40th Birthday for Norwegian Royalty

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess both turn 40 this year. The Postal service celebrates this anniversary with four different stamps. More information can be found on the website.

Click here for more info about Norwegian Royalty

Happy Syttende Mai!

Happy National Day to Norway!

Gratulere til hele Norge!

I Miss These People, Places & Things

I'm back home in Utah after spending seven weeks in Norway. The mountains are green and beautiful here and I have enjoyed spending time with Spencer and Chaddy BUT I really, really miss these people, places and things......

Megs, Shya and Hunter @ YWAM San Diego/Baja, Mexico

Elin @ Del Coronado Beach, Coronado, California

Ann Elisabeth & Ivar from Kristiansand, Norway

Astrid & Helga from Bryne, Norway

The Lighthouse on Flekkerøya, Norway

Syttende Mai - Norway's National Day on Flekkerøya, Norway

Knekkebrød, the best thing ever!

Alt for Norge!

Jenta mi

This is my granddaughter Shya and I think she is glorious. She is in Mexico with her mom and brother participating with the All Nations, All Generations DTS. This is her new 'pet' - - a cricket. You can see from her shining eyes that she is very proud of him. Shya has the kind of heart that is quick to love and see beauty in all things, even the smallest creatures. She chimed up a wee while ago that she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her mom asked what that might be and Shya answered, "A worship leader!" 

There is a 24/7 prayer and worship room on the base that connects with IHOP in Kansas City. Shya asks her mom to take her there all the time and I think that's remarkable for a five year old. During her first visit to the prayer room, her mom looked up to discover that Shya had the microphone and was singing, "Jesus loves us and He knows just what we need." I think this is remarkable AND glorious!

Shya comes from a line of  Norwegian women who were intercessors and worshipers. Her great-great-grandmother was from Austad, Norway and she was a lover of Jesus, an intercessor, pastor and teacher. Her great-gramdmother is a praying woman who stands for Jesus no matter the pressures around her. She also has a worshiping, praying mother who has a heart for the nations and the oppressed. She is the fifth generation of worshipers and I am so proud and blessed to see the Light of Jesus shining in her eyes. 

Today, I am overflowing with thankfulness for a patient and loving Father who has freed us from a legacy of sin because of the blood of His Son and who has made a way for Shya to stand firm in an inheritance that is unshakable. Run with all your heart, Shya, after the purposes of God! May you love Him more and more each day and discover the truth that He is a treasure more valuable than anything you will ever know in this life-time!

Jeg elsker deg, jenta mi

Interesting 'Tings' About Norway

Anyone who knows me well recognizes that Norway and I are having a most wonderful love affair. Every now and again, however, I catch a glimpse of some things that make me smile so I have compiled a list of Norway's peccadilloes for you to enjoy. American friends, have fun but be gracious. Norwegian friends, please cover your ears and close your eyes for a wee moment. I'll be back to my exuberant, devoted self soon.

1. What happened to 'th'? It seems to have gone away with the leprechauns because Ireland does the same thing, I mean ting. It's so incredibly cute when powerful, anointed leaders say, "And anodder ting happened...." Irresistible and I love it!

2. The toilet paper is unkind. It is mostly still bark. American toilet paper is softer than Norwegian bath towels (sun-dried, of course) so I'd say we're pretty spoiled on that score.

3. There are very few bathtubs in this country. I can think of one friend who actually has one but judging by the laundry and towels sitting in it, I'd say it goes unused. What a shame. I would probably sell my own mother to have a warm bath right now. I think Norwegians are so stoic that the thought of sitting down to bathe would be too comfortable and time-consuming.

4. Everything is SO expensive here. Ask Sharon. A McDonald's Happy Meal costs the same as a steak dinner at home. With all the cars, boats, sea cabins, mountain cabins, and gorgeous clothing owned by the average Norwegian, I think they can afford it. For an American Missionary of meager means, it is daunting. Jeg er sulten.

