe it. He hasn't mentioned the word Arizona once, despite the cold and the snow. Either he doesn’t remember Arizona, or he has reconciled himself to staying in Minnesota.

--It reminded me of a story my mom told about when I was 18 and headed off to college. Our family performed musical programs at churches throughout Minnesota, averaging more than 25 programs per year for at least 8 years. My parents decided they couldn't continue without me (our family of five needed every member to contribute). They would feel bad saying no to all the requests that would pour in. However, after they made the decision, my mom only had to turn down two requests. There was no Facebook, social media, or websites to announce their decision. We sang at churches from all different denominations, so it wasn't necessarily word of mouth. God confirmed to my parents that they were right — our family singing season was over.

--

Regarding my dad, God confirmed to Mama Dee and his children that the right decision had been made. The Arizona season is over, and my dad is accepting it contentedly.

Thank you, Lord, for the seasons of our lives and for the way they can end peacefully.

Help us to enjoy each season and to embrace its endings with joy and contentment. Amen.

​

 * * * * *

Awakenings

by Myron Carlson

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt,

and serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14

 

— As I sit by the fireplace on this snowy day, after a month in Florida, I realize the blessing of living in a part of the country with distinct seasons. As I look forward to Spring awakening, I am also reminded of spiritual awakenings in my life.

— The first I can recall is when I was about four years old. During a night of special meetings, I sat between my parents on the flip-up seats that were the pews in our church. I fell asleep and as I woke up and peeked above the pews in front of me, I saw my parents and neighbors on their knees getting their relationships right with the Lord. That was a memory I won't forget!

— Jesus became alive for me at Bible camp in the summers.  The speakers impressed me with their messages. It was there that I asked Jesus into my heart when I was in junior high.

— As a freshman at South Dakota State, I reached a spiritual crossroads. At various times, my roommate wanted me to go drinking with him. Desiring to be a gregarious person, I badly wanted to join the guys. However, I recognized the seriousness of that decision and felt that if I went with them, it would be a gateway to drinking more. My conscience would not let me go – and I needed to study. But if I stayed true to the awakenings of my past and stayed home from drinking parties, what would I do with my nights?

— While my roommate was gone, I found I had time to explore the Bible. I started by reading the Gospel of John. As I acted in faith on what the Lord showed me in His Word, I felt Him working in my heart and confirming the truths I had learned. I discovered that God is who He says He is! He blessed me throughout the rest of my college years with a church to call home, a student-led Bible study group, and many Christian friends who helped me grow.  

— I didn’t need drinking parties after all.

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness in awakening us to Your presence. Help us to commit ourselves fully to You and trust You more every day. Amen.

​

​

​

* * * * *

How God Brought Me to FCC

by Laura Hendrickson

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.

You are serving the Lord Christ.” — Colossians 3:23-24​

-- When my parents divorced, the court awarded custody of my two brothers to our father and our grandparents. The five girls (of which I was the youngest) were placed in foster care. One sister stayed with our mother, and one was in a juvenile detention center. One of my sisters was placed in a nearby town with a psychiatrist and his family; another ended up on a chicken farm near me, and I drew the dairy farm card, and eventually I moved to a hog farm.

-- On the farm, there were always chores and jobs to do: One of my first jobs was walking down the stanchion line and dumping feed in front of each cow when they came into the milking parlor to be milked. It was amazing to me how each cow knew which stanchion they needed to be in and in what order they were milked. A cow not taking her turn could cause an uproar throughout the herd, and I was terrified of these huge animals. I took to naming them all as it made them less scary for me! The dozens of cats and kittens would sit nearby at milking time, waiting beside their pan for us to dump warm milk into it for their breakfast or supper. They, of course, were named as well. Then, calves needed to be fed and their pens cleaned, milk cans washed, the bulk tank scrubbed, the feed room refilled, and fresh straw bales dragged from one end of the barn to the other. The hay bales were too heavy for me to move.

--The cows were milked twice a day, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Schoolwork had to be done, as well as helping with supper preparations and washing and drying the dirty dishes. When school was done for the summer, gardening, mowing, baling hay, and canning replaced schoolwork.

