Journal of Joy ~ La Grande, Oregon ~ June 6-9, 2002
Family Flag Workshop
06.06.2002, Thursday ~ The drive through the Columbia River Gorge, the dividing line between Oregon and Washington, is one of the most extravagant demonstrations of the majesty and power of our Creator, the LORD God Almighty. The mighty Multnomah Falls, Crown Point shimmering in the sun, the majestic Columbia River, Rooster Rock, Shepherd’s Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, The Dalles Dam and Eagle Creek are just a few of the breathtaking experiences along the river. Upon passing through The Dalles, all 19 gates of the dam across the Columbia River were wide open with powerful water rushing through the narrow cement openings. Often this scenic drive includes caravans of military vehicles in route to the U.S. Army depot outside of Umatilla, Oregon as it happened today.
Signs along the way: Swift (2x), Endeavor (2x), Thunderbird (2x), Crete, Medallion, and Apex.
I truly believe the LORD God will speak to us anyway we will listen. HE loves to have fellowship with us. Words are one way HE speaks and HIS Creation is another. God knows all the languages of earth: nature, music, mathematics, mammals and birds not to mention thousands of human languages and dialects.
Arriving safely is always a comfort to my soul, as is being affectionately welcomed in the place where I am sent. It is that way in La Grande, Oregon, as Phil and Lynda have welcomed me into their community, ministry, home, family and their hearts.
06.07.2002, Friday ~ This day was designated to spend with Phil and Lynda, HGRM Advisors and to prepare for the Workshop. In the spring of 2000, someone gave Lynda a copy of my first booklet, Have Glory Ring will Travel! at a women’s gathering in Idaho. She then contacted me about ministering at Life Exchange Ministries in La Grande, Oregon. This Family Flag Workshop was the third time I ministered here, with Beginning and Advanced Workshops in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Phil and Lynda are graced with the wisdom and counsel of the LORD and their friendship has blessed me deeply. All Glory to Yeshua!
06.08.2002, Saturday ~ In the early morning, ministering angels gently awakened me at 4:44 AM with a delightfully beautiful snow fall…a summer snowfall. What a rare and exquisite gift from heaven. One of my favorite Scriptures came to mind when I noticed the time on the clock.
“Then HE brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the house; and I looked and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD, and I fell on my face” (Ezekiel 44:4, NASB).
The whole valley was blanketed in HIS pure white holy love this early morning. Just a brief interlude of HIS glorious demonstration of Holiness! Then the warm sun came and melted the snow, so the roads were safe for travel. Only HIS love provides divine protection!
Only God could have orchestrated the first HGRM Family Flag Workshop on my 33rd high school graduation anniversary. Only HE could have planned it to be during America’s Flag Week. Only HE could have known it was Phil’s 39th high school graduation anniversary. Only HE could have known to have Linda make 33 flags for the Workshop measuring 33 inches by 39 inches. Only God! 33 is symbolic of promise. 39 is for truth! And the Holy Spirit came and released the promises of God and HIS truth. Jesus Christ is our Truth, and by HIS 39 stripes we are healed!
The heart of the Family Flag Workshop is fully expressed in this Scripture, “And HE will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers” (Malachi 4:6, NASB).
Members of seven families attended. It impacted my heart beyond words as I observed families gathered at round tables designing family worship flags to make a proclamation, a statement to set a standard in their community regarding who they are in Jesus! They purposed to work together, to cooperate with the LORD, to make a difference for Jesus, and express their love for each other and HIM! I was completely undone. A portion of the morning’s teaching included highlighting this Scripture:
“And most of the multitude spread their garments in the road and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. And the multitude going before HIM, and those followed after were crying out, saying, ‘“Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD, Hosanna in the Highest!’ And when HE had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred saying, “Who is this?” And the multitudes were saying, ‘“This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee”’ (Matthew 21:8-11, NASB).
There were at least three groups of people in the crowds: 1) the religious leaders 2) the nonbelievers 3) those worshiping Yeshua!
Which group are you in? Will you wave a banner for Jesus Christ, our Messiah?
06.09.2002, Sunday ~ I left early before the sun rose to be home to participate in the morning worship service in Gresham, Oregon.
Signs along the way: Dutch Port, England, Affinity, Patriot, Family Motor Coach, Contessa, Santiam Beaver, Spokane, Union Pacific Building America and Four Winds.
With a grateful heart for the faithful HGRM Prayer Shield.