5. What's up with the language and its 100 dialects? I want so desperately to learn how to communicate here but how am I supposed to know the difference between one potato or three potatoes at the back of my throat? Or when to roll the r or obfuscate it completely until it is mostly a growl? When I tried to say something in Stavanger once, I was accused of speaking Chinese. Now, that's pretty far off target, I'd say. Also, if you speak a Norwegian word in the presence of ten Norwegians, you will receive ten enthusiastic corrections according to each dialect. Jeg er håpløs.

6. Speaking of håpløs.....Why are Norwegians so angry at their 'o' that they want to strike it out? In America it would mean NOT to say the 'o', right?

7. The washer and dryer scenario here is bleak. Really bleak. Like a good Norwegian, the dryers don't feel it's worth their time to dry anything so everything comes out warm and wet. I think the dryers would rather have you hang it out in the sun where it belongs. The washing machines are teeny tiny wee tings. They can accommodate one pair of jeans, a t-shirt and one sock.  (Big points to you, Astrid, for your beautiful American washer and dryer! My pants love you for that!)

8. Chocolate distribution, which is supposed to be so valuable a part of society that it is available upon request, is relegated to Saturdays in Norway. This is part of an actual conversation: "Would you like a piece of chocolate, Ivar?" "No, it's only Wednesday." And he meant it. It's the 11th Commandment and dutiful Norwegians don't break it for fear of punishment. I'm not exactly sure who is doing the punishing but it is a heinous crime to break the Chocolate Sabbath Rule.

9. Norwegians are jet-propelled and they walk everywhere. Good luck trying to keep up with a Norwegian, or a Seevinck, for that matter. My Norwegian grandmother could motor her way around the Mall, let me tell you! I remember thinking she was bionic when I was a child because she could go so fast. She marched up and down hills to the store and back until the day she died in her late 80s. She was a marvel. Also, Elevator is a four-letter word in Norwegian. Just sayin'

10. And last but not least, where do they keep the ice around here? Really, McDonald's dude, will plopping one mostly-still-watery ice cube into my cup actually cool down my Pepsi Max? Is it because Norway is a cold climate zone that you have an aversion to ice? Did your (my) ancestors get so tired of trudging through snow that you just can't bring yourself to embrace the idea of a cold soda? I wouldn't mind so much if the store refrigerators kept the temperature cold enough to chill the drink but, alas, that is too much to hope for. If you see a woman desperately clawing through the Pepsi Max bottles searching for the ONE that may have been put in there first and has the best chance of being the coldest, THAT'S ME! I am an expert at finding it. My addiction drives me.

Ok, so that is a list of ten tings that I mostly love about Norway. Vivien is probably the only other person who thinks this stuff is hilarious, by the way. If she gets a laugh out of this then I'm happy.

The next list will be all of the awesome things that make Norway so easy to love.

Ja, jeg vil elsker dette landet!

MISSIONARY SPIRIT

It gives me great joy to announce that five out of the six members of my household are now missionaries serving in the nations. My daughter, Megs, and her two children, Shya (5 yrs) and Hunter (3 yrs) are headed to YWAM-Baja to start the All Nations, All Generations DTS. They will live on the Baja campus for five months and then participate in an Outreach either within Mexico or perhaps Eastern Europe. We will find out as the time progresses and the Lord directs Megs' decisions.  You can learn more about YWAM-Baja here

(If you'd like to contribute to Megs' support, email thelordismystrength@rocketmail.com)

Please pray for Meghann and my grandchildren as they begin this amazing adventure with Jesus. The missionary experience is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who are passionate for seeing cultures changed into Kingdom cultures and it requires many sacrifices along the way. Living in faith is an adventure all of its own and I rejoice to see how the Lord has already provided for Megs.

We will be in Norway for another two months and have loved being back in the Motherland. We have set aside the first weeks to work on a recording (a 'soaking' worship CD) and we are looking forward to hearing the final product. 