-- When I was 11, I heard of a wonderful opportunity. A nearby farmer was looking for kids to “walk beans.” The best part was that I could do this after milking was done. The bonus? We were actually paid. . . Cold! Hard! Cash! I begin dreaming of the wardrobe I could buy to go back to school in, come Fall! The excitement was enormous — how much would I save up making 50 cents per hour? At the end of bean walking that summer, with Fall looming near, I was told to hand over my earnings, as I needed to start paying for my “keep.” To add to the misery, the first day of school,our teacher asked us to turn in an essay entitled “What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up!” I simply wrote NOT A BEAN WALKER! I walked beans for many more years. I was thankful . . . At least I wasn’t getting pecked to death every day by chickens like my dear sister, who lived with the chicken farmers.

-- I did some talking with God that summer and asked Him to please direct me to what He wanted me to do when I grew up. God and I made a deal: If I would listen to Him and follow His urging and direction, He would bless me.

-- The summer after high school graduation, I broke the promise. He directed me to work at an orphanage in Haiti. "What?" I could work all summer and earn $1.25 per hour waiting tables, plus great tips. I would be way ahead financially! AND there were no cows or hogs or bean fields. I actually worked three jobs that summer instead of going to Haiti. It just didn’t make sense to me. Why would God send me to some third-world country? Surely this isn’t God I’m hearing from! The summer did not go at all as I had planned.

-- I can tell you, every time I have not listened to His voice, I was driven to my knees in repentance. I’ve learned over the years not to question why God would have me: In a tailor shop; cleaning teeth in a dental office, as a church secretary; as a CNA in a nursing home; as a marketing director at a credit union; at a Hospital ER admission desk; at a chiropractic office; spending 7 summers of my life in Ukraine; in a care center's activities department; in a mailing department; at a newspaper; framing in an art gallery; traveling for a book distributor all over the USA.

--So, the essay assigned to me today by Kari Stadem was an easy one to write: “How God Brought Me to FCC.” I was relaxing at home 9 years ago, enjoying my free time, and pondering if I should make retirement a permanent step in my life. I flipped open my phone to Facebook to catch up with some family members. Instead, a job description notice popped up for First Covenant Church. The voice I heard was distinct, and I think I heard laughter. Ready. Set . Go!

 

“Thank you for a life filled with blessings, Lord. Thank you for the lessons all along the way. Thank you for your never-ending care and faithfulness.

Thank you for the wonderful family of bosses, co-workers, colleagues, and friends who journey with us in this life.

 Thank you for wages (over $1.25), cows, hogs, and even bean walking." – Amen

 

 

* * * * *

How God Brought Me to FCC

by Rocky Hovda

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28



-- I spent the mid ‘90s through 2006 working as a youth pastor at Community Covenant Church in Upsala, Minnesota. It was a great place to grow and learn. It was just a few miles from Camp Lebanon — the church camp I attended while growing up. I worked summers at the camp.

-- During this time, I coached volleyball, drove the bus for volleyball games, and other school events. I substitute taught on a regular basis. In my last few years in Upsala, I was subbing full-time with special education students, on top of everything else.

-- All of this ministry (though meaningful) took a toll on me. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and times where I felt great distance from God — as a pastor! I was regularly reminded by others that God was there. To this day, I find strength and comfort from Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who are weary and weighed down, and you will find rest for your tired souls." God was there, telling me to stop trying to do things on my own, to stop trying to take the weight of the world on my own shoulders. I needed Matthew 11:30 as well: “...my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give is light."

-- As I left the Upsala area, I felt very empty, and I heard God telling me something I didn't want to hear. “Rocky, you need to rest.”

-- I moved into my parents’ basement and worked full-time at Target. I loved it! My favorite seasons were Black Friday and Christmas! I was able to do some ministry with the church I attended in high school, working with a group of inner-city teens.

-- I waited. I rested. I prayed. And I waited some more.

