Preface: In 1973 I joined the Hudson Jaycees. The Jaycee Creed guided my life and the Jaycee ring symbolized two important characteristics of my life. The Jaycee Creed And The Ring My years in the Hudson Jaycees were important years of learning for me. I learned the civic and personal benefits of being in a community service organization. I learned about …
Chapter 08–And Then There Were Two More
Preface: The infinite patience of a Norwegian persists until the indecisive stubborn Dane sees it her way and the family grows. And Then There Were Two More The ‘70s were a time of change and transition for Gary and Maxine. In the early ‘70s they were living in a rented farmhouse near New Hartford, Iowa. The house was old, uninsulated, …
Chapter 09–Where Was God in August 1987?
Preface: Tragedy struck twice in August 1987. Where was God? It ain’t supposed to be like this. I’m mad at God. Recovery begins in the Book of Romans. Where Was God in August 1987? August 9,1987 was a beautiful Sunday morning. The sky was clear and the sun was bright. The temperature was comfortable and the breeze was gentle. Gary and …
Chapter 10–Maxine—The Spiritual Leader
Preface: This is the story of Maxine being the spiritual leader of the family. Maxine — The Spiritual Leader From the time I met Maxine her spirituality was evident. The winter of ’61-’62 was a tough winter. We missed many days of high school in February and March due to snow storms. Every Sunday that travel was possible, Maxine went …
Chapter 11–The Sequoia Tree and God
Preface: On the third Saturday of May 1993 I touched a sequoia tree that had been alive when Jesus walked the earth. The Holy Spirit just came over me and flow into me. The story of Jesus became alive to me. This is the story of that day. The Sequoia Tree and God I visited Sequoia National Park in California …
Chapter 12–Yosemite and the Spirit of God
Preface: A trip to Yosemite the third Sunday of May 1993 was a spiritual experience for me. I felt like I was close to God and it was the beginning of my recovery from being a workaholic. Today I can say I’m a recovering workaholic because of this day. Yosemite and the Spirit of God It was early morning on the …
Chapter 13–The Day of the Angels
Preface: I am an engineer by training and trade. In the journey of life, being a mechanical engineer has been a blessing and in some cases a curse. Eileen had gotten me to agree to the impossible. Taking two days off in a row. I like to have a reason for everything that happens. It took me years to resolve …
Chapter 14–The Appearance
Preface: My second cousin appeared to me in an orb shortly after his death. God and the Holy Spirit work in mysterious ways. This is the story of one of those mysterious ways. The Appearance Harlan was my dad’s only cousin on the Stratton side of the family. Harlan was known for being mischievous. Harlan also had a sense of …
Chapter 15–The Holy Spirit Sends E-Mail
Preface: After my daughter was killed by a drunk driver, her best friend sat down at the keyboard and the Holy Spirit made comforting words fall out of the ends of her fingers. That e-mail was a key factor in my successful grief recovery. It is also a major reason why I share my experiences via these stories. The Holy Spirit …
Chapter 16–Communicate, Appreciate, and Validate
Preface: In my younger years I depended on logic and did not pay much attention to intuition. I had one experience, related to the woman that was like a second mother to me, where I should have followed my intuition but didn’t and that one still haunts me today. After my daughter was killed by a drunk driver I began to pay …