Please continue to pray for protection and anointing for all of us as we minister abroad and also for Chaddy who is at home in Utah holding down the fort and keeping Spencer, the dog, happy and cared for.

Shya and Hunter wearing their Norwegian Bunad, the National Dress

Our island home, Flekkerøy

Blessings to you and Happy Easter (God Påske!)

To follow me on Instagram, please click here

ALT for NORGE!

We are back again in the Motherland, this time for about three months.

We will enjoy Easter and 17th of May, two wonderful holidays in Norway.

This is Flekkerøy (outside of Kristiansand), our island home when we are here.

It is lovely and peaceful and I enjoy being here so much.

Vivien has been recording a 'soaking' CD and is finishing up with bits and pieces so that Per Kjetil Farstad can master and mix the project. It has been a privilege to pray through this project with such beautiful, excellent and anointed musicians. There were times during the spontaneous sessions that I couldn't do anything but weep, it was so amazing!  I will post pics in a couple of days.

Please pray for this beautiful city, a city in my heart.

I love Kristiansand, I have family history here,

and I believe the Lord is going to do something amazing!

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation. Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah 

Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.Selah ~ Psalm 24

Jeg elsker deg, Norge!


To follow me on Instagram, please click here  

Merry Christmas!

One of my favorite Norwegian Christmas songs, Himmlen i min favn (Heaven In My Embrace). It speaks of what Mary sang over the Treasure she held in her arms:






Who lit the star, which is reflected in your eye? Who took away the dark of the shepherds gaze your first night? Who has braided the crown of straw around your forehead? Who has brought three wise men to our house, my precious treasure?

Are you one of thousands of small babies? Are you he they are waiting for? You are my little child, an angel gave your name. Are you the earth's hidden treasure I get to protect this night? Is that heaven itself I rock in my arms?

Who has brought the fear which made your heart cry? Why hold your hand so tightly as you grip your mother's hair? Around us dancing shadows, now is the angel gone. He said so very beautiful, much more than I understood.

Are you one of thousands of small babies? Are you he they are waiting for? You are my little child, an angel gave your name. Are you the earth's hidden treasure I get to protect this night? Is that heaven itself I rock in my arms?

Grant that your days may be for others' joy. Hands to greet you with all love, gentle and good. Never shall I forget the words that I heard. Whatever happens, they will give us strength and courage

Are you one of thousands of small babies? Are you he they are waiting for? You are my little child, an angel gave your name. Are you the earth's hidden treasure I get to protect this night? Is that heaven itself I swing my arms?

 Who lit the star, which is reflected in your eye? Celestial Diamond, the city of Bethlehem.

A Monument of Mercy

I like to think that every day I am a monument of mercy, that every day a fresh display of sovereign grace is made to me; every day my Father feeds me, my Savior cleanses me, the Comforter sustains me. Every day new manifestations of the loving-kindness of the Lord break forth upon my wondering soul and give me fresh visions of His miraculous love. Charles Spurgeon

This changed my life. If you are hungry for God, read Bill Johnson's book, Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda. Bill Johnson: Hosting His Presence

His final quote is this: We are the ones upon whom the promises of the ages have come to rest. And they are contingent upon our being a people who have discovered our eternal purpose. We have been chosen to be His eternal dwelling place. We have been chosen to host His Presence.

I am SO hungry for more of God! I go to sleep crying out for His Holy Presence and I wake up crying the same thing. I want to live so that the Holy Spirit will rest upon me and release life to those around me. I am just so sick of myself.....and so desperate to really know Him.

Norway, if there is one thing that can be known from me, let it be that God's Presence is the most important thing in all of life. If there is one thing I pray for you, it is that you will 'host' His Presence well and make space for the Revival He has planned for you. 

Jeg elsker deg, Norge!