-- One morning after a year and a half, I woke up very excited! I heard the words: “It's time!” I knew it was God! I knew it was time! And boy, was I ready! I ran upstairs with a spring in my step and looked at my mom, and she asked, “Is it time?” I replied, “Yes! It's time!”

-- First Covenant Church in Willmar was one of the first listings I saw. Their longtime youth pastor was heading back to school, and they were seeking. When I reached out, a good chunk of the search committee was in Ecuador on a mission trip, but as soon as they returned, I was interviewed - and hired soon after.

-- What a journey, and what a placement it was. Two of my former students from Upsala were attending Ridgewater College, and I knew some students already through my connections at Lake Beauty! I knew I was called to First Covenant.

-- I have had an amazing journey so far, and I love where God has me right now: Nurturing and developing young minds in Willmar, and more! God has me here for a reason, and a great weight was lifted from my shoulders on the day I realized that when I walk side by side with Jesus, sharing the yoke with Him, the journey of life is way less stressful. The worries, struggles, and anxieties are still there, but believing in an understanding and faithful God allows me to give my troubles to Him and enjoy the rewards of ministry.

-- Here’s to many more years of serving!

Thank You, heavenly Father, for the rest You give. Thank You that You do not intend us

to carry burdens that are too heavy for us to bear. Help us entrust our cares to You. Amen.

​​

* * * * *

How God Brought Me to FCC

by Chris Pappenfus

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do." -- Ephesians 2:10

​

— In the last year or so of my ministry at Crossview Covenant in Mankato, I started to feel that youth ministry was changing. I had been the “Next Gen Pastor,” working with a wonderful group of staff members. When the church built a new facility and their numbers didn’t increase as expected, the budget became too tight for a person in middle management, and I was let go from my position.

— This was very hard for Allison and for me. I not only lost my job, but we lost our worshiping community and had to leave town, because there was no other Covenant church in Mankato. The congregation gave us a good severance package and expressed their love and appreciation for us, but what would we do now? Where would we go?

-- Unbeknownst to us, a challenging situation had been unfolding at First Covenant Church in Omaha, Nebraska. A difficult staffing decision led to most of the staff resigning and almost half of the congregation leaving the church. Normally, when a senior pastor leaves a church, an interim senior pastor comes in for a year or two, depending on the circumstances, and the rest of the staff stays on. But in this case, the church needed a whole interim team, which is very rare. Rev. Brad Bergfalk was asked to be the interim senior pastor, and he contacted me through the denomination. Brad and I had known each other back in New Hampshire, where we were both nurtured by Bethany Covenant Church.

— Allison and I weren’t at all sure that we wanted to move our family that far, and to a congregation that was in trouble. But the more we looked at it, the more we prayed (and as we went through the discernment process), the more we saw that this was God's plan for us. I could come alongside a bunch of wounded kids and families and be a safe person for them to talk to, knowing I wouldn’t be there forever. I learned, in a conscious way, that my ministry wasn’t about me in any way. I was there to connect them with the Lord.

-- That congregation, by the way, did very hard work to heal. They dug up all the skeletons, opened all the closets, and let the truth be known and the Truth, Jesus Christ, be shown. They even told our interim team, “We’re calling you for two years, and we’re going to pay you for two years even if we don’t like you after three months. We have to do this work. And whatever the Holy Spirit tells you to say to us, you need to say it.” As it turned out, our entire interim team was broken as well. We'd either been let go or we’d faced false accusations that ruined the ministry. The congregation’s humility and its resolve were inspirational for me. The team healed, as did the church. I was supposed to be there for two years, but they extended my call to three years so I could work with the new senior pastor and ease the transition. 

— Another result of the ministry in Omaha was that I came to discern that it was time to be open to serve in a lead or a senior pastor capacity. I knew I wanted to be back in our Northwest Conference, partly because it was closer to my side of the family, but mostly because it is a very strong conference with great churches and enough resources to support them. I had lamented to the superintendent when I was let go in Mankato, and he had gently warned me that if I wanted to come back to the Northwest Conference, I needed to leave Mankato the right way. Apparently, I did, because when I asked, he sent me a list of 4 churches looking for a new lead pastor. First Covenant Willmar seemed to be the congregation the Lord had been preparing us for. And the congregation was willing to take a chance on me, who had never been a senior pastor before. That’s not a small thing.

— As I look forward to my tenth year here at FCC, I’m grateful that the Lord prepared me for the good works He had for me, that He called me here, and that He continues to equip all of us to follow Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good works. You prepare for us to do. Help us to do them with all our might. Amen.

​​

​

* * * * *

How God Brought Me to FCC

by Stephanie Carlson

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace...1 Peter 4:10 

 

-- God’s faithfulness in my life is something I can trace through both unexpected turns and deeply personal moments. Before FCC, I worked at a Level 4 education learning center for children with severe behavior needs. When I found out I was pregnant with twins, finding daycare for two infants proved impossible, and I wasn’t able to return to that role full-time. During that season, my husband Andrew and I were searching for a church home for our growing family. I grew up Catholic, and faith had always been a part of my foundation, but we were stepping into something new. 

-- During our time of searching, a friend and her mom, longtime members of FCC, encouraged us to visit in hopes I would sing in the choir. Andrew’s upbringing in the Covenant also made FCC feel familiar, like a place we could step into and explore together. The church welcomed us warmly. I quickly found my place in the choir and eventually joined the worship team. Although my voice was a bit rusty—aside from the occasional karaoke or car singing, I hadn't used it for a while—it felt natural, like riding a bike. God gently brought me back to a gift He had placed in me long ago. 

-- But the shift in my journey didn’t come from simply attending. It came when opportunity met surrender. While attending a membership class, I made a lighthearted comment, knowing the staff was searching for an office manager: “If you let me bring my two six-month-olds, I’ll do it!” I was joking; I had no administrative experience and no childcare plan. But the following week, Pastor Steve Eng asked me how serious I had been. On a scale of one to ten, I was at a zero—but God had other plans! 

-- I began to consider what could be possible. Maybe I could work just a couple days a week. Maybe I could learn. Maybe getting out of the house would be good. When I shared the idea with my mom, she was willing to help care for the girls, and my mother-in-law could also step in once a week. God was already making a way before I fully understood what He was doing. 

-- Over time, He continued to stretch and grow me, developing both my skills and my heart, eventually leading me into my current role as Children and Family Ministry Director. Through it all, I’ve seen how God uses people to speak life into us, to call out gifts we may not see, or even believe we have, and He uses our “yes,” even when it feels small or uncertain, to do it. 

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You give us, and for the great plan You have for us to share those gifts,

and the way You lead us through other people. Help us to be good stewards. Amen. 

​

* * * * *

How God Brought Me to FCC

by Stephanie Tollefsrud

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,

obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. -- Hebrews 11:8

 

— When my husband Lee’s brother Aaron died from Multiple Myeloma cancer a couple of years ago, it made our whole family step back and assess our priorities and how to trust God for the future. My son Kody transferred from Community Christian School in Willmar to Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg High School so he could participate in FFA and the Ag program and help fill the gaps left by Aaron’s passing in our farming operation.

—I knew in this season of change, I needed to be more present and supportive as a wife and a mom, and so by faith, I resigned my teaching position at CCS and asked the Lord to place me where I most needed to be. As Lee and I prayed about the future and family, the farm and finances, an ad in the Benson Peach for a job at First American State Agency caught our attention. As I drove to the interview to be the customer service receptionist (or as the ad stated, “a friendly face to greet clients, answer phones and field emails”) I second-guessed my choice of the animal print dress I was wearing – too wild and crazy? Nope, my wild and crazy God had Lori T, my new boss, wear a perfectly matching blouse that day. Not only that, but she grew up next door to Lee’s Grandma Josie. Oh, the stories we shared - we were quite the team!