Ern Baxter - Thy Kingdom Come

We are in Norway for two months and have already experienced wonderful times in the Presence of God ministering in the National Women's Conference, the State Church, the Mission Church, and the Nordic Mission Bible School but I long for so much more.....for myself and for Norway! I am longing for a deeper anointing that will release the fullness of God's beauty and character to those around me.  I am longing to be a spark that will ignite the fires of God's heart for the earth. Weighty and weird words, I know, but there is a stirring in me that isn't content for what I have known before or what I am experiencing now. I am SO HUNGRY for GOD! And we are so blessed and privileged to live in these days because He is preparing His people for something glorious. 

When you have a few minutes, give this a listen. It's a message from one of the coolest guys to walk the earth, Ern Baxter. He's from back in the day but he was a Father to so many and his message is powerful. It takes a few minutes for him to get into it, so hang in there. 

You will need to advance through the series until you hit Message #9. It's not very long but is broken up into chunks. It's worth your time.

Jeg elsker deg!

P.S. For those of you who like to see what Norway looks like, here is the view from our front window. We're spoiled, I know.

Norway in the Olympics!

Norway is not famous for their achievements in the Summer Olympics since they are snow-people. They shine at the Winter Games in a variety of events, however. I have kept my eye on the Norwegians during these Games in London and will always cheer for them (us). If I were there, this would be me.....if I were a man, that is.

GO NORGE!!!!!

Between America & Norway

I love being home but I still have the feeling I am walking between two countries. One foot is in the US and the other is in Norway. I can close my eyes and easily imagine gigantic craggy mountains lining the fjords, turquoise water in pools and rivers along winding roads, the ocean at my sea-cabin doorstep, and water bursting out from high and low places. It's the nation of my heart and for that reason, I am completely in love. 

Although the photos of Norway are glorious and beautiful above, I have many reasons to be thankful about my life.  The good news is that I can see all of this with my eyes open, not through imagination but the reality of love and family. This is our gift from the Lord and the reason I am not sad here in the states.

Chad: my son and a delightful fellow

Stephen, Jenn and Samson: wonderfully glorious trio

Megs: beautiful daughter with a sweet spirit

Shya: Irrepressibly happy, beautiful & loving

Hunter: A cuddler extraordinaire and completely adorable

Thank you, Father, for the blessings in my life!

Walking In A Dream

I am having the strangest time re-adjusting to Utah after being away for three months. I dream of Norway at night and then wake up in Sandy. It's lovely being home with my family and I've enjoyed hanging out with them. Nothing beats cuddling and playing with Shya and Hunty and, of course, seeing Megs and Chaddy has been wonderful, too. Speaking of my kids, I am very proud of the people they have turned out to be. They have beautiful servant's hearts and are called to the nations and I'm excited to see how the Lord will use them. I get to worship in my home church on Sunday, too, and that's awesome! Hurra for The Fellowship and lovely friends! 

But for now, I dream about.....

Beautiful Spring flowers...

Sunny strolls along the Fiskebrygga downtown...

Giant white swans gracefully swimming in the sea...

Amazing houses that feel so ancient... 

God-given photo ops like this heart in the snow... 

And fire in the flags as we prayed...

And most of all, dear friends...

Ivar, Ann Elisabeth & Håvard...

 Astrid, Honey & her boys...

Geir, Elin, Alise & Amalie...

Look forward to seeing you soon, Norway!

Tusen takk, Far, for fantastisk minne!

The Colors of Flekkerøy

I've never lived on an island before. It's actually amazing, especially when the sun shines and everything is bright and beautiful. As the sun begins to go down the sky shifts from orange to pink to a deep purple. The light is very unusual, and it stays around a long time. The last time we flew back here, there was a band of flaming orange-red at the horizon and it was 11 o'clock at night! I think the Lord doesn't want to say 'good-night' to the people He loves so dearly. It's like a father who stands at the door of his child's bedroom with his hand on the light-switch after giving kisses and hugs, enjoying the sight of his son or daughter until the very last moment. That's what the Father thinks of Norway. I just know it.

Jeg elsker deg, Norge. God natt.