—A few months into my new job, I began having doubts about learning all the insurance verbiage and transitioning from a CSR to a licensed insurance producer. After many hours of online training and studying, I was approved to register for the state exam. Unfortunately, prior to the exam, I was admitted to Rice Hospital with extreme abdominal pain and ended up having emergency gall bladder surgery. But fortunately, with a doctor’s note, I was able to reschedule the exam two weeks later. When I took the exam, I felt confident, but I did not pass on my first attempt. It took another month before I passed the exam and earned my property and casualty insurance certification.

—In the meantime, a dear friend and member of FCC reached out to me on September 23, telling me of this worship and outreach position. I felt a stirring in my heart – insurance is good work, but leading others in worshipping the God who gave us Jesus as a means of assuring our salvation is my heart’s delight. I prayed for discernment for me, for the FCC congregation, and for Salem Covenant, where I had been a member for 20+ years. Through the months-long process of interviewing and auditioning, I received affirmation of my qualifications and fit from the Vanderbloemen Staffing Agency and from so many people who had been “in the know” of my application. It was clear, FCC was where I was to go. And so here I am, grateful God led me here.

​

Thank You, Lord, for Your wisdom, leading, and guidance. Help us to follow You wherever You lead, and to serve You all of our days. Amen.

​

 

* * * * *​

All Things Work for Good

by Marilyn Hanson

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28

-- “I’m pregnant? I don’t want to be pregnant!” As I stared at the doctor, my thoughts ran to all the reasons this was not a good idea. We already had three children; I was 38 years old; we didn’t want to do diapers, cribs, and not getting any sleep.

-- Unfortunately, it was too late to do anything about it. I was pregnant. Twelve years after our third child was born, our youngest child, Alyssa, came into the world at the Willmar hospital. We brought her home. The other kids were excited (though a little embarrassed), and they loved their little sister. Of course, we did too, and we raised her to love the Lord and be a good citizen just like the rest of our kids. Having a little one around kept any selfishness at bay; I had too much to do to worry about my own agenda.

.-- When Alyssa was in fourth grade, my husband George was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. All the other children were grown and gone. Alyssa walked with us through the entire ordeal: treatments, making our house accessible, and dealing with more and more limitations. After George died, she helped me navigate life as a widow. She understands me as no one else does. She even named one of her children Carson George.

-- I can never be grateful enough that the Lord gave Alyssa to us, especially since I didn’t think I wanted her at first. I saw how He uses all things for good to those who are called according to His purpose.

Thank You, Lord, for showing me the good You brought out of my difficult situation.Help us all to trust You when we cannot see. -- Amen.

​

​

* * * * *

Test Me in This

by Alan Arends

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “

and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.  — Malachi 3:10

 

— From a young age, I learned from my parents the importance of giving to the church. A portion of the meager amount I earned doing chores around the house was put in the offering plate on Sunday. As I grew older, I continued this practice by setting aside a percentage of each paycheck.

— Marriage and children required me to become more financially savvy. I studied personal finance online, and God used this to convict Robin and me. The IRS calculates our tax rate based on gross income, not the take-home pay we’d based our giving on. We felt we’d been prioritizing government payments over voluntary donations to the Lord. Our priorities were not aligned properly and needed to change. From then on, we calculated our giving percentage from our gross pay.

-- Years later, I became aware of a special type of charitable account called a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). A DAF is like a combination of a mutual fund (the money is invested in the stock market) and a bank account for charitable contributions, and there’s a way to manage it that saves us a fair amount in taxes.* We established a DAF in 2018 and have been funneling donations to First Covenant Church through our DAF since then.

-- We didn’t deposit any new funds into our DAF in 2025. Typically, we fund the DAF every other year for income tax purposes. Each month of 2025, FCC received a check from our DAF. By the end of December, because of the growth in the stock market, our DAF was worth more than it was at the beginning of January. In 2025, God grew our giving faster than we could spend it! Tithing is the only aspect of life where God explicitly tells us to test (or prove) him. God demonstrated his faithfulness exactly as he said he would. There is not enough room to store His blessings.

Thank You, Creator and Owner of all, for giving us all that we need and more so that we can

bless others. Help us continue to trust You by giving of our time, talents, and treasure. -- Amen.

 

*If you want to know more about how a DAF works, please reach out. I’d be happy to explain it to you.!

​

​

* * * * *

God Saved My Life

by Logan Bass

. . . if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. -- 2 Timothy 2:13

 

— When I was 9 or 10 years old, I was introduced to pornography by my friend’s brother. I got hooked. On my tablet, I visited the pornography sites almost daily and sometimes several times a day. That led to a lot of shame, anxiety, and retreating into myself. I became afraid of crowds, public speaking, and interacting with others, except when I was playing baseball. Even in school, I would replay the images I had seen. My depression deepened, and that led to poor results at school, at home, and trouble with my parents. At one point, I remember thinking, “What would happen if I just disappeared?”

— I could fake emotions. I had a certain amount of pride in my ability to pretend to be happy, faking smiles, and seeming like I had it all together. It fed my ego. Then, when I was 18, my good friend committed suicide. I cried openly and honestly. It was one of the first times I had ever shown genuine emotions. I had not even been able to cry at my grandparents’ funerals. But my struggles continued.

— On May 9th last year, I had one of my worst episodes. ”What if I wasn’t here?” I imagined. Before I went to find a knife, I got on my knees. I said, “Lord, I can’t go on like this, I need Your help. Speak to me. I’ve been gone for a while. Help me stop this.” It had been two years since I’d prayed.

— I heard a voice in my head, but it was as though it was in my ears, and I knew it was from God. “Hey, don’t do that. Get up and read your Bible.”

— The next morning, I looked for my Bibles and couldn’t find any of them, so I went to Walmart, and bought one. I came back and started reading. That led me to see God in everything I do, every place I go, and especially at work recently. At FedEx, a 120-lb. trailer door fell directly on my head, and I didn’t get hurt! Normally, my reaction would be to cuss and holler. Instead, I looked up, thanked God for keeping me safe, and mocked Satan, saying, “OK, you tried.”

— God has also led me into a fellowship group through First Covenant with others my age. We read the Bible, laugh, tell stories, play cribbage or pool, and pray together. We’re great encouragement to each other. I praise God for saving my life and for giving my life meaning and purpose through His Word and His people.

Thank You, God, for never giving up on us. Help us hear Your voice and walk with You. -- Amen.

 

* * * * *

  God Wrote This Lesson Plan

by Stephanie Carlson

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave  you nor forsake you.Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

 

— I went to school to be a teacher. I didn’t have friends who were homeschooling. I was still working and couldn’t imagine how I was going to be both present at home and working at the same time. I had enjoyed my own public school experience, and I had no real reason to believe my children’s experience would be any different, except God told me to homeschool!

-- In the summer of 2019, homeschooling wasn’t as common as it is now. I was faced with a decision that felt both risky and overwhelming: pull our girls out of daycare, step down from part of my job, and step into a world I didn’t feel prepared for. Everything in me wanted to make the decision based only on what I could see: our finances, my energy, my fear, my inability, my lack of community.

— When I focused only on what I could see, homeschooling felt impossible. But when I chose faith over fear, looking at what God was placing in front of us, it was easier to trust. With Andrew’s support, I began to believe that if He was calling us into this, it would be for His glory and for our family’s good.

— Looking back now, I can see how clearly the Lord went before us. He called us into homeschooling before our nation was ever forced into “school at home.” What we chose was intentional and thoughtful — not crisis. When the COVID pandemic came in 2020, we weren’t scrambling to survive a temporary situation. I’d had time to research, prepare, and find resources for what He had asked us to do. While many families were suddenly trying to manage something they never wanted or planned for, I found myself able to offer encouragement and practical support to friends and family who were overwhelmed and scared.

— And something else was happening in me, too. As I researched homeschooling, the Lord was building a conviction in my heart: parents are meant to be the primary faith influencers in their children’s lives. That conviction began to shape not just our family, but the ministry I had been entrusted with. God gave me tools, vision, and language that I now use to support, equip, and encourage the parents and families I serve. What felt like a simple obedience step for our family became preparation for a much bigger calling.

Even now, I have to remind myself why we’re doing this. I still have to come back to what the Lord has called us into. Walking by faith, and not by sight, takes perseverance. But this I know for sure: God was faithful. He went before us. He is with us. He provided what we needed before we even knew we would need it. And I’m so grateful for His provision.

 

Thank You, Lord, for Your loving provision and for calling us into deeper opportunities to know

You and make You known. May our homes and our learning always bring You glory! Amen.

​

​

* * * * *

Progress, not Perfection

by Carolie Carlson

"I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. -- Philippians 1:6

 

--I was part of a study of the book “STEPS” with First Covenant last Fall. Between a seemingly short attention span and eyes that don’t work as well, doing the study took significant focus to finish. However, what a worthwhile study it turned out to be for me! The Holy Spirit is drawing me closer to God than ever before.

--The greatest takeaway for me is that God knows I will never reach perfection here on earth. His call to me is to make PROGRESS in loving attentiveness toward Him and toward others.

-- I’ve received a visualization that I review each morning. With the help of the Lord’s angels, I climb golden steps with diamond-studded railings, mount his gorgeous white horse behind him, and hug him tightly as he leads me through the day. This helps me be attentive to the Lord throughout my day. Also, God often brings a song to my mind as I awaken. The other day, the secular song “You’re Just Too Good to Be True” came – what a sense of humor the Almighty has! I’ve sung this song to Myron throughout our 57 years together. Now it’s taken on a new dimension as I sing it to the One who is my Greatest Love.

"You’re just too good to be true, Can’t take my eyes off of You,

You’ld be like heaven to touch I want to hold you so much . . . "

-- How I actually get up on the horse is through reading from the Bible and praying. In recent years, I’ve been a rebellious child in this matter. I thought I knew it all. And I didn’t want to become even more prideful by having a perfect record of daily devotions. The STEPS study helped me realize that I am powerless without Jesus, and I have to get up on that horse!

-- Then, as far as attentiveness toward others, I love how God is bringing opportunities to connect better with my husband, family, friends, and whoever else He brings onto the trail as I ride his horse with him.

I praise God for helping me understand I don’t need to be overwhelmed, depressed, and discouraged by how far I am from perfection in my life with him. With his help, I can make PROGRESS. That is what He wants!

Thank You, dear Lord, for the ways You speak to us. Thank you that you don’t expect perfection, but you help us make progress. -- Amen.

​

​

* * * * *

A Summer with Ole

by Leonard Wickeraad

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:16

 

-- I used to make farrowing crates. There was a fellow in Willmar who would weld them up for me. “Mr. Smith” moved up to a little town south of Wadena, running a restaurant, but he still welded the crates for me, and I would pick them up at his place.

-- One June, right after school got out for the year, I went up to pick up some crates and went into the restaurant to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Neither of them happened to be there, but one of their many children (Ole) was. Ole was about 12- or 13-years old and we got to talking. He said, “I’m so bored. I don’t know what to do.” I knew that one of his older sisters was married and living in Willmar, so I said, “Maybe you want to come home with me and then this weekend I’ll bring you over to your sister’s house.” I thought

we could find some work for Ole to do during the week and then his sister could bring him back home when she visited her parents. He immediately ran upstairs and came back down with a paper bag and some of his clothes. He was ready to go right then.

-- To my wife’s surprise, I brought Ole home for supper. He was quiet and obedient and seemed to enjoy being with us. I gave him work to do – painting the crates, mowing, and other general jobs – and he always did them well. On Friday, I brought him over to his sister’s.

-- On Monday, he called me. “I’m still here. My sister didn’t go home this weekend.” So, I picked him up, and he continued to work with me and live with us during the week. We bought him some more clothes and generally treated him like one of the family. Even though our children were younger, he said he liked being at our place. Every weekend I’d bring him over to his sister’s, and every Monday I’d go and pick him up again. This went on all summer.

-- When the fair was approaching, I needed some more crates, so I had to go up to the Smith’s to pick them up. I told Ole, “I can bring you home now.” He didn’t protest. We packed up his stuff and drove the pickup to the restaurant. When we got there, we didn’t recognize anyone in the restaurant. I asked the waitress if she had seen the Smiths. She responded, “No, we have no idea. I wish I did know.” Mr. and Mrs. Smith had

taken off, and no one knew where they had gone. Uh-oh,” I thought, “what do we do now?” I was able to get the phone number of another married sister living in the area, called her from the restaurant, and brought Ole to her.

-- I’ve often thought back on that summer and wondered if there was some kind of abuse going on by the parents. People never talked about things like that and it never occurred to me at the time. But I’m glad Ole had a good summer with us.

 

Lord, thank You for how You use us for good in other people’s lives. -- Amen.'

​

​

* * * * *

Loving a Pet

by Greg Schlichting

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. --1 Peter 4:8

 

--In the late summer of 2020, my wife Diane and I lost Bailey. She was a twelve-year-old Lab, and such a good, friendly, and obedient dog. She developed seizures, which led to bowel and urinary issues, and we knew it was time to say goodbye. We had to put her down.

-- We’ve had about 12 dogs in the family, mostly Labs. Maybe a week or two after Bailey died, the house was lonely, and we knew that we had to get another dog. So, we started looking online. We picked out a lab puppy, and I drove down to get it, but the owner said I was too old. They didn’t say it right out, but that’s what we figured.

-- Eventually, we found a site in Fridley that had brought 30 dogs from a kill shelter in Oklahoma. They were selling them for about $700 each. We picked out two dogs to look at. One was big and beautiful, but not a Labrador Retriever. When we arrived at the Fridley shelter, there were thirty people in line to get a dog, but because we had registered in advance, we had priority.

-- Thirty of us sat on benches, and a lady brought in a female black Lab, about 4- to 5-months old but already 35 or 40 pounds. When this pup was taken off her leash, she came right over to us and jumped into my lap! I melted and looked at Diane. She shrugged as if to say, “Okay.” We knew she was our dog. She had been named Tesla, but we changed it to Tessa.

-- The shelter lady told us how to transport her, so we obediently kenneled her in the back seat of our club cab. As we drove, she was shivering like crazy, especially when we drove past trucks. We figured the ride in a truck from Oklahoma to Minnesota was quite scary for her. Pretty soon, we stopped on the side of the freeway and brought her into the front seat with us. She lay down in the blanket on Diane’s lap, and as we comforted her, she quit shivering and went right to sleep.

-- When we got her home, she started exploring each room. We expected to have to “potty” train her, but she never had a single accident. She knew she was home.

-- There were some surprises. About a week after she came home, Tessa barked for the first time. It sounded like a hound dog – more of a howl, really. We looked at each other: “What was that?” We now knew she wasn’t a full-blooded Lab. We researched, and we’re pretty sure she is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Pharaoh Hound. The Hound sound is unique. She talks to us a lot. Every day at walking time, she is right at my feet. She’ll make a low sound, and then suddenly – right on time, twice a day - a loud howl. “Let’s get going!”

-- Also, she is not that obedient. I could tell Bailey not to chase rabbits, and she would look at me and obey. Not Tessa. I can’t let her off the leash when we walk; she’s all over the place sniffing out every squirrel and rabbit. We never let any of our other dogs on the furniture. Tessa is right up there on the couch with me every day, leaning her cheek against mine when she can.

-- Her favorite show is “Lucky Dog,” a show about a guy who trains shelter dogs. Diane watches it every Saturday. Tessa jumps down off the couch and gets right up to the TV to watch those dogs. And I still can’t get her to quit jumping up on people, though she’s a lot better than at first.

-- We have been frustrated with Tessa more than all our other dogs, and of course, she can tell when she’s being a disappointment. But every day, she is a reminder of God’s loyalty and unconditional love. Regardless of how we have raised our voices at her, she curls up next to us. She always prefers cuddling with a person to being alone.

 

Thank You, Lord, for the love You give us through and for our pets.  Thank You for showing us Your character

through their loyalty and unconditional love. Help us to care for them the way You care for us. -- Amen.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​